Not blogging until next year.
I'm writing but just not blogging until the new year.
Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!
jim
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Distraction
Sometimes I wonder if I am cut out to be a writer. Everything and anything seems to distract me from writing. This time it is other writing and revision work. At least it is other writing. But it is also the phone, painting, politics, the car, the yard, the laundry, the dishes, shopping, reading, the stock market, and, yes, even reviewing calculus. I like writing --- really I like the results of writing more than the writing. Sitting down and getting started seems to be my block. I believe that establishing a regular time (not that I can't write at other times) is what I need to do, but my core personality rebels against the regular, the routine, the repetitious. This blog was an attempt to get myself in a pattern, a writing routine. I think it helps but it hasn't been a sure cure.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Day 12
Day 12
Free write was on people walking. For five minutes it was a good warm up for the next twenty minutes continuing the story. At this point I wonder about the quality of the writing. Sheer stubbornness and determination makes me stumble ahead.
Free write was on people walking. For five minutes it was a good warm up for the next twenty minutes continuing the story. At this point I wonder about the quality of the writing. Sheer stubbornness and determination makes me stumble ahead.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Day #11
Day 11
Fell out of the routine and tried to force myself to write late at night and just fell asleep writing. I guess for me maybe writing something daily is needed even if that something is just a scribble somewhere on a slip of paper.
The five minute free write inspiration was staring at purple for about a minute. It is amazing that I didn't fall asleep then for, as with the other colors, my mind was easily blanked. The five minutes free write did not go well.
Day 11 regular write was to continue with the story. It just wasn't coming but I hadn't written in so long that I pushed ahead maybe writing for six or seven minutes before falling asleep. If the writer falls asleep while writing it, how can the reader be expected to stay awake while reading it?
Fell out of the routine and tried to force myself to write late at night and just fell asleep writing. I guess for me maybe writing something daily is needed even if that something is just a scribble somewhere on a slip of paper.
The five minute free write inspiration was staring at purple for about a minute. It is amazing that I didn't fall asleep then for, as with the other colors, my mind was easily blanked. The five minutes free write did not go well.
Day 11 regular write was to continue with the story. It just wasn't coming but I hadn't written in so long that I pushed ahead maybe writing for six or seven minutes before falling asleep. If the writer falls asleep while writing it, how can the reader be expected to stay awake while reading it?
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Day 10
Day 10
Free write for Day 10 was five minutes of writing whatever came to mind when eyes were mentioned.
Day 10 for the twenty minute write was start the story. A short story of about 2500 words or about ten pages is the target.
Before you do that it is essential that you know your character. I suggest now using one of many character question lists out there. A very good one is in Lynette Rees' Crafting the Romance Story. In fact from her book you'll learn more than you would ever learn from this blog. Those serious about writing should get her book.
Now I run into a math problem. In twenty minutes, I can write about 300 to 400 words. That means a story of 2500 words will take at least six days. But I have my first three hundred words down just by starting to write. If the words don't come just starting writing about what you want to write and soon you'll probably just shift into the story. Some days writing just doesn't come easily even after a five minute warm up of free writing. Doesn't matter. Write for your twenty minutes without stopping, correcting, or going back.
My start doesn't feel very good. But it does feel good to have something down.
Free write for Day 10 was five minutes of writing whatever came to mind when eyes were mentioned.
Day 10 for the twenty minute write was start the story. A short story of about 2500 words or about ten pages is the target.
Before you do that it is essential that you know your character. I suggest now using one of many character question lists out there. A very good one is in Lynette Rees' Crafting the Romance Story. In fact from her book you'll learn more than you would ever learn from this blog. Those serious about writing should get her book.
Now I run into a math problem. In twenty minutes, I can write about 300 to 400 words. That means a story of 2500 words will take at least six days. But I have my first three hundred words down just by starting to write. If the words don't come just starting writing about what you want to write and soon you'll probably just shift into the story. Some days writing just doesn't come easily even after a five minute warm up of free writing. Doesn't matter. Write for your twenty minutes without stopping, correcting, or going back.
My start doesn't feel very good. But it does feel good to have something down.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Day 9
Day 9
At halfway took a break and went on a really great vacation. It was difficult picking up the threads of my character. Perhaps I should have taken Jacob along on the trip.
For Day #9 free write, yellow was the inspiration or starter. As before with colors I found that staring at yellow paper wrapped close to the face was a very good way to blank my mind. After staring at the other colors and quieting my mind, I had found it difficult to start the free write. With yellow the five minutes of free write flowed quickly and easily. Was it the yellow or the vacation, I don't know.
The Day #9 twenty minute writing session direction was to put my character in a situation and see how he responds. Since Jake lives in old Tucson, the situation that popped to mind was: accidentally walking into the street between two men who were about to shoot it out. The twenty minutes flew by although the number of words written was considerably less than usual.
Still haven't written a story. The process here might be called getting to know my character. Like meeting a new friend, it takes a while to learn about him/her. It is not an instantaneous process. But it is more complicated than that as it is also the process of creating that character. Like our knowledge of friends, what we know about our character may change in the middle of a story. For instance, in the middle of a story we may find his fear or his failure. That's ok, but we must be aware that then we must go back after we finish to make any changes needed to make the character consistent.
Try putting your character in a situation. You may be surprised by his or her reactions. You'll also know the character better.
At halfway took a break and went on a really great vacation. It was difficult picking up the threads of my character. Perhaps I should have taken Jacob along on the trip.
For Day #9 free write, yellow was the inspiration or starter. As before with colors I found that staring at yellow paper wrapped close to the face was a very good way to blank my mind. After staring at the other colors and quieting my mind, I had found it difficult to start the free write. With yellow the five minutes of free write flowed quickly and easily. Was it the yellow or the vacation, I don't know.
The Day #9 twenty minute writing session direction was to put my character in a situation and see how he responds. Since Jake lives in old Tucson, the situation that popped to mind was: accidentally walking into the street between two men who were about to shoot it out. The twenty minutes flew by although the number of words written was considerably less than usual.
Still haven't written a story. The process here might be called getting to know my character. Like meeting a new friend, it takes a while to learn about him/her. It is not an instantaneous process. But it is more complicated than that as it is also the process of creating that character. Like our knowledge of friends, what we know about our character may change in the middle of a story. For instance, in the middle of a story we may find his fear or his failure. That's ok, but we must be aware that then we must go back after we finish to make any changes needed to make the character consistent.
Try putting your character in a situation. You may be surprised by his or her reactions. You'll also know the character better.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Back from trip
Falling Water in Pennsylvania is certainly an interesting house set in a wonderfully beautiful location. Worth a visit.
Life intervened and I didn't keep up my writing. In the past I found it difficult to get back to writing after stopping for any period of time. Probably better to write something daily even if only a few notes, descriptions, or just key words.
Also stopped at Lew Wallace's study in Indiana. There's something about visiting the locations of famous writers that is very encouraging to me.
Today will relax and get caught up on the demands of daily life and Sunday or later today continue with my fifteen day plan.
Life intervened and I didn't keep up my writing. In the past I found it difficult to get back to writing after stopping for any period of time. Probably better to write something daily even if only a few notes, descriptions, or just key words.
Also stopped at Lew Wallace's study in Indiana. There's something about visiting the locations of famous writers that is very encouraging to me.
Today will relax and get caught up on the demands of daily life and Sunday or later today continue with my fifteen day plan.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Day 8
Day 8
Halfway through the fifteen days and haven’t yet written a story.
Free write of five minutes was about smells. It was a quick five minutes and I could have written much much more.
The twenty minute write had a focus on events in Jacob’s life. Much like a listing, this was much more difficult than it sounds. Jacob is becoming clearer to me now as I looked at important events in his life and how they changed him.
Halfway through the fifteen days and haven’t yet written a story.
Free write of five minutes was about smells. It was a quick five minutes and I could have written much much more.
The twenty minute write had a focus on events in Jacob’s life. Much like a listing, this was much more difficult than it sounds. Jacob is becoming clearer to me now as I looked at important events in his life and how they changed him.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Day 7
Day 7
Free write today from the random list came up voices. For five minutes wrote about voices and what about them shows emotion. These random-topic-free-writes focus my thoughts on things that I will probably use later. I also feel more comfortable writing with a topic before me than I do when the free write is color inspired. The random selection from a group of topics is also good as I do not waste time trying to decide what to write on. Again I should point out that the topics are not chains and I do not feel restrained to stay on topic in the free writes.
The twenty minute writing period in this fifteen day plan for Day 7 is to write about the main character from his pet’s point of view. This is interesting as a lot is discovered about the character like how empathetic he or she is.
Free write today from the random list came up voices. For five minutes wrote about voices and what about them shows emotion. These random-topic-free-writes focus my thoughts on things that I will probably use later. I also feel more comfortable writing with a topic before me than I do when the free write is color inspired. The random selection from a group of topics is also good as I do not waste time trying to decide what to write on. Again I should point out that the topics are not chains and I do not feel restrained to stay on topic in the free writes.
The twenty minute writing period in this fifteen day plan for Day 7 is to write about the main character from his pet’s point of view. This is interesting as a lot is discovered about the character like how empathetic he or she is.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Days 5 and 6
Days 5 and 6 are posted out of order but it doesn't make much difference except that Day 5 is posted late.
Day 5
Day 5
Day 5 free write was on ears for five minutes. These free writes are short and they often are not very clear but they seem to do the job of getting the brain in thinking mode.
Day 5 twenty minute focus write was a friend’s view of an event in our character’s life. Sort of a third person look at our character. For Jacob I choose Henry, the guy who shares a room with him.
Day 5 free write was on ears for five minutes. These free writes are short and they often are not very clear but they seem to do the job of getting the brain in thinking mode.
Day 5 twenty minute focus write was a friend’s view of an event in our character’s life. Sort of a third person look at our character. For Jacob I choose Henry, the guy who shares a room with him.
Day 6
Day 6
The free write was after looking at neon orange for a minute. I am amazed at how easy color makes it to blank the mind; however, it isn’t inspiring my free write. The free write seems to work as stretching exercises work -- just something to warm up the muscles up before using them.
The twenty minute write took the viewpoint of one of his school teachers. Starting to spot some inconsistencies from one write to another. For example Jacob was raised by his father and his mother died in childbirth was determined in the first write but in choosing an event the event was his parents leaving him and not returning. But those are easily changed. The point of all this so far was to get familiar with our character and the way he thinks and acts.
Try writing for twenty minutes about your character from the view point of his teacher.
The free write was after looking at neon orange for a minute. I am amazed at how easy color makes it to blank the mind; however, it isn’t inspiring my free write. The free write seems to work as stretching exercises work -- just something to warm up the muscles up before using them.
The twenty minute write took the viewpoint of one of his school teachers. Starting to spot some inconsistencies from one write to another. For example Jacob was raised by his father and his mother died in childbirth was determined in the first write but in choosing an event the event was his parents leaving him and not returning. But those are easily changed. The point of all this so far was to get familiar with our character and the way he thinks and acts.
Try writing for twenty minutes about your character from the view point of his teacher.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Wisconsin Fall
Took a break and drove around Lake Winnebago looking at the fall colors on this wonderful, bright, sunny day. My route took me near Holy Hill where the colors were especially great.
Any plan needs to have discipline. Any plan needs to be flexible. Writing plans should always be trumped by matters of the heart.
Any plan needs to have discipline. Any plan needs to be flexible. Writing plans should always be trumped by matters of the heart.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Day 4
Day 4
Today’s draw of the free write was clouds. I listed words and phrases about clouds. Clouds have a real impact on peoples emotions but my list didn’t make it that far before the five minutes was up. Making the list for me was a stop-and-go process. Thinking back it probably would have been better to write how I reacted to different clouds.
Day # 4 on my fifteen day plan was to write about an ‘event’ in my character’s life for twenty minutes. A story starts to form here without the problem of it being a good story. I started with “the event that was the most life changing for Jake Riley was..” without having any idea how the sentence would end. Out popped “his parents left him and never came back..”. After twenty minutes of writing, I knew a lot of Jacob’s back story and something about the way he acts and thinks things through. Getting to know Jake is just like getting to know a co-worker, a little at a time by his speech, actions, and stories.
Try writing about an event in your character's life. It doesn't matter what event. Just let it happen and you'll learn a lot about your character.
Today’s draw of the free write was clouds. I listed words and phrases about clouds. Clouds have a real impact on peoples emotions but my list didn’t make it that far before the five minutes was up. Making the list for me was a stop-and-go process. Thinking back it probably would have been better to write how I reacted to different clouds.
Day # 4 on my fifteen day plan was to write about an ‘event’ in my character’s life for twenty minutes. A story starts to form here without the problem of it being a good story. I started with “the event that was the most life changing for Jake Riley was..” without having any idea how the sentence would end. Out popped “his parents left him and never came back..”. After twenty minutes of writing, I knew a lot of Jacob’s back story and something about the way he acts and thinks things through. Getting to know Jake is just like getting to know a co-worker, a little at a time by his speech, actions, and stories.
Try writing about an event in your character's life. It doesn't matter what event. Just let it happen and you'll learn a lot about your character.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Day 3
Day # 3
Storms was the topic of my free write of five minutes. Easy to stay on topic because many images and feeling of storms passed through my memory. It was difficult to capture the feelings, fear, and exhilaration that storms stir in me. Five minutes were gone instantly.
Day # 3 of the fifteen day plan is to write for twenty minutes about where my character lives. Jake Riley is starting to come alive to me. In Tucson, Arizona in the 1880’s at Emily’s boarding house, Jake shares a small room with a bank clerk, Henry.
Storms was the topic of my free write of five minutes. Easy to stay on topic because many images and feeling of storms passed through my memory. It was difficult to capture the feelings, fear, and exhilaration that storms stir in me. Five minutes were gone instantly.
Day # 3 of the fifteen day plan is to write for twenty minutes about where my character lives. Jake Riley is starting to come alive to me. In Tucson, Arizona in the 1880’s at Emily’s boarding house, Jake shares a small room with a bank clerk, Henry.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Day #2
Day #2 Fifteen Day Plan
My free write today was after viewing a neon pink sheet for thirty seconds. Today I tried wrapping it around my face and looking at it with a light behind it. Again it was an easy thing to blank my mind. And again the free write wasn't much just five minutes struggling to put anything down on paper (in my computer file). I have never been good at meditating as I have never been able to blank my mind. Use of colored pieces of paper may be a help to meditate but doesn't seem like much of a free write inspiration for me.
Day #2 Choose a last name for the character whose first name was chosen yesterday. After reading what I wrote about Jacob yesterday, I chose Riley as a last name for him. Then I spent twenty minutes writing about his last name, his parents, his physical description, and some of his emotional aspects.
After your free write of five minutes, read what you wrote yesterday about your character's first name, and try choosing a last name for your character. Then write about it for twenty minutes.
My free write today was after viewing a neon pink sheet for thirty seconds. Today I tried wrapping it around my face and looking at it with a light behind it. Again it was an easy thing to blank my mind. And again the free write wasn't much just five minutes struggling to put anything down on paper (in my computer file). I have never been good at meditating as I have never been able to blank my mind. Use of colored pieces of paper may be a help to meditate but doesn't seem like much of a free write inspiration for me.
Day #2 Choose a last name for the character whose first name was chosen yesterday. After reading what I wrote about Jacob yesterday, I chose Riley as a last name for him. Then I spent twenty minutes writing about his last name, his parents, his physical description, and some of his emotional aspects.
After your free write of five minutes, read what you wrote yesterday about your character's first name, and try choosing a last name for your character. Then write about it for twenty minutes.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Choose a Name
Choose a name. Any first name that you like the sound and feel of. It can be changed later to be better fit the story, but for now it is the story.
My free write was the neon lime green. Ever since I read that some drunk tanks are painted Pepto pink because it quiets the drunks, I wanted to try this experiment using different colors to start out out a free write. I stared at the sheet of green, trying to blank my mind which turned out to an easy task. My blank mind didn't give much of a free write just babble about the book I had just put down.
The name I chose was Jacob. Then I wrote about Jacob for twenty minutes. That led interesting places and my writing went beyond the twenty minutes but that's ok too.
FIFTEEN DAY PLAN -- DAY #1
My free write was the neon lime green. Ever since I read that some drunk tanks are painted Pepto pink because it quiets the drunks, I wanted to try this experiment using different colors to start out out a free write. I stared at the sheet of green, trying to blank my mind which turned out to an easy task. My blank mind didn't give much of a free write just babble about the book I had just put down.
The name I chose was Jacob. Then I wrote about Jacob for twenty minutes. That led interesting places and my writing went beyond the twenty minutes but that's ok too.
FIFTEEN DAY PLAN -- DAY #1
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Fifteen Day Plan
FOR THE NEXT FIFTEEN DAYS I AM GOING TO WRITE EVERY DAY STARTING WITH A FIVE MINUTE FREE WRITE PERIOD. FOR THE FREE WRITE I WILL WRITE WHATEVER COMES INTO MY HEAD WITHOUT STOPPING FOR FIVE MINUTES.
TOPICS FOR THE FREE WRITE WILL BE AT RANDOM DRAWING FROM THIS LIST: orange, yellow, purple, dark neon pink, bright neon green, clouds, storms, smells, eyes, silence, ears, my favorite, irritations, the way people walk, and voices. I will write whatever comes into my mind whether it is on topic or not. For the colors I will look at a sheet of paper in that color for thirty seconds before starting to write.
OVER THE FIFTEEN DAYS MY HOPE IS TO CREATE A NEW CHARACTER, GET TO KNOW HIM OR HER, AND WRITE ONE OF HIS OR HER STORIES.
TOPICS FOR THE FREE WRITE WILL BE AT RANDOM DRAWING FROM THIS LIST: orange, yellow, purple, dark neon pink, bright neon green, clouds, storms, smells, eyes, silence, ears, my favorite, irritations, the way people walk, and voices. I will write whatever comes into my mind whether it is on topic or not. For the colors I will look at a sheet of paper in that color for thirty seconds before starting to write.
OVER THE FIFTEEN DAYS MY HOPE IS TO CREATE A NEW CHARACTER, GET TO KNOW HIM OR HER, AND WRITE ONE OF HIS OR HER STORIES.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Just do it.
JUST DO IT!
That's what I keep telling myself as the planning for a project gets more and more detailed. Just do it! Background and planning are wonderful but doing is better. One planning workshop twenty years ago told me to "Swiss cheese" projects into little sections. Then grab one of the sections and do it. As a few of these bite sized pieces are finished, a more organized plan will usually fall into place. Planning a lot and writing little? Here's a plan: 1. free write for five minutes just to get the brain in gear 2. grab one of your Swiss cheese pieces and write yourself an email telling yourself what you want to say 3. then write a page saying what you want to say.
That's what I keep telling myself as the planning for a project gets more and more detailed. Just do it! Background and planning are wonderful but doing is better. One planning workshop twenty years ago told me to "Swiss cheese" projects into little sections. Then grab one of the sections and do it. As a few of these bite sized pieces are finished, a more organized plan will usually fall into place. Planning a lot and writing little? Here's a plan: 1. free write for five minutes just to get the brain in gear 2. grab one of your Swiss cheese pieces and write yourself an email telling yourself what you want to say 3. then write a page saying what you want to say.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Halloween
Trick or treat time is coming up and many may have started working on Halloween stories. A great blog to check out for help on putting suspense in any of your writing is: www.nettiesramblings.blogspot.com It is also a good place for help with lots of other writing questions. Don't miss her ezine links!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Pro............
For the last week have been trying to finish a short story. The story itself is already written. Actually a couple of versions are completed. My next step is to merge the two, keeping the best. After that will have to rewrite so the sound and the flow of the merged parts are similar. And then rewrite, cut, and rewrite.
This is the time that getting down to write is the most difficult for me. The story is done. I am happy with it. The re-writing is even fun but everything in the world becomes an excuse not to do the polishing, trimming, and presenting.
Today I am going to do it ........after returning some books to Kenosha (the Nina is at the harbour --can't miss that), calling the shop about my car's power window, and those boxes from the storage garage need to be unpacked, and the recently unpacked flatware needs to be washed. Today those two versions will be sewn together and trimmed...... I see that on yesterday's to-do list at the top. I wonder why I didn't get to it Tuesday?
This is the time that getting down to write is the most difficult for me. The story is done. I am happy with it. The re-writing is even fun but everything in the world becomes an excuse not to do the polishing, trimming, and presenting.
Today I am going to do it ........after returning some books to Kenosha (the Nina is at the harbour --can't miss that), calling the shop about my car's power window, and those boxes from the storage garage need to be unpacked, and the recently unpacked flatware needs to be washed. Today those two versions will be sewn together and trimmed...... I see that on yesterday's to-do list at the top. I wonder why I didn't get to it Tuesday?
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Junk
Keeping Junk
Today I am going to a storage locker and move some junk and probably toss some. To some people I keep too much junk, too many broken useless things, and things that I will never use. It is true, I do. They also claim that I have no idea what is kept. Also true.
Today is a treasure hunt. Not a treasure of gold or silver or incredible antique value, but of smiles and memories. Photo albums and scrapbooks are fun but somehow they do not evoke the same powerful memories for me as holding a broken vase, a tin box of old feathers, or a gum ball machine prize. Each box is a surprise journey of memories.
Of course, the junk isn't needed for the memories. So available space determines just how much useless, never to be used junk can be kept for my journeys back in time. Today I start to clean out the storage garage. It won't be done quickly as I am going to savor every minute.
There are just as many excuses to write as not to. The trick is using the excuses to write. My journal is going along with me to the garage. Maybe a chair, a thermos of coffee, and some food too.
Today I am going to a storage locker and move some junk and probably toss some. To some people I keep too much junk, too many broken useless things, and things that I will never use. It is true, I do. They also claim that I have no idea what is kept. Also true.
Today is a treasure hunt. Not a treasure of gold or silver or incredible antique value, but of smiles and memories. Photo albums and scrapbooks are fun but somehow they do not evoke the same powerful memories for me as holding a broken vase, a tin box of old feathers, or a gum ball machine prize. Each box is a surprise journey of memories.
Of course, the junk isn't needed for the memories. So available space determines just how much useless, never to be used junk can be kept for my journeys back in time. Today I start to clean out the storage garage. It won't be done quickly as I am going to savor every minute.
There are just as many excuses to write as not to. The trick is using the excuses to write. My journal is going along with me to the garage. Maybe a chair, a thermos of coffee, and some food too.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Saturday
Today is one of those lazy enjoyable Saturdays with little on my to-do list and little ambition to do it. The weather is sunny with a breeze and cool-- just wonderful. Finding words isn't coming easy. Working on a short story but would rather find a hammock under a tree. Busy or lazy, excuses for not writing are always at hand. My goal today is to write something for the short story. It doesn't have to be a lot. Even a paragraph is ok. Usually after a paragraph or even after a sentence, even a bad sentence, the inertia is overcome. Once started it is difficult for me to stop writing until I have completed my thought. Try it. Aim to write one sentence each day for a week.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Author's Advice
Braude's Treasury of Wit and Humor
by Jacob M. Beaude @1964 Prentice-Hall, Inc.
is the source of this story:
Novelist Sinclair Lewis was to lecture a group of college students who planned literary careers. Lewis opened his talk by saying:
"How many of you really intend to be writers?"
All hands went up.
"In that case," said Lewis, returning his notes to his pocket, "my
advice to you is to go home and write."
With that he left the room.
by Jacob M. Beaude @1964 Prentice-Hall, Inc.
is the source of this story:
Novelist Sinclair Lewis was to lecture a group of college students who planned literary careers. Lewis opened his talk by saying:
"How many of you really intend to be writers?"
All hands went up.
"In that case," said Lewis, returning his notes to his pocket, "my
advice to you is to go home and write."
With that he left the room.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Get down to work
Get down to work
From Adams' FPA's Book of Quotations:
"I don't wait for moods. You accomplish nothing if you do that. Your mind must know it has got to get down to work." -- Pearl Buck Reader's Digest April 1950
"There ain't nothing more to write about, and I am rotten glad of it, because if I'd a knowed what a trouble it was to make a book I wouldn't a tackled it, and I ain't a-going to no more." --Mark Twain (1835-1910) Huckleberry Finn Ch. xliii
From Adams' FPA's Book of Quotations:
"I don't wait for moods. You accomplish nothing if you do that. Your mind must know it has got to get down to work." -- Pearl Buck Reader's Digest April 1950
"There ain't nothing more to write about, and I am rotten glad of it, because if I'd a knowed what a trouble it was to make a book I wouldn't a tackled it, and I ain't a-going to no more." --Mark Twain (1835-1910) Huckleberry Finn Ch. xliii
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Rainbow round my shoulder
"Rainbow round my shoulder, wings on my on my feet."
I love quotes and have found a great book of quotes, FPA's Book of Quotations by Franklin Pierce Adams @ 1952 by the Funk & Wagnalls Company, New York.
Writing makes me feel like there is a 'rainbow round my shoulder, wings on my feet' because with my imagination and a pen I can go anywhere, see anything, and do anything.
Adams cites the author "unknown" and the source as "American Negro Song" for :
"Oh, Lord, I want to be free, want to be free;
Rainbow round my shoulder, wings on my feet."
I love quotes and have found a great book of quotes, FPA's Book of Quotations by Franklin Pierce Adams @ 1952 by the Funk & Wagnalls Company, New York.
Writing makes me feel like there is a 'rainbow round my shoulder, wings on my feet' because with my imagination and a pen I can go anywhere, see anything, and do anything.
Adams cites the author "unknown" and the source as "American Negro Song" for :
"Oh, Lord, I want to be free, want to be free;
Rainbow round my shoulder, wings on my feet."
Monday, August 1, 2011
Summer
This summer has been one of heat and humidity. Here in Wisconsin where weather is usually a major topic of conversation, politics and nine recall elections have provided some variety. I haven't posted here much as I am posting on two highly political blogs.
August 9 and August 16 are elections dates for the recalls. At least for a couple of months the politics will cool off a bit.
Whether you are right or not, write about it. Think twice though before publishing inflammatory rhetoric.
August 9 and August 16 are elections dates for the recalls. At least for a couple of months the politics will cool off a bit.
Whether you are right or not, write about it. Think twice though before publishing inflammatory rhetoric.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Pima Writers' Workshop
Pima Writers’ Workshop
At the end of May every year in Tucson, Meg Files puts on a great workshop at Pima County Community College. The first time I went there in trepidation as the week before Tucson hadn’t broken a hundred, on the down side. The days had been one hundred and ten. But for the conference the weather had broken--only one hundred and four during the day and ninety for a low. But for writers, the hottest thing in Tucson is not the weather, it is the conference -- on fire with ideas, techniques, enthusiasm, and writers looking to improve their craft. It is a workshop that I would not miss.
Being from Wisconsin, letting the Arizona heat thoroughly bake the winter from my bones rates high on my list of reasons to go to Tucson. But a workshop at a “community” college left me skeptical. My hesitancy came from two directions. First, what did a “community” college have to offer? Certainly a University would offer more, I thought. Second, wouldn’t the attendees be just a bunch of young local students? I might not fit in well.
I was wrong on both counts. The Pima Writers Workshop’s excellence shines. It is first class. I doubt if there is a better three day program anywhere. The conference draws a lot of youth who add an excitement and vitality to the sessions. But it also draws a full range of other writers covering all ages, interests, and skills. This group sizzles with motivation and boils with enthusiasm.
There is no one more enthusiastic than Meg Files as she brings her recipe for a successful workshop to life. I divine her recipe to be:
Ingredients
(use only the best and freshest)
There is no doubt that Meg Files knows how to cook. Her books include: Meridian 144 (a novel), Home is the Hunter and Other Stories, Turning Your Personal Experiences into Compelling Stories, The Love Hunter and other Poems, and Galapagos Triptych: Three Ways of Seeing the Galapagos Islands. She teaches creative writing and chairs the English and Journalism Department at Pima Community College.
You need to know that to schedule a manuscript consultation, you must register, submit one manuscript, and pay the fee (around $100 for non-credit) by the first week in May. If you are not having a manuscript reviewed, you can register at the reception. The manuscript consultations are done by most of the session leaders. They try and match you up with your manuscript reader preference. This manuscript consultation is a great opportunity and motivation. Not only do they make notations on your work but they talk with you one on one about it.
One year Bob Mayer ( http://www.bobmayer.org/ ) reviewed my short story. He writes under Robert Doherty (Area 51, Atlantis, and Psychic Warrior series plus Bodyguard of Lies) and under Bob Mayer for his non-fiction books. He is a best selling author with millions of books in print. I was so over awed that I couldn’t even think of an intelligent question to ask.
Another year Frank X. Gaspar reviewed my work. I’m still working on his suggestions to slow down, take time to develop the scene, paint your images. Frank is a poet, novelist, and professor whose works include: Leaving Pico ( a novel), A Field Guide to Heaven (a collection of poems), and Night of a Thousand Blossoms (a collection of poems). For more on Frank see: http://www.frankgaspar.com/ .
Journalist turned novelist, Masha Hamilton, urged me to get into the people and the whys of their actions. The Camel Bookmobile, Staircase of a Thousand Steps, and The Distance Between Us are three of her novels. More can be found at: http://www.mashahamilton.com/ .
This year Jo-Ann Mapson ( http://www.joannmapson.com/ ), author of Solomon’s Oak, looked at one of my short stories. She is very strong on layering and on crafting stories to catch the emotions of the reader.
Leaving the lonely solitary work of writing and getting out to a writers conference where you can meet and talk to other writers, hear their difficulties, inspirations, and solutions, can energize your writing. This one will set it on fire.
Pima Writers’ Workshop at the end of May is hot, a white hot crucible of ideas and inspiration. Don’t miss it. Don’t forget the suntan lotion. This year the weather was perfect -- sunny, dry, and mostly in the eighties.
MORE INFORMATION
Pima Community College
West Campus
2202 W. Anklam Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85709-0200
www.pima.edu
telephone 520/206-4500
At the end of May every year in Tucson, Meg Files puts on a great workshop at Pima County Community College. The first time I went there in trepidation as the week before Tucson hadn’t broken a hundred, on the down side. The days had been one hundred and ten. But for the conference the weather had broken--only one hundred and four during the day and ninety for a low. But for writers, the hottest thing in Tucson is not the weather, it is the conference -- on fire with ideas, techniques, enthusiasm, and writers looking to improve their craft. It is a workshop that I would not miss.
Being from Wisconsin, letting the Arizona heat thoroughly bake the winter from my bones rates high on my list of reasons to go to Tucson. But a workshop at a “community” college left me skeptical. My hesitancy came from two directions. First, what did a “community” college have to offer? Certainly a University would offer more, I thought. Second, wouldn’t the attendees be just a bunch of young local students? I might not fit in well.
I was wrong on both counts. The Pima Writers Workshop’s excellence shines. It is first class. I doubt if there is a better three day program anywhere. The conference draws a lot of youth who add an excitement and vitality to the sessions. But it also draws a full range of other writers covering all ages, interests, and skills. This group sizzles with motivation and boils with enthusiasm.
There is no one more enthusiastic than Meg Files as she brings her recipe for a successful workshop to life. I divine her recipe to be:
Ingredients
(use only the best and freshest)
1. A dozen award winning authors of novels, short stories, children’s books, memoirs,
plays, and non-fiction
2. A couple of agents looking for talent
3. Two or three outstanding poets
Mix together in a reception for participants. Separate into lectures, readings, writing
exercises, question and answer periods, and individual manuscript consultations. Add choice for the participants. Let everything meld over three days in the cool auditoriums and meeting rooms of Pima Community College’s West Campus in Tucson.
plays, and non-fiction
2. A couple of agents looking for talent
3. Two or three outstanding poets
Mix together in a reception for participants. Separate into lectures, readings, writing
exercises, question and answer periods, and individual manuscript consultations. Add choice for the participants. Let everything meld over three days in the cool auditoriums and meeting rooms of Pima Community College’s West Campus in Tucson.
There is no doubt that Meg Files knows how to cook. Her books include: Meridian 144 (a novel), Home is the Hunter and Other Stories, Turning Your Personal Experiences into Compelling Stories, The Love Hunter and other Poems, and Galapagos Triptych: Three Ways of Seeing the Galapagos Islands. She teaches creative writing and chairs the English and Journalism Department at Pima Community College.
You need to know that to schedule a manuscript consultation, you must register, submit one manuscript, and pay the fee (around $100 for non-credit) by the first week in May. If you are not having a manuscript reviewed, you can register at the reception. The manuscript consultations are done by most of the session leaders. They try and match you up with your manuscript reader preference. This manuscript consultation is a great opportunity and motivation. Not only do they make notations on your work but they talk with you one on one about it.
One year Bob Mayer ( http://www.bobmayer.org/ ) reviewed my short story. He writes under Robert Doherty (Area 51, Atlantis, and Psychic Warrior series plus Bodyguard of Lies) and under Bob Mayer for his non-fiction books. He is a best selling author with millions of books in print. I was so over awed that I couldn’t even think of an intelligent question to ask.
Another year Frank X. Gaspar reviewed my work. I’m still working on his suggestions to slow down, take time to develop the scene, paint your images. Frank is a poet, novelist, and professor whose works include: Leaving Pico ( a novel), A Field Guide to Heaven (a collection of poems), and Night of a Thousand Blossoms (a collection of poems). For more on Frank see: http://www.frankgaspar.com/ .
Journalist turned novelist, Masha Hamilton, urged me to get into the people and the whys of their actions. The Camel Bookmobile, Staircase of a Thousand Steps, and The Distance Between Us are three of her novels. More can be found at: http://www.mashahamilton.com/ .
This year Jo-Ann Mapson ( http://www.joannmapson.com/ ), author of Solomon’s Oak, looked at one of my short stories. She is very strong on layering and on crafting stories to catch the emotions of the reader.
Leaving the lonely solitary work of writing and getting out to a writers conference where you can meet and talk to other writers, hear their difficulties, inspirations, and solutions, can energize your writing. This one will set it on fire.
Pima Writers’ Workshop at the end of May is hot, a white hot crucible of ideas and inspiration. Don’t miss it. Don’t forget the suntan lotion. This year the weather was perfect -- sunny, dry, and mostly in the eighties.
MORE INFORMATION
Pima Community College
West Campus
2202 W. Anklam Rd.
Tucson, AZ 85709-0200
www.pima.edu
telephone 520/206-4500
Thursday, June 16, 2011
The Writer's Almanac
The Writer's Almanac with Garrison Keillor has a great daily newsletter that can be subscribed to for free at: http://writersalmanac.publicradio.org/
It starts with a poem, has interesting tidbits about writers, and ends with a wonderful expression. It is also neat that if you wish you can hear the newsletter in Garrison's voice.
It starts with a poem, has interesting tidbits about writers, and ends with a wonderful expression. It is also neat that if you wish you can hear the newsletter in Garrison's voice.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
A Private Journal
It is summer. It is hot and muggy. That's the political climate in Wisconsin. The weather is much the same. Frankly the heat feels good after the winter.
While the contentious political scene is raising a lot of people's blood pressure, it has been great for writing. Ray Bradbury urged writers to write from passion and Wisconsin's political happenings have created a lot of that. Not much of that is suitable for this blog except to mention that writing a journal is a great way to vent feelings and say what you would never say to anyone. So whether you're angry at the arrogant, high-handed actions of an ignorant governor and his cronies or you think all he needs is a robe to be JC, write it down, but write it in a journal, a private journal. What you learn from writing your feelings in private will help your public writing in the future. Write something -- write, right now!
While the contentious political scene is raising a lot of people's blood pressure, it has been great for writing. Ray Bradbury urged writers to write from passion and Wisconsin's political happenings have created a lot of that. Not much of that is suitable for this blog except to mention that writing a journal is a great way to vent feelings and say what you would never say to anyone. So whether you're angry at the arrogant, high-handed actions of an ignorant governor and his cronies or you think all he needs is a robe to be JC, write it down, but write it in a journal, a private journal. What you learn from writing your feelings in private will help your public writing in the future. Write something -- write, right now!
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