Maybe when the time is...WRITE!

Creative NON-fiction

kindalikeapoet — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 16:50:19 +0000

Recently, I was revising my memoir and found an error in one of my references. It was inescapably music-related but I thought I’d post here since it’s more about writing. People still debate about what exactly “creative non-fiction” is. Some say it’s how a writer remembers something, and memory is imperfect. Embellishing too much from your real-life experiences crosses the line into “realistic fiction.” If you are looking to keep things as honest as possible, then you know you have to double-check everything.

When you get to the eighth or ten thousandeth read-through it is harder to focus on being meticulous because you almost have the manuscript memorized…but take care to get things right that you can easily verify. For example, I bet I have seen Pearl Jam’s “Jeremy” about 100,000 times. When writing the excerpt about seeing it for the first time, I noticed an error in content. I was very specific about the way the camera pans to this boy doing crayon drawings. It does show these images, but not until the second verse, whereas I had it pinned as immediately after the first. Going through my “thorough” edit process, I discovered the mistake. I stopped and tried to envision it and then it occurred to me that I should check the facts.

So, there I was, at 6 a.m. watching Pearl Jam’s “Jeremy” after a number of years of not seeing it. I noticed the error and corrected it in my writing but seeing the video also helped inspire me to enhance the imagery in that particular segment even more. Seeing that video a billion times as a young teen and then seeing it in mid-adulthood was quite a contrast. Perhaps with all the recent gun violence in the U.S., this tragic representation seemed all the more haunting. The song and video are true creative non-fiction at its best. The band’s artful response was inspired by actual events, sadly. But the video is such a good vehicle for the awareness of emotionally neglected children. The band enhances the intensity of the subject matter by using a series of intertextual themes, such as writing a Bible verse on the blackboard, and having bold, black letters contrasted against bright white pages.

Representations such as these that blend song, images, words and art together can enhance and inspire your writing. And that’s no tall tale.

Be well and write on,

Rachael

The Anti-Rejection Slip

kindalikeapoet — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 14:49:38 +0000

Sometimes you wonder if you’ll ever get published. What is it about publication that lures us? For some, you need to publish to teach in a college setting. For some, it’s the satisfaction of knowing someone thinks highly of your work–your blood, your guts, your all.

It’s nice to be validated and to share your work and hope that it makes some kind of difference. It has been said, time and time again, that there are a billion rejections before an acceptance. The key is to keep trying. I can’t tell you how discouraged I became, when I tried my best and really polished something and it got a big, fat “No.” Sometimes that “no” is because the work needed more time and we didn’t see that. Sometimes, we pitched it to a publisher whose journal wasn’t quite in tune with what we were saying…

For whatever reason, rejection is hard, but it does make the good news of publication even sweeter. Bear with me, here, I’m an idealist. After a few attempts at publishing pieces of my memoir–talk about not taking rejection personally!–I sank back into editing and giving the work a great deal of space.

Then, the seeds of determination sprouted and I vowed to send out two excerpts a week until something was published. Maybe it was the extra time I took or the extra set of eyes on my excerpt. Maybe it was the power of positive thinking. But it happened. I carefully researched some journals that might appreciate the unique content of my memoir and submitted to them.

Did it feel great to get that acceptance letter? Yes. Did I jump up and down in my study and scare the cat with my jubilant dancing? Yes. Is it any reason to take a break–NO. The piece is live, people are (hopefully) reading it, and I have some validation that someone, other than myself, took the work seriously.

But what is more important is to forge on. Is it that you want a billion publications? Your ego might crave that, but the appropriate answer is because the work itself is reward enough. It does parallel that “life is a journey” euphemism, I know, but I have found it to be true.
It’s like looking at your neighbor’s house and wishing your house was as big as his…look instead to that cozy little house you’ve made your own and relish in it. I suggest that metaphor for your writing life.

If you are really a writer then you know, even if you procrastinate, whine, complain and excuse away your precious writing time that the writing itself is as necessary as going to the bathroom and more joyful than indulging in that Caramel Macchiato you’ve withheld from for so long.

So, write on, writer friends. The reward is yours to reap if you just give yourself time and space for it.

Be well,

Rachael

P.S. If you should care to check out a great writing journal and see some great works and art, please visit: http://www.thewritingdisorder.com

Their new edition is up and also exhibits the labor of my memoir writing. Thanks!

Creativity for Community

kindalikeapoet — Wed, 18 Jul 2012 14:36:01 +0000

I’ve often pondered the word community. Sometimes you think of cops or firefighters or your local library. I always break it down to common unity. It’s our town, our valley, our world, really. It means sharing a common ground.

Pennsylvania’s common ground nearly drown last fall and my creativity kicked in. I had this (brilliant) idea to create a special edition literary magazine issue that would allow a creative response to Irene’s flooding. Additionally, the proceeds will help the recovering flood victims.

We (the Word Fountain Staff of the Osterhout Free Library) received some great support from the Luzerne Foundation and Independent Graphics to help us professionally publish an issue of flood-related content. This means it includes all ages and, for the first time ever photos and 2-D art. The writings and art must reflect flooding in NEPA, either from Agnes or Irene.

Please help me spread the word so we can make this happen! Thank you kindly in advance.

Information about our publication and submission guidelines can be found here:

http://wp.me/TXg0

Be well and write on,

Rachael

Close, but no…gold star?

kindalikeapoet — Thu, 14 Jun 2012 18:57:38 +0000

Gold star just sounded better than cigar. That, and I’m not a cigar-smoker. I know I haven’t written here (or there, for that matter) in a while.) I finished the “final” draft of my memoir. All it really needs is one more read-through before I start fishing it out there. Yet I wonder why it is writers get so close and then fall into a lull? Do we self-sabotage? Are we just afraid that our “baby” could really be successful? Do other people feel this way? Probably.

Maybe it doesn’t matter why. But there comes a time (and this is the hard part) where you have to pull up your boot straps and buckle down. This is where a written down plan would be helpful. You can use gold stars on your calendar to indicate a completed deadline. A chapter a day, 100 pages a week (in the re-reading process, that is really not a lot.)

So tell me, writers at large, what do you do to get yourself across that finish line?

Be well and keep writing,

Rachael

Job Shadowing: I want to be a writer when I grow up…

kindalikeapoet — Sat, 12 May 2012 18:26:17 +0000

Sometimes, in this area, eighth graders have to do job shadowing. Recently, a girl chose to interview me while job shadowing my library director becuase she knew that I was a writer. This got me thinking there are some things that might be helpful to share here. For example, she asked about “the writing life.” “Writing,” I said, “is a full-time job. There may not be a steady pay check, but there needs to be a steady schedule.”

It was interesting listening to myself spout out all this good advice on the writing life. Some anecdotes I’d only just learned while in the Creative Writing MFA program at Wilkes University. I’d always known that I was a writer, but it takes effort, and a lot of dedication, to cultivate that talent. Maybe you have found this to be true: regular writing is necessary if you’re a writer. Writing is as necessary as eating breakfast, sleeping enough and getting enough exercise. For the writer, daily writing is a must, even if it’s the glovebox napkin or the K-mart receipt scrawl.

Tips to keep motivated:

Set a specific time to write. Tell yourself you are going to write. Norman Mailer once said that if you say you’re going to show up at the page, then show up at the page. Your brain has already prepared content, you just have to meet it there. I don’t know if you’ve ever experienced “writers’ guilt.” See, that happens when I say I’m going to greet the page and then hit the snooze button. The rest of the day is shadowed with frustration and guilt.

Write daily, even if it’s a paragaph. This habit will stick and become fruitful. Remember that even a small amount of writing is better than no writing at all.

If you’re stuck, don’t stop. Take a small break and consult, what my friend Jenny calls, “a treasure box.” She keeps a sundry collection of items in small boxes: shells, bottle toppers, crayons, etc. These objects may trigger an idea or refresh your mind. Simply stopping for a moment might inspire you to go on.

Stop when you’re on a roll. What? But, I’m full of ideas! Great. Make notes and stop. Just like preparing your brain to write, you will log that information and give it time to cultivate throughout the day. What this also does is keeps you motivated and excited to return to your writing project.

Form a support system. Therapy? Well, in a way. Getting together with a group of writers on a regular basis keeps one strong. It’s helpful to talk about your writing inclinations and even the quirks of the creative disposition. Other writers are sympathetic and will often offer encouragement and inspiration. Just be wary of those who try to drain your energy with their self-imposed agendas. That can happen.

Keep writing!

Be well and write on,

Rachael

Short and sweet

kindalikeapoet — Wed, 02 May 2012 20:31:05 +0000

http://www.pw.org/toolsforwriters

This is always a great place to find opportunities to publish your writing. Remember, each no is a step closer to a yes.

Be well and write on,

Rachael

You say tomato, I say…Wilkes-Barre?

kindalikeapoet — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 18:44:44 +0000

Recently, I had a conversation with a few of my local creative friends, both from Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. It appears that a lot of the members in our writing community have complained: “But (Scranton or Wilkes-Barre) is so far away from me.” By my GPS, Scranton is 13 miles from Wilkes-Barre. Is that too far to attend a First Friday if you’re coming from Wilkes-Barre or a Third Friday if you’re coming from Scranton?

My answer is, obviously, no.

Both cities have wonderful, creative events on a regular basis. If not ongoing events, there are always great and inspirational creative venues.

Scranton:
First Friday (http://firstfridayscranton.com/)
Prose in Pubs at Jack’s Draft House
New Visions Readings, New Visions Gallery
Northern Light Espresso Bar
Embassy Vinyl
(See First Friday for a more complete list of creative venues.)

Wilkes-Barre:
Third Friday, 8 p.m. at Art Seen Gallery on Public Square
ArtsYOUniverse S. Franklin Street.
Paper Kite Press and Book Store 443 Main St., Kingston (across from the Edwardsville Borough bldg., next to Turkey Hill.)
Art Street USA (just up the street from the YMCA.)
Musical Energi (North Main, next to parkade.)
Gallery of Sound (Main St., Mundy Street.)

For all creative writing events in our area of NEPA, please check out this website:

http://570writers.com

I know there is no way I have covered all the events and venues. Be sure to add some in the comment section and ask around your creative community!

In the meantime, think of the 13-mile commute as more time to be creative. Sing along to your favorite CD. Play “I spy” with the kiddos if you’re taking them along for a child-friendly event.

Be well,

Rachael

Local Writing Community

kindalikeapoet — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 20:15:04 +0000

it can’t be said enough how important it is to have a writing community. If you are a writer you know the hardest work happens in those pre-dawn (or after dark hours), before/after work, kids, daily obligations… What an amazing event it is, though, when you are able to emerge from that writing chrysalis (or chamber, as it sometimes feels like) and share your work with others. That part isn’t always easy, either. But it is rewarding. If you don’t know what’s going on in your writing community, ask around. Look in your local independent papers. Go to venues and events and open mikes.

For me, the immersion in the Wilkes University Creative Writing program opened many doors for me locally. I’d been in the Wilkes-Barre area three years before I’d even tried to get involved in, or even realized, the fruitful creative community around me. Even if you’re a loner, go out and be social. There are other writers out there just like you, similar to you, or even wholly opposite. But any of those writerly neighbors around you can inform your work or connect you to someone else, or a good writing and/or reading opportunity.

Hearing the words, “I chose you because you’re a great writer and performer,” mean the world to me. I used to cry and get physically ill before grade school book reports. Sure, I loved to read. But to get up in front of my peers and present??? Never thought I’d relish it, but I do. And I do because of the creative supportive community around me.

It’s not surprising, really, how encouraging fellow writers can be. Some can be arrogant or competitive or exclusive. But for the most part, the ones I’ve been around, have been nothing but supportive. I jokingly called our group “Writers’ Anonymous” (I’ve written a poem about it, too.) But it’s not so much a joke. These are the people who listen to you, share your fears, lift you up and give you the courage–and opportunity–to shine.

If you are in the Wilkes-Barre area, you should check out this great site: http://570writers.com A great fantasy writer, Nathan Summerlin, saw the need to connect writers and inform them.

Go find your people, wherever they are! They are out there and waiting to welcome you.

Be well and write on,

Rachael

P.S. And, for a moment of wow…after I was introduced at a reading this weekend, I approached the stage with one thought: ”Wow. I really earned this moment.” My hope is that my reading exemplified that. Thank you to all my supporters and fellow readers and writers.

You Know It

kindalikeapoet — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 14:20:09 +0000

Writers tend to downplay their talents and projects. An agent or publisher may inquire,”So tell me about your project.” Stage fright. Stuttering. Oh, God, I blew it! First, remember that these professionals are just people, too. Break the ice. They will either like your work or not. Or they will like it but it won’t fit into their style. That happened to me once.

You KNOW your project. You know your project better than a lover or even a good friend. After all, hasn’t it held you in its grip for months, if not years? Hasn’t it startled you from slumber or made you daydream at work, plotting, revising, devising, ruminating, etc.? Of course. You have to believe in it. Some stories won’t make it to the finish line, and that’s okay. But some stories need to be heard, need to be told. The best way to get it off the ground and prepare for the pitch is to evaluate your piece.

This can be done even if you have a problem character or if you’re wrestling with an ending. Ask yourself this:

1) What demographic would be interested in this piece?
2) What is the main conflict? Main character(s)?
3) What is the strongest theme in the work?
4) What are possibilities for resolution?
5) Under what genre would you classify it?
6) What makes this piece unique? What other works can you compare it to?

Knowing these things will help ease the anxiety of being put on the spot when faced with “shopping it around.”

Never give away the resolution. You want to keep them hooked. You’ve written your synopsis–the book jacket, if you will–but don’t rely solely on that. When you practice, keep it light and conversational:

“My work is a personal memoir beginning when I was a little girl who identified with the alternative rock scene of the early to mid 90s. In particular, I looked up to and wanted to emulate Eddie Vedder. My strong bond with music helped me overcome the hardships of divorce, family addictions and medical mistreatment. It is also the story of recognizing and celebrating my identity as a writer and musician. It is the story not only of survival, but overcoming the odds.”

That’s just a rough draft, but you get the idea, I hope. It is always good to read what you’re writing. By this I mean, read those works you could compare it to. You write what you read, after all.

Above all, have confidence. It has been said that, when looking for a mate, confidence is the thing that attracts someone the most. Fake it if you have to. Eventually that faux confidence will become a part of you. This confidence will help these agents and editors to have confidence in you and your work.

Be well and write on,

Rachael

P.S. You may find this link helpful:

http://www.writing-world.com/publish/pitch2.shtml

Writer’s Guilt (No, that’s not supposed to be guild)

kindalikeapoet — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:32:00 +0000

You know what it is. You said you were going to write but hit the snooze button. You chose to watch prime-time TV instead. You were surely going to write after…you did the dishes, laundry, got groceries…and so on.

Today, my writer’s guilt was planted in a small patch of oversleeping coupled with morning pages for an Artist Workshop. Morning pages is still writing, yes, but not so much on the specific project. I’ve been doing really well with my editing and writing daily so it shouldn’t sidetrack me to miss this morning…

BUT:

Doesn’t it feel bad not to write? Especially when you promised yourself you were going to? It makes me feel like I forgot to comb my hair or zip my fly or feed the cats…oh, God. I hope I fed them this morning (just kidding, I did, of course.)

Will I write tonight? Probably. But morning writing is so much better because it sets the tone for your day. Morning writing keeps you motivated about your project and excited to get back to it.

Does anyone else feel this way or is it just me? What are your writing commitments like?

Do share.

Be well and write on,

Rachael