The Poetry of Language

On my very first post in this blog, in February, 2012, I introduced myself with these words:

 I have always enjoyed words in both their sound and sense.  I enjoy the very sound of such words as

“windowsill,” “Cinderella,” “sassafras,” and, my recent favorite “hydrochlorothiazide”. 

 

Anyone out there who likes words just for their sounds?'

 

A few weeks ago at the University of Iowa Summer Writing Festival, I was delighted that B.K. Loren and Juliet Patterson presented at The Eleventh Hour on Thursday, June 13.

 

They talked about using poetry in writing fiction and non-fiction. They pointed out that early language (both oral and written--as in pictographs) was rich in poetry and image. Poets are skilled in paying attention to both the sound and the meaning of each word.

Prose writers would do well to pay attention to the poetic line in the prose we write.
Poets are looking for the word with the emotional impact to match what they wish to convey.

Every word has a natural onomatopia-- the formation of the word by imitating sound.
     Common examples are "buzz." "tick-tock," and "bang."


B.K spoke of the emotional difference between the words:

BIG  and

 

HUGE.



 

The second conveys a greater vastness than the first.

 

It was fun to listen to these two writers confirm that liking the sound of words is a poetic attribute we all might seek to use. So I'll ask again:

 

Anyone out there who likes words just for their sounds?

 

 

 

 

I've been too busy writing to write

The past ten days I have been at the University of Iowa Summer Writing Festival for two classes.

I met some fascinating people and read some very fine writing by members of Sarah Saffian's memoir class and Eric Goodman's life essay class.

You'll hear more about it as I get more time to process lectures, lessons and events.

For now, I just want to recommend the experience to you. There are six one-week sessions and that many week-end session. It is well worth your time and money if you are or would like to be a writer.

Be the first to order

I just got word that the paperback of my novel Too Much Left Unsaid is now available from writeplace.biz, Barnes and Noble or Amazon.  It should soon be available in independent bookstores or ask your bookstore to order you a copy.

The e-book version for Kindle, Nook, and other e-readers should be available soon, and I will blog about that when I am told it is ready.

If you are near or can come to Pella on July 13, join me for my book launch party on July 13 described in my previous post.

My novel will be launched soon

 

On Saturday, July 13, 2013, my novel

TOO MUCH LEFT UNSAID

will be launched at a party in Pella, Iowa.

The Write Place is publishing it and I will soon be able to tell you all where you can place orders to buy it.

The party will be at

Second Reformed Church

Gathering Space

612 Union in Pella.

 I will read a bit and sign copies if asked to do so.

Tulip Time in Pella--2013

This was what greeted us on Friday of
this year's Tulip Time Celebration

Today, Saturday of Tulip Time, Pella finally had one of the six parades scheduled for the three day festival. Tonight the lighted parade was to be held in a light rain, but the stage show was cancelled.

Yesterday was snowed out (see the photo at right) and Thursday's activities were rained out.

A year ago I wrote about Tulip Time in Pella that the unseasonably warm winter and spring of 2012 had caused all but a few tulips to bloom in April and people coming in May had missed the beauty.

This year please consider
coming next week
 or even the week after for some beautiful blooms. Tulips actually like cold and snow and generally keep their pretty shape longer.

Perhaps 2014 will find the happy medium. It is always fun to be in Pella.

Many people work hard to make you feel welcome. The weather--not so much.

What's in a wish? Making wishes come true

Last day of April, 2013-

Thinking about wishing--wishing I were thinking more clearly at this moment, but wanting to share some thoughts with those of you who have been pining away waiting for another post from me.

I was raised on fairy tales and early Walt Disney movies: Snow White, Dumbo, Pinocchio, Bambi.

•  A dream is a wish your heart makes...
• When you wish upon a star...
• I'm wishing and I'm dreaming of...
• I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight.
• Make a wish and blow out the candles.
• Be careful what you wish for, for it might come true

I'm sure you can think of many other "WISH Sayings" and I invite you to put them in the comments or email me at

Collinsleej@gmail.com

Planning for Summer

Here I sit on the third day of April dreaming of the spring and summer adventures ahead:

•  Family visits on our April trip: son, daughter-in-law, brother, sisters-in-law, niece, daughter and six grandkids..What a joy to look forward to seeing them all.
• Iowa Summer Writing Festival at the University of Iowa in June, a week spent with my college roommate from Wooster's Class of 1956. Could we really be that old?
• Heartland Theater in Platteville, WI, performances of "Fiddler on the Roof" with grandson Quinn in the cast.
• Visit here with my daughter Becky and grandchildren, Lillie and Russell. Other visits from the Wisconsin grands as well, of course.
• Presentations for Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) on Medicare for a local audience.
• Publishing of my book TOO MUCH LEFT UNSAID in June.
• Visits to local bookstores and libraries to promote my book.
• Activities at Church for the 150th Anniversary Year.

And before I know it--Fall, Thanksgiving, Christmas again. 

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.