In my experience of writing, often the muse is elusive. I do Poetry Therapy, which is healing through writing. Our writing is on demand. Talk about an elusive muse! However, Natalie Goldberg, in “Writing Down the Bones” talks about the power of first thoughts and she encourages run-on sentences. In my group work, it’s imperative to keep on, keep on writing, without critique, without the inner critic, getting to the first thoughts, the raw, ripe emotion of things. In other words, it allows the writer to “get real.”
In honor of my dad, who has now left this earth for six months, a man, I was just getting to know, and didn’t get to say as much as I wanted to say, I decided to do a run-on. (By the way, taking dictation for Alzheimer’s patients and asking them to just keep talking and not stopping works well too!) Not only do I get first thoughts, but there is ‘Gold in them hills!” I can always go back and underline what strikes me or my reader or has great emotion or provocative, intriguing language and rewrite from there. Nothing is in stone!
Here goes my vulnerability:
I want to tell you daddy….
That I started a garden with all your favorites: tomatoes and cucumbers and green beans. I have sunflowers too with big bulbous heads and radiant petals and some intense jalepeno peppers and onions with ruffious heads, so I can make your wonderful salsa. You would love the spot…maximum sun spreading its goodness all over those plants. It’s going to be a good crop daddy.
I want to tell you that last summer when we got lost and stopped at the Dairy Queen and slurped ice cream sundaes together to relieve ourselves of the hot sun and long car ride was one of my favorite memories. I got to have you all to myself. I don’t even ever remember a time I had you ALL to myself…and no one could call us and bother us…and no t.v. and no dogs or anything but you and me. And I want to tell you that the other day I went to Dairy Queen just to spend time with your memory…it was most lovely.
And I want to tell you that I miss you terribly and that I want to call you all the time and tell you things…but I can’t…they say…just talk to his spirit…he can hear you…but it’s not the same…Joe preserved many of my tapes with you…that was nice…I can hear your voice now and again…and I want to say I’m so frustrated sometimes that our time was so short…we were just getting to know each other and have great conversations…and now…well…you know…
This wasn’t great writing, but there are jewels in there and places I can write from that I want to explore or know more about. The beautiful part of this journey is that I can keep practicing writing…I can keep working on my dad’s book.. This is also great for if you only have a few minutes. I believe in the book “The Artist’s Way” Julia Cameron has writers do “morning pages” which is much the same thing. And by the way, the TRIPLE ADDED BONUS is that it’s therapeutic too…no longer running around in my head.
Happy writing to you. And may the power of run-ons forever be yours!
Writer’s Conferences, Great Writing books & helpful Writing Sites
BOOKS THAT ARE INSPIRING FOR WRITERS:
BIRD BY BIRD – Anne Lamott– What I love about this book is that it gives the writer a “buddy,” a pal that can relate to your writing woes: when you write like crap, when you can’t write at all, when you stay staring at a computer screen…she helps you to feel normal. And then she gives you some great tips on how to solve these problems. It’s a quick read, and it’s stock-piled with HUMOR! This book has been giving writers great advice for over twenty years.
ON WRITING – Stephen King – This book not only gives great tools from a writer who’s obviously been very successful, but it’s laced with humor and how writing and living are closely connected. It’s been around for over 10 years and still well loved. That says a lot about this book.
WRITING DOWN THE BONES: by Natalie Goldberg – Natalie applauds the age old adage that if you want to improve your craft, you need time to practice and experience. Good tips on how to get the stream of consciousness going and leaving the editor behind. Though it was first published 20 years ago, there is still sound writerly advice. (quick read) She has several other books that are helpful to writers as well. Other books: One on secrets of writing Memoir – Old Friend from Afar ; and one related to her writing workshops – The True Secret of Writing Connecting Life
The Artist’s Way – Julia Cameron– – Great way to start a wrtierly life -Morning Pages allow you to use your stream of consciousness writing and get rid of the editor. There is no focus or judgement just a commitment to writing a certain amount of time every day. You’ll be surprised what happens! You get real gold nuggets! (and lots of ideas too.)
Word Arts Collage by Peggy Heller – Though this book was intended for the use of Poetry Therapists, it also has some great tips and tricks for put imagery and words together.
Writer’s Market 2014 – Guide to getting Published – This book has been very helpful in finding publishers and agents, getting published in magazines and writing contests. It also has going rates for Publishing costs, Advertising & Public Relations, Business, etc. so you can get a better picture of how much it will cost to run the business side of things.
* Wicked tools to organize your research and your writing
* Tips and tricks of the writing trade
* DOs and DON’Ts of getting an Agent & Getting Published
* Special one on one with Bridget – brilliant, intuitive, relevant feedback
* Collaboration with peers – give and get feedback
(She holds one every three months or so. There are also opportunities for yearlong coaching workshops. AMAZING!)
Sun Valley Writer’s Conference – intimate setting in a beautiful resort in Sun Valley. You can make connection and meet with awesome writers all over. Next conference is July 2015. TBA
Destiny & Legacy Workshops with Frank White & Sheli G–
Destiny -This workshop is more for the business aspect of your writing/author business. What you will like is that they “get real” and they have a lot of business savvy. You will learn what’s working and not working. – This version is for women only. DESTINY will probably come back around in 2015. I will keep you posted.
Legacy 2014 – the men’s version of the above Destiny workshop is due to come out around October. As soon as I hear something, I will let you know!
Diane McKinnon – Live to Write – RETREAT in NH – I don’t know Diane, but I do know she is passionate about writing; and when someone is passionate and on fire, they usually have some juicy good things to impart!
LINKS TO HELPFUL WRITING SITES:
Writers’ Digest – This is a magazine full of writing tips and tricks and advice on everything from writing to publishing and how to get an agent. They have contests too. Don’t want a magazine coming to your door? Go to their web-site!
National Novel Writing Month – This is a tool for writers who have a difficult time being on one project and staying on one project. It offers you a chance to be with cabin mates who can cheer you along, and there’s a way to watch your progress through word count. How it helped me was to accept my writing as not having to be perfect every day. Get it down, edit, craft, beautify later. Get the bones built; put the skin on later. November is the big month for writing 50,000 words toward your novel, but the have smaller camps too.
Writer’s Reference Guide – This web-site goes along with the book version to getting published. Has the same information as above.
Shawn at: http://shawnbird.com/ (a most lovely author of poetry and YA novels. Check her out!)
Shawn has invited me on a blogging tour to talk about my writing process. I feel like my process is evolving as I have been learning, so I am answering the questions again and elaborating more.
I enjoy learning how others write so I can get clues and improve on my own writing process. I can’t wait to hear what works for you!
1.) What am I working on at the moment?
I am currently working on writing my dad’s biography. He has always been a closed man. I call him a “vaulted” man. He has Alzheimer’s and is a recovered alcoholic. Through various techniques, like Poetry Therapy and my education experience, I am learning more about my dad and developing a relationship with him.
In addition, I’m developing my poetry style. Usually I jot down phrases of things I notice and put together throughout the day. I have a small journal I carry sometimes…I also have that great app “Colornote” which allows me to jot a note any time, any place I have my sweet little phone. I love that app! Sticky notes for my phone…awesome.
Reading the poetry of amazing poets here in the blogging world has inspired me to write more and add juiciness to my work. I know I’m still clunky at times, and sometimes not as thorough following to the end of a thought, but I do feel I’m getting better. What I’ve learned from others is that daily practice, multiple poems a day, a sprinkling in of quotes and essays, assist me greatly in working it out and keeps the muse going as well.
I’ve always loved writing and getting to know people, so the blogging world has been perfect for me. and keeps me writing. I used to do a blog about ten years ago and really enjoyed the community. I also aspire to do a variety of other book projects that are budding for me.
2.) How does my work differ from others of its genre?
My current writing shows a budding relationship between a daddy and daughter, after 50 years, putting aside all the years of heartache and hard roads and differences from living with an alcoholism to forge a new relationship, leading from a soberly life. I’m also hoping to offer ways for others to assist their loved ones in living a more quality life if they have Alzheimer’s.
It began with curiosity and a series of questions from a book about a Father’s Legacy and has developed into something more through a willingness to explore and trust. It’s not an easy road, but it has its rewards. There is much tenacity involved.
3.) Why do I write what I do?
My dad’s biography began as an adventure to gather some family history and seeking to know him better as a person. Throughout my life, my dad revealed very little of himself unless it had to deal with the weather or fishing or other activities as part of his outside world. I found some questions in a book that daddy allowed me to ask which opened a door for us. Through a lot of patience and tender loving care of my daddy’s feelings and life, he began to trust me enough to work on building his biography. Through the encouragement of a dear friend, I went from a 3 page essay to taking on the writing of a biography. Writing this way is a challenge and an adventure, but I’m truly enjoying the journey!
Each day brings about new discoveries and delights, and I am finding out how we are alike. (And many ways I’m glad we are not alike..hee hee)
It’s also been fun to discover ways to access my dad’s memories through poetry and music and patience at getting the uglies out first so he can concentrate on what is meaningful to him.
His words on my last trip were that “You gave me back my life, thank you.” No, dad I thought to myself, I just listened. Everyone just wants and needs to belong.
4.) How does my writing process work?
Because my dad is a vaulted man and has Alzheimer’s, it’s a delicate thing to gather information and to write about his life, especially linearly. Life stories don’t come to him that way. Often times I will get the same stories over again, but with new details, so I have to really be on my toes. And there are some stories, I can’t seem to access yet. So, I’ve developed a system of interviewing him daily and taking notes and saving them in folders by category so as to access them later.
I have a living, breathing outline for my book. As I discover things about my dad that are important to him or make vital, meaningful connections about his life, I revise it. So my book is always “evolving” in a really good way!
If you have questions, please fire away!
My main advice to a writer is just write! Get up everyday and just do it. :0).
I was challenged to try on some dialogue with a love topic. My own love story gave me the emotional impetus to write and weave the story. It was fun! I challenge you to try it.
It was Happy Thursday, my favorite day of the week. I jolted to the door in anticipation. There was a sign on the door, “Enter my queen.” What surprise awaited me today? It was Joe’s turn to do the date surprise, a ritual we had been doing for months, the first man to surprise me in return. The invitation got me nervous with wonder and excitement. I opened the door carefully, almost like a peek, as if opening the door full on would be so overwhelming that I would blow out of my skin. Nothing in the living room as I entered. Nothing in the kitchen on the counter. But looking down, there was a pathway which trailed into the master bedroom. There, on the bed, was the most beautiful full length, ornate, Shakesperian era dress. The note beside it instructed me to put it on and await his arrival. I get to be a QUEEN!, I thought. It was every girl’s dream. As a child, dress up was one of my favorite things to do. Note to self: Points to you Joe for hitting that dream spot on.
I slowly drew the dress on so as to savor every moment and not to tarnish this exquisite garment in any way. I awaited expectantly for my love’s arrival.
A sound of a truck door shutting. My King had arrived. When the front door opened, my ears perked to listen for clues to tonight’s events. Some rustling, and then soon, a shout toward me, “Good evening my Queen.” (that was me!) “You may come into the parlor,” he said. I tried to move with as much grace as I could find…a dress like this called for beauty and style.
I entered “the parlor” and there was my King, elaborately dressed in a rich costume to match perfectly with mine, complete with nice brown tights. Another note to self: My man was wearing tights. And oh, was he handsome as ever. Look, his eyes are twinkling!
“Are you ready?” he inquired.
“I think so,” I said with a pause and a small twitch of the jitters and eagerness at the same time.
“You’ll have to wear this blindfold.” He directed me.
What is he up to? I wondered.
Before I put on the blindfold, I looked up and saw Joe’s sister, Karren dressed in a chauffeur’s outfit.
“Hello! “ I said to Karren, and she smiled and waved back, “Hello.” She opened the back seat car door and helped me get all of me in the car without damaging the beautiful merchandise. Joe sat up front with Karren. The two of them chatted back and forth, and I just listened, my senses heightened because of the blindfold. Secretly I was trying to figure out where we were going by tracing the turns like a map in my mind and listening for more clues. I also paid attention to smells and bumps that might give me clues. Train sounds, railroad ties, kids playing, slowing down, a double BUMP! I KNEW where we were!
On our first surprise, I had taken Joe to my friend Rosemary’s house, a beautiful place that overlooked the Kathryn Albertson’s Park, complete with a creek that ran through the yard and a bridge that led to a stunning tea house. He was going to recreate our date! I held my excitement inside so as not to divulge that I at least knew part of the secret…I felt like a kid inside!
My car door opened. “We have arrived my Queen. May I take your hand and assist you out?” Joe asked. I answered, “You most certainly may.” Then, turning to Karren, “Thank you kind chauffeur for the ride.” “You are welcome,” Karren replied.
Joe walked me to the courtyard of my friend’s house and removed the blindfold. It was set up beautifully with the lights on and the rushing of the stream and the sounds of the bugs and birds. Perfect was all I could think of.
“Remember this?” the King asked.
“Yes, very well. Thank you.” I sheepishly replied.
“Tonight we are recreating the magic of our first surprise,” Joe said.
“I was hoping so,” still containing some of my delight.
Joe walked me across the bridge, and we began recreating our magical night, from the story of The Table Where the Rich People Sit, to listening to Yanni, to eating a nice dinner that he had prepared. We laughed together and cried sweet cries of joy together and we relished every moment.
It was time to go, but I didn’t want to go. I wanted to linger here.
Joe took my hand again and began walking me across the bridge. Halfway he suddenly dropped to one knee.
“What?” I thought. “What is happening? He’s on one knee! Is this really happening? Shouldn’t I have had a clue? No, because we dress up like this all the time. It’s what we do. It’s the marvel and fun in our relationship. Was I ready for this? Is HE ready for this? Wasn’t it just a few weeks ago that he was saying that he wasn’t quite ready for next steps? What is going on? – All these thoughts flashed through my mind in an instant, trying to make sense of this new moment, so very different from the previous moments and definitely different than other moments we experienced.
Joe started, “This place is one of my fondest memories that is why I recreated it. In walking back across this bridge, I want us to enter a new phase of our lives.” He began fumbling and reaching IN HIS TIGHTS! He struggled and scrambled, searching for something. Alas, he found the prize, a ring box!
“A ring box? This is definitely something different. Again, am I ready for this?
Is he ready for this?” –
Joe continued. “Marie, will you marry me? I will honor you and cherish you and it would make me very happy to have you by my side.” Pause. Long pause. I was sorting through my thoughts for the correct response, when my heart leaped and answered for me, “YES!!!! I will marry you.”
Joe grabbed me and swung me in circles. We were both filled with so much joy. We couldn’t contain it all. Sparks emanated from every fiber of our being. Our world was on fire. Nothing could stop the magic that was happening now. Absolutely nothing.
We walked inside to chat with Rosemary and to thank her once again for allowing us to use her sacred place. She was grinning ear to ear. Her response to our joyous faces, “Never did I think you would find someone who would match your quirkiness so well. Joe is perfect for you in every way.”
“I know!,” I exploded.
And then I turned to Caris, Joe’s daughter, who was also in the room. She was happy too and hugged us and congratulated us.
How could I possibly hold on to all of this memory? I want it to last a lifetime. I stood there in that spot consciously visualizing each and every detail and holding it dear to my heart. This day would go for eternity. I just know it.
YOUR TURN: FEEL FREE TO TRY ON SOME ROMANTIC DIALOGUE OF YOUR OWN AND POST IT HERE!
I used to think I was a writer. I told myself I was because I wrote lots of journals when I was younger and tons of essays for college, threw down an occasional poem, wrote some cards and letters…but that was a lie.
BUT, you’re not a writer until you are engulfed in a world you can’t possibly have until you think eat and breathe writing…when you ache to get the beasts out of you…until you wrangle with demons and journey and blockades you know nothing about and you begin to conquer them. that is when you begin to be a writer.
A writer is a witness to life and beauty and heartache and a gamut of emotions.
A writer is tortured with a myriad of emotions that HAVE to get out.
A writer experiences the desert…a time when the life of words does not exist and the land all around is barren.
I imagine that even now going through what I have this past year with my writing , one might still say I am not a writer…but I am beginning to understand the world of writing. I am ready to be a witness to testify to the beauty and lessons learned…and to experience the greatest heartache when the words don’t come…to know that even one word has healed.
TELL ME: What have you witnessed? What are YOU writing? I’d love to know your adventures.
I first met my blogging friend Rhonda Blackhurst on the A-Z tour and really enjoyed reading all of her challenges because she writes passionately and from the heart, and I like that.
Rhonda Blackhurst asked if I could join her on a blogging tour of the Writing Process. I enjoy learning how others write so I can get clues and improve on my own writing process. I can’t wait to hear what works for you!
1.) What am I working on at the moment?
I am currently working on writing my dad’s biography. He has always been a closed man. I call him a “vaulted” man. He has Alzheimer’s and is a recovered alcoholic. Through various techniques, like Poetry Therapy and my education experience, I am learning more about my dad and developing a relationship with him.
Off on the side, I am writing poetry and essays and other fun tidbits to keep the writing muse going. I’ve always loved writing and getting to know people, so the blogging world has been perfect for me. I used to do a blog about ten years ago and really enjoyed the community. I also aspire to do a variety of other book projects that are budding for me.
2.) How does my work differ from others of its genre?
My current writing shows a developing relationship between a daddy and daughter, putting aside all the years of heartache and hard roads and differences from living with an alcoholic to forge a new relationship, leading from a soberly life. I’m also hoping to offer ways for others to assist their loved ones in living a more quality life if they have Alzheimer’s.
3.) Why do I write what I do?
My dad’s biography began as an adventure to gather some family history and seeking to know him better as a person. Throughout my life, my dad revealed very little of himself unless it had to deal with the weather or fishing or other activities as part of his outside world. I found some questions in a book that daddy allowed me to ask which opened a door for us. Through a lot of patience and tender loving care of my daddy’s feelings and life, he began to trust me enough to work on building his biography. Through the encouragement of a dear friend, I went from a 3 page essay to taking on the writing of a biography. Writing this way is truly a challenge and an adventure, but I’m truly enjoying the journey!
4.) How does my writing process work?
Because my dad is a vaulted man and has Alzheimer’s, it’s a delicate thing to gather information and to write about his life, especially linearly. Life stories don’t come to him that way. Often times I will get the same stories over again, but with new details, so I have to really be on my toes. And there are some stories, I can’t seem to access yet. So, I’ve developed a system of interviewing him daily and taking notes and saving them in folders by category so as to access them later.
If you have questions, please fire away!
Here are some fellow bloggers who have agreed to be on the tour with me. I know you will enjoy their work. They are truly personable people with a passion for writing. Be sure to visit them when they post their answers on June 2nd! We have a lot to learn from each other. Enjoy your day my friends.
Writing Wings For You 