Category: Poetry

Book Review: “Write and Publish Organically”

Posted in @jimmiekepler, Bible, Blog, Books I've Reviewed, Christian Living, Christian Writers, Jim Kepler, Jimmie A. Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Jimmie Kepler, jimmiekepler.com, Poems, Poet, Poet's Life, Poetry, Poets, Writer's Life, WritingLeave a comment
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/.

W.S. Merwin on Creativity

Posted in @jimmiekepler, Blog, Jim Kepler, Jimmie A. Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Jimmie Kepler, Meet the Poets, Poem, Poet, Poet's Life, Poetry, Poets, Writer's Life, WritingLeave a comment
 
“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

Posted in @jimmiekepler, Blog, Jim Kepler, Jimmie A. Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Jimmie Kepler, jimmiekepler.com, Meet the Poets, Poem, Poems, Poet, Poet's Life, Poetry, Poets, Writer's Life, WritingLeave a comment

“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

Posted in @jimmiekepler, Blog, Jim Kepler, Jimmie A. Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Jimmie Kepler, jimmiekepler.com, Meet the Poets, Poem, Poems, Poet, Poet's Life, Poetry, Poets, Writer's Life, WritingLeave a comment
“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

Posted in @jimmiekepler, Blog, Christian Living, Jim Kepler, Jimmie A. Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Jimmie Kepler, jimmiekepler.com, Poem, Poems, Poet, Poet's Life, Poetry, Poets, Writer's Life, WritingLeave a comment

“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.

Kay Ryan on Poetry

Posted in @jimmiekepler, Blog, Jim Kepler, Jimmie A. Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Jimmie Kepler, jimmiekepler.com, Meet the Poets, Poem, Poems, Poet, Poet's Life, Poetry, Poets, Writer's Life, WritingLeave a comment

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

Terry Pratchett on Writing

Posted in @jimmiekepler, Blog, Christian Living, Christian Writers, Jim Kepler, Jimmie A. Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Jimmie Kepler, jimmiekepler.com, Poem, Poems, Poet, Poet's Life, Poetry, Poets, Writer's Life, WritingLeave a comment

Embrace the evolving journey of writing!

Sir Terry Pratchett shares: “I, on the other hand, am a technophile, so there is no such thing as a first draft. The first draft plunges on, and about a quarter of the way through it I realize I’m doing things wrong, so I start rewriting it. What you call the first draft becomes rather like a caterpillar; it is progressing fairly slowly, but there is movement up and down its whole length, the whole story is being changed. I call this draft zero, telling myself how the story is supposed to go.”

Writing is an ever-changing process. Draft zero is a living, breathing entity, constantly evolving as you uncover the true path of your story. It’s a journey of discovery, where revisions shape the narrative from start to finish.

Don’t be afraid to dive in, knowing that transformation is part of the process. Allow your story to grow and change, like a caterpillar inching towards its final form. Embrace the fluidity of draft zero, trusting that each rewrite brings you closer to the story you’re meant to tell.

Sir Terry Pratchett I, on the other hand am a technophile, so there is no such thing as a first draft. The first draft plunges on, and about a quarter of the way through it I realise I'm doing things wrong, so I start rewriting it. What you call the first draft becomes rather like a caterpillar; it is progressing fairly slowly, but there is movement up and down its whole length, the whole story is being changed. I call this draft zero, telling myself how the story is supposed to go.

Jon Acuff on Creativity

Posted in @jimmiekepler, Blog, Christian Living, Christian Writers, Jim Kepler, Jimmie A. Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Jimmie Kepler, jimmiekepler.com, Poem, Poems, Poet, Poet's Life, Poetry, Poets, Writer's Life, WritingLeave a comment
Embrace your unique journey! Jon Acuff reminds us: “Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle.”
 
Every creative path is different, and comparing your early steps to someone else’s advanced stages can hinder your growth and joy.
 
Each artist, writer, and creator starts somewhere, and it’s important to honor your own progress. Celebrate your beginnings, for they are the foundation of your future successes. Focus on your growth, learning, and development without the weight of comparison.
 
Remember, every expert was once a beginner. Embrace your journey with patience and pride, knowing that your unique path will lead to extraordinary places.
 
Creativity meme Jon Acuff - "Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle." - from the book by Jon Acuff, "Start: Punch Fear in the Face, Escape Average, and Do Work That Matters"

Creativity is Rooted in Love

Posted in @jimmiekepler, Bible, Bible Memes, Blog, Christian Living, Christian Writers, Jim Kepler, Jimmie A. Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Jimmie Kepler, jimmiekepler.com, Poem, Poems, Poet, Poet's Life, Poetry, Poets, Writer's Life, WritingLeave a comment
Creativity is rooted in love, reflecting the essence of God as love, as stated in 1 John 4:8.
 
Christians see creativity as a beautiful expression of this divine love, mirroring the boundless compassion and creativity of the Creator. When we create, we channel this love, infusing our work with purpose, meaning, and beauty.
 
Through creative acts, we share a piece of our hearts, connecting with others and spreading joy and understanding. This sacred process allows us to participate in the divine act of creation, celebrating the love that flows through us from God.
 
Embrace your creativity as an act of love. Let it shine through your work, touching lives and reflecting the divine love within you. 
 
Creativity is rooted in love.

Tracy K. Smith on Poetry

Posted in @jimmiekepler, Blog, Christian Living, Christian Writers, Jim Kepler, Jimmie A. Kepler, Jimmie Aaron Kepler, Jimmie Kepler, jimmiekepler.com, Meet the Poets, Poem, Poems, Poet, Poet's Life, Poetry, Poets, Writer's Life, WritingLeave a comment
Tracy K. Smith, Pulitzer Prize winner in Poetry 2012, reminds us: “Poetry is not a cure. It is an invitation to beauty.”
 
Poetry doesn’t seek to solve or heal all our woes; rather, it invites us to witness and appreciate the beauty in the world, even amidst pain and struggle.
 
Through poetry, we find moments of grace and splendor, offering a fresh perspective on our experiences. It allows us to pause, reflect, and see the extraordinary in the ordinary. This invitation to beauty enriches our lives, helping us to connect more deeply with ourselves and the world around us.
 
Embrace poetry as a doorway to beauty. Let it guide you to discover the profound and the lovely in the everyday, transforming your view of the world.
 
Poet Tracy K. Smith