Penny J. Johnson's Blog, page 20
July 3, 2020
Freedom: Revising with Good Reason
When I view the steps of the writing process–understanding there is purpose and delight in every part–I know I have appreciated most the process of revision. Some writers have a once-and-done approach, and maybe some can claim to getting the writing right on the first try. But, I have found that there is greater freedom […]
July 1, 2020
Being a Writer: Question 1
In April, I was asked by a friend who teaches at a private school to answer her high school seniors’ questions about what it means to be a writer. While these answers were provided for a specific audience, I hope everyone viewing my video responses will learn more about the writing life.
June 29, 2020
Freedom: A Good Plan Revised to Be Better
Can you imagine how different each of us and this world would be if we gave God the pen to write in the planner of our life? I read this question during my devotions this morning, and it caught my attention. Good thing, because my mind was not completely focused on what I had been […]
June 26, 2020
Destinations: The End of a Book
For the reader, two words signify the culmination of a literary journey. If the excursion through navigating the pages offers enough intrigue, adventure, and mischance, then those two words may elicit feelings of bittersweet satisfaction. If the experience is grueling, plodding, and outright boring to the point that the reader asks “Are we there yet?,” […]
June 22, 2020
Destinations: The End of a Journey
Last week, I traveled with my husband and two of my sons to Crane Lake, Minnesota. The closer we got to our destination, the density of the trees increased, and our connection with the outside world weakened. This location is all about social distancing. Even if COVID-19 restrictions hadn’t limited our ability to visit tourist […]
June 11, 2020
Celebrations: Small Moments
Poets write about major events, but most often we describe them within small moment. One of my favorite poems is by William Carlos Williams. https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem... There is so much mystery packed into this dependable poem. It is precisely what it is. Yet, it alludes to more. Small moments are defining in ways we don’t anticipate. […]
June 9, 2020
Celebrations: Major Events
This is the traditional season of celebrations. Graduations and weddings fill our calendars this time of year. In my own and my extended family, there are eight birthdays starting at the beginning of May and ending in mid-June. This is the time when we prepare for vacations, reunions, and outdoor gatherings. But, this year we […]
June 6, 2020
Summer Reading Challenge
One of the highlights of my childhood was going to our public library with my own library card and signing up for the summer reading challenge. Admittedly, I had grand goals of filling in all those lines. I did read. A lot. I just don’t know that I ever filled in every line. I might […]
June 5, 2020
Reset, Restart, and Refresh
We are nearing the halfway-point for 2020. Perhaps it’s the understatement of the year to say that the first half of this year has been anything but normal. Many things have happened. Many things have not. Many things happened we never imagined would happen. Many things we wish never had. Yet, I realized something as […]
May 30, 2020
Memorials : What We’ve Gained
When I wrote my post last Monday, I had no idea what else would be lost in the days since then. It is difficult to see the gains when senseless acts destroy life, disrupt order, decimate property, disturb peace, and diminish grief. I will repeat myself and ask, Are we more concerned about what we […]
