Good morning
dull day
grey day
full day
Good morning
dark day
play day
work day
Good morning
writing- #SiWC16 Keynote by Donald Maass October 26, 2016
Transcribed from my notes at Surrey International Writing Conference last weekend.. While I was sitting in the front row, I wasn’t typing, so he was speaking faster than I could record. This is what I got. Others may have something different!
Donald Maass keynote SiWC luncheon. Sunday, October 23, 2016
We live in a very angry age. Everyone wants you to listen to their complaint and live as they do.
SiWC is our place of positivity. Our tribe. We want to live here all the time, but it ends.
So as SiWC 2016 comes to an end, how will we survive the year until SiWC 2017?
We will write.
We will schedule writing time, give ourselves daily word count or time goals, put Xs on a calendar, work with a critique group so we have deadlines, read books on writing.
(Check his blog Writer Unboxed for ideas).
Why do we write?
Orwell says it’s for hubris, aesthetics, a historical impulse, or to lead the way.
Susan Orlean says it’s to learn about the world
American Christian Fiction Writers say it’s to answer your own questions
Jodi Picoult says it’s to puzzle out the questions she doesn’t understand.
Exercise: For a minute free write why YOU write. (Everyone writes)
Take that ^ exercise and make it visible, remind yourself daily why you do what you do. Don’t worry about publishing. Just sit down every day and write what you need to write.
When we write we connect to others. When we read, others’ experiences become our own and we are no longer alone.
We are passionate about writing- we’re excited about conveying truth
Matter in motion creates energy. Writing what matters creates energy.
Life disappears in a moment. There might not be a chance beyond the writing session today. Write your best truth in the best way possible. Today.
#ThisDayWeWrite
(Donald at the podium, me directly in front of him with the long white and purple hair)
poem-circles October 24, 2016
I’m
circling
I’m
adding,
growing, and
learning.
I’m
becoming
the dream me
I see her
in
laughter
applause
award
I’m
circling
up to the prize
it’s closer
and
closer
with every
word.
.
.
I just came back from the annual Surrey International Writers’ Conference. My first year there, I successfully pitched to a publisher. My third time I successfully pitched to an agent. When I first started attending, I admired the amazing writing of the winners of the $1000 Storyteller Award and the humorous writing by the winners of the 75 word Silly Write contest. I dreamed of winning those contests. I’ve entered a couple of pieces 5 or 6 times over the years. This year I didn’t have a project to pitch, but I submitted to both contests. I was short listed for the Storyteller (3rd year in a row short listed for a writing contest at SIWC!) and my entry came second in the Silly Write. I was thinking “Always the bridesmaid, never the bride.” 🙂 On the other hand, I feel the precipice I’m standing on- I am appreciating the fine line of difference between good and great.
When several hundred people are laughing at your jokes and cheering when your name is called, you can’t help but feel inspired.
You know how there comes a time when the craftsman requires particular tools to create true art? Because of the amazing craft workshops I attended (Donald Maass, Diana Gabaldon, Susanna Kearsley, Shari Green) and meal conversations (Larry Brooks, Nephele Tempest, Jack Whyte) I feel like I’ve been given the master tools that will make the difference to leap off the precipice and FLY. I feel that intangible sense that things are about to change, and I’m excited!
poem-embracing October 23, 2016
Here we are
embracing our passion for words
learning from craftsmen
risking ourselves on the page
and handing the paper for critique.
Here we are
together for celebration of what we are
who we are
writers
powerless to resist the compulsion
powerful enough to create worlds.
poem- golden October 19, 2016
We wind through shadows
shimmering within touching distance of cloud,
and you appear,
golden valley
illuminated like a glimpse of heaven,
glistening beauty in the morning glow.
Shadows driven away,
by hope for this new day.
poem-anticipating October 18, 2016
Once,
I’d count down days to him.
My pounding would steal my breath at
the thought of him.
I observe my obsession from a distance
laughing at my absurdity,
thankful to have exorcised such ghosts.
.
Now,
thinking I’m seeing her soon
illuminates my being
with not-so-secret joy.
I acknowledge my obsession
in a collectitivity of compatriots
thankful for opportunities
to rub against greatness.
poem- real October 17, 2016
I am a Velveteen Rabbit
watching from the edges
loved tightly,
letting go,
becoming real.
poem- there October 14, 2016
I’m crafting a world
and living in it.
You’re part of the narrative,
if only,
you were there.
poem- today October 13, 2016
This is my only today
One opportunity to be
One chance to choose my way
One day to seize opportunities
This is my only today
.
This path is not the only way
I may choose other vistas to see
I may have new speeches to say
I may see what’s ugly beautifully
That path is not the only way.
poem- valve October 12, 2016
Every day
release some of the pressure,
let the steam of words blow
rising like mist
falling droplets of thought
caught.
You can make room for new
opportunities
ideas
possibilities
to pen
if you drain your brain
daily.
.
.
Lots of poetic devices in action here, as well as good advice. Thanks syl for the image!
Shawn L. Bird 