WORDS OF WISDOM

Writing is not a matter of choice. Writers have to write. It is somehow in their temperament, in the blood, in tradition.

~N. Scott Momaday, Author

WORDS OF WISDOM

You don't write because you want to say something, you write because you have something to say.

~F. Scott Fitzgerald, Author (1896-1940)

WORDS OF WISDOM

Writing is not a matter of choice. Writers have to write. It is somehow in their temperament, in the blood, in tradition.

~N. Scott Momaday 

WORDS OF WISDOM

The desire to write grows with writing.

~Desiderius Erasmus, Philosopher (1466-1536)

WORDS OF WISDOM

If you wish to be a writer, write.

~Epictetus, Greek Philosopher (50-138 AD)

WORDS OF WISDOM

There's always something to write about. An idea may be right in front of you.


~Genevieve

USING PROMPTS

Prompts are an excellent to begin crafting a piece of writing. Last year at church a group of us used prompts to create a performance about affordable housing."A Tales Of Two Cities"was performed at church, an open mic and at a community forum.

Prompts are cues in which words are used to lead to other words. Today, I wrote a poem using a article of clothing. Last night I wrote a poem about a subway station that I frequent. Prompts can a word, a sentence, a street scene,a question, and other forms. It's common among actors when prompts are used when a performer forgets his/her line(s). It's fun and can inspire us to write. Give it a try and see what happens. 

A Dilemma

There's so many things to write about; choosing which topic you want to discuss is write about is quite another story. It's a dilemma I sometimes face. I have written poems, commentaries, essays, novellas, short stories, and on a couple of occasions, a play.

Part of my dilemma is that my mind works at the speed of light while my pen is just chugging along. Right now I'm working on a long poem and a short story. I'm looking for my own voice with the former and for the latter, it's dialogue. 

The craft of writing is continually a work in progress. It is not an exact science because a lot of curve balls can come when I least expect it. Through all this, I still love to write.

Brain Too Fast For Hand To Write

I have a lot of stories and commentaries to write about. The trouble comes when I don't know which one to write first. Too many ideas buzz in my head which sometimes results in me not doing anything. I've been writing a chapbook for a couple of years and am still writing it. 

My problem comes because I think much faster than I write. I have a ton of notebooks lying here. I have ideas but need to focus on them AND complete them. This has been a lifetime battle for me. When I complete my projects, I feel good about it. I'm sure a lot of writers have gone through the same thing I do. It does get frustrating because I could be much further along in my writing.

Right now I'm creating an action plan as to how to complete my projects. Sure isn't easy because I need to slow down and focus. The writing part is easy; it's the organizing part that's difficult.  
 

Words Of Wisdom

Discipline is what makes a writer. If writing is like lifting weights, then I'd look like Mr. Universe. Write every day. Give the Muse a chance to get to know you.

~Tony D'Souza