Fiction Workshop Writing

I haven’t wanted to put any of my Fiction Workshop writing on Always Standing since I didn’t feel that the blog posts of my short story went over very well. However, most of the stuff I’m doing in class is very short. We call them ‘Jump Starts,’ the instructor gives us a topic or starting sentence and the class just writes for 10 minutes or so. I really enjoy it, it is the most pressure free way to write. The story doesn’t have to be anything or go any where; there is no planned purpose of it other than to just spend 10 minutes writing. It is great! I guess this is similar to the One Minute Writer that Steph always does on her blog. I rarely finish a story during these exercises and sometimes it comes to a clean little end. Since they are small I think I will start posting some of them occasionally.

The Eyeballing Game

This is interesting and addictive. Some people are bothered by pictures on the wall hanging slightly crooked. Others may not even be aware that something might be amiss. This game tests the ability to see if things are straight or crooked. The best way to figure out how the game works is to simply play it. The game shows you a series of geometries that need to be adjusted a little bit to make them right. A square highlights the point that needs to be moved or adjusted. After your done, the 'correct' geometry is also shown. You do each challenge three times. It tallies up your average error. The lower your average error, the better. I got a 4.9. How did you do?

I Made A Bowl

This took me FOREVER. I painted it at The Mud Over over something like 6 separate trips and a total of over 20 hours of sketching and painting. I'm happy with how it turned out and now use it to keep my pill bottles in beside my bed.

Halifax

Halifax is an awesome city. I have been three times now and always enjoy myself. It is so interesting and colourful. There is tons to do, even though I didn't really make it to any of the tourist places this time. Instead I got to hang out with my brother and had a couple of driving tours with Anna's Dad while hearing about Halifax history from a true Nova Scotian. Anna's parents also had a traditional Kitchen Party while I was there, complete with musicians playing banjos, fiddles, guitars, etc. I definitely joined in singing Barrett's Privateers, great song! Spending time with Little Brother Mike was so nice since he is rarely in Ontario anymore. The course he is on right now sounds pretty cool and he loves being in the Maritimes again. My parents are going out to visit him this coming weekend. I'm jealous and wish I could go again. Halifax such a nice place, you totally need to go if you haven't been there.

Thanksgiving Sonnet

This poem will sit at fourteen lines long.
Perfected by Shakespeare, however my
Iambic-pentameter isn't strong.
Lines are ten syllables, thought I should try
My hand at a Sonnet. The rhyming scheme
Is beyond specific but I will keep
Writing these poems as if in a dream.
Wait that's a lie, shouldn't get in too deep,
This is the last poem. Holiday's done.
My plane leaves tomorrow, so much to do.
I'll miss Halifax as it is such fun.
But I need to get back, school work is due
Soon. Don't worry it is still on my mind,
Happy Thanksgiving, now back to the grind!!

-C.S.

Thanksgiving Limerick

The Limerick is another poem that's small.

I like it much better there's no need to stall.

It's so much easier,

Just couldn't be breezer,

Wishing a Happy Thanksgiving all!

-C.S.

Thanksgiving Haiku

I hate all Haikus

Have to get it over with.

Happy Thanksgiving!

-C.S.

Poetic Thanksgiving

I am leaving tonight for a little trip to Halifax for Thanksgiving weekend. I'm going with Anna and staying at her parents. This is a much needed Anna visit since she now lives in Montreal and it is harder to stay in touch. I was so much easier when she worked full time on campus! I am also going to see Little Brother Mike who is out there training, something to do with scuba diving or blowing things up or both together or something. As everyone knows I miss him terribly and love him so much, can't wait for the visit!! I want to keep the blog going since I really don't like to take long breaks from it. So, I thought I might write you some poems for the holiday! Stay Tuned. Happy Thanksgiving!