I try to shake loose my mind, so something fresh can fall out... This process acts like a sifter - sand falls through and bright nuggets come to light. --Natalie Goldberg, Thunder and Lightning Writing for creativity While Natalie talks about "writing practice" in her book Thunder and Lightning (as she did in Writing Down … Continue reading Quoting Natalie: Shake loose your mind
writing
The Value of Doing Nothing
I have sat down to write multiple times this week to no avail. I'm just spinning my wheels. Maybe I'm just distracted by the gifts in the closet that are one game of hide-and-seek away from being discovered. Maybe it's the sudden smack of brutal cold temperatures. The drafts snaking under the 100 year old … Continue reading The Value of Doing Nothing
Why *do* I write?
I have to admit I am writing this post to avoid what I had scheduled myself to write this morning. These days I have to block out time in my planner for every little thing I do. From the moment the family leaves for the day I must have a plan or else I end … Continue reading Why *do* I write?
Volumes of wisdom
Every night I sleep next to Barbara Kingsolver, Natalie Goldberg, Julia Cameron, Christina Baldwin, Sarah Ban Breathnach, Anne LaMott, and Tristine Rainer. They don't get much action but I love them all and like having them close by. Books on journaling, books on writing, and couple more on parenting. A few novels, two Brain, Child … Continue reading Volumes of wisdom
Jour du Journal: Six word fiction
I'm going to cheat a little today. This isn't exactly a journal prompt. It is a well-known writing exercise, but anything that gets you writing is a good thing. However, you could add a journaling twist to it by using it as a prompt and expanding on the idea through flow-writing. Here's my six word … Continue reading Jour du Journal: Six word fiction
Yes, I call myself a writer
Over the past few days I have unintentionally initiated quite the debate on my facebook page. The cynicism, sarcasm and disbelief over the healthcare debate I have posted in my status has riled up my sister-in-law (out of four kids, she's the only one who doesn't have the liberal views of her siblings, including, thankfully, … Continue reading Yes, I call myself a writer
Obligatory New Year Post
At the end of the year it is the law of the land that you look back on what you have accomplished (or not) and then look forward and make unattainable goals for the new year.I was going to say that I don't like to follow rules and refuse to do this. But the sad … Continue reading Obligatory New Year Post
Just a quickie
No, not that kind (get your head out of the gutter).No, this is just a quick, boastful post to say...I GOT PUBLISHED!In Mama Says (this is the link to their blog, not the zine itself). My understanding is it is just a small Vermont publication, but I don't care. You have to start somewhere, right? … Continue reading Just a quickie
Writers Unite!
I went to a writer's symposium today. Despite being exhausted (this follows two grueling days of workshops on child sexual abuse and other things I'd prefer to remain naively ignorant about), this workshop was just what I needed. Being around other writers (and what colorful characters we are!) is so affirming. Hearing pens frantically scratching … Continue reading Writers Unite!
Waiting for the serendipity to stir
I realized I hadn't said much about serendipity or positive thinking lately. Since I started the job that was the result of a serendipitous event, life has become kind of run of the mill. Despite having not worked (out of the home) for 4 years I have slipped back into the routine and mindset of … Continue reading Waiting for the serendipity to stir
joanna tebbs young 