Jean Harkin's Blog, page 3
September 7, 2020
Grownup Kid Lit and Writer's Block
Ten-year old creative writers might not experience writer’s block, but other problems can arise. My granddaughter Gwen provides an example: Although having a vivid imagination, a new idea every minute, a wide-ranging vocabulary, and writing talent, her most disappointing result in fourth grade was in creative writing.
Gwen explains what happened: “I start out with a great idea for a story and start writing. But by the next day I’m tired of it, and I get a new idea. Then I start writing that story, and again—the next day I have a much better idea and start writing that one. Soon I’m tired of that story, too, and tear it up, then start a new story.
“Last year I got to the last days of school and knew I had to hand in a completed story, so I wrote one really fast and turned it in. I hated it! My teacher gave me a C minus.”
I don’t know where Gwen gets her story ideas, but she is a prolific reader; she was on the second-place team in her school’s book-reading competition, beat by a fifth-grade team.
She has recommended many middle-grade books to me, which I’ve greatly enjoyed. I feel that adult readers miss out on some marvelous literature by skipping over “kid lit.” Award winners in this category are examples of excellent writing, technically and stylistically. First-rate character and plot development draw the reader to keep turning the pages. Factual information is presented gracefully within the story’s context.
For instance, I have posted 5-star reviews here on Goodreads of “The One and Only Ivan” and “Wishtree” by Katherine Applegate, “Out of My Mind” by Sharon Draper, and “Out of Left Field” by Ellen Klages.
Recently I’ve begun reading middle grade novels written in verse form. “Out of the Dust” by Karen Hesse reveals the extreme trials of a year in the life of a 14-year old girl living through the Dust Bowl in Oklahoma. “Inside Out and Back Again” by Thanhha Lai is the first-person account of a 10-year old Viet Nam refugee who starts her life over in 1970s Alabama.
The free verse style of these novels draws the reader in close to the thoughts and experiences of the young narrators. Separate chapters, written in vividly-worded images, focus on independent factors of the plot, yet all combine to effortlessly advance the story.
I would love to write a novella for adults in this beautiful, intense writing style. It will take some study and further reading, but I could put heart and soul into this possible new path for escaping writer’s block.
Note: All of the above-mentioned books are reviewed by me here on Goodreads.
Gwen explains what happened: “I start out with a great idea for a story and start writing. But by the next day I’m tired of it, and I get a new idea. Then I start writing that story, and again—the next day I have a much better idea and start writing that one. Soon I’m tired of that story, too, and tear it up, then start a new story.
“Last year I got to the last days of school and knew I had to hand in a completed story, so I wrote one really fast and turned it in. I hated it! My teacher gave me a C minus.”
I don’t know where Gwen gets her story ideas, but she is a prolific reader; she was on the second-place team in her school’s book-reading competition, beat by a fifth-grade team.
She has recommended many middle-grade books to me, which I’ve greatly enjoyed. I feel that adult readers miss out on some marvelous literature by skipping over “kid lit.” Award winners in this category are examples of excellent writing, technically and stylistically. First-rate character and plot development draw the reader to keep turning the pages. Factual information is presented gracefully within the story’s context.
For instance, I have posted 5-star reviews here on Goodreads of “The One and Only Ivan” and “Wishtree” by Katherine Applegate, “Out of My Mind” by Sharon Draper, and “Out of Left Field” by Ellen Klages.
Recently I’ve begun reading middle grade novels written in verse form. “Out of the Dust” by Karen Hesse reveals the extreme trials of a year in the life of a 14-year old girl living through the Dust Bowl in Oklahoma. “Inside Out and Back Again” by Thanhha Lai is the first-person account of a 10-year old Viet Nam refugee who starts her life over in 1970s Alabama.
The free verse style of these novels draws the reader in close to the thoughts and experiences of the young narrators. Separate chapters, written in vividly-worded images, focus on independent factors of the plot, yet all combine to effortlessly advance the story.
I would love to write a novella for adults in this beautiful, intense writing style. It will take some study and further reading, but I could put heart and soul into this possible new path for escaping writer’s block.
Note: All of the above-mentioned books are reviewed by me here on Goodreads.
July 15, 2020
Breathing in Bad Times
From George Floyd’s heart-wrenching plea, “I can’t breathe,” to self-righteous people disputing the wearing of masks, to covid-19 patients on ventilators, to Black Lives Matter protesters, these are the days and nights of “I can’t breathe.”
In this vein I will discuss a few books:
George Floyd’s murder ignited a storm of justified protests against racism and police brutality targeting Blacks. A book that questions present-day policing is “Rise of the Warrior Cop: The Militarization of America’s Police Forces” by Radley Balko. The book discusses factors that have allowed changes in America’s policing from colonial days to the present. Readers will see how ‘Officer Friendly’ has become a ground trooper.
“Born a Crime” by comedian Trevor Noah is a coming-of-age memoir of growing up in South Africa under the cloud of apartheid and chaos afterward. Noah reveals the emotions and struggles racism forces on people of color. Stories run the gamut from hilarious to tragic.
Regarding the covid-19 pandemic and the spread of virus by people who disbelieve science, I re-mention two books:
“Fever” by Mary Beth Keane. The author brings a personality and life experience to ‘Typhoid Mary’ Mallon. Having no symptoms, Mary spread typhoid fever to families as she ignored the guidelines of health experts. Despite her flaunting of medical advice, she is a sympathetic character as an Irish immigrant bravely fighting for her livelihood.
“The Plague,” the 1947 classic by Albert Camus. I’ve read parts of this parable and was astonished by similarities between the bubonic plague described in 1940s French Algeria and today’s pandemic realities. The surprise arrival and the unaccepted truth of both plagues is a common factor. There was hesitation by the medical establishment, bowing to optimism that the disease would disappear. People hold to normal activities and travel plans as numbers of sick and dying escalate past imagining. Enforced quarantine ensues. But the novel has a redemptive ending, as we await the return of normalcy.
Our libraries are gradually returning to book lending by curbside pickup. Check locally. I also recommend AbeBooks.com for purchasing good-quality used books at decent prices.
And please don’t try to sanitize your books by putting them in the microwave! Books catch fire!
In this vein I will discuss a few books:
George Floyd’s murder ignited a storm of justified protests against racism and police brutality targeting Blacks. A book that questions present-day policing is “Rise of the Warrior Cop: The Militarization of America’s Police Forces” by Radley Balko. The book discusses factors that have allowed changes in America’s policing from colonial days to the present. Readers will see how ‘Officer Friendly’ has become a ground trooper.
“Born a Crime” by comedian Trevor Noah is a coming-of-age memoir of growing up in South Africa under the cloud of apartheid and chaos afterward. Noah reveals the emotions and struggles racism forces on people of color. Stories run the gamut from hilarious to tragic.
Regarding the covid-19 pandemic and the spread of virus by people who disbelieve science, I re-mention two books:
“Fever” by Mary Beth Keane. The author brings a personality and life experience to ‘Typhoid Mary’ Mallon. Having no symptoms, Mary spread typhoid fever to families as she ignored the guidelines of health experts. Despite her flaunting of medical advice, she is a sympathetic character as an Irish immigrant bravely fighting for her livelihood.
“The Plague,” the 1947 classic by Albert Camus. I’ve read parts of this parable and was astonished by similarities between the bubonic plague described in 1940s French Algeria and today’s pandemic realities. The surprise arrival and the unaccepted truth of both plagues is a common factor. There was hesitation by the medical establishment, bowing to optimism that the disease would disappear. People hold to normal activities and travel plans as numbers of sick and dying escalate past imagining. Enforced quarantine ensues. But the novel has a redemptive ending, as we await the return of normalcy.
Our libraries are gradually returning to book lending by curbside pickup. Check locally. I also recommend AbeBooks.com for purchasing good-quality used books at decent prices.
And please don’t try to sanitize your books by putting them in the microwave! Books catch fire!
May 16, 2020
Community of Hostages
We have all been swept away from our normal lives, haven’t we? Like a boatload of victims, held hostage by a small, determined virus.
So, while reading the novel “Bel Canto” by Ann Patchett, I instantly felt a kinship with the birthday party celebrants overwhelmed by an incoming cadre of terrorists who intended to hold the group for ransom. First, there was the initial panic and confusion, followed by an ongoing undercurrent of fear, as the days and weeks drew into months.
Although the site of the kidnapping was luxurious and comfortable (a mansion owned by the vice president of a South American country), the lack of personal freedom and not knowing when the siege would end, challenged and disheartened the victims. I think most of us can relate, as we “stay home” in nice surroundings but need to follow Authority’s rules for socializing and moving about the community.
The situation in “Bel Canto” held some ironic humor. The target of the terrorists—the president of the country—had not even attended the party! He stayed home in his bedroom to watch an episode of his favorite TV drama serial. Sound familiar? We also have a president who watches a lot of television and is absent from reality—no help whatsoever in a crisis.
The “Bel Canto” hostages made the best of their miserable situation, providing aid and comfort to each other, and forging relationships (as we also are called to do). One man, fluent in many languages, who was employed by the birthday honoree, became a translator for other victims and guards alike. The most popular opera soprano in the world, who became a secondary bargaining chip in the absence of the nation’s president, entertained the troops and troupers with her bel cantos. Thus, all of the victims attained a certain level of joy and peace during the worst of times. And aren’t we all trying to do so during these strange, dark days?
Another time I might read and review Albert Camus’s 1947 classic, “The Plague” which also presents striking parallels to the current pandemic.
Meanwhile, I recommend Kim Stafford’s more encouraging seven “Poems for the Pandemic.” Kim is a past Oregon poet laureate and son of the late William Stafford, also a former Oregon poet laureate. Find Kim’s poems on Instagram at @kimstaffordpoetry. Hear him read his pandemic poems at https://projects.oregonlive.com/kim-s...
My favorite is “Shelter in Place.”
Be inspired! Stay well!
So, while reading the novel “Bel Canto” by Ann Patchett, I instantly felt a kinship with the birthday party celebrants overwhelmed by an incoming cadre of terrorists who intended to hold the group for ransom. First, there was the initial panic and confusion, followed by an ongoing undercurrent of fear, as the days and weeks drew into months.
Although the site of the kidnapping was luxurious and comfortable (a mansion owned by the vice president of a South American country), the lack of personal freedom and not knowing when the siege would end, challenged and disheartened the victims. I think most of us can relate, as we “stay home” in nice surroundings but need to follow Authority’s rules for socializing and moving about the community.
The situation in “Bel Canto” held some ironic humor. The target of the terrorists—the president of the country—had not even attended the party! He stayed home in his bedroom to watch an episode of his favorite TV drama serial. Sound familiar? We also have a president who watches a lot of television and is absent from reality—no help whatsoever in a crisis.
The “Bel Canto” hostages made the best of their miserable situation, providing aid and comfort to each other, and forging relationships (as we also are called to do). One man, fluent in many languages, who was employed by the birthday honoree, became a translator for other victims and guards alike. The most popular opera soprano in the world, who became a secondary bargaining chip in the absence of the nation’s president, entertained the troops and troupers with her bel cantos. Thus, all of the victims attained a certain level of joy and peace during the worst of times. And aren’t we all trying to do so during these strange, dark days?
Another time I might read and review Albert Camus’s 1947 classic, “The Plague” which also presents striking parallels to the current pandemic.
Meanwhile, I recommend Kim Stafford’s more encouraging seven “Poems for the Pandemic.” Kim is a past Oregon poet laureate and son of the late William Stafford, also a former Oregon poet laureate. Find Kim’s poems on Instagram at @kimstaffordpoetry. Hear him read his pandemic poems at https://projects.oregonlive.com/kim-s...
My favorite is “Shelter in Place.”
Be inspired! Stay well!
April 13, 2020
Our Friends: Libraries and Apostrophes
April 19 to 25 is National Library Week. As a nation we rightly honor the public library as a keeper of memories of the human experience and a place to conquer all that is wrong in the world. Our friends, the able librarians and their assistants graciously welcome us and intelligently refer us to the fonts of entertainment and knowledge awaiting us on the library shelves. Even though the doors are now closed to protect our health, e-books, audio books, and other resources are still available through the library.
Let’s look at something smaller than a library but larger than a virus: Apostrophes! Can this little punctuation mark be our friend too? Yes, it can help to guide and clarify what we read. This tiny sometimes-curly mark indicates possession and alerts us to a missing letter or two in a contraction. Doesn’t it?
Our grammatical friend, Apostrophe, has suffered abuse though. And to save it, John Richards, a retired sub-editor in the UK, established the Apostrophe Protection Society in his Lincolnshire home town of Boston, in 2001, with 257 members.
The society’s first success was getting the Boston library to write “CDs” instead of “CD’s.” CDs, of course is not possessive unless you write “the CD’s title is. . .” for example.
Another of the society’s gripes was that many local stores removed the apostrophe from family-named stores, such as Harrods, Waterstones, Currys, in contrast to properly punctuated McDonald’s and Sainsbury’s (and Macy’s!)
In 2001 Richards won the satiric IgNobel Prize for “his efforts to protect, promote, and defend the differences between plural and possessive.” An endeavor I heartily applaud! As I show correctly: “the Harkins left Ireland.” “This is Jean Harkin’s blog.” “Let’s visit the Harkins’ house.”
I am trying to be as polite in my examples as Richards and his son Stephen tried to be. But sadly, the Apostrophe Protection Society folded in 2019, overtaken by a tide of faster, more careless punctuation styles. For one thing, print media tends to begrudge the spaces taken up by “unnecessary” punctuation. Even commas are now suffering!
Back to the library: When it’s safe to return to normal life after the pandemic, be sure to visit your local library and celebrate the friendship and valuable assistance provided there. Two books you might check out and enjoy are the following:
1) “The Library Book” by Susan Orlean
2) “The Great Typo Hunt” by Jeff Deck and Benjamin D. Herson
* Thanks to Wikipedia for information about the Apostrophe Protection Society.
Let’s look at something smaller than a library but larger than a virus: Apostrophes! Can this little punctuation mark be our friend too? Yes, it can help to guide and clarify what we read. This tiny sometimes-curly mark indicates possession and alerts us to a missing letter or two in a contraction. Doesn’t it?
Our grammatical friend, Apostrophe, has suffered abuse though. And to save it, John Richards, a retired sub-editor in the UK, established the Apostrophe Protection Society in his Lincolnshire home town of Boston, in 2001, with 257 members.
The society’s first success was getting the Boston library to write “CDs” instead of “CD’s.” CDs, of course is not possessive unless you write “the CD’s title is. . .” for example.
Another of the society’s gripes was that many local stores removed the apostrophe from family-named stores, such as Harrods, Waterstones, Currys, in contrast to properly punctuated McDonald’s and Sainsbury’s (and Macy’s!)
In 2001 Richards won the satiric IgNobel Prize for “his efforts to protect, promote, and defend the differences between plural and possessive.” An endeavor I heartily applaud! As I show correctly: “the Harkins left Ireland.” “This is Jean Harkin’s blog.” “Let’s visit the Harkins’ house.”
I am trying to be as polite in my examples as Richards and his son Stephen tried to be. But sadly, the Apostrophe Protection Society folded in 2019, overtaken by a tide of faster, more careless punctuation styles. For one thing, print media tends to begrudge the spaces taken up by “unnecessary” punctuation. Even commas are now suffering!
Back to the library: When it’s safe to return to normal life after the pandemic, be sure to visit your local library and celebrate the friendship and valuable assistance provided there. Two books you might check out and enjoy are the following:
1) “The Library Book” by Susan Orlean
2) “The Great Typo Hunt” by Jeff Deck and Benjamin D. Herson
* Thanks to Wikipedia for information about the Apostrophe Protection Society.
March 21, 2020
Short Booklist for Fevered and Frantic Times
As our nation shuts down from a virus—and each other, we have extra time for writing (if not too stressed) and reading (to help us relax and focus our minds elsewhere.)
I have a short list of books to recommend that seem especially appropriate for this surreal span of time:
1) “Fever” by Mary Beth Keane. This is historical fiction, set during the typhoid outbreak in 1900s New York. The novel is in the point of view of Typhoid Mary Mallon, who was suspected of being a carrier, although she never fell ill with typhoid. The novel looks at Mary’s flouting of quarantine laws as well as possible prejudice and misunderstanding by the authorities regarding the facts of her case.
2) “Mary Toft; or, The Rabbit Queen” by Dexter Palmer. It’s the weirdness factor of this historical fiction novel that merits inclusion on my booklist for surreal times. A poor woman in rural England, in 1726 gives birth 17 times to rabbits—not cute bunnies who scamper from beneath her skirts, but mutilated adult rabbits, thus horrifying medical witnesses. News of the phenomenon spreads to London, and King George sends medical experts to verify and puzzle out this unexplainable freak of nature.
3) “Shout” is an anthology of resistance writings published in Oregon by Not a Pipe Publishing. This seems a good time to embrace resistance, not only to disease, but to authoritarian leaders and other degradations of a civilized world.
4) My 15-year old grandson recommends “1984” by George Orwell for those who haven’t read it—or for re-reading. The dystopian novel parallels our times in many ways and warns of totalitarian regimentation, mass surveillance, and brazenly misleading terminology (aka lies and fake news.) The book is relevant to what is happening in the U.S. since 2017 and what could further unfold to restrict the freedoms we cherish.
5) Joshua Keating, staff writer and editor at “Slate” magazine, recommends a dystopian novel for the Social Distancing Era. I haven’t read it but am passing along the following recommendation for something to read when so many facets of our daily lives are disappearing. The book is “The Memory Police” by Yoko Ogawa.
6) "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas. During this enforced quarantine, there will be plenty of time to read the 1243 pages of this unabridged 19th century novel. And it's a page-turner at that! "Wait and hope" becomes the motto of an innocent man in isolated imprisonment for 14 years. Maybe this should be a motto for us today.
I have a short list of books to recommend that seem especially appropriate for this surreal span of time:
1) “Fever” by Mary Beth Keane. This is historical fiction, set during the typhoid outbreak in 1900s New York. The novel is in the point of view of Typhoid Mary Mallon, who was suspected of being a carrier, although she never fell ill with typhoid. The novel looks at Mary’s flouting of quarantine laws as well as possible prejudice and misunderstanding by the authorities regarding the facts of her case.
2) “Mary Toft; or, The Rabbit Queen” by Dexter Palmer. It’s the weirdness factor of this historical fiction novel that merits inclusion on my booklist for surreal times. A poor woman in rural England, in 1726 gives birth 17 times to rabbits—not cute bunnies who scamper from beneath her skirts, but mutilated adult rabbits, thus horrifying medical witnesses. News of the phenomenon spreads to London, and King George sends medical experts to verify and puzzle out this unexplainable freak of nature.
3) “Shout” is an anthology of resistance writings published in Oregon by Not a Pipe Publishing. This seems a good time to embrace resistance, not only to disease, but to authoritarian leaders and other degradations of a civilized world.
4) My 15-year old grandson recommends “1984” by George Orwell for those who haven’t read it—or for re-reading. The dystopian novel parallels our times in many ways and warns of totalitarian regimentation, mass surveillance, and brazenly misleading terminology (aka lies and fake news.) The book is relevant to what is happening in the U.S. since 2017 and what could further unfold to restrict the freedoms we cherish.
5) Joshua Keating, staff writer and editor at “Slate” magazine, recommends a dystopian novel for the Social Distancing Era. I haven’t read it but am passing along the following recommendation for something to read when so many facets of our daily lives are disappearing. The book is “The Memory Police” by Yoko Ogawa.
6) "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas. During this enforced quarantine, there will be plenty of time to read the 1243 pages of this unabridged 19th century novel. And it's a page-turner at that! "Wait and hope" becomes the motto of an innocent man in isolated imprisonment for 14 years. Maybe this should be a motto for us today.
February 28, 2020
Her-stories at Multnomah Central Library
Five of the “Strongly Worded Women” whose stories appear in that anthology will tell their ‘stories behind the stories’ at the Central Multnomah County Library in downtown Portland, Sunday March 8, 2:30 to 3:30 pm. The presentation is superbly appropriate for Women’s History Month.
“Before, During and After the Pages: Writing Short Stories” will be presented by five of the eighteen women contributors to “Strongly Worded Women.” They will discuss their inspirations, writing processes, and paths to publishing. Ben Gorman, of Not a Pipe Publishing in Independence, Oregon, who published the anthology will discuss the evolution and creation of the “Best of the Year of Publishing Women.”
Presenters of their story backgrounds will be Lizzy Carney, Maren Anderson, Elizabeth Beechwood, Debby Dodds, and Chloe Hagerman. I was a contributing author of the anthology and plan to attend, with other co-authors and fans, to cheer and connect with our esteemed presenters.
This event promises to be free of political issues and anything “frightening” (the library’s stipulations!) So, have no fears of joining us at the Multnomah County Central Library, in the U.S. Bank Room, Sunday March 8, at 2:30 pm.
Copies of “Strongly Worded Women” will be available for purchase, as will some copies of the presenters’ own books.
Sunday March 8 is the first day of Daylight Savings, so set you clocks forward an hour.
“Before, During and After the Pages: Writing Short Stories” will be presented by five of the eighteen women contributors to “Strongly Worded Women.” They will discuss their inspirations, writing processes, and paths to publishing. Ben Gorman, of Not a Pipe Publishing in Independence, Oregon, who published the anthology will discuss the evolution and creation of the “Best of the Year of Publishing Women.”
Presenters of their story backgrounds will be Lizzy Carney, Maren Anderson, Elizabeth Beechwood, Debby Dodds, and Chloe Hagerman. I was a contributing author of the anthology and plan to attend, with other co-authors and fans, to cheer and connect with our esteemed presenters.
This event promises to be free of political issues and anything “frightening” (the library’s stipulations!) So, have no fears of joining us at the Multnomah County Central Library, in the U.S. Bank Room, Sunday March 8, at 2:30 pm.
Copies of “Strongly Worded Women” will be available for purchase, as will some copies of the presenters’ own books.
Sunday March 8 is the first day of Daylight Savings, so set you clocks forward an hour.
February 1, 2020
Haiku Month, Writing Conferences and Challenges
February is National Haiku Writing Month (nahaiwrimo.com) in which prompter Kathabela Wilson can inspire and challenge you to write one haiku per day. It’s already Feburary—the shortest month—so join in now at www.nahaiwrimo.com. On the website, be sure to take a look at the NO 5-7-5 logo and read an essay about the “urban myth” of 5-7-5 syllables in English language haiku.
Another intriguing challenge for writers and artists is the “42 Stories Anthology,” a collection of 42 (exact) word stories—one each in 42 categories—and 42 art works, one per chapter. Writers are invited to submit a 42-word story with a 42-character title (can vary from 40 to 44 characters), with a 42-word third person bio. One story and art work will be chosen in 42 categories, ranging from alternate reality to crime fiction to humor to writing craft. Deadline is when all 42 categories are filled. Check it out and learn more at https://42storiessubs.submittable.com.
Thinking about attending a writing conference this year? For writers in Oregon and Washington, here are two nearby conferences: WILLAMETTE WRITERS CONFERENCE, Portland, August date pending. Contact: willamettewriters.com/wwcon.
WRITE ON THE SOUND, Edmonds, Washington. October 2-4, 2020. Contact: writeonthesound.com.
To get the most out of a writers’ conference, I recommend Jane Friedman’s guide. Jane is a recognized resource for writers. I found her blog post on maximizing one’s attendance at writing confabs to be chock full of valuable, sensible advice. www.janefriedman.com/guide-to-writers....
LONG STORY SHORT: My college student grandson Ethan gave me two of his favorite books for Christmas, and I rate them both as excellent reads: “The Pearl” by John Steinbeck (90 pages) is the shortest book I read this winter. “The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas (1243 pages) is the longest I’ve read—probably ever! I found both books to be page turners; Monte Cristo just gave me more hand exercise.
Another intriguing challenge for writers and artists is the “42 Stories Anthology,” a collection of 42 (exact) word stories—one each in 42 categories—and 42 art works, one per chapter. Writers are invited to submit a 42-word story with a 42-character title (can vary from 40 to 44 characters), with a 42-word third person bio. One story and art work will be chosen in 42 categories, ranging from alternate reality to crime fiction to humor to writing craft. Deadline is when all 42 categories are filled. Check it out and learn more at https://42storiessubs.submittable.com.
Thinking about attending a writing conference this year? For writers in Oregon and Washington, here are two nearby conferences: WILLAMETTE WRITERS CONFERENCE, Portland, August date pending. Contact: willamettewriters.com/wwcon.
WRITE ON THE SOUND, Edmonds, Washington. October 2-4, 2020. Contact: writeonthesound.com.
To get the most out of a writers’ conference, I recommend Jane Friedman’s guide. Jane is a recognized resource for writers. I found her blog post on maximizing one’s attendance at writing confabs to be chock full of valuable, sensible advice. www.janefriedman.com/guide-to-writers....
LONG STORY SHORT: My college student grandson Ethan gave me two of his favorite books for Christmas, and I rate them both as excellent reads: “The Pearl” by John Steinbeck (90 pages) is the shortest book I read this winter. “The Count of Monte Cristo” by Alexandre Dumas (1243 pages) is the longest I’ve read—probably ever! I found both books to be page turners; Monte Cristo just gave me more hand exercise.
January 3, 2020
Restarting Creativity for the New Year
New year and new decade—a great time to restart and revive creativity that you may have set aside during the busy holidays and for any other reason that’s been stifling creative energy.
Creativity is possible for everyone—not just writers, poets, artists, musicians, teachers, engineers, etc. etc. As author Elizabeth Gilbert states, “A creative life is an amplified life. It’s a bigger life, a happier life, an expanded life. . . continually and stubbornly bringing forth the jewels that are hidden within you—is a fine art, in and of itself.”
Turning to the outdoors and finding resources in hobbies are methods to fire up creativity encouraged by Portland writer Teri Brown and New York blogging teacher Josh Sippie.
In her August 2017 blog, Teri writes how finding awe-inspiring beauty encouraged her to take creative risks and to “open my heart.” The feeling of being awe-struck is healthy, she writes. Finding breath-taking views in nature can spark joy and gratitude, lower stress levels, and refresh creativity. Spending several days outdoors, meditating and focusing can revitalize the creative muscles. Teri said she likes to go out into the wilderness and do “poetry slams” where she sits down and writes words to describe what she is seeing, feeling, hearing, smelling, touching. She “melds mindfulness with creativity” by experiencing nature.
Josh, writing in the June 2019 “Writer” magazine, says that hobbies need not be distracting; sometimes they enrich creativity. He eliminated most of his hobbies as distractions but found that one—playing video games—complemented his creativity. (Young writers should love to hear this!) He explained that video games are story driven and give him “ideas, inspiration, and fuel for writing.”
And Writers—don’t neglect the jump start of reading! Focusing on an author’s writing you admire can quickly send you back to your writing desk with fresh words and sparkling ideas. Another way to get going is “writing practice” advocated by Natalie Goldberg: the exercise of putting pen to paper and writing whatever comes to mind.
Teri reminds writers that creativity is more than word counts and high production. It is “the use of the imagination or original ideas” in producing something new.
Additional reading on reviving creativity:
Teri Brown’s August 2017 blog: https://medium.com/@terijbrown/courti...
Josh Sippie, “Creative Distractions,” “The Writer” magazine, June 2019
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/...
Elizabeth Gilbert, “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear”
Natalie Goldberg, “The True Secret of Writing”
Jennifer Pastiloff, “On Being Human”
Florence Williams, “The Three Day Effect”
Creativity is possible for everyone—not just writers, poets, artists, musicians, teachers, engineers, etc. etc. As author Elizabeth Gilbert states, “A creative life is an amplified life. It’s a bigger life, a happier life, an expanded life. . . continually and stubbornly bringing forth the jewels that are hidden within you—is a fine art, in and of itself.”
Turning to the outdoors and finding resources in hobbies are methods to fire up creativity encouraged by Portland writer Teri Brown and New York blogging teacher Josh Sippie.
In her August 2017 blog, Teri writes how finding awe-inspiring beauty encouraged her to take creative risks and to “open my heart.” The feeling of being awe-struck is healthy, she writes. Finding breath-taking views in nature can spark joy and gratitude, lower stress levels, and refresh creativity. Spending several days outdoors, meditating and focusing can revitalize the creative muscles. Teri said she likes to go out into the wilderness and do “poetry slams” where she sits down and writes words to describe what she is seeing, feeling, hearing, smelling, touching. She “melds mindfulness with creativity” by experiencing nature.
Josh, writing in the June 2019 “Writer” magazine, says that hobbies need not be distracting; sometimes they enrich creativity. He eliminated most of his hobbies as distractions but found that one—playing video games—complemented his creativity. (Young writers should love to hear this!) He explained that video games are story driven and give him “ideas, inspiration, and fuel for writing.”
And Writers—don’t neglect the jump start of reading! Focusing on an author’s writing you admire can quickly send you back to your writing desk with fresh words and sparkling ideas. Another way to get going is “writing practice” advocated by Natalie Goldberg: the exercise of putting pen to paper and writing whatever comes to mind.
Teri reminds writers that creativity is more than word counts and high production. It is “the use of the imagination or original ideas” in producing something new.
Additional reading on reviving creativity:
Teri Brown’s August 2017 blog: https://medium.com/@terijbrown/courti...
Josh Sippie, “Creative Distractions,” “The Writer” magazine, June 2019
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/...
Elizabeth Gilbert, “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear”
Natalie Goldberg, “The True Secret of Writing”
Jennifer Pastiloff, “On Being Human”
Florence Williams, “The Three Day Effect”
November 19, 2019
In Time for Christmas Gifting!
“Beyond Yesterday,” the 2019 Writers’ Mill Journal (volume 7) has just been released in time to place orders for Christmas giving! The collection of fiction, essays, and poetry by twelve authors is now available online for $5.99 and wherever books are sold. The Kindle version is available for $2.99.
The contents are inspired by the prompt, “looking backward and forward.” Several of the pieces have won awards in the Writers’ Mill monthly contests. Writers’ Mill is a group of writers who meet every month at the Cedar Mill Library near Portland, Oregon.
At our November meeting, leader Sheila Deeth, directed us through a demo of formatting and publishing our book. Using her laptop and the library's AV equipment and screen, she projected the entire process for the group's participation.
A few decisions were needed by the 13 members present: Book title, cover image, and cover design (including colors and print styles.) The KDP website worked well, with the exception of some glitches with cover dimensions. But voila-- the book is read-ready!
Both Kindle and print versions of “Beyond Yesterday” include illustrations and photographs that appear in color in the Kindle version, black and white in print edition.
I’m honored and delighted that the cover photograph (in color) for both editions is one of my photos, selected by the Writers’ Mill members. Some of you will recognize the scene, snapped at Fort Stevens State Park near Astoria, Oregon. See the book cover in my book list above; it is third from the top.
Royalties from book and Kindle sales go to the Cedar Mill Library, the group’s helpful and gracious partner.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a Good Read!
The contents are inspired by the prompt, “looking backward and forward.” Several of the pieces have won awards in the Writers’ Mill monthly contests. Writers’ Mill is a group of writers who meet every month at the Cedar Mill Library near Portland, Oregon.
At our November meeting, leader Sheila Deeth, directed us through a demo of formatting and publishing our book. Using her laptop and the library's AV equipment and screen, she projected the entire process for the group's participation.
A few decisions were needed by the 13 members present: Book title, cover image, and cover design (including colors and print styles.) The KDP website worked well, with the exception of some glitches with cover dimensions. But voila-- the book is read-ready!
Both Kindle and print versions of “Beyond Yesterday” include illustrations and photographs that appear in color in the Kindle version, black and white in print edition.
I’m honored and delighted that the cover photograph (in color) for both editions is one of my photos, selected by the Writers’ Mill members. Some of you will recognize the scene, snapped at Fort Stevens State Park near Astoria, Oregon. See the book cover in my book list above; it is third from the top.
Royalties from book and Kindle sales go to the Cedar Mill Library, the group’s helpful and gracious partner.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a Good Read!
October 2, 2019
Books on the Same Page, Plus Far Out Subtitles
It’s almost like literary magnetism! I am often amazed how two books I read in succession have so much in common. It happened again last month:
I read “WiZrD” by Steve Zell, followed by “Crooked River” by Valerie Geary. Here are the amazing commonalities between these two books:
1) Both are first novels by Portland area authors. *
2) In both novels, the protagonists are young teens. Yet the books are not classified as Young Adult.
3) Dead bodies are found in waterways by these teens.
4) Supernatural elements imbue each story. Dreams and ancient Native American spirits haunt “WiZrD.” In “Crooked River,” teen age Samantha’s younger sister sees ghosts and magically knows more than her mute voice can relay.
5) The younger sisters in both novels wear glasses and have ethereal experiences.
*“WiZrD” was written in 1995, later revised and republished for YA and British markets; “Crooked River” was published in 2014.
SUBTITLES are becoming ridiculously long. Like this one: “Ballad of the Whiskey Robber: A True Story of Bank Heists, Ice Hockey, Transylvanian Pelt Smuggling, Moonlighting Detectives, and Broken Hearts” by Julian Rubinstein.
According to a June 28, 2019, “Washington Post” article, the motive behind these long winding subtitles is “search.” Subtitles will serve as key words online and will pop up to grab a reader’s attention while searching. Surprisingly, Amazon allows a book up to 199 characters for title and subtitle combined.
I succumbed to this gimmicky trend, figuring that a descriptive subtitle might also attract a publisher’s attention. My novel and subtitle (163 characters) are as follows: “Promise Full of Thorns: A Family Saga of Wartime, Promising Gardens, Love’s Challenges, Golf Getaways, Secrets and Losses, Revenge Gone Awry, and a Basketball Finale.”
What do you think: Does it warrant your attention or seem like too much information? I welcome your comments.
I read “WiZrD” by Steve Zell, followed by “Crooked River” by Valerie Geary. Here are the amazing commonalities between these two books:
1) Both are first novels by Portland area authors. *
2) In both novels, the protagonists are young teens. Yet the books are not classified as Young Adult.
3) Dead bodies are found in waterways by these teens.
4) Supernatural elements imbue each story. Dreams and ancient Native American spirits haunt “WiZrD.” In “Crooked River,” teen age Samantha’s younger sister sees ghosts and magically knows more than her mute voice can relay.
5) The younger sisters in both novels wear glasses and have ethereal experiences.
*“WiZrD” was written in 1995, later revised and republished for YA and British markets; “Crooked River” was published in 2014.
SUBTITLES are becoming ridiculously long. Like this one: “Ballad of the Whiskey Robber: A True Story of Bank Heists, Ice Hockey, Transylvanian Pelt Smuggling, Moonlighting Detectives, and Broken Hearts” by Julian Rubinstein.
According to a June 28, 2019, “Washington Post” article, the motive behind these long winding subtitles is “search.” Subtitles will serve as key words online and will pop up to grab a reader’s attention while searching. Surprisingly, Amazon allows a book up to 199 characters for title and subtitle combined.
I succumbed to this gimmicky trend, figuring that a descriptive subtitle might also attract a publisher’s attention. My novel and subtitle (163 characters) are as follows: “Promise Full of Thorns: A Family Saga of Wartime, Promising Gardens, Love’s Challenges, Golf Getaways, Secrets and Losses, Revenge Gone Awry, and a Basketball Finale.”
What do you think: Does it warrant your attention or seem like too much information? I welcome your comments.
