Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Attributes of Writers - Z

Writers are a special breed. We have unique qualities that help us make music with our words. Those same qualities might also put us in the loony bin, but isn't it worth it?! So, pull up a chair, let's explore our "specialness" together through the A to Z Challenge. If we can understand our attributes as writers, we can be cured, right?                   Dawn (P.S. Thanks for stopping by. Writing is lonely and I need your company!)


A writer is often...

Zoned Out -    

staring into space and drooling

Staying up late to write gives you that zoned out look the next morning. Writers, you need sleep! You can't live by the pen alone. Catch some Zzz's and awake refreshed the next morning (You'll write better too!)

What's the longest stretch of time you spent writing without sleep? 
 

Monday, April 29, 2013

Attributes of Writers - Y

Writers are a special breed. We have unique qualities that help us make music with our words. Those same qualities might also put us in the loony bin, but isn't it worth it?! So, pull up a chair, let's explore our "specialness" together through the A to Z Challenge. If we can understand our attributes as writers, we can be cured, right?                   Dawn (P.S. Thanks for stopping by. Writing is lonely and I need your company!)


A writer can be...

Yeasty -
producing upheaval or agitation in a creative or productive way

I often feel this way when I take on a new project (in writing, skits, or ministry). In the beginning I am panicked, but as the project goes, the energy flows and something exciting is created. (I think "yeasty" is my new favorite word.)

Tell of a time when  you were yeasty?

Here are two times that I really felt yeasty! (God had to get me through them!)
*Writing the curriculum for a women's retreat. *Directing our church's Christmas play (70+ volunteers and 1000 attendees). 
 

Sunday, April 28, 2013

A Song for Sunday - Take Me To The King

One of my co-workers shared this song with me, "Take Me To The King" by Tamela Mann. I love the lyrics:
"Take me to the King. I don't have much to bring. 
My heart is torn to pieces -- it's my offering."


Saturday, April 27, 2013

Attributes of Writers - X

Writers are a special breed. We have unique qualities that help us make music with our words. Those same qualities might also put us in the loony bin, but isn't it worth it?! So, pull up a chair, let's explore our "specialness" together through the A to Z Challenge. If we can understand our attributes as writers, we can be cured, right?                   Dawn (P.S. Thanks for stopping by. Writing is lonely and I need your company!)

Photos by Dawn M. Hamsher, 2013



Writers may experience...

 Xerophthalmia -  

dry eyes syndrome


        or


 Xerostomia -   

dry mouth syndrome

When I write I forget everything. I forget to look up from the page (hence eye strain and dryness). I forget to drink water (hence dry mouth). I forget to stretch. I forget potty breaks. I forget to interact with my family. I'm sure I have some sort of syndrome!
(Disclosure: Writers don't really get Xerophthalmia or Xerostomia, but they were the best X words I could find).  


                                                    What do you forget to do when you write?
 

Friday, April 26, 2013

Attributes of Writers - W

Writers are a special breed. We have unique qualities that help us make music with our words. Those same qualities might also put us in the loony bin, but isn't it worth it?! So, pull up a chair, let's explore our "specialness" together through the A to Z Challenge. If we can understand our attributes as writers, we can be cured, right?                   Dawn (P.S. Thanks for stopping by. Writing is lonely and I need your company!)


A writer is...

Watchful -
 on the lookout for book material


If you think you're being watched, it's probably just a writer gathering information for a book! 

Have you ever "watched" people to get information for writing? 
I have. I sat in a coffee shop once and took notes about the customers. I dreamed up lives for them based on what they looked like, what they wore, and how they acted. (P.S. It is also very entertaining. I got to see a man dressed in bacon pajamas. His PJ's read "Everything tastes better with bacon".)
 

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Attributes of Writers - V

We have unique qualities that help us make music with our words. Those same qualities might also put us in the loony bin, but isn't it worth it?! So, pull up a chair, let's explore our "specialness" together through the A to Z Challenge. If we can understand our attributes as writers, we can be cured, right?                   
Dawn (P.S. Thanks for stopping by. Writing is lonely and I need your company!)


Photo by Dawn M. Hamsher, 2013
A writer tends to be...

Verbose -

able to let loose with more words than necessary


Editors say cut, cut, cut, but the words say no, no, no! It's so hard to delete words. I wrote them, so they must be important, right?  Wrong. Keep the essentials, but kick the rest.

How do you combat wordiness?

Writing poetry helps me. Poetry gives me practice picking just the right words.