A Time of Apologies

With an out-of-control singer on stage insulting a Grammy-award winner as she receives her reward, and an elected congressman shouting “You lie,” to President Obama during his health care address to Congress, both were prime examples of outrageous behaviors that called for sincere apologies.

Were they given? We heard the two offenders apologize, but sincere wouldn’t be the descriptor I’d use.

What makes an apology sincere? The tone of voice, body language, word choice, context, and timing. Tweak these and you could create a scene of conflict quite easily.

Writing Prompt: 1. Write a scene with your major character giving or receiving a sincere apology. 2. Write a scene with your character giving or receiving an insincere apology. 3. Write about a time you had to apologize for something you did. 4. Write about a memory of receiving an apology and mending a relationship. Show how the relationship grew and became stronger. Or – – perhaps if the apology wasn’t sincere, or the act too damaging, show how the relationship didn’t survive.