Thursday, August 30, 2007
Another Poetry Market
Ink runs from the corners of my mouth
There is no happiness like mine.
I have been eating poetry.
~Mark Strand, "Eating Poetry," Reasons for Moving, 1968
I'm very glad to be part of blogcatalog because I've discovered some really good information from other writers. This morning wordstrumpet's post talks about a new literary magazine that debuts in October. On my own, I might have found this market in six months or maybe longer, and I'm thrilled that they are concentrating on poetry.
Today, try to find another market for your work.Dig a little, find a market that isn't as well known or maybe is a fledgling market. Everyone has to start somewhere. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Surrounded by Beauty
Ink on paper is as beautiful to me as flowers on the mountains; God composes, why shouldn't we? ~Audra Foveo-Alba
This quote spoke to me as this week we have spent several days exploring Rocky Mountain National Park. The beauty of the area is awe inspiring. Often we forget to see the beauty around us because we are so focused on our daily life. Our out-of-town guests often remind me to appreciate the natural beauty we're surrounded by in Colorado. I hope I can use some of my free time this week to write some new poetry. It was interesting to learn that one of the first woman to summit Long's Peak was a poet and adventurer, Isabella Bird.
Today, schedule a time this week where you can write outside inspired by the beauty of nature. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Another Reason Not to Give Up
People of mediocre ability sometimes achieve outstanding success because they don't know when to quit. Most men succeed because they are determined to.
- George E. Allen
Two rejections this week and then an acceptance. My five poems are now published online on the Irish American Post online edition, in their summer issue. Most of these poems were written years ago but I never submitted them.
The idea that you don't have to be the best writer or the most educated but just the most persistent has always appealed to me. It's just about trying everyday...and writing every day. If it's your dream, don't ever give up. Let the rejections be a badge of honor. Today, write about a time you almost gave up but then pushed through to success. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
- George E. Allen
Two rejections this week and then an acceptance. My five poems are now published online on the Irish American Post online edition, in their summer issue. Most of these poems were written years ago but I never submitted them.
The idea that you don't have to be the best writer or the most educated but just the most persistent has always appealed to me. It's just about trying everyday...and writing every day. If it's your dream, don't ever give up. Let the rejections be a badge of honor. Today, write about a time you almost gave up but then pushed through to success. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Monday, August 27, 2007
Just a quote
It is necessary to write, if the days are not to slip emptily by. How else, indeed, to clap the net over the butterfly of the moment? For the moment passes, it is forgotten; the mood is gone; life itself is gone. That is where the writer scores over his fellows: he catches the changes of his mind on the hop. ~Vita Sackville-West
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Simply Said
The simpler you say it, the more eloquent it is.--August Wilson
Sometimes as a beginning writer we try so hard to follow the rules that we end up overwriting. The page is filled with wonderful details, metaphors, similes that we miss the point. Sometimes simpler is better. Vary your sentence length within a paragraph.Use words that are familiar to you and your voice.Even using the thesaurus can be overdone.More often in my poetry critiques a reader will say why didn't you just use a clearer word. Although expanding your vocabulary is good if the reader is constantly reaching for the dictionary have you missed the point?
Today,in your daily writing try to say it simpler. Use the details but write for clarity.Don't confuse your reader. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Sometimes as a beginning writer we try so hard to follow the rules that we end up overwriting. The page is filled with wonderful details, metaphors, similes that we miss the point. Sometimes simpler is better. Vary your sentence length within a paragraph.Use words that are familiar to you and your voice.Even using the thesaurus can be overdone.More often in my poetry critiques a reader will say why didn't you just use a clearer word. Although expanding your vocabulary is good if the reader is constantly reaching for the dictionary have you missed the point?
Today,in your daily writing try to say it simpler. Use the details but write for clarity.Don't confuse your reader. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Writer's Block
Ink and paper are sometimes passionate lovers, oftentimes brother and sister, and occasionally mortal enemies. ~Emme Woodhull-Bäche
It's hard to define writer's block, I think it's different for every writer. When you choose to write daily there really isn't a block because like any other habit you seem to be on autopilot and you just write. No thinking about writing. You just write. But now with my manuscript it's different I was writing daily on it and then one day nothing. So I set it aside. Next day nothing. For a week. I tried different characters, different scenerios, still nothing. This weekend I'm going to take my manuscript on vacation, try to pull the pieces together, no pressure and set what I've got and what it's missing. And I'm also reading Les Edgerton's newest book Hooked: Write Fiction That Grabs Readers at Page One and Never Lets Them Go
His book on voice, Finding Your Voice: How to Put Personality in Your Writing
has helped me a lot.
I'll let you know how it goes with the writer's block.
Today, think about your blocks are they with writing in general or just with one project you're working on? Write about a time you worked through your blocks and how you deal with blocks today. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
It's hard to define writer's block, I think it's different for every writer. When you choose to write daily there really isn't a block because like any other habit you seem to be on autopilot and you just write. No thinking about writing. You just write. But now with my manuscript it's different I was writing daily on it and then one day nothing. So I set it aside. Next day nothing. For a week. I tried different characters, different scenerios, still nothing. This weekend I'm going to take my manuscript on vacation, try to pull the pieces together, no pressure and set what I've got and what it's missing. And I'm also reading Les Edgerton's newest book Hooked: Write Fiction That Grabs Readers at Page One and Never Lets Them Go
His book on voice, Finding Your Voice: How to Put Personality in Your Writing has helped me a lot.I'll let you know how it goes with the writer's block.
Today, think about your blocks are they with writing in general or just with one project you're working on? Write about a time you worked through your blocks and how you deal with blocks today. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Friday, August 24, 2007
Fear of Submission
A year from now you may wish you had started today. ~Karen Lamb
A friend recently asked me where all my energy is coming from...I think this quote explains it perfectly. I've been writing for more than fifteen years, submitting about eight months. Now, I'm feeling I wish I had started this years ago but what's wrong with today? Today is a good day to start on a path of daily writing and submitting. Unless of course you are writing only for yourself and your family, who thinks everything you write is brilliant and needs no editing at all. If that's the case, continue on. You're already there. But if you're like me, take some time today for submission. I submitted three poems this morning, it took me less than two minutes. In October, I'm pushing myself a little further with a "Submissionathon" how many good submissions or queries can I send out if I really push myself. If you'd like to join me please comment on this post. I will remind you again at the end of September, then we'll see how all the effort pays off by the end of the year. Now get back to work!
A friend recently asked me where all my energy is coming from...I think this quote explains it perfectly. I've been writing for more than fifteen years, submitting about eight months. Now, I'm feeling I wish I had started this years ago but what's wrong with today? Today is a good day to start on a path of daily writing and submitting. Unless of course you are writing only for yourself and your family, who thinks everything you write is brilliant and needs no editing at all. If that's the case, continue on. You're already there. But if you're like me, take some time today for submission. I submitted three poems this morning, it took me less than two minutes. In October, I'm pushing myself a little further with a "Submissionathon" how many good submissions or queries can I send out if I really push myself. If you'd like to join me please comment on this post. I will remind you again at the end of September, then we'll see how all the effort pays off by the end of the year. Now get back to work!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
What Do You Have to Say?
Close the door. Write with no one looking over your shoulder. Don't try to figure out what other people want to hear from you; figure out what you have to say. It's the one and only thing you have to offer.
Barbara Kingsolver
I think this is the hardest for the beginning writer. The beginning writer struggles with what they should say and how they should say it, they just want to please, to be noticed, to get published. So there seems to be a struggle between finding their voice and finding what the market wants. In poetry, I seem to find the most freedom in writing...maybe just because I'm so unaware of what the market wants, so I can shut down the internal editor. How much of your writing do you do with no one looking over your shoulder?
In my inbox this morning in my freelance daily newsletter there was this great link to Nancy Bennett's article "Play A Game and Jumpstart Your Writing". A fun article on writing prompts. Today, use some of these ideas to inspire you in your daily writing. Now get to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Barbara Kingsolver
I think this is the hardest for the beginning writer. The beginning writer struggles with what they should say and how they should say it, they just want to please, to be noticed, to get published. So there seems to be a struggle between finding their voice and finding what the market wants. In poetry, I seem to find the most freedom in writing...maybe just because I'm so unaware of what the market wants, so I can shut down the internal editor. How much of your writing do you do with no one looking over your shoulder?
In my inbox this morning in my freelance daily newsletter there was this great link to Nancy Bennett's article "Play A Game and Jumpstart Your Writing". A fun article on writing prompts. Today, use some of these ideas to inspire you in your daily writing. Now get to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Learning to Write
All of us learn to write in the second grade. Most of us go on to greater things.
Bobby Knight
Can you remember back to second grade and learning to write? Although I had been reading for some time learning cursive writing was a big deal.And then when I started writing sentences and stories, my whole world opened up. In fourth grade my first book was published by a very small publishing house, my mom and my uncle ran it and I still remember the joy of holding the construction paper cover of The Princesses of Gugalachi that my cousin Karen and I wrote, we decorated each cover with drawings of flowers and then tried to sell them to our classmates. And although there was never a second printing. I was hooked. And no I never went on to greater things. At least not yet.
Today, write a personal essay about second grade, thinking back might bring back some other good memories to explore and write about. And then thank a teacher, or at least put it out there. Thanks Mrs. Pulaski! Now get back to work!
Lovingly and with great respect for our teachers,
The Writing Nag
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
"Unrewarded genius is almost a proverb"
Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.
- Calvin Coolidge
Another quote that bolsters the idea that you just need to keep moving forward to be successful. If you're serious about writing, don't let anyone or anything stand in your way. Today, write about the last time you gave up. It may or may not be writing related.Try to use these phrases in your writing "I can't do it" or "I should do this". Set the timer for 30 minutes and just write.Now get back to work! Commercial interruption...I started another blog Everything About Writing for book recommendations ,writing links and overflow from The Writing Nag. It's brand new but will be good information in time.
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
- Calvin Coolidge
Another quote that bolsters the idea that you just need to keep moving forward to be successful. If you're serious about writing, don't let anyone or anything stand in your way. Today, write about the last time you gave up. It may or may not be writing related.Try to use these phrases in your writing "I can't do it" or "I should do this". Set the timer for 30 minutes and just write.Now get back to work! Commercial interruption...I started another blog Everything About Writing for book recommendations ,writing links and overflow from The Writing Nag. It's brand new but will be good information in time.
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Monday, August 20, 2007
Poetry Cooks!
Poetry is just the evidence of life. If your life is burning well, poetry is just the ash. ~Leonard Cohen
Maybe that's why I love poetry so much, for me it's very cheap therapy. I just found this poetry site with prompts that I thought was worth sharing. I'm looking forward to reading more posts as soon as I finish this.
The last two months I've been writing a lot of poetry 34 poems last count. Not all of it is good but like daily writing the more you write the more quality stuff rises to the surface. This week I'm going to be concentrating on sending out more poetry submissions. Many of the literary poetry journals are based in universities and now that school is starting again they will soon be open to reading more submissions. As I probably mentioned before Duotrope is one of my favorite sites for submitting, but I also love winning writers which includes a list of free poetry contests and lets you know which journals, contests, websites they recommend (this comes with a small subscription price) but it's very much worth it.If anyone knows of any other worthy poetry sites I would love to expand my list. Today write a poem that is evidence of your life at this moment of time. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Maybe that's why I love poetry so much, for me it's very cheap therapy. I just found this poetry site with prompts that I thought was worth sharing. I'm looking forward to reading more posts as soon as I finish this.
The last two months I've been writing a lot of poetry 34 poems last count. Not all of it is good but like daily writing the more you write the more quality stuff rises to the surface. This week I'm going to be concentrating on sending out more poetry submissions. Many of the literary poetry journals are based in universities and now that school is starting again they will soon be open to reading more submissions. As I probably mentioned before Duotrope is one of my favorite sites for submitting, but I also love winning writers which includes a list of free poetry contests and lets you know which journals, contests, websites they recommend (this comes with a small subscription price) but it's very much worth it.If anyone knows of any other worthy poetry sites I would love to expand my list. Today write a poem that is evidence of your life at this moment of time. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Do You Recognise the 7 Early Warning Signs of an Unorganized Writer?
“Three Rules of Work: Out of clutter find simplicity; From discord find harmony; In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”
Albert Einstein
Do You Recognise the 7 Early Warning Signs of an Unorganized Writer?
1. The file cabinet has tipped over from the overload of paper, mail, and "I'll get to that next week" leads and you counterbalanced it with another pile of paper.
2. To you, a clean working surface means which pile is less likely to tip when you set your notebook on it.
3. The dust bunnies behind your monitor have formed a union and now you are knitting argyle sweaters for them as part of your union negotiations.
4. When you went to fold the laundry pile in your office you were dismayed to find leg warmers and ripped t-shirts went out of style.
5. Your Writer's Market book is from 1997 and you still haven't cracked the cover.
6. All of your pencils are tinged blue because in 1987 you sharpened your eye liner with the electric pencil sharpener and still haven't replaced them.
7. You just found the writing receipts your accountant asked for before he did ten years for the Enron scandal.
Another reminder that a clutter-free work area really helps the creative process. Especially when the clutter forces you to stop working to attend to yet another pile. Today,take an hour and clean up your workspace, the distraction of unpaid bills, junk mail and tiny argyle sweaters can take away from your words. That's my job today, I'll let you know if it makes a difference this week. Now get back to work! Dust Bunnies UNITE! (I was forced to write the dust bunnies unite slogan as part of the negotiations...just wanted to let you know for full disclosure)
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
and a pack of rabid rabbits
Albert Einstein
Do You Recognise the 7 Early Warning Signs of an Unorganized Writer?
1. The file cabinet has tipped over from the overload of paper, mail, and "I'll get to that next week" leads and you counterbalanced it with another pile of paper.
2. To you, a clean working surface means which pile is less likely to tip when you set your notebook on it.
3. The dust bunnies behind your monitor have formed a union and now you are knitting argyle sweaters for them as part of your union negotiations.
4. When you went to fold the laundry pile in your office you were dismayed to find leg warmers and ripped t-shirts went out of style.
5. Your Writer's Market book is from 1997 and you still haven't cracked the cover.
6. All of your pencils are tinged blue because in 1987 you sharpened your eye liner with the electric pencil sharpener and still haven't replaced them.
7. You just found the writing receipts your accountant asked for before he did ten years for the Enron scandal.
Another reminder that a clutter-free work area really helps the creative process. Especially when the clutter forces you to stop working to attend to yet another pile. Today,take an hour and clean up your workspace, the distraction of unpaid bills, junk mail and tiny argyle sweaters can take away from your words. That's my job today, I'll let you know if it makes a difference this week. Now get back to work! Dust Bunnies UNITE! (I was forced to write the dust bunnies unite slogan as part of the negotiations...just wanted to let you know for full disclosure)
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
and a pack of rabid rabbits
Saturday, August 18, 2007
A Writing Retreat
"The good writer seems to be writing about himself, but has his eye always on that thread of the Universe which runs through himself and all things."
~Ralph Waldo Emerson~
Today was PPW's writing retreat, a chance for all the volunteers to get together, and relax, attend workshops or just write. This after my other writing retreat yesterday which was a "retreat from work" at the Folks Festival in Lyons, Colorado. It seems like lately I have to leave my house to really relax, if I'm home there is always work to be done, filing, cleaning, organizing, lots of paperwork. Now when I go away, I don't take anything with me except a blank notebook so I'm forced to relax. It was wonderful. My mind is clearer today, after listening to music and wading through the river, taking in the natural beauty of Colorado. I needed it.In Mr. Emerson's essay Nature, he writes how nature is medicinal, and healing. How often do you let everything go and embrace nature as a healer for your mind? Today, another class trip but no homework, take a long walk or a hike off the beaten path and clear your head. No work today!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Friday, August 17, 2007
Writing With Emotion
I love writing. I love the swirl and swing of words as they tangle with human emotions. ~James Michener
This is another post about flat writing. Why? Because so many writers fail to add depth to their writing, it sits on the page with some nice details, a lot of adjectives, but no feeling. Try to evoke emotion into your poetry,your fiction and your non-fiction pieces.I want the reader to feel what I'm feeling, I want to make them laugh or cry but not just skim the page...and it's not easy. Because I'm also a chef, I equate most of the things in my life with food and/or cooking. With cooking you layer the flavors so you can taste each individual flavor and the final product is well-rounded, it's not flat. It's an art, a good chef can do this effortlessly. I think writing is the same way, you layer your ingredients to give your final piece substance, the reader doesn't know it they just like to read it because it's well-rounded and it makes them feel. Today, read one of your pieces that isn't working and deconstruct it. Slowly add back the details, the adjectives, the emotion. Find a way to bring the reader into your world. Write a short poem today about losing someone or something. Now get back to work!
This is another post about flat writing. Why? Because so many writers fail to add depth to their writing, it sits on the page with some nice details, a lot of adjectives, but no feeling. Try to evoke emotion into your poetry,your fiction and your non-fiction pieces.I want the reader to feel what I'm feeling, I want to make them laugh or cry but not just skim the page...and it's not easy. Because I'm also a chef, I equate most of the things in my life with food and/or cooking. With cooking you layer the flavors so you can taste each individual flavor and the final product is well-rounded, it's not flat. It's an art, a good chef can do this effortlessly. I think writing is the same way, you layer your ingredients to give your final piece substance, the reader doesn't know it they just like to read it because it's well-rounded and it makes them feel. Today, read one of your pieces that isn't working and deconstruct it. Slowly add back the details, the adjectives, the emotion. Find a way to bring the reader into your world. Write a short poem today about losing someone or something. Now get back to work!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Again with the Passion...
"You are never given a wish without also being given the power to make it true." — Richard Bach, writer
If you're reading this blog my guess is that you write one as well, the first blog I wrote was a struggle I didn't really understand the whole blogging world nor did I have a theme for my blog. I thought about writing in it but it seemed so much like a chore, I rarely did. Then, the writing nag was born and it's hard sometimes not to write more than one post a day, because it's about my passion...words.
Yesterday, Michelle passed on this link about blogging, specifically "Does the world need your blog?"
And the wordstrumpet has posted some great writing exercises, today have fun and try these writing exercises. After your daily writing peruse the blogging link and you might just rethink your blogging platform. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
If you're reading this blog my guess is that you write one as well, the first blog I wrote was a struggle I didn't really understand the whole blogging world nor did I have a theme for my blog. I thought about writing in it but it seemed so much like a chore, I rarely did. Then, the writing nag was born and it's hard sometimes not to write more than one post a day, because it's about my passion...words.
Yesterday, Michelle passed on this link about blogging, specifically "Does the world need your blog?"
And the wordstrumpet has posted some great writing exercises, today have fun and try these writing exercises. After your daily writing peruse the blogging link and you might just rethink your blogging platform. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Getting Published
Writing is not the lottery. New writers have to be realistic about what it takes to get published. But there is one similarity to the lottery: You have to play to win.
-- Lori Perkins, literary agent
This morning this headline on wordstrumpet's blog intrigued me. "Publishing's Dirty Little Secret". Very good post, thanks wordstrumpet.
Yesterday, I got yet another rejection and an email that my poem received an Honorable Mention at one of my favorite sites, Artella. If you haven't visited it's a wonderful site that celebrates the "dance of words and art". My goal this week is to spend less time on the writing that doesn't keep me in stamps and more on submissions.I'm also getting ready to sell my cards that I've been working on with my good accountability friends. I will have them online soon. Some vintage images, some photography.
Today, spend some time editing your work, getting it ready to be published. If you don't have anything ready freewrite for thirty minutes about the dog days of summer. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
-- Lori Perkins, literary agent
This morning this headline on wordstrumpet's blog intrigued me. "Publishing's Dirty Little Secret". Very good post, thanks wordstrumpet.
Yesterday, I got yet another rejection and an email that my poem received an Honorable Mention at one of my favorite sites, Artella. If you haven't visited it's a wonderful site that celebrates the "dance of words and art". My goal this week is to spend less time on the writing that doesn't keep me in stamps and more on submissions.I'm also getting ready to sell my cards that I've been working on with my good accountability friends. I will have them online soon. Some vintage images, some photography.
Today, spend some time editing your work, getting it ready to be published. If you don't have anything ready freewrite for thirty minutes about the dog days of summer. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Double Living
Writing, I think, is not apart from living. Writing is a kind of double living. The writer experiences everything twice. Once in reality and once in that mirror which waits always before or behind. ~Catherine Drinker Bowen, Atlantic, December 1957
I found this writing blog through blogcatalog after she stopped by for a visit. If you need some inspiration today or any day you're stuck for material for characters, I recommend a visit. It's a very interesting idea for a blog.In a college level writing class years ago my professor sent us out on campus to do this and come back with a story. I would love to know what was really going on in comparison to the story I wrote. Where do you get your inspiration for characters? Today,is field trip day. Leave the sanctity of your workspace and go out preferably, somewhere new, write detailed descriptions of the characters you encounter...you might get snippets of conversations to inspire you. Enjoy your day! and then get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
I found this writing blog through blogcatalog after she stopped by for a visit. If you need some inspiration today or any day you're stuck for material for characters, I recommend a visit. It's a very interesting idea for a blog.In a college level writing class years ago my professor sent us out on campus to do this and come back with a story. I would love to know what was really going on in comparison to the story I wrote. Where do you get your inspiration for characters? Today,is field trip day. Leave the sanctity of your workspace and go out preferably, somewhere new, write detailed descriptions of the characters you encounter...you might get snippets of conversations to inspire you. Enjoy your day! and then get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Monday, August 13, 2007
Common Ties
"There is more than a verbal tie between the words common, community, and communication.... Try the experiment of communicating, with fullness and accuracy, some experience to another, especially if it be somewhat complicated, and you will find your own attitude toward your experience changing." John Dewey
I've been reading a lot about Common Ties recently, first I found it on my own second, but forgot about it, second thanks to Lauri I found it again and third this morning a critique group member emailed that he sold his first story to them. Congrats Tafari, fantastic story and photo!
Check out this website. It's full of great stories that connect us as human beings. Everyone has a story. I might just make this my goal this week, write a story for common ties. Today, write about how you are connected to your friends, what do you have in common with them and then reward yourself by reading Tafari's story, he is on his way to a successful writing career. I'll be proud to say I knew him when.
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Sunday, August 12, 2007
The Crazy Child's Home
One writes to make a home for oneself, on paper, in time, in others' minds."
Alfred Kazin
I think one of the reasons I love writing so much is that I'm able to bring readers into my world, I can also create for my characters a world that I wish I could have. It's nice to be able to manipulate lives on paper.
In Clive Matson's book, Let the Crazy Child Write! Mr. Matson writes about writing "as a safe way for this part of you to be in the world". Your "crazy child" or your creative unconscious is the raw source for your poetry, essays, or fiction pieces. Is your "crazy child" stifled by the editor in you? Or does it occasionally come out and you try to hold it back. Today, write as if noone will ever read it and noone has to. Write about a place you've never been but always wanted to visit. Add lots of details. And visit Clive's website for his creative workshop schedule. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Alfred Kazin
I think one of the reasons I love writing so much is that I'm able to bring readers into my world, I can also create for my characters a world that I wish I could have. It's nice to be able to manipulate lives on paper.
In Clive Matson's book, Let the Crazy Child Write! Mr. Matson writes about writing "as a safe way for this part of you to be in the world". Your "crazy child" or your creative unconscious is the raw source for your poetry, essays, or fiction pieces. Is your "crazy child" stifled by the editor in you? Or does it occasionally come out and you try to hold it back. Today, write as if noone will ever read it and noone has to. Write about a place you've never been but always wanted to visit. Add lots of details. And visit Clive's website for his creative workshop schedule. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Writing Dreams
Easy reading is damn hard writing. ~Nathaniel Hawthorne
I love when quotes are so timeless. I have a great affection for Mr. Hawthorne. Not only was he a fellow New Englander, he started as a short story writer and struggled to make a living as a writer. A great read seems so effortless. The reader is swept away, pages are quickly turned and underneath it all the author was hard at work.
I just started the process of going back to college to finish my degree in Creative Writing and then to pursue my dream of a MFA in Creative Writing. And I'm old, so it's scary. The financial aid is done, the application letter is in process, transcripts are being sent, and panic is setting in. I have a lot of "should ofs" and "could ofs" running through my brain. I should have finished college 20 years ago when I had the chance, but at 20 years old I didn't know what I wanted, or how to get it. What are your writing dreams? and have you achieved them? If not, what is standing in your way of success? Today, write about your writing dreams, don't hold back, dream big and then read about Mr. Hawthorne, he was an original. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Friday, August 10, 2007
The Power of Words
Words - so innocent and powerless as they are, as standing in a dictionary, how potent for good and evil they become in the hands of one who knows how to combine them. ~Nathaniel Hawthorne
I have always loved words, I learned to read very young and I have been a book fanatic since I was old enough to read and take books out of the library. I think that's why I love poetry so much, putting small powerful words together to create a feeling, or make a reader relate or think about your poem long after they have read it. I also collect words, something I've found out a lot of writers do. I have strong feelings about certain words, images they evoke or the way it sounds. As a word collector, I think I was destined to be a poet.
Today, think about your favorite words or grab a dictionary and find some new favorites. Then use those favorites in your daily writing. Try writing a poem with some of your favorites. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
I have always loved words, I learned to read very young and I have been a book fanatic since I was old enough to read and take books out of the library. I think that's why I love poetry so much, putting small powerful words together to create a feeling, or make a reader relate or think about your poem long after they have read it. I also collect words, something I've found out a lot of writers do. I have strong feelings about certain words, images they evoke or the way it sounds. As a word collector, I think I was destined to be a poet.
Today, think about your favorite words or grab a dictionary and find some new favorites. Then use those favorites in your daily writing. Try writing a poem with some of your favorites. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Thursday, August 9, 2007
Daily creativity
Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.
Scott Adams
Children know all about being creative...if you look at their creative talents there is a freedom that we lose as we get older when we are told how to write, draw, sing. The stories that I wrote as a child are funnier and more original. Today I would worry too much about being judged. Allow yourself to make mistakes by just writing without the judgements. Later you can put on your editor hat and keep the good stuff. I recommend reading Eric Maisel's book, Creativity for Life, to further delve into the creative process.
Today, freewrite for thirty minutes. That means without taking the pen off the paper. Set a timer. No keyboard today, pen on paper. Write about the end of the summer. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Scott Adams
Children know all about being creative...if you look at their creative talents there is a freedom that we lose as we get older when we are told how to write, draw, sing. The stories that I wrote as a child are funnier and more original. Today I would worry too much about being judged. Allow yourself to make mistakes by just writing without the judgements. Later you can put on your editor hat and keep the good stuff. I recommend reading Eric Maisel's book, Creativity for Life, to further delve into the creative process.
Today, freewrite for thirty minutes. That means without taking the pen off the paper. Set a timer. No keyboard today, pen on paper. Write about the end of the summer. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
A Room with a View
Appealing workplaces are to be avoided. One wants a room with no view, so imagination can meet memory in the dark.
Annie Dillard
I don't know that I agree with Annie Dillard. But she's a Pulitzer-prize winning author and I'm not. My intention is to have an office that has a view of the ocean. I have the whole room mapped out in my head. Where the reading chair will go, what light will hang over it. The color of the cashmere throw if I get chilly from the ocean air. The book lined library next door with the cool little ladder to reach the books on the top shelf. I've even thought about what I'll be drinking and eating on my breaks. I think I write better in an appealing workplace, no clutter on my desk, or in my head surrounding by objects that I love, my books, my elf that holds a picture, my favorite office supplies. What about you? What is your workplace like? Do you agree with Annie Dillard? Today, write about your ideal writing workplace or maybe you already have it and you'd like to share. Then after you do your daily reading check out Virginia Woolf's essay "A Room of One's Own". Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Use all the colors
Detail makes the difference between boring and terrific writing. It’s the difference between a pencil sketch and a lush oil painting. As a writer, words are your paint. Use all the colors.
Rhys Alexander
Randomly pick up a book and read a few paragraphs...do you want to continue? Now look at your writing have you added the details that will engage the reader or is it flat? Today, work on adding the details to an existing piece of work, often on my poetry board a fellow poet will say why don't you give me some more information. An apple is more interesting when it's a Macoun or a Lady Sweet. Say so. Fill in the blanks not to do all the work for the reader but to engage their senses and keep them reading.Use all the colors. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Monday, August 6, 2007
Does Your Writing Have Punch?
The things I like to find in a story are punch and poetry.
~ Sean O'Faolain
This week is my week to work on my manuscript, while I try to work on it every day I find myself working on the writing that might bring me some more immediate money. But ever since I joined Book-in-A-Week I participate in the monthly challenge to just write. It's been good for me and in those weeks I just produce rough work with no editing. But it lacks punch. And if you have ever started a book and couldn't finish it, it lacked punch. Punch is that little something that keeps a reader reading, that peaks an editors interest, and makes for a good story. Today, take a look at some writing pieces that keep getting rejected and see if they could be rewritten with some punch. Or maybe they have punch but they need a little poetry. That's an easy fix.Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Butt in chair-hands on keyboard-typing away madly this week
~ Sean O'Faolain
This week is my week to work on my manuscript, while I try to work on it every day I find myself working on the writing that might bring me some more immediate money. But ever since I joined Book-in-A-Week I participate in the monthly challenge to just write. It's been good for me and in those weeks I just produce rough work with no editing. But it lacks punch. And if you have ever started a book and couldn't finish it, it lacked punch. Punch is that little something that keeps a reader reading, that peaks an editors interest, and makes for a good story. Today, take a look at some writing pieces that keep getting rejected and see if they could be rewritten with some punch. Or maybe they have punch but they need a little poetry. That's an easy fix.Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Butt in chair-hands on keyboard-typing away madly this week
Sunday, August 5, 2007
What do you have to say?
Close the door. Write with no one looking over your shoulder. Don't try to figure out what other people want to hear from you; figure out what you have to say. It's the one and only thing you have to offer.
Barbara Kingsolver
What do you have to say?
That may be the hardest question to answer. Today I didn't write, except for my blog entry. I am struggling with some self-doubt today, several rejections this week, and a lot of work ahead of me and I'm tired. It's understandable why so many writers throw in the towel early in the game. My mantra of persistence and passion is waning but I will continue this week by making some doable short term goals. I'm applying for college this fall, to finish my degree in Creative Writing so this week my goals will revolve around the admission process. Financial aid, application letter, and transcripts will be ready to go by the end of the week.Today, write a page about your individual perspective as a writer, what do you have to say that can't be said by anyone else? This could evolve into a personal essay or a poem. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Barbara Kingsolver
What do you have to say?
That may be the hardest question to answer. Today I didn't write, except for my blog entry. I am struggling with some self-doubt today, several rejections this week, and a lot of work ahead of me and I'm tired. It's understandable why so many writers throw in the towel early in the game. My mantra of persistence and passion is waning but I will continue this week by making some doable short term goals. I'm applying for college this fall, to finish my degree in Creative Writing so this week my goals will revolve around the admission process. Financial aid, application letter, and transcripts will be ready to go by the end of the week.Today, write a page about your individual perspective as a writer, what do you have to say that can't be said by anyone else? This could evolve into a personal essay or a poem. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Saturday, August 4, 2007
Unnecessary Adverbs
Substitute "damn" every time you're inclined to write "very;" your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be. ~Mark Twain
Avoid using adverbs in your writing. Or at least try to. If something is very pretty it's beautiful, if you are extremely scared you're petrified. I depend on my desk references when I start overusing adverbs. A good thesaurus and my Flip Dictionary by Barbara Ann Kipfer, Ph. D. are my best friends. Or I could say my companion, ally, chum, cohort, sidekick.
I also love Dawn Smit Miller's Rainbow Editing which I bought at the Pikes Peak Writer's Conference last year. It's a beneficial tool when you're at the editing/revising stage. I tend to use very a lot, so I might just take Mr. Twain's advice. You might have noticed my new Google ads, in my quest to become self-sufficient as a writer I'm trying it out; I am hoping they will at least pay for my monthly Internet connection. You know what to do, thanks in advance. I won't bore you with the details.Hopefully something I write here will spark your need to use the google search. Today, write a paragraph or a page using your thesaurus or an online reference. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Avoid using adverbs in your writing. Or at least try to. If something is very pretty it's beautiful, if you are extremely scared you're petrified. I depend on my desk references when I start overusing adverbs. A good thesaurus and my Flip Dictionary by Barbara Ann Kipfer, Ph. D. are my best friends. Or I could say my companion, ally, chum, cohort, sidekick.
I also love Dawn Smit Miller's Rainbow Editing which I bought at the Pikes Peak Writer's Conference last year. It's a beneficial tool when you're at the editing/revising stage. I tend to use very a lot, so I might just take Mr. Twain's advice. You might have noticed my new Google ads, in my quest to become self-sufficient as a writer I'm trying it out; I am hoping they will at least pay for my monthly Internet connection. You know what to do, thanks in advance. I won't bore you with the details.Hopefully something I write here will spark your need to use the google search. Today, write a paragraph or a page using your thesaurus or an online reference. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Friday, August 3, 2007
Becoming a Writer
It only takes one person to change your life – you.
Ruth Casey
I didn't get serious about writing until I figured that out. There wasn't anyone who was going to get me what I wanted, I had to do it all by myself.I could take all the writing classes, read all the books, attend all the conferences and critique groups but until I decided to change and set into motion everything I've learned nothing would happen. I have met so many writers who don't write because of rejections or they're waiting for inspiration.I simply can't wait anymore. So I'm writing daily, submitting, and yes collecting rejections along the way. But there's been more positive than negative this year because I decided to change my writing life. Today, write a page about what you could do differently in August that you haven't done the rest of the year...in your quest to become a writer.Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Ruth Casey
I didn't get serious about writing until I figured that out. There wasn't anyone who was going to get me what I wanted, I had to do it all by myself.I could take all the writing classes, read all the books, attend all the conferences and critique groups but until I decided to change and set into motion everything I've learned nothing would happen. I have met so many writers who don't write because of rejections or they're waiting for inspiration.I simply can't wait anymore. So I'm writing daily, submitting, and yes collecting rejections along the way. But there's been more positive than negative this year because I decided to change my writing life. Today, write a page about what you could do differently in August that you haven't done the rest of the year...in your quest to become a writer.Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Persistence
You must keep sending work out; you must never let a manuscript do nothing but eat its head off in a drawer. You send that work out again and again, while you're working on another one. If you have talent, you will receive some measure of success - but only if you persist.
Isaac Asimov
OK I admit the part about "if you have talent" scares me, because then it starts a litany of negative self-talk messages. Maybe I'm not talented, maybe I won't succeed, maybe I'm wasting my time, but then my writing nag voice (who is very positive) takes over. You will succeed, you are talented, persistence, persistence, persistence. Today, as part of your daily writing write a one page letter telling your negative voices why you will be successful. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Isaac Asimov
OK I admit the part about "if you have talent" scares me, because then it starts a litany of negative self-talk messages. Maybe I'm not talented, maybe I won't succeed, maybe I'm wasting my time, but then my writing nag voice (who is very positive) takes over. You will succeed, you are talented, persistence, persistence, persistence. Today, as part of your daily writing write a one page letter telling your negative voices why you will be successful. Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Writing For Yourself or the Market?
Write from the soul, not from some notion what you think the marketplace wants. The market is fickle; the soul is eternal.
Jeffrey A. Carver
At this years Pikes Peak Writers Conference, I was introduced to many agents and editors saying "here is what we want", "here is where the marketplace is " and it wasn't where I was so I panicked...in my frantic mind I was thinking I could write differently, I could give them what they wanted. But in reality, months later I know I can't. I write poetry,short stories and I'm writing a manuscript that may or may not sell and I'm OK with that. I think it's easier to write articles when the editor tells you exactly what they're looking for, but in fiction and poetry it's hard to take your voice and mold it to the market. It seems insincere and dishonest. I'm all for learning the craft and taking constructive criticism but I can't change my voice for the market. Today, write about your voice. When did you discover it and has it changed? Could you write in another voice to sell a manuscript? Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Jeffrey A. Carver
At this years Pikes Peak Writers Conference, I was introduced to many agents and editors saying "here is what we want", "here is where the marketplace is " and it wasn't where I was so I panicked...in my frantic mind I was thinking I could write differently, I could give them what they wanted. But in reality, months later I know I can't. I write poetry,short stories and I'm writing a manuscript that may or may not sell and I'm OK with that. I think it's easier to write articles when the editor tells you exactly what they're looking for, but in fiction and poetry it's hard to take your voice and mold it to the market. It seems insincere and dishonest. I'm all for learning the craft and taking constructive criticism but I can't change my voice for the market. Today, write about your voice. When did you discover it and has it changed? Could you write in another voice to sell a manuscript? Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
FEEDJIT Live Traffic Feed
