Moon wRite™ Newsletter March 5th 2007

Thoughts and Reflections from Moon wRites™
Creative Writing Class February 1st 2007

Moon wRites

I wRite

You wRite

We wRite

They wRite

She wRites

Next Moon wRites Class is on Monday 5th March 2007 7.00pm – 9.00pm

Dear Moon wRiters

“ I do see that the more I write, the easier and more joyous a labour it becomes.”-Bell Hooks

Moon wRites Writing Muse Class Notes From Moon wRites February 2007
From Start To Finish

The only thing harder than writing is starting to write, Susan Shaughnessy tells us in her book, Walking On Alligators – A book of meditations for writer.

Many writers struggle with how to get started and the blank page can be intimidating. Over the years Moon wRites has introduced the idea of writing prompts to help writers warm up and get started. Whilst constantly reminding the writer that the only way to get pass your resistance as a writer is to write.

Once we have gotten started and are able to generate writing material many of us easily fall prey to the next hurdle. We lose steam when it comes to following a piece of writing through from start to finish.When writers share their personal struggles with writing and techniques they use to write they offer valuable insights into the ways in which they manage many of the writing challenges we also face within our writing practice.

One technique that I have found useful over the years and one which I am currently using to rework a proposal which was rejected by several publishers is Anne Lamott’s idea of writing on Index cards taken from her hilarious and excellent insight into the writing life, Bird by Bird – Some instructions on writing and life. Recently I returned to the practice of Anne Lamott’s suggestion of writing on Index cards and have found myself producing lots of writing and getting to the point of what I have to say.

Below I share some of Lamott’s ideas and then extend these and share how you can use writing on Index cards to work a piece of writing from start to finish.Here’s an extract from Bird To Bird by Anne Lamott writing about how she uses Index cards:“ I have index cards and pens all over the house – by the bed, in the bathroom, in the kitchen, by the phones and I have them all over the glove compartments of my car. I carry one with me in my back pocket when I take my dog for a walk.

In fact, I carry it folded lengthwise, if you need to know, so that , God forbid, I won’t look too bulky…. So whenever I am leaving the house without my purse – in which there are actual notepads, let alone index cards – I fold an index card lengthwise in half, stick it in my back pocket along with a pen, and head out, knowing that if I have an idea, or see something lovely, or strange or for any reason worth remembering. I will be able to jot down a couple of words to remind me of it.

Sometimes, if I overhear or think of an exact line or dialogue or a transition, I write it down verbatim. I stick the card back in my pocket. I might be walking along the salt marsh, or out at Phoenix Lake, or in the express line at Safeway, and suddenly I hear something wonderful that makes me want to smile or snap my fingers – as if it has just come back to me – and I take out my index card and scribble it down.”

- Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird, p133-134

Start To Finish Index Card Technique.For use individually, with a writing buddy or in a writing group. Just adapt as necessary.You will require 3 blank Index Cards for this practice

Step 1

Each Index card should generate around 250-350 words.

On the first Index card:
The theme of our February writing class was ‘love.’ We used the theme of love for our writing prompt, which is shared below. Use if you need a writing topic for the exercise.

Describe a moment of love, an experience, a past memory, an observation, a fictional account, could be to do with a partner, ex love, a child, a parent, a friend or a stranger.
Write about the moment on both sides of the Index card if you can.

Step 2

Re-look at your first index card draft and ask yourself the following questions:What can be added? Always bring to mind the senses, visual images, smells, sounds, touch and feelings. Ask yourself how have I captured the senses in my first draft? What is missing from the piece? What can I expand on? What did I fail to include? What can I let go of from the first piece?If working with a buddy or in a writing group share what you have written and ask for feedback.

Step 3

Re-write your first draft on a new index card Number 2

Step 4

Re-read again and ask yourself the following questions:What sentences, words images stand out? What might your readers want more of from the piece?

What might your readers want less of?

How are you left feeling after what you have read your second draft?

Take a few minutes to note down your responses or feedback from buddy or writing group members.

What will your third draft look like, sound like, feel like?

Step 5

Write your third and final draft on Index card no 3. How about leaving your writing for a day or two and then return and repeat the process again. Musing Thoughts. Congratulations you have successfully navigated your way through the process of starting a piece of writing, editing it twice and bringing in it to a self appointed finishing line.

You should now be in possession of a piece of writing that in a short space of time is much further down the line than when you originally started. It’s a good idea to follow the steps through in one sitting. Of course this does no mean that the writing is now complete but it has gone through several process of refining since the first raw draft.

And of course you can keep repeating the process over and over again. You might after following through the steps once take the same exercise and transfer it to the page but use the same process to work through the piece.

As much as writing is an art born of our passions and heartfelt concerns it is also a craft.

Possessing the skills and the know how of a craft assumes that we are willing to learn, make mistakes and be willing to try over and over again until we get it right. We must be willing to repeat actions, refine, take away and add to in order for us to become Masters of our craft.

The editing process is a vital part of the writing life. We need our passion, which in reference to our bodies I liken to the heart just as much as we need the editing which I visualise as the lungs.

Recently using Anne Lamott’s suggestion of writing on index cards I began re-working an old book proposal.

Most mornings I wake up and write the Message from the Muse, complete on two sides of an index card. It is a great sense of completion being able to contain what I have to say to the two sides of an index card. It has pushed me to get to the point, and to structure my words to say what I mean.

I realised that writing in this way energises me. I love the immediacy of writing on index cards, their accessibility and the fact that I can whip them out anywhere and write gets me really excited.

I love that I can see what I am working on and take it through an editing process quite quickly. My logical brain loves the fact that I know roughly how many words I am generating (between 250 –300 words) and the right brain loves working with the left brain to come up with creative ways to say what I mean in a small space.

I have successfully transferred this technique to support me in writing the Parenting page on the LBC radio website - http.www.lbc.co.uk Have a go at practising with writing on index cards and see what you think.

Anybody can write, a writer knows how to re-write.
- Brian Bouldrey, The Autobiography Box

Moon wRites is on Monday 5th March 2007 at 7pm

Full Moon is on Saturday 3rd March 2007 at 23.18am

Lunation Ash Moon – The Moon of Waters. This Moon explores the realms of feelings. Also known as Seed Moon, Chaste Moon and Lizard Moon.This is Moon of waters connected with love.

All cultures have a Moon Goddess. She governs the tides, water, the emotions and the menstrual cycle. Moon Goddesses include Metra, Hina, Lunnat, Selene, Artemis, Hecate.Colour - Cherry PinkScents - Jasmine, Neroli, Bergamot and Rose Otto.

Number - 3 Seasonal Celebration Lunar Eclipse on March 3rd This is the day of the Full Moon when the Moon is hidden for some time because the Earth is exactly between her and the Sun. This is a great time to release any past conditioning or negativity, which is no longer working with you as during this period the past is eclipsed by the present.

March 8th is International Women’s Day

Who are the women in your lifeline, those women who have walked before you? This is a day for us to consciously remember these women. Hold a women’s gathering in your home during International Women’s week to celebrate each other’s lives. Give each other special treats, foot spa’s, hand massages or bring food to share. Think creatively about what you might want to do to make your gathering of women a celebration and acknowledgment of our lives and those who have gone before us.

March 18th is Mothering Sunday (UK)

March 18th is the specially assigned day where we celebrate and acknowledge Mothers throughout the UK. My own Mother gets grumpy if she doesn’t receive either a card or a telephone call from each of her six children on the 18th even though in Barbados where she now lives it is celebrated later on in the year.

Are you a Mother? How would you like to be treated this Mother’s day? How would you like to spend your day? What would be a meaningful way of spending your day? Plan your day ahead of schedule. Ask for what you want. If you’re not a Mother treat and appreciate the part of you that energetically is a Mother. Tell her the things a loving Mother would tell you.

As we reach adulthood where we were not perfectly Mothered we are called to become Mothers to ourselves. Finally is there a Mother in your circle whose child is still a baby or toddler or whose adult children have flown the nest. How could you add something special or meaningful to her day?

March 21st is the Spring Equinox

Today there is balance between dark and light. Spring is the time of earthly regeneration, of birth and rebirth, emergence, expansion and the drive to put in place the Visions we have been dreaming of during the winter season.

Spring Equinox welcomes the Spring Maiden. Referring to the Matrix this is the time of the Maiden, the young woman. Honour the spirit of the young women around you and the spirit of the young woman inside of you.

We welcome the energy of Ostara, a time of fertility and sacred balance between night and day. It is a time of celebration as the light tips the balance and overtakes night, lengthens the days and brings anticipation of the return to the growing time. Ostara begins the process when stored energy is brought forth into fruition.Herbs are planted, houses and lands cleared and spring cleaning takes place. This is a time of new beginnings and possibilities. Ostara is a time of deep gratitude.

Our Writing Theme For March’s Moon wRites is ‘Mothers and Daughters.’

When This Month’s Moon wRites class is on Monday 5th March 2007 (7.00pm – 9.00pm)

Full Moon is on Saturday 3rd March 2007 (Lunar Eclipse)

New Moon is on Monday 19th March 2007

Next Moon wRites class is on Monday April 2nd 2007

Full Moon is on Monday April 2nd 2007 (Lunar Eclipse)

Where To Find Us

The classes are based at Streatham Friends Meeting House, Redlands Way, Roupell Park Estate, SW2, 3LU. Class Fee - £20 per workshops. Concessions £10.

Travel Directions

The most direct route is via Brixton. Come out of the station and turn left. Take a bus no 159, 109, 333, 59, 45 or 118 from the bus stops outside Woolworth’s and Barclays bank.

The buses head up Brixton Hill.

Press the bell for the sixth bus stop, which is a request stop. When you get off the bus turn right in front of the bus stop and follow the path into the estate.

Follow the path to the right and this will lead you straight to Friends House.

Please call me for directions on 07961 431 090 if you cannot locate us.

Moon wRiterly

Yours,Jackee