Re-Visioning (Blog #6)

Re-Visioning

This week we begin the process of revision. For some of us, this is more difficult than others. Writing is personal, and every time we share it we are sharing a piece of ourselves. One of the hardest steps in the writing process has already been overcome - the peer workshop. But now I believe the difficult work begins for you - deciding where you want to take your pieces. You must decide what advice you want to take and what you want to leave on the table, so to speak.

One of my college professors quoted Falkner to me, and I will never forget it. She told me:

"In writing, you must kill all your darlings.”  

You must choose which darlings are cute enough to stay and which need to hit the high road. For some assistance, I'd like you to read the following article about revision.

http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/revising-drafts/


Once you've read the article, I'd like you to post your thoughts about it. What did you find most helpful/least helpful, what tips will you take with you to the computer lab this week as you begin to prepare your portfolio. Please try not to make the same comments as someone before you, so make sure to read through the previous comments before leaving your own. 

Incarnadine Seas (Blog #5)

Hi all, 

Georgia Heard has a book "Writing Toward Home" in which she gives advice to novice writers. She has a chapter on words that I love. This is an excerpt:

I collect words like shiny red tomatoes, picked from the vine, ripening in my notebook. When I read a word I like in a newspaper or book, I write it down. I collect words for their music, their poetry, their possibility, their surprises.I haunt used-book stores looking for books that contain unusual words. "Elementary Seamanship" has a glossary of sea terms: scupper, bulwark, winch, windlass, scuttles. The book is a cup of possibility for those days when I'm thirsty for words. Gwendolyn Brooks, a poet, says "Collect Words!" Buy your own dictionary. Circle exciting words. The more words you know the better you will be able to express yourself, your thoughts. I collect words because I love them, and as a writer I need to be able to pepper my writing with words from everywhere.

For this blog post I'd like you to listen to words around you. Notice them on menus, signs, books, newspapers - the more you become aware of the words possible to you, the more abundant your writing will become. Post at least 5-10 words that you find beautiful or new or exciting. Comment on each other's posts as well.

Some of my favorite words include: Serendipity, Seaglass, Ethereal, Luminous, Celestial...

Ms. Z.

Observations from a Coffeehouse (Blog #4)

This week I'd like to focus in on description. It's important to pay attention to your surroundings because life moves fast and we may miss it! One of my favorite activities is people watching. I do it everywhere I go. My favorite place is an airport or a coffee shop when I can sit back and watch unobtrusively. But if you get into the habit of "paying attention" any public place is up for grabs. A high school is a great place for watching teenagers, but what if your characters aren't teenagers? Then what? This week I would like you to start noticing the people around you. Libraries, coffee shops, malls, sporting events, fast food restaurants, parks, and grocery stores all make for good character building experiences. Get into the habit of carrying a small notebook with you at all times. Jot down fascinating conversations you overhear, wild and crazy outfits you see, unusual habits people have, and anything else that you find to be different.

For this week's post, I'd like each of you to describe some of your "eccentric" findings.

Some of my own observations from the week include:
“’Tell me a happy story’ she said. So I did. And then she cried.” Overheard on Shrewsbury St. in Worcester between two dark haired boys.

“Latest update......I punched 400 holes into what can only be described as cardboard covered steel disguised as paper...seriously, you all better like those save the date invitations..” and the other guy replied “You are such a *%&$%^” Overheard while sitting in a Starbucks.

"Can you believe she was SO drunk that she fell into that? Conversation between two girls while walking down the hall at Algonquin.

She had on metallic gold, leopard printed pants and a red halter top. Must have been 45 or 50, big blonde hair, heavy eyeliner. Couldn't walk a straight line to the bathroom. The bartender cut her off and she let out a strong of expletives.

Have fun with this!!!