Always Exploring by Lorilee Guenter

 

The guidebook sits open on my table. I mark places on a map, make notes, and dream of what I will experience. The list of opportunities grows. I sit and consider my options.

My notebook lays open, waiting for words. The ideas come in bits and bobs. Will it be a poem, a short story, an essay or something else? A dictionary sits nearby accompanied by a thesaurus in case I need to locate a missing word. The opportunities are many, the time is short.

In life and in writing, I am an explorer. I study and plan, then at some point I toss the plans and jump in. I have tried to stick to just one thing among the many available options. It does not work. I have preferred vacation destinations and writing styles. However, I also have a deep desire to try different things.

My curiosity has led me to declare that I am allergic to boredom. This unfortunately has led to many unfinished projects. I tried them. Some I didn't enjoy them enough to complete them. Others I started but before I finished them I was enticed by new opportunities. Is this a character flaw to be overcome or is it a character trait I need to recognise and work with?

In a world of specialists, the generalist stands out. For years I chaffed at the advice to pick a niche and excel at it. It reminds me of the advice when travelling rough rural roads: choose your rut wisely, you'll be in it for miles. I don't want to find myself in a rut that saps the vibrancy from life. Therefore, I remain a generalist. In doing so, I remain curious and engaged in a variety of activities.

Last month I wrote about my varied reading habits and how they spill over into my writing. When I read this month's theme, my first thought was: I can't write to that? What style can I research and try? Instead of trying another new thing this month, I rebelled. Instead, I paused to consider what I have learned as I've tried various styles and genres over the years.

Lesson 1: Some things will be junk. They belong in the recycle bin. This does not mean they were a failure. They were opportunities to experiment and learn. Take the lessons learned and let the rest go. I have found that a favourite line or character may get recycled into another piece of writing where they work better.

Lesson 2: Some styles are hard. This could mean it is not an appropriate style for me (or you) at this time. I never rule out returning to try again. I would love to write a mystery. I have three attempts started. Each of them was abandoned because of difficulties I don't have the ability (or inclination) to overcome at this time. I reserve the right to return to them at anytime.

Lesson 3: Sometimes I am compelled to write in a style I do not enjoy. When God prompts, it is good to trust and follow His leading. I fought with the repeated claim, "I don't write memoir." The more I fought, the more I had creative block. Once I said yes, the ideas returned and the words flowed.

Lesson 4: All writing helps improve skill. Sometimes I "warm up" my writing muscles with short exercises in different styles and genres. Poetry is a great change of pace while I work on a novel. It forces me to consider the picture my words are drawing for the reader. 

Lesson 5: As with everything in life, God is the source of all that is good. When I partner with Him, I will learn the lesson He is teaching me. I will know when to push through obstacles and when to put a piece away temporarily or permanently. He is editing my life as He informs my thoughts and helps me hone my skills. If I try to do things on my own, I fail.

Lorilee Guenter is a Saskatoon based artist and writer. Her writing stems from the many questions she finds herself pondering and from the things she observes on her wanderings. She believes both her curiosity and her creativity are gifts from God.

Two Llamas and A Horse - Gloria Guest

Two Llamas and a Horse were grazing out in the field on a bright and sunny day, when the first Llama spotted their owner getting into his pick up truck. "I wonder where he goes everyday?" he mumbled through his mouthful of grass. "Me too," said the second Llama. "I wonder where he goes?" Horse watched their owner leaving the yard and driving up over the hill. "He always comes back with something. But never anything for us," he said in his most whinnying, whiny voice. "Ya," said the second Llama, shaking his hair out of his eyes, "He never has anything for us."

Yes, that is my attempt at the beginning of a children's story for this month's blog prompt on trying a new genre. It's actually based on the two llamas and a horse that my son had out on his farm. For years it was two Llamas and two Horses, and they didn't really mix with one another. But when the one horse died, I was amazed to notice that the two Llamas took the lone horse into their company. I always wondered at their camaraderie and thought it would make a good children's story, but all I had was the title: Two Llamas and A Horse. Even though I received my certificate years ago from the Institute for Writing For Children & Teenagers, I never really pursued the genre much after that. During the course I wrote quite a number of various stories, with the only one I recall being about a blue parrot in a pet store and its interactions with the customers who came in, in particular a curious little girl who befriended him. I don't remember much else, including the plot. I don't remember my instructor's remarks but I do recall not feeling very satisfied with the story at the time.

But over the years, writing for children has always sat on a back shelf in my mind. I particularly think of it when I recall how much I loved reading as a child and some of my favorite books such as, Curious George (written and illustrated by Margret and H.A. Rey), Charlotte's Web (written by E.B. White and illustrated by Garth Williams) and so many more children's books that ushered me into the love of reading. With Charlotte's Web I am continuously amazed how the author took something as simple as a pig (Wilbur) and a spider (Charlotte); and told such a fascinating tale. Yet even though it's a simple concept, the story actually deals with some real-life, heavier concepts such as the true definition of friendship and what sacrifice can really mean. That's the thing about writing a successful children's book; it can look simple; but it's really not. It requires the ability to get down to eye-level with your young reader so as not to talk down to them, while at the same time giving them something to reach for and grow into. It also requires an astute understanding of the language of children for the age you are trying to reach, yet not too overly simplified and not too far above them. Children do need to learn new and bigger words, and the context of a story is the perfect place to teach them, yet you need a well measured approach. A child's story book is actually a masterpiece of precision along with frivolity; a child's playground mixed in with a sprinkle of knowledge. It's an exercise of fantasy and whimsy and even gibberish intertwined while also offering them a long and soulful drink to expand their curiosity. It's an energetic undertaking which is perhaps why I shy away from it.

Fantasy, in particular, feels very left wing for my brain. I'm not sure why. Maybe I don't like the blurred lines with reality or perhaps it feels too nonsensical for my realistic mind. But children love fantasy so it never hurts to learn to write in that genre if you are going to write a children's book. Even a line or two of fantastical nonsense can keep them giggling. Come to think of it, the story The Wonky Donkey (written by Craig Smith, illustrator Katz Cowley), fits the Children's Literature/Fantasy genre quite well. I laughed and laughed my way through that ridiculous, crazy story while reading it to my granddaughter. She laughed too but perhaps also at her silly grandmother. Maybe that joyful experience is why my heart turned towards the thought of a children's book and fantasy for this month's blog post. Perhaps my Two Llamas and a Horse need to do something 'Wonky'.

Horse continued staring at the hill, where their owner had now disappeared over. "Well I'm not waiting anymore to find out," he said and ended it with his loudest neigh. "Let's go." "Ya," said the second Llama, "Let's go!" Giving yet another shake of his head to get the hair out of his eyes. First Llama looked up lazily from his grazing. "Really? You're both nuts." "We're All nuts," said Second Llama, "because you started it." "Awww sheesh," said First Llama, as he moved slowly to follow Horse who was already at the gate. "Hold on, Horse," he said, "I know just what to do to break us out of here. "Come on Second Llama, we'll need your help." With that, the Two Llamas and A Horse backed up and took their hardest charge at the gate, that had needed a bit of fixing awhile ago. Llama One had a very surprised look on his face. Llama Two still couldn't see through his hair, and Horse had his ears pinned back in excitement. It was finally going to happen. He would finally find out what was over that hill. They all looked at each other and then back at the fence and then......"Charge!" yelled Llama One. "Ya Charge!" Llama Two repeated. "Ok then," yelled Horse, "Charge!" And so they did.

Gloria writes and blogs from small town Saskatchewan near the very farm where Two Llamas and A Horse lived their best lives. Sadly Horse is the last survivor of the trio but the Two Llamas live on in his memories. Gloria usually writes Memoir, Creative Non-Fiction, Devotional, Poetry, and the occasional fiction. She is more than open to some feedback on what she considers her poor attempt at a Children's Story.

Challenge Given by Carol Harrison

When I began writing, I only wrote non-fiction memoir style stories and one book. It became my comfort zone. I had no intention of branching out into other genres. Then one of my grandsons challenged me to try and write fiction – any type. He didn’t give up on checking on me. I decided to accept his challenge and attempt to write a fiction book. I did it.

Now I had two genres to play around with and I thought that would be the end of the story. I would work on the craft, learn what I could, and hopefully continue to improve. Then one of my granddaughters challenged me to attend a poetry writing workshop with her at our local library. I went with her and discovered we wouldn’t just learn about poetry but be expected to write some. I didn’t think I could fulfill this part of the challenge but what do you do but try as a grandchild waits for you to step up and keep trying.

Now maybe my family could be satisfied with the diversity of my writing. I continued to attempt more poetry, write several fiction books, as well as more memoir style stories and devotionals. I thought that should be an acceptable range.

But before my husband passed away he threw out several challenges. One was a memoir style story. Okay. I had written that genre before. But the other one would be new. He challenged me to write a Love Inspired style romance novel.

I enjoy the light reading of this style of books and had read many of them over the years. Now with Brian’s challenge fresh in my mind, I signed out stories from the library and curled up to read for pleasure and for research. I went to the guidelines for writing and submitting these stories and studied them carefully. I joined the Facebook group Write for Harlequin and found feedback from others who were published and those, like me, who might try and one day have a Love Inspired book. The writing guidelines provided the accepted formula they are looking for in each book, the word count, and the types of stories they are seeking.

Could I actually attempt this? Should I accept the challenge thrown out to me? I must admit to wanting to forget the challenge and yet it kept coming up in conversation. I started a story and finished a few chapters before getting stuck. I researched some more and came back to write a little more. It wasn’t as easy as it sounded and I put it away just before my husband passed away. I must admit it sits on my computer, unfinished. I haven’t looked at it in two years. Maybe it’s long enough to see it with fresh eyes. Will it ever get further than sitting on my computer? It depends on what the finished product is like, whether I choose to submit it or not. For now it is a venture into a new genre I had never written in before. Maybe this blog post theme will push me to go back to the waiting story and see where I’m at with it. Challenges can be good for a person. It moves them out of their comfort zone. I know it has me over the years.

Carol Harrison loves to do the reading more than writing in a different genre. Yet the research aspect of the reading is great fun. Her favourite chair at her home in Saskatoon begs for someone to curl up with a good book, a fun story, or something to make a person think. 
 

Redemption Writing by Sharon Heagy

 

My new muse who sits above my desk. (I love bears)

Wow. What a challenge this month's prompt has been, at least for me. I decided to try writing some flash fiction as it is something I have tried only once. For those who may not have discovered the world of flash fiction it is a short piece, often a narrative, which still has character and plot development. They can be anywhere from 6 to 1000 words. When I took a gander to remind myself of what constituted flash fiction, I found out there are all kinds of labels for the craft. There is the six-word story, the 280 character story, also known as twitterature, the dribble which contains 50 words and is also known as the minisaga, the drabble, a.k.a. microfiction with 100 words, sudden fiction which can be composed of up to 750 words, flash fiction up to 1000 words and microstory. Some of you may be familiar with the story "The Gift of the Magi" by O. Henry. It is considered a piece of flash fiction and not just a short story. It appears some writing form definitions may cross over with this style of writing. When I had first tried this genre I found it to be inspiring. This time not so much.

My first foray into the world of flash fiction was the story of a young couple whose child was in the hospital. The wife had fled into the park across the street from the medical centre thinking her child was dying when in reality the doctors had made a mistake. The husband, learning of the error, searches for his wife and finally gives her the good news and they head back into the hospital. It was a story of breaking hearts and sorrow that turned into a story of hope and encouragement.

The second story began with a young girl living in the Yukon who dreams of a glamorous life beyond the bush. She wants to be considered a one of a kind rarity. Someone special. But her dreams are interrupted by the reality of survival as her mother reminds her she needs to get out and pick berries to be canned before the early snows come. They need to get all the food they can because game is scarce that year. The girl leaves with a couple of buckets to get both berries and various mushrooms which are growing in abundance near her home. The story was going to end with her being eaten by a grizzly which would fulfill her dream of being a rarity as there are very, very few instances where bears of any kind have eaten human beings. I stopped in the middle of the story.  It was a tale so dark and grim and it kind of shocked me, even though my sense of humour is not always light. I thought of people who might read this story. There was no redemption, no hope, nothing to lighten the heart or bring a healing balm. I put down my pen, closed my folder and walked away upset. 

Feeling I had no fodder for my contribution to the blog, I began aimlessly scrolling around the internet. That's when I came across this quotation: "The difference between a good writer and a great one isn't raw talent. It's the willingness to tear their own work apart and stitch it back together - better, stronger and a little less embarrassing." (Sabyasachi Roy - The Art of Rewriting: Where Good Writing Goes to Die (and Get Resurrected)  I've never read this volume on writing but now I'm curious. This quotation, however, quickened my heart and planted a spark. Not that I am a great writer, but I do have the ability to re-work the story, change the direction and outcome and try again as I ask God for help. 

That's the plan. To try again. To redeem a grim tale into a beacon of hope.

 

It's also one of my prayers for all Inscribe Writers - to be beacons of hope and light as we hone our craft together. You have all been such an encouragement to me, and I am privileged to be witness to your encouragement for all. For that I am forever grateful. God bless.

Sharon Heagy writes from the little town of Rockglen, which is nestled in the hills of southern Saskatchewan. Her kids have flown the coop so she and her husband have retired to town. She writes to inspire and give hope with a chuckle or two along the way.... though maybe not in today's offering.