“Everything that slows us down and forces patience, everything that sets us back into the slow circles of nature, is a help. Gardening is an instrument of grace.” — May Sarton During this shelter in place, have you discovered what works for you as an “instrument of grace?” Or: Are you feeling you should be doing something differently than what youare doing? Today’s prompts are inspired by the article “Gardens deemed ‘essential,’” — David Templeton, April 30, 2020, Petaluma Argus Courier.
Tag: Argus Courier
An unexpected outcome. Prompt #491
Write about an unexpected situation, event, or incident that has happened because of being sheltered in place. Argus Courier journalist Gil Mansergh asked: What is an unexpected incident that happened to you and yours because of the quarantine? You can read the responses here. My response, as written by Gil (published in the April 2, 2020 Argus Courier): “The Write Spot’s founding mentor, Marlene Cullen, is delighted to tell us that her daughter started an online book club [with ten-year-old granddaughter] who chose The Wizard of Oz. They are reading L. Frank Baum’s original version, and meet twice a week, using Webex. The surprising part is the deep, meaningful conversations inspired by the book, [Marlene] says. For example, the woodsman wanted to marry ‘one of the Munchkin girls, who was so beautiful that I soon grew to love her with all my heart,’ which led to a conversation about what…
Bartenders make the best allies
Guest Blogger David Templeton’s tips for successful writing. I gave a talk as part of the monthly Writers Forum series sponsored by The Write Spot and Copperfield’s Books in Petaluma, California. Specifically, I was asked to talk about the craft of writing plays, and to share any tips and suggestions I may have picked up along the way. I have learned a few things over the years, which I happily shared Thursday night with the assembled crowd. But later that night, as I was chatting with some friends, it dawned on me that I’d completely failed to mention one tip that I meant to share. I’d even written it in my notes, and then somehow skipped over it during the actual talk. It’s one of the most important things I’ve ever learned as a writer. It is this: Bartenders make the best allies. It doesn’t have to be bartenders, of…