"Life isn't about finding yourself, it is about creating yourself."
~ George Bernard Shaw
Week #118
The night was a warm one for that time of year and a soft breeze was blowing in steadily from the bay.
River of Stones - Jan 30th
sleeping in deep on a Sunday morning
bliss-drowsy under a body-toasted blanket
let the day go on without me
bliss-drowsy under a body-toasted blanket
let the day go on without me
River of Stones - Jan 29th
every day I try to catch
the moment when day becomes night
and always I find myself
in the dark
empty-handed
the moment when day becomes night
and always I find myself
in the dark
empty-handed
Random Exercise #44
Use these three words in a short story: dim, rubber, pond.
(I'm sorry, guys. I feel like I'm not posting as many prompts as usual. Things will get back to normal when January is over and the River of Stones project ends. But writing a stone every day is giving me lots of new ways of thinking about creativity, so hopefully that means new prompts!)
(I'm sorry, guys. I feel like I'm not posting as many prompts as usual. Things will get back to normal when January is over and the River of Stones project ends. But writing a stone every day is giving me lots of new ways of thinking about creativity, so hopefully that means new prompts!)
River of Stones - Jan 26th
After the squeeze of rush hour on the subway
I walk slowly home through the park
my soul unfurling.
I walk slowly home through the park
my soul unfurling.
Week #117
Children often have hiding places and adults often have secrets, and this is how nine year old Christine, crouched and barely breathing amongst the musty coats and boots in the front hall closet, came to overhear her mother's whispered conversation on the basement stairs.
River of Stones - Jan 25th
then the winter afternoon was over
and all that remained was my own face
staring back from the now darkened window
and all that remained was my own face
staring back from the now darkened window
River of Stones - Jan 24th
mint tea
and snowflakes cascading
through the darkness
- this is tonight's lullaby
and snowflakes cascading
through the darkness
- this is tonight's lullaby
River of Stones - Jan 23rd
trying to decide what to cook for dinner
as I watch the red sun
melt into the horizon.
as I watch the red sun
melt into the horizon.
River of Stones - Jan 22nd
walking on a winter night
amidst the falling snow
I reach out a hand
and try to catch what may be
raining stars
amidst the falling snow
I reach out a hand
and try to catch what may be
raining stars
Interview with Laraine Herring
I want to welcome the fabulous Laraine Herring to the First Line blog! Laraine is the author of the novel, Ghost Swamp Blues, as well as Monsoons, a fiction collection blending prose and poetry, the non-fiction work, Lost Fathers and the two great books for writers that I reviewed here yesterday, Writing Begins with the Breath and The Writing Warrior.
1. What is your favourite word?
Cat. Followed closely by chocolate and monkey.
2. What was the best advice you received as a writer?
Believe it or not, it was that I should stop writing. This was from a teacher I had in grad school and it made me so angry that I think I have written more than I might ever have. :-) To answer more what I think your question was aiming for, the best advice I ever got was to shut up and write. Not to over-think, over-plan, over-outline, but to listen to the writing itself and to get out of its way.
3. What book do you think every writer should read?
Tao te ching.
4. If you weren’t a writer, what would you want to be?
I honestly cannot imagine what else I would do. Since I already teach as well, those are the two things I’m half-way good at on this planet. Although, if I had the talent, being a blues singer like Janis Joplin would be a pretty cool thing.
5. Describe your work habits. When do you write? Where?
I write mostly over winter and summer breaks since I have a full time teaching job that takes up a lot of my time during the academic year. There are ebbs and flows to a semester though, and I try to take advantage of the times when there’s less grading to do. I write at home and at the library. I’ve got a separate room at home and then one of the schools in my area has a beautiful library where you can get a whole view of the town and the mountains, and there’s a stream below the window. The building is made of real wood and smells like a forest. It reminds me of North Carolina, I think. :-)
6. You write both fiction and non-fiction. How does the process differ for the two?
To me, they are not any different from one another. I approach both of them from a pretty even place of not knowing what the heck I’m going to write about and then I see what happens. Nonfiction often goes a bit quicker for me, once I figure out what I’m trying to say, because it’s easier to figure out the purpose, audience, etc. Fiction is just one big mysterious dream for me.
7. What inspires you?
Animals. Other writers. Science. Remembering that I am going to die (that’s not as morbid to me as it might come across). I have a note taped to my computer: Memento Mori — which means basically remember you will die. That helps keep things in perspective and helps keep me moving forward.
8. If you could have dinner with any writer, living or dead, who would it be? Why?
Truman Capote. You have to ask why? :-) I would probably be afraid of him, and he would probably say something snarky about me, but he was a force of nature, not to mention wickedly talented, and I would have loved to be in the same room as him.
9. Do you have any other creative talents? Do you paint? Play a musical instrument?
That’s hotly debated. :-) I enjoy dancing and calligraphy and watercolor, but certainly it’s only in the “wow, I love doing this” place. I took piano lessons for many years as a child, but I don’t have a piano now and although I can still read music, I can’t really make good music. I also really love fashion (not the $4000 per sock kind, but putting together fun and funky outfits.) I think I express a lot of myself through clothing.
10. What are you working on now?
Quite a few things actually — two young adult novels, one adult novel, and another book in the same vein as Breath and Writing Warrior on sustainable creativity.
To learn more about Laraine Herring visit her website at:
www.laraineherring.com.
1. What is your favourite word?
Cat. Followed closely by chocolate and monkey.
2. What was the best advice you received as a writer?
Believe it or not, it was that I should stop writing. This was from a teacher I had in grad school and it made me so angry that I think I have written more than I might ever have. :-) To answer more what I think your question was aiming for, the best advice I ever got was to shut up and write. Not to over-think, over-plan, over-outline, but to listen to the writing itself and to get out of its way.
3. What book do you think every writer should read?
Tao te ching.
4. If you weren’t a writer, what would you want to be?
I honestly cannot imagine what else I would do. Since I already teach as well, those are the two things I’m half-way good at on this planet. Although, if I had the talent, being a blues singer like Janis Joplin would be a pretty cool thing.
5. Describe your work habits. When do you write? Where?
I write mostly over winter and summer breaks since I have a full time teaching job that takes up a lot of my time during the academic year. There are ebbs and flows to a semester though, and I try to take advantage of the times when there’s less grading to do. I write at home and at the library. I’ve got a separate room at home and then one of the schools in my area has a beautiful library where you can get a whole view of the town and the mountains, and there’s a stream below the window. The building is made of real wood and smells like a forest. It reminds me of North Carolina, I think. :-)
6. You write both fiction and non-fiction. How does the process differ for the two?
To me, they are not any different from one another. I approach both of them from a pretty even place of not knowing what the heck I’m going to write about and then I see what happens. Nonfiction often goes a bit quicker for me, once I figure out what I’m trying to say, because it’s easier to figure out the purpose, audience, etc. Fiction is just one big mysterious dream for me.
7. What inspires you?
Animals. Other writers. Science. Remembering that I am going to die (that’s not as morbid to me as it might come across). I have a note taped to my computer: Memento Mori — which means basically remember you will die. That helps keep things in perspective and helps keep me moving forward.
8. If you could have dinner with any writer, living or dead, who would it be? Why?
Truman Capote. You have to ask why? :-) I would probably be afraid of him, and he would probably say something snarky about me, but he was a force of nature, not to mention wickedly talented, and I would have loved to be in the same room as him.
9. Do you have any other creative talents? Do you paint? Play a musical instrument?
That’s hotly debated. :-) I enjoy dancing and calligraphy and watercolor, but certainly it’s only in the “wow, I love doing this” place. I took piano lessons for many years as a child, but I don’t have a piano now and although I can still read music, I can’t really make good music. I also really love fashion (not the $4000 per sock kind, but putting together fun and funky outfits.) I think I express a lot of myself through clothing.
10. What are you working on now?
Quite a few things actually — two young adult novels, one adult novel, and another book in the same vein as Breath and Writing Warrior on sustainable creativity.
To learn more about Laraine Herring visit her website at:
www.laraineherring.com.
River of Stones - Jan 20th
empty blue sky
atop fields of snow
as though the clouds have floated down
and are resting
atop fields of snow
as though the clouds have floated down
and are resting
Book Review - Writing Begins with the Breath & The Writing Warrior
(Be sure to come back tomorrow for my interview with Lariane Herring.)
I recently read two wonderful books for writers: Writing Begins with the Breath and The Writing Warrior, both by Laraine Herring. What fascinated me most about Herring’s books is her premise that writing is a whole body experience as opposed to simply an intellectual one. Herring is interested in what she calls, ‘deep writing.’ Deep writing is what appears on the page when the writer’s voice is rooted in their most authentic self. Herring believes that deep writing comes from the body, not from the brain. She presents the intriguing idea that though language comes from the mind, our stories are stored in our cells, in our bodies. It is a fresh approach and one I agree with, as will anyone who has ever been in love, grieved, or felt butterflies in their stomach. Both Writing Begins with the Breath and The Writing Warrior are intended to strengthen this connection between our heads and our bodies and to enable each of us to access our own deep writing.
In Writing Begins with the Breath Herring focuses, unsurprisingly, on the breath. She teaches how to use the breath to quiet the mind so that inspiration may bloom and also so that the writer may learn how to follow and focus their own mind. The book is divided into three parts: Focusing the Mind, The Deep Writing Process and Embracing What and Where You Are. Interspersed throughout the book are simple exercises intended to help you stay grounded during the process and at the end of each chapter writing prompts and exercises can be found. The book is well-written, well-organized and different enough from most of the books for writers that it is worth seeking out.
The Writing Warrior grows so naturally out of Writing Begins with the Breath that the two books blend seamlessly if read together they way I did. In The Writing Warrior Herring acknowledges the courage it takes to be a writer. I found myself nodding in agreement to much of what Herring offers up in both these books, but I particularly agreed with this sentiment. It does take bravery to be a writer. To write your own truth (yes, even when writing fiction), to expose yourself and hope that your words resonate and connect with readers takes courage. Herring has travelled this path and in this book offers guidance and reassurance to those who feel uncertain and stuck in their writing. The breath continues to be a focus in The Writing Warrior and a fun movement practice is added. And there are plenty of writing exercises in this book as well.
My favourite part of The Writing Warrior was Part Three. Titled, ‘Dissolving Your Illusions’ this section alone is worth the price of the book. Here Herring succinctly tackles many of the obstacles writers commonly face, such as: Illusion of Time, Illusion of What a Writer is, Illusion of Control, Illusion of Distractions, Illusion of Money, Illusion of Publication, Success and Fame. Herring slays popular myths about the writer’s life and offers commonsense advice along with encouragement.
These two books, like all my favourite books on writing, are not simply about how to write, but are manuals on how to live. Herring is not only a good writer but she is also a gifted teacher, and for this we are lucky. To have her warm, knowledgeable and thoughtful voice on your bookshelf is something I wish for all writers.
To find out more about Laraine Herring visit her website at: wwwlaraineherring.com.
I recently read two wonderful books for writers: Writing Begins with the Breath and The Writing Warrior, both by Laraine Herring. What fascinated me most about Herring’s books is her premise that writing is a whole body experience as opposed to simply an intellectual one. Herring is interested in what she calls, ‘deep writing.’ Deep writing is what appears on the page when the writer’s voice is rooted in their most authentic self. Herring believes that deep writing comes from the body, not from the brain. She presents the intriguing idea that though language comes from the mind, our stories are stored in our cells, in our bodies. It is a fresh approach and one I agree with, as will anyone who has ever been in love, grieved, or felt butterflies in their stomach. Both Writing Begins with the Breath and The Writing Warrior are intended to strengthen this connection between our heads and our bodies and to enable each of us to access our own deep writing.
In Writing Begins with the Breath Herring focuses, unsurprisingly, on the breath. She teaches how to use the breath to quiet the mind so that inspiration may bloom and also so that the writer may learn how to follow and focus their own mind. The book is divided into three parts: Focusing the Mind, The Deep Writing Process and Embracing What and Where You Are. Interspersed throughout the book are simple exercises intended to help you stay grounded during the process and at the end of each chapter writing prompts and exercises can be found. The book is well-written, well-organized and different enough from most of the books for writers that it is worth seeking out.
The Writing Warrior grows so naturally out of Writing Begins with the Breath that the two books blend seamlessly if read together they way I did. In The Writing Warrior Herring acknowledges the courage it takes to be a writer. I found myself nodding in agreement to much of what Herring offers up in both these books, but I particularly agreed with this sentiment. It does take bravery to be a writer. To write your own truth (yes, even when writing fiction), to expose yourself and hope that your words resonate and connect with readers takes courage. Herring has travelled this path and in this book offers guidance and reassurance to those who feel uncertain and stuck in their writing. The breath continues to be a focus in The Writing Warrior and a fun movement practice is added. And there are plenty of writing exercises in this book as well.
My favourite part of The Writing Warrior was Part Three. Titled, ‘Dissolving Your Illusions’ this section alone is worth the price of the book. Here Herring succinctly tackles many of the obstacles writers commonly face, such as: Illusion of Time, Illusion of What a Writer is, Illusion of Control, Illusion of Distractions, Illusion of Money, Illusion of Publication, Success and Fame. Herring slays popular myths about the writer’s life and offers commonsense advice along with encouragement.
These two books, like all my favourite books on writing, are not simply about how to write, but are manuals on how to live. Herring is not only a good writer but she is also a gifted teacher, and for this we are lucky. To have her warm, knowledgeable and thoughtful voice on your bookshelf is something I wish for all writers.
To find out more about Laraine Herring visit her website at: wwwlaraineherring.com.
Week # 116
Over their twenty-four year marriage Dot had had plenty of hobbies, but this newest one had Doug alarmed.
Musings from the Desk
There is a controversy brewing. I can feel it the same way you feel a thunderstorm brewing on a hot August day long before you feel the first drop of rain. Okay, maybe I am the only person who finds this controversial. But there seems to be some discussion in certain quarters over whether you should leave one space or two after a period. (I know, it was a slap in the face for me, too.)
Apparently, some people find it old-fashioned to leave the traditional two spaces after a period. And I have noticed some magazines are asking writers to submit their manuscripts with just one lonely space after each period.
I am old enough that when I learned to type I was taught on a manual typewriter. (If I had all those manual typewriters from my old high school now I could probably sell them for a small fortune on e-bay, but I digress.) So I had it drilled into me to hit that space bar - HARD - twice with my thumb before my finger dared land on that period key. I'm not even sure I can retrain myself to only hit it once. It is so automatic. And besides, I like the satisfying bump, bump of my thumb hitting the space bar at the end of each sentence.
Truthfully, I just can't see the sense in this one. And once again I feel I am being left behind in this world gone mad for technology. I thought the two tiny spaces following a period were safe, but I guess nothing is sacred anymore.
Apparently, some people find it old-fashioned to leave the traditional two spaces after a period. And I have noticed some magazines are asking writers to submit their manuscripts with just one lonely space after each period.
I am old enough that when I learned to type I was taught on a manual typewriter. (If I had all those manual typewriters from my old high school now I could probably sell them for a small fortune on e-bay, but I digress.) So I had it drilled into me to hit that space bar - HARD - twice with my thumb before my finger dared land on that period key. I'm not even sure I can retrain myself to only hit it once. It is so automatic. And besides, I like the satisfying bump, bump of my thumb hitting the space bar at the end of each sentence.
Truthfully, I just can't see the sense in this one. And once again I feel I am being left behind in this world gone mad for technology. I thought the two tiny spaces following a period were safe, but I guess nothing is sacred anymore.
River of Stones - Jan 16th
daylight slipped so sneakily from the room
I did not notice her absence
until the page grew too dim
to read
I did not notice her absence
until the page grew too dim
to read
Dialogue Exercise
Use this line of dialogue in a short story. The line can be at the start of the story, in the middle or at the end.
Here's the line of dialogue:
"Who would kill a swan?"
Here's the line of dialogue:
"Who would kill a swan?"
Week #115
Travel Journal - Day One
When my mother warned me about the evil in this world masquerading as men, about the silky-tongued insurance salesmen, the preachers with tattoos and those blue-eyed criminals with a sense of humour, she forgot to mention travel agents.
When my mother warned me about the evil in this world masquerading as men, about the silky-tongued insurance salesmen, the preachers with tattoos and those blue-eyed criminals with a sense of humour, she forgot to mention travel agents.
River of Stones - Jan 8th
The trudge through snow
gives way to the flight of ice skates
across the pond.
gives way to the flight of ice skates
across the pond.
River of Stones - Jan 7th
North wind in my face on the walk to the subway -
better than an alarm clock.
better than an alarm clock.
I can finally tell you!
I've been bursting to tell you this! A few months ago The First Line blog was contacted by The Writer magazine wanting permission to print some of my first lines in their magazine. I am so happy the issue is finally on newstands. The First Line blog is featured in a sidebar alongside an article by Jim Shepard, entitled, Off the Cuff: Writing as a Form of Play. I am super thrilled to be included in such a great magazine. So the next time you're at a newstand check out the February issue of The Writer!
River of Stones - Jan 6th
Maple tree stretches its branches into the winter sky - remembering its leaves.
River of Stones - Jan 5th
As I wait for the tea water to boil
the silence fills with the tick of the clock and the bumpy hum of the refrigerator -
my domestic symphony.
the silence fills with the tick of the clock and the bumpy hum of the refrigerator -
my domestic symphony.
Week #114
Lucinda kicked off her high heels in the back of the limousine and congratulated herself on fooling them all.
Random Exercise #42
Choose two or three different fragrant items. (Ideas: flowers, perfume, rotting garbage, tea/coffee, old shoes, incense, a car interior, the basement, etc.) Write a description of each item.
River of Stones - Jan 3rd
After many grey days, finally the sun -
I had forgotten the beauty of shadows.
I had forgotten the beauty of shadows.
Quote
"It is the function of art to renew our perception. What we are familiar with we cease to see. The writer shakes up the familiar scene, and, as if by magic, we see new meaning in it."
~Anais Nin
~Anais Nin
River of Stones - Jan 1st
I am taking part in the River of Stones project so every day this month I will be posting a sentence or two. I love this project and the way it asks you to be present and aware. Usually I just give exercises to inspire you, but this is a chance for you to read some of my writing, to see what touches and inspires me. Feel free to comment!
Here is today's stone:
Through the steam rising from my tea mug I watch the fog.
Here is today's stone:
Through the steam rising from my tea mug I watch the fog.
New Year's Eve Exercise
I'm not much of a fan of resolutions so this year I've come up with something slightly different to mark the transition to a New Year without all the pressure and almost certain failure (if you are me, at least) of a list of resolutions. Feel free to join me in this. Maybe we can start a new tradition!
Get two pieces of paper. On the first sheet write down one or more habits or behaviours or thought patterns you would like to let go of. On the second sheet of paper write down one or more habits, behaviours or qualities about yourself that you want to carry with you into the New Year.
Get two glass jars. Put the list of things you want to carry with you into the New Year in one of the glass jars and place it outside your door before midnight.
Light a candle just before midnight. Take the list of things you want to let go of and touch it to the candle until it catches fire, then drop it in the other empty jar and let it burn. (You can also tear it into tiny pieces, if you don't want to start a fire.)
A few minutes after midnight go outside and bring your list of things you want to carry into the New Year back into your home. Welcome these qualities at the same time you welcome in the new year.
Happy New Year's everyone. May 2011 be filled with magic for you!
Get two pieces of paper. On the first sheet write down one or more habits or behaviours or thought patterns you would like to let go of. On the second sheet of paper write down one or more habits, behaviours or qualities about yourself that you want to carry with you into the New Year.
Get two glass jars. Put the list of things you want to carry with you into the New Year in one of the glass jars and place it outside your door before midnight.
Light a candle just before midnight. Take the list of things you want to let go of and touch it to the candle until it catches fire, then drop it in the other empty jar and let it burn. (You can also tear it into tiny pieces, if you don't want to start a fire.)
A few minutes after midnight go outside and bring your list of things you want to carry into the New Year back into your home. Welcome these qualities at the same time you welcome in the new year.
Happy New Year's everyone. May 2011 be filled with magic for you!
Week #113
Carl was alone in the backyard, smoking his last cigarette of the day and idly looking at the moon, when something crashed to the ground with a heavy thud near his new hammock.
a river of stones: Welcome to a river of stones!
(I just discovered this project and think it is a fabulous idea! I know I am suppose to be taking a wee holiday but I had to post this so as many people as possible could find out about it. ~ Lori)
a river of stones: Welcome to a river of stones!: "Would you like to start the new year as you mean to go on? You might have heard of NaNoWriMo, where participants are encouraged to write a..."
a river of stones: Welcome to a river of stones!: "Would you like to start the new year as you mean to go on? You might have heard of NaNoWriMo, where participants are encouraged to write a..."
Happy Holidays
I'll be back with a brand new first line next Wednesday but things will probably be quiet around here until after New Year's. I'm going to give myself a few days off to relax and try to catch up on some reading.
For next year I've got some new features planned for the blog - there are some author interviews in the works that I am very excited about!
Happy Holidays everyone and thanks for reading!
For next year I've got some new features planned for the blog - there are some author interviews in the works that I am very excited about!
Happy Holidays everyone and thanks for reading!
By Moi
Did I tell you awhile back that the literary journal the New Plains Review was publishing my short story, "Confessions of Ignorance about Astronomy"? Well, my story appears in their current issue, Fall '10. If you can get your hands on a copy, have a look. It's a great magazine, jammed-packed with great writing.
But if you can't find a copy, no worries: you can read my story online. Click here.
But if you can't find a copy, no worries: you can read my story online. Click here.
Random Exercise #41
It's a busy time of year so I decided to come up with a short exercise designed to flex your creativity, but still fit into those precious few minutes between dashing from the mall to dashing to a party.
Obviously there are no correct answers to the following questions. They are intended to surprise your brain into thinking in a new way.
- What does your favourite song look like?
- If you could touch darkness what would it feel like?
- Take a look at the clock. What does this hour of the day taste like?
- What does your favourite fruit sound like?
- What does your current mood smell like?
Obviously there are no correct answers to the following questions. They are intended to surprise your brain into thinking in a new way.
- What does your favourite song look like?
- If you could touch darkness what would it feel like?
- Take a look at the clock. What does this hour of the day taste like?
- What does your favourite fruit sound like?
- What does your current mood smell like?
Quote
No horse gets anywhere until he is harnessed. No steam or gas drives anything until it is confined. No Niagara is ever turned into light and power until it is tunneled. No life ever grows great until it is focused, dedicated, disciplined.
~ Harry Emerson Fosdick
~ Harry Emerson Fosdick
Confessions from the Desk
For the last two days I have been trying to write a post about how busy I am and how hard it is to find time to write during the holiday season - but I haven't had the time to finish it. Oh, the irony the irony.
I'm sure I am not alone on this one, so if anyone has any suggestions on how to stretch the day, or how to go without sleep, or how to build your own time-making machine, please share with the rest of us.
I'm sure I am not alone on this one, so if anyone has any suggestions on how to stretch the day, or how to go without sleep, or how to build your own time-making machine, please share with the rest of us.
Week #109
Connie knew this was not the sort of thing a lady did, but decided she was going to do it anyway.
Quote
"Be daring, be different, be impractical; be anything that will assert integrity of purpose and imaginative vision against the play-it-safers, the creatures of the commonplace, the slaves of the ordinary."
~ Cecil Beaton
~ Cecil Beaton
Setting the Scene Exercise #1
In this exercise I'll set the scene and you decide what is happening, and to who, and why, and how it all ends. How exciting!
Scene:
A near deserted beach. Fog is rolling in. In front of you is a pier and at the end of the pier, through the thickening fog, you glimpse the faint outline of two figures, their heads close together.
(Who are they? Why are they here? What happens next?)
Scene:
A near deserted beach. Fog is rolling in. In front of you is a pier and at the end of the pier, through the thickening fog, you glimpse the faint outline of two figures, their heads close together.
(Who are they? Why are they here? What happens next?)
Very, Very Short Story
I thought my haiku story idea (a story told in three sentences) was short, but I just read about a journal in the UK that is seeking stories only one or two sentences long. Just one or two sentences?! For a whole story?! Wow. That's taking concise to a whole new level. They're looking for stories so if you want to give it a try click here.
Theme Exercise #3
How this works: I give you a theme and you are wildly inspired and immediately write an award winning story, and you thank me in your heartfelt but still funny speech at the ceremony where you are given a trophy and big fat cheque, and I am in the audience teary-eyed and so proud.
Theme: Hope
Theme: Hope
Confessions from the Desk
Sometimes I forget why I write. I get lost sitting here at my desk and wonder why I am pushing words around on a page. I worry that I am wasting my time. I think there must be more meaningful and worthwhile ways to spend my days than by creating stories.
This weekend I plucked Natalie Goldberg's "Thunder and Lightning" off my bookshelf and started rereading it. I came across this and was reminded of not only why I write, but why I read:
"If we read someone who is awake, it helps to wake us up. And think of it: while you read you're not spending money, getting into a fight, creating karma. What better gift can you give yourself than to arrive in the present moment?"
What better gift, indeed? As always, thanks Natalie.
This weekend I plucked Natalie Goldberg's "Thunder and Lightning" off my bookshelf and started rereading it. I came across this and was reminded of not only why I write, but why I read:
"If we read someone who is awake, it helps to wake us up. And think of it: while you read you're not spending money, getting into a fight, creating karma. What better gift can you give yourself than to arrive in the present moment?"
What better gift, indeed? As always, thanks Natalie.
Week #106
Harvey Chase's only ambition since high school had been to become mayor of Barnsville and today was election day with his name, finally, on the ballot.
Random Exercise #38
We all have topics we do not want to write about. For whatever reason, these are the subjects we avoid. Maybe they scare us, annoy us, or make us feel guilty. For this exercise I invite you to make a list of these topics. You need not write about them, just make a list of what they are. But keep the list and maybe one day when you are feeling brave and strong and invincible and adventuresome, you can look at that list, choose a topic, and meet it on the page.
Theme Exercise #2
Use this theme as a starting point for a short story, postcard story, or haiku story (a story told in three sentences).
Theme: departure.
Theme: departure.
Week #105
Trudie walked nervously along the street clutching the slip of paper in her hand until she found the right address.
Random Exercise #37
E-mail is great and all, but there's nothing quite like a letter, is there? I love writing letters and I love receiving them! So, I thought for this exercise it would be fun to write a letter.
We are going to write to a stranger and tell them a secret about ourselves. Fun, huh? It's up to you who you want to write to: it could be the cute janitor at work that speaks only broken English, or the weird old lady at the end of the street you always catch peeking through her lace curtains. As for the secret you reveal, that's up to you. It can be real, or fiction, or a bit of both.
Dear Reader,
This is your chance to bust out your fancy stationary and fountain pen. Have fun!
Sincerely yours,
Lori
We are going to write to a stranger and tell them a secret about ourselves. Fun, huh? It's up to you who you want to write to: it could be the cute janitor at work that speaks only broken English, or the weird old lady at the end of the street you always catch peeking through her lace curtains. As for the secret you reveal, that's up to you. It can be real, or fiction, or a bit of both.
Dear Reader,
This is your chance to bust out your fancy stationary and fountain pen. Have fun!
Sincerely yours,
Lori
Writing Adventure #13
This writing adventure is in honour of Halloween, my favourite holiday. For this adventure you get to go to a cemetery (the older the cemetery the better, in my opinion). Once there wander around and read tombstones. Let yourself be inspired. Who were these people? What were their lives like? You're a writer - only you can breathe life into them again and let them live on the page.
Quote
Perhaps it would be better not to be a writer, but if you must, then write. If it all feels hopeless, if that famous "inspiration" will not come, write. If you are a genius, you'll make your own rules, but if not - and the odds are against it - go to your desk, no matter what your mood, face the icy challenge of the paper - write.
~ J. B. Priestley
~ J. B. Priestley
Random Exercise #36
Use these three words in a short story: pony, ice, purple.
(I'm heading into the last weekend of my yoga teacher training course. I've been studying like crazy for my exam. All I have to do is wrap both legs around my head and levitate, and I'm in! Kidding! Wish me luck! Have a great weekend!)
(I'm heading into the last weekend of my yoga teacher training course. I've been studying like crazy for my exam. All I have to do is wrap both legs around my head and levitate, and I'm in! Kidding! Wish me luck! Have a great weekend!)
Week #103
As Dexter turned his key in the lock he heard an unfamiliar rustling and then a sharp whisper come from inside.
Quote
The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.
~ Henry Miller
~ Henry Miller
Theme Exercise #1
I thought we'd try something new. For this exercise I am going to give you a theme and you can interpret it anyway you want to write a short story, a postcard story, or even my own idea - a haiku story. I know that you remember a haiku story is a story told in three sentences because you hang off my every word, right? Of course you do, everyone does. (I'm a fiction writer, I live in a make believe world, okay?)
The theme is: Renewal
Happy writing!
The theme is: Renewal
Happy writing!
Week #102
All her long life Doreen Willowby had been known for her sharp tongue, short temper and complete lack of humour, but there was one thing that never failed to bring a smile to her otherwise grim face.
Random Exercise #35
In this exercise I am going to give you a line of dialogue and you can use it in your story any way you like. You can make it the first line, the last line, or any line in between. You decide who says and why. Sound like fun? I hope so!
Here's the line of dialogue:
"It is a vicious circle."
Here's the line of dialogue:
"It is a vicious circle."
Confessions from the Desk
Things have been going well at the desk lately. I sold another short story! That's makes two stories accepted in less than a month! That's a record for me. I'll let you know when this one appears. It will be online (and apparently there will be a "hilarious" caricature of me as well). That alone should be worth the click. I'll let you know when it appears.
Week 101
I was reading the newspaper and eating a sandwich on a park bench when the dishevelled old man stopped in front of me and announced, "I am the world's most fabulous dancer!"
Two Great Websites
I discovered a new website for short story writers and poets that I thought you might be interested in called Fictionaut. It's part magazine, part community. Click here to have a gander.
Full disclosure: actually, I didn't discover Fictionaut - the fabulous Erika Dreifus did and I simply read about it in her Practicing Writer e-newsletter, which you should be signed up for, if you're not already. Click here to learn more about Erika, her awesome blog and newsletter, and her soon to be released short story collection, Quiet Americans that I can't wait to read.
Full disclosure: actually, I didn't discover Fictionaut - the fabulous Erika Dreifus did and I simply read about it in her Practicing Writer e-newsletter, which you should be signed up for, if you're not already. Click here to learn more about Erika, her awesome blog and newsletter, and her soon to be released short story collection, Quiet Americans that I can't wait to read.
Writing Adventure # 12
Sometimes you just get stuck. The ideas, for whatever reason, stop flowing. Your inspiration gauge is on empty. When that happens it is time to take an inspiration walk!
Inspiration walks are great because there's no pressure, no way to do them wrong and somehow they always manage to surprise you. Here's what you do: get outside and get moving. You can take the same old walk you take every day or you can go somewhere completely new. It doesn't matter. The only important thing is to leave everything you are worrying about at home! The worries cannot come with you. Then walk. Don't think. Just pay attention to your surroundings. And when you notice something interesting (it doesn't matter how crazy or insignificant it is) jot it down on a piece of paper or in a notebook. Once you jot it down, forget about it and keep walking. By the end of your walk you should have an interesting list of items. It may read like this:
- girl in red beret
- squirrel with no tail
- graffiti that reads "if the shoe fits, buy the other one"
- a falling leaf
- mean-looking old woman squatting on a bench
There will probably be a few items on that list that rub up against each other and spark an idea. And then you'll be writing again!
Inspiration walks are great because there's no pressure, no way to do them wrong and somehow they always manage to surprise you. Here's what you do: get outside and get moving. You can take the same old walk you take every day or you can go somewhere completely new. It doesn't matter. The only important thing is to leave everything you are worrying about at home! The worries cannot come with you. Then walk. Don't think. Just pay attention to your surroundings. And when you notice something interesting (it doesn't matter how crazy or insignificant it is) jot it down on a piece of paper or in a notebook. Once you jot it down, forget about it and keep walking. By the end of your walk you should have an interesting list of items. It may read like this:
- girl in red beret
- squirrel with no tail
- graffiti that reads "if the shoe fits, buy the other one"
- a falling leaf
- mean-looking old woman squatting on a bench
There will probably be a few items on that list that rub up against each other and spark an idea. And then you'll be writing again!
Quote
"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle, the other is as though everything is a miracle."
~ Albert Einstein
~ Albert Einstein
Book Review: Creating Short Fiction
I already briefly mentioned Damon Knight's "Creating Short Fiction" in an earlier post while I was still reading it and said that I liked it. Well, I finished it and I like it a lot. This is an incredibly useful book on crafting short fiction. I think there is plenty in here for both the novice writer and the been-around-the-desk-a-few-times writer. There is a wonderful section explaining various different viewpoints and the advantages and disadvantages of each (that section alone may be worth the price of the book if you are particularly puzzled or interested in whether to go with a limited omniscient viewpoint, a detached viewpoint or a multiple-character viewpoint). There is also a great section on developing characters and good advice on what to do if your plot fizzles out.
This book does a great job of leading you from initial idea to finished story without being boring along the way. Also included are examples and exercises. I'm glad I read it.
This book does a great job of leading you from initial idea to finished story without being boring along the way. Also included are examples and exercises. I'm glad I read it.
Writing Adventure #11
Go to your favourite people watching place. It could be a park, coffee shop, the mall, train station - wherever. When you see someone interesting write a three sentence bio for them. Get creative! Here are a couple examples:
Steve is an ex-firefighter. He enjoys playing Scrabble and grooming poodles. Secretly he wishes he could do the tango.
Marcia loves cowboys and lemon meringue pie. In grade school she won a spelling bee contest. She has never learned how to walk in high heels.
Steve is an ex-firefighter. He enjoys playing Scrabble and grooming poodles. Secretly he wishes he could do the tango.
Marcia loves cowboys and lemon meringue pie. In grade school she won a spelling bee contest. She has never learned how to walk in high heels.
Week 98
Tyler stepped out into the Las Vegas sunshine thinking that had been easier than he had expected.
Random Exercise #33
I've been doing this for a couple of weeks now and I hesitate to throw this one out to you because it won't lead to you writing fiction (I don't think?). But it is turning out to be so much fun I decided to let you in on my new secret writing joy.
Confession: I'm not much of a journal writer. I go through fits and spurts with it. But I like the idea of having some sort of record of my life to look back on one day. So I started trying to sum of my day in one sentence. I figured one sentence was manageable. At first they were long and crazy. Things like: I went to visit my Mum today and when I stood up from her sofa my jeans were so covered in cat hair they looked like they were made of fun fur, not denim, and when I couldn't scrape it all off with her lint brush she accused me of not knowing how to work it properly and I said "Mum, if I figure out how to write a book I think I can figure out how to work a lint brush" but she looked doubtful and I felt like I was going to explode.
But now they are getting all Zen-like and poetic. I say things like: The sunset breeze calmed me into pink happiness. (Well, actually I made that one up - but that could be today's).
Anyway, if this appeals to you, I invite you to try it. It's fun!
Confession: I'm not much of a journal writer. I go through fits and spurts with it. But I like the idea of having some sort of record of my life to look back on one day. So I started trying to sum of my day in one sentence. I figured one sentence was manageable. At first they were long and crazy. Things like: I went to visit my Mum today and when I stood up from her sofa my jeans were so covered in cat hair they looked like they were made of fun fur, not denim, and when I couldn't scrape it all off with her lint brush she accused me of not knowing how to work it properly and I said "Mum, if I figure out how to write a book I think I can figure out how to work a lint brush" but she looked doubtful and I felt like I was going to explode.
But now they are getting all Zen-like and poetic. I say things like: The sunset breeze calmed me into pink happiness. (Well, actually I made that one up - but that could be today's).
Anyway, if this appeals to you, I invite you to try it. It's fun!
Confessions from the Desk
I just received the good news that a short story of mine is being published in the Fall 2010 issue of the New Plains Review! This acceptance letter came at a good time for me. My confidence, which even on a good day hovers around ankle-height, has lately dropped even lower. So it felt good to have a story accepted. It renews my energy for the grant application I am working on and makes me want to get back to work on those two short stories that are being stubborn about being written. And, of course, it helps keeps me going while I write novel #2.
I always thought having a novel published would bring me to a place of more confidence about my writing. I guess not, huh? It turns out these things really are more about the internal than the external.
I always thought having a novel published would bring me to a place of more confidence about my writing. I guess not, huh? It turns out these things really are more about the internal than the external.
Week 97
Gus was in his car, paused at a red light, when he saw his neighbour hobble out of the Pink Palace beauty parlour in tears.
Confessions from the Desk
Sorry for the lack of posts and new exercises lately. I'm up to my neck in work at the moment. The most pressing being a grant application that I am working on. Remember those two short stories that have been giving me grief lately? Well, I got a copy of Damon Knight's "Creating Short Fiction" and have been reading that. It is great (expect a proper review when I finish reading it) and has been giving me so many things to think about that I've actually gone back to the short story I wrote last winter and am now rewriting it! I confess I am getting a bit worried about this new trend of mine to spiral backwards through my work and rewrite it. I mean, how far is this going to go - will I start rewriting stories I wrote (and published) ten years ago? Somebody stop me if I try. The plan is to rewrite this story and submit it along with my grant application and then return to the two stories that I've been working on throughout this summer. That's the plan, anyway. We'll see how it works out.
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