She peers out from inside the mountain. The mountain is new, created by volcanoes and the hot lava of a newly forming planet, but our Undergod doesn’t care. She and the mountain are one, and if part of her has joined the hot, then cooling lava, silt, and gravel on its way to the ocean, it’s a journey that intrigues her. It’s a kind of travel after all.
Just trying to get your attention. This challenge is one more galumphing bonanza. Try it! –Eyelids –Zooming –Claw –Letter opener –Scar
Late winter’s beige grass By the deep blue of spring skies Scent of snow, no buds.
It occurs to me that one of the icons of our lives is our home ground, our home stead, our point of origin, or perhaps the destination we’ve always yearned for. Even so, that’s not a story until you describe how hard it was to either survive it or reach it. Location is often the origin of story. Where are you now?
I have heard from Kathy Mendenhall that she just found out that our dear colleague and talented creative writer, “Sandra Dee” (Jenny) died from lung cancer several years ago. Sandra Dee was someone whose creative efforts gave rise to the always well-received list called, “You Know You’re a Writer When…” that I continue to post in Discussion Area 11 every single session. I feel grateful to know that
It’s mind bending and somewhat creative trying to picture these expressions: ~Elmer’s scowl was coldly demented. ~Nina wore a lacy smile. ~Old Beanwhooper sat with one leg ajar and the other removed at a distance. ~Uncle Raemon was the first to let out with a barn melting zinger. ~My boss is always so ultra banjo-man. Now that I’ve indulged myself, perhaps you can find a way to fit
I’ve been reading a book called My Name if Lucy Barton. The author reminds me of students I’ve taught who learned to write on their own, without much guidance or instructors telling them how to write. It’s fiction (at least I think it’s fiction), but what is most striking about the story is how honest the narrator is. She’s blunt, not fancy. She repeats herself at times, as
I have to admit I’m a bit tired of predictable plots In TV dramas and sitcoms. Certainly we can do better. If I give you some characters and a location, can you come up with an episode? Location: A lovely bay on one of the Great Lakes, where vacationers can go out on a small sailboat for a two-hour morning, afternoon, or sunset cruise. The boat holds six
(And who are we to resist?) True or False 1. Summer is the opposite of winter. 2. Riding camels is similar to publishing the local church newsletter. 3. Thwapping a presidential candidate in the face with a dried pea from a pea shooter is a federal offense. 4. Living on an island near New Zealand is close to heaven. 5. I could play guitar if I would only
Welcome friends and writers! Now is the time to challenge yourself to write something that you want to share and get careful feedback on. For our Third Annual ALWAYCT Festival there will be two rules: ~Limit your piece to 1000 words or less. ~If you submit, you pledge to share careful feedback on all the other submissions from your fellow writers. Your feedback should be more than, “I
Beginning Writer’s Workbook helps you develop your writing skill and take your work seriously. You’ll discover how to make writing an ongoing part of your life and learn ways to keep going when you feel stuck. This workbook is based on over a dozen years teaching tens of thousands of beginning writers from all over the world. Filled with practice, strategies, new techniques, and lots of usable information. Enjoy the ride!