Today, we hit the road! Our bags are packed. The car is loaded with snacks and drinks; the gas tank is full. We have our route planned, and we’re ready to go. Our focus today is a memorable road trip, and we challenge you to bring the moment to life with sound.
The sound might be loud or soft, low or high pitched, but wherever we go or whatever we do, sound is a constant presence. Today, search your memory for a travel moment where sound enhanced or worsened your experience. Maybe, a lack of sound defined this instance. Write this memory and help us to hear what you heard.
Remember, the maximum word count to post every day is 750 words, the equivalent of three (3) double-spaced, typewritten pages. You can write fewer words but not more, and all words count, even the little ones. If you haven’t yet watched the
If you’d like, use the handout below to create a cluster or mindmap of possible story ideas. Print out several blank cluster diagrams and use them to focus your story on a moment that involves only a few people and a short period of time. If you’ve not yet watched the Brainstorm Your Stories by Clustering video, you may want to do that first.
When you’ve settled on what you wish to write, create a draft of the story, post your work in the comments section below, read a few of your fellow challengers’ stories, and include a word or two of encouragement. Happy writing!
Here is my road trip short story highlighting the sense of sound.
All feedback is welcome. I simply gave the one the title Sound.
Whew…one more story to go.
This is a lovely story of community and caring. I especially enjoyed your description of your friend’s voice going lower and lower, as if weighted down by concern. I agree with Etya about the title, which would tie in with your ending and also with the opening comments about “The Sound of Music”.
I would call your story The Sound of Love, Lisa Marie. Thank you for sharing such a personal story. It is beautifully written.
I actually thought of that title too, Etya. Thank you for sharing.
Dancing With the Stars was part of a very long uninteresting story. This part was too good a “Sound” adventure to pass up. It’s been edited shortened to 700 words and would love your feedback. Enjoy, it really did happen and gave me a great opportunity to be younger and more lively.
Such an elegant scene. Very aptly described. Good job, Jackie. It was enjoyable to read and I could imagine it. Thank you for sharing it.
Jackie, you put me right there on this stage with you. What an amazing experience to live through.
Etya, did you get my email. I have the jrnormjack earthlink and the jrnormjack6 gmail. I just cached my earthlink maybe that will help.
Beautifully told Jackie. You captured the essence of the night and your experience so well that the reader is carried along by the visual and emotional impact. I can see how everything served to make the experience almost magical!
Thank you very much, Lorna, your comment to me means a great deal. You are such a good writer.
Thank you Jackie. You are so kind.
Jackie,
After reading this piece, there’s one thing I never want to hear you say again, “I’m not a writer.” It was beautifully written with awesome description. The part about you imagining your parents on the dance floor was breathtaking.
Dear Jackie. This is the most beautiful story of this challenge. That night was magical. I too danced those same dances competitivey and the old time waltz was one of my favourites so your story was such a gift to me. I can only imagine how dancing on the top of a ship on the ocean under the stars with a dance partner who knew how to lead would be a dream come true, Oh and by the way, don’t you ever, ever say you are not a good writer again. Promise me. Never.
Thank you, sweet Dar. Your affirmation means a lot to me. I am excitingly picking up unexpected stories of you. What a life you have lived. Want to see your Timeline. Where you were born and grew up, etc.
I did it again. Yea, I’m becoming a Pro.
You certainly are. I could envision you and your partner gliding across the dance floor, then breaking into a jitterbug. Dance and write on!
Day Four – Sleeping Under the Stars. I hope you enjoy it.
Good story, but not a good outcome from your trip. i only camped once in my life. I hated it. Granted, we didn’t have sleeping bags, USSR was way behind. We slept on the grass until it began to rain. Not a pleasant experience/
Well described failure of what should have been beneficial to your spirits. Body and mind do take over sometimes, projecting us in undesired reactions. Mission accomplished as far as sharing this event with us. Thank you.
Yep, camping is not for you…this was not a pleasant memory at all but I hope you outgrew the asthma and perhaps could take a walk in the woods. Allergy tests have become much more un-invasive over the years. thanks for taking me to the campfire once again. Weren’t there marshmellows involved?
Julie, you will love my Dancing With the Stars posted above. Unlike yours my stars were out in the ocean, where the ocean air prevented my asthma from surfacing. My lungs tighten as I was reading your account of a star filled night which was quite well written. Be sure to read it.
I am right there with you. I can enjoy nature and still have indoor plumbing. I was with you on the trip. How terrible to go through an attack like that and not be home.
Thank you for sharing, Julie. At least you tried it! Glamping might be the next trip.
Day Four: Road Trip There’s an energy about early morning that gives us a lift as we close the doors on the Corolla and buckle ourselves in. The windscreen is fogged, so I roll down the windows and turn the air on high. Birdsong follows us out the driveway, cardinals and titmice greeting the light. The wipers sweep across my view with a hushed rhythm—swoosh-flap! swoosh-flap!—and we’re on our way to Virginia. Road trips usually start with a well-loved CD playing, Peter Gabriel or Mary-Chapin Carpenter, but at this hour we let our neighbors enjoy the quiet. Time enough when… Read more »
Beautiful writing, Terry. Great words and descriptions. I knew when I read swoosh-flap! swoosh-flap! I was in for a treat, and you didn’t disappoint me. You made a long road trip interesting to the last sentence and dropped in good observations along the way. Very enjoyable.
Thank you!
Beautiful story, Terry. Loved the descriptions of sound on your road trip. Classical is my favorite.
Mine too, although sometimes I need something more lively just to stay awake.
When I need that, I listen to Elena Vayenga my newly discovered favorite Russian singer. She is amazing. Check her out. You would appreciate her singing.
Terry, Related well to your story. Yes, your sound descriptions were so well written, I actually could hear some of my own renditions. Like Norma, classical music, Bach, Mozart, Beethoven’s (“Moonlight Sonata,my favorite) was always being played during quiet work time in my classrooms. Yes, research has shown its possible effects on the brain. Lately, when one of my grandsons incurred a cuncussion when skateboarding we were advised to play soothing classical music, Brahms, Bach, Chapin to stimulate more rapid healing of his injured brain. This and other info reinforced the info I had received many, many years ago. Interestingly,… Read more »
Music is a staple of all my car trips, and Mozart or Bach are my first choice when I’m stuck in traffic and need all the soothing I can get!
I enjoyed your story Terry. You took your reader on the journey and captured so many actual sounds. Amazing how many thoughts and interactions happen on a journey with family. Love how you brought the passengers into the story.
Thank you! There’s something about the timelessness of a car trip that invites introspection, I think.
I always love your writing Terry and this one is another gem. Great sound descriptions. I like the windshield wiper version. By the way, I was encouraged to play Mozart in the classroom. It is supposed to help learning.
Thank you, Norma! I don’t think I knew you were a teacher. I’d love to hear more about that time of your life. I never played music in my library, but if I was supervising testing I would play quiet, “meditative” music in the background for the sake of the students with test anxiety.
Such a well written story. It literally takes us on the journey with you. I really enjoyed the picture the details created and the flow created by the timing/length of your phrases.
“All the anxieties, all the last-minute tasks, vanish in the rearview mirror.”
“We have no worries. We’re on road trip time.”
“Eighteen-wheelers roar past, engines thrumming. High-rumped hot rods show off their horsepower, snarling as they shift gears. Motorcycles whip around us with a muted growl…”
Thank you! It’s great to know which parts of the story connected with you.
Terry, I love your ability to tell your stories. You are a wordsmith that I relish. Thank you.
Coming from you, Dar, that is high praise indeed. Thank you.
Terry Deer, that was excellent use of sound! Thank you for sharing.
Day 4 Word Count 345
Loved it!
Long Live the King
(:
Thierry, I had to read this twice, as so many visual pictures came flooding past me. Your words took me in every direction. I’m speechless. I don’t know if this is poetry or words to be read with music in the background bouncing from happy to sad. A mysterious piece and I enjoyed reading it both times.
Thank you Dar for enjoying twice. Something is shifting in my understanding of writing to be read by others. Thank you again for your support.
Thierry,
You paint exquisite word pictures. So pleasant and challenging to read.
Linda Thank you, you found the word; paint. My search in writing is along the lines of my gestures from when I explored painting.
See my Day 4 story attached. Thanks!
Nice descriptions of sounds, Raymond.I enjoyed your story!
WOW Raymond, what an adventuous trip. Recently I took a trip to Alaska. The first six days on a cruise ship were delightful, but the rest by train, bus, etc with cold and rain, not my cup of tea, was somewhat similar to your trek. Great story and description where I felt your anxiety.
Raymond, A couple of questions – what year was this? I’m interested as my dad mapped Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, before the pipeline went in. About 1969ish. We couldn’t go with him because they lived in tents. Enjoyed your descriptive story. I’m sure it wasn’t easy without your family. Thanks for sharing!
I enjoyed your account of your trips very much. I could picture the humpback whales rolling in the water, as well as the scenery along the Al-Can highway. Well done!
This story is in the form of a letter to my half-second cousin Cris, who took this trip with me. It is as if she asked me to write what I remember.
Loved your story, Nancy! lovely descriptions of sounds.
Nancy, What a wonderful record of not only a family reunion, but a bonding of cousins! I loved “the chatter of people as we entered,” “listening to the waves,” and “crash upon the rocks.” Great job!
Morning Sounds Moving from base to base often took several travel days, and our parents had a practiced routine. With a mattress filling the back of the station wagon, kids and toys had plenty of cushion while riding across paved highways or rural roads. We stopped for picnic lunches near parks screaming and laughing as we unleashed our pent-up energy. Around four o’clock, we stopped for dinner in a real restaurant where we used our best manners. Dad found a motel for the night and insisted that everyone get to bed early because we were hitting the road at “O-dark-thirty.” The motel usually had… Read more »
Nancy, you capture the feeling of trust and security beautifully in this gentle story. I love the way the sounds you’ve selected — murmurs, quiet complaints, whispers — carry the memory of being surrounded by family and love. Great job.
Thank you Terry, that was nice feedback
Wow, Nancy, what a tender written story. i could feel your love for your family. The description of sounds was lovely!
Loved the story. During my active years, I only had four assignments and I was single. When I became a Reservist, I traveled a lot, but was at the same base for twenty-two years. I’ve talked with many folks who went through what your story tells every four years. I get tired thinking about it. Your family made it into a real bonding experience.
My favorite lines:
…. snuggled together like puppies in a basket.
…. early am sounds, more soothing without the distraction of sight.
Love it!
Such imagery! – “My parents laughing and whispering in the front seat”, “wheels purring over the road,” “Sounds in the dark seemed more soothing,” and so much more. You paint a great picture!
Not a Relief Driver Twelve hundred and eighty miles. That is the distance between Orlando Florida and Mount Pleasant Michigan. Unfortunately, I drove almost every one of those miles in two days. My friend GiGi and I decided to go visit our mutual friends in central Michigan. We thought it would be great fun to go to their home, then drive northward to Mackinac Island. I wanted to fly; she refused to board an airplane. What if it crashes? she said. What if it doesn’t? I said. We ended up driving; more accurately I ended up driving. She packed enough homemade goodies for a family of… Read more »
Fun description of an epic trip. I enjoyed the touches of humor (the “million pages”, the second glass of wine) and the exasperation that enlivens your descriptions of GiGi. It sounds as though you were in sympathy with Toby, the cat, and I can see why! Great ending, too.
An excellent account of a trying time.
Well written. I could feel your pain. Sometimes flying is the better choice. Great job.
A fun, but long trip. Brings back memories. Liked the ending.
A little off the rails. Had my road trip yesterday…
Your Bumbleberry pie sounds delicious! I never had one! We have a thing in common. We are both bakers.
Thanks, Etya!
FYI, Bumbleberry Pie consists of equal portions of rhubarb, apples, strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries in a butter crust. Bake on!
Bumbleberry pie sounds good. You certainly had a lot of produce in the van. I hope you had a good day at the market. Nice story.
If I remember correctly, I think we did. If you’re curious,
Bumbleberry Pie contains equal amounts of rhubarb, apple, raspberry, strawberry, and blueberry. Thanks for your comment.
Linda, cute story and an expensive story, yet you put it to good use. I’m sure those that tasted the pie were then on their way to buy more of your pies! Thanks for sharing!
I hope this story fits the bill. I’m not so sure.
Bless, you, Dar, what an experience! I’ve never sung in such a large group, but I know how important it has been for me to stand next to someone who knows what they’re doing. I love the honesty and wisdom of your writing, and would like to hear more about your art classes and Sophia’s Circle.
Interesting story! You do not give yourself enough credit. I heard you sing. Your voice is beautiful.
Dar, beautiful. Again sounds familiar. Another thing we have in common. A binding element, music. I have sung Alto and harmony since age ten. You seem to have continued in large choir much longer than I. Love your reflections and survival techniques.
The story absolutely fits the bill. I was right there with you. I once sang in a program with a 400 voice chorus. I could not find a place this week to write that story, but maybe I will write it anyway. It was a unique experience. You did well and you wrote it well.
Dar, I absolutely loved this, partly because I’m a music geek and partly because your journey is fascinating!
Wow!. Could I ever identify with you. I have sung tenor in 11 different choirs. So much fun. Good for you. Your writing was easy to follow and conveyed the strong feelings involved.
It needs another 2 hours of work.
You did a great job of setting us up for that ending: the long, active day; the big lunch, the warm room. I was right there, propping my eyelids open. Loved the humor of the line “a sound so powerful Alan’s thin hair swept straight back past his ears”! I also enjoyed the information about Friendship Force and your description of the language barrier. Romania sounds like a fascinating travel destination.
Ah, thanks, Terry. I appreciate your reading it. It’s always a challenge to know what to leave out. A quick write like this doesn’t do the experience justice. I recorded some of the songs they sang so still have the sound in my ears whenever I want it.
I did not know you went to Romania. This is where my family comes from. Kishinev used to be part of Romania before it became part of Moldova. Romanian songs are beautiful. You did a wonderful job with sounds.
Thank you so much, Etya. There’s much more to that story. The wife of the priest came from Ukraine. We in the U.S. can’t relate to people in other parts of the world who were (and are) pushed and scattered about like pawns on a chess board.
Great observation about the Americans! True.
Catherine, I enjoyed your descriptions and expressions in your story. I would have loved to hear the woman sing! Thanks for sharing!
Many thanks, Julie. You’re very supportive. I didn’t do her justice!
Here is my resounding story for Day 4
Beautiful story, Orah. I enjoyed reading it. great description of a memorable night!
What a lovely experience you had and a well written story telling us about it. I loved putting the choir singing and being in Carnegie Hall together. We all know how hard one has to practice to get there and by gosh, you did. I’m proud of you Orah
Thank you Dar. I am so glad you are here.
Hello Orah, Very moving story. I could sense the range of emotions as the story unfolded,
Thank you Lorna.
Here is my story for today. Hope you enjoy my story.
Awesome story! i enjoyed reading it.
A very intriguing story, Lorna. I sounds like a wonderful experience.
Thank you for reading my story Lisa, and for your comments. It was a wonderful experience indeed!
Beautiful story and experience, Lorna. I did not know about the leatherback turtles. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for readingmy story and for your positive feedback , Very encouraging.
Awesome story, Lorna. Definitely unforgettable. Nice writing,
Orah, Thanks for your positive and encouraging feedback.
My contribution to Day 4. Hope you like my story. Enjoy!
Beautiful, detailed description of an unforgettable night. I envy you the experience of listening to Brightman and Crawford.
Hello Etya, i enjoyed your story. Beautifully and expertly narrated with just the right sprinkling of humour. On re- reading the title, i should have guessed !
Thank you, Lorna. I appreciate your comments
Wow, incredible Etya. Do you know the value of seeing Phantom with the original stars? I am so jealous.
Beautifully written. Great description of Sarah Brightman. Her voice is unique. The marriage, however, did not last as long a the show.
You are so right. But to be honest,
As well as being learned in other areas, you know your music as well.
Thanks for sharing this experience. I felt like I was enjoying the performance of Phantom of the Opera with you.
Etya,
You describe the music like a true scholar. When theater is that good, a little cold is tolerable.
I agree
Hi Life Writers. Patricia once told a class I attended that if she said write about dogs and cats came to mind, write about cats. Soooo, here goes. I have chosen house sounds basically.Onomatopoeic words in list form. Her fav.
Norma, all those sounds beg to be read out loud. You’ve created a wonderful description of your day through the sounds that surround you. It’s amazing how much you pack into this simple list, and what a creative response to the prompt!
Very creative and detailed list, Norma.
Norma loved this. With my sense of humor your Onomatopoeic really excited me. My inner self relates to this. Am trying to figure a way to included it my Touch story. Thanks for another enlightenment. Some day I might drag my old self, panting, maybe barking and get there.
Took a lot of close listening to get all that. Nice Onomatopoeia. You can write about cats anytime and do it well.
I enjoyed this comprehensive, poetic list of everyday sounds. It really emphasizes how prevalent sound is in our everyday lives and how much I take it for granted.
Clever approach, Norma.
Norma,
I love this. A sound poem. I like the rub-a-dub of a flat tire. Really creative.
Hello fellow writers,
I had fun writing this one, just not experiencing it.
I love your use of onomatopoeia here, the “tink-tink-tink” of the salt and the “whish” of the wipers. You convey the difference between the sound of wipers brushing away snow and sweeping away rain with great subtlety. Your description of this white-knuckle trip made me feel the tension and hyper-alertness of driving in a blizzard. Whew! Glad you made it safely home.
Well written and so relatable, Millie. I was right there with you.
“Driving in the snow takes a lot of skill and patience.” Isn’t that the truth! How annoying that beep beep beep must have been waking you from your sleep.
Millie, My heart is still pulsating from reading your account of driving through a blizzard. Obviously, it was well written. It was smooth, moving with every sentence building fear within the reader of disaster. Thanks for bringing me home safely. Jackie
Awful to experience but great to write about. Having driven in a blizzard once, I was right there with you. Great Writing.
My favorite line was “I keep my heavy-duty snow brush / ice scraper in my car all year. You never know when a stray July snowstorm can happen!.” Good story, Millie, horrible commute. I am glad you made it home okay. It reminded me of the times I drove in New York. Traffic could be so annoying.
I felt like I was with you, driving through the blizzard. Nice visual and auditory description to enhance the scene. I could relate to that feeling of relief to be home safe and sound, out of the snow storm.
What a terrible drive home. I felt like I was there, in the snow, cringing at the thought of someone bumping into me and slowing traffic even more. Your relief of being home and safe only to have your sleep interrupted by the beeps of the snow removal equipment helped round out your story. Spring was hopefully around the corner.
For Yunz in Canada, you should like this one.
This is great, John, and I could see you stomping and lifting up the fans and the game. There are hockey fans even in Florida, which might surprise you! I’m not rabid, but I’ve been to a few Solar Bears games. The biggest laugh I ever got from hockey was in trying to make conversation with a friend’s boyfriend. “Hockey!” he said. “Don’t tell me about hockey! They put clubs in their hands and razor blades on their feet and send them out to kill each other!” I had to admit it was a pretty good description. Go Penz!
Terry.
I love the response of clubs in their hands and razors on their feet. I’ve been a hockey nut for over sixty years and never thought of it that way, But, when I think of it, it may be true. BTW, pre-season starts today. LET’S GO PENZ!!
Another side of you fully revealed; The Passionate man. No wonder you ”landed a redhead”. Your energy definitely brought out the outcome. Go John Go. Stomp, Stomp, Stomp.
John, your writing has gotten so professional. Having left the North at age sixteen and only into baseball then, Cincinnati Reds, I’ve not been exposed to hockey. I am a big football, basketball, tennis and soccer. Your excellent descriptions, made it easy for me to understand your hockey genre. Great!!
John, your love for Pens came through loud and clear. Pun intended.
Great story of your hockey memories. As you know, I live in Alberta. My husband is a die-hard Oilers Fan and had season’s tickets when Wayne Gretzky was playing. Both of my sons played hockey and I was a hockey Mom for 20 years. I love to watch Sidney Crosby play, it looks like he is going to stay with the Penguins.
Crosby is the most abusive player on the team, in my opinion.