From our recent trip to Germany and Austria, some reminders to myself as I work to complete my manuscript draft:
Strive for something fresh.
The whole can seem overwhelming …
… so break it down by scene.
Dig in, pace yourself …
… and you will get there.
Planting a Draft
May 21, 2011
The wisteria is blooming, the peonies are almost open—and a new draft is taking root. There are weeds to pull, and a fair amount of watering needed, but I like this dirt-under-my-nails phase of writing. We’ll see what grows. I’ll be in the garden if you need me.
For Friends Who Are Artists
June 5, 2009
Need inspiration? Try art.
Thursday, June 4, 2009—As part of a talk at last year’s New England SCBWI conference, Laurie Halse Anderson mentioned art in a writer’s life, how taking in different kinds of art can replenish, invigorate, and stimulate your senses as a writer. I remember thinking, Absolutely, it’s amazing how new channels of creativity seem to open when you step out of your own routine to look at, listen to, be part of some other kind of art. Sometimes, however, in the day-to-day rush of life, getting that regular art infusion takes a back seat to other responsibilities and activities.
That’s one of the many reasons why it’s great having friends who are visual artists. They’re the ones who call with a, “Hey, what are you doing in a couple of hours? There’s this really cool installation…” Here, I’ll thank Virginia. She arranged a birthday supper for 21 on Tuesday that was kicked off by a stop at Holliston High School to see an exhibit called “Inner Garden,” a walk-in, sit-down, touch-and-feel imaginative garden space, created by other artists who worked collectively on the project during the winter, then completed with the help of students when it was brought into the school. 21, Lola, and Bubbles had fun exploring the space, lying in the beds, and picking out their favorite garden “rocks.” I enjoyed stepping from locker-lined hallways and my world of commas and semicolons into this fabric-rich, magical garden of ideas.
"Dress of Etiquette" by Virginia Fitzgerald
And that wasn’t the only art of the week. Congrats,Virginia, on your new sculpture, “Dress of Etiquette,” which is part of the annual juried members’ exhibitition at the Danforth Museum of Art in Framingham! I went to the show’s opening last night—some fabulous pieces are on display. So if you’re in Boston’s Metrowest area, stop by the museum. The show runs until the beginning of August.
To writers, go grab some art. And to our artist friends, thanks!
In the Booth
February 25, 2009
Back in the days when I shared a studio space with a graphic-designer friend, we used to joke about my stepping into the soundproof booth (remember those old game shows?) in order to crunch away on some writing. There was no actual booth, of course, no typing away with Burt Convy-issued hamburger-bun headphones on. It was just an expression for, “Can’t talk now. Work to be done.”
“In the booth” is shorthand I still use when it’s time to get to work, or to explain why I’ve dropped out for a few days. I think it’s going to become shorthand on this blog when my postings lag. Where have you been? In the booth.
Notes coming soon on a children’s nonfiction class I’m taking. In the booth this week on an article for that.
Also trying to get back to some poetry revisions, and catch up on lots of good poetry reading. More booth time.
Conversation on the Dewey Decimal System and how it relates to coping in these stressful economic times–there is a connection. More coming soon.
Double-dactyl challenge
February 7, 2009
Having some fun playing with poetic forms, in tonight’s case, double- dactyl poems . . .
Bloggedy-doggedy
Friday-Night Writing Time,
Trying a rhyme scheme that’s
Tricky, though fun;
Worries of meter and
discontinuity
chucked out the window ‘cuz
now I am done!
Though, technically, I think I need a “real” proper noun as the subject of the poem . . .
Trying another:
Scritchety-scratchety
Stella and Boots, the cats,
Jumping on furniture,
Having a ball;
Nights you would think they are
Indefatigable,
Scampering noisily,
Waking us all.
BUT that line: Stella and Boots, the cats . . . doesn’t quite work, does it? Easier if Boots’ name were something like Bootserie . . . Also, the poem is, I believe, supposed to be a single sentence, which I cheated a bit . . .
Like I said, playing with the form . . . Send one over if you have one! (A double-dactyl poem, that is. ) Here’s more info on double-dactyl “rules.”
Solving the Rubik’s Cube
January 18, 2009
Many of us have heard the recent news story about Graham Parker, the man from England who, after 26 years of trying, finally solved the Rubik’s Cube. I’ll bet many writers can relate to the story, refusing to give up on a work in progress–obsessing over scenes that aren’t working, a saggy line of poetry, or the proper placement of commas–no matter how long it takes ’til the puzzle is solved. Congratulations, Mr. Parker. And to my writing friends who may be struggling with a manuscript, don’t quit. Today could be the day the pieces fall into place! Click.
Image by fotolia.
