You've heard of twin towns? We now have a twin group! Writers' group, that is.
A recent new WordsFlow member, Lorraine, moved to our area from Brisbane, Queensland, where she had been part of the Fairfield Writers' Group. Although we operate a little differently, it's apparent that the two groups share similar attitudes and values *. We decided to befriend each other so as to share resources and opportunities. We're not so far away as to rule out getting together occasionally, perhaps for our respective book launches when we publish anthologies.
Meanwhile, one of the differences between us is that the Farifield group's website publishes more tips, techniques and exercises for writers, whereas our blog here is more of a showcase for participants' writing. We both do both, but the predominant focus differs. Much of the material at the Fairfield group's site could be very useful to writers beyond the group. I've listed it on our 'Useful Links for Writers' page, and I recommend that you have a look at it. It is in itself a rich resource.
* You think that's only to be expected? Sadly, some writers' groups haven't found out yet that you can be serious about writing without being snooty. It's off-putting for newcomers to be greeted with, 'And what university did you attend?' or 'Are you a PUBLISHED poet?' — even when the answer would be deemed acceptable. Talent, creativity, and the ability to work at one's craft can flourish just as well, and to my mind better, in an atmosphere of friendliness and laughter, which builds trust.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Poetry Olympics
There's an arresting headline! But no, it's not an announcement; it's one of the five-minute prompts from our last writing session. The others liked the nonsense I wrote in response so much that they demanded it go on our blog. So here it is. — Rosemary
Whoopee! At last they have recognized me. My potential is realised. I could win, you know — I could. And the relay will be wonderful; how could we possibly fail at that? There’ll be Jan Busch and me, and Les Murray and John Kinsella. I can just imagine us, passing the stanza to the next person, who takes it and runs with it (metaphorically speaking of course). The official scorer will be taking it down with the recording device on his mobile phone.
Who can the other teams field that could match us? I can’t think of any good foreign poets who aren’t dead already. Oh well, come to think of it, maybe one or two. The Americans might give us a run for our money. But Aussies, you know, have words like no-one’s ever heard. We must get some points for originality. Bonzer and bottler and bewdy, they’d all count extra, don’t you reckon? Yeah, she’ll be apples on the day.
There’ll be the improv section and the free verse race, the formal high jump and the haiku sprint.
I hear the Board is still deciding whether to admit rap. So old-fashioned of them! If they let in concrete poetry, which doesn’t even get to be spoken, why not rap? If they let in dada, which is just repetitive sounds, why not rap? I’m going to get up a petition on the internet. The Yanks’d join me, that's for sure; they invented it — or so they think. It was really the Mexicans, but never mind.
Well, gotta go and practice my sonnets and triolets. See you after the ballad race.
Note: No discussion of the nature of dada or the origin of rap will be entered into.
Whoopee! At last they have recognized me. My potential is realised. I could win, you know — I could. And the relay will be wonderful; how could we possibly fail at that? There’ll be Jan Busch and me, and Les Murray and John Kinsella. I can just imagine us, passing the stanza to the next person, who takes it and runs with it (metaphorically speaking of course). The official scorer will be taking it down with the recording device on his mobile phone.
Who can the other teams field that could match us? I can’t think of any good foreign poets who aren’t dead already. Oh well, come to think of it, maybe one or two. The Americans might give us a run for our money. But Aussies, you know, have words like no-one’s ever heard. We must get some points for originality. Bonzer and bottler and bewdy, they’d all count extra, don’t you reckon? Yeah, she’ll be apples on the day.
There’ll be the improv section and the free verse race, the formal high jump and the haiku sprint.
I hear the Board is still deciding whether to admit rap. So old-fashioned of them! If they let in concrete poetry, which doesn’t even get to be spoken, why not rap? If they let in dada, which is just repetitive sounds, why not rap? I’m going to get up a petition on the internet. The Yanks’d join me, that's for sure; they invented it — or so they think. It was really the Mexicans, but never mind.
Well, gotta go and practice my sonnets and triolets. See you after the ballad race.
Note: No discussion of the nature of dada or the origin of rap will be entered into.
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