Seattle Literary Examiner

Writing Exercise

Today, we have a guest posting a writing exercise. Although Stefanie Freele doesn't live in the area, she has strong ties locally, currently working toward her MFA in Creative Writing at the Whidbey Writers Workshop. She is also the 2008 Fish Fellowship "writer in residence" at SmokeLong Quarterly. The first piece she's written for the Fellowship, Arlo's Big Head, appeared in the March 15th issue. Her work has appeared in numerous other venues, including Hobart, Six Little Things, Literary Mama, and Contrary. For more, check out her website.

Here's her exercise for the day. I'm looking forward to tackling this one. Jump in, write, and post your results in comments:

Last night I read a quote in The Sun by Nikos Kazantzakis. "God changes appearances every second. Blessed is the man who can recognize him in all his disguises. One moment he is a glass of fresh water; the next your son bouncing on your knees, or an enchanting woman, or perhaps merely a morning walk."

I had a hard time going to sleep last night, thinking of God in a glass of fresh water. Its that unexpected that is brilliant.

An exercise therefore is to write about someone, something, or even God showing up in the most unexpected of places.

Thanks, Stefanie!

Topics: writing exercise

SmokeLong Quarterly issue 21

Well, I finally have a bit of time to breathe. The two things taking up more of my time than anything else (except work) are done: school (and helping kids with homework and studying) is over, and the 5th anniversary issue of SmokeLong Quarterly is live.... Read More
Topics: lit mags , SmokeLong Quarterly

miscellaneous

The past few weeks have been insanely busy, and I apologize for not getting fresh content up here. I'm finally caught up on reading submissions, and there are some cool things happening, so I want to get the word out while I have a second to breathe.First... Read More
Topics: literary calendar , 826 Seattle , volunteer , miscellaneous , lit mags

Writing Exercise

Oops, I missed a day yesterday. I had an exercise I meant to post, but just didn't get to it. And it's a good one, again from a guest. Dennis Mahagin (fair warning, lots of mature content on his blog) lives over in the Tri-Cities, and is a gas.... Read More
Topics: writing exercise

Seattle Lit Calendar May 5-May 11, 2008

Here are the literary events for this week that I could glean from the calendars of Richard Hugo House, Elliott Bay Book Company, University Book Store, and Third Place Books. In cases where no ticket cost is mentioned, the event is free. I'm running... Read More
Topics: literary calendar

Tao Lin

I've never known what to make of Tao Lin. Much of his writing leaves me bemused. I'm never quite sure whether he's an intensely honest and introspective writer, or a totally pretentious stylist. Maybe a bit of both? A lot of people I respect really dig... Read More
Topics: miscellaneous

Writing Exercise

We have another guest today! Kelly Spitzer is pretty amazing. She lives down in Centralia and writes amazing prose. Check out how much she crams into 21 words at elimae, or her Pushcart Prize-nominated story in Vestal Review. If you're still hungry for... Read More
Topics: writing exercise

Whidbey Writers Workshop

Yesterday, in introducing Stefanie Freele, I mentioned that she's getting her MFA in Creative Writing from the Whidbey Writers Workshop. For those who are curious about this program, here's a little more information:The Whidbey Writers Workshop MFA Program... Read More

Happy birthday, FRiGG!

Seattle and Minneapolis have traded the #1 and #2 spots in America's Most Literate Cities since the rankings began in 2004. The calendar in the previous post should make it no surprise that we rank #1 in bookstores. We're also #1 in education level and... Read More
Topics: lit mags

Seattle Lit Calendar April 28-May 4, 2008

Here are the literary events for this week that I could glean from the calendars of Richard Hugo House, Elliott Bay Book Company, University Book Store, and Third Place Books. In cases where no ticket cost is mentioned, the event is free.Question for... Read More
Topics: literary calendar