Writing

What Improv Can Teach You About Writing

October 6, 2014 by Lisa Tener

improv and writing — Some photos from the CTC website improv page

With something like 17 of us gathered around the stage, Chris Simpson singled me out to take a step back to enlarge the circle. I looked down at my feet. The woman to my left stood about 8 inches farther back, as did Kevin, to my right–their heels a mere inch or two from the edge. Every fiber of my being told me not to step any closer to the edge of the stage–especially with my back to the drop. I inched back a couple centimeters as a compromise.

Thus began my first lesson in trust last night in Improv 101 at the Contemporary Theater in Wakefield, RI which Chris co-teaches with Ryan Hartigan. An exercise in eye contact provided an opportunity to observe eye contact dynamics in my household later that night, providing a more intimate connection with one of my children.

I’m sure I could feel my brain developing new synapses during another exercise in three-pronged multi-tasking–an exercise so complicated, I won’t confuse you–or myself–by attempting to describe it. Suffice it to say, the fast moving exercise involved a yellow bean bag ball, colors, names, eye contact, walking and ball catching. This exercise required being present to the moment and trusting.

I took the improv class for a number of reasons, many related to writing, a few related to life. I wanted to:

Bring more humor into writing a business-related book
Bring more spontaneity to my writing, in general
Access my creativity in new ways–hoping that this will also bring some fresh life to my writing
Have fun
Laugh

peeking out of box — Getting ready to step outside my box!

As a business owner who works from home and mostly connects to clients and service providers by phone and e-mail, I also looked forward to interacting with people in person. Between parenting and running a busy business, my world had gotten fairly narrow compared to my single days where I tended to visit museums, watch theater regularly, dance, take tai chi classes, hike in nature, go camping, read the newspaper, read magazines, try new exotic foods, attend lectures and workshops, and interact with a variety of people at work in person. On the weekends, my kids like to stay at home, for the most part. I viewed improv as a way to expand my world a bit, and to climb out of the shrinking box that had become my life.

Don’t get me wrong. I love my life. But I felt like it had gotten predictable. I wasn’t growing in the same ways I used to. I felt like I needed new stimulation, more to draw on in order to bring creativity into my writing and my home life, as well.

I noticed at the beginning of class how some part of me wanted to be funny–to be a bit of a star. And improv’s not like that. I quickly grasped how improv is more about entering some new world of the imagination and creating something together with a bunch of other people you have learned to trust. You let go of the tiny self and become your expanded self–mind, body, spirit–all of you. Improv requires curiosity, suspending the inner critic, going with your gut, acting intuitively, impulsively at times. Improv requires you to be fully present, to let go of ego and allow the moment to reveal itself through you.

I guess my biggest surprise is the spiritual and personal growth aspects of improv. I went to improve my writing but I see already that improv is going to make its mark on my spiritual life, family, personality and present moments.

What activities have had a profound or interesting impact on your writing? What were some of the insights they brought into your writing and your life?

October is the Month for Writers Conferences and Book Festivals!

September 17, 2014 by Lisa Tener

I love writers conferences–both presenting and attending workshops. Perhaps my favorite aspect of writers conferences is the opportunity for new input into one’s writing:

An essayist may show you a new way of seeing something about your writing.
Or a poet may teach you a nifty trick to get your creative juices flowing.
Or you may learn some editing tools that make your writing better.

There’s also, of course, the sense of community–just being around other people who love writing, who love words. I often find myself especially inspired after the evening readings–staying up late to write some more.

Writers conferences also offer a time to step away from all the responsibilities of everyday life to completely focus on writing. That focus can also be powerful.

If you’re thinking about a writers conference, October is a perfect month:

Here is a sampling of writers conferences and book festivals coming up in October:

Oct. 17-19, 2014 – Digital Authors 2.0 and Self-Publishing Conference, sponsored by West Coast Writers Conferences. Los Angeles Valley College, Van Nuys, CA

Oct. 17-19, 2014 – Whistler Readers and Writers Festival, Whistler, BC

Oct. 19-24, 2014 – Salt Cay Writers Retreat, Salt Cay, Bahamas

Oct. 25, 2014 – Boston Book Festival – free and excellent! (150 Presenters, including Doris Kearns Goodwin and Herbie Hancock on memoir)

Oct. 21-26, 2014 – The Vancouver Writers Fest, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Oct. 24-26, 2014 – Chicago Writers Conference, University Center, Chicago, IL

Oct. 24-26, 2014 – The La Jolla Writers Conference, Paradise Point Resort and Spa, San Diego, CA

And here are a few in November:

Salt Cay Writers Retreat — Salt Cay, Bahamas

Nov. 6-9, 2014 – Sanibel Island Writers Conference, Sanibel Island, FL

Nov. 15, 2014 – Baltimore Writers’ Conference, Towson, MD

Nov. 16-23, 2013 – Miami Book Fair International, Miami, FL

Know of one not listed here? Add it as a comment! Thanks.

If Your Writing Gets Stale…

September 14, 2014 by Lisa Tener

Ever feel like you’re in a slump with your writing? It needs something fresh? One trick I’ve found is to read something in a completely different genre. Then, if inspired, even write something short in a similar voice.

When you go back to the first project, you may find new inspiration.

For example, I recently bought a MAD Magazine at Casablanca Comics in Portland, ME. I hadn’t read MAD since I was fourteen or so and I felt like a pre-teen again as I turned the pages, lying belly down on my friends’ lakeside dock, sometimes laughing out loud.

Inspired by the humorously insulting “Letters (and Tomatoes) to the Editor” I wrote my own. With no agenda except playfulness, it was easy to open up and discover an aspect of my writing voice beyond my usual voice.

After writing the letter a month ago, I finally typed it into my computer and sent it to the editor today. Who knows what will come of it, but I immediately felt the freedom in my writing voice the day after I wrote it. I’m feeling some of that same inspiration today and plan to capitalize on it.

“My Writing Process” Blog Tour

August 1, 2014 by Lisa Tener

My friend and colleague, novelist Betty J. Cotter invited me to be part of the My Writing Process Blog Tour this week. Betty is the author of the novels The Winters and Roberta’s Woods. She holds an MFA in writing from Vermont College and was named the 2006 fiction fellow by the R.I. State Council on the Arts. She teaches English at Three Rivers Community College in Norwich, Conn., and creative writing and journalism at the University of Rhode Island. Her work has appeared in Bibliophilos, Grace magazine, the Ocean State Review, and the Connotation Press, and she writes book reviews for the Providence Journal. Betty is also the founder of Authors on Main, a series of free author talks in Wakefield RI. She blogs at swampyankeewoman.wordpress.com.

If you’re new to my blog, I blog on writing, publishing and promoting nonfiction books–primarily self-help, how-to and memoir. As part of the blog tour, I’ve been asked to answer the following questions:
1) What are you working on? At the moment, I am doing the opposite of what I recommend to participants in my Bring Your Book to Life® Program. I’m working on several projects–a couple of how-to books and even a novel. I think of the novel as a very long term project, since it’s a new genre for me.

2) How does your work differ from others of its genre? This is a great question and one I’ve been asking myself a lot lately. One thing that distinguishes good writing is a strong, and often fresh, voice. Voice needs to be authentic. Yet, I do think we can emphasize aspects of our personality for different audience or topics. So, one thing I’m working on is humor. I enjoy reading books that make me laugh and I want to entertain my readers. Humor is also a great learning tool. As an undergrad, the information I most retained and used in my first few jobs was from a class taught by Dr. Tom Allen. And the reason I retained it was that he made us laugh! So, I’m planning to take an improv class at the Contemporary Theater this fall to work on humor and spontaneity, as well.

3) Why do you write what you do? As a lifelong learner and teacher, it’s natural for me to share what I learn–from my own experiences and from my students. Teaching, coaching and writing are just part of who I am and why I’m here. I sort of stumbled into what I do after my first book, The Ultimate Guide to Transforming Anger was published, a book I co-authored with Peaco Todd and Jane Middelton-Moz. I soon realized I did not enjoy teaching anger workshops, but liked facilitating people’s connection to their creativity, their muse.

I began teaching the 5 steps I use in my own creative process and that I employed with my colleagues in writing our book and now my writing tends to be about writing, creative process and also the business of being an author.
I got my master’s from MIT’s Sloan School of Business and co-chaired the marketing club there–and I’ve won a national award in marketing. So business, and particularly marketing, is a strength of mine, something I’m writing about, and something many authors need help with. I love helping writers make more money doing what they love. Not only does it make their lives easier, but making more money often provides them more time for writing! And the money-making activities generally help them reach more readers. Plus, I see people truly step into their power when they focus on the business end of writing. So, there’s this personal growth that takes place, which is incredibly gratifying to witness.

4) How does your writing process work? I have these 5 steps I use for “Writing in the Zone.” I don’t always consciously employ 5 discrete steps but I may incorporate 2 or 3 of them in one action. The steps are:
1. Create Sacred Space: This is about stepping out of the everyday reality and into that sacred inner space that allows for creativity to flow. There are many aspects to it. Often, I create sacred space by meditating or walking in nature.
2. State Your Intention and Goals Aloud: I read my vision statement for my project aloud and then I will set a goal or intention for the period of writing–whether it be to write about a specific anecdote or write a portion of a chapter. And sometimes I just go with what’s coming.
3. Connect with Your Muse: I think of the muse as the creative part of all of us. We connect with our muse all the time. However, making a conscious connection to this aspect of yourself can facilitate flow. I also offer a free audio recording that guides you to making a connection with your muse and asking a question of your muse. (Click here to get the free meet your muse recording)
4. Enter the Flow: This step is about just writing and allowing the flow of ideas and words.
5. Give Thanks: This step is important because even if you didn’t accomplish exactly what you set out to, by focusing on the positive and what you did accomplish, you set yourself up for next time. Even if all you did was sit at your desk and not write, trust that the fallow period was needed to make space for what comes next.
Next up in the My Writing Process Blog Tour, let me introduce you to three great writers I am honored to know:
Ginger Moran: A teacher, published writer, and single mom of two boys, Ginger’s areas of expertise are in fiction and creative nonfiction writing, editing, and creative survival. She holds a Ph.D. in creative writing, teaches at the University of Virginia and James Madison University, and have published widely . Ginger’s first novel, The Algebra of Snow, was nominated for a Pushcart Editor’s Choice Award and was published in the spring of 2012. She writes novels and essays in the morning and teaches how to write them in the afternoon & evening. “It is a heavenly life! “ You will find Ginger’s post on the tour next week at: http://www.gingermoran.com

Cara Bradley: Cara Bradley is a passionate teacher of over 30 years. She founded Verge Yoga in suburban Philadelphia ten years ago that offers 100 yoga and meditation classes per week. She has been in the trenches of personal transformation as a teacher to CEOs, athletes, parents, and college students reaching a nationwide audience through her Verge On-Demand Classes, workshops and retreats, and talks on human potential. Her mindfulness-based techniques empower students to experience their natural presence and power. She trains the Penn State University Men’s Basketball and Villanova University Football teams. Cara writes for Elephant Journal and Women for One and is currently writing a book entitled SoulForce: Living Beyond Your Busy Mind. Cara blogs at www.carabradleyunveiled.com

Dylan Klempner: As the graduate programs advisor for the University of Florida Center for Arts in Medicine, a writer, and an interdisciplinary artist, Dylan shares stories and information about the growing field of Arts and Health through writing, blogging and speaking. Creativity and art making are an essential part of our overall health and happiness, particularly in times of medical crisis because they help us experience a sense of control by focusing our attention. Read Dylan’s blog on creativity and arts in medicine.

Join the “my writing process blog tour” by sharing about your writing process as a comment below.

What Next After a First Draft? Writing Tips from An Angelic Insider

July 17, 2014 by Lisa Tener

“It was like completing an Ironman,” Bridget Engel shared in her angelic voice and New Zealand accent. While completing a solid first draft of 7 of her 8 chapters of Guidance to Go in my Bring Your Book to Life(R) Program put Bridget on Cloud 9, it also took its toll.

“I felt like my creative juice had been used up and I needed to take a break from the book, not just from writing it physically, but letting it go mentally and emotionally. I had to stop thinking about it.”

Being an Angel Guide and Coach, Bridget has a nifty tool for this type of creative break. “Energetically, when you want to not think about something, you can imagine putting it in a beautiful gold box, encrusted in jewels. I told myself, ‘I will open this later but not for now’ which gave me the ability to rest and take a break. The gold box is brilliant for people who cannot stop thinking about things or who get emotionally attached. It’s a high energy tool that I recommend to my clients.”

During her break, Bridget did little nourishing things for herself–resting, lighting candles, seeing friends. The time off did wonders for Bridget’s creative process. “My creativity tapped me on the shoulder a month later. ‘I’m ready. I’m ready to write.'”

“I sat down at the computer and brilliant ideas just flowed out, taking the concept to a further developmental place. I love these new ideas, and I needed that respite to make it happen.”

Note: You can read Bridget’s brilliant insights for what to do when you hit writer’s block in a previous blog post. And, please, share your ideas for how you get your creative juices going after a writing marathon!

Julia Griffin on Writing Flow and the Power of Inner Connection

July 7, 2014 by Lisa Tener

My life, my work, my relationships and my writing have all reached new heights since I began working with Julia Griffin. I have recommended her intuitive services to many clients who have since reached new heights in their work, writing and lives. So, when she asked me to be part of the Power of Inner Connection Telesummit, I didn’t have to check my schedule before I said a big “YES.”

I’m absolutely thrilled to be sharing about Finding the Inner Muse and Writing in the Zone on July 23–and there are 22 more reasons (interviews) for you to sign up for this FREE telesummit that can add more love, beauty, connection and joy to your writing and your life. Here, I interview Julia Griffin about the telesummit, specifically what writers may find beneficial in it, and how she taps into a heightened state for writing.

Lisa: The Power of Inner Connection telesummit is about living life from a heightened state of awareness. Can you say more about that state and what it feels like?

Julia: Everyone has experienced the flow at least once—when life feels graced. Everything falls into place at the right time. There’s also a sensation of light and joy. Children experience this naturally.

Lisa: As a writer, how do you tap into that state consistently? Do you have a specific practice or practices that help? And when do you do those practices?

Julia: Tapping into an awakened state is a practice. Sometimes, it comes easily—other times, it doesn’t.

The state of flow is most easily accessed when I truly want to express the feelings and thoughts of my heart. Meditating on my heart as well as the unconditional love of the universe helps most in my practice. I also have to maintain faith in my ability to do so.

When it doesn’t occur easily, I stay at the computer until the words come.

Lisa: That’s so key. Sometimes it’s tempting to give up too soon, if you’re not tapping into that writing flow. What do you notice about your writing when you do write from that state of being?

Julia: The words transmit far more feeling, emotion, and sensation than when I write from my ordinary mind. I feel I’m reaching into a force much larger than myself, and I feel thrilled when I can touch it and form it into words. It feels ecstatic.

Lisa: I love when I can write myself into that ecstatic state. I believe that readers tap into that when you enter that state of writing flow. You have 23 speakers and topics for the Power of Inner Connection telesummit–can you share which ones are especially beneficial and powerful for authors or aspiring authors?

Julia: Mark Borax worked with Ray Bradbury. His words are both eloquent and poignant—as is his writing (do read his books.) Lisa – you share your insights about creating artistic works and finding the Muse. Lucia Rene speaks about the invisible world, the power of light in an incredibly beautiful voice that touches the soul.

Cynthia Segal expresses joy exquisitely. Cara Bradley shares her insights on stillness, a quality necessary for good writing. Simran Singh explains how passion moves us into the unknown. We move into the unknown—unexplored territory—when we tap into our souls while reaching for words. Donna Carey and Ellen Franklin explain sound in their unique, melodious voices and how it can open us to our true nature. Monica Strobel shares the power of positive words, which is helpful in writing and life.

Lisa: Wow, I can’t wait to listen to these interviews myself. What inspired the Power of Inner Connection telesummit?

Julia: The summit was initially an assignment in a class based on building a platform. We were encouraged to choose a topic that spoke to us—something that invoked our passion.

Connection, particularly spiritual connection, is important to me. It involves many aspects of consciousness, including emotions, physicality, communication, and the development of heightened awareness.

Once you’ve experienced that state, you want it for everyone. You want it for the world. Part of your life work involves sharing the concept.

Lisa: What made you decide upon a telesummit as a platform-building strategy, as opposed to some other strategies?

Julia: I love meeting people. I love the exchange of ideas that can take place in a conversation with an enlightened person or someone who understands the value of focusing on the positive side of life.

It’s simply the best! The idea of people joining together with a uplifting message also meets my criteria for a better world.

Lisa: Anything else that you’re particularly excited about regarding the Power of Inner Connection telesummit?

Julia: I feel happy about possible benefits for the listeners, the exchange of knowledge, and the possibility of opening up to the beautiful flow of life. Group energy is powerful, and I look forward to the connection.

Lisa: Anything you’d like to add about this state of inner connection—or the telesummit, in general?

Julia: The flow comes from universal connection. It’s available to all. It illuminates our lives with beauty, peace, and joy. It connects us with everything—the One and All.

We see and feel currents of energy, the light underlying everything. Everyone can experience awakening—if they want it. On a spiritual level, we say this current is transmitted by individuals who experience it often. By listening to the speakers, you can feel, replicate, and enlarge the current of the “flow.”

Lisa: As someone who’s worked with you personally, I can attest to how you are able to share your experience and help others access a heightened state of flow in life. I’m so looking forward to this telesummit which explores that kind of connection from many angles and offers tools to help us access it for writing, creativity, relationships and life.

Join the Power of Inner Connection Telesummit here. It’s free.

And, readers, please share your experiences of writing or living in a heightened state.

What Improv Can Teach You About Writing

October is the Month for Writers Conferences and Book Festivals!

Here is a sampling of writers conferences and book festivals coming up in October:

And here are a few in November:

If Your Writing Gets Stale…

“My Writing Process” Blog Tour

What Next After a First Draft? Writing Tips from An Angelic Insider

Julia Griffin on Writing Flow and the Power of Inner Connection

Write a Book

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