See on Scoop.it – Creativity
Christi Krug‘s insight:
“Being present” is more than something you do on your own. It’s for your business too.
See on
How to Combat Writer’s Block
Most of us who write on a blog on a frequent basis simply run out of ‘new’ things to say. It seems as though there’s little left to talk about.
Christi Krug‘s insight:
I like the simple suggestion of working in a new, quiet space until laptop battery runs out . . .
See on www.whitespace.on.ca
Who Do You Write Like?
Writing Analzer:
Try this fun little tool to see who you write like. Today, my story gave the result, “You write like Stephen King.” If I plug in a different story tomorrow, I may get something different.
What I love best about the creative process is that it lets us reinvent ourselves as often as necessary, to keep the passion alive.
(Thanks to the awesome Powell’s Books for finding this tool.)
If Poems were Tacos
So, I had tacos once. A long time ago. I had a teacher who brought tacos to school. She had a weird, ancient recipe with creamed corn and tomato aspic. The shells were stale from sitting out all afternoon, and the texture of gravel.
It’s a wonder we kids tried them, but we did. Somehow they were interesting. Besides, our teacher seemed to think they were important.
Tacos remained a mystery for much of my life.
From time to time, I’d hear people talk about tacos; I didn’t tell them that secretly I dreamed about making a taco, too.
There were taco restaurants in my city, and a number of people who had dedicated their lives to tacos. I saw tacos on billboards, heard about them in songs. Every now and then, that happy yellow corn shell image would get to me. I’d wonder if there was a taco in my future. I’d think back to that elementary teacher.
What stopped me? I was haunted by the mysterious rules of taco-making which I would never know.
Then, I passed a taco cart one afternoon, and the scent overpowered me. I gathered up my courage and reached back in my memory. I bought some taco shells, a couple of cans creamed corn and the rest of the ingredients. I took a deep breath, and started making a taco. Yes, I did!
I’m not sure why people looked at me funny when I brought the tacos to my Culinary Adventures class and passed them around. I mean–I was being brave! I was launching out! I was making that taco I’d always dreamed of.
Finally, my teacher, Jasmine Exasperation, said,
“Have you ever thought about trying some of the taco places in your neighborhood?”
“Or,” piped up Edwina Snifter, “you could look up recipes–new, old. Experiment with them. See what makes them work.”
“There’s no hurry,” agreed Matthias Grouse, clearing his throat and making a face as he pushed his taco plate far away from where he sat. “I mean, the worst that can happen–”
“–has already happened,” finished Esther Trout, giving me a pointed glare.
It was a crushing blow. What a thing to say! These people obviously didn’t understand my brilliance.
Well, that’s the last time I’m going to express my artistic taco-making soul in this town, I’ll tell you. Hoo-eee.
Anyway, I never liked tacos that much to begin with.
How Do I Get Published?
After class today, two writers asked The Question. “How do I get published?”
They are learning to expertly shape stories and novels, but have never submitted their work.
I like their approach: first write. Then publish. Some writers seem to think it should be the other way around. Some write so quickly, in such a fervor to get published (or to self-publish) that they don’t learn their craft.
The first thing, I tell them, is to craft the very best work you can, and that is only possible if you are soaking up examples of stories, articles, poems, or other works, according to what you enjoy and want to write. And if you are practicing. A lot.
My classes are devoted to helping people overcome their critic so they can produce good quantities of work, so that they can practice, so that their skills can improve by leaps and bounds.
If you simply spend your time thinking about writing, or dribbling out a word or two here and there, you are not going to cultivate the skills to excel.
There are no shortcuts for learning the craft. Reading, writing, looking at what works and doesn’t, sharing your work and getting feedback: these things will serve.
Once you’ve traveled that path for awhile, you should submit your work, share it, publish it. As Kim said today, “But there is so much information out there about getting published. How do I know where to start?”
Back when I started freelance writing, in pre-Internet days, the very best resource was the Writer’s Market. I loved that book. I marked it with highlighters, scribbled in the margins, spilled tea on the pages, read all the helpful hints, and followed the guidelines. It made a world of difference, helping me publish short stories and articles nationally and internationally.
Today, you can still get the Writer’s Market in book form, or, you can subscribe to it online. It lists hundreds of publishers, of many different stripes and genres. It outlines what each publisher is asking for.
As you will soon find out, each publisher has different needs and guidelines, as well as their own personality, so to speak. It’s all about finding the right fit. The same goes for literary agents whom you might be seeking to represent your work.
Another great choice for today, especially when it comes to short story markets and lesser known publishers, is Duotrope.com. The submission calendar is a great feature, highlighting upcoming themes and deadlines. I love browsing the quirky themes. They offer interesting story ideas and give you the chance to tailor work to these markets.
A quick scan today produces “Revolutions,” “Taste and the Tongue,” and “The Beatles.” As with Writer’s Market, there is a subscriber fee, waived in the trial period.
Studying these resources gives you a wealth of material, but funnels that material nicely. There are a world of places to get published. A galaxy! But you need a systemized approach, determination, and willingness to devour publications. Find the stories that sound most like yours. If the publication doesn’t resonate with what you like to read and write, then go on to the next.
These are a couple of starting options. Let me know how they help you or don’t, and what questions you have next!
Staying Motivated: An Author’s Job
Suddenly, you’re not into it. You don’t want to talk about your book, or tweet about it, or even pack it on your way to an event. Truth is, you’re discouraged that sales figures don’t match your expectations. You wish books could sell on their own, but they won’t, they can’t, and even so, you tell yourself it’s too much to keep doing.
(Whom
might I be talking about here? I guess you know.)
This creeping apathy came like a head cold out of nowhere. I couldn’t identify the moment I became infected. One minute, I was fine; the next, I started feeling blah about the business involved.
I talked to three people today who cured me of my bout of author apathy.
The first was the delightful Marcia Riefer Johnston, who shared her author’s journey, highlighting the fact that for her, it’s all about the possibilities and surprises that unfold in the process of publishing and selling.
She has no idea what each new relationship will lead to. She networks with authors, freelancers, creatives–listening, getting feedback, and celebrating the partnering aspects of being an author and entrepreneur.
Seeing Marcia’s freedom from expectations, and listening to her happy-go-lucky approach, reminded me that every single part of the creative process, even the publishing and marketing, has innate rewards.
The second person was Paulann Petersen, Oregon Poet Laureate and tonight’s featured reader at Broadway Books in Portland. The stunning poems from her new book, Understory, kept a crowd of people on their feet as they closed their eyes, smiled, or nodded, breathing in her words like holy incense.
Host and store owner Roberta Dyer pointed out all the ways Paulann gives herself to poetry and community, traveling thousands of miles to offer workshops to students of every age and economic background. I thought: this is how I want to be. Writing and sharing my gifts, not focusing on how many books I am selling. This awareness was a cleansing draught.
The third person was Stephen Arndt, a poet and novelist, who has had nothing but kind, encouraging things to say since the day I met him. I talked about being discouraged with my slow pace of scheduling in relation to the ideas in my head. He said, “There is nothing wrong with your pace.” That statement floored me.
Oh, and Stephen bought a book.
Okay, Unive
rse. I get the message! I don’t need to focus on numbers, but people. I must keep an open heart, sharing my best nonfiction, stories, and poems with a generous spirit, letting the surprises unfold.
Thank you.
Thanks for the Book Reviews
I’ve had some amazing people reach out with support for Burn Wild: A Writer’s Guide to Creative Breakthrough. I just read through these book reviews again, slowly, and let them sink in. I’m still working up to another read of the exquisite posts at My Own Sweet Thyme and Martin Eke. Gulp. And another grateful visit to Forest Avenue Press as well as the site of its creator, Laura Stanfill.
What I’m doing: giving myself permission to appreciate what I’ve accomplished. This is a rare opportunity, since I’m usually so focused on the next thing.
I have a limited shelf life for compliments. I can accept them–for a few moments, and then I tend to toss them.
Talking to other writers, entrepreneurs and creative folks, I notice I’m not the only one who does this. Any day, I can hear someone brushing off compliments or saying, “Yeah, but . . . ”
There’s always a reason something is not good enough.
There’s always friction, a push to get that compliment offstage. It’s as if the critic (I call him Dr. Codger) has strict controls and time limits on good words.
But what if we just let that go, and dwelt on the kind words and good points regarding the work we finished, the painting we made, the story we wrote? Something to think about.
Meantime, thank you, to the big-hearted Yuvi Zalkow, for your genuine noticing and encouraging backup, and to Lisa Feather, for the stunning talent you bravely unfold, to Gypsy Martin, for your brilliant, balanced perceptions and invaluable friendship, and to Valerie Wagner for your willing, teachable, lovable soul, and to Laura Stanfill–where would I be without you as a pal and sparkplug? To Edee Lemonier, for your enthusiasm and invincibility and growth, to Sheila Deeth for your support and kindred spirit, and to the talented Marcia Johnston, for reaching out, and to steadfast Roberto, who makes me so proud, and to my beautiful students who came out of the woodwork and shared connections with the material.
Thank you for the thank-you’s, and the great lessons in accepting the positives, and for sharing this heart-expanding journey with me.
Does writing a poem make you a poet?
Is it just about poem writing?
It’s a happy thing to come across someone writing a poem. So often, writers in my classes are confused about poetry. “I’m not sure where to start.” “I’ve never written a poem.” “I am confused about the rules.”
I tell them, a poem is expressing your soul in an artful way, using words. It doesn’t have to “follow any rules.” You don’t have to start at the beginning. And, if you’ve ever written a love letter or made up a lullaby to a sleepy baby or invented a nickname, you have written a poem.
And a poet? A poet is simply someone who notices when they have written a poem.
That poet could be you.
Photo by Christi Krug.
Permission to be silly
“You will discover how to give yourself permission to be silly.” A creative resource that helps.
Photo by Christi Krug
You Won’t Like My Book If
So far, for Burn Wild, I’ve gotten only one book review less than 5 stars. I am most proud of this 4-star review, in fact. Why? Because the reviewer embraces the reality that not every single thing we write will resonate with each and every person.
If it did, we would be the Borg.
It’s vital to know where your work fits in and where it doesn’t. Sometime, the wrong person is bound to pick up the book, just as every now and then someone enrolls in my class, sits through the first session, and says, “I don’t think this is for me.” I have come to respect that, and to encourage the student to bow out if he or she needs to do so. It lets me focus on who the class is really for, capitalizing on the ideas I’ve already set into motion.
In the same way, Burn Wild is not for:
- People who like to take themselves very seriously
- Those who don’t enjoy connecting with their emotions
- Readers who tend toward cynicism and irony
- Folks who don’t like surprises
- Those who already know enough about the creative process
- Fast-paced individuals without time for curiosity
- Writers who do not suffer from self-doubt
- Adults who hate to “play”
- Those who hold to a sequential, intellectual approach
- Individuals without any procrastination issues
- Artists with unfaltering self-confidence
No, you can’t please everyone. We who are original have a unique story, approach, idea or message to share, and not everyone has to get it. How honest, freeing, and cool to let you be you, and me be me.
Top photo, with modifications: © Janakadharmasena | Dreamstime Stock Photos & Stock Free Images Bottom photo with modifications: by Konrad Summers (originally posted to Flickr as Star Trek – Borg) [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Burn Wild Book Release
A little glimpse at this book that could inspire your creativity.
Burn Wild movie.
Writing A Book: Wildfire Writers Show How It’s Done
There are so many books being born from the Wildfire Writing community that I’m having a hard time keeping up!
Under the pen name Eileen Danielson, Linda Odenberg has authored a new enchanting, intriguing novel, An Evening with the Captain. This book is both cozy and adventurous and I’m delighted to have been a part of Linda’s team.
Jerusha Jones has authored three novels in the Imogene Museum Mystery Series. I got to hear from the latest novel just last week–highly entertaining!
Shirley Graybill recounts an honest story of grief, loss, and faith, in Second Chances. This book is a must for anyone who has survived the death of a spouse. As a reviewer notes, this book will strengthen your soul.
Another memoir, which will tickle your funnybone at the same time it inspires you, is Mary DeYon’s What Does Love Have to Do With It? As you can imagine when you read her writing, it was enormous fun to work with Mary on this book.
Eileen Elliott’s Miles of Pies is a wonderful amalgam of memoir, poetry, history, and genealogy. Every time I read one of the poems, I’m struck by the surprise of its layers.
You’ll find gut-busting humor and plenty of curiosities in The Lining of the Cloud, by Bruce Norman, G.C. Troop, Hillary Brotherton, Morry Butler, and L.B. Arnold.
If you’re writing a book, you can get inspired by others who didn’t give up on their idea. There are many more creations, blogs, stories circulating and I hope to celebrate more of them here in the next few weeks. Thanks, writers.
Humankindness on the Web
Sometimes we get the idea everyone is in competition with us, or trying to steal our good ideas or domain names–seeking to take our best treasures. It’s wonderful and humbling to instead find humankindness. Amazing people are there if you look for them.
Case study. I noticed another blog that went by the name “Wildfire Writing,” and showed up when I did sample searches. As this has been my workshop name for over ten years, I was irked at first. I made an effort to let go of this emotion. It occurred to me that the owners of this blog most likely had never heard of my quiet little existence or workshops or had any idea that we were duplicating the name. I sent a request asking if they would consider changing their name.
They said yes. And they did, almost immediately. They even changed their web address. They were gracious, kind, apologetic in a way that they didn’t even need to be.
You really ought to visit Sparrow and Vixen’s Reviews for a look at movies, books and anime–and to get good vibes from great people who know how to be excellent web neighbors.
Also–the next time you’re tempted to be irked, give someone else a chance to be kind. The world is a better place than you ever knew.
An Eye for Miracles, A Hand Removing Blocks
The very best thing about giving presentations and workshops is meeting amazing, generous, creative people. One comment has stayed with me for three months.
It’s what one particular author at SCBWI Western Washington, said about the creative process. Dana Sullivan, the multi-talented illustrator, blogger, cartoonist and graphic designer, noted: “My biggest obstacle to writing is . . . Dana Sullivan.”
I thought this was brilliant. Once we realize we are our greatest obstacle, we find true creative freedom. That freedom certainly shows up in Dana’s delightful blog.
Here’s a fabulous cartoon by Dana Sullivan, commemorating the event. (We weren’t really wearing pajamas – but next time I’ll consider it!) 
It was thrilling to get to lead a session prior to Kirby Larson‘s keynote speech, as this Newbery-Honored author accepted the Crystal Kite Award. Her words brought listeners to the edge of tears, with the story of her brave, loving grandmother, of persistence, hope, missed airplanes, and a host of accidents that have added up to miracles in her life and career.
And yet another wonder of that December workshop: Deb Lund. This fun, clever author greeted me with the smile and hug I needed after a long drive. She got me laughing, she sparked my mind with her own brand of breakthrough creativity.
Gratitude, gratitude.
I’m catching up on all my weeks and weeks of acquired blessings – as I’ve been swamped getting my new book out. And now I can take a breather, and appreciate all these amazing people I can meet and emulate.
