This week from the CALS Writing Circle: when you're new at writing and don't know how to fix things, humor-writing for people who aren't funny, writing anxiety and how to fix it, and getting unstuck. Also, why you don't need creative alternatives for "said," other words to avoid, and a couple playful holiday writing prompts. New January classes are at the bottom.
Did you see the new anthology? Get your copy here.
We're writing together today at noon. Join us from wherever you are!
Deb
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What If You’re New to Writing and Don’t Know How to Fix Things?
"Here’s the problem: you love a joke. You’re perfectly able to get into a good banter with your buddies. You’re hilarious in a DnD game. You’re the comedian of your group chats. But put you in front of a blank page and suddenly you’re about as funny as a statistics textbook. Your manuscripts are full of notes like << INSERT JOKE HERE??? >>. Well, I have good news for you! Writing humor is a skill that can be learned like any other."
Four Key Problems That Cause Writing Anxiety
(And How to Overcome Them)
"I’ve abandoned ideas in the first sentence, the first chapter, the first ten thousand words. I have a book that’s sitting on my computer at sixty thousand or so words. It's filled with scene after scene, and all of them building to a brilliant climax I've never managed to jot down. Mainly because I've allowed writing anxiety to freeze me right before the finish line. Writing anxiety may be stopping you from making progress on your writing projects, but it's something we can overcome.
Getting Unstuck
"Making up your story as you go along has been variously called being a pantser, a gardener, or a discovery writer. Whatever you call it, this approach is what works for me. I can’t/wouldn’t change it, but it does entail some floundering in the middle, getting stuck a lot, and writing myself into corners. If this happens to you too, here is some advice."
Creative Alternatives For Said—Why You Don't Need Them
"If you are writing stories just for yourself, and you like these creative alternatives to said, use them! Have your characters scream, grind out, and holler all manuscript long. If you are the only audience you need to please, then this message isn’t intended for you. But, if you’re hoping to be a published writer someday, let’s talk about why those 'creative alternatives to said' should be ignored."
Words to Avoid in Writing: Weak Words to Find, Cut, and Replace
Two Playful Holiday Writing Prompts to Challenge and Inspire
"‘Tis the season of holiday parties, children’s winter concerts, filling our schedules to the brim, visiting with family, eating too much, and drinking more than we should. With all of that going on, it can be difficult to stick to our writing regimen. Some holiday writing prompts might be just the thing."
Coming in January: Bullet Journaling for Writers at Nixon Branch
Love Poem with Apologies for My Appearance
by Ada Limón
Sometimes, I think you get the worst
of me. The much-loved loose forest-green
sweatpants, the long bra-less days, hair
knotted and uncivilized, a shadowed brow
where the devilish thoughts do their hoofed
dance on the brain. I’d like to say this means
I love you, the stained white cotton T-shirt,
the tears, pistachio shells, the mess of orange
peels on my desk, but it’s different than that.
I move in this house with you, the way I move
in my mind, unencumbered by beauty’s cage.
I do like I do in the tall grass, more animal-me
than much else. I’m wrong, it is that I love you,
but it’s more that when you say it back, lights
out, a cold wind through curtains, for maybe
the first time in my life, I believe it.
Ada Limón became the 24th Poet Laureate of the United States in July of 2022. Limón is the author of the poetry collections The Hurting Kind; The Carrying, which won the National Book Critics Circle Award for Poetry; and Bright Dead Things, a finalist for the National Book Award, the National Books Critics Circle Award, and the Kingsley Tufts Poetry Award.
Free Upcoming Writing Classes at CALS
CALS Writing Circle: How to Write Memoir Virtual
Tuesday, January 3, 10, 17, 24 10-11:30 pm
You don’t have to be famous for other people to want to hear your story! Many of our most beloved memoirs feature ordinary people–just like you and me! Join us virtually from wherever you are for this 4-part class as we learn how to write memoir other people will want to read, how to know what to write about, and more! Contact dmoore@cals.Register.
CALS Writing Circle: Writer’s Lunch Generative Writing Studio Virtual
Tuesday, Jan 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
Wednesday, Jan 4, 11,18, 25
Thursday, Jan 5, 12, 19, 26 12-1:30 pm
Having trouble finding the time to write? There's a lot going on; it's hard to manage a whole day of uninterrupted writing. Join us from anywhere on your lunch hour for some dedicated writing time. BYO work-in-progress or use the prompt provided. Come and go. Contact dmoore@cals.org. Now more days! Register.
CALS Writing Circle: Memoir Writing for Seniors Virtual
Wednesday, Jan 4, 11,18, 25 10-11:30 am
This ongoing class meets once each week and takes attendees aged 55+ through the steps of writing their own life stories. Students are given tools and techniques to help learn to write regularly and productively. Everyone is welcome; no writing experience is required. Contact dmoore@cals.org. Register.
CALS Writing Circle: Journaling for Grief and Healing at Rooker Branch
Saturday, January 7 2-3:30 pm
Grief journaling is a way of allowing ourselves the space for genuine healing to take place, whether we’re ready and willing to express ourselves to others or not, and is a recognized tool in the processing of grief. In fact, journaling is one method of helping people cope with any type of traumatic event. Join us and learn how to create and keep a grief and healing journal, including step-by-step instructions and prompts. To register, contact dmoore@cals.org or sturner@cals.org.
CALS Writing Circle: Writing all Year Workshop Group Virtual
Saturday, Jan 14, 28 12-2:00 pm
Are you looking for a writing workshop group? Led by J. Jobe, Writing All Year is a place to share your work-in-progress with other writers. We meet twice a month to give and receive encouragement, insight, and feedback in a safe and respectful environment. Our objective: to improve the work with kindness and compassion. If this sounds like something you’ve been looking for, please join us. Free. All experience levels are welcome. Contact jjobe@cals.org. Register.
CALS Writing Circle: Bullet Journaling for Writers at Nixon Branch Saturday, Jan 21 2-3:30 pm
Bullet journaling is a hugely popular method of organizing, documenting, and reflecting on your day-to-day life. It’s a customizable combination of journal, diary, notebook, to-do list, and more! Bullet journals are used by all manner of people, but they can be especially useful for writers. Join us to learn how to set up your bullet journal to use for writing goals, plans, and tasks, submission tracking, self-care, and more. To register, contact dmoore@cals.org or omitchel@cals.org.
Write something awesome this week? Share it with us! email it to dmoore@cals.org
