Writing from The Heart: June 2015

Writing from The Heart

"Writing from The Heart" is a workshop on creative writing, creative drawing, and creative drama. There are three available versions of this workshop: one for beginners on the secondary, tertiary, and graduate levels, and another for practitioners. A third version of this workshop is designed as an outreach program to disadvantaged and underserved audiences such as the disabled, the poor and the marginalized, victims of human trafficking, battered women and abused children, drug rehabilitation center residents, child combatants, children in conflict with the law, prisoners, and gang leaders. This third version incorporates creativity and problem awareness, conflict resolution, crisis intervention, trauma therapy, and peacemaking.

Saturday, June 20, 2015

Many of my co-writers are frustrated with their attempts to use dip pens, because they use the pens straight from the box out of ignorance.

Before dip pen nibs are delivered from the factory, they are brushed with linseed oil to prevent corrosion while they are in transit, in storage, or in shop window displays. The film of oil dries and hardens to a fine gel.

Before using a dip pen nib, therefore, first wipe it thoroughly with lighter fluid or turpentine. And then use it--the ink will then flow smoothly.

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

There is nothing quite as precious as a clean sheet of paper and a pen in your hand, waiting for the reality of your thoughts to become the reality of your words.