Summer Reading
We are closing in on the longest day of the year. More daylight means more opportunity to ponder the vagaries of the writing process. Here are a couple of books to peruse for inspiration by two venerable Pioneer Valley teachers. There is enough wisdom here to carry us through to the shortest day of the year, and then some.
Vernacular Eloquence by Peter Elbow
Peter Elbow revolutionized the way people think about writing with his groundbreaking book, Writing Without Teachers. In his latest book, he says (page 5):
“Much of this book is an extended analysis of many unnoticed features of everyday speech that turns out to be sorely needed for good careful writing. You might say that this book represents my love affair with speech…”
How the Light Gets In: Writing as a Spiritual Practice by Pat Schneider
Pat Schneider developed an equally ground-breaking method for helping people put pen to paper. A description of her latest book, from her website:
“…she delves beyond the typical ‘how-to’s’ of writing to offer an extended rumination on two inner paths, and how they can run as one. Schneider’s book is distinct from the many others in the popular spirituality and creative writing genre by virtue of its approach, using one’s lived experience—including the experience of writing—as a springboard for expressing the often ineffable events that define everyday life.”
Happy reading (and writing)!
And…please consider your independent bookstore when you make your purchase.
Virtual Clubhouse Editor and Founding Member, Missy Wick