Dear EarthTalk: I recently heard the term “slow design.” Can you enlighten? – J.M., New York, NY Slow design is a design philosophy that emphasizes quality, longevity and sustainability. It seeks to counteract the fast-paced, disposable nature of contemporary culture by prioritizing thoughtful, intentional design over mass-produced, trend-driven products. It is about creating objects that…
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Christian Collier ~ 3 Questions & a Poem
3 Questions and a Poem–in which one of my favorite poets is interviewed and shares a poem. QUESTION 1 What do you consider the three most important elements of a poem? Imagery, sound/music, and syntax are, at this moment in time, my picks for most important elements. If you were to ask me again next…
Diana Rosen ~ 3 Questions & a Poem
3 Questions and a Poem–in which one of my favorite poets is interviewed and shares a poem. QUESTION 1 What do you consider the three most important elements of a poem? Imagery Music Word choices that enchant. The poem’s ending should be either unexpected or a delightful detour. Or, as Stanley Kunitz said, “End with…
b.read.crumbs : Workshopping
Earlier this month Julie Herman posted great advice for getting the most out of writing workshops. You can click here to read that post. I’ve attended several workshops over the past few months, and almost all of them were wonderful experiences. Here are a few that I’ve checked out for myself and highly recommend for…
No Mow May
Dear EarthTalk: What’s the background on the “No Mow May” movement? – J.D., via email Lawns cover some 40 million acres—or two percent—of land in the United States, making them the single largest irrigated crop we grow. We mow, rake, fertilize, weed, chemically treat and water them—sucking up time, money and other resources. And in…
Crystal Wilkinson ~ Three Questions & a Cover
A short interview wherein my guest, one of my favorite authors, answers three questions about the writing life. Question 1 What’s your Go-To source when you need inspiration? I always look to family stories and the natural world when I need inspiration in regard to writing. Other inspiration comes in the form of poetry. I…
b.read.crumbs: Julie Wray Herman
This month’s b.read.crumbs post by Julie Herman, which you may find in the original on her website. Writing Workshops Writer’s workshops can be gold mines for inspiration about your work in progress — or they can stop you in your tracks. I’ve been in both kinds, and the former is one reason I keep going back…
Worthwhile Watching
Dear EarthTalk: I am looking for more stuff I can binge watch on my TV. Any environmental documentaries you’d recommend? — Couch Potato, via email The power of film is in its capacity to transport viewers to places we might not have been able to go before. Nature documentaries in particular bring us close to…
Find Your Fictional Character’s Energy Motivators
How an ancient philosophy of energy can help you create better characters Let’s try something new, shall we? I’ve put together a seven-part series about energetic motivators, and spread the parts around to different blogs. You can click here to read Part 1: Earth Energy.. I’ll add links to each part as they go live….
The Challenges and Rewards of Writing WWII Fiction for Middle Grade Readers
a guest post by Nancy McDonald Look on the shelves of any bookstore and you’ll see plenty of fiction set during the Second World War for adults. But you won’t find nearly as much for the 8-12-year-old reader. Let’s face it, the Second World War was a terrible time in history, full of unspeakable horror, unrelenting…