Tag: writing
Poet and the sky: Poem by Ivor Steven
Clear Blue Jar
Laying here looking above.
Staring toward the sky.
Wondering why,
Why is our sky blue.
How do we perceive hue’s
And why say “feeling blue”,
When it’s not true.
The blue I see,
Is no-one’s fool.
So why fool with me.
For more, visit his blog here.
Poet and the sky: Poem by Charu Sharma
THE NIGHT
Sometimes scary,
Sometimes lonely,
Sometimes quiet,
Sometimes filled with,
Voices and noises,
That exhaust,
The impatient mind.
Sometimes hide the pain,
Sometimes highlights,
Low points of the game.
The fairy lights shine bright,
In few buildings,
In our lane.
The stars twinkle in sky,
Everything pauses,
Silence becomes the voice.
Judgement declines,
Creativity heightens,
Many lone hearts,
Comfort themselves,
By saying,
It’s not just them,
Every one is waiting,
For the sunny life.
The neighbor beats his wife,
A teenager in another one,
Watches a romedy film,
Wishing for a rosy life.
And the wife thinks,
Life is nothing,
But just a lie,
And we have to survive,
The night.
The night,
That stretches,
This night,
Next night,
Every night,
Till we breathe,
Our last.
Into a new day,
Into a new life.
For more beautiful poems and stories visit her blog at https://shewrites170.wordpress.com/
Poet and the sky: Poem by Charlotte Amelia Poe
As part of mentioned research, here will be featured poets who agreed to participate.
This poem is an excerpt from Even those some Flowers only bloom at Night:
“and i know my light
is dull compared to yours
you are a flower
you are a sunrise
you are both delicate and powerful
the source of your own strength
and i wanted you to know that
because it seemed important
and your light allows me to reflect
and turn my own light back onto the earth
and i can’t make flowers grow
(even though some flowers only bloom at night)
(i don’t know why that is, do you?)
but i can make sure that you know
we may be a sky apart
but sometimes, you know, during the afternoon
you’ll see them both in the sky”
Charlotte Amelia Poe
For more, visit her blog here.
Research at University of Wales: Poets living with a sky
As I mentioned in one of my earlier posts, I got an opportunity to take part in research ‘Living with a sky’ in front of St Trinity, University of Wales, where essentially we explore how contemporary humans relate to sky. I thought it was a great idea to perform part of research among poets, as the sky, cosmos, moon..have always been a source of inspiration to artists and writers. With some of you I already had a personal contact/information, but I thought of doing this as a separate post, if it needs some additional clarification. Additionally to that, this is also a perfect way for me to get back on track with businessinrhyme and wordpress.
So what is your connection to the sky? If you would like to participate in this research below are the questions. It would take you only few minutes to answer and confidentially of your data is guaranteed.
As a token of my gratitude your poetry will be featured on my blog and as well as a part of research itself 🙂 You can email me the answers businessinrhyme@gmail.com, or answer in the form that suits you.
This post will be reposted occasionally as long as collecting data lasts.
Thank you in advance, Maja
- What year you were born?
- Country of origin
- How long have you been writing poetry?
- How long have you been publicly sharing your poetry (via wordpress and other media)?
- Have you been traditionally published author?
- What sky represents to you?
- What inspires you to write about the sky/cosmos, sun, stars or moon?
- Do you have a favorite poem that reflects on nature of the sky?
- Share excerpt of your poetry where sky/elements of sky are mentioned.
Poetry and belief
or rather poetry of belief?
Many new questions and perspectives are swirling in my head as I’m starting my research. It’s interesting to note how our writing, especially that intimate and most delicate as poetry is, reveals so much about us – parts of us that we are mostly not aware of at all.
When I ask myself ‘What do I believe’, my rational and scientific side has one answer. Hence, is poet someone who only seeks the truth or is he also a co-creative energy, someone who in the here and now as an expression of consciousness forms new identities, never permanent, forever changeable?
Do we need to believe in only factual things, or is it unseen, being perceptible enough to be accepted? Poetry is a wonderful medium for exploring such concepts, don’t you think?
How belief is reflected in your poetry and writing?
Let bring conversation back 🙂
Still…alive and kicking!
Hello everyone!
I know that I’ve been silent for months and many of you were asking me if the blog will continue, ext. Well, blog will certainly continue to exist, only the format might change. After my initial hand injury (that still stops me to write as much as I want), some other writing and research opportunities arose. At that moment I had to make priority at which direction will I devote my time and energy. To be more precise, I am doing research assignments in collaboration with St Trinity University in Wales in fields of cultural astronomy and astrology. Well, if you have ever read this post – essentially it means that since I have so many interests (and with injured hand), for me is quite exhausting to be equally present everywhere the way I want to be. I’m still doing coaching with my students so there’s little time for everything I want to accomplish.
The interesting happening with this research is that it is a kind of dream come true for me – combining astronomy, geology, astrology with mythology was something I always strived to do. Additionally, some branches of research will dive into cultural aspects of how people perceive sky, cosmos especially in their art, writing and poetry! How exciting! I wanted to share with all of you these novelties as I think it will deeply influence every aspect of my life, so does my writing and this blog. I have many new interesting ideas that I want to implement and I hope my health situation will allow me to do so.
I will all keep you posted with new developments and there is certainly chance for you to participate (and in such way promote your poetry and blog).I will give my best to be more regular on businessinrhyme as I do miss my poetry writing and reading your beautiful poems.
Hugs,
Maja
A Writer’s Path Writers Club
Hello everyone! A fellow blogger of A Writer’s Path, Ryan Lanz, has announced the launch of his new initiative: A Writer’s Path Writers Club.
After looking at the writing market for years, he noticed a need for a Writers Club of this kind. Sure, there are Facebook groups, writers groups, etc., but there aren’t many associations that are more than just a gathering of writers.
He wanted to create a club where the sole purpose of it is to solve headaches for writers. Here are some of the headaches he’s looking to solve:
- It’s hard to find reviewers for my book
- Writing-related service providers (editors, book cover designers, etc.) are expensive
- I don’t know if my writing is good enough and I need feedback
- I need more promotion for my book
- I don’t know if my blurb or summary is good enough
- Not enough readers know my book exists
- I don’t know enough about what other successful authors have done to be successful
- I don’t know if my book cover encourages readers to purchase it
And of course, there are fun stuff to be had too, such as giveaways and contests. Here’s the full list of benefits for the Writers Club:
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- Discounts from writer-related service providers, such as editors, book cover designers, proofreading services, ghostwriters, social media marketing, book advertising, template design, audio book narration, and more.
- Contests and giveaways for free services and books.
- 2 free book promotion posts on A Writer’s Path blog every year (example here). Every post generates a social media shout-out of your book to my Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Tumblr, and Google+ account (total of 12,900 followers). he’ll set reminders for himself to notify you when your next post is ready.
- Exclusive articles not seen on the A Writer’s Path blog.
- Access to free blurb coaching.
- “Book of the Month” lottery. Winner gets their book featured for a month on A Writer’s Path blog in a tab along the top of every page/post. Also included is a promotional post featuring their book, summary, cover, and purchase links to all 25,000+ subscribers. One drawing per month.
- Help to find you reviewers and critique partners (optional).
- A free copy of his eBook, The Idea Factory: 1,000 Story Ideas & Writing Prompts to Find Your Next Bestseller. ($2.99 value)
- Free critique of your book summaries and book covers (optional).
- Insider tips from published authors in short, bite-sized articles.
- Links to free books normally at full price.
- Opportunities to show off your book to the other members.
- Exclusive author interviews.
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Feel free to check out A Writer’s Path Writers Club here.
If you liked this post, please share. And, If you you are interested in getting more inspiration for your creativity, writing and personal growth, sign up for our free monthly newsletter. You’ll get a free e-book with 31 daily prompts to inspire your writing. For additional tips, follow us on twitter and connect with us on facebook.
I don’t write. Can I still call myself a writer?
This is very interesting statement. A paradox in its literal translation, the negation in first sentence do implies a logical answer to question, but I still want to elaborate this and offer some additional thoughts.
Many of you know that Business in Rhyme has been established two years ago. With over 600 published posts, this spring it went into more professional realm, hence it coincided with injury of my right arm and deprived me of regular writing for many months. It forced me to somehow reinvent my routine and opened doors to additional possibilities and projects. The truth is also, that I at the moment enjoy other things besides writing (like my renewed interest for astrology, cosmology and nutrition) and I often ask myself: “Am I really a writer, can I call myself a writer since now I can go for days without writing – at least not in the form I am used to?” It’s not only that with my coaching and other projects I have less time for writing, but sincerely I don’t have that urging need to write. Being that poetry, for blog or journaling. However, I still do believe in all the benefits that writing can bring you. But what to do when you simply don’t feel like writing? And I don’t mean for a day or two, but it can go literally for months! Are you still a writer? One thing I’m certain in my case is that eventually I will go back to regular, full time writing. How will that look like? I don’t have answer to that question.
The truth is, that every action and experience you gain in your life is material for your writing. So you don’t feel like writing? That’s ok. Don’t hit your head against the wall. Don’t blame or push yourself if it doesn’t come naturally. But probably in your spare time you are reading, you are doing research (like I do at the moment). Real writer not only writes. He does everything in between that will enrich his story, poem, novel …He lives. When you consciously put yourself to be active participant in your life, not dwelling on the past or getting worried about the future, you are like an antenna receiving all valuable information that becomes raw material for anything you want to write. There is no wasted moment. It can’t be. You and your perception unfolds in the same manner as life which you are essential part of. And that becomes unique ingredient which moves your writing from ordinary to magnificent. No minute is wasted.
Many of you are also acquainted with my preference to quality over quantity. Instead of wrestling with words you don’t like and find unsatisfactory, simply stop. Listen. Bring yourself to present time and feel what you would like to do. Go for a walk. Talk to a friend. Take a break. Even if it takes you months to find words you like, adore, that are strong enough and convey what you want to say.
Friends often ask me did I get tired of writing or do I have a ‘writer’s block’. I don’t think so. But there we can create like gaps in our routines, activities and the way we spend our time that somehow (at least in my case) we have need for something different in order to be pulled back to what we love. So I’m using this my pause in regular writing as an opportunity to remind myself why I love and need writing, why I am writer.
I hope that this will help also anyone of you who are maybe struggling with writing and are indecisive about their writing goals and direction. Just listen to yourself, you have the answer within you. You are a writer if you decide to be one. No number of pages or published books will tell or prove you that. Only you can.
If you liked this post, please share. And, If you you are interested in getting more inspiration for your creativity, writing and personal growth, sign up for our free monthly newsletter. You’ll get a free e-book with 31 daily prompts to inspire your writing. For additional tips, follow us on twitter and connect with us on facebook.
Keep yourself accountable – find a writing buddy
Solace. I always emphasize how solitude is your great companion in writing. Stillness of environment allows the quietness of mind to take place and gives you opportunity to clear your thinking. You can easily access the deepest corners of your being and reconnect with your inner-self. Many writers take advantage and even pick remote and distant places when they are writing their books. I also believe it has to do with fact that in that kind of idle conditions we are able to tune in that inner conversation and it becomes clearer what is it that we want to convey.
For me, early morning hours are crucial for focused and productive writing. When mind is still in dream mode, silence and serenity that surrounds my home form almost ideal condition for writing. So, I always encourage writers to find those special moments during the day when their energy and creativity are high and use that in their advantage to write and brainstorm new ideas.
But of course every action must have a counter balance. Sometimes we need also a bit of encouragement, a cheer up, and a constructive criticism where honest feedback can help us to improve our writing. The fellowship with like-minded people can help you keep yourself accountable – on schedule with your writing goals.
Having your own writing buddy is a great opportunity to exchange experiences and is of great value in terms that it can:
- give that needed wind in your back and motivate you in your writing
- help you monitor your productivity and inspire you to foster better writing habits
- help you clear your doubts and fears concerning writing
- and even become your first beta-reader if you prepare a manuscript for publishing.
How should your writing buddy look like?
Preferably it should be someone who shares your reading taste and has similar writing interests. It should be someone with whom you can relate to, develop a reliable relationship of mutual trust and honesty.
So where to look for your writing buddy Your buddy might be a colleague, a friend, or even a stranger. You can join some of the online writing communities and forums where writers usually hang out, or book clubs and writing classes.
After you’ve found someone, you can exchange writing samples and see how it feels. Does that person find your work interesting and promising? Do you feel the same about their work? Discuss about your biggest challenges and see if person in question can be of any valuable help.
Most importantly, listen to your intuition. Your buddy must be someone you like, someone whose opinion you respect, and someone you feel comfortable sharing your writing with.
You want your buddy not only to keep you motivating and help you with editing, but also someone who is able to see the big picture and offer constructive ways for you to improve your writing, emphasize your qualities in writing and recognize your weaknesses.
You need someone who is in the same time going to be compassionate, but also keep you firmly focused on the goal – to finish your writing project! If you are more into searching for more professional relationship, than hiring a writing coach can be a perfect solution. Partnering with writing coach can help you move your writing to a next level and help you progress in your writing career. But it certainly needs to be someone you can trust and rely on.
Having someone along your side while working on your writing project will keep you accountable that you will actually finish your work and give you additional push in any of your hesitations to publish/submit your manuscript.
Further more, if you and your writing buddy share a similar writing style and interest, you can help each other in sharing marketing and promotional activities as well. You can exchange writer’s guidelines and often suggest potential markets for each other’s work.
Have you found your writing buddy yet? 🙂 Please share with us in the comments below.
If you liked this post, please share. And, If you you are interested in getting more inspiration for your creativity, writing and personal growth, sign up for our free monthly newsletter. You’ll get a free e-book with 31 daily prompts to inspire your writing. For additional tips, follow us on twitter and connect with us on facebook.
Business in Rhyme 