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 A place for discussion on poetry, reviews, contests, etc. |
The world around you is laden with opportunities for any alert observer to pluck from the maelstrom as noted in this poem:
Your memory bank is a treasure trove full of images, events, impressions, and observations just waiting to be tapped for inclusion in your next masterpiece. Here are just a few suggestions for tapping into that gold mine: 1. RANDOM MUSING: In her book “The Artist’s Way,” Julia Cameron introduces a tool she calls “morning pages.” Morning pages are three pages of long-hand writing, strictly stream-of-consciousness, written first thing in the morning before you become engrossed in the demands of your daily routine. There is no wrong way to do these morning pages, so you don’t have to worry about that critic in your mind telling you it’s nothing but drivel. Just pick up your pen and start writing. If you can’t think of anything else, write about all that negativism your critic is spouting. This will get your creative juices flowing and release all that angry, whiny, petty stuff that stands between you and your creativity. It can also be a pathway to a strong and clear sense of self. Carrying a pad and pencil to capture luminescent moments that occur throughout the day will also provide subjects for later reflection and sorting. Who knows? There may be a few golden nuggets in that stream. 2. JOURNALS: Many people keep a journal or diary to record daily events, activities, reactions, thoughts, and feelings. This can be customized to suit your personal preferences--just something to snag those fleeting images, snippets of dialogue, new words, ideas, or anything else that strikes your fancy. By writing them down, you will have specific details available for later reference. This practice will help you develop an awareness of the world around you, as well as provide more nuggets for your writing. 3. WORKS OF ART: Artists frequently use works of art as inspiration for their work. Jay Livingston and Ray Evans wrote a hit song, recorded by Nat King Cole, based on a famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci: “Mona Lisa.” Paintings or photographs may provide images, a piece of music may set a mood, movies and television bring us interesting characters and situations, as do well-known pieces of literature. Your work may be an interpretation, an extension, or a response to the chosen subject. Lynard Skynard’s song “Sweet Home Alabama” was written in response to Neil Young’s record “Southern Man.” 4. MYTHOLOGY: The mystical world of mythology is a fertile source of inspiration for artistic work of all kinds. Fleetwood Mac’s hit song “Rhiannon” was based on a mythological character. 5. RESEARCH: When you come upon an unfamiliar reference, take the time to investigate the meaning and background of the subject. It will lead you to new horizons and open myriad pathways to more material you can use in your creative endeavors. These are just a small portion of the infinite range of things in the universe around us that can strike a spark for your muse. ASSIGNMENT: Write a poem using your favorite cartoon or literary character as inspiration. Let the creativity flow from your soul!  Dave |
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