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Yarn a Tale to Grow Flow

Have a Ball with Yarn as Prompt

Yarn is a good prompt for writing.
Squeeze a ball of yarn. It’s soft and fluffy to the touch. What metaphors or images arise from the sight or touch of the yarn?

Have yarn, will create! Using this spun thread to create connections is nothing new. The word itself has a secondary meaning, which is to spin a tall-tale, fable, or myth. There are some good reasons for this connection. First, yarns squeeze metaphors to create literary impact. Second, creatives can literally juggle  balls of yarn to consider how a plot can be twisted and turned to add drama. Finally, finger-crocheting can help knit together a dialogue or setting. Let’s look at yarn’s versatility as a writer’s tool below.

Squeeze Out Metaphor

Rubber stress balls work to help anxiety-filled writers and artists, but those made from yarn are better. Soft, fluffy, and light, they help us to squeeze metaphors while literally clamping down on them. Think about it. Maybe the logger who created the Paul Bunyan folklore had access to yarn balls while spinning tales of Paul and his blue ox named, Babe? Not familiar with the American tale? The city of Bemoiji, Minnesota’s website has detailed storylines for Paul and Babe’s travels. See more here: https://wewriteitright.com/sow-flow-visit-antique-shop/

Juggle ideas around while rotating these light-as-air balls to loosen up a plot.

Juggle Ideas Around with Yarn Balls

Perhaps juggling can loosen up a stuck plot. Without too much scientific thinking here, simply juggle three balls of yarn. Stand or sit. It doesn’t make a difference. Focus on the act of juggling the balls for five to 10 minutes, then write a journal entry about the current piece. See what types of connections altered or sprung up from the simple act of juggling. Need a refresher on how to juggle? Look here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNigMfLNhpg

Finger Crochet to Knit a Tale

Want to bring a scene or a dialogue alive? Try finger crocheting some yarn at the desk. This works better seated than standing. Again, do not think too much about the creative piece. Think summer camp or study hall in middle school. Simply focus energy on doing the loops in finger crocheting for about 10 minutes. The process is what matters here, so don’t sweat the way the long link looks. Then, again, write a journal entry to note any new sensory images to add to a scene or dialogue.

Finger crochet for dialogue or scene development.

Your Turn

Creating space to allow images to pop up is important for writers and artists to yarn their tales. Frist, try to squeeze metaphors to enhance the story. Next, mix things up in a plot after juggling. Finally, use finger crocheting to knit together a scene or a dialogue. Choose any of these or all three to keep your story skills fluid.

Here’s to growing your flow,

Marisa

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Day After Twelfth Night Stirs Flow

Flow Arrives the Morning After Twelfth Night

Red wreath brings glee.
A red berry wreath remind bears glad tidings beyond Twelfth Night.

Entering into life beyond The Twelfth Day of Christmas challenges even the most cheerful among us.  People don’t get too excited about the thirteenth day of Christmas now, do they? Yet flow arrives on the heels of such a day. Honestly, it is important to know where to look. My family packed up Christmas after attending an Epiphany service. And, I’m not going to lie, it felt a little sad. Then, I realized what was needed to keep the spirit of the holidays going into at least next month. What was it? A simple red berry wreath.

Flow Found in Red Berry

A wreath is a traditional sign to welcome those entering a home. This red berry wreath is hung on a pantry door in my kitchen for a few reasons. First, it recalls winter’s joyful landscapes. Where I live it is in the 70s during the day and down in the 40s at night.  So, the symbolism of a white door behind the red berries reminds me of the Snow Belt where I grew up. Next, it winds around on itself as a sign of infinity. Glad tidings, I am reminded, are reason for an additional smile. And, another. Finally, stir those images around to find a satisfying sense of flow to extend the joy of Twelfth Night into today –  and beyond.

Other Places to Find Flow Beyond Twelfth Night

Easily find flow and where it grows through the five senses. First, get out a journal. Next, walk around the office or house and jot down anything that smells, sounds, tastes, feels, or looks like an extension of the holiday. For example, note that the red earthen wear bowl can hold fruit such as apples on the counter. Perhaps a dash a cinnamon in coffee or on cocoa brings a jolt of joy. Finally, take this listing of sense-related phrases and quickly write a reflection on Christmas joys. No need to share it – unless that, too, brings joy.

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

 

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Complimentary Acts Lead to Flow

Cultivating Kind Expressions Add to Creativity

Today’s word-a-day choice is complimentary: adj. 1 of the nature of, conveying, or expressing a compliment, often one that is politely flattering: a complimentary remark. 2. free: a complimentary ticket. Writers often encounter challenges with the second definition. Most often truncated to comp, as in tickets to a theater performance or to a sporting event, these free tickets and activities come at an unspoken assumed price. If an event is comped, then a favorable review is expected. Moreover, big ticket free trips, or junkets, are not allowed by professional media outlets. Legitimate extravagant travel must be covered by the publication or at the expense of the writer.

Practice makes perfect when saying thanks.
Practice receiving complimentary remarks by saying “Thank you!” in a mirror until it feels natural.

The Best Way to Respond to Words of Praise

The first definition of the word really pulls at my heartstrings. My father taught me to accept a compliment with grace. Never embellish or diminish words of praise. Simply say Thank you.  Practice saying Thank you! in a mirror until it feels natural. In doing so, you enable yourself to absorb the compliment and let the power of the words resonate deeply within your soul. And who doesn’t need to hear more kind words?

The Message of the Expression

Being aware of the compliments that the Universe on each of us is the message behind complimentary: You are surrounded by gifts you often fail to recognize. Be aware of the placement and the brilliance of the appointment of these gifts, which are readily given for your use. 

Your Turn

Take our your journal and free-write about how it feels to receive words of praise. Do you take them in well or do you dismiss them? Consider working on saying Thank you! in a mirror until it feels natural.

Here’s to growing your flow,

Marisa

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Three Ways to Unify with Heartfelt Writing

Optimistic Writing Enhances Personal and Professional Ties

“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day of the year.” Ralph Waldo Emerson’s words from his poem, “Write it on Your Heart,” is as timely now as it was when it was written 150 years ago. How can we use positive, heartfelt writing to lift up others through personal correspondence and professional writing?  Below are three ways to achieve better communications to cross the bridge from anxiety to confidence.

Showing concern through wording adds depth to both business and personal relationships.

Connect Heartfelt Concern to the Reader Early in the Writing

Whether keying a business letter or writing original wedding vows, make contact with the reader with memorable prose. Make sure that the greeting – or salutation – in the letter is friendly instead of static. Prefer the familiar over the rigidity of formal writing, especially if someone has encouraged a friendly relationship in business. A simple way to accomplish this act is to use the person’s first name. “Dear Emily,” is much more pleasant to the reader than, “Ms. Smith:”. In personal correspondence, be even more touching with the opening. For example, “To My Sweet Daughter, Elizabeth,” rather than “Liz,”. The well-worded salutation adds depth to a letter.

 Keep the Momentum Building

In his book, “The Four Agreements”, author Don Miguel Ruiz states that the first rule or agreement to follow is “Be Impeccable with Your Words”. He goes on to write: “Just imagine what you can create with impeccability of the word….you can transcend the dream of fear and have a different life.” And you can pass that on to others. When honesty is the primary concern in the writing, then the results of any correspondence builds upon integrity and creates confidence.

Closing with Dignity

When ending a letter – or something as simple as an email to a loved one – be mindful of the closing. Creating ambience counts here. These are the final words of a written piece that will linger. If the predictable, “I look forward to your reply,” followed by “Sincerely,” is dropped, a formal requirement is met. How much more timely to add a personal touch, “Looking forward to having coffee with you after our meeting next week,” adds warmth to a professional letter. A nod to a childhood remembrance, “With love to Mom’s favorite son,” increases tenderness, playfulness, and commitment to the bonds that family and friends share.

Putting It All Together

Keeping a consistent positive stance while writing personal and professional correspondence increases the feel-good nature of the relationship between the sender and the reader. Isn’t that what good writing is always meant to do?

Do you desire help with writing heartfelt business correspondence or personal letters or notes? Get ahold of We Write It Right today for more information. Click here to contact us for More Information.