Setting the timer for five minutes. This is what I came up with.
The computers shut down, and the lights in the building go off for the night. The little pink monkey smiles. He unhooks his Velcro hand from the cubicle wall, and jumps to the desk. He scuttles around the keyboard, and swings over to the chair, using the legs to slide to the floor. A mouse runs across the carpet, and the little pink monkey hides behind a chair leg. He’d find a way to catch that varmint for Eric’s Mom. He knew it was driving her nuts. First, though, he needed to figure out how to get back on the desk, because the lights were coming back on. Did it really take that long just to get this far?
Omigosh… Did I just unintentionally start a middle-grade-like novel?
I’m not really liking this one, but it’s what I came up with when I set the timer. I guess I can expect some good and some so-so five-minute shorts.
Jennifer M Eaton 
LOVE this post! LOVE.. it got me laughing after such a totally crappy day… Thank you for bringing such pink humor, and following my blog as I have an intro to such a delightful one like yours! 😀
Awe, thanks so much! I think maybe I like that little short better, now.
My kid would be all over the Bionicle story. He kept wanting me to write transformers and Stormtroppers into my current story. LOL You could maybe make a fun short for a kid’s magazine or something with that.
I’ve never tried just a 5 minute exercise, now I want to. What I really like doing is writing a journal entry from the perspective of my protagonist’s and antagonist’s POV to get inside their head–it’s amazing what comes out! I’m always like, “Oh! Of course! Duh!” LOL
I’ve actually done a few five-minute character studies for novels I am considering. I should probably post those, too, because I think they are pretty good.
I never thought of doing that but its a cool exercise. As for the story, it might make a good short or something aimed at a younger audience. What child does not secretly wish toys came to life at night?
I have a little story about my 8 year old’s Bionicles coming to life. Scared the caa-caa out of him. I’m such a mean mom.
I love five minute writing exercises. They wake up the brain and imagination. You might have something to use for a MG. Don’t lose it.
Maybe soeday. I need to finish the robot story if I’m going to go Middle grade