The #7syllablesentence
- Lily Lawson
- 12 minutes ago
- 2 min read
I had the privilege of hosting the #7syllablesentence on BlueSky earlier this month. My chosen theme was New Year.
I enjoy the challenge of writing my responses to the #7syllablesentence. It requires creative thinking to write something that includes the prompt word the host has selected so when the opportunity to host came up I was happy to volunteer.
It took me some time to find the prompt words. I wanted them to have one or two syllables given responders have the restriction of only having seven syllables to write the whole sentence. The hashtag even has seven syllables.
In case this whole syllable thing is hard to understand try and think of it as a sound or sounds you make when you say the word. If you say words in front of a mirror your mouth makes a new shape each time you say a syllable.
For example -
‘Fort’ is one syllable.
‘Comfort’ is two syllables.
‘Comforting’ or ‘Discomfort’ is three syllables.
‘Discomforting’ is four syllables.
‘Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis’ has nineteen syllables and is the longest word in most dictionaries if you want to give that one a try.
It was fascinating to see how people used my words. During my sixteen day stint forty-nine people responded at least once and the variety was amazing.
Here are some examples of responses -
‘Plan with wiggle room, joy, and rest.’ (plan being the prompt word)
‘I hope to #begin to dream.’
‘If only love could stop war’ (love being the prompt word)
‘Notice how silence gets fed.’ (notice being the prompt word)
‘There is peace in time alone’ (peace being the prompt word)
The #7syllablesentence prompt was created by https://bsky.app/profile/poetguygabe.bsky.social and the host changes regularly. Gabe’s profile lists the current host and prompt word and hosting opportunities so if you follow him you can keep up to date, hone your skills and maybe give hosting a try.
The current host is https://bsky.app/profile/vignettes.bsky.social and today’s word is ‘ash’ if you would like to give it a go.
I loved hosting and it quickly became part of my routine. Strange how that happens, that things find their place and we adapt to them being there. I met new people and felt accountable to write my own responses every day.
Prompts can be very useful to get the creative juices flowing and can lead to unexpected places. I’ve written poems, stories and even a book inspired by prompts I found on social media. When faced with a blank page the stimulation can be very welcome.
That’s what inspired me to write Rainbow’s Book of Prompts when I found myself unable to write fiction. I wanted to help people to get words on the page and didn’t know where to start or maybe encourage a regular writing habit for those who were aiming for that. There’s lots of variety in the book and it can be used in whatever way works best for the writer.
I’m still editing but when its ready I will let you know.In the meantime check out some writing prompts online including the #7syllablesentence and see if you can meet the challenge.
Happy Writing
Lily
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