Writing advice
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Working from home
“Let her have a chair, her shadeless lamp, the table.” — Jane Hirshfield, “The Poet” The pandemic has changed the way most of us work. Today, “working from home” is no longer just a temporary option for parents of young kids. More than ever, we all need a safe workspace where we can be productive and creative — whether it’s the kitchen table, a home office in the guest room, or a studio in the basement. The following poem is another favorite of mine, reminding me of my early years of motherhood and the challenges of starting a writing career at home. (I scheduled my deadlines around nap time or…
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Funny Friday: Staying productive
“I’m writing a book. I’ve got the page numbers done.” ~ Steven Wright Cindy La Ferle ______ For social media sharing options and expanded content, please visit the home page.
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How to be an original
“Do your own thing. Let others own their own thing. If you copy too much, you’ll find yourself in late night cocktail lounge cover band limbo.” ~Kurt Cobain Hasn’t it all been done before? Is there any such thing as a truly original idea? Contrary to the old maxim, imitation isn’t the highest form of flattery. It’s a creative cop out. My essay on the challenge of finding your own voice and style is featured this week on the National Society of Newspaper Columnists website. You can read it here. Photo by Cindy La Ferle
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Revisiting “The Artist’s Way” workshop
“No matter what your age or life path, whether making art is your career or your hobby or your dream, it’s not too late or too egotistical or too selfish or too silly to work on your creativity.” ~ Julia Cameron, The Artist’s Way Cindy La Ferle ______ For social media sharing buttons and more content, please visit the home page. Please share with your friends. C. La Ferle Please join me at the Royal Oak Public Library for “Rediscovering The Artist’s Way: A Two-Part Writing and Creativity Workshop.” Julia Cameron’s guide is now considered a classic — and its basic tools have become standard practice for writers and artists in a variety of genres.…
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Personal mythology writing workshop
“When I discover who I am, I’ll be free.” ~Ralph Ellison, Invisible Man Cindy La Ferle Registration is now open for “Freeing Your Personal Mythology,” the first of my Fall 2019 writing workshops at the Royal Oak Public Library. Details: Cultural traditions, religious upbringing, ethnic heritage, past experience, and family archaeology are all part of your life story. In this class, we’ll explore how these influences shape your goals and dreams — as well as your view of the world. Whether you’re starting a memoir or sketching a character for your novel, you’ll leave the workshop with fresh inspiration and new tools for self discovery. Please phone or visit the ROPL…