Comments on: Writing By Reading

By: Brenda Joyce Patterson

Brenda Joyce Patterson — Sat, 16 Sep 2017 16:19:00 +0000

In reply to Terri Frank. My poet-self is especially swooning. Thanks!

By: Brenda Joyce Patterson

Brenda Joyce Patterson — Sat, 16 Sep 2017 16:14:00 +0000

In reply to Sara Letourneau. Thanks, Sara. I've dipped into Poemcrazy but it's been awhile. I'll have to pick it up again. I write down definitions of new-to-me words too. They tend to "stick" better. :) Oh, what a great turn of phrase does to me! I think I form a crush on good writing.

By: Terri Frank

Terri Frank — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 14:37:00 +0000

Brenda, you are such a good writer! I just love your use of description. Thank you for an enjoyable read and some very practical tips.

By: Sara Letourneau

Sara Letourneau — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 17:53:00 +0000

Another great post, Brenda. It reminded me of a couple activities that are part of my writing process: 1) I use a journal to write down definitions for words I’m not familiar with, and 2) I like to “warm up” before writing phrases or sentences from a book or author whose writing style I love. And in general, writing style is really important to me as a reader; it can either pull me deeper into a story or turn me off. And when I read a book that does the former, it almost becomes a sort of textbook, a learning tool I’ll go back to a later date. (And it makes me love the book even more, too!)

That being said, I was reading a book last night and came across a phrase I LOVED. And yet I didn’t write it down. After this post, I won’t make that mistake again tonight!

By the way, have you ever read Susan Goldsmith Wooldridge’s Poemcrazy? It’s one of my favorite books on the craft of writing, with a focus on poetry. Wooldridge’s prose breathes, sings, dances – it’s just so engagingly written.