Random Bookshelf Reading 50
Happy Halloween Everybody!!!
Question: Today?
Answer: "Mindfulness More than that, we must enter the moment. We must take our thoughts off what has happened and what might happen and focus on what is happening right now. According to Saint Francis de Sales, "We know the theology that God is here, right now... Remember that He not only is in this place with you, but in a very true way He is in your heart, in the very center of your spirit. Saint Paul reminds us that 'we live and move and have our very being' in God. (Acts 17:28) You must excite in your heart a very real reverence for the God who is present to and in you." " (p.81)
From Prayer, Faith and Healing by Kenneth Winston-Caine and Brian Paul Kaufman.
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Monday, October 31, 2011
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Random Bookshelf Reading 49
Random Bookshelf Reading 49
Question: This week?
Answer: "A farmer hoes his rice
in the noonday glare;
I see his sweat dripping down
in big drops to the soil.
Ah! for the meal in your bowl,
don't you care
that each small grain
cost the farmer bitter toil? -- Li Shen (T'ang Dynasty)" (p.272)
From The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Buddhism by Gary Gach.
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Question: This week?
Answer: "A farmer hoes his rice
in the noonday glare;
I see his sweat dripping down
in big drops to the soil.
Ah! for the meal in your bowl,
don't you care
that each small grain
cost the farmer bitter toil? -- Li Shen (T'ang Dynasty)" (p.272)
From The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Buddhism by Gary Gach.
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Friday, October 28, 2011
Random Bookshelf Reading 48
Random Bookshelf Reading 48
Question: Today?
Answer: "63. Chi Chi When You are DoneCommentary Although you have arrived at a point where the work might be called done, it is very important that you are cautious in celebrating what you have finished. Yes, there is order to your piece. Yes, there is a certain satisfaction about what you have written. Nevertheless, this hexagram reminds you that it is essential not to take its worth for granted. Disorder could follow if you do." (p.238)
From The I Ching for Writers: Finding the Page Inside You by Sarah Jane Sloane.
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Question: Today?
Answer: "63. Chi Chi When You are DoneCommentary Although you have arrived at a point where the work might be called done, it is very important that you are cautious in celebrating what you have finished. Yes, there is order to your piece. Yes, there is a certain satisfaction about what you have written. Nevertheless, this hexagram reminds you that it is essential not to take its worth for granted. Disorder could follow if you do." (p.238)
From The I Ching for Writers: Finding the Page Inside You by Sarah Jane Sloane.
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Random Bookshelf Reading 47
Random Bookshelf Reading 47
Question: Today?
Answer: "53 Jian. Developing Gradually
(2) Second Six. Developing Gradually alternates to Proceeding Humbly (57) The second line is a yin element at a yin place, central and correct. Thus, the Yao Text says, "The swan approaches the cliff." A cliff is a safe haven for birds. This yin element responds to the yang element at the fifth place. The fifth place is the supreme place for a king. One at the fifth place is willing to support him and supply him with a good living. The one at the second line is an honest person who would not reap without sowing. His work deserves his earnings. There is good fortune." (p.423)
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Question: Today?
Answer: "53 Jian. Developing Gradually
(2) Second Six. Developing Gradually alternates to Proceeding Humbly (57) The second line is a yin element at a yin place, central and correct. Thus, the Yao Text says, "The swan approaches the cliff." A cliff is a safe haven for birds. This yin element responds to the yang element at the fifth place. The fifth place is the supreme place for a king. One at the fifth place is willing to support him and supply him with a good living. The one at the second line is an honest person who would not reap without sowing. His work deserves his earnings. There is good fortune." (p.423)
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Random Bookshelf Reading 46
Random Bookshelf Reading 46
Question: Today?
Answer: "29 Danger Third Line You are surrounded by DANGER and you do not understand it. Any action will only make matters worse. Maintain your principles and wait for the solution to reveal itself."
From The I Ching Workbook by R.L.Wing.
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Question: Today?
Answer: "29 Danger Third Line You are surrounded by DANGER and you do not understand it. Any action will only make matters worse. Maintain your principles and wait for the solution to reveal itself."
From The I Ching Workbook by R.L.Wing.
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Random Bookshelf Reading 45
This is the last of my writing books. I'm skipping the cookbooks, so it's on to the Divination and religion shelf tomorrow.
Random Bookshelf Reading 45
Question: Today?
Answer: "Need to Know After all this talk about getting to the point, cutting the fat, and crafting the perfect first line, you may be under the impression that every story must begin with action immediately. If so, let me clarify. The initial incident that propels your story forward doesn't have to happen right away. In fact, it probably shouldn't. You have time to establish a sense of place, mood, or an idea of character--but you must do so efficiently." (p.32)
From A Picture is Worth 1,000 Words: image-driven story prompts and exercises for writers by Phillip Sexton.
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Random Bookshelf Reading 45
Question: Today?
Answer: "Need to Know After all this talk about getting to the point, cutting the fat, and crafting the perfect first line, you may be under the impression that every story must begin with action immediately. If so, let me clarify. The initial incident that propels your story forward doesn't have to happen right away. In fact, it probably shouldn't. You have time to establish a sense of place, mood, or an idea of character--but you must do so efficiently." (p.32)
From A Picture is Worth 1,000 Words: image-driven story prompts and exercises for writers by Phillip Sexton.
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Monday, October 24, 2011
Random Bookshelf Reading 44
I'm having some computer problems today. :( Figured out that one of my USB ports is no longer working, so external hard drive wasn't being recognized. I did a 3-hour virus scan, no viruses. Hope the other problems will fix themselves!
Random Bookshelf Reading 44
Question: Today?
Answer: "Can Someone Show Me the Door? When we enter a building, one thing is for certain: at some point, we're going to want to come back out again. Introducing our best friend at this dire time... the exit sign. The exit sign tells us where the "out" is. It's extremely fortunate that the word "exit" exists in our day and age, or we'd have no idea how to get back out. Or would we? Your task today is to develop an alternative to the exit sign. Without using the word "exit," create a sign that alerts people that this is the way out." (p.136)
From Caffeine for the Creative Mind: 250 Exercises to Wake up your Brain by Stefan Mumaw and Wendy Lee Oldfield.
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Random Bookshelf Reading 44
Question: Today?
Answer: "Can Someone Show Me the Door? When we enter a building, one thing is for certain: at some point, we're going to want to come back out again. Introducing our best friend at this dire time... the exit sign. The exit sign tells us where the "out" is. It's extremely fortunate that the word "exit" exists in our day and age, or we'd have no idea how to get back out. Or would we? Your task today is to develop an alternative to the exit sign. Without using the word "exit," create a sign that alerts people that this is the way out." (p.136)
From Caffeine for the Creative Mind: 250 Exercises to Wake up your Brain by Stefan Mumaw and Wendy Lee Oldfield.
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Random Bookshelf Reading 43
Random Bookshelf Reading 43
Question: This week?
Answer: "The World Tree, with its roots in the underworld and its branches in the heavens, is a portrait of the relationship of the worlds to each other and the process of passing from one to the other. The beanstalk, the ladder, the axis mundi, the cross, the grove of the goddess, the tree of life, the tree of knowledge of good and evil in the garden, and the kabbalistic Tree of Life are variations on this fundamental teaching. These are also metastories, myths about myth itself, where myth is the other world, the other side of our mind, both psyche and the cosmos." (p.151)
From Writing for Your Life: A Guide and Companion to the Inner Worlds by Deena Metzger.
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Question: This week?
Answer: "The World Tree, with its roots in the underworld and its branches in the heavens, is a portrait of the relationship of the worlds to each other and the process of passing from one to the other. The beanstalk, the ladder, the axis mundi, the cross, the grove of the goddess, the tree of life, the tree of knowledge of good and evil in the garden, and the kabbalistic Tree of Life are variations on this fundamental teaching. These are also metastories, myths about myth itself, where myth is the other world, the other side of our mind, both psyche and the cosmos." (p.151)
From Writing for Your Life: A Guide and Companion to the Inner Worlds by Deena Metzger.
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Random Bookshelf Reading 42
Random Bookshelf Reading 42
Question: Today?
Answer: "Take Ten take away One type of silent movie in which we all engage in is the replaying in our minds of interactions that we wish had played out differently. Who hasn't replayed a conversation in their heads, changing a stumble of words into witty, pithy, brilliant sound bites? When doing this, what you are really doing, and enjoying, is editing. The next time you think about the editing process with dread, as most writers are wont to do, remember the instant replays you've worked out in your mind and how much fun it is to get the situation right. Bring this element of pleasure with you to the editing process, and you will succeed in refining your writing." (p.148)
From Take Ten for Writers by Bonnie Neubauer.
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Question: Today?
Answer: "Take Ten take away One type of silent movie in which we all engage in is the replaying in our minds of interactions that we wish had played out differently. Who hasn't replayed a conversation in their heads, changing a stumble of words into witty, pithy, brilliant sound bites? When doing this, what you are really doing, and enjoying, is editing. The next time you think about the editing process with dread, as most writers are wont to do, remember the instant replays you've worked out in your mind and how much fun it is to get the situation right. Bring this element of pleasure with you to the editing process, and you will succeed in refining your writing." (p.148)
From Take Ten for Writers by Bonnie Neubauer.
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Friday, October 21, 2011
Random Bookshelf Reading 41
Are we getting tired of the writing books yet? Only a few more to go.
Random Bookshelf Reading 41
Question: Today?
Answer: "I was hugely grateful for the insight. Before, I hadn't understood the depth of my feelings, but now I do. And writing got me there." (p.9)
From Writing Magic: Creating Stories That Fly by Gail Carson Levine.
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Random Bookshelf Reading 41
Question: Today?
Answer: "I was hugely grateful for the insight. Before, I hadn't understood the depth of my feelings, but now I do. And writing got me there." (p.9)
From Writing Magic: Creating Stories That Fly by Gail Carson Levine.
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Random Bookshelf Reading 40
Random Bookshelf Reading 40
Question: Today?
Answer: "Prompt: Steal a line from something you've read. It might only be a phrase, but grab that sucker and plunk it into a piece of your own. If you don't have a piece in progress, spend a session exploring an idea in which that line or phrase can appear." (p.83)
From The Writer's Idea Workshop by Jack Heffron.
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Question: Today?
Answer: "Prompt: Steal a line from something you've read. It might only be a phrase, but grab that sucker and plunk it into a piece of your own. If you don't have a piece in progress, spend a session exploring an idea in which that line or phrase can appear." (p.83)
From The Writer's Idea Workshop by Jack Heffron.
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Random Bookshelf Reading 39
Random Bookshelf Reading 39
Question: Today?
Answer: "And on and on, moving through the day: Shower and dress, drive to work, talk to people, do your job, eat your lunch. And as you experience your day, keep your notes short and simple. They shouldn't be long asides, unless you have a lot of time for writing today and won't miss out on the day by writing about it. Try to make your jottings just little notes to yourself, capturing details, thoughts, memories. Write only what you need to remember the thought or event or detail later." (p.132)
From The Writer's Idea Book by Jack Heffron.
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Question: Today?
Answer: "And on and on, moving through the day: Shower and dress, drive to work, talk to people, do your job, eat your lunch. And as you experience your day, keep your notes short and simple. They shouldn't be long asides, unless you have a lot of time for writing today and won't miss out on the day by writing about it. Try to make your jottings just little notes to yourself, capturing details, thoughts, memories. Write only what you need to remember the thought or event or detail later." (p.132)
From The Writer's Idea Book by Jack Heffron.
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Random Bookshelf Reading 38
Random Bookshelf Reading 38
Question: Today?
Answer: "Verb Make your verbs alive. They carry the energy of a sentence. Check you use of "to be." Can you use another, more dynamic verb instead? "I was on my bike and rode to the store." How about, "I pedaled my bike to the grocer." You can feel the pumping going on. Fewer words, even more economical." (p.95)
From Old Friend from Far Away: The Practice of Writing Memoir by Natalie Goldberg.
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Question: Today?
Answer: "Verb Make your verbs alive. They carry the energy of a sentence. Check you use of "to be." Can you use another, more dynamic verb instead? "I was on my bike and rode to the store." How about, "I pedaled my bike to the grocer." You can feel the pumping going on. Fewer words, even more economical." (p.95)
From Old Friend from Far Away: The Practice of Writing Memoir by Natalie Goldberg.
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Monday, October 17, 2011
Random Bookshelf Reading 37
Random Bookshelf Reading 37
Question: Today?
Answer: "I like trees because they seem more resigned to the way they have to live than other things do. Willa Cather" (p.118)
From Room to Write: Daily Invitations to a Writer's Life by Bonni Goldberg.
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Question: Today?
Answer: "I like trees because they seem more resigned to the way they have to live than other things do. Willa Cather" (p.118)
From Room to Write: Daily Invitations to a Writer's Life by Bonni Goldberg.
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Random Bookshelf Reading 36
Random Bookshelf Reading 36
Question: This week?
Answer: "Making a Commitment It is important that each member make a commitment to the group that he or she can keep. Such a commitment can be made after testing the waters for a few meetings. Perhaps it's for a preset amount of time--say, three months. It's not that everyone has to make every single meeting, but a sense of constancy makes participation in the group more valuable to everyone involved. It's likely that some people will value the group so much, they will remain members as long as the writing circle stays together. It's also perfectly natural for people to leave and then to come back." (p.196)
From Finding What You Didn't Lose: Expressing Your Truth and Creativity Through Poem-Making by John Fox.
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Question: This week?
Answer: "Making a Commitment It is important that each member make a commitment to the group that he or she can keep. Such a commitment can be made after testing the waters for a few meetings. Perhaps it's for a preset amount of time--say, three months. It's not that everyone has to make every single meeting, but a sense of constancy makes participation in the group more valuable to everyone involved. It's likely that some people will value the group so much, they will remain members as long as the writing circle stays together. It's also perfectly natural for people to leave and then to come back." (p.196)
From Finding What You Didn't Lose: Expressing Your Truth and Creativity Through Poem-Making by John Fox.
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Random Bookshelf Reading 35
Random Bookshelf Reading 35
Question: Today?
Answer: "Stafford's response here reflects the poetic standard he taught and lived by: Any thought or idea, not just the ones we decide are good, has the potential to lead us to a poem. A champion of the humble moments that unfurl to become poems, Stafford warns not to pull the threads too hard, or the poem will be lost." (p.68)
From Writing The Life Poetic: An Invitation to Read & Write Poetry by Sage Cohen.
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Question: Today?
Answer: "Stafford's response here reflects the poetic standard he taught and lived by: Any thought or idea, not just the ones we decide are good, has the potential to lead us to a poem. A champion of the humble moments that unfurl to become poems, Stafford warns not to pull the threads too hard, or the poem will be lost." (p.68)
From Writing The Life Poetic: An Invitation to Read & Write Poetry by Sage Cohen.
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Friday, October 14, 2011
Random Bookshelf Reading 34
Random Bookshelf Reading 34
Question: Today?
Answer: "He'll ask you if you've ever shot anything, if you'd like to, if you ever thought about teaching your dog to retrieve. Your dog will like him too much, will drop the stick at his feet every time, will roll over and let the hunter scratch his belly." (p.415)
From "How to Talk to a Hunter" by Pam Houston in What If?: Writing Exercises for Fiction Writers by Anne Bernays/Pamela Painter.
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Question: Today?
Answer: "He'll ask you if you've ever shot anything, if you'd like to, if you ever thought about teaching your dog to retrieve. Your dog will like him too much, will drop the stick at his feet every time, will roll over and let the hunter scratch his belly." (p.415)
From "How to Talk to a Hunter" by Pam Houston in What If?: Writing Exercises for Fiction Writers by Anne Bernays/Pamela Painter.
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Random Bookshelf Reading 33
Random Bookshelf Reading 33
Question: Today?
Answer: "Many of the responses were witty, some predictable; most, it seemed to me, were self-limiting. One young man stressed technical proficiency above all else--he saw a poem as a well-oiled machine having only to do with precision. Nothing could persuade him of the legitimacy of open forms, nor that poems might do something other than describe. Nevertheless, the discussion that resulted had the desired effect: to allow the students to begin to think about and examine what the role of the poet (and of poetry) might be in a consumer-driven economy. The precarious life of the "free-lance muse" gave them an opportunity to think about the life of a poet as other than a professional career. We had a very lively discussion." (p.29, 30)
From The Practice of Poetry: Writing Exercises from Who Teach edited by Robin Behn & Chase Twichell.
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Question: Today?
Answer: "Many of the responses were witty, some predictable; most, it seemed to me, were self-limiting. One young man stressed technical proficiency above all else--he saw a poem as a well-oiled machine having only to do with precision. Nothing could persuade him of the legitimacy of open forms, nor that poems might do something other than describe. Nevertheless, the discussion that resulted had the desired effect: to allow the students to begin to think about and examine what the role of the poet (and of poetry) might be in a consumer-driven economy. The precarious life of the "free-lance muse" gave them an opportunity to think about the life of a poet as other than a professional career. We had a very lively discussion." (p.29, 30)
From The Practice of Poetry: Writing Exercises from Who Teach edited by Robin Behn & Chase Twichell.
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Random Bookshelf Reading 32
Random Bookshelf Reading 32
Question: Today?
Answer: "Paul-Toussaint-Jules Valery used to get up at five in the morning, work until nine, then spend the rest of the day having fun in one way or another." (p.166)
From A Writer's Book of Days: A Spirited Companion & Lively Muse for the Writing Life by Judy Reeves.
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Question: Today?
Answer: "Paul-Toussaint-Jules Valery used to get up at five in the morning, work until nine, then spend the rest of the day having fun in one way or another." (p.166)
From A Writer's Book of Days: A Spirited Companion & Lively Muse for the Writing Life by Judy Reeves.
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Random Bookshelf Reading 31
Random Bookshelf Reading 31
Question: Today?
Answer: "-eh-pid (2) tepid, trepid. (3) intrepid." (p.79)
From the Pocket Rhyming Dictionary by Hal Leonard.
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Question: Today?
Answer: "-eh-pid (2) tepid, trepid. (3) intrepid." (p.79)
From the Pocket Rhyming Dictionary by Hal Leonard.
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Monday, October 10, 2011
Random Bookshelf Reading 30
Wow! A month of readings already! Here's one from my thesaurus!
Question: Today?
Answer: "confrontation [n] conflict
affray, battle, contest, crisis, dispute, encounter, fight, meeting, set-to, showdown, strife" (p.159)
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, edited by the Princeton Language Institute.
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Question: Today?
Answer: "confrontation [n] conflict
affray, battle, contest, crisis, dispute, encounter, fight, meeting, set-to, showdown, strife" (p.159)
From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, edited by the Princeton Language Institute.
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Random Bookshelf Reading 29
I will be posting Stichomancy readings daily on this blog. Here's today's!
Random Bookshelf Reading 29
Question: This week?
Answer: "Regretful. Sometimes carelessly used for regrettable: "The mixup was due to a regretful breakdown in communications." (p.57)
From The Elements of Style: Third Edition by William Strunk, Jr. and E.B. White.
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
Random Bookshelf Reading 29
Question: This week?
Answer: "Regretful. Sometimes carelessly used for regrettable: "The mixup was due to a regretful breakdown in communications." (p.57)
From The Elements of Style: Third Edition by William Strunk, Jr. and E.B. White.
Disclaimer: Readings are for entertainment purposes only. You (the person reading the Random Bookshelf Readings) are solely responsible for actions taken based on these readings; neither Anne Westlund or The Divine Life Google Group and its members are liable. These readings are from my personal bookshelves (not sourced from the internet) and only one paragraph from each book will be posted, in rotating order (up to two times a year for some books). Any questions or comments, please reply to this post. ~Anne Westlund
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