The funny thing about rock bottom is . . . Set your timer and write on this prompt. Photo by Breana Marie
Full Grown People publishes personal essays
Full Grown People publishes personal essays that explore what it means to be an adult . . . essays that explore those moments in life when you wonder, what’s next? “Essays should be between 800 and 4,000 words and have a literary quality: engaging and smart without being academic or schmaltzy. Work hard on your endings—if you’ve built up some good momentum, ending it on the right note is sometimes the difference between a contender and an acceptance.” Click here for submission guidelines.
Guest blogger Arlene Miller asks, “Should we dumb down the language?”
Guest Blogger Arlene Miller writes: I am a member of some grammar groups on LinkedIn, where there are fascinating — and long – discussions of what some people would call grammatical minutiae. However, this week, I saw a discussion that I found a little surprising. The question posed was “Should we continue to teach who and whom to our students?” the real question is: Should we continue to teach the difference between them and when to use each? On my blog, bigwords 101, I talked about the difference between linguistic and grammatical prescriptivism and descriptivism: ▪ Prescriptivists (the camp that I lean toward) think that the rules are there and they should be followed. ▪ Descriptivists believe that language evolves as new usages come into play. Well, if we followed a purely prescriptivist viewpoint, we would still be using the language of centuries ago – thank you, Chaucer. But what would happen if we…
There’s no point in trying to impress people with cleverness.
I read this quote in the September 2014 issue of The Writer Magazine. It aligns perfectly with my passion for genuine and authentic writing. “Years ago I read an interview with Paula Fox in which she said that in writing, truth is just as important as story. Reading that interview was the first time I really understood that there’s no point in trying to impress people with my cleverness when I can just try to write honestly about what matters most to me.” — Molly Antopol, The UnAmericans, Stanford University
Write a thank you note . . .Prompt #103
Write a thank you note . . . either for a tangible, or intangible gift, either for a gift you truly liked, or something you saw as annoying or difficult at first. . . but later saw the value or the good of the gift.
The most important tool . . . to help me make the big choices in life — Steve Jobs
The subject of death may be uncomfortable or difficult for some. And yet, we are all going to die . . . some time. . . somehow. Here’s a quote from Steve Jobs. “Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure — these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.” — Steve Jobs Note from Marlene: Writing. . . letting others read your writing . . . can make you feel vulnerable, afraid and weak…
I believe. . . Prompt #102
Today’s writing prompt . . . I believe . . .
New Uses for Old Things — Real Simple Contest
Real Simple magazine “New Uses For Old Things Contest” deadline: November 14, 2014 Wineglass, dustpan, wooden spoon, smartphone case, belt, soda-can tab, balance/fitness ball, melon baller, coffee cup sleeve, DVD case, cutting board, rolling pin, magnets, shoelaces, garment bag, shot glass, coffee K-Cup, contact-lens case. Winners will be published in a future issue and receive a $100 gift card. Email your ideas for “New Uses For Old Things” to: newusescontest@realsimple.com Include the name of the item and how you repurposed it. Photos welcome. Click here for details. And if you win, be sure to let us know!
I wanted to connect with others.
Guest Blogger Lois Lavrisa writes about the lack of self-confidence and doubt amongst writers. My husband and I attended an event featuring the bestselling financial guru, Suze Orman. We chatted with friends as my husband’s coworker approached us. Beth, a perky lady with a huge smile, approached us. Beth shook my hand. “I’m a huge fan.” I nodded enthusiastically. “Me too. I love Suze. I can’t wait to see her.” Beth’s face froze for a moment, as if registering what I said. Then she gently squeezed my hand. “I’m a fan of yours.” For a few moments, I didn’t know what to say. I finally said a quick thank you to Beth. She was sweet and I was completely flattered. It’s just that I was just taken off guard because I don’t have great author confidence. Instead I have loads of self doubt, maybe it could be called author angst,…
Publishing is a journey, not a destination. — Jennifer Lynn Alvarez
Publishing is a journey, not a destination. — Jennifer Lynn Alvarez, author of The Pet Washer and Guardian Herd – Starfire. Jennifer was an amazing presenter at Writers Forum in Petaluma, summer of 2014. If you have an opportunity to hear her speak, or attend her author’s event . . . go for it! She’s warm, friendly and has a herd of information about publishing . . .both traditional publishing and self-publishing. She has done both and has stories to tell! She is welcome back at Writers Forum anytime! She’s a good writer, too!