A Gem in the Rough

I found myself writing, just writing.  Meandering on about that tree again!  When I opened my laptop the next day I was pleasantly surprised... my meandering paid off- there were several wonderful nuggets... building blocks of a poem.  I may be onto something here!

Mystique of the Maple

There is a tree that played an important role in my life... at first light I would go to the front door of the farmhouse and gaze at it.  Yes, that's right, I gazed at it.  Why?  It's enduring beauty with every season of the year for sure, but mostly because it stood tall and strong 24/7.  It provoked emotions and gave me strength as I stood and viewed its beauty when it rained, snowed and when the wind howled.  That's when I realized the parallels between us.  The mystique of the maple...  I am writing about it and doing research as well.  Next is a visit.  And although it lives nearly 2 hours away, I will visit and gaze...

Memories, memories

Looking through my list of snippets and two items stood out.  I couldn't stop writing... all from memory.  Why rely on just memory?  Field trip just jumped to the top of my list!  Gas, check- Wawa coffee, check-  notebooks and pens, check-  iPod for pics and voice memos, check... I believe I am all set!

Resources Gathered

Driving home from my Atlanta trip, my head was reeling with things to do, but I couldn't recall whether the resource I needed was in a Word document or writers group notebook. I have found myself in this situation many times, but this time I have decided to do something about it!  I am going to take the time to gather and organize my resources, writing materials and setup a proper writing desk.  Yes, there will be times, like now, when I sit with my laptop and the television on ... right now watching Zen on PBS and how it makes this daunting task enjoyable.  I didn't realize I had this many resources!

Life After Atlanta

A perfect trip... at peace and feeling renewed.  Pulling things together as we near the deadline for publication of the group's anthology.  Small details can pile up!  Help from a trusted writer friend on poem shorts and branding.  I feel so motivated.  Unfortunately right now is not about writing but regrouping with renewed motivation, getting organized and waiting publication.  BTW, pen, paper and iPod at the ready to jot down thoughts as the muse moves through my mind at lightning speed.

Inspiration

I have been really busy... reading and learning Tumblr.  Inspiration abounds!  I love this space of peace, falling into poems and navigating its magic!

For the next week+ I will be traveling... through some beautiful countryside and cities alike.  Notebook, pen and iPod at the ready!

Author Bio... check!

Writing about yourself is difficult but I finished.  My bio will grow with me as I evolve as a poet.

Author Bio

Who knew writing about yourself could be so hard.  Writing group meeting is today and I'm hoping to get some tips and motivation.  Honestly, this is more difficult than writing a resume!

Where does the time go?

I cannot believe how this past week has flown by... been so busy with my now 3 poems for the anthology.  My son will design the cover. It's starting to get really exciting!

The Submission Button (aka The Panic Button)

So, I did it.  I pushed the submit button. You know the one... the Send button in your email account.  Of course they will be reviewed.  Now I wait for the response.  Feeling good!

Revision... here we go again!

Back to revising the second poem for the Anthology to be published this December.  It seems to be a good mix of show and tell.  For sure it is dark... and dark should evoke emotion, right?  We'll see. Since the deadline for submission is the end of this month, like birthing, it requires time, attention and toil!

100,000 Poets for Change

What an exciting event... global event.  I participated in the Winchester, VA group.  It was held at the Shenandoah Arts Council.  We were surrounded by beautiful art and outstanding poets.  My nervousness disappeared when I stepped up to the podium.  I read one poem and it was short, but I did it!  And for an important cause- Change.  Very inspiring!

100,000 Poets for Change

Revision- Did I say that?

Thursday, September 12, 2013

What was that I said on September 12th?  I have not only taken a second look at my poem, but the Muse has shown that it is okay to revise a third time!  It is really best to leave writing aside for a few days...  learning, building confidence and trusting the Muse!

Glorious Saturday, Lousy Weather

What a glorious Saturday!  A great meeting with fellow writers... a new poet in the group.  We now number 2!  Sharing all that we writers face.  Everyone looked refreshed and motivated when time was up.  Onward to the shopping outlets where I find the exact Coach purse I have wanted for a long time AND at 50% off.  Afternoon nap topped off the day and now some mindless TV.  I think I needed a full day to recoup!

TGIF

So here I am on Friday... woohoo!  I have 2 poems to be published this December and I was hoping to get some feedback last night at the poets meeting, but it was cancelled at the last minute. I will put that aside for the moment and move onto something else.  Starting a new poem.  It was inspired by reading Writing the Life Poetic, Chapter 59, Tell Someone Else's Story.  I love the opening instruction:  Whose story do you most want to tell?  Remember you are not limited to "real" people.  Mr. Spock, Zeus, The Cat in the Hat, and a jar of applesauce may all qualify.  That last item caught my eye.  That reminded me of an inanimate object on my Acorn List.  And to get my notes organized, I will start with who, what, when, where, why and how as suggested in How to Write Short, Chapter 9, Tap the power of two.  This chapter addresses the most basic move in short writing, the one-two punch, where the author takes two elements of language and rubs them together for effect.  Okay, here I go...

Poetry Critique Group

Yesterday I joined a new poetry group.  It was quite different from other writing groups I belong to.  You bring 2 copies of the poem and read it aloud while others follow along.  Everyone in the group gets to 'critique' it while you listen, just listen.  It was hard not to respond to each critique as it was given.  There were good suggestions, I took notes.  Then came my turn to respond!  That is when I realized I needed to park my ego.  I was gracious to everyone... and grateful for the experience.  Oh, BTW, I am changing the last line.  Thanks everyone!

Nature Steps Up to the Plate

A day of glorious weather.  Who needs prompts to write... just roll the windows down, crank up the tunes and let the cool breeze tickle my face and make me smile with delight.  You know fall is around the corner when the clouds are outlined in purple.  The anticipation of Mother Nature's palette of red and gold, now that's something to write about.  Gotta go!

Revise, revise, revise!

A friend suggested a change to one of my poems. I thanked her of course, then crawled into bed where I was all snuggled in... then the muse decided it was time for a visit!  Since that time I have revised that poem and two others.  On a roll here.  I learned two things- sharing for the first time with a trusted friend (also a poet!) wasn't as rattling as I thought it would be and a second look at new work after putting it aside for a few days was well worth it.

COPS SAY LEGALIZE POT and Submitting Poems Today!

On a t-shirt at Panera this morning:  COPS SAY LEGALIZE POT.  ASK ME WHY.

I was tempted to ask, but that’s not my style.  Besides, isn’t it more fun to make up a scenario of what would happen if I did?  For instance, one response might be “because we get too many calls about that and it cuts into meeting the guys at Dunkin Donuts.”

This is a banner day.  I finalized two poems and will submit them today.  I know I will feel anxiety and it will be hard to let go, but I must.  My friend says that you can go on and on with revisions but at some point you must stop and let go.  This is true!  Although a small publication by today’s standards, this is an important and big step for me.

First things first... check out the index for...

the legal notes of course!  Bingo.

pp 130:  If you are writing a formal letter or document, especially if it's short, avoid contractions and most other abbreviations as well.  Formal language spells things out.

Love this book!  Okay, okay.  I know I need to read, but it has been a week since I have written or revised.  Glad tomorrow is Friday.  Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday are days that I can really dig in... looking forward to that!

My newly purchased writer's book arrived today!

I labeled myself a short writer.  It all started when I studied to become a Certified Paralegal. Research fast and write short- in perfect legalize of course.  After 15 years, it was a nearly perfect habit, except I didn't want it to be.  As much as I love to write, I have not been able to write with reckless abandon.  I heard a piece on NPR about How to Write Short by Roy Peter Clark and ordered it immediately!  Guess what I'm doing tonight?

First Day Back to Work

First day back to work after 7 days off, including Labor Day.  As for most of us after a long weekend, it was very busy.  Add to that not feeling my best and what do you have?  An evening of nothing... not even poetry, reading or otherwise.  The television has been on for 2 hours and I could not tell you what I've been watching.  Not one ounce of energy!  Goodnight.

Labor Day Reading

Today ends a long time off from my day job.  I return tomorrow and truthfully I am looking forward to a more regular schedule.  I tend to go lazy when I can.  Of course, this past week I have been sick.  That said, my time this evening will be spent reading.  I've always been a reader and this concentration on poetry brings that importance to #2 on my poetry-to-do list.  Goodnight...

Revisions and Thirteen Ways of Looking

I have a final draft of my poem.  I think I have a final draft of my poem.  I have been told that revisions can go on and on and on...  and letting go is the solution.

Otherwise, a fruitful day.  Chapter 7  Thirteen Ways of Looking: enabled me to stand back and observe the subject of my poem and her surroundings, noting the senses of sight, smell and sound.  I was able to complete my poem, sit back and enjoy a second cupa.  What was that I just said about revision?

My First Deadline is Approaching

Deadline for submission of my poems is October 1st.  Tomorrow is September 1st.  My first submission, my first deadline.  Yikes, this is getting real!  BTW, I am submitting 2 poems...

Excuses, excuses

Yes I know... it has been a week since my last post.  I have been sick, really.  But I'm back and here's what I am doing today.  My path begins with 'Writing The Life Poetic', by Sage Cohen.  This is my compass for getting out of my head, facing fear of not doing what I say-again, and building my skills.  

Chapter 4  Show vs. Tell  The Art of the Image:  How often do we hear this?  This comes up at the writing group, often.  After much discussion, it normally ends with someone making the comment, "But there are times when you want the writer to just tell it," or "Too much description, just tell it, please!"  So, is there a balance for show vs. tell?  Showing gives a fresh, new image.  Telling is, well, telling... right?  I hope to apply this to my own writing.  Currently, there are two poems that I hope will be published this Winter.  I will not post those poems on this blog but will save my final comment on this subject when I reach that goal. 

It's after 2 a.m. in the morning and I am not thinking of poetry, only sleep!  Had a massage today and two glasses of wine... of course I just had to take a nap.  My muse is sleeping right now.  It has a big day tomorrow!