Full Moon #WeekendCoffeeShare

Thank you for joining me for a coffee chat today. I link up with Natalie the Explorer with others who enjoy Weekend Coffee Share posts!

Thank you for meeting and chatting with me today. Fill your cup to the brim and let’s have a long chat!

If we were having coffee I would tell you I went to amazing workshops yesterday with Cheryl Pappas, Kathy Fish and Crow Collective. I have taken classes with Cheryl before but never in a live workshop situation. I have heard her read a story of hers that I adore and it was nice to hear her voice teaching. I was able to draft some pieces yesterday that I am happy with. All are partial so I will have to dig back into them at a later writing session.

If we were having coffee I would tell you I need to schedule some time to revisit some writing classes I have taken in the past. I am good at taking notes about how classes are conducted and I save all the prompts and reading suggestions. One of the main ones I need to revisit is the Sarah Selecky Story Course. That course has the advantage of audio and video lessons as well. My Google drive is very full of lessons and drafts. My writing life schedule will begin soon and I will be able to do just that!

If we were having coffee I would tell you I went to an online event where Jackie Kai Ellis spoke. She was amazing and I love her memoir. The call was magical and her tone and way of speaking was calming and inspiring at the same time. It would be worth it to join Centered just to listen to Guest Mentor replays. The daily prompts are highly recommended as well. The community is supportive and it is a great place to share your work especially if you are reluctant to do so.

Do you need a refill? The water is really cold so I will bring you a glass since it is so warm today.

If we were having coffee I would tell you today is a special day! I am driving into Madison to see NEIL GAIMAN SPEAK!!!! I am have been anticipating this evening for over 2 years and I am thrilled. I am going to take the opportunity to go on an extended Artist Date and go to bookstores, write at the art museum, have a lovely dinner and then soak up all the vibes from Neil. The full moon will be my companion on the drive back to the apartment. I will look at it and think of people I am under the full moon with tonight!

If we were having coffee I would tell you I cut my hair this week! It was nice to go a little shorter like I have had it in the past. It makes it easier for walking in the sun and just general maintenance. Plus, I like the look!

If we were having coffee I would tell you revisions to my Jack project continue. With work this week, I haven’t been able to get as much time on that project as I would have liked ,but I did some work yesterday and it was good. I have moved the deadline up and will accomplish the goal.

If we were having coffee I would tell you my routine is different this weekend and although I am excited for the creative day I have planned I miss my new normal. There are people I love that I cannot be with this weekend and I miss them. Changes are coming soon that will change that so I am thankful. I have abundance in my life and do not plan to waste it.

I hope your Sunday is filled with creativeness, sunshine, love, and great food!

Thank you for joining me for a coffee chat!

May 15, 2022 by TammyB Categories: Challenge, creativity, Mywriting, Questions, Reading Life, reflection, Short Story, Writing Challenge, Writing Exercise, Writing Prompt, WritingLifeTags: #ideas, amwriting, bradbury, writing, writingprompt 2 Comments

Mother’s Day #WeekendCoffeeShare

Thank you for joining me for a coffee chat today. I link up with Natalie the Explorer with others who enjoy Weekend Coffee Share posts!

Happy Mother’s Day to all the people who are nurturers to someone in your life!

Thank you for meeting and chatting with me today. I have dark roast coffee, spicy coffee and water today.

If we were having coffee I would tell you my story challenge is moving along. I have not been as inspired this week for new material, but have been doing revision. I am writing, but not sticking as close to the prompts as I have in the past. The experience is different for me now since I have a well established writing practice. Words are written everyday. I joined a writing sprint Saturday morning which was nice to see some familiar faces and get a story done. I also had a call with a Canadian writer friend this week. It was incredibly fueling to me!

If we were having coffee I would tell you the weather cleared up for 3 days and then it went back to raining. I have been able to sneak a few walks in. I do so much better when I can connect with nature even if it is only an hour.

Do you need a refill?

If we were having coffee I would tell you I wrote with my poetry class on Thursday night. I had wrestled with a poem all day and it gave me time to revise it. I have been in my Sarah Freligh poetry boot camp class as well as Monna McDiarmid’s.

If we were having coffee I would tell you revisions to my novel continue. With work this week, I haven’t been able to get as much time in that document as I would like.

If we were having coffee I would tell you PUSH group was delightful on Monday night. The conversation went to reading at the end which was engaging and humorous!

If we were having coffee I would tell you I am spending some time with my son today for Mother’s Day. We are going to lunch. It is always fun to spend time with him no matter what the day.

I hope your Sunday is filled with some fun and laughter. Mine started wonderfully and will be full of joyful moments.

Thank you for joining me for a coffee chat!

May 8, 2022 by TammyB Categories: bradbury, Challenge, creativity, Mywriting, Questions, Reading Life, reflection, Short Story, Writing Challenge, Writing Exercise, Writing Prompt, WritingLifeTags: #ideas, amwriting, bradbury, writing, writingprompt Leave a comment

May Day #WeekendCoffeeShare

Thank you for joining me for a coffee chat today. I link up with Natalie the Explorer with others who enjoy Weekend Coffee Share posts!

Thank you for meeting and chatting with me today. I have dark roast coffee today and some water.

If we were having coffee I would tell Storyaday May begins today and I am excited for this annual event. Julie, the host, is running two side by side challenges this year. One is the classic 31 stories in 31 days and the other is a “fun size”. The alternative challenge is a lot about mindset and working on only a few stories for the month. If you want to check her site and the prompts out go to Storyaday.org. I will continue to write using the Sarah Selecky daily prompts during the month and will combine them when that works for my story.

If we were having coffee I would tell you the weather has been a little better. I have been able to get some walks in this week but there was still a lot of rain and wind. Thankfully, no snow this past week.

Do you need a refill?

If we were having coffee I would tell you I went to a White Sox game yesterday with my three sons. It was crazy getting into the park and we had to stand in a massive line. We did get the free shirt , thank goodness. All the boys were worried they would run out before we got to the gate. The game started off with an Anderson homerun, so that was exciting. I had been looking forward to the food at the park as much as the game and it did not disappoint. We had great seats right behind first base and a foul ball landed right next to us…into someone else’s hand. We left when the sky opened up and it poured. They delayed the game, but that was ok. It was a good game. We even got ice cream on the way home. It was a great afternoon.

If we were having coffee I would tell you I worked on revisions to my novel and it is going well.

If we were having coffee I would tell you work seemed extra busy this week. I was glad for the weekend.

I hope your Sunday is filled with some fun and laughter.

Thank you for joining me for a coffee chat!

May 1, 2022 by TammyB Categories: bradbury, Challenge, creativity, Mywriting, Questions, Reading Life, reflection, Short Story, Writing Challenge, Writing Exercise, Writing Prompt, WritingLifeTags: #ideas, amwriting, bradbury, writing, writingprompt 1 Comment

I Invite You To Coffee #WeekendCoffeeShare

Thank you for joining me for a coffee chat today. I link up with Natalie the Explorer with others who enjoy Weekend Coffee Share posts!

Thank you for meeting and chatting with me today. I have some spicy coffee this morning with mocha today. I can make you a regular cup if that doesn’t appeal to you.

If we were having coffee I would tell you I was a guest blogger on a website I respect as a writer and an educator. You can check out my post here about writing poetry.

If we were having coffee I would tell you the weather is still not cooperating. It rained every day this week except Thursday when I was able to get out in the sun for a walk. Yesterday it was 89 degrees at one point and the day before it was 40 degrees??? When it is not raining, it is windy. Windy like 20mph – not breezy.

If we were having coffee I would tell you it was a busy writing week which is always my favorite. The Centered Guest Mentor call was this week and was amazing. Yesterday I attended the Barrelhouse writing conference online and also had my Natalie Goldberg writing session. I had a critique session as well. Thanks to my friends Jamie and Chari, I realized that my 100-word story was due yesterday instead of today, so I am glad I didn’t miss the deadline. I also turned in my CV2 poem.

If we were having coffee I would tell you today my schedule is a little different so my regular writing routine has shifted. I do not mind at all. I plan to do some revisions and submissions today.

Do you need a refill?

If we were having coffee I would tell you I think I have a plan to get my novel revised by August 1st. I have an accountability partner (THANK YOU ROBYN) who also has done this process before so I believe that will be motivating for me. From the Ease Lessons podcast, I also was reminded about a sentence outline which I think will work for figuring out (again) where the holes are in the story so I can work those pieces out. I know I need to rearrange many scenes as well.

I am excited to have a plan and a deadline for myself. I am still reading Refuse to Be Done by Matt Bell and I am sure that will help with the plans as they become more solidified and written down!

If we were having coffee I would tell you I have made some writing connections through my new role as Moderator for Centered. I am enjoying the increased interaction and learning more about these writers.

If we were having coffee I would tell you I hope you have some fun this Sunday! I am having the most enjoyable day today full of many things I love. I had the perfect start to the morning and had an amazing breakfast with someone important…more on that another time.

Looking ahead I am looking forward to next weekend already! I have some big plans and I am taking my sons to a White Sox game! I hope the weather holds out for us!

Thank you for joining me for a coffee chat! I am already looking forward to next weekend!

April 24, 2022April 25, 2022 by TammyB Categories: bradbury, Challenge, creativity, Mywriting, Questions, Reading Life, reflection, Short Story, Writing Challenge, Writing Exercise, Writing Prompt, WritingLifeTags: #ideas, amwriting, bradbury, writing, writingprompt 4 Comments

April 17 #WeekendCoffeeShare

Thank you for joining me for a coffee chat today. I link up with Natalie the Explorer with others who enjoy Weekend Coffee Share posts!

Thank you for meeting and chatting with me today. I have some dark roast black coffee today. Happy Easter to you if you celebrate!

If we were having coffee I would tell you I was thankful this work week was only 4 days. I had a busy week but thankfully not as busy as it was the week before. I did have an evaluation on Tuesday after noon but felt relief after that was complete. I was presenting about reading at a staff meeting and that is one of my happiest things to do.

If we were having coffee I would tell you I did a lot more cooking this week. I made chicken saag, prosciutto chicken with basil cream sauce and beef and noodles! There was even enough to have leftovers for next week.

If we were having coffee I would tell you I was able to walk in a new forest this weekend! It was glorious and the weather was finally sunny. Luckily, it had dried out a bit so the ground wasn’t too squishy.

If we were having coffee I would tell you I celebrated the full moon this weekend. It was the Pink Moon this cycle and was very bright! Being under the full moon was one of the highlights of a perfect day.

Do you need a refill?

If we were having coffee I would tell you I had a poetry writing class on Friday that was amazing. It is through Poetry Forge and if you do not follow Holly you should. The pop up class was fueling and I found a new poet to read. The guest poet for the class was Chris Dombrowski.

If we were having coffee I would tell you I have many things to look forward to for the remaining days of the month. I do hope the weather evens out a bit. There have been large temperature differences day to day and high winds that make it difficult to get outside.

If we were having coffee I would ask you if you have a story about a stranger who impacted you in some way. A new essay book about just this topic came out last month and I am finding it fascinating: Letters To A Stranger edited by Colleen Kinder. I am excited to talk about this topic on Monday at my PUSH group.

If we were having coffee I would tell you I hope you have some fun this Sunday!

Thank you for joining me for a coffee chat! I am already looking forward to next weekend!

April 17, 2022 by TammyB Categories: bradbury, Challenge, creativity, Mywriting, Questions, Reading Life, reflection, Short Story, Writing Challenge, Writing Exercise, Writing Prompt, WritingLifeTags: #ideas, amwriting, bradbury, writing, writingprompt 6 Comments

April 10 #WeekendCoffeeShare

Thank you for joining me for a coffee chat today. I link up with Natalie the Explorer with others who enjoy Weekend Coffee Share posts!

Thank you for meeting and chatting with me today. I have some dark roast black coffee today. Since it is Sunday AND a writing day for me I made a whole pot. There is plenty for us to have a long visit today.

If we were having coffee I would tell you this week was super busy. It seemed even more so because the schedule the week before was much more open with it being spring break for me. This week there was a meeting every day after school and the days were packed. Not the way I like to come back if I am honest. A little more easing in would have been preferable. I am grateful for this weekend where I did not have to go anywhere! I need the recharge.

If we were having coffee I would tell you I have the intention of increasing my reading minutes. I have always been a voracious reader , but the last several years I have been in a slump. I am reading Aftershock by Nadia Owusu which is a memoir. I also am reading Nicole Sachs book The Meaning of Truth. I am also reading a poem everyday, but reading on my devices feels different to me than a physical book. I have an amazing library here in my town so I have no shortage of books. Well, to be honest, there are no shortage of books in my apartment and my life either but….

If we were having coffee I would tell you I was able to do something this week that I have never been able to do and it made me incredibly happy. I am still riding on that high!

If we were having coffee I would tell you I had my critique session with my fabulous writing partner in crime this week! She is amazing at feedback and helps me see things in my writing that I cannot immediately. I trust her insights and love her writing. It is a great partnership. Plus she is funny and we laugh a lot! Our lives have cosmic parallels so that has been enlightening.

Do you need a refill?

If we were having coffee I would tell you I had several writing classes/events this week which always makes me happy! Nancy Stohlman had her free challenge and the virtual retreat. Sarah Selecky had her cowriting and centered conversation around practice. I had a class with Kathy Fish and the Crow Collective. I also hosted two calls for a new adventure in writing this week. All good stuff that inspires me. I also hosted my PUSH group on Monday which was so fun and amazing. I am so blessed to have an amazing group of creative people in my circle.

If we were having coffee I would tell you I ran yesterday and it went better than I thought. The weather has been cold and rainy/snowy for 3 weeks. Today it is warmer but the winds are ridiculous but I will get out there anyway.

If we were having coffee I would tell you I had a writing class yesterday and another writing event in the evening. I never feel like I am wasting my when writing. I also had a work call in the morning but that was enjoyable!

If we were having coffee I would tell you I hope you have some fun this Sunday!

If we were having coffee I would tell you I sense some good news is coming next week! I hope this for you too!

Thank you for joining me for a coffee chat! I am already looking forward to next weekend!

April 10, 2022 by TammyB Categories: bradbury, Challenge, creativity, Mywriting, Questions, Reading Life, reflection, Short Story, Writing Challenge, Writing Exercise, Writing Prompt, WritingLifeTags: #ideas, amwriting, bradbury, writing, writingprompt 4 Comments

#IWSG APRIL

https://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/p/iwsg-sign-up.html

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time – and return comments. This group is all about connecting!

April 6 Question

April 6 question – Have any of your books been made into audio books? If so, what is the main challenge in producing an audiobook?
The awesome co-hosts for the April 6 posting of the IWSG are Joylene Nowell Butler, Jemima Pett, Patricia Josephine, Louise – Fundy Blue, and Kim Lajevardi!

Not yet! But this question made me think about how I use audio in my writing.

For a short time I played with a podcast. I had been asked by several people to start one and wanted to experiment and see what that iteration of my writing life sounded like. It wasn’t something I promoted heavily because it was play. It didn’t light me up like writing does.

One of the revision techniques I have been remembering to use more frequently is to read my pieces out loud to myself. I can catch a lot that way just by hearing the music of the language. It also helps me fix awkward sentences. I have also been using a Read Aloud Google extension to just be able to listen and not look at the text.

Listening to writing podcast inspires me and lights me up. I have a whole list that I rotate through!

Talking to other writers about writing process makes me happy and fueled as well.

What role does audio play in your writing life?

April 6, 2022 by TammyB Categories: Challenge, Insecure Writer's Support Group, IWSG, Mywriting, Questions, sarahselecky, Short Story, Writing Challenge, Writing Exercise, Writing Group, Writing Prompt, WritingLifeTags: IWSG, writing 4 Comments

First Sunday of April #WeekendCoffeeShare

Thank you for joining me for a coffee chat today. I link up with Natalie the Explorer with others who enjoy Weekend Coffee Share posts!

Thank you for meeting and chatting with me today. I have some dark roast black coffee today. I need a lot of brew today!

If we were having coffee I would tell you my Two Writing Teachers challenge is over now and I am missing it already! It is inspiring to read all the posts every day. Of course, I have a new April challenge for myself involving poetry. I am using mentor texts and writing my own. Check out Day 1 here. I am not posting the poems on the blog because that would mean they are published. I will talk about my process and share my resources.

If we were having coffee I would tell you my spring break is over today. I am sad. There was more I wanted to do this week. The weather made it impossible to walk or run. Today it looks like I can wiggle in between the weather. It is quite foggy today too.

If we were having coffee I would tell you I chopped my hair off this week! I have not had short hair in a decade and it feels free. I am liking it. When the sun hits my hair when I am outside it will get lighter so I am looking forward to that!

If we were having coffee I would tell you I cooked this week! I made tacos, taco salad, and black bean soup. Yeah me! I was able to make larger portions and put some in the freezer for the next couple of weeks.

Do you need a refill?

If we were having coffee I would tell you I attended a live Zoom call with Natalie Goldberg yesterday and it was wonderful! She makes me laugh and I love all her books. Her advice was to “write your asses off.” She gave us several “topics” to write for 10 minute sprints. She doesn’t call them prompts. She read to us and talked about writing and it was fueling. I am glad there is another call later in the month to enjoy.

If we were having coffee I would tell you I am already thinking about my May writing challenge. May is Storyaday month so I am signed up for the updates. I will talk about it here and in my community. I also have a writer friend who is going to be my partner in crime this time so that will be extra fun.

If we were having coffee I would tell you I have been thinking about the future a lot. I am starting to plan for some concrete writing tasks, how I want to live my every day life, and who I want to spend that time with. It is exciting and scary and may involve some changes. I feel like I am leveling up but also not rushing into anything. I also have been thinking about my stuff. I often stand in my apt and just look at what I would take if I moved. There isn’t a lot I must admit. There may be some selling of things over the next months! It is still foggy and not solidified but a plan is being constructed.

If we were having coffee I would tell you I hope there is hope and rainbows as part of your next week!

Thank you for joining me for a coffee chat! I am already looking forward to next weekend!

April 3, 2022 by TammyB Categories: bradbury, Challenge, creativity, Mywriting, Questions, Reading Life, reflection, Short Story, Writing Challenge, Writing Exercise, Writing Prompt, WritingLifeTags: #ideas, amwriting, bradbury, writing, writingprompt 6 Comments

Last Sunday of March #SOL22 #WeekendCoffeeShare #day27

Thank you for joining me for a coffee chat today. I link up with Natalie the Explorer with others who enjoy Weekend Coffee Share posts! I am also linking to the Two Writing Teachers because I am participating in the March Daily Blog Challenge.

Hello! Thank you for chatting with me today. I have some Mexican mocha coffee with a bit of spice if you like.I have my dark roast as well and water of course.

If we were having coffee I would tell you my Two Writing Teachers challenge is coming to an end soon. It has felt easier this year for some reason. I think it is because there have been so many wonderful inspirational posts.

If we were having coffee I would tell you I had two late nights at school this week which made the week before Spring break even longer.

If we were having coffee I would tell you the rainy weather and the schedule for this week was not conducive to running.

If we were having coffee I would tell you I have not cooked much at all. I have been feeding myself, but it has been mostly eggs and sandwiches. I have a list of things and will be making some real meals next week.

Do you need a refill?

If we were having coffee I would tell you I started a new journal. I have been using the same type of journal for a couple years now but have been gifted some beautiful books lately. I decided to start one I was drawn to.

If we were having coffee I would tell you I hearing wind chimes in the morning is such a nice sound.

If we were having coffee I would tell you I am thrilled to be off of work this week. I plan to run and walk and get some errands done. Mostly I will read and write and relax! I have a week full of writer meetings and check in with friends. It is going to be amazing.

If we were having coffee I would tell you I hope your week was satisfying in all the best ways! I invite you to share something about your week too! What are you looking forward to this week?

Thank you for joining me for a coffee chat! I am already looking forward to next weekend!

March 27, 2022 by TammyB Categories: bradbury, Challenge, creativity, Mywriting, Questions, Reading Life, reflection, Short Story, Writing Challenge, Writing Exercise, Writing Prompt, WritingLifeTags: #ideas, amwriting, bradbury, writing, writingprompt 13 Comments

Sunday March 20 #SOL22 #WeekendCoffeeShare #day20

Thank you for joining me for a coffee chat today. I link up with Natalie the Explorer with others who enjoy Weekend Coffee Share posts! I am also linking to the Two Writing Teachers because I am participating in the March Daily Blog Challenge.

Hello! Thank you for chatting with me today. I have a couple different kinds of coffee and all the add ins for us today. I will have my dark black today as usual and some water I think too. I have a little tray of sweets today, help yourself. My favorite is the mini cheese danish.

If we were having coffee I would tell you my Two Writing Teachers challenge is going well. I have been inspired by many of the other slicers this year. I have posted every day and commented as well. It is hard to believe it is the 20th already!

If we were having coffee I would tell you I went to the high school play Sister Act on Friday night. It was great. The singing was incredible. It was a nice evening out but it did feel very long. The week had been stressful. It was nice to spend some time with a friend though and do something different.

If we were having coffee I would tell you I ran well at the beginning of the week. There were some rest days built into the plan but the weather took them. It is rainy this weekend as well. Sunday it is super sunny and the first day of spring so I will venture out a little later.

If we were having coffee I would tell you I am drawn to Rumi’s poem, The Guest House today.

Do you need a refill?

If we were having coffee I would tell you I had two great classes I went to on Saturday. I was able to get some inspiration and some writing done. I was also able to watch the recording of the Guest Mentor class with Alan Watt through the Sarah Selecky Centered site.

If we were having coffee I would tell you I did some cleaning yesterday. I rearranged the bookcase and fixed some visual clutter that needed to be taken care of.

If we were having coffee I would tell you welcome to spring! I am feeling a little hesitant about it honestly. There is newness and uncertainty. I feel fragile like that new bud that is popping out of the soil. I do plan to plant some seeds this year.

If we were having coffee I would tell you I hope your week was satisfying in all the best ways! I invite you to share something about your week too! What are you looking forward to this week?

Thank you for joining me for a coffee chat! I am already looking forward to next weekend!

March 20, 2022 by TammyB Categories: bradbury, Challenge, creativity, Mywriting, Questions, Reading Life, reflection, Short Story, Writing Challenge, Writing Exercise, Writing Prompt, WritingLifeTags: #ideas, amwriting, bradbury, writing, writingprompt 8 Comments