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Merry Evokes Cheer in Season and Authors

Festive Merry Keeps Holiday and Writers Bright

Merry and bright holidays help writers succeed.
Merry, a jolly term, enhances the holiday as well as writers.

Today’s word-of-the-day selection is merry: (adjective) – Old English for shortening time by passing it pleasantly. The modern meaning, jolly, emerged in the 14th century. (Dictionary of Word Origins, by John Ayto). This word attaches itself to Christmas like New does to Year. Moreover, it happens earlier  and earlier each year. My husband lamented that he saw Merry Christmas decorations displayed in a local big box store before Labor Day this year! In other words, way too soon. Go figure.

The Connotation of This Jolly Word

Saying the word aloud, you notice that it sounds like the girl’s name, Mary. The Blessed Virgin Mary, who gave birth to Jesus, comes to mind. She is forever silent and serene in manger scenes across the globe this time of year. But, do you remember who instigated the water-turned-to-wine miracle at the wedding at Cana? That’s right! Mother Mary! For a detailed explanation of this miracle, see the late Bishop Fulton J. Sheen’s essay http://www.catholictradition.org/Mary/cana.htm

And Now a Message from Merry

The message of this festive term is one of mirth: Write with the joy of knowing that what you say needs heard!  This message touches on growing one’s flow through believing the writing’s worth. Knowing the value of your words gives you confidence. Furthermore, it gives you something to celebrate when the book, essay, or blog post is done.

Your Turn

First light a candle. Next, think of an event, person, or situation that really interests you. How might you share your interest with others? Finally, free-write about it for 15 minutes.  See if that joy is multiplied as you write as quickly as you can!

Here’s to growing your flow,

Marisa

 

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Angels Engage Winter Holidays and Wordsmiths

Angels help writers take flight.
Angels are found in both sacred and secular places and can also inspire writers to grow their flow.

Angels Move Feast Days and Writers

Today’s word-of-the-day selection is angels: (noun) – From the Old French, angele.  Furthermore, borrowed from the Latin, angelus. The Latin term is from the Greek, angelos, meaning messenger. (The Dictionary of Word Origins, by John Ayto). 

Angel examples? They’re everywhere! For instance, many churches feature angels in stained glass windows or statues. In addition, infants and children’s graves often illustrate angels. Certainly, they are printed on everything from greeting cards to wrapping paper. Above all, angel-themed entertainment hovers over this season.

And, a touching example is Richard Paul Evans tale, The Christmas Box. The book became a movie by the same name. In turn, Evans’ tender story inspired an event. Grieving parents each year can remember their children. It is celebrated tomorrow, December 6. See more here: https://www.eastidahonews.com/2018/12/christmas-box-angel-vigil-to-be-held-thursday-for-parents-who-have-lost-a-child/

The Connotation of This Heavenly Term

Looking for a miracle? Break this word down to the words an and gel. So, can you hear the words at work? Here is hope for any creative. Indeed, the word sounds like a cooking term for thickening. Why? Because, writers find relief when a project takes form. (And, this particular blog post is coming together after fits and starts with my site’s account. Finally, it is coming together!)

The Message of the Term Angels

Most importantly, this ethereal word’s message floats lightly from my fingertips to the screen: When you are most frustrated with the work, then that is when we are most at your side to assist you. Keep writing. Get it down. We are here to help you!

Your Turn

Light a candle. (If you missed yesterday’s post on the importance of candlelight for inspiration, see here: https://wewriteitright.com/candle-illuminates-holidays-and-writing-practice/  Next, open your journal. Quickly, free-write about a problem you are having with your writing for 10 minutes. Now, reread what you have written. Often, the answer is found in these speedy writing sessions begin to form – with angles.

Here’s to growing your flow,

Marisa

 

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Candle Illuminates Holidays and Writing Practice

Holidays and Writing Traditions Glow with Candle

Today’s word-of-the-day selection for the holiday season is candle: (noun) – From Old English, candle is one of the oldest English borrowings from Latin. It probably arrived with Christianity at the end of the 6th century, and is first recorded in a gloss from around the year 700. Latin candela was a derivative of the verb candere, be white, glow. (Arcade Dictionary of Word Origins by John Ayto.)

Many celebrations use candles. First, both Advent and Hanukkah began on Sunday. Advent wreathes lit in Christian ceremonies are comprised of four candles, three purple and one pink, for each Sunday before Christmas Day. Menorahs are nine branched candelabras. One candle is lit each night. Later in December, African-Americans celebrate Kwanzaa throughout the Americas. They light seven candles (three red to the left, three green to the right, and a black center candle), which is held in a kinara, or candle holder.

Light candles to kindle holiday and writing traditions.
Candles illuminate paths for holidays as well as writing practices.

The Connotation of This Luminary Term

Historically, candlelight illuminated businesses and homes. Moreover, a spillover of this incandescent term persists today. How often have you  heard someone say they were burning the candle at both ends or burning the midnight oil? Perhaps it is the positive verb, can, found within candle, which stirs creative intention. Indeed, the glow seems to grow flow.

The Message That Shines Forth

The message from this term shines brightly: Light me before you begin any work to bless the gifts you bring to the table. For I will inspire you to find the best means to the end. The spiritual message illustrates that there is hope in any situation, especially when gratitude is shown for the inspiration that will surely be delivered when beginning any creative endeavor.

Your Turn

First, find a candle in your home. Put it on your writing table. Second, light the candle. If you are nervous about an open flame near stacks of manuscripts, flick on an electric candle. Finally, take out your journal and for 15 minutes write about an experience you have had with candles. Maybe you remember making candles in an elective art class in middle school? Maybe it reminds you of the holiday celebrations? Whatever comes up write it down. Continue to experiment with this practice as the days grow darker. The glow calls flow to it.

Here’s to growing your flow,

Marisa

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Evergreens Springs Forth Renewal of Writing

Evergreens help us move flow.
Just like evergreens, some writing projects are always in need.

Evergreens Grows Promises of Work Renewed

Today’s word-of-the-day selection is evergreens (n) – 1. trees, twigs or branches of evergreens plants used as decoration 2. Something that remains perennially fresh, interesting, or well-liked. This term has a lot of impact for two reasons. First, the plant or boughs carry with it a remarkable association with the yearend holiday of Christmas. Second, the term itself is fresh, interesting, and well-liked. Are you still trying to get ready for the holidays? Get some ideas for decorating from a literary point-of-view here: https://www.cafepress.com/+literature+ornaments

Decorating the Tree or Article

Evergreens are popular, because they are reliable. In both the customary tree form and the literary form, people are at ease with this subject. It gives writers a sense of confidence and accomplishment to renew an older piece by finding new ways to rewrite a piece. I’ve done this a number of times describing a trip to the beach during a Florida winter. As we bring new ornaments to our trees so do we through our experiences, bring new life to evergreen assignments.

The Message of This Rejuvenating Term

The message of this term is about renewal: What novel ways can you breathe new life into a subject? Look very closely at a needle, a twig, or a branch to find the answer you seek.

Your Turn

Take out your journal and free write for 15 minutes about experiences you had getting, setting up, and decorating a Christmas tree. Perhaps the story is in how the tree came down! That happened to my family when my husband thought I was watering the tree. And, I thought he was giving it a little drink daily. As we brought the subject us, down came the tree between us two! And the tree story is authentic even if the evergreen is from a box. Just get the story down in your journal!

Here’s to growing your flow,

Marisa

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Choir Sings Creativity Into Writing Life

Choir Raises Bar for Writers

Welcome to December’s Grow Your Flow Blog! This month we are finding definitions using the Dictionary of Word Origins: the Histories of More Than 8,000 English Language Words by John Ayto. All words this month are related to holidays. Today’s word-of-the-day selection is choir (noun) – Modern choirs merely sing, but far back in time they danced, too. The word ultimately comes from the Greek khoros, which in ancient Greek drama signified a group of singers and dancers who commented on the action of the play  (the element of dance is preserved in choreography). This week the choir of Theatre Winter Haven sang at the tree lighting ceremony in my new hometown in Central Florida. While there was no dancing, the group harmonized to classic carols with gusto.

Sounds of the season with Theater Winter Haven.
Just as choirs harmonize, so must writing teams.

Musical Term’s Connotative Meaning

Just as sopranos usually carry the melody and the altos, baritones, and bass make up the harmony, so do writing teams work together to complete book projects. First, the writer completes several drafts while working with an editor. Second, a proofreader does meticulous work at catching stray errors in spelling and grammar. Finally, a publisher takes the book from manuscript to published book in hard book and e-book formats. Afterwards, both authors and public relations specialists promote the book.

When a book is self-published, it may look more like a trio of singers with a writer, editor or book designer, and proofreader. Conversely, when a book is created with a major publishing house, the complex harmony of editorial staff members, publicists, and public relation groups blended work. These resemble epic choral groups like The Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Interested in their music? See this video that is performed to Silent Night from their website: https://www.thetabernaclechoir.org/watch-listen/watch-videos/christmas-music-videos.html 

The Message of This Term Sings

The message of choir is one of cooperation: Carry the tune you were meant to sing. Sing it well. Never strain by singing others’ parts. And know all the while it takes both the melody and harmony to create that which is needed.

Your Turn

Take out your journal. Write about a time you either were a part of a choir or watched one perform. What aspects of team work can you draw from a choir that can be used in your current writing projects? Make a note to try one or more this month.

Here’s to growing your flow,

Marisa