The words just write

Compromise. Blogging still has its grip on me, as you may have noticed. Yah, yah.

I’ve been prompted with another post idea that I will issue to you as a writing challenge, while I’m… ahem… breaking from the blog *snort*.

Today I completed another writing exercise to encourage a piece of fiction for the Summer Writing Space I’m participating in.

Fiction is the style of writing that I’m most challenged with and after choosing a structure, I was able to let it happen.

I let the words tell the story and let go of the perception that I was telling a story. It flowed.

Funny how cooperative the imagination can be when it has a directive; like a child with a short attention span who just needs a little guidance.

I’ll share the result in a few weeks, after we’re finished with the following…

Just 9 words of the day

Here is the challenge I’m proposing:

Using the following nine words, write a story or a poem, etc., keeping it to a maximum of 100 words.

Fly, Magnitude, Timothy, Typography, Death, Closet, Swell, Rena, Jerome.

You can choose these words, or pick nine of your own; post to your blog, linking to this post, or submit your post to me as a guest post.

NOTE: If you choose to submit your post as a guest post you must use the words that I have chosen. Ha! :-)

You cannot alter the form of the words. For example: do not use “swelling” instead of “swell”. You can use hyphenated forms of the words in this challenge.

When you send your submission to davina (at) shadesofcrimson (dot) com:

1. Include a title for your submission, (maximum 100 words).

2. Please include an image of your choice; your own or one with permission, giving credit to the source.

3. A few words sharing what the process was like for you.

4. A link to your blog, including its name and your name.

5. Submit by August 15th (two weeks from now).

These five things need to be considered for a submission to be accepted.

This is not a contest; just an exercise I thought might be fun to share. Depending on how many I receive, I will choose three submissions to post here.

If you don’t choose to participate, please spread the word. Or, perhaps you’d like to answer a question or two:

Why do you write?

What is your biggest challenge?

Imagine you’re writing now; see yourself from an observer’s perspective. Describe yourself; in 9 words ;-)

Photo Credit: Karindalziel

“We hide from ‘painful’ feelings; embarrassed. If you’re an artist, a writer, a dancer, etc., express the ‘sad’. It could be your best work.”

Write the sad; right the sad

Been feeling sad lately. Well, sort of…

Denying the sadness, actually. Closing the door on it. What I’ve realized is that by closing the door I’ve locked myself in with it.

Shutting the feelings down brought me down with them. Why do we fear this place? I’ve recognized how it’s not a place I appreciate and from what I’ve seen, neither do most others when they feel it in themselves.

But man, is there a richness there when you don’t pretend it doesn’t exist. Going there is to embrace all of you in that space; to love ALL of you. Standing and reaching tall.

Live and learn; learn to live

The feelings are much larger than a child; much larger than an adult. They don’t go unwitnessed, whether you give them audience or not. They are there and you know it. Others do too, on a subtle level, and their interactions with you are coloured because of it.

It filters your perspective of others and your relations with others. Your relations with yourself. Your creativity. Being in this place is about connecting with the emotions; the elements of yourself; your nature.

The wind and fire of rage. The delicate dewdrop tears. Surrendering to the shaping of life. Standing in one’s own spotlight; self-assured.

Exploring it with heart opens the door and lets the world in. Feeling it allows you to be at home with yourself and others to be at home with you.

Life coaches tend to say that when you’re feeling low or angry it’s because you’re choosing to feel that way. I’m going take it a step farther and say that it’s because you’re choosing to NOT feel that way. You’re resisting what is there.

While on my blogging break, I’ve joined a Summer Writing Space to explore new aspects of writing and to coach my own creative space. More accurately, it’s been coaching me.

Recently, I responded to a prompt from Joanna at the Summer Writing Space to write a piece where every new line began with “I am from”. I used that prompt to give the feelings somewhere to land.

Emotions, passion and creativity are family. Don’t be afraid to feel. There are riches in these places and they are a part of your evolution. They are offering you a gift that just needs to be unwrapped. You might be surprised at what you find.

How far are you willing to reach?

Where I’m from is Elementary

I am from nothing;
do I exist?

I am from one dream; vivid…
blew in on funnel clouds,
raging, storming and swirling with life energy,
heavenly fingers pointing down from above.

I am from the embers,
glowing crimson under indigo skies,
smoldering, sparking, and
too hot to touch.

I am from a dewdrop,
tiny, delicate and glistening,
resting on the faraway tip of a quivering leaf,
paused, poised and ready to leap.

I am from frost,
out on a limb,
tinkling in the icy breath of a white April morn.

I am from the drama
that birthed me
and took me to audience;
where I waited, breathing;
no witness, no applause, no judgment.

I am from the blue clay of Terminal Creek, sculpted;
a vase styled, curvy and shaped,
a woman holding a space
to be filled.

I am from the flight of ladybug,
searching for home,
just ahead of a dream,
that blew in on funnel clouds.

How do you bring voice to your emotions?
What structure invites your creativity?
What stops you and why?
What are you waiting for?

If you care to explore your creative process, reach for your write impact.

My blogging activities may have paused, but business is still on.

Photo credits:
The picture of myself was taken by my friend, Jim.
Dewdrop is from Flickr.com by Lord V

Click image for free download.

Celebrating 2 years of blogging

The following introduction has been taken from this ebook.

June 20, 2010 completes a chapter; two years blogging, late nights at the computer writing until past one o’clock a.m., and blog-hopping around the blogosphere leaving comments behind. Lots of comments.

Writing and not knowing what the next word will be, and then appreciating when it comes… well, it’s not always the word you’re looking for, is it? Not always the ‘right’ one.

That’s what I love about the comment sections in blogs. Words show up there more easily or is that just me?

I wanted to celebrate these two years by acknowledging those who’ve been along for the ride. You, who have shared your comments, insights, shenanigans and stories from week to week, and month to month.

Cheers to the blog commenter

This book has been written by blog commenters. To keep it to a moderate size, I searched for commenters on my blog from 2010 and pulled out the pithy ones of those who’d commented a number of times.

I found comments from bloggers who’ve been around from day one, as well as some newcomers. There are super reflections brimming with wisdom, creativity and sentiment.

This ebook couldn’t have happened without your comments. I’ve appreciated your support and the connections I’ve made over the past two years. There are no ‘right’ words, actually…

Except for, you guys rock!

Below, in no particular order, you will see a list of bloggers whose comments have been featured in this book. Whether or not you are on this list, feel free to click here or on the above image for this free download to read what bloggers talk about at Shades of Crimson.

Also included are photographs my digital camera captured while out and about in the Vancouver and surrounding areas. You’re welcome to download these and use them on your blogs, with a credit to Shades of Crimson.

It’s been a great two years; hard to believe it’s BEEN two years!

Talk about rendering the write impact…

Thanks everyone! :-D

Photo Credit: Davina Haisell

The whimsical workout

I have a good sense of humour but it becomes lost in translation when I try to write it. That frustrates me.

While reading comics, watching sitcoms, late night tv and shows such as The Simpsons and Family Guy, I marvel at the writers’ talent. There are some  funny writers online too, and the more I read humour the more I want to write it.

In May, I attempted to write humour. It took effort because the writing didn’t flow. I had ideas, but it was like looking at a 2,000-piece jigsaw puzzle, trying to figure out how everything fit together.

Fortunate accidents

Ideas don’t necessarily come in sequence or appear to be related, thus they can pass by unrecognized or be discarded. A discarded idea could be the missing piece of the puzzle.

Once you find the corner pieces (ideas/theme) of the puzzle, notice how words and ideas come into play that wouldn’t have otherwise occurred to you. I call these fortunate accidents; they help to put the puzzle together.

You’ll notice patterns; ideas play off each other. They will lead you to find the next piece of the puzzle. You can find good examples of these fortunate accidents in “The Muse is My Master.”

Now, I’m not saying that the three posts I wrote were winners, but I was happy with my progress. It was a learning experience and I know they made some of you smile. That is something. It would be a dream come true to do a comedy routine and listen to the audience laugh. Laughter brings people together… with each other and with themselves.

10 techniques to write humour

I believe that if someone wants to write humour badly enough, they can. There are steps you can follow, plus it helps to research the topic and be aware of current events and latest trends. Practice, perseverance and patience go a long way, too.

1. Use puns
2. Use sarcasm
3. State the obvious
4. State the opposite
5. Draw parallels
6. Use metaphors
7. Feign ignorance or stupidity
8. Use the shock factor
9. Write as if you are speaking to a child
10. Exercise an attitude of superiority

Someone challenged with writer’s block might even benefit from practicing these techniques. Sometimes you just have to lay the foundation (build the outer edges of the puzzle) before the picture takes shape. You don’t need inspiration for that; just start collecting the pieces.

More examples can be found in “Dial-1-2-1-Muse” and “9 Animal Totem Cards for Your Muse.” Writing about what you are passionate about is key because there are hooks there for you.

What’s interesting is that humour bypasses the intellect for the listener. Yet, in order to write humour you have to dig deep into the intellect.

Have you written humour? Do you have any tips?
What is your favourite type of comedy?

Photo Credit: Pink Sherbet

Welcome to the second guest poster of the “Muse in May” series, everyone.

Say hi to Wendi Kelly.

Wendi is the Co-Owner and Marketing Director for Sirius Graphix/Blue Sun Studio, Inc. When she isn’t busy designing marketing and branding strategies for their clients’ websites, she can be found working with Deb on their novel series, Bonds of Blood & Spirit. The first book, Loyalties, is due to be released later this fall.

This post clearly illustrates the history behind the early beginnings of Loyalties; even before Wendi herself could dream it up. Congratulations Deb and Wendi on your upcoming book launch!

A  Muse for My Dreams

“Really great people make you feel that you, too, can become great.”
Mark Twain

The shy little girl wrote furiously on the white sheet of notebook paper, scribbling out the story as fast as it came to her busy little imagination. When the writing period was finished, the teacher asked for all the students’ papers to be passed to the front of the class.

The girl looked up, dismayed to see that she had several pages compared to most of the childrens’ single sheet of lined, white notebook paper. Afraid that perhaps she had not been paying attention again and missed the directions, the girl felt that familiar thud in her stomach as she reluctantly handed her small stack of papers to the girl in front of her.

Thankfully, silent reading time saved her from any further conversation. She pulled out her book and sunk deeper into her chair. She lost all track of time until the bell rang, indicating the shift in classes. Dreaded math was next for her, the horror of her day.

However, just as she was about to shuffle off to the torture of pre-algebra, she was stopped at the door by her teacher, Mrs. Sheahan, who stood, clutching her stack of papers in her hand.

She was smiling. A twinkle seemed to light up her eyes that the girl did not recognize. Expecting to be in trouble, the girl frowned, confused.

“Come; sit down with me for a moment. I’ll give you a pass for your next class.”

Silently, the girl complied, unsure why she was being detained. In her academic career so far, any time a teacher wanted to talk, it wasn’t a good sign.

“I read your paper. This is the third time you have completed a well thought-out, finished story in the limited time that was given to simply flesh out an idea. Last month, when the other students turned in a five-page short story, you turned in a completed novella.”

The girl hung her head. She wasn’t sure what a novella was, nor was she sure if it was a good thing that she had written one. So far, it was sounding like she needed to tell her pen to quit while it was ahead. Yet…her teacher was still smiling. A small bit of hope began to blossom somewhere in the pit of her belly.

Her teacher lowered her voice, her face softening, gentle eyes meeting large frightened brown ones. “Dear?” She placed her hand over the young girl’s hand. “Do you want to grow up to be a writer?”

The girl felt the moment in time stand still. It was as if someone had discovered the secret of her soul. Her deepest wish, her heart’s desire, her one greatest hope…but the one she believed she wasn’t worthy of.

Books were her life. She lost herself in the fantasy of other worlds. Ones she read, and ones she created herself. Never did she think that other people would want to read her worlds as well.

“With all my heart.” The answer was hardly more than a whisper, as her dark chocolate eyes filled with water.

The teacher sat back, her smile widening to one of pride and vision. “Then I will help you. If you would like, you can come in twice a week after school and we will work together. I can give you extra books to read and we can move you up to the next writing level. I will give you extra writing assignments that you can work on in your free time and we can discuss them together.”

“Yes, I would love that, thank you.” It felt like Christmas. She couldn’t even express the way her heart was leaping out of her chest.

Then her teacher spoke the words that were branded in her heart for the rest of her life.

“Mark my words honey, I fully expect to see your name in print someday, on the front of a novel. I have faith in you. If you want it, it will happen.”

The young girl felt the magnitude of that faith strengthen and fill her.  For the first time in her life, she felt like a writer. She believed with all her heart that she had the power to make her dreams come true.

“I promise you…when my first novel is published, I will dedicate it to you.”

The little girl in the story was me. In seventh grade, I met the amazing teacher that changed my life and gave me the beginning of the path, the faith and the vision to hold on to my dream of becoming a writer. Great teachers come from all walks in our lives and can be the Muses that give us vision, strength and ideas when all else fails.

Unfortunately, my teaching Muse passed out of this world many years ago due to an illness. She didn’t get to see – in person – the dream come true of my name in print on the cover of a book.

Yet, every time I struggle, every time I falter, I have only to reach back to that day and feel that moment of sure conviction to remember my unflinching goal and know that come hell or high water…I will never give up. My Muse is with me still.

She has become my Muse for all ideas, the personification of creativity, and the symbol for steadfast perseverance.

That fiction novel has been written. By the end of the year, Deb Dorchak and I will have published our first novel and I will be keeping that promise to my Muse.

My dedication will go out to Barbara Sheahan, the woman who gave me the faith to believe in myself and the tools to do it. Thank you, to my special Muse for never leaving my side.

* * * * * * * *

Thanks Wendi, for contributing to the “Muse in May” series. Just goes to show how much other people can influence our lives. I really enjoyed this.

If you’d like to read more posts by Wendi, or from anyone on the Blue Sun Studio network, please visit Sirius Graphix, Life’s Little Inspirations or Saya no Uchi.

Photo Credit: Image property of Dreamstime. Illegal download and usage not allowed.

Here’s to the ordinary

There is more to the Muse than finding inspiration and the right words to express it. It is beyond splashing colour across an artist’s canvas or aiming the camera at exactly the right angle.

Innate objects, inventions, tools and activities were inspired by some creative pursuit. Many ideas are overlooked or taken for granted by our taste for recognition and glory.

The Muse’s influence is everywhere and we are never separate from it. We just think we are.

For this poem, I collected all the words I could that rhyme with Muse. Then, I fiddled and juggled and let them find their rhythm to tell the story. When I started, they were just ordinary words. Together, they tell a story.

The story is one of two friends getting together to relax and share their Monday evening and the start of a new week.

It is reminiscent of those times I’ve spent with friends, when even the silence speaks. When the ordinary is much more than ordinary.

This poem is about being supported by the creative possibilities around you. It is about appreciating the ordinary.

Mundane Monday Muse

This special space friends can’t refuse,
munching moments and cashews,
sharing time, breaking through,
a good boyfriend, a bad hairdo.

Gentle chatter, words diffuse,
now staring at the other’s shoe,
profile steady, thoughts enthused,
by a sentimental interlude.

Drawing waves like a swift canoe,
past writer’s words and painter’s hues,
and finely crafted tall statues,
and faded butterfly tattoos.

To a coffee table with crossword clues,
a trusted silver wing corkscrew,
a glass of wine, a pot of stew,
flavored by some rhythm and blue.

Mundane seeks not to bemuse,
but to imagine poets and lofty views,
where the innate artist’s breath ensues,
to unveil the mundane Monday Muse.

Photo Credit: DanDeChiaro