Book Gardens
I’m never without a book. Sometimes it hides in my purse; sometimes in my tote. I like the idea that my books are flowers carried in my pocket.
19
10, 2016
12
10, 2016
Words and Fall Leaves
I like this quote from Ruth Ozeki, American-Canadian novelist, filmmaker and Zen Buddhist priest, and the wonderful graphic Edie Melson created from her words.
This time of year I watch from my office window as leaves in the Rio Grande National Forest fall, scattering and covering the forest floor. Inside, sitting at my computer, I peck away at the computer keys and the words appear on the screen like those falling leaves.
Soon snow will cover the leaves on the forest floor or the wind will scatter them over the ridge. Hopefully, my words will fall into place and become a completed book.
5
10, 2016
Progress and Change
I don’t know about where you live, but here in the Rocky Mountain Forest things are changing. While I’m not looking forward to the winter, I do look forward to the change.
Can you feel the change of season where you are? Are you ready and willing for the change?
I hope so because I truly believe Mr. Shaw’s words. Without acceptance of change (and I mean more than the weather), we do not move forward.
28
09, 2016
Act-Dream-Believe
When I stand at water’s edge and look out into the ocean, I feel tiny and insignificant. Then I think of Anatole France‘s quote and believe I can be or do anything, everything.
Don’t you?
21
09, 2016
How’s your writing schedule compare to Henry Miller’s?
In 1932-1933, while working on what would become his first published novel, Miller devised and adhered to a stringent daily routine to propel his writing.
While working on his first published novel, Tropic of Cancer, Henry Miller devised a stringent daily routine to advance his writing. This is his 1930s blueprint for productivity.
MORNINGS:
If groggy, type notes and allocate, as stimulus. If in fine fettle, write.
(Now if you wondering what a fettle might be: according to the British Dictionary a fettle is state of health, spirits, etc We’d probably say mood today.)
AFTERNOONS:
Work of section in hand, following plan of section scrupulously. No intrusions, no diversions. Write to finish one section at a time, for good and all.
EVENINGS:
See friends. Read in cafés. Explore unfamiliar sections — on foot if wet, on bicycle if dry. Write, if in mood, but only on Minor program. Paint if empty or tired. Make Notes. Make Charts, Plans. Make corrections of MS.
I love his additional note for the evenings:
Allow sufficient time during daylight to make an occasional visit to museums or an occasional sketch or an occasional bike ride. Sketch in cafés and trains and streets. Cut the movies! Library for references once a week.
(In our 21st century vocabulary, we’d probably change Library to Internet or Social Media.)
His daily schedule points out to things:
Prolific writers write every day.
Prolific writers write most of the day.
I can only wish I had such discipline.
What do you think about Miller’s tight schedule?
14
09, 2016
11 Commandments for Writers
Writers are always seeking tips on how to be more productive. I’m no exception.
A recent web search turned up this interesting list of commandments from Henry Miller (December 26, 1891–June 7, 1980). By the way, not only was Miller a prolific writer he was also a painter.
What do you think? Do these commandments work for you? Would they work if you’re not a writer?
Miller also has some daily schedule suggestions. Next Wednesday we’ll will look at those. For now, I’m off to focus on Commandment #10.
10
08, 2016
Messy Progress
This meme by Holley Gerth really struck a note with me. My desk is always a MESS and clearing a space to work is necessary before I can progress. It’s a part of the process!
Do messes impede your progress or are messes part of your process too?
27
07, 2016
Dirt and Growth
Today I spotted the leaves of a sunflower popping up through the dirt. Where did the summer go that fall sunflowers are coming up?
I have no answer for that, but seeing the green sprouts, I was reminded of Holly Gerth‘s quote. It’s the pushing through dirt that produces the beautiful fall sunflowers that I enjoy.
Gives me a whole new perspective on dirt. How about you?
20
07, 2016
To be a Word Artist you have to…
The last two Wednesday we’ve talked about writers as artist. We can’t paint words if we don’t just WRITE as this quote from Sandra Jensen via WritersWrite points out.
13
07, 2016
Writers As Artist
Another poignant quote from Edie Melson to remind writers that we are indeed artists with our words. Thanks, Edie.