Reading Aloud
One of the graduation requirements of my MFA program in Boston was a fifteen minute reading of my work. I’m not new to reading in front of a crowd, but there’s something nerve wracking about standing at a podium in front your professors and peers. Before my reading, I practiced. As I rehearsed, I would stop to make small adjustments in the text to clarify who was speaking or to change a word that just didn’t sound quite right. I was reminded of my own best advice — If you aren’t sure about the text of a piece you are working on, speak the words. The clunky parts will magically appear to you, twisting your tongue and tripping you up. Bad dialogue will scream at you for an edit. How do you quiet your nerves before a reading?...
Read MoreGoodbye Boston! Hello Minnesota!
It’s great to be back in Minnesota. My eyes are resting on the green colors, happy for a reprieve from Boston’s cobblestone and concrete. I have just completeld my fifth and final residency at the MFA program of Pine Manor College. After ten days of intensive study of creative nonfiction, I have returned with new ideas I hope to share in the months ahead. In a few short days (Saturday, July 23) I will be teaching at the Loft Literary Center in downtown Minneapolis. The class, which will run from 1-4 p.m, is titled: Beginning Memoir: Finding Your Story. If you know of anyone who is interested in writing life stories, please let them know about this class. They can register by calling the Loft at 612-379-8999. The Loft is the largest literary center in...
Read MorePoetry Submission Opportunity (No Fee)
This is a fun opportunity to submit poems to a Minnesota event. Follow directions closely and remember the deadline is July 22, 2011. Good luck! You Are Invited to Participate IN NORTHWOODS ART & BOOK FESTIVAL POETRY DISPLAY/RECOGNITION, AUGUST 20th, 2011 HACKENSACK, MN The Book Arts Committee of the Northwoods Art & Book Festival is soliciting original, unpublished poetry by Minnesota writers for our display and recognition at the festival this year. We will accept one or two original, unpublished poems from each poet. See Submissions Requirements below. We have a limited display area and unsure how many poems we will receive so we ask that you number your poems #1 & #2 if you are sending in more than one. If we receive more pieces than we...
Read MoreThe Thrill of Victory
Last year I was a finalist for the Cambria Eisteddfod competition. My twelve-year-old son accompanied me on the three hour drive to New Ulm the morning of the poetry reading. After a long wait for road construction crews to wave us on and a frustrating turn that led no where, we finally arrived at the winery where the event was held. Jordan watched from the crowd as I stood on the wooden stage under the giant “Wisdom Oak” and read my poems. After my reading, I sat next to him to watch the other finalists perform. Jordan nudged my arm and whispered, “I think you got this one, Mom.” When I was named “Bard” and awarded the hand-carved oak chair, it was a triumphant moment—a memory I will cherish forever. A memory made even...
Read MoreWords Like Water
“If you’re going to be a writer, the first essential is just to write. Do not wait for an idea. Start writing something and the ideas will come. You have to turn the faucet on before the water starts to flow.” – Louis L’Amour After two days without Internet, I’m finally back on-line. I had forgotten how often I use Google to look something up while writing. Gathering information has certainly changed for writers, but good advice never goes out of style. That’s why I posted the above quote from Louis L’Amour. His sage advice to turn on the faucet to begin the flow of ideas reminds me of the advice I like to give my students–put your butt in the chair! Sometimes the simple act of showing up is enough. Happy...
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