[Ep 209] Each week I claim that writers are discovering ways to reach their writing goals—and have fun—by being more curious, creative, and productive. And each week you may be thinking, “Really?” Yes, I really do believe these three traits or these three values can drive you forward to achieve your goals—and have fun along the way. They are values I myself … [Read more...]
The Creek Bed of Creativity – Interview Excerpt
My friend Elizabeth Marshall asked to interview me about my recently released book On Being a Writer: 12 Simple Habits for a Writing Life that Lasts, co-authored with Charity Singleton Craig. Here's a snippet of our conversation: Elizabeth: Refueled. I like that. Tell me more. Ann: I recently came across a quote attributed to Anne Lamott: “Sometimes you’re not … [Read more...]
Curiosity Journal: January 11, 2012
Each Wednesday I’ve been recording a Curiosity Journal to recap the previous week using these tag words: reading, playing, learning, reacting and writing. Now I'm testing a slimmed-down version. ::: Reading I started Run with the Horses: The Quest for Life at Its Best, by Eugene Peterson. In light of New Year's Resolutions and other hopes of pursuing goals and … [Read more...]
Curiosity Journal: December 28, 2011
Each Wednesday I’ve been recording a Curiosity Journal to recap the previous week using these tag words: reading, playing, learning, reacting and writing. Now I'm simplifying the journal, to see if I like a slimmed-down version. … [Read more...]
Season of Creativity
Heavy, wet flakes of snow are dropping steadily from the sky today, weighing down branches, muffling sound. The girls are playing a CD of a singer whose mellow voice is new to me. I have brewed loose tea in my blue-and-white Spode teapot, poured it into a Christmas cup, stirred in a teaspoon of honey, and begun to sip it down smooth. I figure I can use these cups with … [Read more...]
Curiosity Journal: August 10, 2011
Each Wednesday I’m recording a Curiosity Journal, a recap of the past week. Tag words are: reading, playing, learning, reacting and writing. :::Some of you have mentioned that you’re keeping a Curiosity Journal, as well. Leave your link in the comments so that we can visit and enjoy your weekly review. Reading Luci Shaw's Breath for the Bones includes a chapter on Paying … [Read more...]
Curiosity Journal: July 6, 2011
Each Wednesday I’m recording a Curiosity Journal, a recap of the past week. Tag words are: reading, playing, learning, reacting and writing. :::Some of you have mentioned that you're keeping a Curiosity Journal, as well. Leave your link in the comments so that we can visit and enjoy your weekly review. Reading I finished The Happiness Project, by Gretchen Rubin. … [Read more...]
Vocabulary Building – What’s the Word?
While sorting books, I came across Debra Bell's The Ultimate Guide to Homeschooling and starting thinking about vocabulary and vocabulary building as it relates to communication, education, writing and editing. The following section, taken from page 23, fascinates me: Care to hazard a guess as to the sources of each of these vocabulary lists? LIST … [Read more...]
The Blessing of Boredom
"I'm bored," a child whines. Oh, no! Quick, pull out the paints or Playdough—heaven forbid the child actually sits with nothing to do. In our entertainment-obsessed society, we almost panic at the thought of having nothing to do, at being bored. The world seems to want to fill every spare moment with productivity or fun. But is boredom such a bad thing? Could boredom … [Read more...]
