tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post848987612824809648..comments2024-03-29T11:29:56.764-04:00Comments on Jungle Red Writers: The Power of StoryJungle Red Writershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646429819267618412noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-89685790740196913722012-09-20T19:48:27.276-04:002012-09-20T19:48:27.276-04:00Tell us what you want to tell us, not what you thi...Tell us what you want to tell us, not what you think we want to hear!<br />kpbarnett1941[at]aol.comKaren Bhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14635176445301771127noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-55723377096663550022012-09-19T15:34:45.460-04:002012-09-19T15:34:45.460-04:00I would tell a young writer to write about what in...I would tell a young writer to write about what interests you, whether it be about zombies, an action story, or a mystery. You can learn how a story comes together from reading or watching movies.Michelle Fidlerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10285519745590239008noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-588506923645055802012-09-19T14:38:57.895-04:002012-09-19T14:38:57.895-04:00I would tell a young writer - never give up - - al...I would tell a young writer - never give up - - also now with self publishing - there are many ways to be found - and us readers so enjoy reading - keep the writing going - always fun to find new authors - along with our favoriteDawnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-61831048884765453422012-09-19T08:50:02.688-04:002012-09-19T08:50:02.688-04:00Don't let anyone tell you that writing isn'...Don't let anyone tell you that writing isn't "practical". The "world" accepts and applauds women who exercise, volunteer, and cook delicious, healthy meals. Writing is exercise for the brain, food for the soul, and a gift to anyone that you share your ideas with. Published or not, your writing is a gift to those who read it.Michellenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-12512124210230498702012-09-19T08:48:29.518-04:002012-09-19T08:48:29.518-04:00And the winner is: Bonnie! Contact me at h ryan a...And the winner is: Bonnie! Contact me at h ryan at whdh dot com and tell me your address!<br /><br />Congratulations!Hank Phillippi Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17420701704169428286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-71602892476730806142012-09-19T08:27:59.974-04:002012-09-19T08:27:59.974-04:00Heather Rose! Thank you so much for writing in, an...Heather Rose! Thank you so much for writing in, and for your kind words! It meant a lot to me, too. It was a wonderful evening. <br /><br />Wishing you all the best in your life and in your writing!Lisa Ungerhttp://www.lisaunger.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-955210281651484772012-09-19T01:51:51.176-04:002012-09-19T01:51:51.176-04:00Well, that's a difficult question because I...Well, that's a difficult question because I'm only a reader. But, I can say that you need to let your imagination runs freely. Write a story that you want to tell or share to the reader.Do a lot of research about the object of writing. Last thing, ask someone or beta reader to read your story, they will give input and comment. Though sometimes the comment are hurt, but it doesn't mean we stop learning from mistakes. Juliana's Worldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10938222725770360028noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-13638918531244953802012-09-18T23:48:39.744-04:002012-09-18T23:48:39.744-04:00Welcome to Jungle Reds, Heather. Are you the Heath...Welcome to Jungle Reds, Heather. Are you the Heather whose poems are in the Heartbeats book? Some fine poetry! We're so glad you dropped by. Come again. This is a crazy but fun blog, but occasionally like today it gets serious. Hope to see you back soon.Linda Rodriguezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11913741596693442469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-24105389302287275422012-09-18T23:25:43.072-04:002012-09-18T23:25:43.072-04:00Heather rose! Thank you! You made our day. Be sure...Heather rose! Thank you! You made our day. Be sure to come back, okay?<br /><br />And tomorrow--an author who proves it can happen!Hank Phillippi Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17420701704169428286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-16184326958387204502012-09-18T22:49:33.320-04:002012-09-18T22:49:33.320-04:00I was a resident at brookwood for a year before ge...I was a resident at brookwood for a year before getting my own place upon turning 18 last December, and I have to say I know everything you said, and just the fact that you came there means a lot to each and every one of the girls. Thank you so much. –Heather RoseAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-19177610747404117572012-09-18T18:02:37.800-04:002012-09-18T18:02:37.800-04:00My advice to a young writer is:
Believe in yourse...My advice to a young writer is:<br /><br />Believe in yourself. You already have a love of words. Use them. You have something unique to say and the more you write, the better you'll get. <br /><br />Also -- a good writer is born of a good reader. Read lots and lots -- and then read some more. <br /><br />Enjoyed the blog. Already read Heartbroken, but a signed copy would sure be nice! <br /><br />Carol B.<br />Backfencehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08352321799481146210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-73879847140131582552012-09-18T17:32:40.986-04:002012-09-18T17:32:40.986-04:00"the honor and the privilege were mine" ..."the honor and the privilege were mine" -- words often spoken by hypocrite politicians. In this case, Lisa's enthusiasm for the work of these girls convinced me she truly had and felt she had gained from the experience.<br />We can all share in that honor by reading the girls' poetry.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-10320383046036084922012-09-18T15:33:58.372-04:002012-09-18T15:33:58.372-04:00Oh! "It just takes one yes!" I love that...Oh! "It just takes one yes!" I love that! Thank you...Hank Phillippi Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17420701704169428286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-62993398527647059482012-09-18T15:19:46.502-04:002012-09-18T15:19:46.502-04:00I think I would tell a young writer that even if y...I think I would tell a young writer that even if you get rejected many times keep trying because it just takes 1 yes.Kristen Heylhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02984032472924583063noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-90619115831575742142012-09-18T14:36:15.768-04:002012-09-18T14:36:15.768-04:00I would tell anyone interested in writing to keep ...I would tell anyone interested in writing to keep a daily/weekly journal, and to write down things such as thingd that made you smile, frown, cry, or laugh-small things you may not remember. I started my journal after my daughter got married in 2001. I wrote about my days...trouble with close friends, quitting my job, arguments with my husband,the 2004 hurricanes as the winds and rain hit our home(by candlelight), how my cats reacted to the storms-just my personal thoughts and feelings. Not only is this good therapy for you, your family will have a written record of an important part of your life.Arrista Pottlenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-58219589416268573062012-09-18T14:35:25.677-04:002012-09-18T14:35:25.677-04:00I really enjoyed this post and I bookmarked it so ...I really enjoyed this post and I bookmarked it so I can read it over and over when I'm asking myself why I write. I've always liked poetry but just discovered a couple years ago that I love writing it.<br />thanks for the post.<br /><br />BonnieBonniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08300413679328642862noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-16385452964872513672012-09-18T13:25:43.351-04:002012-09-18T13:25:43.351-04:00Such thoughtful, insightful and meaningful comment...Such thoughtful, insightful and meaningful comments! I love hearing from all of you, and hearing your heartfelt advice for young writers. Thanks for sharing here, and thanks so much for reading. And THANKS to the fabulous Hank and all the terrific Reds! You made my day!Lisa Ungerhttp://www.lisaunger.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-44508730957185013482012-09-18T12:50:30.714-04:002012-09-18T12:50:30.714-04:00Thanks, Lisa, for sharing, and thanks, Hank, for b...Thanks, Lisa, for sharing, and thanks, Hank, for bringing Lisa to JR. <br /><br />I often think about what it was like when I used to write poetry (I started, like these wonderful girls, in my teens) for no other reason than the joy of putting words on paper. And of that first novel, written with no expectations and no agenda other than the pleasure of seeing the story and the characters come to life.<br /><br />So this post was not only great advice for those beginning to write, but a welcome reminder for all of us writers to remember WHY we do this.Debhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11519514786198185277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-43476250767538189662012-09-18T12:20:09.178-04:002012-09-18T12:20:09.178-04:00Aw...so lovely to hear from you all...what a nice ...Aw...so lovely to hear from you all...what a nice day here at Jungle Red.<br /><br />and yes, learning to ignore that inner editor..and just let go!Hank Phillippi Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17420701704169428286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-17743731928578473632012-09-18T12:16:44.607-04:002012-09-18T12:16:44.607-04:00I'd say that writing is a craft, not an art. A...I'd say that writing is a craft, not an art. As in any craft form you only get better with practice. Words are your raw material and you need to practice with them like a potter with clay.<br />Also you need to read. How do you know what a good story feels like until you read the great story tellers?Rhys Bowenhttp://www.rhysbowen.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-19028221098677670092012-09-18T12:16:34.710-04:002012-09-18T12:16:34.710-04:00This is beautiful - the post, the comments, the po...This is beautiful - the post, the comments, the poetry.<br /><br />I would tell young writers to let their spirit write. When they don't know what to say, just put the pencil on the paper and allow the thoughts to come out without trying to make any decisions about it. Our inner selves are always thinking and feeling and have something to say.<br /><br />Thank you Hank and Lisa. xoMaureen Harringtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03499876353651763590noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-36186565389419630032012-09-18T11:55:19.564-04:002012-09-18T11:55:19.564-04:00And that's so addictive, in a good way, isn...And that's so addictive, in a good way, isn't it? When something we write "works" ? <br /><br />Thae ah-ha writing moments Lisa Alber mentions...once you have one, your life changes! Hank Phillippi Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17420701704169428286noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-66715104394472362462012-09-18T11:54:24.652-04:002012-09-18T11:54:24.652-04:00Lisa -- and Hank -- a million thanks. I'm spea...Lisa -- and Hank -- a million thanks. I'm speaking at a writers conference here in MT in two weeks, which will include some h.s. and cmty college students, so I'll be keeping your post and the comments in front of my mind as I prepare. It's all about story -- and heart. <br /><br />Thanks again.Leslie Budewitzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11942314846112875042noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-85001294306428231502012-09-18T11:44:32.297-04:002012-09-18T11:44:32.297-04:00Thank you, Lisa, for reminding me why I began writ...Thank you, Lisa, for reminding me why I began writing in the first place! In the pursuit of all the outside stuff, I often forget.<br /><br />I'd tell young writers to write through their fears and self-doubts, to feel free to abandon themselves to the page. And I'd tell them that in the doing, they'll achieve their joyous "a-ha" moments.Lisa Alberhttp://www.lisaalber.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-78434206801618848582012-09-18T11:33:29.183-04:002012-09-18T11:33:29.183-04:00Welcome, Lisa! Oh, what a post that's near and...Welcome, Lisa! Oh, what a post that's near and dear to my heart!<br /><br />For many years I've worked with at-risk kids in inner-city schools and with kids in juvenile justice centers and group homes, giving writing workshops. When I couldn't spread myself any thinner, I worked with the big writer's center I helped found (20 years ago!) to write grants so many other published writers in KC can do the things I've been doing. Last May, we had a program at The Writers Place that was the culmination of a year-long grant-funded program of afterschool workshops at schools in the most dangerous parts of the city.<br /><br />The kids came to The Writers Place where, after a good breakfast (we always feed them because poor teens are actually more likely to go hungry than their younger siblings--many give up their own food to those younger kids in the family), they had a chance to ask questions of a panel of published authors who'd been working with some of them in the program all year. Then they had a a writing workshop, a good lunch with the writers, another workshop, and finally a public reading that a TV station filmed and showed clips from on the news that night.<br /><br />Two of these kids had survived suicide attempts. Many of them had lost friends and families to gang violence or other criminal violence. Some were struggling throughout the year with substance abuse. Some were being pursued by gangs to "claim." Throughout the year, they'd learned to turn to writing to help them deal with the huge emotional struggles in which they were involved. Like the girls from your group home, Lisa, they created poetry and stories of haunting beauty and emotional complexity.<br /><br />And what that day meant to them! One girl told the TV reporter about her suicide attempt and how she didn't think she could ever do such a thing again because she had found writing and it was something no one could ever take away from her.<br /><br />Lisa, you probably have no idea how much your visit and your willingness to listen really meant to those girls. I do. I've been one of them. I've always said that the reason I didn't wind up drugged out, pimped out, or dead was because of people who reached out to me at critical times who probably thought they failed or didn't have much of an effect. But they're the reason I didn't wind up in an early grave. And there's no way to repay them so I just pay it forward. So, do know that your being there and listening to them and validating them surely made that kind of life difference to at least one of those girls.<br /><br />And now, I'm off the soapbox and out of here. I so do love my Reds!!Linda Rodriguezhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11913741596693442469noreply@blogger.com