by Karen Krossing | Apr 7, 2011 | On Writing
I believe writers need to “play” with words – to have fun with them. I use writing exercises to:
- access my intuitive side.
- explore new writing styles and techniques.
- discover new directions for a work-in-progress.
There are so many ways to play with words. You can:
- write from an object (for example, a cannonball in a museum or a colourful box of pastels).
- begin with a sentence (for example, “The noise grew louder when he opened the door”).
- write from an illustration or photo (for example, Steve McCurry’s portraits).
For more ideas about how to play with words, go to my WordPlay page.
by Karen Krossing | Mar 11, 2011 | Mentoring, Presentation News
On March 10, I ran a writing workshop for teens at Covenant House Toronto. It was a great opportunity to interact with the teens there, and listen to their fabulous insights through writing. My only complaint is that I wish I could have had more time with them. Luckily, at least one of the teens agreed with me.
I was delighted to receive workshop reviews from some of the teens who attended. With their permission, I’ve included excerpts here:
“The workshop in my opinion was freaking awesome. I enjoyed it a lot. I love to write. It is one of my favourite pastimes. It helps you figure yourself out as well as clear your head. The only thing about the workshop that I did not like was the fact that it was rather short, and in my opinion, it would have been more effective and entertaining if we were able to have you come back for a full day! The one aspect of the workshop that I really enjoyed is that the creativity level of each participant was phenomenal. Everyone was really creative, motivated, and descriptive in their short stories.”
Thomas
“I loved it so much. It made me so interested in writing. The reason was how she made us be interested in what we wrote. In my opinion, I found the workshop very valuable because it got me focussed with the writing that I’m trying to accomplish. I also loved the games that she made us do; it made me find another strategy to keep me writing.”
Anonymous
“The presenter was very encouraging and put a few twists into the workshop with the photographs and the word box, which gave it a feel of originality. It’s interesting to see that the writing runs in the family, and I would hope to perhaps explore the book titles left behind. The speaker was extremely pleasant and I believe she put everyone at ease.”
Anonymous
“I really enjoyed Karen’s workshop. She gave everyone the opportunity to express themselves creatively in a non-judgmental environment. The activities we took part in were interactive and interesting. I would encourage any high school student to take part in these workshops, as writing creatively can be used in so many different ways, and be a lot of fun too.”
Anonymous
This outreach workshop was facilitated by the Toronto Public Library as part of their Young Voices Magazine of teen writing and art. Teens between the ages of 12 and 19 years who live or go to school in the City of Toronto are invited to submit poetry, prose, rants, art, and photography for the 2011 Young Voices Magazine by April 2. You can submit online or drop your work off at any library branch. Submissions will be evaluated in the spring and the finished product launches in October. Good luck to all who submit!
by Karen Krossing | Feb 15, 2011 | On Writing
The Writers’ Union of Canada, under the leadership of Chair Alan Cumyn, has produced its first video. Written by Alan and featuring five writers, the video will be distributed widely to express TWUC’s concerns about Bill C-32, an Act to Amend the Copyright Act. Please help spread the word about this important issue.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qrcNksj5DE
by Karen Krossing | Feb 4, 2011 | Mentoring, Presentation News
Last night, I attended the second official meeting of a new teen writers’ group at the Barbara Frum Library in Toronto. Organized by Youth Services Specialist Claire Argyropoulos, this group offers teens a place to share their works-in-progress and get valuable feedback. I was invited to talk to the group about the writing process and how to set up a nurturing and dynamic writing group. We also wrote together and critiqued each others’ work. Here’s what Claire Argyropoulos had to say about the evening: “Your workshop was very enjoyable, and the girls thought you were inspiring. They really enjoyed the exercises, and you gave them a lot of good tips. I hope you can come back soon to give us more of your wisdom and insight.”
by Karen Krossing | Jan 17, 2011 | On Writing
In my recent blog posts, I wrote about how to begin writing from personal experience and by observing people. Here’s how you can write by asking “what-if” questions.
When we ask ourselves “what-if” questions, we can imagine whole new worlds, new ways of living, and unique characters who are dealing with unusual circumstances.
When I wrote Pure, I began by asking:
- What if parents could genetically choose a child — ensure she grew up unusually smart, healthy, or attractive?
- How would a teenager react to the news that her parents had genetically enhanced her?
- What if that genetic enhancement came with unexpected physical and social consequences?
This technique is particularly useful for imagining fantasy and science fiction stories.
What if men could have babies too? How would it change our society?
What if we could alter our skin colour just by thinking about it?
What if Native Americans had not signed treaties with the settlers, and the settlers had adopted Native ways instead?
The possibilities are endless.
Children’s fantasy writer Jane Yolen writes, “Surely one of the great things about fantasy literature is that we can be transported to worlds we do not know. We can wear skins that are not ours. We can look at the landscape through someone else’s eyes.”
