Tag: creative writing
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Battling Resistance
Since I took yesterday off, I told myself I would sit down to write first thing this morning. Before getting to my desk, though, I did the following: Cleaned up the dirty dishes in the kitchen Got a load of laundry started Set my kids clothes out for the day Made the beds Scrolled through […]
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Intentionally Blank
In an article from The Write Practice, Jeff Elkins offers tips on how to find your “Thoughtful Spot.” This is a trick, Elkins writes, that he learned from Winnie the Pooh. “His Thoughtful Spot was a log under a tree marked by a sign that read, ‘Pooh’s thotful spot.’ It was the place where Pooh […]
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In the Valley of the Creative Process
I am in the middle of writing my sermon for our upcoming Baccalaureate service. I have a great beginning, a muddled mess for a middle and no conclusion. Yet the day is fast approaching when I must deliver this creative work. So I am feeling anxious. Last week I listened to a podcast on “Overcoming […]
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Writing to Discover
In an essay I am writing about my son I am discovering just how much I love my children. This feels odd to write because of course I already know that I love my children. But as I challenge myself to go deeper in this essay, to be more truthful, to choose words that resonate […]
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My Summer Priority–write, write, write
People often don’t realize how hard those of us in an academic community work during the year. The enviable focus is on our summers “off”—which assumes a career of leisure in higher education. I am actually on a twelve-month contract, though, so I will go in to the office every day this June and July. […]
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The Woodcarver
My friend and writing coach, Christine Hemp, introduced me to the poem, The Woodcarver. It has led me to amazing riches. I keep it taped above my desktop computer in my office as a reminder to “Guard my spirit, [and] not expend it on trifles that [are] not to the point.” This poem has served as […]
Teri McDowell Ott 