inspiration, creative writing prompts, motivational quotes, poetry and gentle nagging on the creative writing life…
When the weather’s nice, my parents go out quite frequently and stick a bunch of flowers on old Allie’s grave. I went with them a couple of times, but I cut it out. In the first place, I don’t enjoy Continue reading Farewell J.D. Salinger
“January is the quietest month in the garden. … But just because it looks quiet doesn’t mean that nothing is happening.” Rosalie Muller Wright This morning we have a little snow on the ground which seems normal for January but the Continue reading The Quietest Month
“Generally in English multi-syllabic words have a way of softening the impact of language. With multi-syllabic words we can show compassion, tenderness and tranquility. With multi-syllabic words we become more civilized.” Richard Hugo The Triggering Town: Lectures and Essays on Poetry Continue reading Softening the impact of language
“I notice that you use plain, simple language, short words and brief sentences. That is the way to write English – it is the modern way and the best way. Stick to it; don’t let fluff and flowers and verbosity Continue reading Mark Twain on Adjective Use
“Travelers, there is no path, paths are made by walking.” Antonio Machado: Selected Poems If I learned one thing in the last month of putting together my poetry collection, it’s this quote. No matter how much creative writing instruction, mentorship, Continue reading Paths are made by walking
I was just watching the news about the tragic earthquake in Haiti If you are planning on helping victims don’t fall for any scam emails or telephone calls. MSN listed a great resource list if you are in the position to Continue reading Helping the Victims in Haiti
But how shall I get ideas? Keep your wits open! Observe! Observe! Study! Study! But above all, Think! Think! And when a noble image is indelibly impressed upon the mind –Act!–Orison Swett Marden I think the most important word in Continue reading How to generate ideas?
“I have never started a poem yet whose end I knew. Writing a poem is discovering.” Robert Frost I loved the poem that The Writer’s Almanac presented today because it says a lot about voice. One Night by Jeremy Continue reading Discovering Poetry
Thanks to Phyllis for this book recommendation this week!
Here’s a few Sunday sites for browsing and inspiration… Found this this morning on Mslexia a good prompt for a poem or a short story and some interesting notes on how it was edited to publication. Of course this requires you Continue reading Inspirations