April 2015- Be Fearless: Read, Learn, Write

The longer I write the more I appreciate the work of other authors. Some scribes have characterization down to a science. While wirters of suspense weave mysteries holding the reader's interest long into the night. My personal reason for reading these days is not only for the joy of a "good read." I use my reading as an opportunity to observe how other writers deal with those writing issues that send many a writer into the abyss of frustration.

I just finished reading, All The Light We Cannot See, by Anthony Doerr. I chose   this book because of the reviews on Goodreads.com., Oprah's Book Club, and Barnes andNoble recommendations.  I wanted to see why readers, not critics, not publicists, but readers called the book, "Excellent."

The book's two main characters have separate plots. The author writes about each in a separate country with different obstacles to overcome. The author's description of the settings and characterizations pull you in the story. The story answered a criticism from two of my beta readers.

My current work in progress has multiple characters with different storylines. Two of my beta readers said it was difficult for them to keep track of "who was who."  Another beta reader pointed out, it was difficult to keep track of the places the action took place. Anthony Doeer helped me realized how to fix my issues. His writing process lead me to solutions with the issues I was having with my own book.

Reading is a must for a writer. We learn from other writers. We can step back and observe how they apply writing techniques.  Thank you for a great read and some "teaching" moments

"You cannot open a book without learning something."   Confucius*

* Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/search_results.html#TTcVlgwIkveDpTq2.99

April 2015-Be Fearless: Seek Poetry

Society under values its poets. If you ask a reader to name an author, they rattle off several names of their favorite fiction writers. Ask that same reader who is today's up and coming poet? (Expect a pause.)  Better still ask who is the poet laureate of their state? (They  will change the subject.)

April is National Poetry Month and I am appealing to all my readers and writer friends to promote poetry this month. The following activities are simple and offer support to your poet colleagues:

• Seek out the poets in your life. Ask them about their work. 
• Buy a collection of poetry and read it. Send the poet a thank you note.
• Go to a Poetry Group reading during this month.
• Drag out any piece of poetry you have written in your lifetime. Read it, polish it, and submit it.

Poetry is the emotional reflection of life. It is an intellectual exercise in expression. Some forms of poetry have constraints and strict rules, while other forms are flexible and flowing. Don't be afraid of poetry: seek it, read it, write it.

Poetry is an echo, asking a shadow to dance. – Carl Sandburg