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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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…
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…
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…
Find Your Fictional Character’s Energy Motivators – Part 1: Earth
Using an ancient philosophy of energy to help you create better characters The Earth Energyis associated with our survival instinct, our sense of security and well-being. Think of the foundation tier of Maslow’s Hierarchy. When our basic needs are met and our base is balanced, we feel secure, physically and mentally healthy, and we are…
3 Questions & a Pose ~ Christine Boucher
Wherein my guest, a yoga instructor and writer, answers three questions and shares one (sometimes more than one) pose that yogis and writers will find informative, intriguing, and entertaining. Question 1 Which came first, your yoga or your writing? Writing came first. My neighbor and I decided that we were going to write a book…
Linking Warming & Weather
Dear EarthTalk: Have scientists been able to definitively prove links between global warming and more extreme weather phenomena in recent years, or is this still just a theory? – T.C., Chicago, IL The question of whether science has been able to prove, let alone prove definitively, the connection between climate change and extreme weather is…
Erica Goss ~ 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? Weirdness, honesty, and feeling. For me, good poetry has some of the qualities of a dream. Using the activities and experiences that make up…