Traci shares her thoughts on sharing poems and the conversations that develop out of the interactions of text: “a national conversation begins when thousands of people elect to write towards the same image, set of words or idea.”
SHE, HE, IT
Jyl offers a gender-bending writing exercise this week: “..try this exercise. First, make a list of questions relating to gender, femininity and masculinity. Go back as far as you can remember…Close your eyes and remember. Look at old pictures. …When did you first know you were a boy/girl?”
Is Indie Publishing Right For You? 7 Questions to Help You Decide
Terri suggests you ask yourself a few key questions which can help you decide if indie publishing is the right path for you: “Publishing a book is like a starting a small business. It’s hard, time-consuming work—and it’s not for everyone. Here are seven questions to help you think through your decision.”
On Works-in-Process
This week, Lauren talks about the process of making art and expresses appreciation for its arduousness, thoughtfulness and the time it takes: “Too often, art-making is dismissed as a luxury…We’re taught that rigor exists in eight-hour days at offices. That art-making is a lofty goal—that it’s for people who refuse to grow up, that it’s foolish and nonsensical. I beg to differ.”
The Living Room Revolution
Traci takes poetry into the coziness and intimacy of the living room with an in-home poetry salon: “There’s no definitive structure or schedule, just good poems and good company. Naturally, we end up talking about lots of other things concerning our lives and/or poetry, but what brought us together is what keeps us together, and what keeps us coming back to each other’s living rooms—poetry.”
Weekly Writing Prompt
Welcome to this week’s featured writing prompt. This week we’re writing about color, lights, noise—the music of carnivals—as if we’re walking through the festive streets. What are the physical sensations of being on carnival rides? Of moving through the crowds? Of waiting in line and the anticipation of reaching your destination? When day turns to [...]
A New Writing Life
Join us in welcoming Bellwether Prize winning writer Naomi Benaron as The Writer’s Life’s newest regular contributor. “I would like to share my thoughts on craft, books I am reading, social justice, and this new life into which my book has thrown me.”
Trouble with the Divining Rod: Some Thoughts on Titling
Traci offers ideas for titling poems—a sometimes elusive and difficult task. “Even after a poem has been through a dozen drafts, and it’s starting to feel done, I still have to look at the blank top inch of the page and consider the title…It’s hard to decide when it’s ‘right’, but here are some strategies for titling.”
Some Things I Know About Writing
Jyl talks about essentials for the writer: faith and patience. “I can’t tell you how to hold onto your faith, only that you have to have it, if you want to write. Keep writing even if you don’t know what’s coming next. The story will find you, it always does. The story you have to write eventually finds its way out of all the muck. But you have to have patience.”
Going Indie: Publishing Your Way
Join us in welcoming indie writer Terri Giuliano Long as The Writer’s Life’s newest regular contributor. Terri will share her experience and expertise: “I’ll be writing about indie publishing, sharing stories, offering advice. If you have a question that I may be able to answer, let me know.”
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