Memorable writing that sparks imagination. Lean in. Hear the writer’s voice on the page.
Los Padres Lope
By DS Briggs
They hit the trailhead of the Lone Condor Trail in Los Padres National Forest. After last night’s party complete with hot tub and paper umbrella drinks, Michelle was in a fragile state. Hungover was not how she envisioned starting a ten-day backpack.
The trail started gently. The meadows still full of flowers and new greenery. The transformation from scrub and madrone to wild grasses and wild flowers was amazing and spoke to the renewal of life. The vigil she stood last April seemed long, long ago. For days they had wondered if anything would be left of the forest. The fire capriciously jumped here and there. Michelle’s Go Bag was packed and stowed safely in her red convertible. While the ashy gray skies rained over the hillside community, in the end, Half Acre was spared.
Sweat started beading between her shoulder blades where the pack had left a paper thin space. She adjusted her hat and grunted.
Declan looked back. Michelle was struggling but thankfully not whingeing. He admired her silent resiliency and determination.
The ragtag group of five hungover hikers started to string out on the path. Warnings of holes, tree roots, and occasionally a snake sighting were passed downline.
Les called a rest break, the shade from the failed homestead’s lone palm tree provided some respite from the heat. Some, but not much. The hydration system Les wore didn’t look so silly after their water bottles drained quickly.
“Please God, let me make it to camp before I kill him,” grumbled Michelle when Les blew his damn whistle again.
“Los Padres Lope” inspired by the writing prompt:
Use hot tub, paper umbrella, palm tree, camp or camping, vigil, convertible, fire and transformation in your writing.
DS Briggs resides in Northern California with Moose, her very large, loving and loud hound/lab mix. She has attended Jumpstart Writing Workshops for several years and enjoys writing in short bursts. She has been privileged to contribute to Marlene Cullen’s Write Spot books: Discoveries, Possibilities, and Writing as a Path to Healing.
DSB’s love of writing developed out of her love of reading.
“We are all storytellers. We are constantly telling each other about our lives—what happened to us. What we saw, what we thought. We share news of dramatic events in our lives and the lives of our friends.
We tell jokes. We share dreams and memories. Starting with these kinds of ‘tellings’ can be a good way to begin our practice of writing stories.”
Reading is part of writing. Read to become a better writer, to be entertained, and to learn.
Finding a special place to read is divine.
Today’s post is inspired by Evan Dunn, writer at Porch.com. and inspired by the concept of Hygge.
Excepted from Evan’s article about creating a Reading Nook:
If you love to curl up with your favorite books, a Reading Nook can be the perfect way to enjoy this beloved pastime. From nonfiction books to thrillers and romance novels, reading is one of the best ways to relax and escape from the stresses of everyday living. If you’re thinking about creating your own Reading Nook, read on for some tips and tricks that will inspire you to craft a perfect reading space.
Why Create a Reading Space?
For those who have a habit of reading often, creating your own special space will make it even more enjoyable. There are lots of benefits to having a Reading Nook, including:
Having your very own Reading Nook gives you a quiet space to relax and de-stress.
Reading is a great habit for kids and adults alike. Designating a space for this activity will encourage everyone in the family to read more.
Spending your free time with a good book can help you learn new things and discover new characters, worlds, and experiences.
There’s nothing quite like enjoying a great book, some downtime, and the soothing smells of scented candles to help promote relaxing.
Finding the Perfect Space
Once you’ve decided to create a Reading Nook, it’s time to think about the perfect location. If you happen to have a spare room such as a guest bedroom or a space over the garage, these are two fantastic options. If your home is small or you’re short on space, you can still enjoy the perks of a private Reading Nook. Designate one corner of your living room as the Reading Nook. Add a small bookshelf and a comfy chair along with an accent table and a lamp for a cozy space to sit and dive into your favorite book. You can also integrate a Reading Nook in other rooms like a master bedroom or home office. Make sure you have enough book storage so it’s easy to access all of your books within reach. Place some potted plants on your bookshelf or table to add a touch of greenery and create a relaxing vibe.
Reading Nook Essentials
After you’ve chosen the perfect space in your home for reading, it’s time to bring in the essentials. From furniture to storage, here are a few must-haves that every home Reading Nook should include:
Lighting: If you’re still reading when the sun goes down, you need to have adequate lighting in your Reading Nook. A floor lamp with an adjustable neck gives you the perfect task lighting for reading.
Décor: Give your Reading Nook personality with fun pieces of décor. A few houseplants or a framed poster featuring the cover of your favorite book will give the space a personal touch. Bring an area rug into the room to create a warm, inviting look and feel.
Furniture: A cushy chair or a recliner are both terrific options. If you have a simple accent chair, supplement it with a footstool or ottoman so you can prop up your feet. Add a side table to place your book and a favorite beverage.
Storage: Try a tall bookshelf. If you want to keep your books out of sight, a cabinet with solid doors works perfectly. If you’re short on floor space, install wall shelves or try a rolling cart that you can move around and tuck away when you’re done selecting a new book. If you’re on a budget, consider bookshelves from your local thrift store that you can refinish or paint.
Ambiance: If you want to create a calming environment, you need a few things to create a relaxing ambiance. An oil burner with some essential oils is a great way to create a soothing scent that calms the mind. Add a soft blanket to your reading chair so you can snuggle under it on chilly nights. Soothing music or scented candles are other great additions that will give your Reading Nook a relaxing vibe.
Personal Touch: Give your Reading Nook some personality by decorating it with sentimental items like a few photos or a piece of artwork. You can hang a diploma on the wall or frame a favorite quote to give this space a personal touch that’s special and unique to you.
Make Your Reading Nook Enjoyable for the Whole Family
Encourage your kids to read by creating a reading space that everyone can enjoy. Reading a book aloud and having story time is a great way to spend quality time together. Your Reading Nook can also double as a quiet place where the kids can do their homework or catch up on school assignments. Make the space special by adding kid-friendly furniture. You can find small chairs designed just for kids, so they have a comfy place to sit and read. Look for short, brightly colored shelves for easy access. Set up a small table where children can participate in activities like coloring and crafts. The idea is to make this part of your home special and accommodating for everybody for fond memories and family time.
If you’re not sure which books to stock for children, talk to your child’s teacher or your local bookstore for a recommended reading list. Check in with other parents to see what books their kids are reading. You can buy a few of your favorite books from your childhood.
Your Reading Nook is also a great place to keep in touch with family members who live elsewhere, you can make this is possible with the Bookship app.
How to Keep Your Project on a Budget
You don’t need to remodel your home or spend a ton of money to enjoy a Reading Nook at home. Repurpose old pieces of furniture or shop at a thrift store to find affordable options. Look for ways to stock your Reading Nook without buying new. Ask your library about book sales or go online to find some book exchange programs. You can also find an endless array of used books online, so you don’t have to pay full price. Search for Little Free Libraries in your neighborhood.
Whether you’re an avid reader or just enjoy the occasional best-seller, a Reading Nook is a perfect way to relax and spend your leisure time. Make sure your new space is comfortable and inviting for the whole family. You’ll make memories together and help your children develop healthy lifelong habits that they can pass onto their children.
The submission period for Qwerty Magazine, Issue No. 44, Winter 2022 is now open.
Qwerty is a graduate student-run magazine at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton, Canada. Work submitted between now and September 2021 may not be read and responded-to immediately.
The number one criterion, above all else, is mastery of craft.
“Though Qwerty has primarily published literary fiction and fine art, we have no qualms with publishing genre fiction that subverts convention, experimental work that inverts tradition in pursuit of innovative storytelling, or images that play on the senses in unusual ways.
So go ahead: send us your stories that tap into the lower depths of the public consciousness. And also send us your poems and photos about the zombie apocalypse. So long as it’s exemplary, we’d be delighted to feature your work in future issues of Qwerty.”
Fiction/Creative Non-Fiction: previously unpublished fiction and creative non-fiction up to 5,000 words in length.
Poetry: previously unpublished poetry in any style.
Artwork and Photography: Qwerty accepts up to 5 high-quality, unpublished prints per submission.
After Retirement By Ron Salisbury What were you thinking Eunice asked as the fireman who had strapped me to his back brought me down from the eucalyptus on the engine ladder. It seem like such a good idea, just nail little boards to the tree and keep climbing. The canopy of things up there, a complete universe, distance like future. Thinking was something I usually did. Then one day stopped. Idea doesn’t have boundaries, besides, I had these little boards left over from the fence.
Note from Marlene: When the prompt is a poem, you can write on the mood or the theme of the poem, a line, or a word. Just Write!
“Since the seventh grade, all I’ve ever wanted to be is a poet. It is a great honor to be chosen as San Diego’s first Poet Laureate. This appointment will empower me to represent the dynamic San Diego I love and promote. It will allow me to teach and encourage poetry to an even higher presence than I already do. I want to give back to the city that adopted me, share my poetry with its people and share San Diego with the world.”
Memorable writing that sparks imagination. Lean in. Hear the writer’s voice on the page.
Memories
By Frank Hulse
Confession is good for the soul. So here goes:
Something I’ve been gnawing on, off and on all day like a dog bone with just a little more flavor.
I can remember my combination lock from my freshman year in college.
I can remember what the locker room smelled like. It was directly adjacent to the indoor swimming pool so it was primarily chlorine—but there were more than a few other smells I won’t describe here.
If I see a post or a picture from a high school classmate, I can immediately hear her/his voice.
I can remember church camp out at Osage Hills State Park when I was in 8th grade and showing off in the swimming pool, more or less like a peacock when it fans out its train.
I can remember going on a snipe hunt with all the kids and one of the girls stealing a kiss (given freely).
I can remember the smell of frying bacon and coffee brewing on our first day of vacation and the new striped t-shirt, freshly laundered, ready to go, and corn on the cob from a street vendor in Estes Park, Colorado.
I can hear Barbra Streisand singing The Way We Were (Memories).
I’m happy to have these powerful memories . . . but I wish I could remember where I left my cell phone.
Yep, a mind like a steel trap, rusted shut and stuck in the 60’s.
William Frank HulseIII is a native Oklahoman, born and raised in the Indian Cowboy Oilman community of Pawhuska. He began his college career at Central State College in Edmond but enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1968. While serving in the military Frank completed his undergraduate degree with the University of Maryland. Upon his return to civilian life in 1975, Frank was employed by Phillips Petroleum Company for almost 30 years. Since retiring he plays guitar and writes.
Today’s writing prompt is not the usual 15-20 minute freewrite. Instead, it’s a bit more challenging and will take time to pursue.
When you are ready for the challenge . . . Create a pastiche.
“Pastiche (pronounced pass-TEESH) is a creative work that imitates another author or genre. It’s a way of paying respect, or honor, to great works of the past. Pastiche differs from parody in that pastiche isn’t making fun of the works it imitates – however, the tone of pastiche is often humorous.”
Examples of Pastiche
The TV show 30 Rock is about a television studio, so there are plenty of opportunities for pastiche. In various episodes, the show mimics classic shows like “The Brady Bunch” or “Seinfeld” and major television events like the Olympics. From the tone of the show, it’s clear that these imitations come from a place of irreverent love, so they fall into the category of pastiche rather than parody.
Pastiche is common in music, as musicians try out new styles in order to keep their sound from getting stale.
An example is Queen’s “Thing Called Love” (a pastiche of Elvis Presley).
Hip-hop frequently employs a broad pastiche of jazz, blues, and R&B sounds.
Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill films are a simultaneous pastiche of two genres: westerns and kung fu movies.
The Purpose of Pastiche
The main purpose of using pastiche is to celebrate great works, or genres that a given show, movie, or story does not actually belong to.
A secondary purpose of pastiche can be to create variety. In a show like “The Simpsons,” the writers and animators use pastiche to shake up the look and feel of the show.
Examples of Pastiche
Allen Ginsburg’s “Howl” is a pastiche of “Song of Myself” by Walt Whitman. By employing Whitman’s poetic form, Ginsburg hoped to speak to his generation in the same way Whitman did to his.
Much of Amy Winehouse’s music is a pastiche of classic soul and R&B. The instruments, rhythms, and the sound of her voice all sound highly reminiscent of music from the 1950s and 60s – even her hair was modeled on the styles that were popular in that generation.
Tips for Writing a Pastiche:
Study the original work
Restructure the original work
Infuse your own meaning
Prompt: Use a well-known story from a book, TV show, movie, play, libretto, opera, or a song . . . And write a pastiche.
Memorable writing that sparks imagination. Lean in. Hear the writer’s voice on the page.
Ode to a Table
By Julie Wilder-Sherman
Lined with age, scratched without intent, indentations of mountain ranges from 7th grade homework reside in her second panel.
Rings of white from overly hot cups and larger spheres from sizzling casserole dishes placed upon hot pads too thin.
Dents on corners from swift, careless movement, black pen lines etched through paper, bleeding into the wood.
The long, suffering life of my dining room table, surviving, still standing with the family that unthinkingly scarred her.
Julie Wilder-Sherman began reading books at an early age, encouraged by her mother who would allow her to take books to bed when she was as young as two years old. Raised in a family of readers, writers, performers, musicians, and political activists, Julie followed her dream of singing professionally and met her husband, bassist Jeff Sherman, while singing on The Love Boat. Together they enjoy cooking, eating, reading, and traveling to all corners of the world. Julie remains politically active and helps to manage the Petaluma Postcard Pod supporting democratic candidates, issues, and policies.
Write about a memorable ice cream or cool dessert.
Or write about interesting or unusual ice cream desserts.
Wicked Slush
Dave and Julie Pokorny have created a destination experience in Petaluma, CA with their unique Wicked Slush.
Soft serve with a twist.
“Back East, it was Carvel. The creamiest, dreamiest, tallest, most improbable tower of soft serve ice cream, covered in chocolate magic shell. Remember?
You had to crack through the shell to get to the goodness inside.
Well, in Petaluma, we have Wicked. Creamy, dreamy, towering swirls of soft serve ice cream, made from local, organic Straus Family Creamery Dairy. Now imagine this in not only chocolate or vanilla, but in any one of 26 different flavors! And that magic shell? How about 6 different flavors? How about this concoction sitting in a crunchy sweet waffle cone? Yep. That’s how we roll at Wicked.”
Thanks to Robert Cullen who let me know that July is National Ice Cream Month.
