Ray Bradbury video reading a poem

This is how a poet should read his/her poetry. In the video on the side bar, the late science fiction writer, Ray Bradbury, laughs at himself and has the audience in his hands before he reads a wonderful poem he wrote about space.
Share this if you'd like.

What We Give Makes a Life

“From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life.” –Arthur Ashe

We watched Arthur Ashe play tennis and admired his skill and his poise as well as the gentlemanly way he behaved on the court and off. I wonder how many young people were influenced by this talented man. 

If I could give a word of advice to young people today, I'd suggest they volunteer their time to work with older people. Go to retirement centers and give whatever talent you have for the well-being of others. The men and women considered seniors are rich sources of stories and history of a time so different from today's world. Give some time and take away inspiration, common sense advice, and beautiful tales of life you would never find anywhere else.

Guest Post on the subject of Poetry by Mary Mike Keller

Today we have a guest post from Mary Michelle Brodine Keller, poet, writer, painter and instructor. Thank you Mary Mike for posting today.

Mary Michelle Brodine Keller

Poetry classes by skilled Poets 

This past week I found myself with seven others at the knee of Gene Hirsch learning “the relationship of a poem’s art and the aim of the poem to the information from which it is written.”  

Those of us gathered, poems in hand, worked hard, if not struggled to put our minds around something that was not a tool or technique but craftsmanship.  We dug deep into ourselves and the poems, separating the poem from the poet, finding the focus, naming the vehicle, the thread that runs through, the essences and the art with which the poem elicits a reaction from the reader. 

   

Not long ago I took a workshop at The Writers Circle taught by Scott Owens.  The focus of that day was meter, not the “ta da ta da” counting of accented syllables as written, but counting the accents as they are actually read. They are different and can be tricky to count as you read aloud. This was about a tool or technique that could improve a poem from awkward to flowing. 

Thinking on the two classes, I realize how important it is to marry the non-technical with the technical, by doing so, we as poets can write poems that grab the reader and will not let go.

There are many places available to writers who want to learn how to write the best they can. We are fortunate to have The Writers Circle.  Skilled writers come from near and far to teach for one day or several days.  A full range of classes is available, including poetry, memoirs, writing your ancestor’s stories, publishing, essay, fiction and others. Take advantage of this resource.  It is the best in this area.

Mary Michelle Brodine Keller is a published poet and writer, and a seasoned genealogist.  She is a member of NCWN West and is on faculty at Writers Circle where she will teach a course in August, From Bones To Flesh. - Genealogy and writing class.

“Most people search high and wide for the key to success. If they only knew, the key to their dreams lies within.” –George Washington Carver

Tonight I watched The Notebook for the third time. I love that movie for so many reasons, but tonight I picked up on a couple of lines Noah said to Allie when she was struggling to make a decision between two men she loved.

Noah said, What do you want? Not what he wants or what I want.

What do you want?

How many of us, especially when we are young, try to find success in life by doing what our parents want for us or what we think society expects of us? We suffer the misconception that if we please the important people in our lives, we will be doing what is best. But, as Carver said, the key to our dreams lies within.

TEACHERS' INFLUENCE

“Teachers affect eternity. They never can tell where their influence stops.” –Henry Brooks Adams

I like the above quote because, as a teacher, I have seen my work make a difference in the lives of others. As a result of what my students gain from my classes, they influence others I will never know.

At a recent middle school graduation I heard students exclaim their undying gratitude to certain teachers who left an imprint on their lives. From the speeches by these kids it was evident that their lives, their future, was changed by at least one teacher and often more than one.

Teaching is like throwing a pebble into a lake. The waves travel on and on and on, even when we can no longer see them, the waves continue. 

Do You Know Ted Kooser?

One of my favorite poets is Ted Kooser, a former poet Laureate of the United States. He recently published on his site a poem by former NC poet Laureate , Kathryn Stripling Byer.

Click here and read Byer's poem.

This is great! Two of my favorite modern poets together.

Try to find an agent, or not?

Yes, I am a fan of agents, but it depends on your goals,

experience, knowledge base, and desires whether you use one

or not. No, they aren't easy to land, but having one can 

improve your odds . . . depends on what you're gambling on.

                                        ----  C.  Hope Clark

WHY DO I NEED AN AGENT?

Hope Clark has an in-depth article in her latest newsletter. Click on the link below to read more.

http://www.fundsforwriters.com/FFW.htm

SIX WEEK WRITING COURSE AT TRI-COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Tri-County Community College, Murphy, NC

Beginning June 5 - a six week course meeting on
Tuesdays, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.  Fee: $40.00

Writing your Life Stories

To register, contact Lisa Thompson Long at 828- 835-4296 at the Community Enrichment Center at Tri-County Community College

Call Instructor, Glenda Beall @ 828-389-4441 

email: nightwriter0302@yahoo.com for questions.

Beginning writers and intermediate writers are encouraged to take this class to learn better writing techniques. More advanced writers will find motivation to beat writers block, revise work you've shelved for awhile, and will simply have fun working with other writers.