This week from the CALS Writing Circle: collecting junk and stories, memoir as detective novel, things you should give yourself permission to do, and how to describe sounds in fiction. Also, how writing the synopsis can fix your book, a poem I loved, and upcoming writing programs at CALS.
Don't forget to drop me a line and let me know what's working for your writing!
Deb
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Things You Should Give Yourself Permission to Do as a Writer
"As a writer, you may find it hard to give yourself permission to do some of the things that you need to do to maintain your writing progress and creativity. I’m not sure why this is. But I know I have to remind myself sometimes that it’s “okay” to follow through on whatever my muse wants or needs at a certain time. I have a feeling a lot of other writers feel the same way. In case you’re one of them, this post is for you."
"Writers often dread writing a synopsis. After carefully composing scenes, fleshing out characters and establishing relationships, now we’re supposed to summarize the whole thing in under two pages? The stakes feel high. If a literary agent doesn’t love the synopsis, will your book ever reach publication? But writing a synopsis should be done long before you’re ready to query agents. More than just a tool to sell your book, your synopsis is a roadmap to the next, stronger draft. After reaching the end of your manuscript for the first time, sit down and write a synopsis."
The Thing Is
Ellen Bass
to love life, to love it even
when you have no stomach for it
and everything you’ve held dear
crumbles like burnt paper in your hands,
your throat filled with the silt of it.
When grief sits with you, its tropical heat
thickening the air, heavy as water
more fit for gills than lungs;
when grief weights you down like your own flesh
only more of it, an obesity of grief,
you think, How can a body withstand this?
Then you hold life like a face
between your palms, a plain face,
no charming smile, no violet eyes,
and you say, yes, I will take you
I will love you, again.
Poet and teacher Ellen Bass grew up in New Jersey. She earned an MA in creative writing from Boston University, where she studied with Anne Sexton. Bass’s style is direct; she has noted, “I work to speak in a voice that is meaningful communication. Poetry is the most intimate of all writing. I want to speak from me to myself and then from me to you.”
Free Upcoming Writing Classes at CALS
CALS Writing Circle: Not just for Poets–Poetry Exercises to Boost Creative Flow Virtual
Tuesday, Mar 21 10-11:30 am
Join us for a series of poetry exercises designed to improve your creative flow, regardless of what you write. This fun program is for anyone who wants to inject their writing (and way of thinking) with new ideas and fresh inspiration. All experience levels are welcome. Contact dmoore@cals.org. Register.
CALS Writing Circle: Writing all Year Workshop Group Virtual
Saturday, March 25 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: Writer’s Lunch Generative Writing Studio Virtual
Tuesday, March 21, 28
Wednesday, March 22, 29
Thursday, March 23, 30
12-1:30 pm
Ever wonder how people find the time to write? If you’re having trouble making space for writing in your busy life, join us–virtually–on your lunch hour from wherever you are. Bring your own work-in-progress or use the prompts provided. Come and go; eat if you like. Everyone is welcome; no writing experience is required. Contact dmoore@cals.org. Register.
CALS Writing Circle: Memoir Writing for Seniors Virtual
Wednesday, Mar 22, 29 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.
