A Writer's Moment: It's Just 'Squiggles on the Page' Without You

A Writer's Moment: It's Just 'Squiggles on the Page' Without You:   “A story is open-ended. A story invites you into it to make your own meaning.” – Katherine Paterson Born on this date in 1932, Paters...

It's Just 'Squiggles on the Page' Without You

 “A story is open-ended. A story invites you into it to make your own meaning.” – Katherine Paterson

Born on this date in 1932, Paterson is best known for her children's novels, winning two Newbery Medals and two National Book Awards for her work.  Bridge to Terabithia, her most widely read, was both a Newbery winner and highly controversial when published (1977) because her youthful protagonists take on themes considered adult in nature.  But, they also learn about triumphing through self-sacrifice and how to deal with death and jealousy.   

 

Although her characters often face dire situations, Paterson writes with compassion and empathy, interlacing her writing with wry wit and understated humor.

“The problem with people who are afraid of imagination,
 of fantasy,” she said of her detractors, “is that their world becomes so narrow that I don't see how they can imagine beyond what their senses can verify.  We know from science that there are entire worlds that our senses can't verify.”

 Among Paterson's other major prizes are the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award from the Swedish Arts Council -- the biggest monetary prize in children's literature; the NSK Neustadt Prize for Children's Literature; and the Laura Ingalls Wilder Medal from the American Library Association.

“Reading asks that you bring your whole life experience and your ability to decode the written word and your creative imagination to the page and be a co-author with the writer,” Paterson said.  “Because the story is just squiggles on the page unless you have a reader.”

A Writer's Moment: 'A record of place . . . and beauty'

A Writer's Moment: 'A record of place . . . and beauty':   “If someone is alone reading my poems, I hope it would be like reading someone's notebook. A record. Of a place, beauty, difficulty. ...

'A record of place . . . and beauty'

 

“If someone is alone reading my poems, I hope it would be like reading someone's notebook. A record. Of a place, beauty, difficulty. A familiar daily struggle.” – Fanny Howe

Poet, novelist, and short story writer, Howe celebrated her 82nd birthday this month.

One of America's most widely read poets, her prose          poems, "Everything's a Fake" and "Doubt,” were selected for the anthology Great American Prose Poems: from Poe to the Present.   And, her poem "Catholic" was selected for a volume of The Best American Poetry.  For Saturday’s Poem, here is Howe’s,

                                    Footsteps

                                    I have never arrived
                                    into a new life yet.

                                    Have you?

                                    Do you find the squeak
                                    of boots on snow

                                    excruciating?

                                    Have you heard people
                                    say, It wasn't me,

                                    when they accomplished
                                    a great feat?

                                    I have, often.
                                    But rarely.

                                            •

                                    Possibility
                                    is one of the elements.
                                    It keeps things going.

                                    The ferry
                                    with its ratty engine
                                    and exactitude at chugging
                                    into blocks and chains.

                                    Returning as ever
                                    to mother's house
                                    under a salty rain.

A Writer's Moment: Sharing life's 'funny' moments

A Writer's Moment: Sharing life's 'funny' moments:   “Laughter is the closest distance between two people.” – Victor Borge For many years I wrote a “humor based on lif...

Sharing life's 'funny' moments

 

“Laughter is the closest distance between two people.” – Victor Borge

For many years I wrote a “humor based on life” column called “Jargon,” which also became the title of one of my books.  Started when I was writing for the Hot Springs Star in the Southern Black Hills, “Jargon” gave readers an invitation to enjoy a laugh at things that might or might not happen to them but had, in fact, happened to me or members of my family.  

And, while some columns were written purely to entertain, others were done as a way to draw attention to a special need, an idea, or a concept that was easier to convey through the use of humor.  

Most of the things we laugh at in real life – whether they be about a temperamental pet or embarrassing things your kids say at the most inopportune times – are true stories, even if sometimes slightly exaggerated for effect.   Humor is not only a great technique, but also often the key focus of what makes up many of our writers’ moments.  “Happy” writing. 

 

Cartoonist Paul Kales must’ve known about our cat Pouncer