Through the Garden Gate

Denver Arboretum - photo by Sally Jadlow





WRITING TIP


Sally Jadlow sent this pretty photo from the Denver Botanical Garden. The blue pots, arch, and curving walkway are so inviting a visitor is drawn to enter. If ever there was a visual reminder of the old adage to writers to "hook the reader," this is it.


What if the garden had been surrounded by a six-foot tall wood fence and visitors had been led up to the garden by a long, barren, asphalt parking lot? No tall cedars, no gate, and no brick edging.


Would we want to venture inside? Nope. Wouldn't matter if the world's largest azalea was in bloom and bearing apples. If we couldn't see something interesting at the beginning, we never would venture inside.


Same with our writing. Put an open gate at the beginning. Add some colorful flowers and a hint of something to come. Watch the readers flock inside.


Sally put this technique to good use in her recent book, God's Little Miracle Book. I gave this book for Christmas presents and received several phone calls from people who had just started reading it and already were hooked. Here are the first three sentences:


The phone rang late one night. It was our eldest daughter Jennifer.
"Mom, get to Children's Mercy downtown. Life Flight is bringing Gunnar in." 


Are you hooked? I was. And the stories did not disappoint. Entering the gate and taking the path were well worth it.


WRITING PROMPT


Blue pots. What comes to mind? The photo above? Your grandmother's house? Funny how these mental connections work. I think of the blue pots in the Ten Thousand Villages store in downtown Overland Park, Kansas. I think of summer and visiting the farmers market and then stopping in the store on the way to the car with my bags of tomatoes and baby squash. Blue pots. What do you think of? Something all your own. Write about it.

CHOCOLATE INKWELL


This recipe is from Cooks.com. Reader comments say it is "Sinfully good -- and EASY! Everyone wants the recipe when served."


Elaine Warren's Chocolate Nut Dessert


1 pkg. (8) Pillsbury crescent rolls
2/3 c. butter
2/3 c. brown sugar
3/4 c. chopped nuts
12 oz. pkg. chocolate chips


Spread crescent rolls (the dough) onto baking sheet. Press edges together, carefully and seal well. Leave small ridge around edge. Bring butter, sugar and nuts to a boil. Pour over flattened rolls. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Remove from oven and sprinkle 12 ounces chocolate chips over top. Let melt, spread.


Find more writing tips, writing resources, life story writing how-to at http://www.angelinyourinkwell.com/.


All Rights Reserves, 2011 Carol Newman There's An Angel In Your Inkwell®



Flowery Writing



 

Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden 2010
photo by Carol Newman
















WRITING TIP

Thinking about spring and gardens, I looked back at photos of favorite gardens. 

The first photo is of the Kauffman Garden in Kansas City, Mo. It's a small garden, but, as you can see, it is packed with a variety of flowers and colors and features. That streak across the middle is water from a fountain. Walls, walkways, benches, statues, water features, and trees of various sizes divide the area.



 Boston Museum of Fine Art, Spring 2006 - photo by Carol Newman



The next photo was taken in a Japanese garden at the Boston Museum of Fine Art. What a difference! Instead of every space being filled with something, this garden has a large raked sand area with a few boulders.

One garden invites investigation; the other invites contemplation. Which garden is "right"?

These gardens remind me of writing styles. Just as both gardens are enjoyable, various writing styles can work for us as writers. The problem is when we go to extremes. 

Suppose the Kauffman garden was so stuffed and overgrown there was no room to walk or sit, then it would be just a tangle of growth. Or, suppose the Japanese garden had only one large rock, no raked design in the sand, and no background plantings. It would be a bare expanse of nothing.

The same is true of our writing. We want enough adjectives, adverbs, metaphors, similes, settings, characters, and plot points to be interesting. We do not want so much overblown, lengthy, detailed, meaningless description that the reader gives up in exhaustion.

It's partly taste, style, experience, and desired effect.  Is your garden of writing a garden sparse, excessive, or beautifully balanced? 

WRITING PROMPT

Pick a piece of your writing at random. Is it a Kauffman-type garden or a Japanese-type garden? Whichever one you decide it is, try re-writing it in the opposite style. Add some flowery flourishes. Or, pare down. Have some fun with it. Go to extremes. 

CHOCOLATE INKWELL

This recipe from http://www.hungry-girl.com/ could not be easier or better. Hungry Girl assures there is no yogurt taste. (I love yogurt so even if it did have a yogurt taste, it wouldn't bother me.)

Best Devil's Food Chocolate Cake

One 18.25-oz. box moist-style devil's food cake mix

1 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt (such as Fage Total 0%)

1 cup water

Combine cake mix and yogurt in a large bowl. Add 1 cup water. Whisk thoroughly and transfer to a baking pan sprayed with nonstick spray. Refer to cake mix box for pan size and approximate bake time.

Find more writing tips, writing prompts, resources, and life story writing answers at http://www.angelinyourinkwell.com/.

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All Rights Reserved 2011, Carol Newman, There's An Angel In Your Inkwell®

Write Toward a New Perspective



Bleak outlook.  photo by Carol Newman

WRITING TIP

One week ago today I awoke expecting sunshine and, instead, found the grayest of skies and a blanket of snow. Yeah, yeah, it was a light, fluffy, pretty snow; but I was in no mood for snow.


Fortunately, I have a project to distract me. I am updating my Write Your Life Story in Eights Weeks Workbook. I asked members of the advanced life story writing group for suggestions for the updated workbook. After Millie suggested a page about the benefits of life story writing and wrote a sample paragraph, I asked other members to write about how writing life story had affected them. Their wonderful answers will be included on the first page of the updated workbook. But let me give you a visual preview.


For some, when they think back over their life in its entirety, they feel the same as I did when I opened the curtains last Monday. They feel disappointed and drained by what seems to have been a gray life. And, like me, they wanted something different. Still, they take on the task of writing. And in the writing ,that other life they wished for emerges.

Instead of just standing at the window and surveying the vista, this morning I opened the front door to warm sunshine; I put on flip flops and went out and looked at the daffodils and found a bright spot in my life. I looked closer, and closer still, and saw the iris and hostas are sending up shoots; and I felt better. There are many bright spots in my life.

Hey, it's not so bad.   photo by Carol Newman

That's what the writers expressed when they wrote about the benefits of life story writing. When we examine our lives we see the triumphs and successes that, as one writer said, make us "remarkable." Yes, there was snow last week; and, yes, I was disappointed by it. There is no changing events, but it is possible to refocus and gain a new perspective.

WRITING PROMPT

What did you see when you opened the curtains this morning? What did you see literally? What did you see metaphorically? How do you feel about it? What does it mean in your life today? Tomorrow?


CHOCOLATE INKWELL 

If you want a girly take on snack chips for March Madness, here is the perfect recipe: Chocolate Nachos. This recipe is from http://www.allrecipes.com/ where one of the reviewers said this is best served warm but can also be served cool. Ha. No danger of these getting cool in my kitchen. Says it serves 4. Maybe. Sounds like one nice serving to me.


Chocolate Nachos

Ingredients:

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 cup white sugar 8 (6 inch) flour tortillas 1/4 cup melted butter 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips 2 teaspoons shortening

Directions:

Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Stir the cinnamon into the sugar in a small bowl; set aside.

Brush the tortillas with melted butter on both sides. Sprinkle the tortillas evenly with cinnamon sugar; then cut each tortilla into 6 to 8 wedges. Place the tortilla wedges onto baking sheets in a single layer.

Bake the tortillas in the preheated oven until the edges are lightly browned, 10 to 12 minutes. While the tortillas are baking, melt the chocolate and shortening in a small saucepan over low heat.

Spread half of the tortilla wedges onto a serving plate and drizzle with half of the chocolate mixture. Place the remaining tortilla wedges on top, then drizzle with the remaining sauce.

Find more writing tips, writing prompts, resources, and life story writing information at http://www.angelinyourinkwell.com/.

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Copyright 2011, Carol Newman, There's An Angel In Your Inkwell®

Make It Happen On Paper



It's all in his head.     Photo by Carol Newman

 We might -- or might not -- be able to guess what this seagull is thinking. My guess is he is thinking he will swoop down and grab my apple as he did the day before when I turned away to take a picture of the swimmers at La Jolla Cove. Or, he might be thinking about what fun it was to make the young woman at the next table scream when he flashed by and grabbed her packet of oatmeal.


But, it still would be a guess. Guessing is fine for observing seagull behavior on a lazy oceanside morning but not so good for a writer. Last week I was like this seagull. I read a story to our advanced life story writing group. I had worked on it off and on for several weeks. Polished, added, subtracted. It began as a fun little Christmas incident, but as I wrote, the story took a darker turn. I wasn't happy about that, but there it was.


I gathered my nerve and read it to the group. Stella asked a question about the ending. I explained as well as I could, but even then, I knew that if I had to explain, something was missing from the writing. The first problem was that I had been like this bird. The story ending was still in my head; I had not put it on the paper. I expected the reader to guess what I was thinking.


I had two problems. First, I thought the story would be more dramatic if I didn't totally spell out everything. However, a story can't be dramatic if the reader is scratching her head and saying, "Huh?" My second, and more important problem, was that I wasn't sure myself what I was thinking. My feelings weren't easy to examine. I wanted the writing and the story to be over. What exactly was I avoiding? I ruminated for a couple of days. Then I re-wrote a couple of sentences, added a couple more sentences, and I think it is better; but I there may be a bit more work to be done.

Be a better writer than the bird in the photo. Read your story word by word. Record it and listen to it. Ask someone to read it aloud to you. Check to see if the conclusion lives up to the buildup. Are the scenes and the feelings on the page?

Maybe the bird in the photo is thinking about his next story. If so, I hope he spends some time getting it on paper instead of just swooping in for a quick swipe.

WRITING PROMPT


In what way are you like a bird? Or maybe, in what way are you unlike a bird? Pick your own bird. Rooster? Eagle? Canary? Hate birds? Make yourself write about it anyway. You will want the writing and the story to be over. Do the hard work. That's where the good writing is.


CHOCOLATE INKWELL   

Mini Microwave Triple Chocolate Cake   Remember the cake in a mug recipe we had one time? This recipe, from http://www.hungrygirl.com/, is another single serving cake. HungryGirl says, "Yes, this is as good as it sounds." 

Ingredients:

2 tbsp. Pillsbury Moist Supreme Reduced Sugar Cake Mix, Devil's Food
2 tbsp. Cool Whip Free, thawed
1 tbsp. fat-free vanilla yogurt
1 tbsp. Hershey's Lite chocolate syrup, divided

Directions:

Stir together the whipped topping and half of the syrup, and then place mixture in the freezer to firm up while you prep the rest of your dessert. Next, in a very small microwave-safe dish (like a ramekin), combine cake mix and yogurt. (Don't worry if it seems like a small amount. Your cake will puff up -- we promise!) Stir until smooth and blended. Microwave for 1 minute, and then allow to cool for 5 minutes. Once cake has cooled, remove chocolate topping from freezer, and spoon it over your cake. Finally, drizzle the remaining chocolate syrup on top.

Find more writing tips, writing prompts, life story writing information, and resources at http://www.angelinyourinkwell.com/.

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All rights reserved 2011, There's An Angel In Your Inkwell®  

A Novel Approach to Telling Your Story



Pretend-You're-In-Hawaii Palms - photo by Carol Newman



NOTES FROM WRITER-READERS


Paul noticed that the book Three Cups of Tea had been removed from the Favorite Books list and wrote to ask me about it. "Needed the space," I told him. "Removed all older listings."


That book is still a favorite, a well-written inspirational story, so it seemed a shame to remove it , and others, from the Favorite Books list. But there was that space problem. So, a new blog is in the making. I won't tell you the name yet, because it isn't up yet, but it is all books; and you are invited to tell us about your favorite books, too. Meanwhile, Three Cups of Tea has been returned to the list and a couple of new books added.


Another reader note: last week's Writing Prompt was Write your life story in six paragraphs. Debbie wrote that this prompt especially helped her, and Niki wrote that she plans to use it to fulfill an obligation to write about her life for a high school reunion. She said she now knows what she will write: six paragraphs and "keep it decent."


Some time back Linda wrote that she shares the blog with her writing group where they use the writing prompts. If your writing group is writing life story/memoir, your members might want to use Write Your Life Story in Eight Weeks Workbook.


Thank you Paul, Debbie, Niki, and Linda for letting me and your fellow writers know how you are using the Angel Blog.


WRITING TIP

I just read Honolulu, by Alan Brennert. I liked this book for so many reasons iI couldn't decide whether to write about it here or save it for the new book blog. As my Young Advisor often asks, "Why don't you argue with yourself?" I did just that and decided to include it both places. A win-win for both of me.


The book jacket says "Honolulu is a rich, unforgettable story of a young 'picture bride' who journeys to Hawai'i in 1914 in search of a better life." Born in Korea in the Year of the Rooster, the main character is named Regret by her father. The book covers the years from her birth in 1897 to her sixtieth birthday in 1957. It's a straightforward story, told chronologically, as Regret, who renames herself Jin, recounts her daily routine and experiences in a historically significant time and place. When I began reading, I expected to be transported to balmy sunwashed beaches. Forget that. I was totally caught up in the story we follow Jin to her first homes in a rural area of pineapple plantations -- with every ugly slave image the word plantation brings to mind and later to an area of the city set aside for prostitution, and on to a business section.  


How can this book be useful to you in writing your life story? Look at the way author Brennert incorporates details of daily family and social life into the story. Look at the way historical characters and events are incorporated into the story. Even the simplest details of how we were named, how we cook, dress, go to school (or not), work, respond to the daily news, and obtain our food and money can provide great depth and insight for our readers. If you are uncomfortable writing about yourself and your life, do what the author did with Jin. She is a vehicle to move us through historical events of the time. You can do the same with your story.


WRITING PROMPT


What were the various areas or sections of the town where you grew up? What did you think about the people and places in those specific areas. What was your town known for? For example, I grew up in the 40s and 50s in Lawton, Oklahoma, home of Ft. Sill, a large artillery post. Back then, the businesses on both sides of one block of our downtown were bars. The city block west gave way to pawn shops. The first of every month, payday, music and partying young soldiers spilled out of the bars onto the sidewalks and streets. By the end of the month, things were quieter in that block, but business had picked up in the block of pawn shops as the soldiers pawned cameras, radios, luggage, and jewelry as they tried to make it to the next pay day. Good or bad -- what were the things that set your hometown in a special time and place?


CHOCOLATE INKWELL
I have never been crazy about the taste of any brand of biscuit-type baking mix; but I admit, this recipe for coffee cake with coconut, nuts, and chocolate chips might win me over. Besides that, I like the name of the recipe. Puts me in mind of the tu-tu skirts popular now. Put on your tu-tu, swirl around the kitchen, and enjoy this coffee cake.  (Recently I was shocked to learn that some people dislike coconut (Hi Judy). If you are one such person, I would just omit the coconut and enjoy the swirl.)  This recipe is from Nancy's Kitchen




Swirled Chocolate Coffee Cake


1/3 c. flaked coconut
1/4 c. chopped nuts
1/4 c. sugar
3 tbsp. margarine or butter, divided
2 c. Bisquick baking mix
1/4 c. sugar
1 egg
2/3 c.milk
1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips,melted
Heat oven to 400 degrees. Grease an 8 x 8 inch pan. Mix together coconut, nuts, 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon of the butter or margarine; reserved. In another bowl mix the baking mix, 1/4 cup sugar, the remaining butter or margarine, the egg and milk; beat vigorously 30 seconds. Spread into prepared pan. Spoon melted chocolate over batter; lightly swirl batter several times for marbled effect. Sprinkle with reserved coconut mixture. Bake until light brown, about 20 to 25 minutes.


Find more writing tips, prompts, resources, and life story writing information at http://www.angelinyourinkwell.com/.
 
Start (or finish) writing your life story now with the help of Write Your Life Story in Eight Weeks Workbook.


All rights reserved. Copyright 2011. There's An Angel In Your Inkwell®