Category: Writing

original works by Debra VanDeventer

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The Courage to Bloom

A pattern is on a piece of gold fabric. Do I have the courage to bloom and cut out the pattern pieces?

The piece of goldenrod linen had been in my fabric stash for months.  Today I got it out and spread it on the cutting table.  I decided it would make a nice pair of wide leg pants from the Emerson pattern I have on hand.  The fabric is perfect for spring and summer. But before I make the first cut, I hesitate. The voice in my head challenges me.  Fear says:

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How to put negative self-talk in time out.

(This post has been updated from it’s original publishing date.)

This Maiposa Lily has the couragage to bloom in the crack of a rock.

Bloom

by Debra VanDeventer

A Mariposa Lily

 emerges from a crack in a granite rock

and bursts into bloom.

It ignored the voice  that said

lilies aren’t supposed to do that.

A pattern is on a piece of gold fabric. Do I have the courage to bloom and cut out the pattern pieces?

The piece of goldenrod linen had been in my fabric stash for months.  Today I got it out and spread it on the cutting table.  I decided it would make a nice pair of wide leg pants from the Emerson pattern I have on hand.  The fabric is perfect for spring and summer. But before I make the first cut, I hesitate. The voice in my head challenges me.  Fear says:

Continue reading “The Courage to Bloom” …

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Write it Real

Why Authors Should Journal

an open journal, pen and a tea cup

Write it real…

That’s what a friend and a valued member of my critique group said to me last week. The chapter that had just been critiqued was “entertaining and well written,” my friend remarked, yet something was missing. “It needs more of you,” he’d said. “Write it real.”

This is exactly what you want from a critique group. Honest feedback that will help you bring your writing to the next level. Yet hearing these words is especially painful for a memoirist like myself, because really…it’s all about me. (that’s what the genre implies) I think my friend was saying my work needed less fluff… more emotion, more authenticity. In my heart of hearts, I knew he was right. But no matter what your genre, how does one go about “writing it real?”

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Finding Inspiration for Creative Work

the sun breaking through the clouds symbolizes where to find inspiration for creative work
Does an idea descend from the cloudy sky that is our brain and burst forth as a golden ray of artistic expression?  

Finding inspiration for creative work…For the purpose of this blog post, I define an artist as a person who ‘ practices any of the various creative arts.’ Painter, sculptor, dancer, sewist, photographer, chef, architect, designer writer…

Though the process may vary depending on the individual and their medium of expression, every creative work begins with an idea.  But, where do ideas come from?

Does an idea descend from the cloudy sky that is our brain and burst forth as a golden ray of artistic expression?

Well, actually…. that’s literally what happened to me as I sat down to write about inspiration this morning. I was looking out of the window in my writing/sewing studio and the sun broke through the clouds. Knowing that the moment was fleeting, I ran outside to snap a photo with my phone. That photo was the catalyst, the inspiration for this post. Of course, this doesn’t always happen and to me. I wanted to explore this topic more. Through my reading, I came across some thoughts about how other creatives find inspiration for their work. Read on to discover how some famously creative people find inspiration:

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Why Writers Should Blog

why writers should blog is spelled out in crayon letters
I like to create my own photos in my blog. What did this former teacher have on hand? Crayons of course! (and a potted plant)

Why blog?

Why should writers blog? Blog…blog..blog. It’s a funny word (short for web log). What does that mean anway? A blog is a regularly updated website or webpage usded by individulas or businesses to reach a broader audience, connect with people, enlighten, entertain or inform. Think James T. Kirk’s Captain’s log in Star Trek, but down to Earth.

So why do writers blog?

To answer this question I turned to my writing friend, fellow author, and colleague from the Oro Valley Writer’s Forum, Diana Kinared. Here’s what she has to say:

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Why Write? Here are 5 Good Reasons

If you are a writer it is inevitable that  at some point you will be asked “Why Do You Write?” I’ll bet you’ve even asked that of yourself when the writing stops flowing, your trash bin is littered with rough drafts, and you’d really rather be doing something, ANYTHING but sitting at your desk.

“Why am I doing this!” you scream in silent (or not so silent) agony.

Can you answer this question?  If not, you need a list.  Something you can post by your writing desk to keep you going or pull out when that celebrity podcaster wants to interview you.  I promise you, it will make your life as a writer so much easier.

During a recent meeting with my critique group the why do we write question arose. We threw around some thoughts, all of us agreeing that it’s not for fame and money (though admitting that we harbor those secret thoughts). But I realized I didn’t have a good answer. After giving this some thought, I’ve come up with 5 REASONS WHY I WRITE

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