Re-Creating the World
by Lisa A Kramer
I don't know what made me think that transitioning careers during a pandemic was a good idea. Still, I chose this path, and I am committed to letting go of who I was to become who I truly want to be. The only problem is, that in order to do that, I might first have to help re-create the world. Maybe that's the transition that I have been looking for, but its a big job.
Can we reimagine the world?
Allow me to re-introduce myself. I am Lisa Kramer, a creative soul who has spent much of her money-earning career in higher academia, because that is what her degrees told her she should do. But as much as I love teaching,...
Can we reimagine the world?
Allow me to re-introduce myself. I am Lisa Kramer, a creative soul who has spent much of her money-earning career in higher academia, because that is what her degrees told her she should do. But as much as I love teaching,...
Learning, Listening, and Letting Go
by Lisa A Kramer
This is an open letter to all the white people out there who want to grow in ally-ship, or become co-conspirators for change.
If you are anything like me, you are starting to feel the exhaustion of the past few weeks. Its an exhaustion in my bones, in my soul, in my heart. It comes from fear, anger, and supreme sadness; but for me it also comes from wanting to do better, to be better, to stand up for Black Lives better. It is the exhaustion of wanting to keep my family safe from COVID, but also recognizing that that safety is a privilege in the face of another pandemic--that of the continuous racism that has eaten away at the very...
If you are anything like me, you are starting to feel the exhaustion of the past few weeks. Its an exhaustion in my bones, in my soul, in my heart. It comes from fear, anger, and supreme sadness; but for me it also comes from wanting to do better, to be better, to stand up for Black Lives better. It is the exhaustion of wanting to keep my family safe from COVID, but also recognizing that that safety is a privilege in the face of another pandemic--that of the continuous racism that has eaten away at the very...
Moving Toward a Creative Economy
by Lisa A Kramer
I believe we are in a time for reflection and change.
I believe that the shift must come from people who recognize that our current systems are broken, and only work for a very small portion of society.
I am determined to be part of the change, through writing, creating, speaking, leading workshops, and inspiring others.
[embed]https://youtu.be/wxDwj5ZPkeE[/embed]
While I don't yet know where this dream of mine is heading, I know that I will make this happen. If you would like to be involved in some way, just let me know in the comments or send me an email. Let's change the world together!
I believe that the shift must come from people who recognize that our current systems are broken, and only work for a very small portion of society.
I am determined to be part of the change, through writing, creating, speaking, leading workshops, and inspiring others.
[embed]https://youtu.be/wxDwj5ZPkeE[/embed]
While I don't yet know where this dream of mine is heading, I know that I will make this happen. If you would like to be involved in some way, just let me know in the comments or send me an email. Let's change the world together!
Reading, Writing, and Reviewing
by Lisa A Kramer
“A good review is the literary equivalent of a love note.”― Aly Zigada
Why reviews matter
Do you know what is worse for a book than a bad review? Silence. No reviews whatsoever.
Why? Because reviews, even bad ones, mean that people are actually reading the book. It's that simple--reviews mean readers. Sure, an awful review (or a series of them) can kill a book, but it really depends on the content of that review. The worst one I received for P.O.WER said more about the reader than about the book. It hurt when I first received it, but when I realized that that reader really only loves books about cats, I was able to brush it off.
Ultimately, though, the silence from readers hurts...
Why reviews matter
Do you know what is worse for a book than a bad review? Silence. No reviews whatsoever.
Why? Because reviews, even bad ones, mean that people are actually reading the book. It's that simple--reviews mean readers. Sure, an awful review (or a series of them) can kill a book, but it really depends on the content of that review. The worst one I received for P.O.WER said more about the reader than about the book. It hurt when I first received it, but when I realized that that reader really only loves books about cats, I was able to brush it off.
Ultimately, though, the silence from readers hurts...
Unbecoming and Creative Reinvention
by Lisa A Kramer
I started blogging years ago, before I started my own website. I embraced it fully. I posted daily, built a following, read other blogs, interacted. It became a focus of my life, and helped me through a very difficult transition period. I actually started it because circumstances led my family away from the home we had built in Durango, CO, and my friends there encouraged me to write as a way to stay connected.
A screen shot of my very first post years ago.
It helped me in so many ways.
Then life shifted again. I focused on finishing and publishing my first book. I started my own website (and through that lost some of my followers) and realized...
A screen shot of my very first post years ago.
It helped me in so many ways.
Then life shifted again. I focused on finishing and publishing my first book. I started my own website (and through that lost some of my followers) and realized...
A Conversation with Creativity
by Lisa A Kramer
Me: Why do you call me? What do you want me to know?
C: We call on each other, don't we?
Me: I guess . . . but what does that mean?
C: It means that I am everywhere. I am within you and outside of you. But, I cannot extend beyond you without a little help. I am a verb.
Me: You are a verb? I thought you were a noun?
C: I am both, aren't I? Actually I an also be an adjective. An act of creativity takes place when a creative person creates something.
Me: Okay. Why is that important?
C: I exist in action. Every moment in time something new is created. I can be found in the burst of bird song, the...
C: We call on each other, don't we?
Me: I guess . . . but what does that mean?
C: It means that I am everywhere. I am within you and outside of you. But, I cannot extend beyond you without a little help. I am a verb.
Me: You are a verb? I thought you were a noun?
C: I am both, aren't I? Actually I an also be an adjective. An act of creativity takes place when a creative person creates something.
Me: Okay. Why is that important?
C: I exist in action. Every moment in time something new is created. I can be found in the burst of bird song, the...
Creative Culture after Covid-19: A Society Re-Design
by Lisa A Kramer
Hello all!
I thought I would share this post that I originally published on LinkedIn, as it says everything I want to say.
Creative Culture After Covid-19: A Society Re-Design
If we’ve learned anything from this complex confusing situation of pandemic, it’s the fact that we cannot go back to the “norm” that existed before. Some may disagree with me about this, thinking that leaping back into “business as usual” will heal a broken society. I don’t believe that we can, or even should, return to what came before. We need to work toward something new. We need a society redesign that embraces creativity, kindness, the voices of the people, and our common humanity over oligarchy and elite control. We need to take...
I thought I would share this post that I originally published on LinkedIn, as it says everything I want to say.
Creative Culture After Covid-19: A Society Re-Design
If we’ve learned anything from this complex confusing situation of pandemic, it’s the fact that we cannot go back to the “norm” that existed before. Some may disagree with me about this, thinking that leaping back into “business as usual” will heal a broken society. I don’t believe that we can, or even should, return to what came before. We need to work toward something new. We need a society redesign that embraces creativity, kindness, the voices of the people, and our common humanity over oligarchy and elite control. We need to take...
On Creativity: Share Your Thoughts
by Lisa A Kramer
Anyone who has read my work at any point should recognize one important thing: I believe in the power of creativity to change the world! That belief lies at the core of my authentic self.
Still, I can't tell you how many strange looks I receive when I interact with people and ask them to let go a little, to play with me in a creative way. I'm used to it by now. I've come to recognize that my joie de vivre, or my natural instinct to approach life in a playful and creative way doesn't always mesh with other people's reality. That's okay, we are all different, and that is part of what makes this world so rich and wonderful.
As I...
Still, I can't tell you how many strange looks I receive when I interact with people and ask them to let go a little, to play with me in a creative way. I'm used to it by now. I've come to recognize that my joie de vivre, or my natural instinct to approach life in a playful and creative way doesn't always mesh with other people's reality. That's okay, we are all different, and that is part of what makes this world so rich and wonderful.
As I...
Creativity Challenges for Social Distancing (or Artists-in-Residence)
by Lisa A Kramer
Hello everyone!
It's been a long time, hasn't it?
Somewhere along the way I lost the energy of blogging, for a long time. Actually, to be honest, I was struggling with writing as well. But, I'm back and more energized than ever. I've finished a draft of a novel, which is now with beta readers. I am starting work on a new non-fiction idea, and I write every day in some form or another.
In a way, this bizarre situation we are in, is a blessing in disguise. Don't get me wrong, my heart breaks for anyone infected and for all those brave people working to keep us functioning (from healthcare workers to grocery store clerks, and everyone else). I feel for all...
It's been a long time, hasn't it?
Somewhere along the way I lost the energy of blogging, for a long time. Actually, to be honest, I was struggling with writing as well. But, I'm back and more energized than ever. I've finished a draft of a novel, which is now with beta readers. I am starting work on a new non-fiction idea, and I write every day in some form or another.
In a way, this bizarre situation we are in, is a blessing in disguise. Don't get me wrong, my heart breaks for anyone infected and for all those brave people working to keep us functioning (from healthcare workers to grocery store clerks, and everyone else). I feel for all...
Rethinking Failure
by Lisa A Kramer
I just read a post where a friend announced that she was officially divorced as of a couple of days ago. Underneath this people commented sending love, or condolences, or thoughts. One person though, made a comment that included the words "you did not fail" and for some reason it bothered me. The comment was perfectly fine, because it went on to say people change and that sometimes a divorce is for the best, but the word "fail" hit me in the gut. Why, if something ends in a way that we did not expect, do we see that as a failure? Why can't we, instead, see it as an opportunity?
"Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time...
Writing, Not Writing, and Writing Again
by Lisa A Kramer
When I first started blogging, I belonged to a tiny little writing group made up of two friends from the college where I was teaching. I was facing one of those unexpected challenges in life--my husband had tenure stolen from him (long story) and we couldn't afford to live on my salary in the tourist town where we lived. I hadn't been allowed to teach in my official field (theatre) but was doing pretty well teaching for writing, honors, and other departments--but at the lesser salad of a contracted visiting professor rather than a tenured or tenure track professor.
I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life. I didn't know what would happen next in our lives....
I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life. I didn't know what would happen next in our lives....
P.O.W.ERful Surprises: Books Don't Disappear
by Lisa A Kramer
Once upon a time I wrote a novel. It was published, people read it, and it received good reviews and was shortlisted for a couple of awards. I was (and still am) very proud of the book.
But that isn't enough to keep a book in the eyes of readers. Not if you don't have a huge budget, a publicity team, and a recognizable name.
For a while, as authors should do, I spent all my time promoting that book. I announced when it was nominated for awards. I attended book events and signings. I did workshops based off of the themes of the book . I took pictures of it sitting on bookstore shelves. I autographed copies and sent personal messages...
But that isn't enough to keep a book in the eyes of readers. Not if you don't have a huge budget, a publicity team, and a recognizable name.
For a while, as authors should do, I spent all my time promoting that book. I announced when it was nominated for awards. I attended book events and signings. I did workshops based off of the themes of the book . I took pictures of it sitting on bookstore shelves. I autographed copies and sent personal messages...
Bringing Stories to Life
by Lisa A Kramer
My subtitle for this website says it all "Writer, theatre artist, educator, and woman who wields words."
What does it mean to wield words?
I have always loved words and languages. An avid reader since I could first put those mysterious symbols together to form word (at a very young age) I easily lost myself in stories. I found comfort in the worlds built inside my by words meticulously placed on the page by mysterious magicians (yes I thought of them as magical people) called authors.
Then I realized that words can also be brought to life in other ways, taken from the page and breathed into reality on the stage or the screen. Or sometimes combined with images to create pictures in...
What does it mean to wield words?
I have always loved words and languages. An avid reader since I could first put those mysterious symbols together to form word (at a very young age) I easily lost myself in stories. I found comfort in the worlds built inside my by words meticulously placed on the page by mysterious magicians (yes I thought of them as magical people) called authors.
Then I realized that words can also be brought to life in other ways, taken from the page and breathed into reality on the stage or the screen. Or sometimes combined with images to create pictures in...
The Joy of Creative Chaos
by Lisa A Kramer
Have you ever noticed that creative people rarely do just one thing?
The balls I am currently keeping in the air
Think about it. Writers often write across disciplines, or give presentations and readings while working on multiple projects.
Actors are often in the process of rehearsing one project, while directing/producing another, while writing a book, and doing gigs with their bands.
Scientists (yes I think scientists are creative) might play musical instruments on the side, or be members of a chorus.
And anyone attempting to make a living as a freelance artist is usually juggling multiple projects at any given time.
This to me, is part of the joy that is creativity, because I truly believe that creativity breeds creativity. Some...
The balls I am currently keeping in the air
Think about it. Writers often write across disciplines, or give presentations and readings while working on multiple projects.
Actors are often in the process of rehearsing one project, while directing/producing another, while writing a book, and doing gigs with their bands.
Scientists (yes I think scientists are creative) might play musical instruments on the side, or be members of a chorus.
And anyone attempting to make a living as a freelance artist is usually juggling multiple projects at any given time.
This to me, is part of the joy that is creativity, because I truly believe that creativity breeds creativity. Some...
Thinking, Dreaming, Creating, Doing, Living
by Lisa A Kramer
Anyone who has ever read anything I've written will recognize that I believe in the power of creativity to change the world.
I also believe in the power of words.
Frankly, the power of words (and creative "truth") has been proven again and again recently, as people fall into the spin of words created by dishonest politicians that get reinforced by media who seem to care more about clicks and headlines than anything else.
But this is not meant to be a political post. Rather, I am sitting here reflecting on how I can use this belief in creativity and the power of words to truly create change in a world gone mad. What can I do, both as an individual and...
I also believe in the power of words.
Frankly, the power of words (and creative "truth") has been proven again and again recently, as people fall into the spin of words created by dishonest politicians that get reinforced by media who seem to care more about clicks and headlines than anything else.
But this is not meant to be a political post. Rather, I am sitting here reflecting on how I can use this belief in creativity and the power of words to truly create change in a world gone mad. What can I do, both as an individual and...
The Serendipity of Reinvention
by Lisa A Kramer
I am in the process of redesigning my life, and I am so excited.
For a long time now, I have been struggling with the status quo, and feeling trapped by a career that I sort of fell into--because of expectations from my degrees, life choices, etc. I was losing a sense of passion and purpose, feeling underpaid, underappreciated, and like everything had become a battle that had no meaning. While I was working hard, it no longer feels fulfilling.
So I knew it was time for a change.
Still, it has taken a long time for me to really leap. I have not completely quit my day job (because the reality is that I cannot afford to do that) but I have...
For a long time now, I have been struggling with the status quo, and feeling trapped by a career that I sort of fell into--because of expectations from my degrees, life choices, etc. I was losing a sense of passion and purpose, feeling underpaid, underappreciated, and like everything had become a battle that had no meaning. While I was working hard, it no longer feels fulfilling.
So I knew it was time for a change.
Still, it has taken a long time for me to really leap. I have not completely quit my day job (because the reality is that I cannot afford to do that) but I have...
An Open Letter to American Cowards (aka supporters of the NRA)
by Lisa A Kramer
I cannot change your mind with words,
but words are all I have
pouring from
my bleeding heart
like drops of life
from a gunshot wound.
I choose these words with care. In your mind I am that bleeding heart "Libtard" "Feminazi" bitch who should remain silent.
But let me tell you who you are . . .
You are cowards.
You value guns over life, because a BIG gun makes you feel powerful, or perhaps, more manly. You value control of women's bodies because you are afraid of women's power. Yet you argue that you are protecting life, See above. You value money over life because money gives you a sense of power and control. But you can't eat money. You can't breath money. You can't drink money. You can't love money, and you...
I choose these words with care. In your mind I am that bleeding heart "Libtard" "Feminazi" bitch who should remain silent.
But let me tell you who you are . . .
You are cowards.
You value guns over life, because a BIG gun makes you feel powerful, or perhaps, more manly. You value control of women's bodies because you are afraid of women's power. Yet you argue that you are protecting life, See above. You value money over life because money gives you a sense of power and control. But you can't eat money. You can't breath money. You can't drink money. You can't love money, and you...
Rediscovering the Power of Our Voices
by Lisa A Kramer
“Dance, when you're broken open. Dance, if you've torn the bandage off. Dance in the middle of the fighting. Dance in your blood. Dance when you're perfectly free.” Rumi
Nathan, Sarah, and I were about to enter New Rep's blackbox theater to see the one-woman show Unveiled, written and performed by Rohina Malik when Nathan's attention was drawn to something on his phone. There was a ballistic missile attack warning sent to everyone in Hawaii this morning. It took 40 minutes (I believe) before they announced it was a false alarm.
Of course, Nathan was seeing this information after the fact. But he grew up in Hawaii. We met while in our mfa program at the University of Hawaii. I lived there for three...
Nathan, Sarah, and I were about to enter New Rep's blackbox theater to see the one-woman show Unveiled, written and performed by Rohina Malik when Nathan's attention was drawn to something on his phone. There was a ballistic missile attack warning sent to everyone in Hawaii this morning. It took 40 minutes (I believe) before they announced it was a false alarm.
Of course, Nathan was seeing this information after the fact. But he grew up in Hawaii. We met while in our mfa program at the University of Hawaii. I lived there for three...
Thoughts on ALLEGIANCE and the Man Who Will Never be My President
by Lisa A Kramer
What does it mean to give someone or something allegiance? In this country, we are asked to do this whenever we recite the pledge. By definition, it means we are giving our loyalty to some cause, nation, or ruler.
But what happens when that cause, nation, or ruler turns against us? What happens when it demands our allegiance without respecting the rights we have as living, breathing people?
Last night I watched the filmed presentation of ALLEGIANCE, the Broadway musical inspired by George Takei's real life experience being placed in a Japanese internment camp during World War II. I wish I had seen it live while it was still on Broadway, because there were a few too many closeups for my viewing...
But what happens when that cause, nation, or ruler turns against us? What happens when it demands our allegiance without respecting the rights we have as living, breathing people?
Last night I watched the filmed presentation of ALLEGIANCE, the Broadway musical inspired by George Takei's real life experience being placed in a Japanese internment camp during World War II. I wish I had seen it live while it was still on Broadway, because there were a few too many closeups for my viewing...
Bullies Win . . . Because we Let Them.
by Lisa A Kramer
My daughter is in 8th grade. She plays the saxophone, and this year as a pre-freshman she was asked to join the high school marching band. She loved it.
She worked hard, practiced a lot, and improved as a musician.
Recently, she was assigned the 1st part in the music she is learning for the next Middle School concert. Yay!
Except that one girl, who used to play 1st, is now playing 2nd, and she is not happy about it. In typical middle school fashion, she is showing her displeasure in subtle but unpleasant ways--dirty looks, taking my daughter's seat at the lunch table (and forcing her to sit elsewhere), etc.
Luckily, I have a great kid who sees it for what it is. She...
She worked hard, practiced a lot, and improved as a musician.
Recently, she was assigned the 1st part in the music she is learning for the next Middle School concert. Yay!
Except that one girl, who used to play 1st, is now playing 2nd, and she is not happy about it. In typical middle school fashion, she is showing her displeasure in subtle but unpleasant ways--dirty looks, taking my daughter's seat at the lunch table (and forcing her to sit elsewhere), etc.
Luckily, I have a great kid who sees it for what it is. She...
