National Poetry Month

April is National Poetry Month!

Do you like poetry? I enjoy reading it, but was never a big fan of writing it. Not sure why, guess it just wasn't my thing. 

Several years ago while tutoring a student, our studies included a unit on sharks. For the writing portion, we dabbled in poetry, including limericks. (Who says you can't write poems about sharks?) 

If you promise not to laugh, I will share the shark limerick I wrote to illustrate the principle in our lesson.

The Shark From Cancun

There once was a shark from Cancun,

Who could jump as high as the moon.

One night he took flight,

And had quite a fright,

When he leapt in a hot air balloon.

 
Care to try one too? Feel free to choose any theme - not just sharks - and share in the comments.

Here is a quick refresher:

• A limerick has five lines
• The rhyming pattern is AABBA, also called anapestic.
• Please keep it clean; this is a family friendly blog :)

More Poetry Info
 
Find additional Poetry Month info here.

Visit Brownielocks & the Three Bears for limerick info and examples.

Read Jennnifer Brown Bank's post entitled 7 Ways to Celebrate National Poetry Month.


Do you enjoy writing poetry? Are you celebrating National Poetry Month?

Happy writing,

Karen


Photo credit: Free Images

Copyright 2010, Karen Lange. All rights reserved. No portion of this may be used without prior written permission from Karen Lange.

Sacred Idleness

"Work is not always required. 

There is such a thing as sacred idleness, 

the cultivation of which is now fearfully neglected."

George MacDonald  

Must idleness always be thought of as unproductive or lazy? Or can it be sacred, as Mr. MacDonald suggests? 

 

Years ago, one of my writing instructors at the Institute for Children's Literature stressed the importance of being idle. It gives the brain and body time to rest, for one thing, and can also produce fresh ideas and a new perspective.

In this age of 24/7 activity, I think there is a great need for cultivating idleness. In the long run, the fruit of inactive times can be great.

Do you agree with Mr. MacDonald? Is there idleness in your schedule?

My Dad is coming to visit later this week, so I'm taking a break to spend time with him. I'll be back on April 27. See you then!

Happy writing,

Karen 

Photo credit: Free Images

Meet the Blogger with Susan J. Reinhardt

Welcome to another installment of my new series, Meet the Blogger. Susan J. Reinhardt is here to share a little about her blogging adventure.  

Susan is the author of The Moses Conspiracy and The Scent of Fear. While each book can stand alone, they comprise a series set in the future in the scenic Amish countryside in Pennsylvania and Ohio. The last book in the series, Out of the Mist, should be out later this year. The collection also includes a heartwarming novella, The Christmas Wish.

 

Welcome Susan! Why did you start blogging? How long have you had your present blog?   

Hi, Karen! Thanks for having me on your blog today. I began Christian Writer/Reader Connection to start building my social media platform. May will mark the blog's 7th anniversary. 

Congratulations on 7 years! What is your blog about? 

It's all about connecting writers and readers. There's something special about drawing those who love to write and those who love to read together. I've met so many lovely people during my blogging years.

I agree on both counts. :) What benefits have you gained through blogging? 

The biggest plus has been the relationships within the writing/reading community. As a result of visiting other blogs, I've discovered authors and books I would never have otherwise known about. Posts on the craft, encouragement for the journey, and helpful links have educated me and helped me progress in my own writing.  

What projects are you working on right now?  

My fourth novel, Out of the Mist, will be out soon. I'm so excited to have The Moses Trilogy completed. (The 4th book, A Christmas Wish is a novella that gives a peek at what happens between the first two books.) I've also begun my 5th novel, which is a Contemporary, a new experience for me!  

What might people be surprised to learn about you?  

I didn't start off writing novels. Non-fiction was my first love. I might still write a non-fiction book or two down the road.  

What advice would you share with a newbie blogger?  

Start small and build your following. If you try to post five days a week in the beginning, you'll burn out. I began posting Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, which worked nicely for me. The important thing is consistency. People will get accustomed to finding a new post on a certain day. Don't disappoint them. Also, visit other blogs and ask the bloggers to exchange links. This will give your blog greater exposure. 

Thanks for visiting, Susan! 

Thanks for inviting me, Karen!  

More About Susan: 

Susan's publishing credits include numerous devotionals, articles, and some anthologies. In 2003, she began writing fiction. The Moses Conspiracy, The Scent of Fear, and The Christmas Wish were published in 2013. Her latest book, Out of the Mist, released in 2015. A Christian, widow, stepmom, daughter, and friend, she makes her home in Pennsylvania. In her spare time, she enjoys couponing, reading, gardening, and finding small treasures in antique shops.

Susan's Blog - Christian Writer/Reader Connection
Susan's Facebook Page  
Twitter - @susanjreinhardt


Do you have any questions for Susan? What advice would you share with new bloggers?  

Happy writing,

Karen

  
Purple rose photo credit: Free Images