Keep Our Words Alive by Alan Anderson

 

Our writing prompt for this month’s blog posts asks:

How do you fill your creative container? How do you strengthen your craft? What writing resources do you use? Share books and publications, quotes, podcasts, and other resources you’ve found helpful.

So far this month I have learned a lot from our other members. I hesitate to think about what I can contribute. Yes, indeed, I often lack confidence in how I answer writing prompts like those for this month.

Nature, Solitude, and Charlie

When my creative container needs to be filled, there are a few resources I hold close. On sunny days, the first thing I do is have a quiet time of meditation outside. I leave all my writing materials inside where they can await me.

While outside, I often sit on the porch with Charlie, my poodle pal, and we watch the local birds who share the backyard with us. An extra fun time is when hummingbirds zoom around and do aerial acrobatics. They seem to have no cares in the world. Watching the birds provides all the creative recharge I need for at least this part of my day.

On less sunny and warm days, I sit inside at home in a spot where there are few distractions. I like to be alone as I mull over writing projects. Chronic health issues I live with have played havoc on my concentration; therefore, I find periods of solitude help me focus and recharge.

There are times of solitude, both inside and outside, where I sit in a comfortable spot just to be. Charlie is often with me. Over the years he has taught me the fine art of curling up on a mattress with no agenda. He is the master of the mattress curler.

I write in solitude most of the time: no music, no chatting with others, no noise, just the words jumping out of my head onto a page. I read over the words with no compulsion to edit or change anything for the moment.

Solitude gives me the time I need to reflect on what I am to write, as the words caress a page. In solitude I am never lonely, but sometimes I crave the company of others. When I visit a local coffee shop, I love watching people. I don’t have to chat with them, but I enjoy seeing how they interact with each other. I don’t know of many writer types in my area, so I rely on online contact with writers. Sometimes when I chat with writers online, Charlie sits on my lap and once again curls up and snoozes.

Keep Words Alive

When my creative container needs to be refilled, I turn to the creative work of other writers to help keep my words alive. Our InScribe Writers Online blog is my immediate go-to resource. I can always trust the writers who post there, and I am confident in their skills.

I joined Substack a couple of months ago and noticed a few of our InScribe members are on Substack as well. I hope this platform helps to keep my words alive.

A few years ago, I found an interesting and interactive website for poets from the University of Pennsylvania. The website is https://modpo.org/. This group offers helpful ways to improve and develop one’s poetry skills. There are also courses one may enroll in to strengthen one’s skills. Dear readers, please take the time to look around this website.

My InScribe friends, thank you for the encouragement you offer to us all as we endeavour to develop our craft and keep our words alive. Together we can be a voice of hope to the world. Lord have mercy!

Alan lives in a small village called Deroche, British Columbia, with his wife, Terry, and their poodle, Charlie. He enjoys walking on the dike near his home, with trees all around and where he finds inspiration to write. He has occasionally written articles for FellowScript Magazine and is a regular contributor to the InScribe Christian Writers’ Fellowship blog. Alan’s website and blog is https://scarredjoy.ca. He also writes on Substack.