Pam Webb

a writer's journey as a reader

Archive for the category “Writing”

29 Dec 2012
8 Comments

Oops, on my anniversary


WordPress recently reminded me of my one year anniversary.  Oops. Time swiftly flies when having so much fun?  I didn’t acknowledge the anniversary with a card or make dinner reservations or even buy flowers.  And yet, my life has been enhanced by this relationship. I know my writing has improved, I’ve met an amazing array of people, I’ve been enlightened, amused, astounded, and decidedly enriched through my WordPress endeavour.  Here are some highlights so far:

  • first post on January 5th (I guess I took a bit between registering and actually posting)
  • Ordinary Days was my first blog offering (EagleEyed Editor commented and we have been happily exchanging commentaries since then.  Shout out to 3E!)
  • 128 posts so far
  • 4 pages
  • 44 categories
  • 430 tags (I have never really gotten the whole category/tag designation thing–open to clarification)
  • 698 comments
  • best day ever consisted of 86 views on March 17th and the post concerned itself with bookcases

But stats are rather dry.  It’d be like saying: “During our marriage I’ve cooked over 15,000 meals, washed the windows over 250 times, made the bed at least 565 times, and rearranged the living room at least 17 times.”  Of course these stats are bogus because who keeps track of that kind of stuff?  I do find it fascinating that WordPress keeps stats and sometimes I wander around them finding out what countries have visited, what posts have earned the most looks, and who is making the most comments.  Wouldn’t it be cool to have someone keep stats on our everyday doings like that?  Or not–

That reminds me of the opening  scene fromStranger Than Fiction.  I don’t think Harold enjoyed having his life tracked in such a manner. Actually, I don’t think I would like it either.

After a year, especially moving into a new year, I should become reflective and resolutionated.  Nah.  That’s smacks of banal and boring.  I will offer the following on the evolution of this blog:

  • I felt I needed to create a blog since so many writing articles pounded the importance of establishing a platform.  I saw it as a “Build it and the agents will discover you.”  Didn’t that work for Julie of Julie and Julia?
    Cover of "Julie & Julia"

    Cover of Julie & Julia

    If you are an agent I am open to talking about that multi-media package of book, movie, and video game.

  • The original intent of my blog was to read books, review them, and address how the book helped me as a writer.  I still do that; however, after a few of these entries I decided to spice things up with different book related entries.  I’m still promoting my journey as a writer as a reader through my posts–I’m a bit more eclectic in my approach now.  After all, I don’t eat the same breakfast every morning.
  • I’m still learning how to blog.  I just discovered the kitchen sink widget.  Thank goodness I’ve located the undo button.  Colors are fun to write in as well.
  • Not content with one blog, I have developed another blog, Veranano, which was a vehicle for my 2012 NaNoWriMo entry.  I didn’t have the heart to disengage Vera once the novel project was completed so I am continuing her entries.  Thinking like a creative fifteen year old who has a singular outlook and variant lifestyle (did I mention her parents are professional writers?) is a stretch for me.  It’s been a while since I’ve been fifteen and she no way represents much of the way I lived life as a teen.  Two blogs with two different directions is a stretch and when I’m writing like Vera I feel a tad schizzy around the edges.
  • My Book Boosters page doesn’t rage up into the hundreds of committed bibliomaniacs as I had initially thought.  On the other hand, I’ve not aggressively promoted it either.  Serendipity signer-uppers has been a pleasant way of gaining growth.  Oh, here’s my chance:  Are you a Book Booster yet?  No? I will gladly sign you up and you will enjoy the benefits of finding yourself on the page with other BBers.  No dues, no annual meetings or conferences.  I’m still working on the secret handshake.

So–thanks to all those 153 followers who’ve made this year memorable.

Oh, and WordPress?  Freshly Pressed?  I wouldn’t mind.

WordPress

WordPress (Photo credit: Adriano Gasparri)

Happy New Year and keep on Pressing,

Blue Skies,

CricketMuse

Related articles
Posted in Blogging, celebrations, Uncategorized, Writing and tagged , , , , ,
23 Dec 2012
5 Comments

Inspire me or Alice don’t believe everything you read (or eat)


free speech 2

free speech 2 (Photo credit: dogwelder)

Write about your strongest memory of heart-pounding belly-twisting nervousness: what caused the adrenaline? Was it justified? How did you respond?

Well, that was certainly unexpected.  Have you tried out the “Inspire me” Wordpress widget?  Click “new post” and among the various menu options there is a tantalizing bright blue Alice link.  I say Alice because when she stared at the “eat me” tag, how could she resist?  Naturally I succumbed and clicked and the above prompt is what I received.

In terms of nervousness here is an interesting paradox to consider.  I’m a teacher, right?  I face anywhere from 70 to 90 teenagers a day.  Mostly I know my lesson plan and what I plan to say, yet I am not nervous.  Nope, not at all.  Talking in front of people is what I do. This is why I sometimes am faced with a request to speak at a conference or at a retreat or at an event.

“You’re a natural.”

“I laughed so hard the last time you gave the book talk.”

“We really need someone who is comfortable being in front of people.”

All these comments trap me with their fluttering flattery.  I say “yes” and wither a bit each day until the appointed time.  Why?  I have to face a hostile crowd three times a day (okay, not hostile– how about reluctant?) as I teach high school English.  However, knowing I will be speaking and people will be watching and anticipating information or entertainment revs up the flutterbys to flim flamming around as they ride the nervous elevator up and down until my heart freezes after it’s flip flopped about like the caught trout on the bottom of the boat.  I an hooked, lined, and sinkered waiting until I trod up to the podium. But you know what’s really weird?  Once I’m there it’s okay.  I do much better at spontaneous delivery. Epiphany: It’s that countdown that does me in.

Secondary epiphany: Maybe it’s speaking in front of adults that’s so daunting.  Considering they are more polite than teenagers as an audience I should be thrilled at the aspect of having such a nice captive crowd.  This could be a problem should my all-American novel get published and I have to go on a coast-to-coast speaking tour.

Anyone else get nervous about presentations?

On to business, get off the rabbit trail. A couple of days ago Mary of MaryMeddlemore nominated me for The Very Inspiring Blogger Award and now it’s time to pass it on to other blogs that I find inspiring:
1.  http://mustardseedbudget.wordpress.com/ Speaking out about things of faith and importance

2. http://sethsnap.com/about/ Fabulous photography

3. http://bookpolygamist.wordpress.com Caters to my weakness for words

4. http://lesleycarter.wordpress.com/2012/12/21/a-glimpse-onto-my-real-life-with-instagram/ She is a rock star among bloggers–great blog, great success and to think she stops by and visits my posts now and then *wow*

5. http://thebettermanprojects.com/2012/12/21/day-369-my-life/ A most amazing motivational blog

6. http://mikeallegra.com/a-bit-of-bio/ Recently published his first children’s book and that is very inspiring to me

7. http://makesomethingmondays.wordpress.com/2012/12/14/ How does she come up with all those ideas?

 

Usually I don’t bend the rules (I’ve earned quite the reputation for being quite the policy stickler, in fact), yet I’ve got this Agatha Christie I’m needing to finish so I can go on to my next book in th bag. So instead of 15 blogs I’ve shouted out 7 which means instead of 7 facts I’ve done 3 (they are hidden in this paragraph.

Enjoy your holidays one and all!

Blue Skies,

CricketMuse

Posted in Awards, Blogging, Uncategorized, Writing and tagged , , , ,
20 Dec 2012
3 Comments

Fully and Truly


christmas paint

christmas paint (Photo credit: cassie_bedfordgolf)

 

It has been a full week and there is one more day to go.  Monday a snow day (yay!), vocab tests, To Kill a Mockingbird completions, giddy (if not rowdy) teens waiting for Christmas Break to begin, Professional Learning Communities, paperwork, grading, parent meetings, and I would say I am fully and truly ready for Friday to arrive.

 

And so it is ever so nice to click on the notification link and see an award nom.  Ironically, my energy being at its lowest and feeling fairly blah around the edges as I countdown minutes to Christmas Break, Mary Meddlemore nominated me for

 

 

Thanks Mary!!

 

I’m supposed to nominate 15 other inspiring blogs and provide 7 facts about myself…and now that you know how my week has been I know you will let me off the hook.  At least until the weekend?  Great.  Thanks.

 

Until I rally more energy and time I send hugs and luvs to all out there because I know I am not the only one who feels a bit bruised around the edges this week.

 

Related articles

 

 

Posted in Awards, creativity, Teachers, time management, Uncategorized, Writing and tagged , , , ,
17 Dec 2012
7 Comments

Bright Spots and Pass Alongs


When the world reveals too much darkness I tend to retreat.  I know I can’t just hide and pretend it will all go away, yet I don’t want to dwell on tragedies and troubling events.  So when the world is at its darkest I look up and out and around to find the bright spots.

Beautiful dramatic sky with sun rays Blue Heavens Idyllic Wallpaper Broad Daylight Stock Photo - 16019369

Whitetail doe eating with her twin fawns nearby a forest Stock Photo - 7770366
leaded glass dragonfly sticking to window with back light Stock Photo - 13175274
Sunset in autumn forest Stock Photo - 13041518
The photo of beautiful beach and waves Stock Photo - 12003686
Cute little boy feeding ducks Stock Photo - 10488802
butterflies
readalonequote
And I escape by reading.
My love and prayers go out to those affected by the turmoil and troubles of the day.  I do encourage everyone to keep looking for the bright spots as I am reminded of Emily Dickinson who spoke of hope:

“Hope” is the thing with feathers

254
“Hope” is the thing with feathers— That perches in the soul— And sings the tune without the words— And never stops—at all—
And sweetest—in the Gale—is heard— And sore must be the storm— That could abash the little Bird That kept so many warm—
I’ve heard it in the chillest land— And on the strangest Sea— Yet, never, in Extremity, It asked a crumb—of Me

Related articles
Posted in Books, Poetry, Reading, Uncategorized, Writing and tagged , , ,
14 Dec 2012
4 Comments

Getting Lively with Dead Poets


Poetry

Poetry (Photo credit: Kimli)

Tuesday marked the start of our AP Poetry Unit.  I am so excited we are finally onto poetry!! Poetry is the curry of prose.  It’s the sprinkles found in exposition.  It’s the center of the Tootsie Pop because it’s that delightful surprise unexpectedly found in the middle of the everyday. 

Poetry is not just rhyme.  It’s not just meter.  It’s not slavering on about metaphor and simile.  It’s bounce, giggles, shock, and awe.  Poetry is the dance of words.  Poetry is that note of praise found nestled in the staunch flow of sentences, paragraphs, and text.

It’s sing.

It’s song.

It’s the azure found in the sky.

It’s the You before I.

It’s older than the page before you.

It’s Homer before he became a Simpson.

And the Dead Poets are the best because their words formed the path for the rest.

Oh, hello Emily, Robert, William, Byron, Coleridge, Sylvia, Langston, Gwendolyn–I’d like you to meet my students.  I’ve been telling them about you.  I can’t wait for them to know you like I’ve gotten to know you.  And I can’t wait to learn more about you as I learn from my students.

Poetry. Word colors of our world.

when I said "I ate all your tootsie pops&...

when I said “I ate all your tootsie pops” (Photo credit: hmmlargeart)

Related articles
Posted in creativity, Literature, Poetry, Reading, Teachers, Writing and tagged , , , , , ,
03 Dec 2012
9 Comments

The Rush of Falling Down Happy


I ran track in high school and always complained when coach made us take a long run.  “I’m a sprinter! Why do I have to practice for distance?” I would question.  In her wisdom she explained it built up my endurance.

And so it is with NaNoWriMo.  I usually don’t write every day, and I especially don’t write nearly 1,700 words when I do.  My usual writing regime is to toss down an idea, thought-drop a page or two, or a chapter, or pick apart a passage.  I tend to sprint write, in other words.  I’m not much for sitting down hours at end, pushing my muse to exhaustion.

This is why NaNo has been good for me.

Of course I didn’t think that as I realized (often) at 8:30 pm I needed to enter my daily dose of words.  I especially did not embrace the goodness of attempting to write 50,000 words in 30 days.  And I especially wondered why I would think it a good idea to marathon write when my life was pretty full already.

Because it builds up my endurance.

I know now I can do it–oh, have I shown you my certificate of completion yet?

Day Two

Having completed the grueling word run, even in the midst of parent/teacher conferences, posting quarterly grades, preparing for Thanksgiving, and living life as usual, I now know I can go the extra mile at a pace that is uncomfortable at times, but still doable.

I don’t know if I will make NaNoWriMo an annual event; however, I do know I like the feeling, that rush, of falling down happy once done.

To those who persevered NaNo, I raise my bottled water to you in salute.  Even if you didn’t participate I know you were cheering us along the way.  Thanks, I, and we, needed that.

 

Related articles

 

Posted in Awards, celebrations, time management, Writing and tagged , ,
29 Nov 2012
5 Comments

TaDah and NaNa!


International edition

International edition (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Bette Midler had a great hit with her rendition of “Friends.”  Friends are right up with there with dark chocolate, a good book (okay, a couple of those), and a sky of blue to make it through tough times.

It’s friends like you that saw me through NaNoWriMo this year.  Yup, I just printed out my certificate. Tonight I punched in 50, 316 words and received my prize.  I think I used up all our color ink cartridge printing it out.  It’s a real pretty one this year.

Since my house is small, the hour late, and I’m all out of ginger ale, I will toss out a virtual “Happy NaNo Over Party.” You supply the hats and confetti on your end and I will supply the thank yous on this end.

If there were a NaNo Happy It’s Over and I Finished Party, and we all had the opportunity to step right up to the microphone, here’s what I would say:

“First of all, thanks for stopping by and taking the time to like my posts.  That helped encourage me to keep going and it definitely brightened my day. Secondly, I enjoyed getting to know new bloggers and visiting new sites. Thirdly, what?  My time’s up already? Phooey.  Okay, really fast.  I don’t know what I’ll do with my NaNo novel, but seeing how you hung with it, you’ll be the first to know if anything does happen with it i.e. published, sold the movie rights, t-shirts, bumper sticker quotes–the usual fame route.”

The last post Vera made was about the value of friends, and so here is a tribute about that very subject.  Bettte surely knew what she was singing about: you got to have friends.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in Awards, celebrations, creativity, Writing and tagged , ,
27 Nov 2012
6 Comments

Words APtly Spoken (and Written, too)


As Vera winds up her month long adventure with writing about writing a NaNoWriMo novel, I also am winding up my adventure of doing the same.  One thing I really like about Vera is how much she likes words.  Hmm, maybe a little bit of me slipped into my protag.  I’ve never had a French foreign exchange student as a BFF nor a crush on anyone named Eddie though.

Like Vera, I have collected a few words along the way as a writer, reader, and teacher.  I love to store them up, and find they pop out unexpectedly. My freshmen tend to give their, “What did she just say?” look when this happens.

Over the last week I’ve been preparing a list of words which will be handy for AP students looking and learning to broaden their working literature vocabulary.  Currently I have close to 160 terms that we will cover.  Most will be known; however, some might be new. I know there are a few I’ve just made acquaintance:

1. aphorism: a terse statement of known authorship which expresses a general truth
2.caesura: a pause within the line of verse.
3.Deus ex machina:a phrase from Greek plays where an actor was lowered onto the stage to solve the plot; an artificial contrivance that forces the solving or terminating of a plot.
4. doggerel: crude verse that contains clichés, predictable rhyme, and inept meter and rhythm.
5.enjambment: when one verse runs into another verse
6. hamartia: the central flaw of a character, usually in a tragic hero
7. litotes: a form of understatement whcih makes an affirmative point by denying the negative, as in “It isn’t very serious. I have this tiny little tumor on the brain.” (Catcher in the Rye)
8. metonymy: from the Greek meaning “changed label”; it’s basically a substitution, as in “the White House sent out this new announcement” instead of saying “the President issued an announcement.”
9.portmanteau word: an artificial word combining parts of other words; e.g. brunch
10. semiotics: semantics the study meanings of which they signify; semiotics studies the signs themselves

The whole “words aptly spoken” proverb takes on a new meaning and direction as I apply these to our Advanced Placement Literature lessons.

They say the best way to get an education is to become a teacher.  I couldn’t agree more. I’m always open to new terms.  Know some?  Send them my way!

English: So many words to keep track of!.

English: So many words to keep track of!. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Related articles
Posted in education, Literature, Reading, Teachers, Writing and tagged
25 Nov 2012
4 Comments

Fan (of) Fiction


Caterpillar using a hookah. An illustration fr...

Caterpillar using a hookah. An illustration from Alice in Wonderland (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

With six days left Vera has finally started her NaNo novel.  Her inspiration is a hybrid of Hamlet and Alice in Wonderland with a bit of Lost in Austen thrown in. It’s fan fiction at it’s *finest*.  Okay, cut the kid a break–she’s only fifteen and has never written anything of length beyond the required English essay.

Actually, I’m a bit of a snob when it comes to fan fiction, even though I’ve come across some which is entertaining and well-written, I can’t help but think, “Couldn’t you come up with something original?”  Then again there is something to be said for being inspired by good writing.

For example, Wide Sargasso Sea is on the AP suggested reading list and can be considered the prequel to Jane Eyre.  What?  Fan Fiction considered classic literature?  Told you I was a literary snob.

An ardent admirer of Ophelia of Hamlet and Alice of Wonderland fame, and totally grooving on the Lost in Austen premise of switching places with Elizabeth Bennett, I couldn’t help but have Vera weave all of them together.

 

NaNo–the most grueling, yet satisfying form of writing under pressure.  Sissies need not apply.

 

 

Related articles
Posted in creativity, Literature, Writing and tagged , , , , ,
22 Nov 2012
2 Comments

(Guinea) Pigging Out on Turkey Day


English: Saying grace before carving the turke...

English: Saying grace before carving the turkey at Thanksgiving dinner in the home of Earle Landis in Neffsville, Pennsylvania (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I’m alone with my pie baking and other preparations for T-day.  I’ve cleaned the house, rearranged furniture, and managed to plunk down another NaNoWriMo post.  My MEPA has proven his value once again by doing the honors of entertaining the tribe so I can cook, bake, and relax a tad before celebrating our favorite holiday with our loved ones.  I really need to see about giving him a bonus.  For now he works for Bit-a-Honey and an ocassional dinner out.  I’ve got a good thing going for sure.

My NaNo protag is babysitting the neighbor’s guinea pig over the long weekend.  Vera is not sure what her family is doing for Thanksgiving.  It’s usually at her Grandmother’s, but she’s sure something is up.  I really don’t know what’s going on either.  Somehow I type and the story begins spilling out.  I don’t always know what direction it’s going to go in.  NaNo-ing is a very different way to write: don’t plot, don’t plan, just write.  We’ll all find out tomorrow what Vera ended up doing for T-day.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving–my favorite holiday, all in all.  I think I like it better than my birthday, and that’s saying something.

Related articles
Posted in America, Animals, celebrations, Family, Writing and tagged , , ,

Post Navigation

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →