Writing From Scratch

By Laurie Epps

Every writer has had a moment, that even though vocationally we are writers, it is an act that eludes us. We either stare down the blank screen, or we simply don't take the time to write.  Natalie Goldberg addresses these issues in Writing Down the Bones

Crying Myself to Sleep

By Laurie Epps

May is known for May flowers, Mother's Day, and honor to our military. But this month, I am dedicating to the unsung Mothers. There are mothers out there, that never got to hold their baby, or bring their baby home. Miscarriage is so misunderstood by those who have never had one. Nothing can prevent it from happening, and if you are past ten weeks of pregnancy it means you go to the hospital to have a baby that you never bring home. This is for the moms and dads who have suffered this loss.

Where Do We Begin?

By Laurie Epps

We are discussing Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg. Below, you will see my outlines of the various themes in the book.

Beginners Mind: Pen & Paper p. 5

Writers tools are very important, whether pen and paper or laptop, typewriter or recording device; make it personal experiment.....

Goldberg's example was a drawing pad. Choose your supplies carefully but not so carefully that you are shopping instead of writing.

How do you pick your supplies? Please share with us below.

Lost Child of Mine

Thoughtful Thursdays: A Poetic Column

This month I wanted to do a little something different. As a veteran, and mom to three living children, and grieving mother to yet another three babies: I dedicate this month's column to you, the unsung mother's of the world. Without my own losses, these poems would not exist. I open my heart, and my empathy to you.

With great homage, and my dearest sympathy, I wish you all a very Happy Mothers Day. 
~From one mom to another

Launch of Monday Morning Book Club

Writer: Laurie Epps

We are going to begin our book club next Monday, and I am so excited! My first reading selection is going to be Writing Down the Bones. This book has an unusual format, and though it takes a bit to get used to, I really enjoy that you can read an essay here and there, and put it down in between. 

Recovery

Thoughtful Thursdays: A Poetic Column

April is National Poetry Month

Not all poetry is happy. I think of tragedy as leading to the most powerful and sublime of all poetry. We have all had our struggles. The first five years I lived in South Carolina, I was always sick. I grieved three miscarriages, and had numerous surgeries. This poem is a reflection about one of them.

Monday Morning Book Club

Welcome to Monday Morning Book Club. Beginning Monday, May 6, 2013 I will launch my newest column dedicated to all of my writer friends out there.

All of us need to read more about our craft, this is designed to give us a forum to discuss books, and trends in writing. So please, get a cup of coffee or tea, and join the conversation.

Our first book together will be: Writing Down the Bones. You have two weeks to purchase the book, and survey it.