Organic Writing

I read a fascinating book this week.

It wasn't just the message that appealed to me, although the author's thesis certainly tickled my mind and got me thinking. The book's format intrigued me. Short paragraphs, no indents, and

snappy ideas,

presented separately,

for stronger impact.

And it did impact me.

Recently I attended a writing workshop, and the instructor's favourite buzz word was

organic.

Everything from the setting, to the character's dialogue, to the minutest descriptive detail should be organic to what you're writing, she insisted.

Now for me, the word organic congers up images of weed-infested gardens, where the produce might be "healthy" but its bruised, bug-nibbled hides are far from appealing. So what has that got to do with my writing?

The book I read this week showed me.

By packaging his new

thought-provoking

message

in a new

thought-provoking

package,

the author successfully married his message to its format.

He achieved

organic.

Its taken me years to comprehend the basic rules of fiction writing. The importance of story arc, voice, point of view, and yes, grammar. But I am now being told, in this age of post-modern literature, that I need to explore outside the box of literary rules.

I need to step out

take a chance.

Risk.

So my question is:

if I try this new method of writing,

will it make any sense?

J.E. Self

READING ALOUD

”It’s important to read aloud what you write. In writing groups, I ask
people to write and then immediately afterward, ask them to read.
It is apart of the writing process, like bending down to touch your toes
and then standing up again. Write. read, write, read.

If you don’t read aloud, the writing tends to fester like an infected
wound in your notebook.”

Natalie Goldberg – Wild Mind

On October 25, 2001, the late Ed Wildman read the whole chapter of Reading Aloud at the first workshop I attended. I knew without a doubt that I’d have to read my raw writing. I’d been writing for five years and I’d only shared my writing a couple of times to my dream group, (that’s where I met Gloria).

Ed utilized writing practice that he learned from Natalie Goldberg when he took a workshop with her in Taos, New Mexico. He advised that if you used this method of writing practice, you’d never experience writer’s block again.

Check out the writing practice on our website: http://www.owg.netfirms.com/

He started with the prompt, what I don’t remember is . . .

When I wrote what I don’t remember in my journal, I held on to the pen so tight that my fingers started to cramp. Oh God, please don’t take me there. A memory from my troubled family home had surfaced. I fought it. I wrote out what I don’t remember is . . . at least five times.

For the last five years, I’d been writing morning pages (The Artist Way by Julia Cameron) and I’d become accustomed to going where the pen took me. I knew if I didn’t go with “flow” that I’d experience writer’s block. So I wrote the dreaded memory.

I’d listened to the others read their writing. Most of it contained phrases like what I don’t remember is what I went upstairs for …”

“Nancy,” Ed said. “Would you like to read your piece?”

My voice shook. “I didn’t what to write what I wrote because I knew that I’d have to read it. But I went where the pen took me.”

To be continued …

STRONG LIFE TEST

Why not take this test for fun! You may be surprised to find out their suggestion for your best life!

I’d always said if I knew what I know today I would have become a _________! And darn if it didn’t show up.

Email me and let me know… njd411@yahoo.com

Or post on the Blog. I know that I’d enjoy reading your result and your feelings regarding the result.

http://www.oprah.com/money/Take-Marcus-Buckinghams-Strong-Life-Test-for-Women

BLOG

Thank you Diane and Gloria for posting to our blog.

I enjoyed reading your posts.

LONG RIDGE E-NEWSLETTER FEB 22-10

http://www.thelongridgewritersgroup.com/T6020/rx/wc13/webletter_022210.shtml

SPOTLIGHT: Tweeting for the Life of Your Book by Carolyn Howard Johnson

A MUST READ! Pat mentioned Twitter.


FROM THE INSTRUCTOR'S DESK-- Answers the question: What about self-publishing?


Reviews & Tips – Reviews software Snowflake Pro Novel Writing Software

DON’T FORGET IT – IT’S ONLY AVAILABLE FOR A SHORT TIME!

I just want to express my thanks for this great group. As writers we are well used to the solitary aspect of our craft, so it is a treat to be with a group of like minded people to laugh, cry and celebrate each other. I am a new member of the Guild and look forward to getting to know each of you. Last Sunday was challenging to write a poem, but Harry is such an excellent mentor and poet, he made it fun.

Gloria Nye

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

Two weeks ago, my younger daughter had a bad day at work. She told me that she cried all the way home.

I said to her, “I don’t care what anybody says about you. I BELIEVE you were born to be a teacher.”

A tear fell from her eye.

I read the following to her.

BELIEVING IN YOURSELF

There may be days when you get up in the morning and things aren’t the way you’d hope they would be. That’s when you have to tell yourself that things will get better.

There are times when people disappoint you and let you down, but those are the times when you must remind yourself to keep life focused on believing in yourself and all that you are capable of.

There will be challenges to face and changes to make in your life, and it’s up to you to accept them. Constantly keep yourself headed in the right direction. It may not be easy at times, but in those times of struggle you will find a stronger sense of who you are.

So when the days come that are filled with frustration and unexpected responsibilities, remember to believe in yourself and all you want your life to be, because the challenges and changes will only help you to find the goals that you know are meant to come true for you.

Anonymous

After I read this to my daughter, she hugged me.

When Judy read her excellent piece The Voice that details a person’s battle with her inner critic, we couldn’t stop laughing. We all understood that we all fight our demons or the voice that constantly belittles us. I believe the voice is a compilation of all the negativity we’ve heard since childhood.

The late Ed Wildman, my beloved friend and mentor, is the most charismatic person that I’ve ever known. He always had the right words to inspire and motive all people.

After the meeting, I spoke with Glenn who talked about his fear of joining a writing group and loosing his voice. He mentioned that he is surprised at the number of people who were willing to help him become a stronger writer.

I smiled. “I’m so happy when other members succeed in the writing group. It means that Ed’s legacy lives on.”

I wish that I had Ed’s gift but I do my best to inspire people to live their dreams, as do other members of our group.

When Anita mentioned that our writing group gave her the courage to live her dream, it brought a tear to my eye. I know Ed is smiling in heaven.

Thanks Ed.