Weekly Writing Prompt
*Do you remember a telephone call that marked an impactful change of some sort? A birth, a loss, a reconciliation, a rift, a break-up, a clarification, a change in perspective, or some other interchange: Write it as overheard one-way conversation, or a poem of grief or celebration, or an essay. Where is the core of the real or invented experience?
A Bit About Who I Am
I grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, graduated from Vanderbilt University in English and French, and earned a Master’s Degree with an emphasis in creative writing at Austin Peay State University. I lived in France, Central Florida, and Italy before at last returning to Nashville to settle. My true vocation and deep pleasure is writing poems, stories, and essays. I love fiddling with words in all sorts of ways, exploring the multitude of variations in the way they work to inform and move, as well as how they work their magic in other languages.
Announcements:
For Working writers–Check out these terrific resources:
The Porch Collaborative, Nashville. A smorgasbord of excellent workshops. the porch.org
Editor Lisa Bubert’s new website, LB All Things Words at allthingswords.com
She’s a developmental editor, offers query consultations, and, when you’re ready to send out your work, she offers proofreading services to make sure its publication-ready.
Lisa also offers specialty services for children’s and young adult authors.
I’ve worked with Lisa. That is, she’s worked with my writing and my queries, and given astute advice on publication. Of nature clear and direct, she’s an energetic and knowledgeable facilitator for those living the writing life. Above all, she wants us to succeed and shows us the way.
What I’m Doing Now
Reading Kay Ryan’s essays. Writing. Walking in the woods and on my street, where dogs visit and introduce me to their people, who, in this pandemic, have come out of their houses and into the light. Enjoying the company of dear friends, family. Opening the day to quiet thinking.
Reading, Writing. Submitting, now and then, to journals.
My Support
My family members listen fondly when I read new pieces, offer frank opinions, and celebrate loudly any successes that come my way. My friends listen patiently to me spinning ideas as I bounce them around for reactions. My writing buddies give me new ways to look at my work with their honest and astute criticism. And my students, as has always been the case, teach me constantly and inspire me with their insights, creativity, and talent.
An active space for sharing work and ideas: come with me
In an Introduction to Kay Ryan’s essays by Christian Wiman, he states: “Kay Ryan’s poems…cheer and chill in equal measure. They do not ask you to love them….I would say [her purpose] is to light the space between mind and world. To light, and thereby lighten, the space between mind and world.”
Ryan, Kay. Synthesizing Gravity. Grove Press. New York, 2020.
