|
Grist for the Muse #34 -- January 2007
|
mich-@flashwriting.com
|
Jan 12, 2007 12:40 PST
|
Grist for the Muse
Issue # 34 January 2007
In this issue:
* Musings
* Writing Jumpstarts
* Shameless Self Promotion
"Write your injuries in dust, your benefits in marble."
- Benjamin Franklin
Musings
I've been sick this year. Caught something at the beginning of November and
after three rounds of antibiotics, two trips to the doctor, and over two
months of not feeling quite like myself, I am finally feeling a lot better.
But that just means I have a lot of catching up to do, so sorry about the
late issue, and I'm using January to catch-up with all of the back-logged
work that piled up over the last few months. 2007 is looking to be a good
year and here are a few things to look forward to:
* The Fantasy and Sci-Fi Jumpstart Jar
* The Flash Writing - Workbook
* And a couple of e-books, featuring the best of Grist for the Muse
So I want to leave my "Slacker Year" behind me, and jet into 2007.
My Slacker Year
At the end of December I inevitably begin taking an inventory of my
accomplishments for the year, and look forward to the upcoming year and this
year I realized a few things:
I didn't achieve crap. I didn't make any formal resolutions. I didn't put
together a marketing plan for my writing projects complete with assignments,
projects and tasks. I didn't set any goals on how much income I should
generate from my writing endeavors (from teaching classes, selling books and
JumpStart Jars).
I didn't complete that second book, or begin aggressively marketing the
JumpStart Jars, or expand the scope of them in any significant way. I
haven't updated the website in quite some time and the blogs... Well,
neither Grist for the Muse http://gristforthemuse.blogspot.com/ nor the
15-Minute Writer http://15minutewriter.blogspot.com/ has been touched in
almost two months now.
I didn't even read a lot this year, unless you count superhero graphic
novels and audio books. I haven't been sending Grist for the Muse on time
(supposedly the last Wednesday of every month or the first Wednesday of the
month, depending on my whim) on a regular basis, sometimes even skipping
months just because I didn't get around to putting it together on time. I
haven't made efforts to expand my readership of it either. My email is in
shambles, my mich-@flashwriting.com address is choked with SPAM for
approved loan requests, endless false bounced addresses usually advertising
some penny stock that is guaranteed to take off TODAY, and I haven't figured
out how to curtail this within my web-based email account.
My master bathroom renovation, started back in July, is still not yet
finished. On the third attempt to properly install vinyl floor tile, I think
that I have at last succeeded, but the walls are still stripped down to
drywall, and we only have a working toilet and (hopefully later today) a new
working sink in the bathroom. The new shower base is propped up against the
back wall of the bathroom and the shower stall walls still sit on my front
porch, next to the front door. I have storage tubs of summer clothes piled
up in the hallway, awaiting their trip up to the attic for storage. I have a
woodstove that isn't drawing air properly, so it is not heating our house
with any sort of efficiency, and in fact seems to be generating a huge
amount of creosote, making it dangerous. I haven't changed the oil on the
lawnmower for over a year. I haven't yet taught my kids how to play Risk.
Those of you who know me well will be SHOCKED by this revelation, but it is
true nevertheless. I haven't been doing my writing practice. I probably
completed less than 50 wide-ruled notebook pages of it the entire year.
Yes, I am breaking the very rule that I beg all of my students to follow. Do
writing practice, if not every day, at least do it five days a week. And
the result of it shows... I am slow to get started with my writing, when I
do it, it is harder and it takes longer to pull a decent draft out of me. I
frequently forget how much I love to write and I am crankier in general
because I haven't been doing it on a regular basis. I feel guilty about it.
I feel like a hypocrite. A fraud. A slacker.
I forget that I decided to help coach Isaac's soccer team, because the man
who was supposed to coach was called up to serve in Iraq. I forget that the
finished bathroom will be a considerable improvement over the lime-green
carpeting, the leaky, rust-stained, mustard-colored shower stall with
matching toilet and sink. I forget that I can't help that I'm a
home-improvement retard who isn't even qualified to shop for myself at
Lowes. I forget that I completed an outline of, and most of a proposal for,
my next book, The 15-Minute Writer: How to Achieve Your Creative Writing
Dream in 15 Minutes a Day. I forgot that I finally completed the Fabulous
Fiction JumpStart Jar, which has turned out to be the most popular jar of
them all, but most of all... I forget to be forgiving. Not only of others,
but myself as well.
For writers forgiveness is essential. You are going to have days where life
is going to get in the way. You may have an urgent project at work that
requires extra attention, or a friend that needs help putting in a new
picture window in his atrium, or a tree that falls down in your yard that
needs to be cut into pieces to haul them off. You are going to catch the
flu and not feel well enough to do anything, especially write for a couple
of weeks. And you may have a month, or two, or three where time just gets
away from you, and you are not quite sure where it went, and you can choose
to feel guilty about it, call yourself names: loser, dreamer, slacker, and
you can criticize yourself, questioning your desire, your dedication, and
your skills, or you can wipe the slate clean, forgive yourself, and pick up
a pen and start all over again. That's what I did yesterday. I sat down
and wrote this rambling reflection of 2006, and began drafting a plan to
make 2007 more focused and productive. So if you haven't been living up to
your writing potential and still are punishing yourself for it, time to let
go of it and start fresh, and what better way to start fresh with a brand
new year?
Belated Holiday Gift
I found this great offer over the holidays for some great FREE
writing-related e-books and software for signing up to the Smart Writers
Newsletter. There is no catch and this does seem to be a nice resource and
inspirational boost for those of us in the writing biz. There is nothing to
lose so sign up and get your free stuff!
Here's where you can signup:
http://www.writersgiveaway.com/
--Michael
Shameless Self Promotion
Columbus State Visiting Authors Workshops FREE
These Saturday workshops are held on the lower level of Nestor Hall on
Columbus State's downtown campus on Spring Street. All of these workshops
begin at 2 pm lasts about 2 to 2 1/2 hours.
Columbus State's main campus is located at 550 E. Spring Street at the
intersection of Spring Street and Cleveland Avenue. Nestor Hall is a large
building on campus and is recognizable by its huge arched passageway.
January 13: Michael Wilson, "The 15-Minute Writer: How to
Achieve Your Writing Dreams in 15 Minutes a Day"
February 10: To Be Announced
March 31: Colette Inez, Topic to be announced
Remember that all of these workshops are FREE!
Classes at Upper Arlington Lifelong Learning
Writing for Publication
Many writers have the lifelong dream of seeing their work on a bookstore
shelf or on the pages of their favorite magazine. The course provides
critical information that can make this dream a reality. This class covers
the publishing business, how to prepare your manuscript for publication, how
to write a good query letter, and options for publishing your work. The
class also provides information about copyright, trademarks, publication
rights, finding an agent, contracts, the publishing process and more. This
class is a must for anyone who wants to be published. The registration fee
includes a workbook. Class schedule includes a one-hour lunch break.
CLASS #: 441894 A
TIME: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Saturday
DATE: February 17
LOCATION: Lower Level Conference Room, UA Municipal Services Center, 3600
Tremont Road
COST: $45 R / $50 NR
Poemcrazy: Painting Creative Pictures with Words
Based on the book Poemcrazy, by Susan G. Wooldridge, this class explores the
creative use of words and how to combine them with other visual media to
create unique poetic expressions. Learn how to create your own "word pool"
and, through a variety of exercises, use it to enhance your creative
expression and description. Be prepared for in-class writing exercises and
discussion. Class schedule includes a one-hour lunch break.
CLASS #: 441899 A
TIME: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Saturday
DATE: March 17
LOCATION: Lower Level Conference Room, UA Municipal Services Center, 3600
Tremont Road
COST: $45 R / $50 NR
There are three ways to register for classes at UA Lifelong Learning:
* Register online using your MASTERCARD or VISA, click the following
link: <https://parks.uaoh.net/VSIWEBTRAC.HTML>
https://parks.uaoh.net/VSIWEBTRAC.HTML
* Fill out a registration form here:
<http://www.ua-ohio.net/parksrec/lifelong/registration.pdf>
http://www.ua-ohio.net/parksrec/lifelong/registration.pdf and mail it to or
drop it off (with a check or money order) at Lifelong Learning & Leisure,
3600 Tremont Road, Upper Arlington, OH 43221
* Call (614) 583-5333 between 9:30am and 3:30pm weekdays to register
using your VISA or MASTERCARD
Classes at the Decorative Arts Center (the Reese-Peters House) in Lancaster,
Ohio
The 15-Minute Writer
Thursday, January 18, 25 & February 1, 8; 6:30 - 8:30 pm
$32 members / $40 non-members
Instructor: Michael Wilson
Be a part of creating Michael's next book. The 15-Minute Writer:How to
Achieve Your Creative Writing Dreams in 15 Minutes a Day will teach you how
to find the time to write, and break down the writing process into
manageable tasks that can be completed in just 15 minutes a day. This class
will provide you with the basic tools to develop the skills you need to
become a successful writer and how to turn these skills into marketable
writing. Learn about the 7 elements of creative writing, and the writing
process from idea to publication. This basic class is a great place for
beginners to get the resources they need to get started writing today.
Creative Thinking for Creative Writers
Thursdays, March 15, 22, 29 & April 5; 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
$32 members / $40 non-members
Instructor: Michael Wilson
This class helps writers tap into their creative minds to generate
interesting and unusual writing ideas, prevent writers block, and think
creatively through all stages of a writing project. Through discussion,
writing exercises, and fun activities, learn about the creative process
through these techniques: brainstorming, mind mapping, and using play and
humor in your work. This experience expands your imagination to make writing
easier and a lot more fun.
To register: call (740) 681-1423
Writing Jumpstarts (courtesy of JumpStart Jar)
Quick Topics
* Big year
* Theatre
* Perks
* Me too
* Unhindered
* Off your mind
* Prepare
* Loose
* Year after year
* Restrained
* Tacos
Story Starters (Provocative Phrases)
* There are a few places...
* One after another...
* This is going to be fun...
* I thought I was going to lose her...
* So why wouldn't you...
* We just want to...
Do you want more prompts? Buy a JumpStart Jar or check out the Grist for the
Muse blog at <http://gristforthemuse.blogspot.com/>
http://gristforthemuse.blogspot.com/ every Tuesday for Topic Tuesdays and
every Friday for Provocative Phrase Fridays.
The Fine Print
TO SUBSCRIBE: If someone you know would like to check out Grist for the Muse
have and possibly subscribe to it, go to the web at this URL:
<http://www.topica.com/lists/Grist_for_the_Muse>
http://www.topica.com/lists/Grist_for_the_Muse or SUBSCRIBE via email by
sending a BLANK email to: <mailto:Grist_for_the_-@topica.com>
Grist_for_the_-@topica.com
OR - If you do not want to join Topica, send an email to
gri-@flashwriting.com with the word SUBSCRIBE in the header. Make sure
that I am added to your address book or your "safe" list.
SUGGESTIONS or COMMENTS: Please feel free to e-mail me with ideas,
suggestions, questions, or smart alecky remarks. I love to get feedback, and
I do give all comments serious consideration. Send them to
gri-@flashwriting.com
TO UNSUBSCRIBE: Please click here:
<http://65.54.172.250/cgi-bin/linkrd?_lang=EN&lah=5dee8d5aaa6a8c1d5b970b7169
a803ec&lat=1076887042&hm___action=http%3a%2f%2ftopica%2ecom%2fu%2f%3fa2jb2H%
2ebm2Kjt%2ebWt3aWxz> http://topica.com/help/unsub.html.bWt3aWxz or send a
BLANK email to: Grist <mailto:Grist_for_the_M-@topica.com>
_for_the_Muse-@topica.com
SUBMISSIONS: Do you have an event you want to promote? Do you want to see
yourself in print? Send me a short article or writing exercise ideas. I
can't pay you anything yet, but maybe someday soon. Please send an e-mail
with date, time, place, cost and contact information to
gri-@flashwriting.com with SUBMISSION in the subject line. Editor reserves
the right to revise submissions.
ABOUT THE PUBLISHER: Michael Wilson has been teaching creative writing
classes and facilitating writer's groups for almost a decade and was an
award-winning Contributing Editor for The Writer's Block at Suite101.com. He
has a BA (with Honors) in English from Ohio University, and has been a
featured guest speaker at the Thurber House, the Maumee Valley Writer's
Conference and the Columbus Writer's Conference. He is also the publisher
and editor of Grist for the Muse a free monthly creative writing
e-newsletter. His first book: Flash Writing: How to Write, Revise and
Publish Stories Less Than 1000 Words Long, was published in October 2004.
You can get additional information about him at
<http://www.flashwriting.com/> www.flashwriting.com.
Copyright 2007 Michael L. Wilson. All rights reserved.
|
|
 |
|
