Guestbook & Feedback.
Saturday, July 10th, 2010
Got something to say about the books or the blog? Appreciation, ideas, artwork, insights, tips, tools, links, jokes, stories… and yes, gripes too: all are welcome here in the guestbook. Just click on the comments link below right.
Very well said, Orna. You are very wise and always give people such wonderful things to think about. Thank you!
Great post on passion and a relief to read given the america’s got x factor talent culture we find ourselves living in. A cynical part of me can’t help wondering though how they’re going to rebrand commitment
I enjoyed this post. It resonated for me because as an art student in college (many years ago) I felt like something was “wrong” with me. I didn’t seem to have the “passion” to express myself as some of the other art students did. It made me question my creativity. I did, however, have the commitment to complete any project put in front of me — with pride and to the best of my ability. It was that trait I think, which resulted in me being given a “solo” exhibit in my senior year — something that was rarely given. Fast forward almost 30 years, and it is still commitment over passion that drives me. Thank you for posting this for all of us who may not be feel a “burning desire”, but rather the “need to not give up”.
Nice post, Orna. Though I never have enough time for it, I love my garden. In my early years of gardening, I wanted everything. And while I find value in almost every flowering thing (and many unflowering beauties as well), I’ve learned over time to be selective in my choice of plants. Because space is always at a premium, each flower has to earn its place by wowing me in its season. It may seem a little vigilant to some, but I can honestly say that when I look at my garden, I absolutely love everything I see. Sometime less really is more.
Hi, i’m a long time reader, first time replier lol. seriously though, i always read your blogs and find them very insightful, useful and elegantly written. Big fan! So why am I suddenly replying to this blog, well the reason is I finally got to watch the movie, ‘age of stupid yesterday which is a very hard hitting inconvenient truthful movie about global warming. So your blog today I feel is very apt and hit me. I believe the only reason to create is to share, to help clear away what is in the way and to move us in the right direction. Your work does this and I admire you for it. I try to do the same with craftzone.ie my company that I run. Its all about creating the space for people to explore their creative potential. Anyway Keep up the great writing. Its a beautiful addition to the world, peace kenn
thanks for this, orna,
i’m doing just this with my groaning bookshelves – keeping the ones i love, selling some on amazon, giving others to charity – after friends have chosen any they’d like
it’s not easy – i’m a serious bookaholic – but i do feel better for it…
Orna, Thank you! I really needed this today. And I’m not really “into” jazz but the message was clear. Thanks so much!
Hi Orna,
Found you this morning while researching articles for an assifnment. Found your articles to be very uplifting. I was able to do my assignment and now i am reading on. Thank you very much for your great work and also given me the opportunity to see life from a different path.
Perfect. When my marketing assignments were beyond frustrating with revisions and do-overs, I used to think of it as just starting a new assignment each time instead of re-doing the same one over and over again. Okay, that’s a little crazy, but it’s a mental game really–and letting your work get you down is also a little crazy. Work is work and you have to work at it. Oh, and I love sharing this: instead of making a resolution, I look at it as an evolution. How do I want to evolve next? What do I want to grow into & become? It helps me stay focused on doing and getting better at the actions that get me to where I want to be. Sometimes it takes more than a year to make a real change. I’m really glad I found your blog, newsletter, twitter… you! Thanks.
great idea for New Year resolutions 2012
Happy New Year!
Amelia.x
I loved your “small stone”, posted today. Re: you most recent blog entry, yes! But I’d tend to place more emphasis on process, then results.
What a wonderful blog and a wonderful outlook you share Orna. I came straight here after reading your excellent post on the Mslexia Blog, not only venturing into the uncharted realms of epublishing, but inpsiring us with mindfulness and meditation. I loved the ‘Good News’ poem and I too am an admirer of the works of Thich Nhat Hanh’s work. I look forward to becoming more familiar with your work too.
I JUST discovered your web site while trolling the internet. I wish I had stumbled upon you sooner, but I am so thankful that I have now. I will look forward to every post on your blog, always hungering for more.
I’m always thrilled when I see someone in a quest to develop his creativity, for I really love this subject. You have a wonderful blog, Orna! Keep up the good work!
Hi Orna:
I, too, found you via Joanna Penn. You’ll have to thank her for all the connections!
I LOVE your post about resolutions vs intentions. I’ve never been one to make resolutions. But I’ve begun to realize the importance of our intentions.
I have a very clear intention for 2012: To get “Chocolatour” (my chocolate travel book) published. There will be lots about London it it! If you’d like a sneak peek, please visit my travel blog at: http://diversionswithdoreen.com/.
All the best to you,
Doreen.
I came to know about this blog through Joanna Penn’s interview. And, I like what you say. Your inevitability blog struck home, as it prompted me to honestly address those statements. I am dealing with my husband’s terminal illness, and they are relevant in my life at present. Great food for thought.
Hello, Orna. I found you through Joanna Penn and am so glad I did. Your book, After the Rising, sounds right up my alley. I write 20th century historical fiction, so this intrigued me. I’ve ordered it for my Kindle.
I like the idea of a freewriting notebook and plan to answer your questions, including the ‘why’ question. Looking forward to receiving your posts regularly. Great video with Joanna, by the way!
I think I’ll wait for Skin Diving. A Dance in Time was wonderful!
Dear Orna,
I am interested to read your non-fiction to connect the self with one’s own creative intelligence. I am walking a path where such a meditation would be infinitely helpful both to me as an artisan academic and healer, and I would recommend the book to my clients who are survivors of trauma. I work with them to envision and create safe spaces in their everyday life, and such a meditation would center them amidst the challenges in their day to day experience.
your blog was suggested to me from my Irish friend and Dubliner, Ruth. Although she and I don’t get to talk very often, your blogs always remind me of her and the moment of magic that inspired our meeting.
Thank you for your work, I look forward to future posts, to reading your book and to creative success!
With sincere regards,
Shawndel
I’d love to review Inspiration Meditation, if it’s still available.
Hi Orna, thanks for your blogs, especially the last one on anxiety and worry. Marion and I are going through a truly traumatic and stressful time and blogs like these are most uplifting….. and so true. Thank you
Rod
Ez a blog is csodálatos. Mindig minden az ideális info elképzeléseit az ujjaim. Köszönöm, és folytassák az eddigi kiváló munkát!
Another intriguing chapter, Orna! I love the play between past and present, the story of 1916 slowly coming out…
Hi Roberta, thanks for the lovely feedback — I’m so pleased you noticed the pictures. It’s interesting actually. This guy wrote to me, a bit of a troll, telling me that my nature pics etc were cliches, an email was full of effing and blinding and insults. Anyone who has been online for a while gets used to that but I knew by the way I was feeling about his message that a small part of me agreed with him. So, ignoring the abuse, I read what he had to say and then had a little think (i.e. did some FREEwriting on it) and realised I had been coasting, taking it too handy — so decided to up the game a bit. Thank you so much for noticing, that’s really gratifying. And of course for the ongoing connection. Happy hatchings this week! x
Orna,
Just to re-iterate how much of a motivator your blog is for me, especially the regular emails that remind me to check out the latest post. Lately I have been finding the imagery particularly pleasing and wonder how you manage to keep it fresh and updated?
All the best
Roberta
Hi Orna,
Just found you from your Writer Unboxed article. So glad to find a writer who also focuses on the more spiritual side of creativity!
This last couple of years wonderful Irish women are coming into my life with fire and creativity a plenty, I have a good feeling about you too! At 58 I am stepping into a new phase of my life out of academic education and into re-kindling, restoring and loving my own creativity. I have spent years and years doing it for others, now it’s my turn. I sense that your writing and presence may be excellent food for this journey and I thank you.
Sue
Thanks again Orna for bringing me back onto the constructive path. It is so easy to forget and slide into negativity and that draining self-driving that ends up getting you nowhere. And again, these memos always seem to pop up in my inbox just when I need them most! Synchronicity again – and thanks again and all the best with your work.
Love your post on the “No Box!” If naysayers gather as we bloom, I say bring them on.
Terrific blog, Orna. Glad I found it via SCWC’s Facebook page.
Enjoyed the article Mentor Tormentor! Keep it up
.
Well said, well written and, at a minimum, two fine examples of abuse by personages in a position of power.
Hans Lussenburg
Orna, just finished Ch 4 of “Skin Diving.”
I’ve got a demon on one shoulder screaming “Damnation! I want the rest of this RIGHT NOW!” and an angel on the other whispering to me that I get to savor the richness of this story, and your masterful writing, over and over again, as each chapter is released.
So, the anticipation grows. I love it and hate it at the same time.
Fabulous job, Mack and Zelda come alive in this chapter!
Linda Anger
Just wanted to say that was SUCH beautiful writing: I loved ‘the years pooled in the sag of her breasts’ … I have a million things to do but this extract popped into my mail box and I was competely transfixed! Thank you.
Orna – apologies! Just realised I left a comment in the wrong place!!It’s under Skin Diving!! Loretto Mara
This site is a light. Thanks for the words, Orna. Cool to see you were also born in Waterford…
Have a lovely holiday. But first please read the fine new review of my American Civil War novel copied from Goodreads to my blog @ sappho-sings.blogspot.com.
I’ve had a busy week — just had time (finally!) to open the e-mail entitled “Skin Diving”. What a great surprise, to find the first chapter of your novel. Your description of the countryside and the Palladian building grabbed me right away (I had a Stourhead moment) and the childhood memories left me wanting more. Thank you so much for sharing this story. I saw something about asking for donations. Will you not be selling your story as an e-book?
Superb web-site yours sincerely, Angelo Krysh
Great idea!
Just a thought, for you.
How about doing something with Kindle. I do not own a Kindle but I have it installed on my PC and my Mac and when you read on either it syncs to the last page you read. It’s free!
I am very interested in reading your novel.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me for more information. as far as a reader goes. I have no idea how Kindle works the deal out with the writers but I have read two novels over two weekends.
Thanks so much Sally. What I’m going to do, thanks to you and others who have said the same thing, is have a donation button so if people are enjoying it, they’ll be able to show their appreciation. I’m a wee bit nervous, as the outline I have in my head is very nebulous, but hey, if it worked for Dickens and my great hero, George Eliot… maybe some of their magic will rub off!
Hurray for serialization! Is there a way you can pay yourself for this? I would buy a (very cheap) membership–such a miser I am, but an enthusiastic supporter. Or, an ad to run with the episode?
Orna – I am excited about your serialized novel. It will be interesting to see how this works for you online, what following you gain, and, from my perspective as an editor, how you handle revisions of early chapters if/when things have to change as a result of what comes up as you work through later chapters.
Count me in as a reader!
Linda
Love the water poem, Orna! Reminds me of one I wrote in 1997 titled “Iced Water with a Twist of Time.” You can read it here: http://thewriteconcept.com/poetry-fiction/
Everything on the planet is water, lovely water, in endless recycle.
Your posts are always wonderful.
Linda (your follower #TWCinMI on Twitter)
Orna,
These are quite simply the loveliest lines I have read in such a long time. They bring tears to my eyes, thank you so much for posting this to me.
Love the water poem. Go raibh maith agat. X
I loved the poem about the rain. I currently have water standing in the yards and seeping in the basement so I badly needed a new way to view it. I shared it on my FB page as all the locals are equally tired of the rain and I thought they might enjoy a different mode of reference. And yes, I’ve been to the lovely isle of Ireland and am familiar with its frequent squirts of watering. I say squirts because that’s what they are compared to the thunderstorms we experience and when my Irish friend visited here, he was amazed at the difference. It’s good for me to be reminded of those refreshing “squirts” though. Thank you!
Hello Orna! Just found your blog recently and wanted to mention how much inspiration, or rather “clarification” I’ve gained from a particular post – “Becoming a Writer”. Your mention of the writer’s struggle because “no one seems to care,” struck a cord with me as this is probably the biggest pitfall for me. But your fresh perspective of “no one really asking you to do this, so you need to strengthen the bond with yourself” – sort of shed a whole new light. You’re right, no one did ask, so why should they be sooo invested in the outcome? I do it for me; for creative expression; I’m the one that’s got to connect with it first…
Ok back to work now! Love your site.
Mo Neville
Really interesting topic. Getting clear on ours WHY’s. Sounds so easy, but as you said in your post, can be quite perplexing. I look forward to reading this series.
Can’t wait to see tomorrow’s post on how to dissolve!
Dear Ms Orna, I happen by
Your web page as I researched;
Words I gotta, smiles on the sly,
Now stray thoughts stage in fleeting surge!
I like the way you sculpt your words,
Surprise pulls me ere I can flee;
Yet I must say: your echoes’ heard…
Charm now flings free: intense, squarely!
I like your stuff when words spring clear;
I’ve said enough, late moments steer.
Thank you for posting this. It has been years since I last read this story and I had completely forgotten about it. I will be passing this on to my friends who I am not with NOW, but will be.
Cheers,
D
Hi,
I love your blog! so inspiring!
Could you elaborate a little bit more on the open and close creative modes?
thanks
Dear Orna,
Love the writing. You are an inspiration
Thank you so much
Tony
Aine ‘Go raibh mile maith agat’x Breda
Thanks for this Orna, along with all the other memos, often they are the first thing to re-motivate me when my energy and confidence are flagging. This is such an important maxim I would love for it to be sent to every teacher in the world – so many times my daughters have been inspired by a teacher’s enthusiasm and encouragemnet yet, sadly, really demoralised and put off by a critical teacher who thinks she / he is helping the child by running down their work or even their person. I read a brilliant book years ago by John Gray, the psychologist who wrote the Mars / Venus stuff – the book is called Children are from Heaven and emphasises the fragility of self-esteem right up to the teenage years and the destructive nature of criticism. I also researched Maria Montessori’s work for my thesis on self-development. She said the child was like a delicate seedling, needing nurturance and gentle training but anything beyond that is destructive. Criticism she said was an act of violence to the delicate mind of the child and we all still have our inner child, in fact often it is in that free, imaginative part of ourselves that creativity lies. So thanks for reminding me of all these things and I am doubly motivated now to be accepting and gentle with all around me.
All the best, Roberta
Hi Orna
A good post – indeed, business as usual.
Mike
It is interesting how many wield words without thinking of their meaning. But, what I am hearing here is an argument about the kind of creative resources that poor and working class people have always used. We creatively get by in hard economic times by cooking every bit, and eating all our “leftovers”, by mending our clothes (creatively) by packing more people into a small living space. etc…
Then uncreative noise, or sound bites are about people who have been blindly making money, for the sake of making money for so long, that they don’t have a clue what it’s like to live in the red of credit debt or a budget that doesn’t cover every day cost of living for themselves or their family.
Both, creative and uncreative ideals have gone on for as long as there was a class division in any population.
Loved the Creative Principles article! As I struggle to find clarity regarding my perspective on creativity and its purpose for humans, I appreciate your insights. Can’t wait for part 2.
Wow, Orna. Just found your site through my friend Haley Whitehall. I’ve subscribed to receive more great information about inspiration! You’re site is beautiful, inviting and filled with great stuff!!
Thanks!
HI Bill, thanks for your interest. The 7 Stages is a series. Part 3 is here: http://www.ornaross.com/2011/01/the-3rd-stage-of-the-creative-process/. Part 4 will go up on the blog today & thanks for the reminder to tidy up the links. If you are interested in the stages as they apply to writing, you’ll find a bit more on writershub.org and writers.ie. If your interest is in creating something else, anything from money to meaningful relationships, the good news is I am working on an e-book which will bring together all 7 stages, with examples drawn from real life and exercises that will take you through each stage. That e-book will be available here on the blog (free to subscribers) later in 2011, hopefully, depending on other commitments. Hope that helps.
I was reading through your blog and got as far as
Creative Process Stage 2. Incubation.
Monday, November 29th, 2010
Where is the link for Stage 3 (and beyond)?
I love this! You couldn’t have said this better! I put a link to this on my blog. I love your posts, and I think a lot of creative people can benefit from your advice. Thank you!
This site has reminded me of so much we forget about creativity. Like I used to love writing small stories when I was a child and send it to my grandmother. But we get so caught up in the maelstrom of the world we forget.
Thanks for allowing us to open ourselves again and remember
John Smith,
Besides reading and writing a lot…reading and writing well are equally essential, if not even more. Quality is more important than quantity.
Author of the poetry book: From Hell With Love http://bit.ly/ic2tED
You are absolutely right that the whole process of reviewing your work before sumbitting it for publication is a living nightmare. What happens with me is that the more i look at my work, the more i want to make changes. I try hard not to give in to temptation, otherwise i will never submit anything.LOL So i give myself three chances. After three reviews, i am ready. I had to set that specific limit for my own peace of mind.
Maria Papadopoulou
Author of the poetry book: From Hell with Love http://bit.ly/ic2tED
You know Orna, i always believed in creative intelligence. I specifically always thought that it was directly related to emotional intelligence. The deeper you dig into something, the bigger treasure you will find, and this is exactly what you are doing with your blog. Keep up the good work!
Maria Papadopoulou
Author of the poetry book: From Hell With Love http://bit.ly/ic2tED
Beautifully inspirational, thank you
Fritjo Capri’s book the Tao of Physics, was one of the indicators which lead me deep into exploring the correlation between the concepts of modern physics and the systematic knowledge of consciousness as expounded by the vedic science of india. Some of this knowledge is most eloquently expresses by John Hagelin, a Harvard trained physicist who has done a lot to promote the knowledge and technology of Invincible Defence. His website http://www.invincibledefense.org/, is worth having a look at.
A profound connection between physics and so called mysticism. It’s only in the last 2 years that I’m particularly aware of such connections and it’s wonderful! I have a number of friends who are scientists who are coming round to such connections, and the work of Bruce Lipton and Gregg Braden have helped me enormously. This is something I will comment on at my next book study meeting because it is such a thought-provoking post. Thanks, Orna.
Truly inspirational.
I really enjoyed and love your blog. It is very interesting and quite inspirational. A nice change of pace from the every day hustle of life and business. I will pass this blog along to my friends and business associates. Great job! Orna, I now have one more blog to read every day.Thank you.
Hi Orna,
Your blogs are quitre inspirational. I love reading them.
Thankyou!
I very much enjoy your blog, thank you!
Blessings, light and joy.
Just read your blog again – thank yuo for your inspriational writings. They mean a lot to me.
Love Sasha
Sometimes breakdown clears the way for breakthrough, don’t you think? Like demolition before rebuilding.
Thank you, Orna, for so eloquently expressing your concern about the wearing of the poppy. I share your concern, and every year I dread the approach of Remembrance Day and the social pressure that accompanies it. I understand the need to remember our history, and I am grateful to those who have given their lives in war; but I do not understand the need to glorify war, and I doubt that I ever will. Thanks again for speaking out.
Just started to write a book during my last trip to Cape Clear Island. The title is ‘Síol an tEó Fís – The Roe of the Salmon of Knowledge.’ The reference to roe is a play on the word toe, as Cape Clear Island may be considered the toe of Ireland, also I believe that I have found a way to resolve the 100 year old search for a TOE, a Theory of Everything in Physics. If this is true, and accepted as a process of gaining total knowledge, then the TOE changes to ROE, the Reality of Everything.
I love your posts Orna, but your reference to f—– for virginity was repulsive to me. It was in bad taste to use such a phrase on your lovely creative forum. I wish you hadn’t.
I small boy awoke from his kindergarten class & was told to run home the president had been shot in Dallas. The boy ran fast as other walked and laughed. Life changed after that.
Interesting how life slips along.
Can recommend Mlodinow and Stephen Hawking’s new book, Grand Design, for as readable a version of quantum physics as you’ll ever find (e.g., our perception of our universe is as skewed as the view of a goldfish swimming in a clear, round fish bowl).
Having just attended a conference at Johns Hopkins on the neuroscience of the arts with Pat Metheny on improvisation and a Hopkins ear surgeon on hearing and perception – and what the brain does on improvisation based on fMRI scans.
My own summary of that conference – and how artists are about 6000 years ahead of scientists in understanding the universal creativity here: http://wordsworkcom.blogspot.com/2010/10/your-brain-on-art.html
Love this post, thanks! It’s a great way to remind psuedo writers and wanna be-s that writing ain’t for sissies – if you really want to write, you have to love the grinding discipline that comes with it – whether you’re noticed or not!
So lovely to see a fellow 1+1>2 thinker – found you serendipitously (always the best way) via Judith Morgan – much synergy and sharing I can see
What is a poem? Impossible to say or define…… There are rhymes.. there is also alliterative poetry…. but I would say it has to sing in your mind and do the same for others – mind you it will never do the same for all, or even many, others.. but that is essential.. I often write something I call prose-poems — written paragraphs in prose that paint pictures and project music – that flash across your soul….
Ted
Wonderful stuff on creative intelligence! And the term sounds much better than ‘right-brained’….
It is only in the past year that I discovered what has been ‘wrong’ with me all my life! A female friend said to me, “Well, you are right-brained!”…. and being right-brain dominant, I had to run home and google it as I could not remember which was the creative half! Categories escape me…… It is especially difficult being male and being this way – for one’s entire life you are expected to be able to function as a left brain dominant person – and I have always been an utter failure at this. I have new sympathy for left-handed people who were forced to write with their right hands as kids…..
Thanks for much for the daily ‘pops’ of inspiration via Twitter. I always look forward to your Tweets and info. Well done and today was no exception. Waiting for my “Animoto” images to upload so just taking a moment to express continued gratitude. Go well!
I have been teaching Spiritually Based Leadership Workshops for years as an independent consultant. These blog posts are an excellent resource for those of us who work at helping others achieve their maximum life-source potential. Outstanding work. Pidamayedo.
Microsoft approached Evergreen State College, a school renowned for encouraging students to fly their own pathway, and requested four interns who would really “think outside the box.” Each of the four were offered permanent positions at the end of their internships. The next year, Microsoft returned and made the same request, but with a caveat: “This time, maybe not so FAR outside the box.” Giggle.
To teach my own children some sense, I took them from the box that is called school and taught them or let them learn at home. Those kids have more sense than normal and show more intelligence since they had some exercise to think for themselves without accepting the norm. My son is very well red and so intelligent that the people around him have a trouble accepting him and allowing him to pursue his passions…music, the right job, etc. This is where the right decision will get a backlash or a result that was not expected at all but are victims of the majority.
I was actually looking up a citation for “creative intelligence” for my online psychology course. Albeit not a “legit” scientific source
I really liked it and used it as one for a discussion assignment. Then I had a crazy notion to look further into your web page. Something about it intrigued me. I was reading your “about” page and realized I had to mention it to the lady in my class I was posting my reply to. She is also an author and advocate for vegetarianism. So far she has written two books and is currently on her third. She mentioned to me about having written about how diet affects health and can cure many things. She also mentions being on the radio to further advocate her approach. I don’t know her very well, as it’s an internet course; however, I am sure she will be highly interested in what you have to say about such issues (and also inspired by your writing;) Hope you don’t mind, but I relayed your information to her in a second reply to her. 
I love your website layout! (Maybe because I have some Irish decent in me… hehe) Great job and I’m glad I “ran” into you.
Hi,
I’m a regular subscriber of your blog. And I guess there’s nothing more to be said about the confidence we get from your write-ups!
The thing I wanted to notify you is something technical about the website. When there are images in your post, usually the thumbnails are small, but I can see that the actual image is very large. The size of the image is over 2MB or so. This makes the thumbnail load very slow and also steals my Internet bandwidth as well. Please try to resize the image to a smaller, sufficient size, which is favorable to both you and the readers.
Cheers!
There is no moment like the present. Worrying about the future or dwelling on the past are just wasteful ways of spending your present moment. It is very important to cross bridges only when you come to them.
Hi Orna
Wonderful story from the master, Tolstoy. Buddhist wisdom from Russia!
” While you can probably squeeze out some creativity by sitting at your desk in front of a blank page, anxiously willing yourself to ‘work’, it’s a creative fact that you’ll have more inspired results through snoozing, daydreaming, taking a mental or physical ‘wander’ or meditating.”
I think it was Octavio Paz who, when he retired to his bedroom for an afternoon siesta, hung a sign on his door reading: “ Quiet! Poet at work.”
Nice thought on creativity Orna
Nice piece on insight. For my part I see insight cultivation as:
SIMPLICITY, SOLITUDE, STILLNESS and SILENCE leads to CONTEMPLATION which opens us up to MINDFULNESS, AWARENESS, INSIGHT and AWAKENING.
Michael
Cheers! Brilliant!
(there, my Anglophilia is in check, for now)
The author/reader interface hasn’t been this good since Cervantes wrote ‘Don Quixote’………….
Truly, writer accessibility is something that enriches her/him—like some catholic coffeehouse w/o walls; which reminds me, let’s bring back the original coffeehouse, the organic internet of olde.
Postscript: I’m doing screen/stage adaptations of some of my short stories, including microficition; how’s your intermedia experience going? Peace, IN!
Amazing,amazing web-site! I`m just mesmerized with your work! Just wonderful! Congratulations and keep going!
I started my blogging journey here in this wonderous website a month ago, and I feel I have entered a whole new world. I have travelled so far in those weeks that I feel as though my life has been turned upside down, inside out and my spirit has come back to life! Thank you so much Orna Ross.
offbeat woman
Thanks Sally, one of those ones that arrived more or less complete. So glad you appreciated it.
The poem about listening to life–wonderful! Thank you.
Hi Orna,
Just read the Idea of the Decade post. (Camille Paglia) It sounds to me more like an observation than an idea, and it’s very simplistic, ie go back to using your hands, being craftsmen. I suppose people who write, who are in the media etc live in their heads a lot and the internet info overload doesnt help stress/tiredness, but not everyone is suited to being or wants to be a craftsperson. I think Camille needs to come up with something else a bit more noteworthy.
What a comforting thought to imagine/believe that you can hold a conversation with a writer you admire. I’m about to start one with Stieg Larsson. Hopefully my very rudimentary Swedish will hold up. MC
Thanks for the invitation. Very nice, very welcoming. The Steinbeck notes hit home. Bestest and warmest regards. Jim
This is the most viable and worthwhile connection I have come across since entering twitterville. Thank you for myself and for all others who are engifted by your time and effort.
I love drabbles, flash fiction… all the shorts. Especially as my books are about 600 pages long!
…and always that wonderfully scary example of Hemingway.
‘For Sale: baby shoes, never used’. (or was it never worn?)
sometimes I practice writing drabbles (100 word) stories
but it is an endless challenge.
thanks for the thougths, and sharing.
Jane from @ Number 8
I am so inspired by this site but even more so by your enormous generosity of spirit in ‘spreading the creative word’!
You are right about Answering Back, Orna.
In addition to getting enjoyment from the talent on display, the concept on which it is based can provide a fresh inspiration for creation – find a poem which is striking for you in some way and respond with your own Answering Back poem.
So glad I found this site! Looking forward to browsing here.
Love the no-nonsense tips you have shared here. I do enjoy writing (although I’m in a different category of writing), and sometimes it is very hard to find inspiration. Thanks for giving me the shot in the arm I needed to continue doing what I do.
Karen, The Resume Chick (on Google or Twitter for questions, comments and violent reactions)
Love your posts Orna – they are like music to my soul. Because beautiful words, like music, are my refuge – I crawl into the space between the syllables and curl my back to loneliness!
Bless you Orna
I could never be without my books. They are like old friends to me. I often run my fingers over their spines and have even been known to kiss them on occasion. I could never contemplate defacing a book , but keep my favourite quotes in a file where I can read over them often.
I look forward to receiving the Orna Ross blogg because there is always a message that resonates with truth and depth. With fresh encouragement and helpful links I am growing through this authors generous spirit. Thank you Orna Ross.
I loved your post on books. I am exactly the same way! That is why I really cannot borrow books from the library anymore, because I love to scribble notes, highlight/underline key information, fold corners over, and tear out pages to carry around with me as well.
It’s very possible to be both a Book Owner AND a Book Reader, though! I love rereading books so it makes sense to hang on to as many of them as possible.
I felt so much better after reading’ Book Owner … or Reader. It’s been a guilty secret of mine that I too scribble comments in margins for when I next re-read a book, or cut out paragraphs. My mother would be horrified (but there again she has never passed on or lent anyone a book in case they’spoil’it. Special words and phrases are like chocolate; they melt slowly in the mouth as they are savoured. Often, they will conjour up images that can, in turn, lead on to ideas for my own writing.I once read a very evocative description of a storm in a piece of travel writing that immediately brought back memories of a storm from my childhood. It helped me to set the scene for an event in my wartime saga, Pattern of Shadows. So thank you Orna – at last I have a clear conscience!!
Me too, me too – but I can only ever bring myself to use pencil!
My friend’s late mother used to do the same. When Jeannie was going through her mum’s books it was as though some of the essence of her mother had permeated the pages.
Friends and relatives are always amazed when they learn I’ve actually read 98% of the books on my shelves, many of them multiple times. As I near retirement age, I’m learning to acknowledge that my books actually own me. While it will be like losing old friends, I know it’s time to say goodbye to most of them. One of the reasons I love my Kindles (2) and iPad is that I get to haul around dozens and dozens of books at a time. In my neck of the woods when we get rid of stuff we don’t need anymore, we call it “de-crapping.” If anyone lives in Massachusetts, USA, and wants books, get in touch! As a procrastinator of the first order, you don’t need to hurry as I’m sure I won’t get around to it for a while.
Hi Orna
Great minds think alike. I shall be getting rid of all my books this week. Yes, I’ve always recycled books but there are those I love, those I feel I cant be parted from. But no more – they are all going this week – bring on the ipad, I can travel more lightly through the world.
Clutter-clearing rocks. If anyone lives near London SW2 and would like to collect an armful, do get in touch. Quick!
Judith
Thanks for all the thought-provoking articles, some of which have really hit home and impacted the way I approach working on my book project. Speaking of which, I really need to knock off 1,000 words today….
Hello – I have just found your site (via Caroline_S’s blog roll) and it is fabulous, inspirational – I shall be visiting here often, I suspect. Thank you !
The best advice to learn how to write is to… read a lot and write alot.
I really enjoyed and appreciated your ebook about your version of meditation. it was packaged pretty too. thank you for sharing it. I use it (among others) and am a firm believer that meditation is the best thing we can do to help ourselves and the world.
Good morning. One day there were five, (5) rejection slips in my mail two from book publishers, two from agents and Budweisher rejected a one dollar rebate coupon. That hurt. My new book BIKINI WEDNESDAY features a novel about a Muslim girl who wears a bikini to a public beach a a rotest, but all hell breaks loose when her photo turns up on the internet. This is my seventh book, one with a traditional publisher and six with Infinity a POD publiher.
Keep writing & many thanks.
Charlie Bertram
I love getting the motivational and helpful emails from Orna. They help my writing efforts tremendously and give me hope!!! xx