http://www.storyinstitute.com Imagine, Enhance, and Grow Your Stories...Listen to inspiration from Within and from Other Writers... Wed, 11 Jan 2012 01:58:38 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Imagine, Enhance, and Grow Your Stories...John E. Murray, III and the Cast at Story Institute share inspirations, writing prompts, and reflections by bringing you passionate authors who share your sense of imagination and excellence in writing...Enjoy... Imagine, Enhance, and Grow Your Stories...Listen to inspiration from Within and from Other Writers... Story Institute - John E Murray III http://www.storyinstitute.com/images/StoryInstituteiTunesimage600.jpghttp://www.storyinstitute.com writing, storytelling, short stories, poetry, writers, story ideas, creativity, inspiration clean Story Institute - John E Murray III ramblingverser@storyinstitute.com http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/06/27/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-38-dream-and-write/ http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/06/27/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-38-dream-and-write/#comments Sun, 27 Jun 2010 23:36:31 +0000 Story Institute http://www.storyinstitute.com/?p=3311 Featured Quote: "All of us failed to match our dreams of perfection. So I rate us on the basis of our splendid failure to do the impossible." William Faulkner   Featured Poems: There is No Frigate Like a Book By: Emily Dickinson   There is no frigate like a book To take us lands away, Nor any coursers like a page Of prancing poetry. This traverse may the poorest take Without oppress of toll; How frugal is the chariot That bears a human soul! ]]> http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/06/27/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-38-dream-and-write/feed/ 0 Are you writing about what you dream or do you dream of writing…decide and tell your story…   Featured Quote: “All of us failed to match our dreams of perfection. So I rate us on the basis of our splendid failure to do the impossible.” William Faulkner   Featured Poems: There is No Frigate Like a Book By: Emily Dickinson   There is no frigate like a book To take us lands away, Nor any coursers like a page Of prancing poetry. This traverse may the poorest take Without oppress of toll; How frugal is the chariot That bears a human soul!   A Dream Deferred By: Langston Hughes   What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore– And then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over– like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags like a heavy load. Or does it explode?    Poetry Writing Prompt: What if our dream did explode and made it’s way into someone else’s life. How would that poet write about the tiny part of the dream they received? Will they ever connect?    Short Story Writing Prompt: Write about those tiny pieces of a dream a character may received and what he/she does with it. How closely connected do each character feel to each other? Do they know that they are tied together by the same dream? If you need help in deciding on a plot or setting, check out The Kingdom Keepers by Ridley Pearson. As you write share your work with others so that each character can grow and realize more of the dream than an individual author can deliver.    Departing poetic thoughts… Little © 2009 Skyler Wolf Jones   A little piece of dirt, I see you, dried up in the scorching sun, Waiting for a drop of rain, To soak away the cracks and pain.   A little piece of land, With dirt and bugs a little bland, No vegetation growing in this earth, I wonder what it’s worth.   A little piece of me, Deserted from the life I know, Is this the way I want to live, No experiences to help me grow.   Moisture for the dirt, Water for the land, Emotion for my life, And the will to take a stand.   All the little pieces, Are essential for the whole, All the little life experiences, Are essential for your soul.   Give yourself a little dream, Take a little glance, At the life you’ve left out to dry, Give it another chance.    If you are an author in search of readers or have comments about our show, contact us: ramblingverser@storyinstitute.com 615-431-WRIT (9748)     This week’s episode was brought to you by Enchanted Travel Tales (www.enchantedtraveltales.com), bringing travel, magic, and fun to your holidays.   Remember to Imagine, Enhance, & Grow Your Stories @ www.storyinstitute.com Are you writing about what you dream or do you dream of writing...decide and tell your story...   <strong>Featured Quote:</strong> <em>"All of us failed to match our dreams of perfection. So I rate us on the basis of our [...] Story Institute - John E Murray III 11:35 author conversations, belief, characters, Dash of Creativity, Emily Dickinson, inner voice, inspiration, Langston Hughes, poetry, RamblingVerser Podcast, short story, Skyler Wolf Jones, storyline, Storylines, William Faulkner, writing, writing methods, writing podcast, writing tips clean http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/06/11/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-37-poems-and-prompts/ http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/06/11/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-37-poems-and-prompts/#comments Sat, 12 Jun 2010 02:20:36 +0000 Story Institute http://www.storyinstitute.com/?p=3301 Featured Quotes: "A single rose can be my garden... a single friend, my world." Leo Buscaglia   "Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." Marcel Proust    Featured Poem: One Word Is Too Often Profaned By: Percy Bysshe Shelley   One word is too often profaned For me to profane it; One feeling too falsely disdained For thee to disdain it; One hope is too like despair For prudence to smother; And pity from thee more dear Than that from another.   I can give not what men call love; But wilt thou accept not The worship the heart lifts above And the heavens reject not, The desire of the moth for the star, Of the night for the morrow, The devotion to something afar From the sphere of our sorrow?]]> http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/06/11/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-37-poems-and-prompts/feed/ 0 Poems from our forums and relationships found…   Featured Quotes: “A single rose can be my garden… a single friend, my world.” Leo Buscaglia   “Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” Marcel Proust    Featured Poem: One Word Is Too Often Profaned By: Percy Bysshe Shelley   One word is too often profaned For me to profane it; One feeling too falsely disdained For thee to disdain it; One hope is too like despair For prudence to smother; And pity from thee more dear Than that from another.   I can give not what men call love; But wilt thou accept not The worship the heart lifts above And the heavens reject not, The desire of the moth for the star, Of the night for the morrow, The devotion to something afar From the sphere of our sorrow?    Poems from our Forums: Something Mystical By: Lamar Cole   Something mystical happened today. I felt your touch. Even though you’re far away. I felt your hands upon my face. It seemed as though your sweet lips. I could taste.   It seemed as if I could feel your embrace. It took me to a wonderful place Because even when you’re far away. I feel your love in every way.   Thirsty Soul By:Lamar Cole Love, darling, is you. Your love cascaded down the waterfalls of your heart. To my thirsty soul. Your love filled the crevices of my life. Your love is my lighthouse. My beacon in the night. I found home in your heart.    Short Story Topics – Roll of the Dice   What if our life did depend on the roll of a dice? A gambling woman would carry around her own dice. Every move, every call, she makes is determined by her roll. Each option is assigned a number that corresponds to the dots on the dice. One means she takes the bus to work; Five indicates she takes her bike. This is not always the best method, but she rolls them every day…she needs to roll them everyday.   What event in her life triggered this behavior? Why is she bound to keep on rolling? Has she ever stopped trying? If she did, what happened? Did she lose her job? Did she lose a loved one? Did she go back a few spaces and start this round of her life over again…same house, same car, same trials and tribulations.   What would the roll of the dice bring if it was on the edge? Does the woman wish to even think about it? Where did these dice come from? Who had them before her? Can she get rid of them? Or, do they end when her streak ends? Decide on the story, and write. Post it here, or share elsewhere, but write and enjoy…    If you are an author in search of readers or have comments about our show, contact us: ramblingverser@storyinstitute.com 615-431-WRIT (9748)     This week’s episode was brought to you by Enchanted Travel Tales (www.enchantedtraveltales.com), bringing travel, magic, and fun to your holidays.   Remember to Imagine, Enhance, & Grow Your Stories @ www.storyinstitute.com Poems from our forums and relationships found...   <strong>Featured Quotes:</strong> <em>"A single rose can be my garden... a single friend, my world."</em> <strong><em>Leo [...] Story Institute - John E Murray III 11:30 author conversations, belief, characters, Dash of Creativity, inner voice, inspiration, Lamar Cole, Leo Buscaglia, Marcel Proust, Percy Bysshe Shelley, poetry, RamblingVerser Podcast, short story, storyline, Storylines, writing, writing methods, writing podcast, writing tips clean http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/06/02/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-36-choices/ http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/06/02/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-36-choices/#comments Thu, 03 Jun 2010 03:00:21 +0000 Story Institute http://www.storyinstitute.com/?p=3288 http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/06/02/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-36-choices/feed/ 0 Choices for you and choices for your characters…End where you began but make it a good one…   Feature Quote: “The thing always happens that you really believe in; and the belief in a thing makes it happen.” Frank Lloyd Wright   Featured Poem:Traveling Through the Dark By: William Stafford   Traveling through the dark I found a deer dead on the edge of the Wilson River road. It is usually best to roll them into the canyon: that road is narrow; to swerve might make more dead.   By glow of the tail-light I stumbled back of the car and stood by the heap, a doe, a recent killing; she had stiffened already, almost cold. I dragged her off; she was large in the belly.   My fingers touching her side brought me the reason– her side was warm; her fawn lay there waiting, alive, still, never to be born. Beside that mountain road I hesitated.   The car aimed ahead its lowered parking lights; under the hood purred the steady engine. I stood in the glare of the warm exhaust turning red; around our group I could hear the wilderness listen.   I thought hard for us all–my only swerving–, then pushed her over the edge into the river.    Featured Poetry Writing Prompt: Rewrite this poem, or choose another topic where a choice is indicated at the beginning and followed through on at the end. Whether it is for the greater good or for the needs of the few, follow the intentions that begin at the start of the poem.     Featured Short Story: Love is a Fallacy By: Max Shulman   Cool was I and logical. Keen, calculating, perspicacious, acute and astute—I was all of these. My brain was as powerful as a dynamo, precise as a chemist’s scales, as penetrating as a scalpel. And—think of it!—I only eighteen.   It is not often that one so young has such a giant intellect. Take, for example, Petey Bellows, my roommate at the university. Same age, same background, but dumb as an ox. A nice enough fellow, you understand, but nothing upstairs. Emotional type. Unstable. Impressionable. Worst of all, a faddist. Fads, I submit, are the very negation of reason. To be swept up in every new craze that comes along, to surrender oneself to idiocy just because everybody else is doing it—this, to me, is the acme of mindlessness. Not, however, to Petey.   One afternoon I found Petey lying on his bed with an expression of such distress on his face that I immediately diagnosed appendicitis. “Don’t move,” I said, “Don’t take a laxative. I’ll get a doctor.”   “Raccoon,” he mumbled thickly.   “Raccoon?” I said, pausing in my flight.   “I want a raccoon coat,” he wailed.   I perceived that his trouble was not physical, but mental. “Why do you want a raccoon coat?”   “I should have known it,” he cried, pounding his temples. “I should have known they’d come back when the Charleston came back. Like a fool I spent all my money for textbooks, and now I can’t get a raccoon coat.”   “Can you mean,” I said incredulously, “that people are actually wearing raccoon coats again?”   “All the Big Men on Campus are wearing them. Where’ve you been?”   “In the library,” I said, naming a place not frequented by Big Men on Campus.   He leaped from the bed and paced the room. “I’ve got to have a raccoon coat,” he said passionately. “I’ve got to!”   “Petey, why? Look at it rationally. Raccoon coats are unsanitary. They shed. They smell bad. They weigh too much. They’re unsightly. They—”   “You don’t understand,” he interrupted impatiently. “It’s the thing to do. Don’t you want to be in the swim?”   “No,” I said truthfully.   “Well, I do,” he declared. “I’d give anything for a raccoon coat. Anything!”   My brain, that precision instrument, slipped into high gear. “Anything?” I asked, looking at him narrowly.   “Anything,” he affirmed in ringing tones.   I stroked my chin thoughtfully. It so happened that I knew where to get my [...] Choices for you and choices for your characters…End where you began but make it a good one…   Feature Quote: “The thing always happens that you really believe in; and the belief in a thing makes it happen.” Frank Lloyd Wright   Featured [...] Story Institute - John E Murray III 33:44 author conversations, belief, characters, Dash of Creativity, Frank Lloyd Wright, inner voice, inspiration, Love is a Fallacy, Max Shulman, poetry, RamblingVerser Podcast, short story, storyline, Storylines, Traveling Through the Dark, William Stafford, writing, writing methods, writing podcast, writing tips clean http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/05/19/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-35-still-listening/ http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/05/19/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-35-still-listening/#comments Thu, 20 May 2010 01:17:23 +0000 Story Institute http://www.storyinstitute.com/?p=3278 Featured Quotes: A poem begins as a lump in the throat, a sense of wrong, a homesickness, a lovesickness. By: Robert Frost   A poem begins in delight and ends in wisdom. By: Robert Frost    John shares some more of his favorite podcasts that help inspire and influence him.     Check out these great shows and sites:]]> http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/05/19/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-35-still-listening/feed/ 0 More podcasts and thoughts to get your writing moving and your creativity flowing…John shares one last handful of his favorite audio inspirations…   Featured Quotes: A poem begins as a lump in the throat, a sense of wrong, a homesickness, a lovesickness. By: Robert Frost   A poem begins in delight and ends in wisdom. By: Robert Frost    John shares some more of his favorite podcasts that help inspire and influence him.     Check out these great shows and sites:   Chad Corrie’s Mega Feed (The Works Worlds of Chad Corrie, Cauldron of Worlds, & The World of Traloden) – Chad Corrie http://www.chadcorrie.com/   Grammar Girl – Mignon Fogarty http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/   The Memory Palace – Nate DiMeo http://thememorypalace.us/   BetaMouse – Henry Work, Jeff Chaney, Nate Parrish, Scott Barrett, Katie Siloac http://betamouse.net/   WedWay Radio – Nate and Matt Parrish http://wedwayradio.squarespace.com   Be Our Guest Podcast – Mike Rahlmann, Rikki Niblett, Pam Forrester, Debbie Robertson http://beourguestpodcast.blogspot.com/   Do you have any favorite podcasts you would like to share?  Have you turned your book, poetry, or writing into a podcast?  Tell us about it either at www.storyinsititue.com‘s forum, email (ramblingverser@storyinstitute.com), or phone (615-431-WRIT).    Featured Poetry Writing Prompt: Rose Blooms A rose is a complicated flower, both to grow and behold. The color of this symbol can determine the type of relationship you share. The level of thorns can determine how long you would like to remain in that relationship. Connecting to the buds themselves enable you to appreciate the flowers and the person receiving them.   Be creative. Be encouraging. Be as intense as the hues these beautiful creations of nature. Open your heart as the petals expand. Tie your story into the intensity of the blooming intricacies. Post it at storyinstitute.com, or share elsewhere, but write and enjoy…   Not Just a Rose White is the innocent beauty, Which you will always be. Pink is the friendship which we share, Showing each other we really care. Red is the eternal peace and love, We attempt to realize, As we continue to touch each other’s lives.    Featured Short Story Writing Prompt: Horse of a New Color Have you ever thought that the horse of a different color could be real? What if the wish of one little girl helped make this fantasy more of a reality? What if the horse changed colors depending on the mood it was in? What if? What if? That is what the 6 year old little girl kept asking her daddy after taking a few riding lessons.   She was so enthralled by the horse, she wanted to be able to keep him. Her dad told her that they did not allow horses in their neighborhood and if he was seen, they would send him back to the farm. The little girl asked if the horse could hide for a while. She asked if she could talk to the horse about it. She asked, she did, and the horse, somehow found a way to be with the little girl. It seemed to camouflage itself and blend in. However, when the little girl needed a ride or just wanted to see her special friend, he was there.   Tell the story of how. Tell the story of why. Tell the story of when. Tell about the father and whether he believed. Share more than just a little girl and a special horse. Share more than a fantastic adventure about a horse. Share how strong a belief needs to be for a happenstance like this to become real. Decide on the story and write. Post it at storyinstitute.com, or share elsewhere, but write and enjoy…    If you are an author in search of readers or have comments about our show, contact us: ramblingverser@storyinstitute.com 615-431-WRIT (9748)     This week’s episode was brought to you by Enchanted Travel Tales (www.enchantedtraveltales.com), bringing travel, magic, and fun to your holidays.   Remember to Imagine, Enhance, & Grow Your Stories @ www.storyinstitute.com More podcasts and thoughts to get your writing moving and your creativity flowing...John shares a one last handful of his favorite audio inspirations...   <strong>Featured Quotes:</strong> A poem begins as a lump in the throat, a [...] Story Institute - John E Murray III 19:10 author conversations, belief, characters, Dash of Creativity, inner voice, inspiration, poetry, RamblingVerser Podcast, Robert Frost, short story, storyline, Storylines, writing, writing methods, writing podcast, writing tips clean http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/05/10/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-34-listen-then-write/ http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/05/10/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-34-listen-then-write/#comments Mon, 10 May 2010 11:58:24 +0000 Story Institute http://www.storyinstitute.com/?p=3230 Featured Quote: Belief, by definition is an assent to a proposition. It is any cognitive content that is held true. It is some expression or a vague idea in which some confidence is placed. Thus, it defines some sort of an agreement with the world view. It may be unproven assertion based on some of the fundamental assumptions. Belief is a form of judging something to be true, intermediate between mere opinion and certain knowledge. To believe something in this sense is to judge that it is true by virtue of "a ground that is objectively insufficient but subjectively sufficient"; in mere opinion neither is sufficient, in knowledge both conditions are met.Myths which are believed in tend to become true.   By: George Orwell     John shares some of his favorite podcasts that help inspire and influence him. ]]> http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/05/10/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-34-listen-then-write/feed/ 0 Podcasts and thoughts to get your writing moving and your creativity flowing…John shares a handful of his favorite audio inspirations…   Featured Quote: Belief, by definition is an assent to a proposition. It is any cognitive content that is held true. It is some expression or a vague idea in which some confidence is placed. Thus, it defines some sort of an agreement with the world view. It may be unproven assertion based on some of the fundamental assumptions. Belief is a form of judging something to be true, intermediate between mere opinion and certain knowledge. To believe something in this sense is to judge that it is true by virtue of “a ground that is objectively insufficient but subjectively sufficient”; in mere opinion neither is sufficient, in knowledge both conditions are met.Myths which are believed in tend to become true.   By: George Orwell     John shares some of his favorite podcasts that help inspire and influence him.     Check out these great shows and sites:   Writing Excuses – Brandon Sanderson, Howard Taylor, Dan Wells http://www.writingexcuses.com/   The Poem of the Day http://www.sonibyte.com/public/clientpodcasts   Beyond the Book – Copyright Clearance Center http://beyondthebookcast.com/   Twit Network -Leo LaPorte http://www.twit.tv   Daily GizWiz – Dick  Debartolo & Leo LaPorte http://www.gizwiz.biz   MuppetCast – Steve Swanson http://www.muppetcast.com   WDW Radio – Lou Mongello http://www.wdwradio.com   Do you have any favorite podcasts you would like to share?  Have you turned your book, poetry, or writing into a podcast?  Tell us about it either at www.storyinsititue.com’s forum, email (ramblingverser@storyinstitute.com), or phone (615-431-WRIT).    Featured Writing Prompt: Write a poem, short story, or otherwise that reflects on the podcast and where it fits within your storyline.  Is it just a little voice you hear in your ear as you jog or walk around the block?  Or, is it much more than that for your character and inspiration?  How does your character fit in with the podcast world?   Make it all up, or base your verse or story on some show you know.  Share it at Story Institute or share it elsewhere, but write and enjoy…      If you are an author in search of readers or have comments about our show, contact us: ramblingverser@storyinstitute.com 615-431-WRIT (9748)      This week’s episode was brought to you by Enchanted Travel Tales (www.enchantedtraveltales.com), bringing travel, magic, and fun to your holidays.   Remember to Imagine, Enhance, & Grow Your Stories @ www.storyinstitute.com Podcasts and thoughts to get your writing moving and your creativity flowing...John shares a handful of his favorite audio inspirations...   <strong>Featured Quote:</strong> Belief, by definition is an assent to a proposition. It [...] Story Institute - John E Murray III 18:31 author conversations, belief, characters, Dash of Creativity, George Orwell, inner voice, inspiration, poetry, RamblingVerser Podcast, short story, storyline, Storylines, writing, writing methods, writing podcast, writing tips clean http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/05/02/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-33-believe-your-characters/ http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/05/02/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-33-believe-your-characters/#comments Mon, 03 May 2010 03:31:37 +0000 Story Institute http://www.storyinstitute.com/?p=3223 Featured Quote: Faith is not belief. Belief is passive. Faith is active. Edith Hamilton   Inspiration for this week's conversation: Six Characters in Search of an Author is the most famous and celebrated play by the Italian writer Luigi Pirandello    Featured Poem: The Computation By: John Donne   FOR my first twenty years, since yesterday, I scarce believed thou couldst be gone away ; For forty more I fed on favours past, And forty on hopes that thou wouldst they might last ; Tears drown`d one hundred, and sighs blew out two ; A thousand, I did neither think nor do, Or not divide, all being one thought of you ; Or in a thousand more, forgot that too. Yet call not this long life ; but think that I Am, by being dead, immortal ; can ghosts die ?]]> http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/05/02/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-33-believe-your-characters/feed/ 0 Do you believe in your characters? OK, but do you have faith in your characters to live beyond the time you put them on paper? Is there a difference? Listen and engage in the writing prompts.   Featured Quote: Faith is not belief. Belief is passive. Faith is active. Edith Hamilton   Inspiration for this week’s conversation: Six Characters in Search of an Author is the most famous and celebrated play by the Italian writer Luigi Pirandello    Featured Poem: The Computation By: John Donne   FOR my first twenty years, since yesterday, I scarce believed thou couldst be gone away ; For forty more I fed on favours past, And forty on hopes that thou wouldst they might last ; Tears drown`d one hundred, and sighs blew out two ; A thousand, I did neither think nor do, Or not divide, all being one thought of you ; Or in a thousand more, forgot that too. Yet call not this long life ; but think that I Am, by being dead, immortal ; can ghosts die ?    Poetry Writing Prompt: Write a Dialogue Poem between yourself, a modern day reader, and John Donne, the writer. How would you address his words in The Computation? If you need help with understanding a dialogue poem, check out this article: How to Write a Dialogue Poem – By Jacqueline Thomas, eHow Contributing Writer http://www.ehow.com/how_5089536_write-dialogue-poem.html    Additional Poem for creative inspiration: Eternity By: William Blake He who binds to himself a joy Does the winged life destroy; But he who kisses the joy as it flies Lives in eternity’s sun rise.    Short Story Topics – Pet Turtles Are Funny Pets are wonderful for teaching children responsibility. What better way to teach a boy the responsibility of a pet than with a turtle. That is what the eight-year old boy thought. That is until he met the turtle. The creature disappears inside its shell every time the boy gets near. The boy’s sister sits and stares at the reptile for what seems like hours as it appears to dance, bob its head in and out to the rhythm of music, and go for a swim at random moments. When the boy passes, the turtle freezes and collapses inside its shell.   Describe the boy’s feelings. Describe the steps the boy would take to literally pull the creature out of its shell. Describe how the sister acts. Describe the turtle. What makes it special? Why does it stay in its shell? Is it just an ordinary turtle? Or, is there something a little more exciting, more imaginative? Decide on the path. Decide on the story, and write. Post it at Story Institute, or share elsewhere, but write and enjoy…    Short Story Topics – Flower Power Picking the right flower can make or break a relationship. Do you go with the red ones? The pink ones? The white ones? The roses? The tulips? The brightly-colored, always in bloom ones? Wait, those might be plastic. They might be, but as you pass the store, you are drawn in by the beauty, fragrance, and allure of the rather unique petal filled vase. Something about these flowers says look at me, smell me, buy me.   What happens after you go into the store? What happens if you bring the flowers home to your significant other? What happens as you share in the moment together? Decide on the interaction between people and the flower. Decide on the interaction between the people and each other after interacting with the budding entity. Decide on the happenstance that erupts in the life of the first person to see the flower. Decide on the path. Decide on the story, and write. Post it at Story Institute, or share elsewhere, but write and enjoy… Do you believe in your characters? OK, but do you have faith in your characters to live beyond the time you put them on paper? Is there a difference? Listen and engage in the writing prompts.   <strong>Featured [...] Story Institute - John E Murray III 14:38 author conversations, belief, characters, Dash of Creativity, faith, headlines, inner voice, inspiration, John Donne, poetry, RamblingVerser Podcast, short story, storyline, Storylines, writing, writing methods, writing podcast, writing tips clean http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/04/20/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-32-search-for-your-voice/ http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/04/20/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-32-search-for-your-voice/#comments Wed, 21 Apr 2010 01:46:31 +0000 Story Institute http://www.storyinstitute.com/?p=3216 ramblingverser@storyinstitute.com 615-431-WRIT (9748)    This week's episode was brought to you by Enchanted Travel Tales (www.enchantedtraveltales.com), bringing travel, magic, and fun to your holidays.    Featured Quotes: "Imagination is the voice of daring. If there is anything Godlike about God it is that. He dared to imagine everything." Henry Miller   "Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice." William Shakespeare    Featured Poem: "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud" By: William Wordsworth   I wandered lonely as a cloud That floats on high o'er vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host, of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.]]> http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/04/20/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-32-search-for-your-voice/feed/ 0 John releases some inner voices…what do you release in your writing…   If you are an author in search of readers or have comments about our show, contact us: ramblingverser@storyinstitute.com 615-431-WRIT (9748)    This week’s episode was brought to you by Enchanted Travel Tales (www.enchantedtraveltales.com), bringing travel, magic, and fun to your holidays.    Featured Quotes: “Imagination is the voice of daring. If there is anything Godlike about God it is that. He dared to imagine everything.” Henry Miller   “Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice.” William Shakespeare    Featured Poem: “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” By: William Wordsworth   I wandered lonely as a cloud That floats on high o’er vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host, of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees, Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.   Continuous as the stars that shine And twinkle on the milky way, They stretched in never-ending line Along the margin of a bay: Ten thousand saw I at a glance, Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.   The waves beside them danced; but they Out-did the sparkling waves in glee: A poet could not but be gay, In such a jocund company: I gazed—and gazed—but little thought What wealth the show to me had brought:   For oft, when on my couch I lie In vacant or in pensive mood, They flash upon that inward eye Which is the bliss of solitude; And then my heart with pleasure fills, And dances with the daffodils.    Featured Short Story Topic – Grandma and the Friendly Feline Grandma has not been feeling well recently. In fact, her grandchildren think that she is starting to lose more than her memory. She seems to have intimate conversations with her cat. One day, however, her littlest granddaughter over hears one of those conversations…both sides…   This story connects the imagination of a little one with the belief that rests only with age. The granddaughter sneaks away from playing with her sisters to listen to the stories the feline and her grandmother share. The cat talks about what he does at night and the tricks he plays on the children, while grandma shares stories of her past.   Who is this special animal? How is the grandma and the grandchild able to understand what it is saying? Where exactly do they live? How will the stories progress? How will the story end? Decide on the path. Decide on the why. Decide on the story, but write. Post it on Story Institute, or share elsewhere, but write and enjoy…    Featured Writing Prompt: Find a favorite fairy tales, nusery rhyme, or story and listen to the voice of the lesser known characters. What prevented them from being the main character, the star of the show, the big voice? Tell another story using one of those characters and find their inner voice. Share it with someone who doesn’t always hear that voice from you. Write and enjoy.    Remember to Imagine, Enhance, & Grow Your Stories @ www.storyinstitute.com John releases some inner voices...what do you release in your writing...   If you are an author in search of readers or have comments about our show, contact us: <a [...] Story Institute - John E Murray III 13:25 author conversations, Dash of Creativity, headlines, inner voice, inspiration, poetry, RamblingVerser Podcast, short story, storyline, Storylines, William Wordsworth, writing, writing methods, writing podcast, writing tips clean http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/04/07/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-31-elementary-dear-whats-your-name/ http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/04/07/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-31-elementary-dear-whats-your-name/#comments Thu, 08 Apr 2010 02:05:00 +0000 Story Institute http://www.storyinstitute.com/?p=3198 ramblingverser@storyinstitute.com 615-431-WRIT (9748)    This week's episode was brought to you by Enchanted Travel Tales (www.enchantedtraveltales.com), bringing travel, magic, and fun to your holidays.    Featured Quote: "Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself, but talent instantly recognizes genius." Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859 - 1930), (Sherlock Holmes) Valley of Fear, 1915    Featured Short Story: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: Adventure 4 - The Boscombe Valley Mystery By: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle   We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran in this way: Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. Leave Paddington by the 11:15. "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "Will you go?" "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at present."]]> http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/04/07/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-31-elementary-dear-whats-your-name/feed/ 1 A look at a better story driven character and your connection as a writer…    If you are an author in search of readers or have comments about our show, contact us: ramblingverser@storyinstitute.com 615-431-WRIT (9748)    This week’s episode was brought to you by Enchanted Travel Tales (www.enchantedtraveltales.com), bringing travel, magic, and fun to your holidays.    Featured Quote: “Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself, but talent instantly recognizes genius.” Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859 – 1930), (Sherlock Holmes) Valley of Fear, 1915    Featured Short Story: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: Adventure 4 – The Boscombe Valley Mystery By: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle   We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran in this way: Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. Leave Paddington by the 11:15. “What do you say, dear?” said my wife, looking across at me. “Will you go?” “I really don’t know what to say. I have a fairly long list at present.” “Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes’s cases.” “I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained through one of them,” I answered. “But if I am to go, I must pack at once, for I have only half an hour.” My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt figure made even gaunter and taller by his long gray travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. “It is reaily very good of you to come, Watson,” said he. “It makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall get the tickets.” We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. “Have you heard anything of the case?” he asked. “Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days.” “The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those simple cases which are so extremely difficult.” “That sounds a little paradoxical.” “But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they have established a very serious case against the son of the murdered man.” “It is a murder, then?” “Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have been able to understand it, in a very few words. “Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to settle [...] A look at a better story driven character and your connection as a writer...    If you are an author in search of readers or have comments about our show, contact us: <a [...] Story Institute - John E Murray III 13:46 author conversations, Dash of Creativity, headlines, inspiration, mystery, poetry, RamblingVerser Podcast, Sherlock Holmes, short story, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, storyline, Storylines, writing, writing methods, writing podcast, writing tips clean http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/03/23/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-30-grab-a-newspaper-quick/ http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/03/23/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-30-grab-a-newspaper-quick/#comments Wed, 24 Mar 2010 02:00:26 +0000 Story Institute http://www.storyinstitute.com/?p=3182 "If you watch a game, it's fun. If you play at it, it's recreation. If you work at it, it's golf." ~ Bob Hope Headlines to help you with thoughts, ideas a provide realistic writing prompts: "Run over on a Florida beach: can't Americans walk anywhere at all?" "No Flat for Cats" "App Tells You Whether Your Date is a 'Keeper' or 'Crazy'" "Talking about a stinky subject" Look up these headlines, of merely use them to help you come up with subjects for your storylines. What direction will you choose? Have you found other stories out there? Share them here or elsewhere, but write and enjoy.]]> http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/03/23/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-30-grab-a-newspaper-quick/feed/ 0 Grab that paper and write…a newspaper that is… “If you watch a game, it’s fun. If you play at it, it’s recreation. If you work at it, it’s golf.” ~ Bob Hope Headlines to help you with thoughts, ideas a provide realistic writing prompts: “Run over on a Florida beach: can’t Americans walk anywhere at all?” “No Flat for Cats” “App Tells You Whether Your Date is a ‘Keeper’ or ‘Crazy’” “Talking about a stinky subject” Look up these headlines, of merely use them to help you come up with subjects for your storylines. What direction will you choose? Have you found other stories out there? Share them here or elsewhere, but write and enjoy. Short Story Topic & Prompt: Twittering Your Life Away… So, you have decided to sign-up for Twitter…you don’t know why, but you do know that it is all that…or, at least that is what your younger sister told you. You have gone to the main page, signed up, waited…nothing. That’s right, nothing. You check the screen for days wondering when the “news” will be flooding in. Once, after signing in, you see a large whale on the screen and then a funky bird. After refreshing your browser a few times, you see a blank spot under your update box. You can’t take it any more. So, you decide to have a conversation with yourself using Twitter. How will you do this? Who is this other personality? Do you create another account? Or, do you just change voices within the tweet itself? Decide if you followed anyone. Decide if you talked to anyone? Decide on what response you got if any from other out there in the random electronic world. Do you find that people are adding you as a friend? What topics do you cover in the conversation with yourself? What impact does this dialogue have on your more physical life? OK, while this may be a little too close to reality for some, it aligns well with what is possible in today’s society. The storyline doesn’t have to be about Twitter. You could change the timeline and set it earlier where you are writing letters back and forth to yourself. Same idea, different method…Choose your path and choose your storyline, but write and enjoy. If you are an author in search of readers or have comments about our show, contact us: ramblingverser@storyinstitute.com 615-431-WRIT (9748) This week’s episode was brought to you by Enchanted Travel Tales (www.enchantedtraveltales.com), bringing travel, magic, and fun to your holidays. Remember to Imagine, Enhance, and Grow your stories @ www.storyinstitute.com Grab that paper and write…a newspaper that is… <em>"If you watch a game, it's fun. If you play at it, it's recreation. If you work at it, it's golf."</em> ~ Bob Hope <strong>Headlines to help [...] Story Institute - John E Murray III 11:48 author conversations, Bob Hope, childhood, Dash of Creativity, headlines, inspiration, poetry, RamblingVerser Podcast, short story, storyline, Storylines, writing, writing methods, writing podcast, writing tips clean http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/03/14/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-29-remember-write/ http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/03/14/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-29-remember-write/#comments Mon, 15 Mar 2010 01:58:50 +0000 Story Institute http://www.storyinstitute.com/?p=3147 http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/03/14/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-29-remember-write/feed/ 0 Connecting Your Storyline with Your Storyline…    If you are an author in search of readers or have comments about our show, contact us: ramblingverser@storyinstitute.com 615-431-WRIT (9748)    This week’s episode was brought to you by Enchanted Travel Tales (www.enchantedtraveltales.com), bringing travel, magic, and fun to your holidays.    Featured Quotes: “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” ~ Fred Rogers    “Quite often somebody will say, What year do your books take place? and the only answer I can give is, In childhood.” ~ Beverly Cleary    Featured Poem:   Annabelle Lee ~Edgar Allan Poe   It was many and many a year ago, In a kingdom by the sea, That a maiden there lived whom you may know By the name of Annabel Lee; And this maiden she lived with no other thought Than to love and be loved by me. I was a child and she was a child, In this kingdom by the sea; But we loved with a love that was more than love – I and my Annabel Lee; With a love that the winged seraphs of heaven Coveted her and me. And this was the reason that, long ago, In this kingdom by the sea, A wind blew out of a cloud, chilling My beautiful Annabel Lee; So that her highborn kinsman came And bore her away from me, To shut her up in a sepulcher In this kingdom by the sea. The angels, not half so happy in heaven, Went envying her and me Yes! that was the reason (as all men know, In this kingdom by the sea) That the wind came out of the cloud by night, Chilling and killing my Annabel Lee. But our love was stronger by far than the love Of those who were older than we Of many far wiser than we And neither the angels in heaven above, Nor the demons down under the sea, Can ever dissever my soul from the soul Of the beautiful Annabel Lee. For the moon never beams without bringing me dreams Of the beautiful Annabel Lee; And the stars never rise but I feel the bright eyes Of the beautiful Annabel Lee; And so, all the night-tide, I lie down by the side Of my darling, my darling, my life and my bride, In the sepulcher there by the sea, In her tomb by the sounding sea.    Short Story Writing Prompt:   Turn the poem into a short story. Choose a moment in the life of the narrator and Annabelle Lee and write about it. Decide if your story stops there or grows into a series of short stories about these two characters. Bring in characters from your childhood into the story. Use the kingdom by the sea as the setting and craft the plot and storyline around your setting.    Poetry Topic & Prompt:   Carnivals When was the last time you were at a carnival? You know, one of those signs of summer…the crowded, dark, and sometimes littered parking lots with the Tilt-A-Whirls, the Ferris wheels, the bumper cars, and those all tempting carnival games…Cotton candy, all sticky and sugary…Snow comes, so icy and and drippy…Corndogs so, well, so corn doggy…Each of these images rise to the top when thinking of a carnival. Use each line to share one sense of excitement, of wonder, of worry with your readers, your new friends, your connections to other carnivals that you have not visited…    If you are struggling, take some pictures of the one down the street. Hurry, because it is only there for the week. Are there differences between the carnival and the circus? Are there different attractions? Different people? Different reflections on your childhood? Create the images as you see them. Decide on feeling you wish to evolve and post it here, or share elsewhere, but write and enjoy…    Need a Short Story for the Week…check out this site for some connections to familiar and new storylines…http://www.apples4theteacher.com/short-stories.html    Remember to Imagine, Enhance, and Grow your stories @ www.storyinstitute.com Connecting Your Storyline with Your Storyline…    If you are an author in search of readers or have comments about our show, contact us: ramblingverser@storyinstitute.com 615-431-WRIT (9748)    This week’s episode was brought to you by [...] Story Institute - John E Murray III 11:48 author conversations, Beverly Cleary, childhood, Dash of Creativity, Edgar Allan Poe, Fred Rogers, inspiration, poetry, RamblingVerser Podcast, Rhyme, short story, storyline, writing, writing methods, writing podcast, writing tips clean http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/03/08/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-28-reflection-and-knowledge/ http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/03/08/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-28-reflection-and-knowledge/#comments Tue, 09 Mar 2010 04:05:26 +0000 Story Institute http://www.storyinstitute.com/?p=3125 http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/03/08/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-28-reflection-and-knowledge/feed/ 0 Reflect on your Knowledge and Imagine a new world…oh yeah, and write about it…    Featured Quote: “I had therefore to remove knowledge, in order to make room for belief.”    “Happiness is not an ideal of reason, but of imagination.” ~Immanuel Kant     Featured Poem: Ode on a Grecian Urn ~ John Keats    Thou still unravish’d bride of quietness,     Thou foster-child of silence and slow time, Sylvan historian, who canst thus express     A flowery tale more sweetly than our rhyme: What leaf-fring’d legend haunt about thy shape     Of deities or mortals, or of both,         In Tempe or the dales of Arcady?     What men or gods are these?  What maidens loth? What mad pursuit?  What struggle to escape?         What pipes and timbrels?  What wild ecstasy? Heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard     Are sweeter: therefore, ye soft pipes, play on; Not to the sensual ear, but, more endear’d,     Pipe to the spirit ditties of no tone: Fair youth, beneath the trees, thou canst not leave     Thy song, nor ever can those trees be bare;         Bold lover, never, never canst thou kiss, Though winning near the goal – yet, do not grieve;         She cannot fade, though thou hast not thy bliss,     For ever wilt thou love, and she be fair! Ah, happy, happy boughs! that cannot shed     Your leaves, nor ever bid the spring adieu; And, happy melodist, unwearied,     For ever piping songs for ever new; More happy love! more happy, happy love!     For ever warm and still to be enjoy’d,         For ever panting, and for ever young; All breathing human passion far above,     That leaves a heart high-sorrowful and cloy’d,         A burning forehead, and a parching tongue. Who are these coming to the sacrifice?     To what green altar, O mysterious priest, Lead’st thou that heifer lowing at the skies,     And all her silken flanks with garlands drest? What little town by river or sea shore,     Or mountain-built with peaceful citadel,         Is emptied of this folk, this pious morn? And, little town, thy streets for evermore     Will silent be; and not a soul to tell         Why thou art desolate, can e’er return. O Attic shape!  Fair attitude! with brede     Of marble men and maidens overwrought, With forest branches and the trodden weed;     Thou, silent form, dost tease us out of thought As doth eternity: Cold Pastoral!     When old age shall this generation waste,         Thou shalt remain, in midst of other woe     Than ours, a friend to man, to whom thou say’st, “Beauty is truth, truth beauty,” – that is all         Ye know on earth, and all ye need to know.      Poetry writing Prompt: What is your Grecian Urn? What will stand the test of time and outlive the creator? Is it your own writing? Is it a building? Is it someone’s legacy? Choose your connection to Keat’s passion and vision and build a poem to last as long as the symbolic Urn.    Featured Short Story: The Bet ~Anton Checkhov    It was a dark autumn night. The old banker was walking up and down his study and remembering how, fifteen years before, he had given a party one autumn evening. There had been many clever men there, and there had been interesting conversations. Among other things they had talked of capital punishment. The majority of the guests, among whom were many journalists and intellectual men, disapproved of the death penalty. They considered that form of punishment out of date, immoral, and unsuitable for Christian States. In the opinion of some of them the death penalty ought to be replaced everywhere by imprisonment for life. “I don’t agree with you,” said their host the banker. “I have not tried either the death penalty or imprisonment for life, but if one may judge a priori, the death penalty is more moral and more humane than imprisonment for life. Capital [...] Reflect on your Knowledge and Imagine a new world…oh yeah, and write about it…    Featured Quote: “I had therefore to remove knowledge, in order to make room for belief.”    “Happiness is not an ideal of reason, but of imagination.” [...] Story Institute - John E Murray III 19:15 nton Chekhov, author conversations, Dash of Creativity, Immanuel Kant, inspiration, John Keats, poetry, RamblingVerser Podcast, Rhyme, short story, storyline, writing, writing methods, writing podcast, writing tips clean http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/02/28/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-27-ending-in-the-beginning/ http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/02/28/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-27-ending-in-the-beginning/#comments Sun, 28 Feb 2010 18:32:55 +0000 Story Institute http://www.storyinstitute.com/?p=3099 http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/02/28/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-27-ending-in-the-beginning/feed/ 0 Childhood connections or Nada…Your path defined by you, the poet, writer, creator… Featured Quote: “I believe that man will not merely endure: he will prevail. He is immortal, not because he alone among creatures has an inexhaustible voice, but because he has a soul, a spirit capable of compassion and sacrifice and endurance. The poet’s, the writer’s, duty is to write about these things.” ~ William Faulkner in his speech at the Nobel Banquet at the City Hall in Stockholm, December 10, 1950 Featured Poem: Ode: Intimations of Immortality ~ William Wordsworth (1807) Intimations of Immortality From Recollections of Early Childhood           I There was a time when meadow, grove, and stream, The earth, and every common sight,             To me did seem           Apparelled in celestial light, The glory and the freshness of a dream. It is not now as it hath been of yore;–           Turn wheresoe’er I may,             By night or day, The things which I have seen I now can see no more.           II           The Rainbow comes and goes,           And lovely is the Rose,           The Moon doth with delight    Look round her when the heavens are bare,           Waters on a starry night           Are beautiful and fair;       The sunshine is a glorious birth;       But yet I know, where’er I go, That there hath past away a glory from the earth.           III Now, while the birds thus sing a joyous song,       And while the young lambs bound           As to the tabor’s sound, To me alone there came a thought of grief: A timely utterance gave that thought relief,           And I again am strong: The cataracts blow their trumpets from the steep; No more shall grief of mine the season wrong; I hear the Echoes through the mountains throng, The Winds come to me from the fields of sleep,           And all the earth is gay;                Land and sea       Give themselves up to jollity,           And with the heart of May       Doth every Beast keep holiday;–           Thou Child of Joy, Shout round me, let me hear thy shouts, thou happy             Shepherd-boy!           IV Ye blessed Creatures, I have heard the call       Ye to each other make; I see The heavens laugh with you in your jubilee;       My heart is at your festival,       My head hath its coronal, The fulness of your bliss, I feel–I feel it all.       Oh evil day! if I were sullen       While Earth herself is adorning,           This sweet May-morning,       And the Children are culling           On every side,       In a thousand valleys far and wide,       Fresh flowers; while the sun shines warm, And the Babe leaps up on his Mother’s arm:–       I hear, I hear, with joy I hear!       –But there’s a Tree, of many, one, A single Field which I have looked upon, Both of them speak of something that is gone:       The Pansy at my feet       Doth the same tale repeat: Whither is fled the visionary gleam? Where is it now, the glory and the dream?           V Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting: The Soul that rises with us, our life’s Star,       Hath had elsewhere its setting,         And cometh from afar:       Not in entire forgetfulness,       And not in utter nakedness, But trailing clouds of glory do we come       From God, who is our home: Heaven lies about us in our infancy! Shades of the prison-house begin to close       Upon the growing Boy, But He beholds the light, and whence it flows,       He sees it in his joy; The Youth, who daily farther from the east       Must travel, still is Nature’s Priest,       And by the vision [...] Childhood connections or Nada…Your path defined by you, the poet, writer, creator… Featured Quote: “I believe that man will not merely endure: he will prevail. He is immortal, not because he alone among creatures has an inexhaustible voice, [...] Story Institute - John E Murray III 17:21 author conversations, Dash of Creativity, Earnest Hemmingway, inspiration, poetry, RamblingVerser Podcast, Rhyme, short story, storyline, William Faulkner, William Wordsworth, writing, writing methods, writing podcast, writing tips clean http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/02/21/story-institute-rambling-verser-episode-26-style-and-story/ http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/02/21/story-institute-rambling-verser-episode-26-style-and-story/#comments Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:18:34 +0000 Story Institute http://www.storyinstitute.com/?p=3069 http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/02/21/story-institute-rambling-verser-episode-26-style-and-story/feed/ 0 Style and Story – Has the muse moved…Or, is man really a friend of the vultures… Featured Quote: “Poetry is simply literature reduced to the essence of its active principle. It is purged of idols of every kind, of realistic illusions, of any conceivable equivocation between the language of “truth” and the language of “creation.” (from Littérature, 1929) ~ Paul Valéry Featured Poem: A fit of rhyme against rhyme ~Ben Johnson Rhyme, the rack of finest wits, That expresseth but by fits True conceit, Spoiling senses of their treasure, Cozening judgment with a measure, But false weight ; Wresting words from their true calling, Propping verse for fear of falling To the ground ; Jointing syllabes, drowning letters, Fast’ning vowels as with fetters They were bound ! Soon as lazy thou wert known, All good poetry hence was flown, And are banished. For a thousand years together All Parnassus’ green did wither, And wit vanished. Pegasus did fly away, At the wells no Muse did stay, But bewailed So to see the fountain dry, And Apollo’s music die, All light failed ! Starveling rhymes did fill the stage ; Not a poet in an age Worth crowning ; Not a work deserving bays, Not a line deserving praise, Pallas frowning ; Greek was free from rhyme’s infection, Happy Greek by this protection Was not spoiled. Whilst the Latin, queen of tongues, Is not yet free from rhyme’s wrongs, But rests foiled. Scarce the hill again doth flourish, Scarce the world a wit doth nourish To restore Phoebus to his crown again, And the Muses to their brain, As before. Vulgar languages that want Words and sweetness, and be scant Of true measure, Tyrant rhyme hath so abusëd, That they long since have refusëd Other cæsure. He that first invented thee, May his joints tormented be, Cramped forever. Still may syllabes jar with time, Still may reason war with rhyme, Resting never. May his sense when it would meet The cold tumor in his feet, Grow unsounder ; And his title be long fool, That in rearing such a school Was the founder. ~ Ben Johnson Poetry Writing Prompt: Write a response to Ben Johnson’s view on the quality of poetry. Has poetry further degraded from even his time? Or, have we returned to the days of the muse and begun to relive inspiration instead of straying away? Featured Story: The Vulture Many naturalists are of opinion, that the animals which we commonly consider as mute, have the power of imparting their thoughts to one another. That they can express general sensations is very certain; every being that can utter sounds, has a different voice for pleasure and for pain. The hound informs his fellows when he scents his game; the hen calls her chickens to their food by her cluck, and drives them from danger by her scream. Birds have the greatest variety of notes; they have indeed a variety, which seems almost sufficient to make a speech adequate to the purposes of a life which is regulated by instinct, and can admit little change or improvement. To the cries of birds, curiosity or superstition has always been attentive; many have studied the language of the feathered tribes, and some have boasted that they understood it. The most skilful or most confident interpreters of the sylvan dialogues have been commonly found among the philosophers of the east, in a country where the calmness of the air, and the mildness of the seasons, allow the student to pass a great part of the year in groves and bowers. But what may be done in one place by peculiar opportunities, may be performed in another by peculiar diligence. A shepherd of Bohemia has, by long abode in the forests, enabled himself to understand the voice of birds; at least he relates with great confidence a story, of which the credibility is left to be considered by the learned. “As I was sitting,” said he, “within a hollow rock, and watching my sheep that fed in the valley, I heard two vultures interchangeably crying on the summit of the cliff. Both voices were [...] Style and Story – Has the muse moved…Or, is man really a friend of the vultures… Featured Quote: “Poetry is simply literature reduced to the essence of its active principle. It is purged of idols of every kind, of realistic illusions, of [...] Story Institute - John E Murray III 16:51 author conversations, Ben Johnson, Dash of Creativity, inspiration, muse, Paul Valery, poetry, RamblingVerser Podcast, Rhyme, Samuel Johnson, short story, storyline, vulture, writing, writing methods, writing podcast, writing tips clean http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/02/14/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-25-time-back-from-beyond/ http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/02/14/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-25-time-back-from-beyond/#comments Sun, 14 Feb 2010 18:09:05 +0000 Story Institute http://www.storyinstitute.com/?p=3040 http://www.storyinstitute.com/2010/02/14/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-25-time-back-from-beyond/feed/ 0 Time Back from Beyond…New focus and new writing prompts… Quote of the week: “I write about myself with the same pencil and in the same exercise book as about him. It is no longer I, but another whose life is just beginning.” ~ Samuel Beckett Short Story Focus and Topic: “The Open Boat” ~ Stephen Crane Read the entire short story here: Stephen Crane – Open Boat Write a modern version of the “Open Boat”. What changes? Is there technology? Is the boat bigger or smaller? Poem and Poetry Topic: “The Flea” ~ John Donne The Flea by John Donne MARK but this flea, and mark in this, How little that which thou deniest me is ; It suck’d me first, and now sucks thee, And in this flea our two bloods mingled be. Thou know’st that this cannot be said A sin, nor shame, nor loss of maidenhead ; Yet this enjoys before it woo, And pamper’d swells with one blood made of two ; And this, alas ! is more than we would do. O stay, three lives in one flea spare, Where we almost, yea, more than married are. This flea is you and I, and this Our marriage bed, and marriage temple is. Though parents grudge, and you, we’re met, And cloister’d in these living walls of jet. Though use make you apt to kill me, Let not to that self-murder added be, And sacrilege, three sins in killing three. Cruel and sudden, hast thou since Purpled thy nail in blood of innocence? Wherein could this flea guilty be, Except in that drop which it suck’d from thee? Yet thou triumph’st, and say’st that thou Find’st not thyself nor me the weaker now. ‘Tis true ; then learn how false fears be ; Just so much honour, when thou yield’st to me, Will waste, as this flea’s death took life from thee. Write a poem connecting your inspiration to something in nature. Alternative topic and writing prompts found on New Story Idea Search Page: http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/09/23/new-story-idea-search/ This episode’s alternative writing prompt: http://www.storyinstitute.com/2008/11/18/short-story-topics-romance-by-chance-or-circumstance/ Valentine’s Day is a romantic day for most. Fred, however, has tried to be romantic. He has set blind dates. He has written poems, bought flowers, and arranged numerous carriage rides…all for other people. Fred always seemed to be there to help most of his friends connect with their romantic counterpart. He has decided to ignore the topic all together for himself. That is until his close friend, Sadie, comes to him for help. She asks Fred to arrange a carriage ride where her date does not show up. She asks for dinner to be arranged using some of Fred’s contact and friends in the restaurant business. However, her date doesn’t show up again. Then, Valentine’s Day arrives… Decide if Sadie had a bad series of romantic opportunities or has other intentions. Decide how Fred feels about these instances. Decide if Fred understands the situation or simply goes with the flow as usual. Decide if relationships develop due to much effort or through random circumstance. Decide on the story and write. Post it here, or share elsewhere, but write and enjoy… If you are an author in search of readers or have comments about our show, contact us: ramblingverser@storyinstitute.com 615-431-WRIT (9748) This week’s episode was brought to you by Enchanted Travel Tales (www.enchantedtraveltales.com), bringing travel, magic, and fun to your holidays. Remember to Imagine, Enhance, and Grow your stories @ www.storyinstitute.com Time Back from Beyond…New focus and new writing prompts… Quote of the week: “I write about myself with the same pencil and in the same exercise book as about him. It is no longer I, but another whose life is just beginning.” ~ Samuel [...] Story Institute - John E Murray III 10:56 author conversations, Dash of Creativity, RamblingVerser Podcast, storyline, short story, poetry, writing, writing methods, writing podcast, writing tips, John Donne, Stephen Crane, inspiration http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/10/18/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-24-foreshadowing-tying-up-your-story/ http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/10/18/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-24-foreshadowing-tying-up-your-story/#comments Sun, 18 Oct 2009 20:03:20 +0000 Story Institute http://www.storyinstitute.com/?p=2844 http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/10/18/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-24-foreshadowing-tying-up-your-story/feed/ 0 You’ve heard this before…or, maybe we forgot to include the foreshadowing… In today’s episode, we talk with Chad Corrie (www.chadcorrie.com) about foreshadowing and tying up your story. What information did you feed your readers? Did you give them enough information to keep reading? Does the ending make sense to the characters, writers, and readers? Quote of the week: “The way of a man’s heart will be foreshadowed by what goodness lies in him – coming from above, and from around; but a way foreshadowed is not a way made.” ~ Donald G. Mitchell Writing Prompt for the week: Use a sense of foreshadowing to write a short story, novella, or longer about how an unsuspecting, lucky character wins the lottery. We think that winning is all by chance. However, could we do things in our lives to actually lead up to winning a lottery? Pull out the details and become part of the story itself…Was it belief? Was it luck? Or, was it just where his life was headed? You decide and share it on www.storyinsitute.com, but write and enjoy. If you are an author in search of readers or have comments about our show, contact us: ramblingverser@storyinstitute.com 615-431-WRIT (9748) This week’s episode was brought to you by Enchanted Travel Tales (www.enchantedtraveltales.com), bringing travel, magic, and fun to your holidays. Remember to Imagine, Enhance, and Grow your stories @ www.storyinstitute.com You’ve heard this before…or, maybe we forgot to include the foreshadowing… In today’s episode, we talk with Chad Corrie (www.chadcorrie.com) about foreshadowing and tying up your story. What information did you feed your readers? Did you [...] Story Institute - John E Murray III 21:45 author conversations, Chad Corrie, foreshadowing, tying up stories, Dash of Creativity, RamblingVerser Podcast, storyline, writing, writing methods, writing podcast, writing tips clean http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/10/11/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-23-motive-action/ http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/10/11/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-23-motive-action/#comments Sun, 11 Oct 2009 17:00:14 +0000 Story Institute http://www.storyinstitute.com/?p=2831 http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/10/11/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-23-motive-action/feed/ 0 Get motivated and create action within your stories… In today’s episode, we talk with Chad Corrie (www.chadcorrie.com) about motive and influencing action within a story. Why do characters behave the way they do? Where do the characters look to motivation? Well, if you are a writer, these items originate and grow from you. Quote of the week: “How to gain, how to keep, how to recover happiness is in fact for most men at all times the secret motive of all they do, and of all they are willing to endure. ” ~ William James Writing Prompt for the week: Use the quote of the week to remind or find your happiness. Where will you lead your characters and how will they find their happiness. How much will they be willing to endure as they struggle toward their happiness? Write it in a poem, short story, or novel, but write and enjoy. If you are an author in search of readers or have comments about our show, contact us: ramblingverser@storyinstitute.com 615-431-WRIT (9748) This week’s episode was brought to you by Enchanted Travel Tales (www.enchantedtraveltales.com), bringing travel, magic, and fun to your holidays. Remember to Imagine, Enhance, and Grow your stories @ www.storyinstitute.com Get motivated and create action within your stories… In today’s episode, we talk with Chad Corrie (www.chadcorrie.com) about motive and influencing action within a story. Why do characters behave the way they do? Where do the characters look to [...] Story Institute - John E Murray III 19:07 author conversations, Chad Corrie, motive, creating action, Dash of Creativity, RamblingVerser Podcast, storyline, writing, writing methods, writing podcast, writing tips clean http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/10/04/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-22-conflict/ http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/10/04/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-22-conflict/#comments Sun, 04 Oct 2009 14:57:15 +0000 Story Institute http://www.storyinstitute.com/?p=2816 http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/10/04/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-22-conflict/feed/ 0 Add a conflict or don’t…being conflicted within your story… In today’s episode, we talk with Chad Corrie (www.chadcorrie.com) about conflict in a story. Stories need conflict of some sort to grow, progress, and maintain interest. What is the conflict within your story? How have you let it grow? Listen in as we discuss the basics and some examples of different types of conflict. Quote of the week: “A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval.” ~ Mark Twain Writing Prompt for the week: Since we focused on conflict for the topic today, write a poem about your favorite fairytale and, summarizing and growing the conflict even further. Remember poems have all the emotion bottled up in a tiny space, so choose your words and flow wisely… For short stories or novels, taking a good fairy tale again, use the exisiting conflict to extend the story. Write about what happened after the story ended and one of the characters did not experience the happily ever after…Does a new conflict exist? Or, has just the setting changed. If you are an author in search of readers or have comments about our show, contact us at: ramblingverser@storyinstitute.com 615-431-WRIT (9748) This week’s episode was brought to you by Enchanted Travel Tales (www.enchantedtraveltales.com), bringing travel, magic, and fun to your holidays. Add a conflict or don’t…being conflicted within your story… In today’s episode, we talk with Chad Corrie (www.chadcorrie.com) about conflict in a story. Stories need conflict of some sort to grow, progress, and maintain interest. What is [...] Story Institute - John E Murray III 19:44 author conversations, Chad Corrie, conflict, Dash of Creativity, notebook, RamblingVerser Podcast, storyline, writing, writing methods, writing podcast, writing tips clean http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/09/07/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-21/ http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/09/07/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-21/#comments Tue, 08 Sep 2009 02:17:40 +0000 Story Institute http://www.storyinstitute.com/?p=2764 http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/09/07/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-21/feed/ 0 Writing Down the Fairy Tales…If you thought living a fairytale was tough to come by…try writing them…it is fun, but a very different world indeed… Quotes of the Week: “If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales. When I examine myself and my methods of thought, I come to the conclusion that the gift of fantasy has meant more to me than any talent for abstract, positive thinking.” ~Albert Einstein~ Scientist (1879-1955) “In a utilitarian age, of all other times, it is a matter of grave importance that fairy tales should be respected.” ~Charles Dickens~ British novelist (1812-1870) “Deeper meaning resides in the fairy tales told me in my childhood than in any truth that is taught in life.” ~Johann Christoph Friederich v. Schiller~ German Poet (1759-1805) John rambles on about his new fairy tale book…from beginning to separate stories…writing and remembering the audience is important…fairy tales are for a particular, possibly younger audience…what is your feeback? Share some of your thoughts with us if you have written or just enjoy reading fairy tales… Send us an email to: ramblingverser@storyinstitute.com…Call us at 615-431-WRIT…or provide thoughts on the forum: www.storyinstitute.com/forum Poetry Topic: St. Patrick’s Day – Wearin’ the Green The wearin’ of the green…that’s the day when all those who are not of Irish decent celebrate the lovely story of St. Patrick and his day. From marching in large parades to drinking green beer to eating corned beef and cabbage, this day is about celebrating life and enjoying it. This festive occasion brings about a brotherhood many don’t remember exists the rest of the year. This joyous occasion provides opportunities for grown adults to relive their youth and become a part of new traditions. And, don’t forget the beer. Choose your path. Choose your subject. Choose you remember of the day, if you can remember. Were you standing in a parade line waiting to march your way down Michigan Avenue hold a freezing piece of metal, praying and hoping that the cameras would not catch your step on the opposite foot from everyone else as you passed by the judging booth? Were you a bystander watching the people walk by, happy, chilled, and throwing candy? Either way, choose your words well, but don’t leave out the pot of gold. Remember poems are simple, but have all the power of a story in a little, tiny space. Post it here, or share elsewhere, but write and enjoy… Short Story Topic: Looking for Fantasylands What is the difference between sprites and fairies? How about fairies and pixies? At some point, they were the same. At some point, they became different. At some point, they just moved away from one location to many. Until one day when another creature finds a document with hints of where each group moved. What is this document that is found? Who is this other creature? What is the difference? Is there a difference? Will each group be found? Is there a map that goes along with the document? Why did they separate in the first place? Is this a series of short stories? Decide on the path the character follows. Decide on the mysteries revealed. Decide on the reason for looking for the answers. Decide on the behaviors that separate each group. Decide on the setting. Is it a forest? A swamp? A dessert? All of them? Think about parallels between these groups and ones you know. Decide on the story, and write. Post it here, or share elsewhere, but write and enjoy… Remember to Imagine, Enhance, and Grow your stories Running Time: 12 minutes 29 seconds The play button (a large triangle) appears below this summary. Depending on your internet speed, the conversation should play immediately once you click on this button… Writing Down the Fairy Tales…If you thought living a fairytale was tough to come by…try writing them…it is fun, but a very different world indeed… Quotes of the Week: “If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If [...] Story Institute - John E Murray III 12:29 author conversations, character, Dash of Creativity, notebook, RamblingVerser Podcast, storyline, writing, writing methods, writing podcast, writing tips, fairy tales clean http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/08/16/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-20/ http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/08/16/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-20/#comments Mon, 17 Aug 2009 04:01:20 +0000 Story Institute http://www.storyinstitute.com/?p=2674 http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/08/16/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-20/feed/ 0 Find another notebook…Writing from within instead of with…Conversations about writing…John E Murray III Quote by Dale Carnegie: “Are you bored with life? Then throw yourself into some work you believe in with all your heart, live for it, die for it, and you will find happiness that you had thought could never be yours.” This week, John ramblings on about finding a new notebook to jot down your creative thoughts and making sure you have a storyline for your novel while being open to it changing and growing… Visit our new forum at Story Institute at http://www.storyinstitute.com/forum Poem of the Day by John E. Murray, III Let Me Not Begin Anew Let me not begin anew, Let me spend my days with you, or you, or you. My friends, my companions, my creation, Losing you would be a great devastation. You are my entire being, The results of my dreaming. With every word I breathe, You are able to achieve New invigorating life, To help me deal with all the strife. I need, I want, I feel Only what I believe real, That being you To whom I will always remain true. So go forth And let your intensity be shown, But Please don’t leave me here, Alone! Poetry Topic – Sonnet Through Muse A special relationship deserves to be appreciated and admired. A spouse or significant individual should be told how special they are to you and in your life. Reflect on the happiness they bring. Encourage your muse to show through the relationship and into a being all its own. Research the great works and sonnets of the classic romantics and develop a style you share with your romantic counterpart and your inner muse. How strong is the connection? How important is the shared togetherness? How far into your heart do you delve to encourage the love you share to make its way onto a blank page or screen? How long is the gaze into the mirrors of your souls? Keep it intense, and encourage the surges of palpitations and emotion. Post it here, or share elsewhere, but write and enjoy… Sonnet through Muse By: John E Murray, III My mistress’s eyes are nothing like the sun, tis true, They are a far more brilliant hue. Coral’s redness may be debated only among sunken ships, But they may never taste as sweet as my mistress’ lips. If snow be white, then true purity befriended the seven, And her silken hair was certainly spun from the clouds of heaven. Her sweet scent is synonymous with what a fresh breeze brings, And her voice chimes in time with my delicate heartstrings. If on Earth there a goddess be, I am truly fortunate, for she is with me. Alas, a poet’s pact I break and abuse, And, as my own words prove, I have fallen for my muse. I offer no excuses for what my mind has endeavored to create, But open my heart no matter how long the wait. Short Story Topic – Clock Stopping These days, carrying a watch is a pain on the wrist. With cell phones, PDAs, and computers all around us, the need for another form of the constricting value of time becomes less desirable. What happens if the digital clocks just stopped displaying. They still worked. However, only other computerized devices could read the time. You will need to search for a reason and a way to tell time more effectively than having the computer tell you. So, you track down that old pocket watch, give it a few twists, and you realize that you can see more than just the time. You can see… Decide what it is that the character can see. Tell the story in the first person. Imagine yourself or someone close to you trapped in this environment. Decide on the path your character travels to find solutions. What caused the clocks to stop in the first place? What can be done? Decide on the origin of the wind-up watch. Decide on the story, and write. Post it here, or share elsewhere, but write and enjoy… Sponsored by Enchanted Travel Tales – Bringing Travel, Magic, and Fun to your holidays…contact us today for a enchanted vacation destination…615-431-WISH or visit us online [...] Find another notebook…Writing from within instead of with…Conversations about writing…John E Murray III Quote by Dale Carnegie: “Are you bored with life? Then throw yourself into some work you believe in with all your heart, live for it, [...] Story Institute - John E Murray III 18:28 author conversations, character, Dash of Creativity, notebook, RamblingVerser Podcast, storyline, writing, writing methods, writing podcast, writing tips clean http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/08/01/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-19/ http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/08/01/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-19/#comments Sat, 01 Aug 2009 12:46:32 +0000 Story Institute http://www.storyinstitute.com/?p=2575 http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/08/01/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-19/feed/ 0 Adding character to your characters…Conversations about writing…Chad Corrie & John E Murray III Quote by Jim Henson: “Life’s like a movie, write your own ending. Keep believing, keep pretending.” This week, we talk about characters, how they start, and how they grow into the breath of their stories… We have a new forum at Story Institute at http://www.storyinstitute.com/forum We are giving away copies of autographed copies of books from some of the authors we have interviewed…you must register for our forums to win…Tell us what you believe the inspiration of this week’s poem was or share one of your own…each will be entered to receive a book. Short Story Topic – Finding the Golden Path Home The clouds cleared and the rainbow made its way across the sky. Tiny feet scurried trying to locate the end of the brightly colored ribbon of light. When you lose the magic that brought you to this land and have no other way back to your own home, you keep trying no matter how long it has been between rainbows. Sure, you have maintained those simple party tricks with playing cards, pulling one coin out of random places, and basic mind-reading, but you lack the direction to find the end and true pot of gold…the path back home. Decide on how you got here in the first place. Decide if you will truly tell this tale in the first person. Decide on the characters met along this most recent path to the end. Decide if the tale continues or silences after this episode. Decide how long this lost soul has remained without his own country. Decide on your path. Decide on your direction. Decide on the story and write. Post it at www.stoyinstitute.com, or share elsewhere, but write and enjoy… Poetry Topic – Seashells No two seashells are alike, yet they group themselves in the same places. They float and they sink. They migrate and are migrated. Some are flatter than others. Some are smooth and others posses ripples and ridges. Many have various colors that allow them to sparkle in the sunlight and catch your eye as you stroll down the beach. A few others are dull in nature and blend into the glistening sand. Do you think about hearing the ocean? Do you hear the ocean when holding up a shell to your ear? Are these the same seashells that cover the clam shaped beings that were lost somewhere along the way to the shore? Decide on the adventure these residents of the deep took to reach the surface and share the story in verse. Post it www.storyinstitute.com, or share elsewhere, but write and enjoy… Sponsored by Enchanted Travel Tales – Bringing Travel, Magic, and Fun to your holidays…contact us today for a enchanted vacation destination…visit us online at http://www.enchantedtraveltales.com OR call us at 615-431-WISH Contact Story Institute at: ramblingverser@storyinstitute.com; 615-431-WRIT(9748); or share a review on iTunes Running Time: 27 minutes 56 seconds The play button (a large triangle) appears below this summary. Depending on your internet speed, the conversation should play immediately once you click on this button… Adding character to your characters…Conversations about writing…Chad Corrie & John E Murray III Quote by Jim Henson: “Life’s like a movie, write your own ending. Keep believing, keep pretending.” This week, we talk about characters, [...] Story Institute - John E Murray III 27:56 author conversations, Chad Corrie, character, character formation, RamblingVerser Podcast, Tales of Tralodren, The Adventures of Corwyn, writing, writing methods, writing podcast, writing tips clean http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/07/20/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-18/ http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/07/20/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-18/#comments Tue, 21 Jul 2009 01:41:05 +0000 Story Institute http://www.storyinstitute.com/?p=2557 http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/07/20/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-18/feed/ 0 Plot your plot…Conversations about writing…Chad Corrie & John E Murray III Quote by Walt Disney: ““Ideas come from curiosity. When I settle one idea, my confidence takes command; and nothing can shake it, and I am constant to it until it comes a reality. Then I drop it abruptly, and rarely mention it again.” Poem from John E. Murray, III: Up, Up, and You get the Picture Up, up, and away from The newly formed layers of concrete Into the cushy pillows of little sleep. Up, up, and away from The familiar phases of dark and light Into the soft glows of the pulsing spark. Up, up, and away from The toys of coming technology Into the papers tending toward history. Up, up, and away from Work, friends, and family Into the solitude of a speck others barely see. Up, up, and away Bring back the comfort of yesterday And, stay lost for a future day. This week, we talk about plot and where it leads each writer and how each writer leads it… We have a new forum at Story Institute at http://www.storyinstitute.com/forum We are giving away copies of autographed copies of books from some of the authors we have interviewed…you must register for our forums to win…Tell us what you believe the inspiration of this week’s poem was or share one of your own…each will be entered to receive a book. Short Story Topic – Spirits in the Family Ghosts are just a part of our imagination and storylines. Ghosts are visions, merely illusions that interact with the residents of this realm only to be shunned and frightened. There is a small family of spirits that somehow bonded, connected together, and decided to live together in an old television. They continually put on shows that they’ve seen either before or after they entered this unique new world. The television was located safely inside a museum, so the family was able to remain and put on the shows each evening. Decide on the location. Decide on the make up of the family. Is the story just about the ghosts and the tv? Is the story light-hearted? Or, is the story a bit more intense? Decide on the interactions the spirits may have with the living if any. Decide on the personalities of each ghost. Do other relatives come to visit? Or, is it just this small group who became a closer unit? Decide on the path. Decide on the story, and write. Poetry Topic – Identifying Happiness: Happiness is a special emotion and unique to each individual. We each experience happiness in our own way. We relate to this word differently depending on our experiences and connections to others. We feel the word based on our internal dictionary. A dictionary created by our own sense of happiness. What is yours? Write about the emotions and post it here, or share elsewhere, but write and enjoy… Happiness is shared here through what we identify with… Wondrous Happiness My heart alone can not sustain this wondrous happiness, But, together alone, the inner greatness may grow, And emotions sealed long ago, will continue to show. Stay with me as we share this special journey, For then the true intensity we may see. As we tread forward into the future we create, Let this bond we make test the depths of fate. Our love will undoubtedly blossom into a full and beautiful flower, Until then, let us be immersed in the pulsing power Of the sustained togetherness and wondrous happiness. By: John E. Murray, III Contact us at: ramblingverser@storyinstitute.com; 615-431-WRIT (9748) or share a review on iTunes Running Time: 20 minutes 44 seconds The play button (a large triangle) appears below this summary. Depending on your internet speed, the conversation should play immediately once you click on this button… Plot your plot…Conversations about writing…Chad Corrie & John E Murray III Quote by Walt Disney: ““Ideas come from curiosity. When I settle one idea, my confidence takes command; and nothing can shake it, and I am constant to it until [...] Story Institute - John E Murray III 20:44 author conversations, Chad Corrie, plot, RamblingVerser Podcast, Tales of Tralodren, The Adventures of Corwyn, writing, writing methods, writing podcast, writing tips clean http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/07/12/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-17/ http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/07/12/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-17/#comments Sun, 12 Jul 2009 18:04:18 +0000 Story Institute http://www.storyinstitute.com/?p=2555 http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/07/12/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-17/feed/ 0 Visit with us this week as we talk with Chad Corrie (www.chadcorrie.com) about setting and creating a solid foundation on which to build your story… Setting up what follows…Conversations about writing…Chad Corrie & John E Murray III Quote by Margaret Atwood Poem from Mark Sengenberger – Me Change This week, we talk about setting and where it leads each writer… We have a new forum at Story Institute at www.storyinstitute.com/forum Short Story Topic – Romance by Chance or Circumstance Poetry Topic – Carnivals Running Time: 23 minutes 35 seconds The play button (a large triangle) appears below this summary. Depending on your internet speed, the conversation should play immediately once you click on this button… Visit with us this week as we talk with Chad Corrie (www.chadcorrie.com) about setting and creating a solid foundation on which to build your story… Setting up what follows…Conversations about writing…Chad Corrie & John E Murray III Quote [...] Story Institute - John E Murray III 22:35 author conversations, Chad Corrie, RamblingVerser Podcast, Tales of Tralodren, The Adventures of Corwyn, writing, writing methods, writing podcast, writing tips, setting clean http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/05/23/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-16/ http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/05/23/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-16/#comments Sun, 24 May 2009 04:35:56 +0000 Story Institute http://www.storyinstitute.com/?p=2418 http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/05/23/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-16/feed/ 1 Cafe Conversations with Humble Fiction Cafe Writing Group… Quote by H.G. Wells Poem from Timothy Russell – Collapse of Summer Guest Conversation with the Humble Fiction Cafe writing Group: Here is a little about the group (http://www.humblefictioncafe.blogspot.com/): “Humble Writers. No, it’s not an oxymoron. We’re a group of aspiring and established writers in Humble, Texas who meet weekly at the local Barnes & Noble to discuss writing, critique each other’s work and drink absurd quantities of overpriced coffee.” Members of Humble Fiction Cafe include: Chrissa Sandlin, Dorlana Vann, Gary Denton, Joy N. Vyoral, Justin Denton, Kelli D. Meyer, Linda Lindsey, Ryan Sauls, Sharolyn Gales, Sheryl Tuttle, Susan Miller, Theresa Laws, Victor DiGiovanni. Read their combined efforts in Split. Running Time: 43 minutes 45 seconds The play button (a large triangle) appears below this summary. Depending on your internet speed, the conversation should play immediately once you click on this button… Cafe Conversations with Humble Fiction Cafe Writing Group… Quote by H.G. Wells Poem from Timothy Russell – Collapse of Summer Guest Conversation with the Humble Fiction Cafe writing Group: Here is a little about the group [...] Story Institute - John E Murray III 43:45 author conversations, Humble Fiction Cafe, RamblingVerser Podcast, Split, Storytelling, writing groups, writing methods, writing podcast, writing tips clean http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/05/16/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-15/ http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/05/16/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-15/#comments Sun, 17 May 2009 02:01:10 +0000 Story Institute http://www.storyinstitute.com/?p=2391 http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/05/16/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-15/feed/ 0 This week’s show features other entries to our poetry contest and some general thoughts and prompts for writing…sit back, relax, and enjoy the show… Quote – Isaac Asimov – “You must keep sending work out; you must never let a manuscript do nothing but eat its head off in a drawer. You send that work out again and again, while you’re working on another one. If you have talent, you will receive some measure of success – but only if you persist.” Poem #1: Timothy Russell – The Fifty Things Wrong With This Picture Poem #2: Suzanne Grenoble – Lemon Poem #3: Jody McMaster – Ad Finem Poem #4: Lamar Cole – The Night Was Made for Romance Poem #5: Kaylee Lyn Gates – Life is Rough Writing Prompt: Spend time with a famous author and live in their time. Research environment, author, and community…interact with the author and the details that surrounded them. Imagine, Enhance, and Grow your stories… Running Time: 8 minutes 8 seconds The play button (a large triangle) appears below this summary. Depending on your internet speed, the conversation should play immediately once you click on this button… This week’s show features other entries to our poetry contest and some general thoughts and prompts for writing…sit back, relax, and enjoy the show… Quote – Isaac Asimov – “You must keep sending work out; you must never let a manuscript [...] Story Institute - John E Murray III 8:08 RamblingVerser Podcast, poems, poetry, entires, writing, writing prompts, stories clean http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/05/09/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-14/ http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/05/09/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-14/#comments Sat, 09 May 2009 18:12:53 +0000 Story Institute http://www.storyinstitute.com/?p=2385 http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/05/09/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-14/feed/ 0 Story Institute, your online and in-print source for imagining, enhancing, and growing stories, is proud to announce the winners of its Spring, 2009 United States poetry contest. All first and second place winners will be featured in upcoming Story Institute RamblingVerser podcasts and newsletters. Along with the winning poems, entries from selected poets will appear in an upcoming anthology released at the end of 2009. Story Institute contests have created excitement within the writing community and inspired excellent entries from writers across the U.S. Each verser/poet expresses passion within their poems and applicable websites. The First Place winner is: E.D. Arrington for “An Ending of a Similar Kind” The Second Place winners are: Suzanne Grenoble for “Core” Jamie Lynn Waters for “Bitter Awareness” Joy Sheppard for “Cole Ridge Poem” All winners receive gift certificates from leading bookstores, a feature in RamblingVerses, Story Institute’s Newsletter, publication in an upcoming Story Institute anthology, and other prizes. The First Place, Spring 2009 winner, E.D. Arrington, along with the winner of the Fall 2008 contest, Jill Eisnaugle, will receive additional pages within the anthology to share more poems demonstrating their dedication to writing, creativity, and storytelling. Running Time: 6 minutes 20 seconds The play button (a large triangle) appears below this summary. Depending on your internet speed, the podcast should play immediately once you click on this button… Story Institute, your online and in-print source for imagining, enhancing, and growing stories, is proud to announce the winners of its Spring, 2009 United States poetry contest. All first and second place winners will be featured in upcoming Story [...] Story Institute - John E Murray III 6:20 RamblingVerser Podcast, poetry, contest winners, E.D. Arrington, Joy Sheppard, Jamie Lynn Waters, Suzanne Grenoble clean http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/04/13/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-13/ http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/04/13/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-13/#comments Mon, 13 Apr 2009 19:33:19 +0000 Story Institute http://www.storyinstitute.com/?p=2347 http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/04/13/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-13/feed/ 0 Imagine New Worlds and Write with Chad Corrie… Did you find it a bit crazy that we our 13th episode is being aired on the 13th of April…we do…but, hey, there are crazier things…so, sit back, relax, and enjoy the show… Quote by Samuel Johnson Poem from Amy Lowell – Azure And Gold Guest Conversation with Chad Corrie Here is a little about Chad (http://www.chadcorrie.com/): “A Minnesota native since his birth, Chad Corrie has long had a love affair with his creative side. Dabbling in art, film, music and acting, it wasn’t until he found writing that he began to excel at something with which he’d found a healthy outlet and addiction. Since that time he has written a wide array of material from such varied genres as horror, sci-fi and contemporary fiction amid comic scripting, poetry, screen plays, stage plays and more. It wasn’t until recently that he discovered fantasy and began to work more in this interesting and very broad genre. Chad has also been an editor and writer for an online magazine, and explored the world of publication with a selection of previous business ventures. Currently he is writing comic scripts, prose novels and recently moved into short dramatic skits as he continues working on a new publishing venture along with seeking out more avenues in which to see his work get published. Published Works “The Gift” Short Story published in Midwest Teen Scene January 1994 “The Seer’s Quest” Novel published by R+R Endeavors, 2004 “Seer’s Quest” Novel published by Aspirations Media, 2006 “Path of Power” Novel published by Aspirations Media, 2006 “Gambit’s End” Novel published by Aspirations Media, 2007 “Tales of Tralodren™: The Beginning” Graphic Novel published by AMI, 2007 “The Adventures of Corwyn” published by AMI, 2008 AWARDS 2008–Central Minnesota Gallery–GOLD AWARD 2009–34th International Gallery–GOLD AWARD” In honor of Free Comic book day (http://freecomicbookday.com/, Chad is having a little give-away of his own…check out his website on how to support this event coming up May 2nd, 2009…http://www.chadcorrie.com/ss/live/ Short Story Topic – Swamp Life – http://www.storyinstitute.com/2008/10/10/poetry-topics-swamp-life/ Poetry Topic – Mysterious Delivery – http://www.storyinstitute.com/2008/10/19/short-story-topics-mysterious-delivery/ Running Time: 34 minutes 25 seconds The play button (a large triangle) appears below this summary. Depending on your internet speed, the podcast should play immediately once you click on this button… Imagine New Worlds and Write with Chad Corrie… Did you find it a bit crazy that we our 13th episode is being aired on the 13th of April…we do…but, hey, there are crazier things…so, sit back, relax, and enjoy the show… Quote by Samuel [...] Story Institute - John E Murray III 34:25 author conversations, Chad Corrie, graphic novel, RamblingVerser Podcast, science fiction, Tales of Tralodren, The Adventures of Corwyn, writing, writing methods, writing podcast, writing tips clean http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/04/06/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-12/ http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/04/06/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-12/#comments Tue, 07 Apr 2009 03:33:25 +0000 Story Institute http://www.storyinstitute.com/?p=2334 http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/04/06/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-12/feed/ 1 Write and Publish Right with Robin Sullivan… Quote by HG Wells Poem from Mark Twain – Genuis Guest Conversation with Robin Sullivan Here is a little about Robin (http://www.write2publish.blogspot.com/): “I run a writer’s group in the Washington DC area with 340+ authors. Through it I do monthly free lectures on topics such as publishing, book promotion, contracts and the like. I have a wealth of “hands-on” experience from handling the “business side” of my husband’s writing and share this knowledge to aid others in becoming published. My goal is to help people avoid costly mistakes and use their time and energy wisely.” Short Story Topic – Moving From Earth – http://www.storyinstitute.com/2008/08/23/short-story-topics-moving-from-earth/ Poetry Topic – Windows – http://www.storyinstitute.com/2008/08/08/poetry-topics-windows/ Running Time: 31 minutes 44 seconds The play button (a large triangle) appears below this summary. Depending on your internet speed, the podcast should play immediately once you click on this button… Write and Publish Right with Robin Sullivan… Quote by HG Wells Poem from Mark Twain – Genuis Guest Conversation with Robin Sullivan Here is a little about Robin (http://www.write2publish.blogspot.com/): “I run a writer’s group in the [...] Story Institute - John E Murray III 31:44 author conversations,Avempartha,bookmarks,Crown Conspiracy,dedication,marketing,Michael J Sullivan,publishing,RamblingVerser Podcast,Robin Sullivan,The Riyria Revelations,writing,writing groups,writing methods,writing podcast,writing tips clean http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/04/01/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-11/ http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/04/01/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-11/#comments Thu, 02 Apr 2009 03:09:53 +0000 Story Institute http://www.storyinstitute.com/?p=2328 http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/04/01/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-11/feed/ 0 Fantastic Fiction with Michael J Sullivan… Quote by Abraham Lincoln Poem from Alfred Lloyd Tennyson – Ask Me No More Guest Conversation with Michael J Sullivan Here is a little about Michael (http://www.michaelsullivan-author.com/): “Born in Detroit Michigan, Michael J. Sullivan has lived in Vermont, North Carolina and Virginia. He worked as a commercial artist and illustrator, founding his own advertising agency in 1996, which he closed in 2005 to pursue writing full-time. The Crown Conspiracy is his first published work. He currently resides in Fairfax, Virginia with his wife and three children.” Short Story Topic – Wisping Away the Kernals – http://www.storyinstitute.com/2008/09/29/short-story-topics-wisping-away-the-kernals/ Poetry Topic – Forest or Trees – http://www.storyinstitute.com/2008/08/10/poetry-topics-forest-or-trees/ Running Time: 29 minutes 01 second The play button (a large triangle) appears below this summary. Depending on your internet speed, the podcast should play immediately once you click on this button… Fantastic Fiction with Michael J Sullivan… Quote by Abraham Lincoln Poem from Alfred Lloyd Tennyson – Ask Me No More Guest Conversation with Michael J Sullivan Here is a little about Michael (http://www.michaelsullivan-author.com/): “Born in [...] Story Institute - John E Murray III 29:01 author conversations, Avempartha, Crown Conspiracy, RamblingVerser Podcast, The Riyria Revelations, writing, writing methods, writing podcast, writing tips clean http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/03/25/story-institute-rambling-verser-episode-10/ http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/03/25/story-institute-rambling-verser-episode-10/#comments Thu, 26 Mar 2009 01:29:09 +0000 Story Institute http://www.storyinstitute.com/?p=2308 http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/03/25/story-institute-rambling-verser-episode-10/feed/ 0 Fouling through to make and change your Commitments…with Bob McDonald… Quote by William James Poem from Samuel Taylor Coleridge Guest Conversation with Bob McDonald Here is a little about Bob (http://www.flagrantfoul.com): “Bob is a two-time graduate of Cleveland State University, attaining a Bachelor of Arts in History in 2002 and a Master of Education in Adult Learning and Development in 2005. He is currently the owner of TOG Solutions, which specializes in a number of creative and writing services for businesses and individuals. He also is a Project Manager at a Cleveland-area Web design firm. No stranger to writing, Bob’s inspiration for Davis Brown, the main character in Flagrant Foul came from his past. He served as a writer and editor for the Cauldron, Cleveland State’s student newspaper. He published articles for the Morning Journal in Lorain, Ohio, where he was born and where he graduated from Admiral King High School in 1992.” Short Story Topic – Unique Product Placement & Assessment – http://www.storyinstitute.com/2008/09/24/short-story-topics-unqiue-product-placement-assessment/ Poetry Topic – Big City Living – http://www.storyinstitute.com/2008/09/13/poetry-topics-big-city-living/ Running Time: 31 minutes 30 seconds The play button (a large triangle) appears below this summary. Depending on your internet speed, the podcast should play immediately once you click on this button… Fouling through to make and change your Commitments…with Bob McDonald… Quote by William James Poem from Samuel Taylor Coleridge Guest Conversation with Bob McDonald Here is a little about Bob (http://www.flagrantfoul.com): “Bob is a two-time [...] Story Institute - John E Murray III 31:30 author conversations, Bob McDonald, Flagrant Foul, RamblingVerser Podcast, writing, writing methods, writing podcast, writing tips clean http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/03/16/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-9/ http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/03/16/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-9/#comments Tue, 17 Mar 2009 00:36:29 +0000 Story Institute http://www.storyinstitute.com/?p=2294 http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/03/16/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-9/feed/ 0 Space…a Writing Frontier with Bart Leahy… Quote by B.F. Skinner Poem from William Blake – Sons of Los Guest Conversation with Bart Leahy Here is a little about Bart (http://www.bartacus.blogspot.com/): “I am a space advocacy writer. My background includes a Master’s degree in Technical Writing, business development writing for defense and non-defense government contractors, and strategic communication for NASA and the National Space Society. My passion is being able to take on a difficult topic, explain it in clear prose, and organize the information so that others can understand and use it easily. It’s not just a matter of getting out a message, but of getting out a message that meets your audience/customer’s needs.” Short Story Topic – Flying Into a Different Similar Cloud – http://www.storyinstitute.com/2008/11/29/short-story-topics-flying-into-a-different-similar-cloud/ Poetry Topic – Windows – http://www.storyinstitute.com/2008/08/08/poetry-topics-windows/ Running Time: 23 minutes 32 seconds The play button (a large triangle) appears below this summary. Depending on your internet speed, the podcast should play immediately once you click on this button… Space…a Writing Frontier with Bart Leahy… Quote by B.F. Skinner Poem from William Blake – Sons of Los Guest Conversation with Bart Leahy Here is a little about Bart (http://www.bartacus.blogspot.com/): “I am a space advocacy writer. My [...] Story Institute - John E Murray III 23:32 author conversations, Bart Leahy, NASA, RamblingVerser Podcast, Space, writing, writing methods, writing podcast, writing tips clean http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/03/09/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-8/ http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/03/09/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-8/#comments Tue, 10 Mar 2009 02:39:33 +0000 Story Institute http://www.storyinstitute.com/?p=2239 http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/03/09/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-8/feed/ 2 Reflections on writing and publishing with Phyllis Zimbler Miller… Quote by Oscar Wilde Poem from Stephen Crane – War is Kind – Stanzas I – IV Guest Conversation with Phyllis Zimbler Miller Here is a little about Phyllis from her website (http://www.BookAuthorWebsites.com): “I’m the president of http://www.millermosaic.com, a company building WordPress.org websites for book authors and small businesses so that, once the sites are set up, the site owners can control their own websites. Access my free book marketing articles at http://www.QueensOfBookMarketing.com.” Short Story Topic – Roll of the Dice – http://www.storyinstitute.com/2008/09/25/short-story-topics-roll-of-the-dice/ Poetry Topic – Weather – http://www.storyinstitute.com/2008/09/01/poetry-topics-weather/ Running Time: 30 minutes 47 seconds The play button (a large triangle) appears below this summary. Depending on your internet speed, the podcast should play immediately once you click on this button… Reflections on writing and publishing with Phyllis Zimbler Miller… Quote by Oscar Wilde Poem from Stephen Crane – War is Kind – Stanzas I – IV Guest Conversation with Phyllis Zimbler Miller Here is a little about Phyllis from her website [...] Story Institute - John E Murray III 30:47 author conversations, Mrs. Lieutenant: A Sharon Gold Novel, Phyllis Zimbler Miller, RamblingVerser Podcast, writing, writing methods, writing podcast, writing tips clean http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/03/02/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-7/ http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/03/02/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-7/#comments Mon, 02 Mar 2009 15:33:34 +0000 Story Institute http://www.storyinstitute.com/?p=2217 http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/03/02/story-institute-ramblingverser-episode-7/feed/ 0 Art reflecting life writing with Roberta Lee… Quote by Pearl S Buck Poem from Lord Byron (George Gordon) – She Walks in Beauty Like the Night Guest Conversation with Roberta Lee Here is a little about Roberta from her website (http://www.robertaleeart.com/): “I was born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania and moved to California in the early ’70′s, living in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Santa Cruz, then returning to Bucks County in the mid-80′s. I sold my first painting at age 16 and have made at least a portion of my income as a working artist ever since.The majority of my paintings use subjects very close to my home–in many cases, literally in my backyard. I began writing even before I began painting. I am currently completing a series of related novels collectively entitled Suburban Sprawl. My novels all are also set in Bucks County, albeit in a rather surreal version of the area. My fiction uses plots as simple as a soap opera to explore some very complex themes, and I enjoy juxtaposing those archetypal plots with offbeat humor, a glaze of sexuality and a touch of the paranormal. Another life-long interest has been Tarot and I Ching. My guide to reading Tarot cards, The Language of Tarot, is the culmination of over thirty years of work with the Oracle.” Listen to Robert’s podcast of her books (Suburban Sprawl) and Tarot through iTunes… Short Story Topics – Flower Power – http://www.storyinstitute.com/2008/10/29/short-story-topics-flower-power/ Poetry Topics – Bring Home the Sprites, Pixies, & Fairies- http://www.storyinstitute.com/2008/10/09/poetry-topics-bring-home-the-sprites-pixies-and-fairies/ Running Time: 29 minutes 40 seconds The play button (a large triangle) appears below this summary. Depending on your internet speed, the podcast should play immediately once you click on this button… Art reflecting life writing with Roberta Lee… Quote by Pearl S Buck Poem from Lord Byron (George Gordon) – She Walks in Beauty Like the Night Guest Conversation with Roberta Lee Here is a little about Roberta from her website [...] Story Institute - John E Murray III 29:40 author conversations, Liar’s Guide, RamblingVerser Podcast, Roberta Lee, Suburban Sprawl, writing, writing methods, writing podcast, writing tips clean http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/02/23/story-institute-ramblingverser-podcast-episode-6/ http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/02/23/story-institute-ramblingverser-podcast-episode-6/#comments Tue, 24 Feb 2009 02:33:19 +0000 Story Institute http://www.storyinstitute.com/?p=2192 http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/02/23/story-institute-ramblingverser-podcast-episode-6/feed/ 0 Talking dogs with Jacqueline Howard… Quote by John S Burroughs Poem from Elizabeth Barrett Browning – To Flush, My Dog Guest Conversation with Jacqueline Howard Here is a little about Jacqueline from her website (http://www.jacquelinehoward.com/): “I am a marketing and communications professional with twenty years experience; sixteen of those successfully spent working in the financial services industry. My passion and talents are in strategy development and execution, writing, packaging, messaging, design collaboration and team leadership. My virtual portfolio includes an eclectic mix of collateral created throughout my career. While much of my experience has been focused on financial services, my marketing and communications skills are transferable to virtually all industries.” Short Story Topics – Missing Pet, Bunny Gone – http://www.storyinstitute.com/2008/11/20/short-story-topics-missing-pet-bunny-gone/ Poetry Topics – By Candle Light – http://www.storyinstitute.com/2008/09/15/poetry-topics-by-candle-light/ Running Time: 28 minutes 41 seconds The play button (a large triangle) appears below this summary. Depending on your internet speed, the podcast should play immediately once you click on this button… Talking dogs with Jacqueline Howard… Quote by John S Burroughs Poem from Elizabeth Barrett Browning – To Flush, My Dog Guest Conversation with Jacqueline Howard Here is a little about Jacqueline from her website [...] Story Institute - John E Murray III 28:41 author conversations, dogs, Jacqueline Howard, RamblingVerser Podcast, Son of a Dog, writing, writing methods, writing podcast, writing tips clean http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/02/16/story-institute-ramblingverser-podcast-episode-5/ http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/02/16/story-institute-ramblingverser-podcast-episode-5/#comments Tue, 17 Feb 2009 03:00:23 +0000 Story Institute http://www.storyinstitute.com/?p=2127 http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/02/16/story-institute-ramblingverser-podcast-episode-5/feed/ 0 Shift into the Shadows with Marcus DeHart… Quote by John Ashbery Poem from Robert Louis Stevenson – Shadow March Guest Conversation with Marcus DeHart Here is a little about Marcus from his website (http://www.marcusdehart.com/): “Marcus DeHart is a professional writer and designer and the sole owner of Caret Marketing and Content Development. Marcus is a graduate of Western Washington University where he earned his BA in English. Marcus currently lives in Olympia, Washington, with his wife and two daughters.” Short Story Topics – Riding the Kite of Imagination – http://www.storyinstitute.com/2008/10/23/short-story-topics-riding-the-kite-of-imagination/ Poetry Topics – Crackling Campfire – http://www.storyinstitute.com/2008/11/12/poetry-topics-crackling-campfire/ Running Time: 32 minutes 35 seconds The play button (a large triangle) appears below this summary. Depending on your internet speed, the podcast should play immediately once you click on this button… Shift into the Shadows with Marcus DeHart… Quote by John Ashbery Poem from Robert Louis Stevenson – Shadow March Guest Conversation with Marcus DeHart Here is a little about Marcus from his website (http://www.marcusdehart.com/): “Marcus [...] Story Institute - John E Murray III 32:35 author conversations, imagination, Marcus DeHart, mystery, RamblingVerser Podcast, writing, writing methods, writing podcast, writing tips clean http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/02/09/story-institute-ramblingverser-podcast-episode-4/ http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/02/09/story-institute-ramblingverser-podcast-episode-4/#comments Tue, 10 Feb 2009 02:33:13 +0000 Story Institute http://www.storyinstitute.com/?p=2057 http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/02/09/story-institute-ramblingverser-podcast-episode-4/feed/ 0 Spiritual and psychological uplift with Joseph Langen… Quote by Seneca Poem from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow – The Ladder of St. Augustine Guest Conversation with Joseph Langen Here is a little about Joe from his website (http://www.commonsense-wisdom.com/): “I began by writing short stories in the 1980′s for my own amusement. In 1990, when I began private practice, I started writing a quarterly newsletter for my referral sources. Eventually I converted this to a biweekly newspaper column which I still write for The Daily News in Batavia. These columns formed the basis for my first book, Commonsense Wisdom for Everyday Life. In light of my history of my seminary and monastery experience, I became interested in the priest-sexual abuse crisis and thought back to my cloistered years. From this came my memoir, Young Man of the Cloth. When I realized that no one had told the story from the priests’ point of view, I originally intended to develop a book of interviews with abusive priests. I finally decided to write what I had learned about abusive priests as a novel which resulted in The Pastor’s Inferno. I am currently working on a novel about a couple coming to terms with their marital difficulties with the working title, Marital Property. Read a Whohub extensive profile of my approach to writing.” Poetry prompt: Peace Within and Without – http://www.storyinstitute.com/2008/11/14/poetry-topics-peace-within-and-without/ Short Story prompt: Waiting on a Past – http://www.storyinstitute.com/2008/09/21/short-story-topics-waiting-on-a-past/ Running Time: 28 minutes 54 seconds The play button (a large triangle) appears below this summary. Depending on your internet speed, the podcast should play immediately once you click on this button… Spiritual and psychological uplift with Joseph Langen… Quote by Seneca Poem from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow – The Ladder of St. Augustine Guest Conversation with Joseph Langen Here is a little about Joe from his website [...] Story Institute - John E Murray III 28:54 author conversations, Joe Langen, RamblingVerser Podcast, reflections, spiritual, writing, writing methods, writing podcast, writing tips clean http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/02/02/story-institute-ramblingverser-podcast-episode-3/ http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/02/02/story-institute-ramblingverser-podcast-episode-3/#comments Tue, 03 Feb 2009 01:37:49 +0000 Story Institute http://www.storyinstitute.com/?p=2050 http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/02/02/story-institute-ramblingverser-podcast-episode-3/feed/ 1 A Poet’s View with Jill Eisnaugle… Quote by Emily Dickinson Poem from Jill Eisnaugle – Ship of Gold Guest Conversation with Jill Eisnaugle Here is a little about Jill from her website (http://www.authorsden.com/jillaeisnaugle): “I began writing short stories due to a second grade school assignment in 1988; I began writing poetry as the result of a seventh grade school assignment in 1994. Since that school assignment in 1994, I have written over 1,300 poems and have achieved a great deal of personal and professional success, as a result. My biggest influences in life are God, my family and my second and sixth grade teachers, Mrs. Regina Chaney of Jackson, Ohio and Mrs. Sharon Needham of Oak Hill, Ohio. Both teachers played a vital role in the path I am pursuing, today. My writing inspirations are Robert Frost, Emily Dickinson, Edgar Allan Poe, and R.L. Stine, whose “Goosebumps” children’s book series (combined with the fun-nature of Sharon Needham’s Reading class), took me from being a “fair-weathered” reader to someone who has a much greater appreciation for the world of imagination that exists between two book covers.” Short Story prompt: Lighting the Streetlight Way- http://www.storyinstitute.com/2008/09/17/short-story-topics-lighting-the-streetlight-way/ During the editing process, part of our conversation with Jill was shortened for time. Jill wanted to make sure that we included this important piece to the posting and the notes… “As a postscript to my interview, I would like to extend a personal thank-you to Marc Sherman, FM Operations Manager at Clear Channel Houston and afternoon disc jockey at SUNNY 99.1 (KODA-FM). Over the course of the last four years, as my friend, my mentor, my expert poem reader, and one of my biggest supporters (both in my life and my writing), Marc has played an integral part in my success. Thank you, Marc; I could not possibly have been as successful as I have been without your support! You’re simply the best.” Running Time: 33 minutes 25 seconds The play button (a large triangle) appears below this summary. Depending on your internet speed, the podcast should play immediately once you click on this button… A Poet’s View with Jill Eisnaugle… Quote by Emily Dickinson Poem from Jill Eisnaugle – Ship of Gold Guest Conversation with Jill Eisnaugle Here is a little about Jill from her website (http://www.authorsden.com/jillaeisnaugle): “I began [...] Story Institute - John E Murray III 33:25 author conversations, dedications, Jill Eisnaugle, poetry, RamblingVerser Podcast, writing, writing methods, writing podcast, writing tips clean http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/01/26/story-institute-ramblingverser-podcast-episode-2/ http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/01/26/story-institute-ramblingverser-podcast-episode-2/#comments Tue, 27 Jan 2009 02:45:53 +0000 Story Institute http://www.storyinstitute.com/?p=2036 http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/01/26/story-institute-ramblingverser-podcast-episode-2/feed/ 0 We venture into writing with rhythm with Lenn Millbower in this episode of RamblingVerser. Join us for conversation, writing prompts, poetry, and our new cast members…Enjoy… Writing with Rhythm with Guest Lenn Millbower Quote by TS Elliot Poem from Thomas Moore – Sing — Sing — Music Was Given Guest Conversation with Lenn Millbower Here is a little about Lenn from his website (http://www.offbeattraining.com): WHO IS LENN MILLBOWER? Lenn trains learning professionals to keep ‘em awake so the learning will take. Training events created with Lenn’s five-star, Oscar caliber, show-biz based Learnertainment® techniques capture attendee attention, maintain their interest, enhance knowledge retention and increase business results in less training time. WHAT DOES LENN DO? Lenn delivers seminars and workshops for trainers, educators and speakers seeking enhanced learning effectiveness. Lenn provides instructional design consulting services to businesses, turning dry, boring, ineffective training programs, presentations and communications into engaging, memorable, successful events. Lenn creates products that help non-entertainers deliver Oscar caliber, dazzling results through Learnertainment® techniques. Short Story prompt: Soothing Sounds of Romance – http://www.storyinstitute.com/2008/10/26/short-story-topics-soothing-sounds-of-romance/ Poetry prompt: Feel the Music – http://www.storyinstitute.com/2008/10/11/poetry-topics-feel-the-music/ * Learnertainment® is a Registered Trademark of Lenn Millbower and Offbeat Training, LLC Running Time: 33 minutes 44 seconds The play button (a large triangle) appears below this summary. Depending on your internet speed, the podcast should play immediately once you click on this button… We venture into writing with rhythm with Lenn Millbower in this episode of RamblingVerser. Join us for conversation, writing prompts, poetry, and our new cast members…Enjoy… Writing with Rhythm with Guest Lenn Millbower Quote by TS Elliot Poem [...] Story Institute - John E Murray III 33:44 writing, author conversations, writing methods, writing podcast, writing tips,training, education, music, RamblingVerser Podcast, Lenn Millbower clean http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/01/19/story-institute-ramblingverser-podcast-episode-1/ http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/01/19/story-institute-ramblingverser-podcast-episode-1/#comments Tue, 20 Jan 2009 03:33:59 +0000 Story Institute http://www.storyinstitute.com/?p=2000 http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/01/19/story-institute-ramblingverser-podcast-episode-1/feed/ 1 In this episode of RamblingVerser, we delve into history with a science fiction twist. Join us for a conversation with Walter Hunt and an imaginary room writing prompt… Enjoy… History Lessons Through Science Fiction with Guest Walter H. Hunt Quote by Oscar Wilde Poem excerpt from Stephen (Vincent) Benet – John Brown’s Body Guest Conversation with Walter H. Hunt Here is a little about Walter from his website (http://www.walterhunt.com): Walter is the author of four science fiction novels published by Tor Books – the Dark Wing series, which has been compared to the writing of Orson Scott Card, Frank Herbert, David Weber, and J.R.R. Tolkien. It has been published in English and German, and The Dark Wing has appeared in Russian. His new novel, A Song In Stone, deals with the mystery of Rosslyn Chapel and the secrets of the Templars. He has been a writer all of his life, and a full-time professional since 2001. Song In Stone - Walter H Hunt Short Story prompt: Time in Imagination with Technology – http://www.storyinstitute.com/2008/11/27/short-story-topics-time-in-imagination-with-technology/ Running Time: 31 minutes 18 seconds The play button (a large triangle) appears below this summary. Depending on your internet speed, the podcast should play immediately once you click on this button… In this episode of RamblingVerser, we delve into history with a science fiction twist. Join us for a conversation with Walter Hunt and an imaginary room writing prompt… Enjoy… History Lessons Through Science Fiction with Guest Walter H. Hunt [...] Story Institute - John E Murray III 31:18 writing, storytelling, short stories, poetry, writers, story ideas, creativity, inspiration, Walter H. Hunt clean http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/01/09/story-institute-ramblingverser-podcast-episode-0_5/ http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/01/09/story-institute-ramblingverser-podcast-episode-0_5/#comments Sat, 10 Jan 2009 02:20:08 +0000 Story Institute http://www.storyinstitute.com/?p=1986 http://www.storyinstitute.com/2009/01/09/story-institute-ramblingverser-podcast-episode-0_5/feed/ 0 As we establish our Podcasting channel, here is a little snippet…In this episode, we talk about the resolutions we could have made…instead we decided to add this podcast. RamblingVerser Podcast will bring you story ideas, reflections on poems both near and far, and surprise guests from the cast of millions out there who have published their writing. Visit us each week for new insights, inspirations, and excellence in storytelling…Enjoy… My Podcast Alley feed! {pca-88cc52203746680bae97d00421b22284} Running Time: 3 minutes 14 seconds The play button (a large triangle) appears below this summary. Depending on your internet speed, the podcast should play immediately once you click on this button… As we establish our Podcasting channel, here is a little snippet…In this episode, we talk about the resolutions we could have made…instead we decided to add this podcast. RamblingVerser Podcast will bring you story ideas, reflections on poems [...] Story Institute - John E Murray III 3:12 writing, storytelling, short stories, poetry, writers, story ideas, creativity, inspiration clean