Femme Fairy Tale Word List

Word lists, yes, word lists. While all of us remember having to write out vocabulary words, exercises using words from one poem or by a particular poet can propel some useful freewriting or even lead into a poem or short story. Just as a form can force our writing into a new direction by its restrictions, word lists and ghost lines can offer a starting point. Sometimes a box opens into a whole new room.  

Below is a femme fairy tale word and phrase list from “Little Red”in Double Jinx by Nancy Reddy.

Choose eight and climb in. See where it carries you.

Gorged                                                                       Kindling

Grainy                                                                         Hearth

Swallowed                                                                  Framed

Rib cage                                                                      Rumbling

Papered                                                                       Hidden

Shelved                                                                       Pinned

Belly plump                                                                Vivisection

Gobbled                                                                      Pink

Roast                                                                           Fall

Cracking                                                                     Inside

Nancy Reddy

Rather than reading the poem that originated the list, which may restrict your own originality, check out the fabulous "The Case of the Double Jinx" by Nancy Reddy. 

Storm

Storm

Let the ocean squall. Accept the hurricane. Embrace the tornado. Pick a natural disaster. Don't look for meaning in it. Let it be both personal and overwhelming. Write a destruction poem.

This prompt is brought to you from the fabulous HanaLena Fennel. If you want more prompts and unicorn glitter from her, subscribe to her Patreon page. 

Patricia Smith

Check out the amazing Patricia Smith reading her poem "Katrina" at the Poetry Foundation. "Katrina" appears in her amazing collection, the award-winning Blood Dazzler.

Along with wildfires burning across eight western states, the U.S. was slammed this year by hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. Puerto Rico in particular is still suffering. Please donate, or donate again, if you can. Here is Charity Navigator's list of highly rated charities specifically helping Puerto Rico and other areas harmed by Hurricane Maria.