Monday, May 19, 2014

A Writing Process Blog Hop


Many thanks to my dear friend Mary Bach for inviting me to participate in this Blog Hop. Mary and I met through our writing. She became a fast favorite of mine through her charm, her wit, her sense of humor; and our mutual affinity towards nature, seasons, home, family and even a certain Doctor! Interesting, smart and so talented, please follow this link to her Blog Hop to read in her own words what inspires her to write.
















Mary Bach

Mary Bach, also known as Other Mary, writes mainly poetry which can be found on her website called Writing in the Bachs.  She lives in the middle of nowhere, more specifically rural western-Wisconsin. She has a love for words that includes not just writing and reading, but quotes, pun and general word-play. She has had poems in several on- and offline publications including The Book Times, Pigeon Bike Poetry, Living with Nature and Beginnings.

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My Writing Process

What am I working on?
Wow. I wish I had a more profound answer for this! It seems the ultimate goal of being a writer is to have collection of poems or a story somewhere in the process of being published—to always have something in the works to share, promote or brag about on social media sites. And rightfully so, for in the poems that I’ve submitted for printing, I’ve learned that there is definitely more work that goes into ‘publishing’ than meets the eye! With that being said, I am pleased to announce that one of my pieces will soon be published in “Journey of the Heart: An Anthology of Women’s Spiritual Poetry,” a new book that is due for release this summer.

How does my work differ from others of its genre?
I would say not as good as some, perhaps a bit better than others. I’ve been writing for just over 4 years now. In that time, I’ve gotten a sense of my own voice, but am not nearly confident enough to call myself  'poet' yet. I think that is a title earned through recognition and respect of one’s peers.  And there are so many others whose writing absolutely blows me away! I think most of what I write about has probably been said before—actually I’m sure of it. What makes it different is my own unique perspective.  We may travel parallel paths with others, sometimes it seems the same road, but what we see and how we view it—what it means to us—comes from a deeper place inside. I try to write from that place; not how others see and understand it—but what it means to me alone. But then, isn’t that what all writers do?

Why do I write what I do?
Why do crickets chirp? I started writing as a catharsis: a need to express anger and disappointment; to pull myself out of a dark hole after losing a job of many years that I truly loved doing. Putting my thoughts, my feelings, down on paper helped me to find myself again. And I continue to write because I’ve always enjoyed being creative; and channeling this creativity into words, into poetry, helps me to feed this addiction. Sometimes I write from image or word prompts, if only because they challenge me to keep writing. Yet even my own life experiences offer quite a deep well to draw from.  And then there are those moments when I am so moved and inspired by something that I can’t write fast enough. The words are there, the universe aligns, and I’ll finish in one shot and think, “Did this just come from me?” My recent 'Five a.m. on an April Morning' was one of those pieces. It’s in these rare “aha” moments when I think I am most worthy to stand among my writing peers.

How does my writing process work?
Hmmmm…process? I don’t really have a formula. Either the words are there, tumbling to get out, or they’re not! Most of my writing stems from what I am feeling at the moment—perhaps a memory bubbling up from the past, my emotions at the time, or from being touched by something or someone during my daily routine. Often I find myself composing something on the half hour drive between home and work. The words will start to toss about in my head…sometimes they may fall together in some sort of rhyme or format on their own…and sometimes its just a line or two that keep echoing, repeating, crying out to be more. It’s really difficult to predict at any given time what may move or inspire me. And I truly envy those lucky writers who are able to spend time and focus on their writing each and every day. It’s not always easy for me to eke out time to write, between working full time and taking care of home and family, without feeling guilty over letting something else go. I live for those quiet moments alone when I can get lost in the words!

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I'm honored to pass this torch along to these two lovely and extremely talented poets, writers and friends who will posting their Blog Hop and sharing their answers to these questions next week, on or about Monday, May 26, 2014. Please visit their blogs, and read, like and follow if you are not already doing so!













Victoria C. Slotto, Author

Victoria spent many years working as an RN in the fields of death and dying. In retirement she’s chosen to pursue the creative life as a novelist and poet. Her first novel, Winter is Past, was published by Lucky Bat Books in 2011. A second novel will be forthcoming in the near future. She is happy to pen poetry and articles for dVerse Poetry, Into the Bardo, and her own blog that deal with the art and craft of poetry and fiction writing, as well as spirituality. Victoria derives inspiration from her life experience working with persons at the end-of-life, from nature, spirituality, from poetry prompts and whatever else pops into her awareness. She enjoys life with her photographer husband and two dogs in Reno, Nevada and Palm Desert, California.
You may find Victoria’s blog at: Victoria C. Slotto, Author
  and her website here at: Victoria C. Slotto, Author Fiction, Poetry and Essays
















Margaret Schaff Bednar: Poet, Photographer

Margaret Bednar was born and raised in Northern Illinois.  She remembers being a bit of a tomboy growing up—living on a small farm with horses, goats, chickens, dogs, cats, and being outside all summer!  Married now for 24 years and a mother with six children of her own, she currently lives in the southeast (United States) and loves it.  She started composing her poetry a few years back – which most often reflects upon her two passions above - the out-of-doors and her family.  

A regular contributor to G-Man’s Flash 55 and Imaginary Garden with Real Toads, you can find Margaret’s wonderful words and amazing photography at: 
Art Happens 365 — MyPoetic Journey

13 comments:

  1. Great to know more about you and your writing process. You are such a talented writer and inspiration. I am sharing your blog tour. I am also doing one. It is nice to be able to promote other creatives also!

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    1. Thank you so much Susie, for stopping by and also sharing and promoting this on the various social media sites. Your support and your friendship are much appreciated!

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  2. Thanks, Ginny, for sharing with us and for inviting me to participate. Getting to work on it today since the weather turned yucky...the garden will have to wait!

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  3. smiles...i like your answers...the words just come...like a crickets chirrup....i am glad to hear you will be published again. that is cool....

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    1. Thank you, Brian. I have missed you of late! Life seems to be keeping us both busy. So glad you stopped by!

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  4. Took time to read...and I'm smiling at so many similarities, but not surprised. I always needed to write to express pent in, unacknowledged (perhaps) feeling but turned to it seriously when my position as Community Educator for a small local hospice was eliminated. So glad to learn more about you. Again!

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    1. Thanks Victoria, for stopping by not once but twice. There is a depth to your writing that I can appreciate and have always admired. I thank you for sharing that gift, and for also agreeing to share your insight as to how you achieve and are inspired in your own writing. All the best always, my friend!

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  5. …and your readers get lost in your words too! Since the first time I read you, (I think via Magpie Tales?) you have been a favorite of mine. I love the insight into your life and glad to know I'm not the only one that "squeezes" in my poetry time (I've burned not just a few meals over the past few years :)

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    1. Thank you, Margaret! There is an honesty and beauty in your words that instantly drew me to your writing. And your photography is incredible. I am so glad that our words and writing have also made us friends!

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  6. I love the interview, Ginny. In my mind, no one is better at your style than you are. And you seem to be adding facets to that style as time goes by. Thanks for all the enjoyment and insight you've shared over the past four years. Always a favorite!
    Steve K.

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    1. Thank you for stopping by, my friend. You're kind comments are always appreciated! You too, are a favorite. I always enjoy your classic style, subtle metaphor, and beautiful words.

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  7. Thank you for you kind words, my friend! It's wonderful to read your responses to the questions about your writing process, Ginny. When you tell of how you started writing when you lost a job you love it makes me think of how a friend once described grace as working good from all things. (I think that's a paraphrase of a verse from Romans) Anyway Ginny, your poetry truely is filled with grace. And so, it seems, are you.

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    1. I think that's one of the reasons we get along…we "get" each others writing, whether it be age or circumstance or just appreciation for the things we love or have in common--an understanding that the words come from everywhere we've been and what's touched our lives. I am truly humbled by your kind words, Mary. Thank you, my friend.

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Thank you for reading my poetry and sharing your thoughts.