I want to tell you about the MS150 but, before I do that, I want to mention a luncheon I attended on Friday before heading out for the MS150. The luncheon was sponsored by the Seton Cove, and the guest speaker was Naomi Shihab Nye.
I have loved her poetry for years, so I jumped at the chance to share a room with her. I expected a soft-spoken someone. Naomi Shihab Nye is a gentle spirit, but she isn’t soft-spoken. She is hearty and exuberant. This woman loves to listen and laugh, and I listened and laughed with her.
I loved learning that she and Marion Winik, another of my favorites, are friends. I loved hearing her about writing process and her suggestions for writing prompts. Those included:
- Every day for a month, write the answer to the following question: “What am I waiting for?”
- When you sit down, ask yourself, “What am I caring about right now?”
- When you read poetry, don’t asked yourself, “What is the poem about?” Instead ask, “Did I like this poem? Where did this poem take me?”
- Trust in the impulse of a first draft.
- Give up the desire to be profound. Write about little things.
Each tip helps me to be a better observer and writer.
After the luncheon, I googled her and found this video of her reading one of her poems. Enjoy it. And if you have a similar video you would like to share of your favorite poet, please do. I welcome your suggestions of new people to love.
Thanks T for sharing what you learned! I am trying to get my writing going again and your posts always inspire me. Congrats again on your weekend!!
Thank you, Rey! A post on the MS150 is next!
OMG!!! I am so green with envy right now! I had no idea she was anywhere close to Austin on Friday… I have loved her forever… Wow. Wow. WOW.
E – I wish I had known you love her! I would have loved sharing that experience with you!