Finding the right word

I know it may be difficult at times to find the right word in your story or poem and I'm sure you want it to sound good, right? Well, don't worry so much right now. If you get stuck over what you really want to say at this time, you might block some of the thoughts you want to get out which could block the inspiration coming to you. We all have a little perfectionism in us from time to time especially when it comes to what we like to do. But the revisions can come later. If you want to brush up on your vocabulary there are several things you can do.

Reading is very fundamental as we heard when we were little, but truthfully, it is important and fun. There are so many wonderful books out there to learn from and grow inspired. And without even realizing it, you pick up on more and more words each time you read. For the words that you don't know, underline them. If you want to look them up right away, go ahead but you don't have to do it at that time because it might disturb you from the story. Then when you're done reading, you might want to go back to the underlined words and look then up in the dictionary or thesaurus and see how many words you already know that have the same exact meaning. Who knows. You may just want to use this new word in your work.


Another thing that you can do is start your own WORD OF THE DAY challenge. For all the words that you may not know in books, magazines or what a professor says that you pretend you understand- just write it down on a post it or small piece of paper and write the definition after it. When you have your collection of words, you may want to put them into a jar or other container and each day, pull one out. That word can be your word of the day to learn.

Another way to improve your vocabulary, is to perhaps find books online, at the library, or bookstore. There might be fun ones in which you learn new words by doing different exercises instead of a list of random words.

There is a lot you can do if you want to add more unique and better sounding words in your work if you want to- but the most important thing is to not force a word. Sometimes it sounds more natural to just let the word come from your heart. It may flow better or be relatable and understandable. But there is also nothing wrong in expanding your vocab- you might just like
finding new words that you can use.

It's writing time!

We all lead such busy lives but it is essential to put aside a specific amount of time for writing... without the excuses. No matter what. It doesn't have to be a huge goal such as two hours but maybe 15 minutes or eventually a half hour. My seminar professor for writing says we should all write at least 15 minutes a day. We don't need to over think what we write or try to make it what we really what to say. Don't worry about it. Just set aside some time and write. If nothing specific comes your way then write what you are feeling at that exact moment. You'll be surprised that once you get going, ideas will begin flowing and it may even be hard to stop.

If something is bothering you and everything around you isn't going your way, use that and make it into a poem or story or just continuos thoughts. But put it down on paper and let give your words a home.

John Keats once said “If poetry comes not as naturally as the leaves to a tree, it had better not come at all.”


If writing is truly your passion and a part of you, it is not going anywhere. It lives inside you. Yes, we all get stuck from time to time. You think that famous writer's never got stuck? I'm sure many artists and poets thought there work wasn't good enough. Look at Vincent Van Gogh and how he felt about his work. Through his life, he suffered from a lot of insecurity and didn't think his work was good enough but we all know his paintings such as "Starry Night and the "Potato Eaters." These are great pieces of work! All this talented writers and artists despite how they felt, all continued to write or produce great work of art. Don't think into what your already know so well. Set aside 15 minutes and see what comes up.

The beauty in Poetry

So I thought maybe you would like to do a little exploration with me about a couple types of poems out there. I was in my creative writing class last night and we went over the differences in poetry. While everyone went around the room to read their sonnets that they like (mostly Shakespeare), I realize that this type of poem:

is an old fashioned way to write a poem but nothing expresses the beauty of language more than a sonnet. The flow and power is such a seduction! You don't even need to really understand what the poem is saying to truly love and appreciate it. My teacher describes it as a consideration in language, a moment or argument; a powerful feeling. The sonnet consists of 14 of Iambic Pentameter of 3 coordinate quatrains and a couplet. An example of Rhyme scheme can be

abab cdcd efef gg

"How do I Love Thee? Let me count the ways..." Sonnet 43 by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, --- I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! --- and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

A Haiku is a Japanese poem of only three lines, all unrhymed of five, seven and five syllables. It is form of enlightenment that focuses on a moment in nature and creating those images.

Over the wintry
forest, winds howl in rage
with no leaves to blow.

-Natsume Soseki

Free Verse poetry is a type I like as well as many modern poets today. It can consist of rhymed or unrhymed lines without a set pattern. It can lead the way for a more contemporary creative style.

Where's the Muses?

Ok so last night I was talking with one of my friends online after sending him a poem I wrote. I told him that I doubt myself a lot and it is really hard to write sometimes. I call it a love/ hate relationship. You know inside when something is right for you... it is a feeling but getting it out of your system is like sometimes tackling a bad cold. It stays inside. My friend told me that he thinks we both need a muse- someone to break away the numbness, loneliness, and over-thinking in our lives. Let's face it, when we are happy, really happy, we are willing to take more chances.



Valentine's day is coming up and yes, it can give way to a load of inspiration for many people, however, what about those that don't have muses or romantic events to look forward to. Well, then it's time to love ourselves and get to know the real us again. Or dig up some of your emotions that are difficult for you to express and start up a journal of "me" thoughts." Remember: A journal or diary is just for yourself so you don't have to worry about writing a certain way. Buy something that suits you- leather bound or one with kittens on it. Whatever you choose, let it express you. You can do whatever you want in tis journal. It is an exploration of your writing. Jot down random thoughts, feelings, or scribble when nothing comes to mind. Even save some pages for ripping up or coloring. When the muses out there are all taken, we can try to remove the negativity in our own lives and be our own muse. Possible? Don't know. Let's give it a shot.