Category: Poet

Book Review: “Write and Publish Organically”

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I own both the Kindle ebook and audio versions of this book.
 

Book Review: Write and Publish Organically

Values-based Approach

In “Write and Publish Organically”, Catherine Lawton explores the unique journey of writing and publishing through a holistic, values-based approach. The book is structured around insightful chapters that guide readers on how to discover their voice, foster authentic creativity, and navigate publishing in ways that reflect integrity and purpose.
 

Write From the Heart

Lawton encourages writers to explore “Writing from the Heart,” focusing on creating stories that are true to their experiences and emotions. She stresses the importance of “Organic Growth,” likening the writing process to nurturing a garden—each phase requires patience and care, allowing ideas to flourish naturally. She delves into the business side of publishing, encouraging writers to maintain their values rather than compromising for market trends, to publishing with integrity.
 

Relationships

Later chapters emphasize the importance of genuine reader relationships, fostering connections beyond transactional book sales. Lawton’s gentle encouragement and practical advice on how to balance creativity with the realities of the publishing world make this guide a rich resource for both emerging and experienced writers. With its focus on authenticity, purpose, and a steady, patient approach, “Write and Publish Organically” offers valuable insights for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact through their writing.
 
It’s a great resource and read for the new and experienced writer as well a publisher.
 
You can get information or purchase the book at https://cladach.com/writing-organically/.

Election Reflections

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Jim Kepler Reflection on 2024 Presidential Election Results
Jim Kepler Reflecting on the 2024 Presidential Election Results

Election Reflections

If you were in favor of the reelection of the former president, I know you’re happy.
 
If you were hoping the vice-president would ascend to office, well … it didn’t happen. And so goes life. Ups and downs. Thrills and disappointments.

God Still Reigns

Remember, our God reigns and is ultimately in charge. Even if someone doesn’t believe in God, that doesn’t change the fact that He’s still there, still in charge, and His will be done. That’s how I can accept any election results.
 
Remember, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”. Genesis 1:1.
 
The stock market seems very happy with the election results.

What The Bible Says

While these verses are from the Bible, I borrowed the verses from an excellent article by my writing friend Dr. Katherine Passour. All other content in the post is my original content.
 
 
Here are a few versers that help me through each day as I reflect on the government and our leaders.
 
Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Romans 13:1
 
Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. Hebrews 13:17
 
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor. 1 Peter 2:13-15
 
Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it. Luke 11:28
 
If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. John 15:10-11
 
And so goes the week and must trust in God.
 
 

 

Finding Purpose

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Reset

It’s Friday, the first day of November 2024. The morning feels fresh with newness, yet familiar, like stepping into a well-worn path. I was up by 6 AM, my mind already spinning with the day ahead. The last week of September plus October was a time of world travel and letting my beard grow wild. This morning I trimmed it down to a goatee. It feels like a small reset. I’m tidying up as I face the start of another month.

By 7:15, I had settled at my local Starbucks, holding a glass of water in one hand for my morning medications and a tall blonde roast coffee in the other. The aroma of coffee grounds and the gentle hum of morning chatter created a comforting backdrop as I settled in with my thoughts.

Nowhere Man

After opening my MacBook, I began listening to The Beatles’ “Nowhere Man,” as I do from time to time. You may be wondering why I decided on this song and why it holds such significance for me. During my recent travels I was in Liverpool England in September. I did The Beatles tour. The tour had me thinking on John Lennon’s life.

1n 1965 John Lennon wrote “Nowhere Man”. He was in a period of intense introspection. He was famous, admired, wealthy—by all standards — a man who had “made it.” Yet, amid this success, he questioned his identity and purpose. The song captures his struggle, expressing the unsettling feeling of being adrift despite outward achievements.

Fame Wasn’t Enough

For Lennon, fame wasn’t enough; something deeper was missing. In “Nowhere Man,” he reveals the ache of feeling detached, disconnected, and, perhaps, unanchored—a feeling that resonates worldwide. We’ve all had moments where we feel like we’re going through the motions, searching for something elusive that might give life meaning.

Listening to the song reminds me to be cautious, to resist letting life slip into routine without intentional purpose. Lennon’s story is a reminder: he had all the outward markers of success, yet something remained unfulfilled. I don’t want to end up like that. I appreciate his influence on music, culture, and activism, yet I perceive a longing for something more in him. For me, that “something” is purpose—a sense of direction that grounds me.

Purpose

This idea of purpose brings me back to a time in my life that shaped my outlook. When I was in the tenth grade, my church youth group performed a Christian musical called “Purpose,” written by Jimmy and Carol Owens. Aimed at young people, it explored themes of faith, self-identity, and finding meaning. The storyline followed a group of young people wrestling with their beliefs and discovering their purpose within their Christian faith.

The musical’s message was uncomplicated yet meaningful: our purpose transcends the surface, rooted in a significance. It struck a chord, especially during a period of cultural turmoil and societal transformation. The musical encouraged us, a young audience, to lean into our faith, to look beyond societal expectations, and to find our purpose in something lasting.

Faith in Jesus Christ

Reflecting on that experience now, decades later, I see how it helped to solidify my foundation. For me, faith in Jesus Christ gives life meaning beyond the ebb and flow of external achievements or challenges. I base my purpose not on fame or wealth, but on living in alignment with my faith and values. And so, on this November morning, as I sip my coffee and listen to Lennon’s haunting lyrics, I’m reminded of that grounding truth.

Do You Have a Purpose?

Purpose is something we all seek. It’s what keeps us going, even when the path ahead seems unclear. So, I’ll ask you: do you know your purpose?

Through faith in Christ, I believe I’ve found mine. And it’s a purpose I hold close, reminding me of what matters, even as the world around me changes.

You can find my story of finding purpose here. It is how I became a Christian. Click HERE for my story.

Fredericksburg, Texas

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Sycamore Cabin at HoneyTree Farm

In late January 2020, I found myself nestled in the heart of Texas Hill Country at the charming Sycamore Cabin on HoneyTree Farm in Fredericksburg. This cozy retreat became my home from January 27 to January 30, offering a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort.

Cabin

The cabin itself was a dream—surrounded by sycamore trees and thoughtfully designed to provide a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Each morning, I woke up to the gentle rustling of leaves and the sight of deer grazing nearby, a reminder of the peacefulness that only nature can offer.

Weather

The weather during my stay was brisk and cool, typical of a Texas winter, with temperatures that called for layers and warm drinks by the fire. The chill in the air added a special touch to my time at the cabin, making the experience even cozier.

National Museum of the Pacific War

Exploring Fredericksburg was an adventure in itself. I strolled through the charming downtown area, where historic buildings house an array of unique shops, galleries, and restaurants. One of the highlights was visiting the National Museum of the Pacific War, a sobering and informative experience that offered deep insights into World War II history. I visited but did not indulge in wine tasting at the local vineyards. For wine lovers it’s a must-do in this region known for its thriving wine scene. For teetotaler like me, it’s still fun to visit.

Enchanted Rock

The cooler weather didn’t deter me from enjoying the outdoors. I spent time hiking the nearby Enchanted Rock, a massive pink granite dome that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Hill Country. The crisp air and quiet trails made the hike both invigorating and meditative.

Star Gazing

Evenings were spent back at Sycamore Cabin, where I could relax on the porch with a hot cup of tea, watching the stars emerge in the clear, cold sky. The combination of nature, history, and the warmth of the cabin made this January trip to Fredericksburg truly unforgettable.

 Tranquility of Nature

If you’re seeking a winter getaway that blends the charm of small-town Texas with the tranquility of nature, I highly recommend a stay at HoneyTree Farm’s Sycamore Cabin. Whether you’re exploring the sights of Fredericksburg or simply unwinding by the fire, this experience is one that will linger in your memory long after you’ve returned home.

W.S. Merwin on Creativity

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“I learned from my own work that the poem is a way of seeing and feeling both at once,” said W.S. Merwin, a poet whose influence resonates deeply.
 
Merwin’s poetry invites us to experience the world through a lens that merges vision and emotion, offering a profound connection to both the inner and outer landscapes.
 
As a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and U.S. Poet Laureate, Merwin’s words transcend mere language. His work embodies a rare spiritual presence, much like Thoreau’s, capturing the essence of human experience and the natural world.
 
Embrace poetry as a means of seeing and feeling simultaneously. Through your own writing, discover the power to reveal truths that touch the soul and awaken the senses.
 

 

Bob Dylan on Creativity

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“Creativity is a funny thing. When we’re inventing something, we’re more vulnerable than we’ll ever be,” says Bob Dylan.
 
In these moments, eating and sleeping fade away, and we enter a state of “Splendid Isolation,” much like the solitude Warren Zevon sang about and Georgia O’Keeffe embraced in the desert.
 
To be truly creative, you often need to be unsociable and intensely focused. It’s not about being violent or ugly, but about being unfriendly and distracted, immersed in your own world. This self-sufficiency allows you to stay focused and channel your energy into your work.
 
Embrace this solitude and vulnerability. It’s in these moments of deep focus and isolation that true creativity blossoms, allowing you to create something unique and powerful.
 
 
Picture source:
Alberto Cabello from Vitoria Gasteiz, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
 

Leonard Cohen on Writing

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“I’ve always felt that the more personal you get, the more universal the application, rather than the other way around,” said Leonard Cohen.
 
When you delve deeply into your personal experiences, you create something profoundly relatable to others. By sharing your unique story, you touch on universal truths that resonate widely.
 
If you try to address the masses directly, you might achieve broad appeal, but true connection comes from authenticity.  The more accurately you capture your situation, the more others can see themselves in your work. This honesty and specificity make your creations accessible and meaningful.
 
Embrace the power of personal expression. Let your true self shine through in your art, writing, or any form of creativity. By doing so, you’ll forge genuine connections with others, creating work that speaks to the human experience.
 
 

Leonardo Da Vinci on Poetry & Art

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“Painting is poetry that is seen rather than felt, and poetry is painting that is felt rather than seen,” said Leonardo Da Vinci. Both art forms are expressions of beauty and emotion, but they reach us in different ways.

In painting, we experience visual poetry through colors, shapes, and compositions, allowing our eyes to interpret the artist’s vision. In poetry, we feel the emotions and imagery through words, letting our hearts and minds paint vivid pictures.

Embrace the interplay between these art forms. Let your paintings tell a poetic story and your poems create vibrant imagery. Each form enriches the other, offering a deeper, more profound experience. Celebrate the harmony of sight and feeling, and let your creativity flow across both mediums.

Neil Gaiman on Creativity

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“The one thing that you have that nobody else has is you,” Neil Gaiman reminds us.
 
Your voice, your mind, your story, and your vision are uniquely yours. Embrace this individuality and let it shine through in all you do.
 
Write, draw, build, play, dance, and live in a way that only you can. Every creation is a testament to your unique perspective and a gift to the world.
 
Celebrate your originality and let your authentic self guide your creative journey. Your unique contributions enrich the tapestry of life, inspiring others to embrace their own uniqueness.
 
Neil Gaiman

Kay Ryan on Poetry

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A poem is a conversation between a reader and a writer, beautifully described by Kay Ryan, Pulitzer Prize winner in Poetry 2011. In this intimate exchange, the writer pours their heart onto the page, and the reader engages, bringing their own experiences and interpretations.

Through poetry, we bridge gaps of time, space, and understanding, creating a shared experience that resonates deeply with both parties. It’s a dialogue where emotions, thoughts, and reflections flow freely, fostering connection and insight.

Each reader’s interpretation adds a new layer of depth to the poem, making it a living, evolving piece of art. This dynamic interaction enriches both the writer’s expression and the reader’s experience, creating a profound bond through the power of words.

Embrace the power of poetry to foster meaningful conversations. Let your words reach out, inviting readers to join you in a dance of language and emotion, discovering new layers of meaning together.

"A poem is a conversation between a reader and a writer." Kay Ryan (BA, MA - UCLA) is an American poet and educator. Pulitzer Prize in Poetry 2011 MacArthur Fellow 2011 United States Poet Laureate 2008 - 2010 Guggenheim Fellowship 2004 Ruth Lilly Poetry Prize 2004 - with photo of Kay Ryan