Summer Writing Space
So, Confident Writing is going to be taking a break over the summer.
I’m planning to be back here at the end of August / start of September, but I need some time just now to work on the various writing, learning, and creative projects that I’ve been storing up hungrily for myself.
If you want to keep in touch I will still be out and about online:
Exploring Google Plus (yes, I succumbed, and actually quite like it so far): Joanna Paterson
On Twitter @joannapaterson
On the Facebook page
And also at the new site where I’m sharing words, photos, poems, and other bits of work in progress on The Art of Everyday Wonder (RSS feed here or sign up by email)
Before I go, I thought I’d share something with you. It was a piece I wrote at the end of the summer writing retreat last year.
Some of the words are inspired by the people who were there and the writing they were doing (or wanted to be doing) but I think the spirit of it is universal enough to be shared more widely, with all of you.
Enjoy your summer, and whatever words may come your way while you’re indulging it.
LEAVING GIFTS
A pocketful of random words, the way to start a story.
A duster of remembrance, of who you are, that you’re a writer,
as you dust down files of novels, of stories, and poems,
and sit down and wonder, and start again to type.
A pyramid of pebbles, in perfect balanced harmony, of energy, inspiration, creativity and flow.
A blank white page to write your way whichever way you want to be.
An orchard of the seeds you’ve sown, of words, photos, dreams.
A thread of gold connection that binds your words to others when they spill out heart-felt, heart-meant, written open, honest, true.
A gardener’s wisdom saying growth is erratic, allow for two steps forward, one step back.
A kiss of summer sunshine saying softly now, go softly, and be gentle with your self.
A breath of courage.
A permission slip to stop, and start, and screw up all your schedules,
but still some how, some mixed up way,
to find the space to write.
Thank you Joanna – what a wonderful gift to leave us with!
I hope you have a good, well-deserved break and I look forward to all you have to share with us on your return.
Jacqui
Joanna, I love “Leaving Gifts,” what a beautiful ode to both the art of writing and to writers. Enjoy the summer!
Hello!
I just came across a link to your site and decided to drop by for a visit. I am happy I did. I look forward to reading new material from you. Enjoy your retreat!
Have a great summer blogging break, Joanna. A break is a very good thing! I hope you enjoy your creative projects.
This is the first time that I am actually posting a comment. i have been reading your blog for almost a year and most say that I love it. Cannot wait ’til you return and get to read your new work. In addition, I truly love your poem “Leaving Gifts.”
Hi Joanna, I like your conclusions on writing with hospitality, the idea of leaving space for the reader. Your observation about the proliferation of “how to” writing that sacrifices good writing makes me think of supermarket shelves with way too much stuff on them to build any imagination. I loved reading as a child because it gave me space to create the story in my mind.
Good one, keep up your useful insights written in such a compassionate way.
Donna