Writing
Things that Go Bump in Your Mind
by Lisa A Kramer
'Tis the season of creaks and squeaks and ghostly imaginings. I just realized that Halloween is tomorrow, and I haven't done my usual number of spooky posts and reflections on things that go bump in the night.
Anyone who has followed me for a while now realizes that I have a fascination with the supernatural. I waste spend a lot of time at this time of year looking up videos about hauntings on the internet. I know, the majority of them are fakes but every once in a while I stumble across an image that is so eerie and un-explainable that it makes me continue my search. At the same time, I have little to no interest in horror movies. I am...
Anyone who has followed me for a while now realizes that I have a fascination with the supernatural. I waste spend a lot of time at this time of year looking up videos about hauntings on the internet. I know, the majority of them are fakes but every once in a while I stumble across an image that is so eerie and un-explainable that it makes me continue my search. At the same time, I have little to no interest in horror movies. I am...
Going for the Goals
by Lisa A Kramer
In an attempt to stick to my promises to myself, today I started working on a submission for a children's poetry contest. (If you haven't figured it out yet, I am an eclectic writer who just loves words and writes anything that I feel like writing.) As I was working on it, however, I remembered that I had submitted to a similar contest by the same people in the past, and obviously didn't win. So, I thought I'd share that little collection of poems here for all my "adoring" fans. I think the theme of that contest was "night poems" or something like that.
DEAR MONSTER
Please,
Monster
hiding there
under my bed,
do not growl, snort or
“Screech!” Do not try to eat
me as I fall...
In Search of Inspiration
by Lisa A Kramer
I have another confession to make . . .
I often envy the people like artists and musicians who go out and make their art without letting life get in their way. I'm not talking about the big names or the movies stars, but the people who create their work and sell it at crafts fairs, or the musicians who do mall gigs in local pubs or busk in the streets--the joy of making music pouring out of them. I mean the brave souls who may never make millions of dollars or big names, but have chosen to live life following their bliss and living their dreams.
Of course, I am sure they too struggle with everyday concerns, but I love watching...
Time to Stop Talking and Start Doing
by Lisa A Kramer
I have a confession to make. I am a big dreamer who accomplishes a lot of things, but when it comes to that last push--the scariest step--I often stop before I try.
However, over the past few weeks or months something is shifting inside me. The other day, when I went to a Paint Night event (which involves drinking and painting, although I didn't drink) I made a discovery. Sometimes you just have to let go and have faith in yourself and your creativity.
My painting from Paint Night.
Yet too often, despite the fact that I know I have abilities and can carry out anything I set my mind to, I only go so far before I build...
However, over the past few weeks or months something is shifting inside me. The other day, when I went to a Paint Night event (which involves drinking and painting, although I didn't drink) I made a discovery. Sometimes you just have to let go and have faith in yourself and your creativity.
My painting from Paint Night.
Yet too often, despite the fact that I know I have abilities and can carry out anything I set my mind to, I only go so far before I build...
Some Exciting News
by Lisa A Kramer
First, our adventures in Disney World was, overall, a success despite a few moments of insanity and emotional turmoil.
Yesterday I received word that my session entitled "From Stage to Page: Using Creative Dramatics to Inspire Writing" has been accepted for the SCBWI New England Conference in May. I'm excited and nervous to take the next step toward merging my many passions (theatre, writing, and teaching).
And today I am the featured author over at Chris the Story Reading Ape's (New To Me) Author Blog! It's an exciting day for this writer. Please visit me over there.
Yesterday I received word that my session entitled "From Stage to Page: Using Creative Dramatics to Inspire Writing" has been accepted for the SCBWI New England Conference in May. I'm excited and nervous to take the next step toward merging my many passions (theatre, writing, and teaching).
And today I am the featured author over at Chris the Story Reading Ape's (New To Me) Author Blog! It's an exciting day for this writer. Please visit me over there.
The Unexpected (100 WCGU)
by Lisa A Kramer
This week's 100 Word Challenge for Grown Ups is " . . . fall . . . "
Click here to see other submissions to this weekly challenge offered at Julia's Place.
I didn’t see it coming.
You know how one day you look outside and the world is green, but the next a golden-red-purple-orange burst has exploded over the universe? You know it will happen, but yet when it does it is a glorious and somehow unexpected .
It was kind of like that, only the opposite.
I was reveling in my successes. My life, my family, my career all sped forward in a glorious expanse of joyous color—an unstoppable and exciting fireworks display.
But here’s the thing I forgot. Inevitably, glorious...
Click here to see other submissions to this weekly challenge offered at Julia's Place.
I didn’t see it coming.
You know how one day you look outside and the world is green, but the next a golden-red-purple-orange burst has exploded over the universe? You know it will happen, but yet when it does it is a glorious and somehow unexpected .
It was kind of like that, only the opposite.
I was reveling in my successes. My life, my family, my career all sped forward in a glorious expanse of joyous color—an unstoppable and exciting fireworks display.
But here’s the thing I forgot. Inevitably, glorious...
From Thrill to Fear in Five Minutes
by Lisa A Kramer
Last night I went from "I'M SO EXCITED I WANT TO DANCE IN THE STREETS!" to "Meep! I'm skeered" in about five minutes flat, only to continue on a roller coaster of emotions for the rest of the evening.
Cover Art by Aaron Woods
What could have done this to me?
Well, writing of course.
Many of us dream of the day that we can say we are a published author. We fantasize about building a fan base and becoming an instant overnight writing sensations (even though realistically we know that the journey is long, painful, and full of dead ends--and that only a very few ever achieve the glorious heights.) While I have had several non-fiction articles published, I...
Cover Art by Aaron Woods
What could have done this to me?
Well, writing of course.
Many of us dream of the day that we can say we are a published author. We fantasize about building a fan base and becoming an instant overnight writing sensations (even though realistically we know that the journey is long, painful, and full of dead ends--and that only a very few ever achieve the glorious heights.) While I have had several non-fiction articles published, I...
Race, Culture and Character Development
by Lisa A Kramer
As a result of a new-found interest in 1920's America, and my perennial interest in untold stories of women, I am currently reading Miss Anne in Harlem: The White Women of the Black Renaissance by Carla Kaplan.
As I've been reading this fascinating and complex look at a place and time that seem simultaneously far removed from my own, and yet still reflects the racial/cultural misunderstandings and miscommunications that exist in our society, I began to think about my writing and how I develop my characters. I admit, up until now, my characters have been (mostly) white.
It's not that I made a conscious choice to make all my characters white. Often my main characters have a slight resemblance to me--or at least...
The Invasion Begins
by Lisa A Kramer
What does the word invasion mean to you? Do you picture armies pouring out of spaceships or across borders? Or could it be bugs making their way into your home? Could it be an invasion of microscopic organisms taking over your body? Perhaps its simply a visit from relatives during the holidays.
Is an invasion massive or personal? Is it something seen from afar or felt only by one?
In Theme-Thology: Invasion, 15 talented independent authors and 2 incredible artists come together to explore the idea of invasion using any style or genre that interested them. The result is a fabulous and eclectic mix of stories told in a variety of voices, genres, and perspectives. From personal invasions of the mind, to aliens in...
Is an invasion massive or personal? Is it something seen from afar or felt only by one?
In Theme-Thology: Invasion, 15 talented independent authors and 2 incredible artists come together to explore the idea of invasion using any style or genre that interested them. The result is a fabulous and eclectic mix of stories told in a variety of voices, genres, and perspectives. From personal invasions of the mind, to aliens in...
Shaking Hands with My Characters: The Physicality of Writing
by Lisa A Kramer
I hear a voice in my head. She begins speaking when I'm walking, or taking a shower, or trying to sleep. She starts to tell me her story. I sit at the computer screen and hope to capture the story, but nothing happens. I'm not blocked, exactly. It's just that she doesn't want to speak through the click and clack of my fingers on the keyboard. She's not ready to tell the story that way.
I'll try again another time, I think.
She speaks with urgency as I breath in and out during a yoga session, distracting me from focusing on my breath. She starts talking as I drive from chore to chore, giving me more hints of who she is and...
I'll try again another time, I think.
She speaks with urgency as I breath in and out during a yoga session, distracting me from focusing on my breath. She starts talking as I drive from chore to chore, giving me more hints of who she is and...
Theme-Thology Revealed
by Lisa A Kramer
Ladies and Gentleman! Kind Readers and Friends!
I am happy to announce that my short fiction story, "Voices" comes out at the end of this month in
I am honored and excited to be included in the first of the Theme-Thology series put out by HDWP Books. The 15 stories are all unique and represent a variety of genres including sci-fi, fantasy, humor and a little horror. On sale: September 28th, 2013 $2.99 Kindle/Nook/Kobo
I am happy to announce that my short fiction story, "Voices" comes out at the end of this month in
I am honored and excited to be included in the first of the Theme-Thology series put out by HDWP Books. The 15 stories are all unique and represent a variety of genres including sci-fi, fantasy, humor and a little horror. On sale: September 28th, 2013 $2.99 Kindle/Nook/Kobo
A Best Selling Author? Really?!!
by Lisa A Kramer
I'm reading a book. I'm not going to name the book or the author because I don't want this post to be a destruction of somebody's work. Let's just say that my husband started laughing at the faces I was making as I read this book, especially after I shared with him some of the truly terrible prose.
"But you're still reading it," he says.
"I have to finish this. I have to understand why . . . "
The thing I wanted to understand has absolutely nothing to do with the story. I actually understood that about 5 pages in (which is part of the problem). I wanted to understand how something so poorly written could be published by a well-known publisher....
"But you're still reading it," he says.
"I have to finish this. I have to understand why . . . "
The thing I wanted to understand has absolutely nothing to do with the story. I actually understood that about 5 pages in (which is part of the problem). I wanted to understand how something so poorly written could be published by a well-known publisher....
What (exactly) am I Afraid of?
by Lisa A Kramer
With tentative fingers I type in the words to search for agents who might be looking for new clients, who might find my work matches their needs. I have avoided this task, using every excuse in the book about why I can't do it.
My internet connection isn't good.
I don't have the money to spend to buy the listing.
I don't know where my book fits in, it doesn't fall easily into one category.
I'm waiting for a response from my readers.
I need to go over it one more time.
Yada, yada, yada. But they are all just excuses, and I know that.
Because here's the truth. My manuscript is ready and has been for months. The only thing that has held me back is the...
I don't have the money to spend to buy the listing.
I don't know where my book fits in, it doesn't fall easily into one category.
I'm waiting for a response from my readers.
I need to go over it one more time.
Yada, yada, yada. But they are all just excuses, and I know that.
Because here's the truth. My manuscript is ready and has been for months. The only thing that has held me back is the...
A Gorilla Story
by Lisa A Kramer
He sat eating grass, contented with the peaceful moment despite the chatter of strange creatures watching him from behind an invisible wall. For the most part he could ignore them, as they were always basically the same--endless variations of mostly hairless creatures who walked on two legs, sometimes pushing their young in unusual contraptions. They varied in color and shape, as well as the strange outer layer that came in bizarre designs and colors not usually found in nature. They came daily in an endless stream, chattering their bizarre vocalizations in some attempt at communication.
He tuned them out.
This time, however, he noticed one who seemed a little different. Smaller than the full grown males but larger than the young, he...
He tuned them out.
This time, however, he noticed one who seemed a little different. Smaller than the full grown males but larger than the young, he...
The End of the Season (100 WCGU)
by Lisa A Kramer
The fields begin to fade into golden brown as the mornings become a little cooler. I walk along the path preparing to say farewell. The osprey nest stands empty as the young birds explore their wings.
Beside the theater, a truck awaits the final strike. Nine shows. Ten weeks. A sense of melancholy descends.
After all the excitement, my mind turns to shorter days, the changing colors of fall, the long drive home and questions of what the future will bring. Will next summer find us here again, or will we move on to new adventures?
Only time will tell.
Another entry for Julia's 100 Word Challenge for Grownups. Click here to learn more and read other participants work.
Beside the theater, a truck awaits the final strike. Nine shows. Ten weeks. A sense of melancholy descends.
After all the excitement, my mind turns to shorter days, the changing colors of fall, the long drive home and questions of what the future will bring. Will next summer find us here again, or will we move on to new adventures?
Only time will tell.
Another entry for Julia's 100 Word Challenge for Grownups. Click here to learn more and read other participants work.
Conscious Creativity (100 WCGU)
by Lisa A Kramer
It's been a while since I've entered Julia's 100 Word Challenge for Grown-ups, but this one seemed fun and. . . challenging . . . so here goes. The challenge is:
The roman numeral for 100 is C so let’s make it the ‘Big C’. It can be any topic, any genre but to add a twist, each line must begin with a word beginning with the letter ‘C‘!
It has led me to a bit of poetic silliness. Be sure to visit Julia's blog and the other people who take up the challenge. Or better yet, join in the fun.
Conscious Creativity Creativity rules in my world of words care to join me and have your voice be heard? Cautious creation is not welcome here 'cuz I no longer want...
Conscious Creativity Creativity rules in my world of words care to join me and have your voice be heard? Cautious creation is not welcome here 'cuz I no longer want...
The Roots of Writing
by Lisa A Kramer
"When did you start writing?" one of the student actors asked me the other day.
"Well, I've been writing forever. But I only started trying to submit and commit to writing seriously a few years ago," I said.
His question made me wonder why I didn't start sooner, since I have been writing my entire life.
A friend of mine for longer years than I care to count posted this on Facebook yesterday after his parents unearthed it.
One of my first by lines, perhaps.
My life with words started with stories and poems in grade school; tales about mermaids and dragons, rainbows and magic, friendship and loneliness, puppet shows, plays, and songs. Or maybe it simply started because I began...
"Well, I've been writing forever. But I only started trying to submit and commit to writing seriously a few years ago," I said.
His question made me wonder why I didn't start sooner, since I have been writing my entire life.
A friend of mine for longer years than I care to count posted this on Facebook yesterday after his parents unearthed it.
One of my first by lines, perhaps.
My life with words started with stories and poems in grade school; tales about mermaids and dragons, rainbows and magic, friendship and loneliness, puppet shows, plays, and songs. Or maybe it simply started because I began...
Regarding Art, Beauty, Love, and Self-Expression
by Lisa A Kramer
"Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time."
Thomas Merton
I most doubt myself as a writer when I read those writer's who somehow dip into a creative world that seems beyond my ability. They use language like a paint brush, creating entire worlds with rich vivid colors. Or they create a symphony with words, where you can hear the songs of their characters and their worlds even in the silence of your reading mind.
The writer's who make me doubt myself do a masterful dance on the border between reality and the world just beyond reality. This doesn't mean they are all fantasy writers, but they have found a way to see into the world of possibility...
The writer's who make me doubt myself do a masterful dance on the border between reality and the world just beyond reality. This doesn't mean they are all fantasy writers, but they have found a way to see into the world of possibility...
Learning Self-Kindness in the Crazy, Lazy, Creative Daze of Summer
by Lisa A Kramer
Ah, summertime!
A walk on a summer day.
Long days, short nights, an abundance of time to accomplish all kinds of projects and plans, or simply sit and do nothing . . .
Too bad the nothing so often overwhelms the something.
In many ways, I know that I'm a lucky person. While I work hard year round, I have this incredible opportunity each and every summer. I come to a place where I am surrounded by talented, creative people, in a destination town where the wealthy gather to visit their multi-million dollar summer homes and float around on their boats which probably cost more than I make in a year. While I technically have a job here, it doesn't...
A walk on a summer day.
Long days, short nights, an abundance of time to accomplish all kinds of projects and plans, or simply sit and do nothing . . .
Too bad the nothing so often overwhelms the something.
In many ways, I know that I'm a lucky person. While I work hard year round, I have this incredible opportunity each and every summer. I come to a place where I am surrounded by talented, creative people, in a destination town where the wealthy gather to visit their multi-million dollar summer homes and float around on their boats which probably cost more than I make in a year. While I technically have a job here, it doesn't...
I Dance With Light
by Lisa A Kramer
I was once a human child, but that was not my destiny.
I was born to share the secrets that can only be heard and felt in the between times--in the time when darkness and light meet to allow entry between worlds.
I am one of the guardians of the gate, one of the dancers of the light. I send messages hidden in the air, depending on the audience and the importance. Sometimes my messages shoot through the sky--as inspiration, as warning. I am the spark, the firefly, the flame.
Sometimes the deeper messages lie hidden in the mists. The gleam of the never-ending dance between darkness and light--for neither can survive without the other.
How did this happen? How did I become something...
I was born to share the secrets that can only be heard and felt in the between times--in the time when darkness and light meet to allow entry between worlds.
I am one of the guardians of the gate, one of the dancers of the light. I send messages hidden in the air, depending on the audience and the importance. Sometimes my messages shoot through the sky--as inspiration, as warning. I am the spark, the firefly, the flame.
Sometimes the deeper messages lie hidden in the mists. The gleam of the never-ending dance between darkness and light--for neither can survive without the other.
How did this happen? How did I become something...
