J Is For… Just In Case!

Writer Zen Garden Posted on by

By Rachel Wilder.

If you discover that the shelves are empty at your grocery store and can’t find what you need, it’s not because of overseas conflicts, politics, transportation issues, or the fault of last-minute panicked hoarders. It’s because you have dismal short-term memory skills and haven’t done anything to be prepared, even after 2020. So don’t bother now, you’ll just add to the mess. It was your decision to do nothing.

But your pet? They didn’t have a choice and can only rely on whether or not you actually care or thought about them before an emergency happens.

Emergency Planning for Your Pet: the Basics

  • 5 days or a week supply of food for your pet. Consistently.
  • Medications- refill before you run out. Consider having light sedatives on hand, like those used for fireworks, to help keep them calm.
  • Vet records- easy to find and put in a gallon zip-lock bag.
  • Leashes and collars with current information attached.
  • Microchip.

Plan to take your pet if you evacuate.

  • Sturdy carrier or kennel and the things needed for your pet to stay in it. Dishes, litter box, litter, scoops. Favorite toys and blanket.
  • Water- more than you think, in case you need to rinse them off.
  • Evacuation plan. Who can you go to if you must leave your home? Family, friends and hotels. Many shelters won’t let you keep them with you- remember Hurricane Katrina?

  • Emergency sticker for your home placed by the front door showing that you have pets that need rescuing inside and remembering to mark ‘evacuated’ or ‘safe’ when you leave with them.
  • If you plan to shelter in place- like in the event of a tornado or storm- plan for them as well- but do NOT hesitate to leave your home if that is a safer alternative. Deciding at the last-minute limits your options.

 

Think of them first, and think of them now. Because to them, you always come first.

Resources

There are many websites to help you.  Here are a few to get you started:

 

I Is For… Idea to “The End!”

Writer Zen Garden Posted on by

Contributed by Tina Holland.

There are many ways to take your IDEA  to a finished short story, novella or novel. Some work better than others, but that depends on the writer and their strengths and weaknesses.

If you’ve been writing for any length of time you’ve probably heard the terms – plotter, pantser, and plantser.  If you haven’t, here’s a blog that defines those:

https://thewritepractice.com/plotters-pantsers/

There is no right or wrong way to take your IDEA and turn it into a story.  Whatever gets you to “The End” is most important.

I myself fall into the plantser category so I will speak to my process and hope that you are able to gleam some helpful hints from it.

  1. First I write a blurb for the book – sometimes this becomes my back blurb other times my book changes so much it will be radically different. This is basically my story idea.
  2. Next I research my characters. I choose their names and pick their birthdate, birth sign, do their numerology chart, and cast an actor/model/singer to play them.
  3. I plot the 12 key romance scenes and then I go ahead and fill in what I know. I utilize a template by C.S. Lakin.  Which can be found here. https://www.livewritethrive.com/resources/
  4. The steps above are my plotter steps, once these are done I start writing and I write whatever scene I want. Generally I start at the beginning, write a few scenes then go to the end and write that before coming back and working on the middle, and I almost always write love scenes last.
  5. If I struggle during stage 4 – then I go back and research my characters. I utilize “90-day Novel” if my characters require more introspection and motivation.
  6. Once I’ve completed the rough draft I go back and layer in setting, clothes and all the other details like eye and hair color.   Sometimes I have to do this before the love scene because people need to undress and readers like to know where this couple is for the deed.
  7. Now I go back and self-edit the novel. I personally love the editing process, but I’m weird.   Join me in a couple days when I discuss “Killing your darlings”.

 

H Is For… Hibiscus!

Writer Zen Garden Posted on by

Contributed by Alexandra Sissulak.

Recently, I was inspired to create personalized stationery. The paper serves as the foundation for written expression to thoughtfully communicate and share, vulnerable, deep-level ideas with other beautiful individuals; in worship of platonic love, respect, community, and resonance.  The design of the stationery is influenced by the imagery, meaning, symbolism, and medicinal benefits of the hibiscus flower.

Bright, delicate blooms dancing joyously in celebration with warm, gentle, tropical breezes. Blossoms lightly kissed with humid mists and painted with beads of nourishing moisture. Each petal, leaning further away, falling deeper in submission, arching their heart-center closer to the life-giving source of the sun’s fiery, brilliant, and virtuous rays. The edges of each delicate petal splayed like the hair of a lover relinquishing to rapturous pleasure.

The hibiscus flower is known to symbolize femininity, ephemeral beauty, romantic love and passion, friendship and hospitality, and joy. Representing the power of the divine feminine within the law of attraction; an inspiration of admiration and awe; hinting at fleeting opportunities of the few and far between, to seize the day; vibrant and attention-seeking, evoking openness and sincerity; and a purpose to honor life and happiness.

In spiritual stories and mythologies, hibiscus flowers appear as symbols of forbidden love or diversity; fleeting opportunities and the delicacy of beauty; passion, romantic fervor, and lust; personal power, fame, and wealth; and a conduit for the elevation of consciousness in order to connect with the divine, afterlife, and immortality.

Hibiscus, in the form of tasty, tart tea – similar to cranberries, is a healing ambrosia filled with antioxidants with the ability to cleanse the liver, lower blood pressure, and reduce fats in the blood.

Receiving a hand-written letter on this highly personalized stationery, filled with words flowing from the ink of a fountain pen, is my way of blessing, praising, honoring, and celebrating the recipient through the virtues and spirit of the hibiscus flower.

G Is For… Greek Myths!

Writer Zen Garden Posted on by

Contributed by Mary Economou Green

“Mythos” means speech and story, and Greek myths, originally orally transmitted, began to be written down over three thousand years ago. Myths are found at archaeological sites, on artefacts (including sculptures, wall paintings, vases), as well as in written texts. The function and importance of Greek myths is as varied as the myths themselves.  Some myths may offer historical facts (such as the Trojan War in The Iliad, or sea travel in The Odyssey). Other myths may pose aetiological explanations of nature (for example, the creation of the world, or the origins of humankind). Yet other myths may suggest religious rites. And they may contain all or some of these aspects. Yet perhaps most importantly, myths evoke human emotions and convey philosophical ideas of what it means to be human, and of the meaning of life itself. It is perhaps this aspect of Greek myths that have made them so transcultural and timeless. From antiquity to medieval, Renaissance, Romantic, as well as modern and contemporary periods in our human story, myths have been rewritten, reimagined, reconstructed – often metamorphosing ancient figures, stories, and themes. From Homer to Chaucer to Tennyson to Atwood to Riordan, myths have offered a rich foundation for a new story.

Greek myths exhibit a profound respect of nature, and contain elaborate constructs. For example, the union of Chaos and Eros bringing forth darkness then light, sky, earth, is one which led to the development of scientific thought. Greek myths reflect anthropomorphic gods who are less fearful than in other mythologies. Rather like superhuman beings (taller, more beautiful, eternally young), they yet display capricious natures and are neither omniscient nor omnipotent (even Zeus)! Myths also very importantly express the concept of the ‘soul’ and of an afterlife which suggests reincarnation. Perhaps most significantly, in Greek myths human beings are placed in the center; in fact, we experience the individual in a humanized world grappling with other humans, with erratic gods, and with the question of moira (fate), themes examined  in the great dramatists Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Aristophanes. Of significance also is that Greek myths often convey a sense of justice, with an emphasis on arête (excellence, ‘good’), which inspired philosophers Socrates, Plato, Aristotle.

When we consider our world today, the legacy of Greek myth lives on. Take the Trojan War – we are still dealing with issues such as war, oppression, greed, ignorance, hate. Yet also in The Iliad and in Greek myths in general, we experience love, honor, friendship, and questions revolving around the meaning of life, destiny, justice. And in The Iliad, it is to Helen that Homer assigns the greatest role as creator of art; Helen who expresses the idea of art as immortal. While the war is raging, Helen weaves and sings, noting, “for the sake of dishonored me and the blind act of Alexander/us two, on whom Zeus set a vile destiny, so that hereafter/we shall be made into things of song for humankind in the future” (Iliad, VI, 356-8, my translation).

F Is For… Fun!

Writer Zen Garden Posted on by

Contributed by Laura E. Rios.

Albert Einstein said, “Creativity is intelligence having fun.”

Coincidentally, fun starts with F which is the letter for today.

Image source: Pixabay

I used to work in a university physics department, where I developed a respect and liking for Albert, and I think he’s right. Truly creative people are intelligent, but using your brain to work and produce can, over time, cause brain drain. The best remedy for this is FUN.

Forbes considered fun important enough to have published this online article that appeared under the “Leadership” heading in September 2020:

“15 Fun Stress-Reducer Games and Activities for Remote Employees”

While most of us reading this blog are most likely writers or people who are interested in becoming writers, I think we can all agree that the process of writing bears some similarity to remote workers. It’s usually a solitary activity. Often it’s just you, a desk, and a computer trying to be productive. The alone-ness can wear on you. There needs to be an occasional break for fun. What a good stand-up-and-stretch does for you physically, fun can do for you mentally and emotionally.

Here are just a few of the fun stress relievers recommended in the Forbes e-zine article:

Playing online games like Scattergories or Bingo. There’s also Words with Friends or Yahtzee, Mahjong or even Candy Crush if you must. They’re not really suggesting that you spend all your work time playing games, but taking some five minute breaks throughout the day to play a few game turns allows for a mental mini-vacation; fun lets your brain to take a brief and much-needed rest. If playing games on your phone or computer aren’t your idea of play, then doodle while you listen to music. Grab your yoga mat and do some fun poses. Work a crossword puzzle for a few minutes, or color a quick picture.

Taking a virtual coffee break with your fellow workers, wherever they may be.  If you’re a writer, surely you know another couple of writers with whom you can take such a break once or twice a week via Zoom.  Spend 10 minutes to share a coffee, some chit-chat, and a few laughs.

Host a Lunch and Learn

Forbes suggested connecting remote team members at lunch time, again via Zoom. You might arrange for a friend to talk about how she organizes her notes for a new project, or how she outlines her story ideas. You might invite a small group of fellow writers to hold a “show and tell” to briefly discuss what everyone’s been doing. Or, simply have lunch and chat together, which is still fun, and fun starts with F and that’s what it’s all about today.

Clearly, if a no-nonsense publication like Forbes is suggesting that we have fun to banish feelings of isolation and bolster productivity, then by gosh, maybe we should take this fun stuff more seriously.

You can read the full 09/23/2020 Forbes article here.

There are some really good reasons for taking time out for fun.

In a Business Insider article entitled “How to Unlock Your Creativity According to Science”, it was recommended that we:

“Have fun”

Why do you think Google employees are encouraged to play beach volleyball and go bowling while on the clock? It’s been proven that having fun engages the creative side of the brain. Additionally, “play” can decrease stress levels, increase optimism, boost motivation and improve overall concentration.

It might seem silly and counter-productive, but play and be spontaneous daily, especially if you’re in a rut. Creativity aside, it’s always important to make the time for fun.”

(This was the third item listed in the article on unlocking creativity that I spotted on a feature called Insider. The original article can be found on Inc. Copyright 2016. You can follow Inc. on Twitter.) From https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-unlock-your-creativity-according-to-science-2016-9#have-fun-3

So… Forbes. Business Insider. These are some serious and respected publications that reach lots of corporate types who value profitability and treasure productive employees. If they recommend taking time out for fun, then maybe we should sit up and take notice. The methods for making employees happy and productive in the workplace can be applied no matter where your workplace is, and even if you for yourself and your only product is whatever you write.

The idea is simple, really. The proverb “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” was first recorded in 1659 in James Howell’s Proverbs. What it means is this: a lack of balance between work and relaxation (aka fun) renders a person dull and stunted, holistically speaking.

Raise your hand if you feel dull and stunted sometimes. Aha! I thought so. The way to change all that is to start having some fun in small ways each and every day. Fun creates enthusiasm and energy, and who doesn’t want more of that?

Look for a way to make the writing process fun. Be a little silly sometimes. Have your characters talk in song titles for a while, and make it work.

“Two out of three ain’t bad,” Mary said with conviction. “It’s all coming back to me now. I believe in life after love.”  

He stared at her and slowly replied, “I love you so. I’ll leave the door open. Stay.”

(Now come on, admit it, that’s fun, I don’t care who you are.)

Or try this: think of five short, random titles. Then, write a paragraph or two based solely on each title. Decide which one sounds more promising and keep going with it. See? Fun.

Bob Basso has been called America’s number one fun motivator by People magazine. He said, “If it’s not fun, you’re not doing it right.” Let’s start doing it right!  Whatever your brand of fun is, I’m suggesting you add a bit more of it to your daily productive time – whatever it is that you do – and just see if it doesn’t make you a wee bit more creative and productive. You have nothing to lose and much to gain.

 

E Is For… Exercise!

Writer Zen Garden Posted on by

Contributed by Laura F.

“E” is for exercise but “E” could also be for enjoyment.  After all, one of the oldest (and truest) pieces of advice about exercise is to always pick an activity you enjoy.  The biggest problem with exercise, according to those who study such things, is that people rarely stick with an exercise regime.  For every dedicated runner who fits in ten miles a day so as always to be “marathon-ready,” for every gym rat who wears out the seat of their favorite stationary bike, there are a hundred (or more) people who start a workout program only to abandon the program within weeks or even days.  If only these people did something they ENJOYED, the theory is, they would find it easy and satisfying to keep regular exercise a part of their lives.

I don’t disagree with any of that.  Even the most time-crunched among us usually find or make time for what we truly crave.  Time management experts will sometimes claim that through truly efficient use of our time, we can always accommodate the activities that matter most to us.  Well, “efficiency” is another “E” word, but I am NOT writing a blog post about “E is for Efficiency.”  Instead, I’m going to advocate for deliberate inefficiency, all in the service of incorporating more exercise into my own life and into the life of anyone who wants to try this approach.

After all, exercise-efficiency experts argue that by being ultra-efficient in all areas of our lives, we can always include exercise in our schedules.  But extremes meet (hey, “extremes”!  another “e” word!) and by being inefficient, one can be surprisingly active.

Let me give an example.  In my old apartment building, I had to walk up and down three flights of stairs to get to the laundry room.  The more often I walked up and down, the more exercise I got.  So why not take the laundry down in batches?  Why make one trip up and down the stairs when two trips would provide a better workout?  Why make only two trips when three trips would make me feel like a super-athlete?  And as for making FOUR trips up and down stairs – well, after four trips, I feel ready for a gold medal from the Olympic Committee.

Think I’m kidding?  I’m not.

I enjoy feeling like a super-athlete; in fact, I enjoy that feeling immensely, although no one who observes my daily routine would see anything even remotely athletic about it.  So, by building inefficiency into my daily routine, I get to ENJOY the self-image I create by climbing stairs more often than I need to, walking more steps than I need to, and generally putting more effort into routine household chores than any efficiency expert would recommend.

An additional benefit to this workout regime is that it motivates me to actually do some housework, at least at those times when I want to polish my Olympic gold medalist self-image.

Could this approach of cultivated inefficiency work for you, also?  Or are you someone who takes the opposite approach of being so efficient that you have time in your day specifically set aside for a straightforward workout?  Either approach could work since, as noted above, extremes meet.

 

 

D Is For… Dough!

Writer Zen Garden Posted on by

We were chatting about gluten-free baking during one of our recent craft circles, and one of our members had a terrific suggestion for dough she says works like a dream for wontons:

Miracle Dough

Ingredients:

2 Cups shredded mozzarella

2 Tablespoon cream cheese

1/2 Cup lupin flour

1 Tablespoon powdered psyllium husk

1/2 Teaspoon baking powder (optional)

1tsp xanthan gum (for firmer texture)

Directions:

Mix all the ingredients for 1-2 minutes to soften cheese.

Turn out,  roll thin for either pizza or cut it for wontons.

Cover with toppings or fill and roll up then air fry at 350F for 5-7 minutes or bake 15-20 minutes at 400F.

C is for… Cape May!

Writer Zen Garden Posted on by

Contributed by Carolyn Malone

We have been through a tumultuous two years, and now it is time for us to venture outwards and walk the land again. To travel, to explore, to wander. To see the world again if you so choose.

For those who want to travel within the United States, consider taking a trip to America’s oldest seaside resort, located at the southernmost tip of New Jersey. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Cape May is home to nearly 600 preserved Victorian buildings and has one of the best beaches on the Jersey shore.

Whether you want to frolic in nature and the great outdoors or you prefer hanging out in the city for your vacation, you’ll find the best of both worlds here. Cape May has something to offer for almost everyone: a pristine beach; prime bird watching; fine dining; theater; music and film festivals; shopping; historic tours; and assorted cultural activities celebrating the Victorian era. The only thing Cape May does not have is a rousing nightlife.  For that, you’ll have to venture to nearby Wildwood or Atlantic City.

The city is flat (no hills—yay!) and mostly everything is within walking distance. Once you arrive, you can park your car and not have to drive it again until you’re ready to leave the place. If you do not have a car, no worries. Cape May is also accessible by bus, ferry (from Delaware), and plane (via Atlantic City International Airport).

Besides being a desirable vacation spot for many on the east coast, Cape May has a low crime rate, which is good for the solo female traveler.  Many years ago, when my partner had a stroke, I traveled by myself to Cape May for a much-needed break from caregiving.  During the day, I lolled around on the beach, went to the spa, and shopped. At night, I dined alone in various restaurants and attended plays at the local theaters. When the shows ended around 9:30 pm, or I finished dinner late, I felt perfectly safe walking back to my B&B alone. The streets were well lit and there were enough people milling around so I never felt uncomfortable or afraid. During this stay, I met other solo women travelers who echoed my sentiments about the city: that it was easy to get around and that it was safe.

The world is opening up again. If you love to travel, I wish for you many safe journeys. Stay tuned for my next blog post, near the end of the alphabet, where I discuss solo travel in a city outside the United States.

 

B Is For… Blocked!

Writer Zen Garden Posted on by

Contributed by Nicole:

I know that I am not a professional writer yet and this might be a radical thought on my part, but I don’t believe in Writer’s Block. Can you be stymied by a story, have your characters be uncooperative, written yourself into a corner? Absolutely. But completely blocked? Yeah, I don’t believe in it.

I like to share some of the strategies that I employ when I have trouble.

Go back to your outline.

If your story is the journey that you are taking your characters through, then your outline is your road map. Have your characters taken shortcut not on the map? Maybe you need to backtrack and get back on the proper highway.

Work on a different story.

Sometimes you just need to get your head into a different space. Concentrate on another character or situation for a bit and then come back to the story that is giving me trouble.

Role Play

Grab your partner, a friend, or a member of your family (anyone that didn’t escape you quick enough) and try trading ideas back and forth.

People watch and play ‘what if?’

I grab a blank composition book and go to a park, restaurant or some other public place and look around.  What if that harried barista is a hacker in their spare time? What if that single dad trying to corral his kids used to be an assassin? What if that guy in the three-piece suit is wearing women’s lingerie on under his other clothes? What if the goth coming out of Hot Topics secretly wants to be a hairdresser? What if the big, bike with tattoos scrolling up his arms is planning a romantic dinner for his lady? ‘What if’ are the words that every writer lives by.

I have never not had one of these strategies shake something loose in my head.

What about you, dear reader? What strategies work for you?

A Is For… Antroduction!

Writer Zen Garden Posted on by

Humorous picture of cat grinning in a ridiculous manner.

Happy April! You know what April 1st brings?

THE A TO Z CHALLENGE AND CAMP NANO!

It’s also, apparently, letter writing month AND poetry month. And no, that’s not April Fool’s! It is Spring, though, and I’m guessing that’s what’s in the air. Plus, we’ve all been dealing with heavy stuff, right? The war, pandemic, climate crisis…

Well, we can’t fix all that. But we CAN play with some creativity, and for the next month, that’s what I invite you to do, too. We’ve got some great posts in store for you: tips for when you feel blocked, travel, mythology, and even poetry.

Check back each day except Sunday for the Writer Zen Garden A to Z Challenge! And remember to visit other participating blogs – this is a global challenge and there’s so much knowledge and creativity out there, you won’t know what hit you. Perhaps it will inspire YOU to be creative with us, TOO!

Check in below in the comments and let us know where you’re writing from and what you are most excited for this Spring. We’d love to know!

Write on!