The Writing Nag

Music in Nature

noreply@blogger.com (Writing Nag) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 00:14:00 +0000

Yesterday morning I sent in a entry for Poetic Shutterbug's Music in Nature's Contest, this morning I was very pleased to read that I won an honorable mention. Read the winning poems here.
Thanks to Joanne for the fun contest!

Breast Cancer Awareness

noreply@blogger.com (Writing Nag) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 21:31:00 +0000

Now that this video has had over 4,000,000 hits, the company that makes
the pink gloves is donating

money for women who can't afford mammograms. Good job
Portland St. Vincent Hospital!

Down

Generation Pink Vinyl Powder-Free Exam Gloves

Christmas Song Traditions

noreply@blogger.com (Writing Nag) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 14:53:00 +0000

I've just made posting this song my blogs Christmas tradition. What Christmas songs make you melancholy for spiced cider, hanging stockings, falling snow, Christmas lights, fir trees,writing Christmas cards, snowmen, and celebrating the season?

Christmas Songs

What Do Writer's Want for Christmas?

noreply@blogger.com (Writing Nag) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 17:33:00 +0000

Last year I wrote an article on the best gifts for writer's. And this year I am asking you. What do you want for the holidays as it relates to your writing? Please post your answers in the comment section and I'll post all of the answers as I receive them.

Lovingly,
The Writing Nag

Jessica wants a bigger corkboard...that book with all the plots in it...a set of 10 muji pens...a new day planner...poetry magnets...a bottle of inspiration!

Susan wants want more people to join the Trevolution and buy my books.

On a pure craft side, I want the clarity to fix what's bugging me about the current WIP, the ability to fix it seamlessly (okay, seamlessly after a few editing passes) and a fabulous story that'll win me new readers.

But that seems a lot to ask for, so I'll be happy with books sold.

Sunday Morning Musings on Year's End

noreply@blogger.com (Writing Nag) — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 12:43:00 +0000

"Now the seasons are closing their files on each of us, the heavy drawers full of certificates rolling back into the tree trunks, a few old papers flocking away. Someone we loved has fallen from our thoughts, making a little, glittering splash like a bicycle pushed by a breeze. Otherwise, not much has happened; we fell in love again, finding that one red feather on the wind." Ted Kooser, Year's End

I got up really early this morning 4:00 a.m. (couldn't sleep) and read some blogs that I haven't had time to visit the last few weeks. A good reminder that I haven't been blogging myself lately, with a full time job and part time school there seems to be little time for personal fun writing. I also spent some time on Duotrope looking at the free submission tracker and realizing how little work I submitted last year a paltry two submissions and one was Monday. I justified not submitting work because I was concentrating on craft, revision and working on my collection of poetry that will be (fingers crossed) my senior project. But I think 2010 will be different, I'd like to get my work out there, let it go, and write some new poetry. I think the feedback will be good for me and it's something I missed this year.
With 25 days left in December, I thought Ted Kooser's Year's End was an appropriate start to my post this morning. December will be a difficult month for many but soon we have a new year full of promise, hope and beginnings.

How will 2010 look for you? What will change? How will you grow? What will you learn? What will you accomplish? How will this new year be different?

Today, write a letter to yourself. Tell yourself all the wonderful things you are going to accomplish in 2010. Be specific. Think of how even the smallest steps will bring you closer to your goals. When you're done seal it and tuck it away to be read December 31, 2010.

Now get back to work!

Lovingly,

The Writing Nag

January 24-hour writing contest $5.00 to enter

Santa loves a reader-Win You Better Not Cry!

noreply@blogger.com (Writing Nag) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:01:00 +0000

It's not easy to write funny but if you want a great example of prose that can make you laugh and let you feel your past Christmases weren't so bad consider reading You Better Not Cry this holiday season. I'm pretty sure that even your worst Christmas won't compare to Augusten Burroughs moving and nostalgic holiday stories.

If you're a fan of Running With Scissors, Wolf at the Table and Magical Thinking you will want to check out one of my favorite author's, Augusten Burroughs. His new book, You Better Not Cry, from St. Martin's Press is a collection of poignant and hilarious Christmas tales written in the inimitable style that is only Augusten Burroughs. And yes his holidays get progressively worse.

Not surprisingly here is how he launched his new book.

Today, consider rewriting about a past Christmas that wasn't too fun. Turn the negative memory around and write funny, now don't you feel better? and then enter the sweepstakes to Win a copy of You Better Not Cry for yourself, a friend or a family member, as the video says "Santa loves a reader."

Now get back to work!

Lovingly,

The Writing Nag

A Poetry Link

noreply@blogger.com (Writing Nag) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 20:11:00 +0000

A link poets might enjoy, on how poets connect with other poets.

How to throw yourself into relaxing on Sunday

noreply@blogger.com (Writing Nag) — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 19:17:00 +0000

My parents new cat, Kenny, who they rescued.

A Room Where I Want To Go

noreply@blogger.com (Writing Nag) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 21:42:00 +0000

"I often think of a poem as a door that opens into a room where I want to go."
Minnie Bruce Pratt

I am so grateful for another day off this week, I have a lot of schoolwork to complete before Monday and just as much editing work due the same day. Thanks to Glynis for posting a video on procrastination which I found when I was procrastinating writing my essay. As part of our senior study we are required to write an essay entitled "Writer in the World," which explains to your writing community who you are as a writer, why you write and how you add to the writing community.

Today, consider the answer to these questions. Why do you write? What do you add to your community and/or the world as a writer? How do you think your writing will influence other people? Who influences your writing? Who is your audience? Now get back to work!

Lovingly,
The Writing Nag

George Orwell's Essay Why I Write

Black Friday Deals

noreply@blogger.com (Writing Nag) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:24:00 +0000

I don't go out and attend the Black Friday sales, too many crowds and too many impulse buys. This year the e-retailers have some really great deals online including, Amazon's Black Friday deals.

Black Friday Deals

And I always check Ebates before I buy anything online, just by signing up and clicking through from their site you get cash back from the retailers. Here's a sign up link. I've been using Ebates for two years and I regularly get quarterly checks back for my online purchases. Happy Shopping!

Lovingly,
The Writing Nag

May You Have a Generous Slice

noreply@blogger.com (Writing Nag) — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 16:30:00 +0000

Happy Thanksgiving!

Lovingly,
The Writing Nag

Comments on Comments

noreply@blogger.com (Writing Nag) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 15:53:00 +0000

I'll most likely be back this evening with a writing post. The #1 reason I approve/reject comments SPAM. But just wanted to remind the dear, sweet people who comment saying lovely things like "writing nag is the best blog ever" and "I read writing nag every day" and then includes their link to payday loans, debt reduction plans, weight loss programs and the other links that I won't even mention but I'm sure you can all visualize/imagine. There's not a chance it will ever be published, so why waste your time? Anyways if you have time to waste, I have time to reject your comment.

I'm grateful today for the real people who read, legitimately comment and stop by to visit the writing nag. Thanks!

Lovingly,
The "Loves to Reject SPAM comments" Writing Nag

Thoughts on Thanksgiving...

noreply@blogger.com (Writing Nag) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:13:00 +0000

"For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Less than a week to Thanksgiving. Once Thanksgiving is over...Black Friday hits and the swift countdown to Christmas and the holiday season begins. And once again I find myself thinking where did this year go? And did I accomplish my goals?

Last Thanksgiving our house was full of friends and family, there was a lot of excitement a year ago this week preparing for their arrival but this year we are celebrating by ourselves. Sunday I will make a big batch of cranberry chutney for Thanksgiving dinner and for Christmas gifts, bake my Nana's raisin bread, pull out the holiday decor and the house will begin to smell and look like the holidays.

Today, consider starting a new tradition in your family, get together and write a collaborative poem to be read on Thanksgiving Day. Brainstorm together on what Thanksgiving means to you, what are you grateful for this year, how is this year different? What hopes do you have for next year that you can express poetically? Now get back to work!

Lovingly,

The Writing Nag

My new favorite vintage postcard

noreply@blogger.com (Writing Nag) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 23:15:00 +0000

Concrete Couch

noreply@blogger.com (Writing Nag) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:37:00 +0000

Colorado Springs residents learn more about volunteering in a creative way.

Thoughts on being creative

noreply@blogger.com (Writing Nag) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:57:00 +0000

This is long, almost 20 minutes but very good, interesting words from the author of Eat, Pray, Love. So you might want to clean your office and just listen.

Sunday morning snow

noreply@blogger.com (Writing Nag) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:44:00 +0000

Sunday morning, view from my screened in office door.

An Early Christmas Gift

noreply@blogger.com (Writing Nag) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:25:00 +0000

I posted this last season but for those creative artists who missed it, another chance.

Download a FREE copy of the Artella eBook, Stunning and Simple Seasonal Salutations, an eBook featuring 10 beautiful handmade cards, complete with photos and descriptive "how-to" instructions, showcasing a variety of techniques such as rubber stamping, collage, and innovative paper and mixed media arts.Download your copy here!

On Reading

noreply@blogger.com (Writing Nag) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 14:34:00 +0000

READING

"My eye frees what the page imprisons:

the white the white and the black the black."

Ibn 'Anmar of Silves

One of the first things every creative writing teacher will tell you is that you must read to be able to write. You must read across genres and eras, read the classics, read your contemporaries, read, read, read... And there are writers that don't heed that advice because they don't want to be influenced by other writers. I don't trust writers that don't read.

During the times I'm at school I read a lot. Sometimes 5-6 books a week, but I still can't wait for the semester downtimes when I can pick up a book to read strictly for pleasure. I don't need to remember any of it, or annotate it, or quote it in a critical essay. Those are the books I treasure. I think the first books we read can be life changing, they can change how you feel about reading and writing. What early books influenced your life? How does reading help you in your writing? Now get back to work!

Lovingly,

The Writing Nag

Grants for Artist and Writers

noreply@blogger.com (Writing Nag) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 19:08:00 +0000

Thought I'd pass this link on, a blog that concentrates on grants, residencies, fellowships etc. for artists, writers and other creative people.

The Poet's Trade

noreply@blogger.com (Writing Nag) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:34:00 +0000

The Poet's Trade
by Amy Lowell

No one expects a man to make a chair without first learning how, but there is a popular impression that the poet is born, not made, and that his verses burst from his overflowing heart of themselves. As a matter of fact, the poet must learn his trade in the same manner, and with the same painstaking care, as the cabinet-maker. His heart may overflow with high thoughts and sparkling fancies, but if he cannot convey them to his reader by means of written word he has no claim to be considered a poet. A workman may be pardoned, therefore, for spending a few moments to explain and describe the technique of his trade. A work of beauty which cannot stand an intimate examination is a poor and jerry-built thing. In the first place, I wish to state my firm belief that poetry should not try to teach, that it should exist simply because it is a created beauty, even if sometimes the beauty of a gothic grotesque. We do not ask the trees to teach us moral lessons, and only the Salvation Army feels it necessary to pin texts upon them. We know that these texts are ridiculous, but many of us do not yet see that to write an obvious moral all over a work of art, picture, statue, or poem, is not only ridiculous, but timid and vulgar. We distrust a beauty we only half understand, and rush in with our impertinent suggestions. How far are we from "admitting the Universe"! The Universe, which flings down its continents and seas, and leaves them without comment. Art is as much a function of the Universe as an Equinoctial gale, or the Law of Gravitation; and we insist upon considering it merely a little scroll-work, or no great importance unless it be studded with nails from which pretty and uplifting sentiments may be hung!

Paying Attention

noreply@blogger.com (Writing Nag) — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:22:00 +0000

"The capacity for delight is the gift of paying attention"

Julia Cameron

This morning on The Writer's Almanac I read a beautiful poem by poet Ted McMahon called "Grapefruit."

An essay by poet Ted McMahon on paying attention. Worth a read.

Today, set the timer for thirty minutes and write about yesterday, any part of it but concentrate on the details as McMahon does in "Grapefruit." If you knew you had to write about your previous day every morning what would you pay attention to? Would you remember your meals or what people were wearing or the conversations you had? Yesterday at a coffee shop, I watched four young people leaving the shop, every single one of them was checking their phones as they walked down the stairs. How much is missed if you aren't paying attention? Now get back to work!

Lovingly,

The Writing Nag

"I Live Now"

noreply@blogger.com (Writing Nag) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:15:00 +0000

"With the past, I have nothing to do; nor with the future. I live now."
Ralph Waldo Emerson

How would you write it today only mattered? What if you didn't think about past failures or why you were writing or what was in the future for you? There is a lot of information about living in the present but many of us get hung up on our past, our regrets, our should of's and could of's. Last week I sent my friend this poem that illustrates "living in the moment" for poets.

Ars Poetica
By: Blaga Dimitrova

Write each of your poems
as if it were your last.
In this century, saturated with strontium,
charged with terrorism,
flying with supersonic speed,
death comes with terrifying suddenness.
Send each of your words
like a last letter before execution,
a call carved on a prison wall.
You have no right to lie,
no right to play pretty little games.
You simply won't have time
to correct your mistakes.
Write each of your poems,
tersely, mercilessly,
with blood--as if it were your last.

Lovingly,
The Writing Nag

The Midnight Disease

noreply@blogger.com (Writing Nag) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 19:21:00 +0000

"Poets are like baseball pitchers. Both have their moments. The intervals are the tough things." Robert Frost

I'm reading this book for a paper I'm writing and it is a fascinating read on the creative drive, writer's block, and how and why we write.

Unfortunately all my time this week has been taken up with schoolwork, editing and my full time job so that leaves little time for blogging. I'm hoping that I can schedule my time better next week so that I can write a few posts. Happy Sunday!

Lovingly,
The Writing Nag

Chocolate Gift Baskets

noreply@blogger.com (Writing Nag) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 00:49:00 +0000

I feel pretty confident saying that most writers are fueled by chocolate, so when I found these organic chocolate gift baskets from Intentional Chocolate filled with dark chocolate Gogi berries, chocolate truffles and more, (their most popular items), I immediately thought of holiday gifts and one for my desk. Not only are these confections made with pure Hawaiian dark chocolate but they are infused with intention. So not only are you sending a delicious gift but you are sending good positive energy, visit Intentional Chocolate to read more how they are infusing chocolates with good intentions.

I'm willing to test the claims that dark chocolate, infused with intention, decreases stress, brings calmness to your life, enhances focus and increases energy. I'll start with a dark chocolate triangle filled with raspberry.