Coming Home

“We should come home from adventures, and perils, and discoveries every day with new experience and character”
Henry David Thoreau

There is nothing as wonderful as coming home...my garden has exploded with cosmos, mums, dahlias and scabiosa not ready to turn in for the fall.Pumpkins and gourds are ready to be picked and October is right around the corner.
My study plan this semester will be challenging but very exciting, I will be working on some collaborative work, journaling, collage and new forms of poetry. I am also going to be researching the link between depression and the creative person. Lots of work to be done.
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag

Where Do You Want to Go?

Zest. Gusto. How rarely one hears these words used. How rarely do we see people living, or for that matter, creating by them. Yet if I were asked to name the most important items in a writer’s make-up, the things that shape his material and rush him along the road to where he wants to go, I could only warn him to look to his zest, see to his gusto.
Ray Bradbury

Being here, spending most moments reading, writing, thinking about writing and the writing life is heady. The students and advisers here are amazingly talented, dedicated poets, writers and artists. And it's easy to get intimidated...But I know when I go home that "real life" will interfere with the excitement of studying writing and poetry. As Ray Bradbury says it's that real life stuff that shapes you as a writer, can you still be excited by writing if you work an office job? or work in a supermarket, or a restaurant? Keeping the excitement going can be challenging when real life steps in. Do you take time to research new writers and artists? Go to art exhibits, book signings, workshops? Julia Cameron writes about artists' dates to keep you in the moment...have you had an artists' date recently?

Now get back to work!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag

The illusion of control

Writing gives you the illusion of control, and then you realize it's just an illusion, that people are going to bring their own stuff into it.
David Sedaris, interview in Louisville Courier-Journal, June 5, 2005

It's Sunday and I haven't written anything since Wednesday. I have a hard time blogging here because I'm not in my space so I'm guessing my regular posts won't happen until next week. Today for a few hours I ran away from campus with some friends and escaped to Montpelier, ate amazing local organic food, bought a poetry book, some postcards and felt like I was on vacation. The photos will have to wait...ahead of me a poetry reading and the beginning of my study plan for next semester.

Today, think about where you could go for a couple of hours and retreat into yourself...it could be as simple as choosing to go to a different coffee shop or checking out the new writing books at the library or the bookstore. Now get back to work!

Lovingly,
The Writing Nag

Education Quote

Why should society feel responsible only for the education of children, and not for the education of all adults of every age? ~Erich Fromm

Playing Exquisite Corpse

I participated in Before I Am Famous' Exquisite Corpse game last week with the theme of Freshman.

I hope to do many more of these collaborative games this semester.

Off to Vermont!
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag

WOOF Winners For the Week

WOOF Contest – Top 5 Picks:

About Writing

Writing Nag - “The Art of Journaling” - How writers can use daily journals as another outlet for their creative writing.

Nicholas Powiull – “Conscious Flex: Universal Knowledge” - Anybody can write, following this example. :)

Non-Fiction

Mike Fried  - “Coney Island Date of Death 9-7-08” - A lament on the passing of something from my childhood.

Poetry

Penelope Anne - “Love forbidden” - A poetic tribute to interracial love in haiku form

Fiction/ Serial Fiction

Jennifer M Scott  - “Train Number 9” - Fictional story based on a true story of a beating on a subway train in Philadelphia, PA.

Brought to you by PlotDog Press with the Serial Suspense "Intervention"

Presenting the finest of the writer’s blogs by the bloggers who write them. Highlighting the top 5 posts as chosen by the September 12, 2008 WOOF Contest participants. Want in to join the next WOOF? The next contest ends September 19. Submit a link to your best writing post of the last 2 weeks using the form at the bottom of this page.

The Magical Rose Garden

“One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon-instead of enjoying the roses blooming outside our windows today.”
Dale Carnegie

This morning many people are mourning loved ones who were taken suddenly and tragically. The 25 victims of the commuter train accident in Los Angeles, the hurricane victims over the last few weeks and then early this morning the crash of a jet in Russia, no survivors. And of course this week the 7th anniversary of 9/11.

Sometimes all of the grief can paralyze you from any action. One of the ways I worked through 9/11 was by writing, writing about anger, fear, loss and unfairness and then writing about all of the things I had and was grateful for. Although much of that writing will never see the light of day it was very helpful as a way to work through my feelings. Today, take 15 minutes to write about all of the roses that are blooming outside your window.


Lovingly,
The Writing Nag

Falafel Macabre

If you're in Colorado Springs come check out photographer Pete Reed's Falafel Macabre, black and white photography show from Paris cemetery Pere Lachaise...up until September 28th. Or you can order prints online. And then stay for lunch or dinner.

Talented Illustrators

Some people have been kind enough to call me a fine artist. I've always called myself an illustrator. I'm not sure what the difference is. All I know is that whatever type of work I do, I try to give it my very best. Art has been my life.~
Norman Rockwell

A very talented illustrator (my brother-in-law) has just started his first blog and announced his first graphic novel is now available on Amazon. Congrats Matt!



Since I've joined Entrecard I've found some very good writing and poetry blogs. The last few weeks I've been looking at different categories, hobbies, art, women's interests and have found even more extremely talented creative artists. Now to subscribe to my blog you can just click on my new RSS Dolly. Thanks to Emila! To get your own Dolly check out her amazing work on Emila's Illustrated Blog.

One more I found on my browsing adventure. Fun illustrated poems and stories..

Their work is inspiring.

Lovingly,
The Writing Nag

A Dash of the Dictionary

“Poetry is a deal of joy and pain and wonder, with a dash of the dictionary.”

Kahlil Gibran

I have been working on a pantoum, my first one.

I like the repetitive nature of this form, I have found if you write the right lines that are repeated it can be very effective form. This makes it more like working on a puzzle that writing a poem.

Lovingly,
The Writing Nag

Remembering 9/11

Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will live as one. John Lennon

Women Who Eat

Vegetables are a must on a diet. I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie. ~Jim Davis

I picked up this book for obvious reasons...I like to eat, cook and read about food. It also brought to mind the idea that you really can write about anything and find a market for it. Writing for anthologies is a good way to get your name out there, have more than yourself promoting it (every other writer in the book is most likely promoting it) and find other writers with similar interests. A quick search on anthologies will bring up thousands of websites. Writer's Market, Winning Writers, and Duotrope are also good places to search. The pay may not be the greatest, some anthologies might "pay" only in copies but if you're looking for publishing credits it may be a good first step and a confidence booster.
Lovingly,
The Writing Nag

A Political Quote

Liberalism is trust of the people tempered by prudence. Conservatism is distrust of the people tempered by fear. ~William E. Gladstone, 1866

Because my blog is not a political blog I will refrain from writing about the current political scene... At this point I wish I could wake up on election day, it's difficult to turn on the news and hear all of the negative smears, lies and ugliness. I hope the country can look beyond all of it and vote for true change for America. It's time.

WOOF Winners

WOOF Contest – Top 5 Picks:

About Writing

Justin - “Sentence Length” - Advice on sentence length.

Writing Nag - “What Don Freeman Taught Me About Story” - Corduroy is a children's book but this favorite celebrated 40 years this year. What makes this book so good and what can today's writer learn from it.

JHS, Esq. - “Signs of the Times” - American's print media face unique challenges that threaten the very survival of not just small, hometown newspapers, but periodicals serving larger markets, as well.  How does this crisis impact current or aspiring professional writers?

Fiction/Drama/Monologue/Serial Story

Penelope Anne - “Sweet Fortunes, Bitter Truths” - Love found, love lost, futures told, a 1000 word prompt inspired short story.

Poetry

Jennifer M Scott - “Before Today” - First line: Can you imagine a world

of new green and blue?

Presenting the finest of the writer’s blogs by the bloggers who write them. Highlighting the top 5 posts as chosen by the September 5, 2008 WOOF Contest participants. Want in to join the next WOOF? The next contest ends September 12. Submit a link to your best writing post of the last 2 weeks using the form at the bottom of this page.

Writing is not apart from 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

The Art of Journaling

Journal writing is a voyage to the interior.
Christina Baldwin

I've been journaling most of my adult life collecting quotes, overheard conversations, poetry starts, words I like, bits of sentences, books to read, movies to watch, directions to a restaurant I might like to try in a new city I may or may not ever visit, all of these things are combined in my blank notebooks...there is no order very few dates and sometimes it takes awhile for me to figure out what I was trying to capture. And then there are the goals sometimes short term goals. When I was working a job I absolutely hated there it is in my notebook "I must leave this job; goal date 4.30.06 a few lines down left job!! 5.18.06 and then a list 1. send resume out 2. find the right company 3. salary desired plus bennies. What is missing from my journals are sketches and photographs so when I read How To Make A Journal of Your Life by D. Price I decided that journaling with the addition of art and photography would be an integral part of my next semester.

In studying creative writing I have found how intertwined art and words can be. Creating a journal is one of the most creative ways to capture everyday happenings. And because most of the time journals are just made for your own eyes there is little to no editing allowing for more honest thoughts and feelings.

What do you need to get started journaling.

A blank book-lines are great for writing but for this freeform style of journaling a blank book offers space for ephemera, photographs, dried flowers and leaves, stamps, beads, buttons etc.

A pen. This is where you can have fun. I just found a set of Sarasa Gel Retractable pens in 10 different colors but there are literally hundreds of pens that you can find in a paper or office supply store.

That's it. A blank journal and a pen. And of course your natural creativity. There are MANY journaling blogs online if you need some inspiration as well as books and magazines on the subject. But don't try to find exact how to's. In my opinion part of the journaling process is trusting your own instincts...see where it takes you. I'm excited to see where journaling the next semester will take me. Now get back to work!


Lovingly,
The Writing Nag

New Creativity Book

I just added this to my wishlist, it looks fantastic!

Anti-Procrastination Day

You know you are getting old when it takes too much effort to procrastinate.
~Author Unknown

I thought about putting off this post until tomorrow but Saturday is my Anti-Procrastination Day. If you're familiar with the Fly-Lady website she has declared Wednesdays as anti-procrastination day but for me Saturdays work better. I don't have to go to work until later in the morning, I can clean and organize my desk, read some of my favorite blogs, work on my to-do list for the next week and evaluate how I used my free time. I also try to do at least one thing I've been putting off all week.This week was pretty productive as I have so little time left before school and deadlines motivate me.

Today, what can you do today that will make next week easier? Can you set self-imposed deadlines to motivate you to complete some of those lagging projects? How would you feel if you could cross those off your to-do list? Now get back to work!

Lovingly,
The Writing Nag

September feels like...

"The breezes taste
Of apple peel.
The air is full
Of smells to feel-
Ripe fruit, old footballs,
Burning brush,
New books, erasers,
Chalk, and such.
The bee, his hive,
Well-honeyed hum,
And Mother cuts
Chrysanthemums.
Like plates washed clean
With suds, the days
Are polished with
A morning haze."
- John Updike, September

Now that it's the 3rd I finally changed my calendar, I seemed to be stuck on August. A hike last night brought to mind all the things I love about September. Even if it's hot during the day the evening falls cooler and you can hike with much more energy. In late July I felt like I was dragging my legs up the trails. My dahlias are blooming and the black scabiosa (Ace of Spades) I've been trying to grow for years are almost there. I hope we have enough warm days left so they can finish their bloom.Countdown to school 2 weeks 1 day.


Today in the style of John Updike write about what September means to you. Try to include some rhyme and a metaphor and engage all of your senses. I love the image of washed plates to a morning haze but my favorite line is the bee, his hive, well-honeyed hum. Now get back to work.

Lovingly,
The Writing Nag

Out of clutter find simplicity

“Three Rules of Work: Out of clutter find simplicity; From discord find harmony; In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”

Albert Einstein

I can't believe it's Wednesday already, I finished up the kitchen yesterday and spent most of the day "deep cleaning" my office and filled two more boxes for Goodwill. This summer I have decluttered about 12 large boxes from the garage and the house. Why do we keep so much stuff? For some people its sentimental reasons, it is hard to get rid of items you've held on to for more than 30 years. I uncovered some old writing notebooks that gave me some writing prompts...
For today write a paragraph using only one syllable words, it's a lot harder than it sounds. You'll find your writing is much stronger...this was an interesting prompt.

Also I found some haiku's I wrote years ago. I can't remember where I found this prompt otherwise I would give credit. Write a haiku about a piece of furniture or room in your house.

my favorite chair
has lumps that I only love
leaving me my safe space

dining room chairs are
welcoming partners to guests
please feel welcome sit!

Now get back to work!

Lovingly the much less cluttered,
Writing Nag