February 21, 2014
Hello, writers,
Happy Friday! I’ve been
brainstorming ideas for new writing projects this week.
How about you? Do you write
every day? Do you have a set writing routine?
Several people have asked me how and when I journal. So, I'll share my routine.
My journal writing process
Several people have asked me how and when I journal. So, I'll share my routine.
My journal writing process
I prefer composition books for my journal writing,
and I usually purchase lots of them during back to school sales. It generally
takes me three weeks to fill one composition book. I use both wide-ruled and
college-ruled journals.
My ideal journal writing time
is early-around 5:15 a.m.-with a cup of hot lemon water, coffee or tea.
Sometimes, I read my Bible before I start writing. Other times, I write first,
then, I read. My entries are combinations of thoughts, concerns, to-do lists,
prayers and more.
I have no expectation of
anyone reading my entries-ever! I write them to help me clarify my thinking and
the goings-on of my life.
Here’s an excerpt from my
journal dated September 20, 2011:
I didn’t know I could wiggle my ears until I was about
6 or 7. I just did it. Sitting in the
living room of the motel my parents’ managed, I wiggled them. My sister, Karin,
saw them move.
"Ewwww! What are you doing?” she screamed.
I didn’t know I was doing anything. I just moved them.
“Nancy! You’re wiggling your ears!” After a moment or
two, she laughed.
I ran to a mirror atop a wooden bookcase and peered at myself as I lifted my ears up and down.
I don’t remember why I wrote
about wiggling my ears, but I’m glad I’ve recorded the memory in my journal.
I hope you’ll consider
journaling. It’s a wonderful way to deal those ‘slings and arrows of outrageous fortune’
life brings our way!
In other news, here’s a recap
of Tuesday’s workshop.
Warm-ups
Choosing from prompts below,
we all completed a writing warm-up.
1. Bullets
2. Yo-yo
3. Cotton vs. Silk
4. Bleachers
After a few of us shared our
warm-ups, we introduced ourselves, shared good news and started our critique
session. By the way, Cameron S. used
all four prompts in her warm-up. Nice job, Cameron!
Good News
Richard N. has
finished his novel. Way to go, Richard! Robert
O. has a new job. Congrats, Robert!
Critique overview from February 18 CCWW
Michele N. began
the session reading a poem reflecting on the loss of a loved one. CCWW members
said her piece worked because it offered both hope and words to work through
immense emotions. Michele’s aunt passed away last week. We offer our
condolences, Michele.
I, Nancy B., then shared a prompt-based poem on six roles of
womanhood. Members complimented the narrative nature of the piece. Connie W. then shared a poem about Lily
Beagle, a dog who looks at the moon. Members said Connie’s descriptions of a
powerful moment as well as her connection to the darkness of night and also
death worked. Robert O. then shared a
role-play script. Members said his stage directions worked because they were well-organized
and descriptive.
Lisa C. continued
by reading “The Professional Artist,” a prompt-based poem. Members said her
misleading title worked as well as her portrayal of unwise choices people make.
Thomas E. shared more of Mia’s story.
Members said his piece offered a good balance of dialogue and narration as well
as good characterization of Mia. Hayden
B. then shared “Classroom Pets,” a short story about fish. Members said her
piece created tension because they wondered what happened to the fish.
Cameron S. then
read a continuation of “The Lost Reality,” a fiction piece. Members said her story
held their interest because it presented a character in a coma. Connie K. then shared “Snowy Day,” a
non-fiction piece. Members said her details about her youth (such as Simplicity
sewing patterns, measuring cloth and riding on the hood of a truck) worked very
well. Richard N. finished the session
by sharing more of his Dodge story. Members said the comic relief offered by
Rossellini helps readers deal with some of the technical descriptions.
Wonderful writing, everyone!
Links of Interest
“Guide,” an inspirational youth
magazine, seeks true stories in several categories from adventure to humor.
More information here: http://www.guidemagazine.org/writers-guidelines
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“Glimmer Train” publishes new authors every year
The publication offers a short
story award for new authors. A few CCWW members said they were interested in
this contest, so we’ll leave the link up for another week.
Next deadline is Feb. 28.
More here: http://www.glimmertrain.com/newwriters.html
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Shebooks
Here’s a place to submit
writing about women or by women. They publish fiction and non-fiction,
including memoir and journalism. Looks like a great market!
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Fun Photo from CCWW
Prompts for Tuesday, March 11
Prompts for Tuesday, March 11
The first prompt is on a school bus. The second prompt is the housekeeper. You’re free to write in
any genre you like (fiction, drama, non-fiction, poetry, etc.). If you’d like
to bring a WIP (work-in-progress), please do.
Please keep pieces to 1500
words or less and bring copies if you can.
Looking forward to seeing you
March 11 at The Sweet Spot!
~Nancy B.
P.S. I’ve included names of
CCWW members who have signed up for our second session (March 11-April 15) in the
e-mail sharing this blog link.
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