ONE OF THE BIG THINGS about creative writing is how much a part of one’s self shows up in the work, even when the theme is something completely fabricated.
I liken writing to a piecework quilt: beyond the grammar and words one selects to stitch everything together (although that can colour everything), in most of what we write, what we design – plot, theme, characters – everything originates as a pastiche of everything we have lived and learned. Just like those quilts that use symbols of colour and form to send a message, our minds gather up all those elements that we have to hand from our experiences and knowledge, even when we’re creating something uniquely from our imagination. Read more
How Editing is More than ‘For the Birds’
The saying, ‘for the birds’ genererally has a negative bent, but I’d like to give it a positive spin. Editing is often muddled up with mixed emotions—at times rewarding, and others frustrating—but as with any growth, at first you need the discomfort of discovering a change is needed. As a writer, this usually comes from hearing feedback on your work. You might think getting constructive criticism is ‘for the birds’ but this discomfort can lead to necessary improvements.
I’m taking inspiration from my daughter who has recently changed directions like a ‘boss’. Her aspiration was to become a pediatrician, until she embarked on a school trip and came home from this life altering experience to announce, “I hate chemistry. I don’t want to be a doctor.” Read more
Don’t Look Up!
Did you know there’s going to be an eclipse this afternoon? Well, depending on when you read this it may have already happened. I’m not in the path of totality, which means that at no time is it safe for me to look at the sun during this eclipse.
And no, I’m not relocating. I have enough to do these days with diapers and the like to keep me busy. I don’t need to chase astronomical phenomena.
Here’s a funny story
Finding Inspiration
I recently travelled to the historical town of Frederick, Maryland. This was not a planned trip but one that came un-expectantly. For those who are not acquainted with Frederick, it has deep historical roots, being located at crossroads between routes east to the Chesapeake Bay and west to Baltimore and Washington DC, only 24 miles away, and along a prominent north-south trail used by Indigenous populations before colonization. The town was founded in 1745 by German settlers and it’s possible that it was named after Frederick the Great, King of Prussia.
My travels to this town started with a death. I will call this person Derek because it is an good old German name. Derek worked for 41 years for the US government before taking a retirement and settling into a blue painted row house in the historic district of Frederick. None of us were exactly sure what he did for the government because he was rather vague about it. He talked about going into work at the Pentagon but he only appeared to work about 1 to 2 days a week, at best. It is possible that he made this up but there’s proof that he was getting a pay check from the government. For these reasons, I assume he might have been a spy.
Read moreFamily Writings
In today’s digital age, everything from baby’s first steps to loved ones’ last breaths are easily documented and shared through social media with as wide a circle as one wishes. Technology is a great aid to writing families’ stories and histories, making it easier in many ways. I like to think there is room to expand the practice of documenting and recollecting to share with family and friends.
Read moreA Glimpse of My Favourite Irish Character on St. Patrick’s Day
Yesterday, on Sunday, March 17th, many people celebrated St. Patrick’s Day by wearing clothing in the symbolic colour green, chugging green beer, and telling dirty Irish limerick jokes around the supper table. I’m lucky to have some Irish blood running through me on my mother’s and father’s sides of the family, so I have a few sweary tales that would make you laugh.
However, I want to share three facts that might blow your mind about St. Patrick’s Day:
Read moreIn Praise of Books
As I write this, World Book Day was just celebrated three days ago. What a great idea!
I love books. I love reading books with facts and I love books with stories. We talk here mostly of stories we as writers create. But do you ever wonder why stories are so important to us? Read more
Write, right?
I’m retired now. So, you know, I don’t really do anything any more.
Well, I still write the odd poem, and these posts here. And every now and then I try to spend some time on that novel.
Oh, also, now that I’m 65 I’ve become a full time, stay at home parent, as one does.
Nothing much else though
I no longer do any construction work. Oh, well, yes, I am putting gates on our back Read more