Volume IX, Issue 44
October 28, 2020
Word of the Week: freedom
Dear ,
I've been thinking a lot about freedom these days, and not just because the you-know-what is less than a week away.
I also just saw Hamilton for the first time last week and was struck by the founders' commitments to interests that had nothing whatsoever to do with "liberty and justice for all." What a story. What a great show. And what a great cast. I love this rendition of "The Room Where It Happens" that highlights one of our most important freedoms: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6o2FPRLLAGU.
I've had the privilege of supporting talented new writer Christa Carter, whose first collection of poetry, Come close and hear me sing, ends with a poem titled "freedom." (You'll meet Christa and read her poem below, as she's this week's featured writer.)
Since Christa and I don't live in the same city, and even if we did, you know, that coronavirus thing, I didn't think I had a picture of us together. And then I realized I did! Here we are on Zoom together. You can see what a joy she is to work with.
I owe the pleasure of knowing Christa to Charlotte author Patrice Gopo, whose presence I've so enjoyed in WordPlay classes and retreats, and whose writing also speaks to freedom and justice. Here's a photo of me and Patrice when we bumped into each other at the AWP Conference
in Washington, D.C., in February 2017. It was such a happy surprise!
You see, Christa loved Patrice's book of essays, All the Colors We Will See, so much that she wrote her a fan letter, and asked Patrice for some writing advice. Lucky me, because Patrice sent her to my website. Christa and I have spent a number of delightful hours together discussing the art and craft of
poetry. I'm honored to have worked with her on Come close and hear me sing, and I look forward to the new poetry Christa will keep writing in her free
time.
Notice the way I snuck that "free"dom in again? (Crafty, huh?) What will you use your freedom for in the week to come?
Maureen
I created the process shared in these two books in June of 2002, shortly after my mother died, as a way to mindfully mourn this loss—and celebrate her life. I shared it with a beloved friend, the Reverend Rebecca Taylor, when she lost her father, and she encouraged me to make it available to others. Here it is, in two versions, both of which offer quotes, reflections, prompts, and space to write about your loved one, as well as beautiful photographs by Wendy H. Gill that enhance each part of the process. Either
version makes a thoughtful condolence gift for a friend or family member.
How Do I Say Goodbye? is for those of any faith, with quotes from many different sources to accompany the process. It can be purchased on Amazon here.
Praying You Goodbye is specifically for Christians, with accompanying quotes from Scripture chosen by Reverend Rebecca Taylor. It can be purchased on Amazon here.
-----------------------------------------------------
POETRY ROCKS!
Would you like your writing—prose and/or poetry—to be more
graceful, powerful, beautiful? Do you sometimes find poetry confusing or intimidating and wish you could “crack the code”? Or do you enjoy writing and reading poems, but want a more thorough understanding of what makes a poem good? Then this poetry extravaganza is for you.
Expect a good time exploring what makes a poem a poem, gaining the knowledge you need to confidently create and revise poetry, and strengthening your writing skills in all genres.
It would be a joy and an honor to share what rocks about poetry with you.
HERE’S WHAT YOU GET:
- 23 poetry creation tools, delivered one per day (Monday through Friday) to your inbox—in honor of National Poetry month. Use them as you get them, use them when you can, use them over and over to create poems. Each tool zeroes in on one aspect of poetry and provides an innovative method to approach writing a poem. Many
of them are great for creating prose, too. The tools include:
* a purpose, so you’re clear what you will learn
* background information when helpful
* “how-to” directions to create a poem
* an example that illustrates the poetry tool in action
* a short reflection to solidify the concepts covered
* “Hone Your Craft” suggestions for further exploration
* a short reflection to solidify the concepts covered
- A PDF document of each tool that you can print or save on your computer
- An audio recording of each tool, so you can learn by listening and/or reading
- Instruction on the role of audience, reading like a writer, and the process of revision, including a handy Revision Checkpoint Chart—this information can be applied to strengthen your prose as well as poetry
- Additional poetry resources
- An e-book that contains the information and resources covered, as well as your 23 poetry creation tools for ongoing use
WHERE: From the comfort of your own home, via the web.
WHEN: Any time you want! And once you receive all 23 tools, they’re yours to keep, which means that you can keep using them for years to come.
COST: $45
TO REGISTER: To pay with a check via mail, email info@wordplaynow.com for instructions. To register for Poetry Rocks! online, click here.
-------------------------------------------------------
TAG, I'M IT!
Both the year-long TAG, I'M IT! AND three-month TAG, I'M IT! journals offer—in no more than five to fifteen minutes—a simple way to recap and celebrate
the very best of each day of your life. The practice of writing out your “T’s” (things you’re thankful for), “A’s” (actions you can acknowledge yourself for), and “G’s” (gifts you’re grateful for) is a transformative one, especially combined with the final step, I’M IT!, in which you intentionally choose three do-able, most-important-to-you actions you’ll take the next day.
The TAG, I'M IT! journal grounds you in two important habits: keeping your focus on appreciating and celebrating the good in your life and intentionally accomplishing what matters most to you. You’ll also create a record of
your most meaningful, happiest events and experiences.
Start your journal—or restart, if needed—whenever you like. (Though a new year is a perfect time!)
An introduction with tips and ideas will help you make this practice your own. Soon, you’ll notice that you’re living your days with more joy, presence, purpose, and intention.
Thank you to Maureen Ryan Griffin for creating TAG I’M IT.
TAG, I’M IT is my new best friend. It’s a guided writing journal that helps me sort through the mental travels of my day. And it helps me zero in on the special moments by reflecting, acknowledging, and saying thank you for the invisible gifts collected in my daily journey.
“TAG” gives me joy. And it gives me a sense of peace. It helps me discover the small and large wonders around me.
“TAG” sits on my nightstand – it’s my last conversation of the day. And I feel satisfied when I turn off the light. When I write in my TAG, I’M IT journal, I’m giving myself a gift.
What a treasure!
~ T. D. Taegel
More WordPlay opportunities coming soon.
Stay posted!
Featured Writer
Meet Christa Carter
Christa Elizabeth Carter writes her poetry under the penname LizBeth. As a poet, Christa strives to express the poetry of life observed—how we live and love, how we thrive and survive. If only for two lines, may a reader feel a shared connection. She resides in Durham, NC, and enjoys quality time with
friends.
You can follow Christa through her Instagram account, @liz_beth_poetry
What Christa Says about WordPlay
As my first chapbook, Come close and hear me sing, created in the chaos of this year, is dear to my heart, I couldn't have asked for a better person than Maureen to help me to complete this work! I first encountered Maureen's expertise through the Poetry Rocks! course. This
course at Wordplay helped me understand the forms poetry can take and to have fun playing with words. As I created more poetry, I wanted to connect with Maureen in a deeper way and asked if she would be a writing coach for me. As a coach, Maureen really helped me find my voice and style. She encouraged me to be true to the story I had to tell through my poetry. We began to work on my chapbook a few sessions in. As we put the book together, Maureen again used her expertise to walk me
through the process of self-publishing. I am so very grateful for the opportunity to work with her!
Freedom
This is the way to freedom
honeyed
messy
sweet
You won't find it across continents
or in the zeal of a sword
It's a parable
like in the beginning God created
Your palpitating heart
it swoons to the tune
of his handcrafted music box
But when the metronome stops
it's hard to find the beat
You feel lost as if
someone stole the music sheet
The chords changed
instead you learned a new song
from Come close and hear me sing, which you can purchase here.
WordPlay Now! Writing Prompt
This is WordPlay—so why not revel in the power and potential of one good word after another? This week, it's “freedom.”
PROMPT:
When have you (or one of your characters, if you are writing fiction) experienced a profound sense of freedom? When have you or one of your characters felt constrained by your lack or freedom? Write a story, scene, essay, poem, or reflection based on one of these experiences.
MAUREEN RYAN GRIFFIN, an award-winning poetry and nonfiction writer, is the author of Spinning Words into Gold, a Hands-On Guide to the Craft of
Writing, a grief workbook entitled I Will Never Forget You, and three collections of poetry, Ten Thousand Cicadas Can't Be Wrong, This Scatter of Blossoms and When the Leaves Are in the Water.
She believes, as author Julia Cameron says, “We are meant to midwife dreams for one another.” Maureen also believes that serious “word
work” requires serious WordPlay, as play is how we humans best
learn—and perform. What she loves best is witnessing all the other dreams that come true for her clients along the way. Language, when used with intentionality and focus, is, after all, serious fuel for joy. Here's to yours!
|
|
|
|
