A Splatter of News: Issue 4

Apr 1, 201513 min read

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Published: Apr 1, 2015

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PowerfulWriting here with a splattering of news. These series of News Journals will serve to keep you all up-to-date in what's going on throughout the literature community here on dA. This will be expanded more as time goes on. If you have any lit related news you wish to share in future editions, do not hesitate to note either the group or Medoriko with the details

NaPoWriMo

It's April 1st! You know what that means?! It is time for National Poetry Writing Month! For those who aren't familiar with it, here's a little info for you:

Write 30 poems in 30 days.

Yep. That's it, that's all. You can do one everyday (most people do) or do multiple at once if you're inspired enough. Most people post on dA, whether on their own page, or in a group. But it's nice to show off at the end of the month, and feel very achieved.

If you wish to join and are relatively new, here are some tips:

1. No guilt. : One of the most important. If you walk into the challenge worried about missing a day, or writing a bad poem, you're not going to make it. The point of 30/30 is to stretch your brain, not hurt your own feelings. If you fall off the horse, just get back on. It’s as simple as that. Besides, you can catch up on pieces if need be. But don't worry so much about the numbers.

2. Fully commit. At the same time, while we are eradicating the guilt of being human and the small snags that may arise, we are also going to commit. Part of what makes 30/30 such a fruitful experience is the marathon-like nature of the work. We want to get sweaty, lose our breaths, feel our heartbeat grow stronger and louder and take big leaps in our ability to self-discipline. What do they say? Go hard or go home. In this case, you can go even hard at home. Just keep writing.

3. Let it be a ritual. As we’ve established, writing for 30 days in a row is no small task. It takes a lot of energy and commitment to carve out the time, especially with a fluctuating schedule. Planning other rituals to accompany your writing time will help the experience become joyful. Brew a cup of hot coffee in the morning and write by the window in your favorite chair. Use your subway commute for inspiration when you jot down your lines. Whatever makes it feel good, for your own development, a space to honor yourself and a treat in your tiresome day- do that.

4. Keep it small. Or don't be afraid to do so. Not all of your poems, or any, have to be big. Even if it is a few lines (perfect time to try haiku or other minimalist poetry, I'd say) it's still just as good as a 21 line poem.

5. Don't stress about editing. In May, I promise you’ll have the time (and fresh eyes) to chop away, add new lines, combine poems and become a mad poem scientist. But your journey now is to simply get the words down. And let go. And move on. It will help keep you in the flow and not getting caught in that dreadful, stalling perfectionism us writers are known for. It also will help you take the ego out of the work. If you MUST edit, don't overdo it as you may change something raw and beautiful you originally had. Keep it to simple things.

6. Prep with a list of topics. Not necessary, but might prove to be helpful for some writers.

7. Utilize prompts. If your ideas run dry, why not dip into some writing prompts? We have plenty here each week, and there's MANY on the internet.

8. ALWAYS be prepared. I carry around a small notebook and writing utensil in case the mood strikes. Some people use an app on their phone/tablet. Just keep something on you.

9. Don't stress. You'll hit a road block, but you can push through it. It isn't ABOUT just writing 30 poems, it's about growth. Don't forget what you're trying to get out of this. It's so much more than numbers and days.

10. Join a group ~~shameless plug~~ NaPoWriMo