Last week Jim G. said, "I personally don't believe
that writing, in any format, such as cinquains,
should have "Rules" or "Guidelines" that must be
followed... I don't need or want anyone telling me
how to best express my feelings or thoughts."
I appreciated and resonated with his response. To a point.
Self-expression cannot be dictated by anyone. Self-expression is content that one creates to explicate one's thoughts. I don't want or need anyone to tell me how to say what's on my mind, either, Jim, (said with a grin).
However, if I want to use a specific, identified form to say what's on my mind, then I'd better follow the rules if I also want to use the labels. For example, if I wrote a poem in free verse, but said it was a sestina, I'd hope someone would call me on my error. It might be a nice poem, heck, it might be a fantastic poem, but it's not a sestina if I don't follow the rules for a sestina.
Ariadne Unst is the author of the site I linked above. She ends all of her poetry instructions with these wonderful last words: Just because you start with the intention of writing a Sestina, you do not have to keep your poem in that form if it does not work for you. Your attempt to write a formal poem may help you find words that you would not have found otherwise. And you may decide that you choose to end up with a poem in a different form, perhaps even a prose poem.
WWE Prompt of the week:
Express in any format (poem, prose, photo, et al) a piece of work that includes:
- a ruler
- reference to justice
- the name of a high-profile criminal (can be first name only)
- the word "break" or "brake"
Be sure to tag it with WWE.
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Comments: 38
Oooh...good challenge Susan. If the sweet, clear-blue, crisp weather holds, I'll be out conjuring a tale. If it's raining or too buggy, I'll be indoors writing.
Good intentions heading your way.
Good prompts, Susan.......
Will try tomorrow Susan, too late now, goodnight.
This would require thought.
Another fine challenge!
This is a tough one.
Just to add to Susan's original thoughts on Jim's post, writing has two parts, expression and audience. I agree that expression should be free, but within a construct that your intended audience can understand. Just changing a single word or punctuation mark can change the entire way your audience reads your work
For example, I saw a sign at a major gasoline filling station that read, "No gas cleans you engine better." Written the way it is it seems like your engine will be cleaner if you don't use any gas. Rather, they intended to say, "no other gas..."
If adherence to small grammar rules and word choices are important, how much more important are the larger rules for your audience's understanding?
Just a few thoughts. Not meant to be a criticism of Jim.
It seems like a good challenge. I may try my hand at posting this week.
-Ari
a nice prompt
I was a technical writer for umpteen years, where the rules are very strict and strict adherance is mandatory. One of the reasons I enjoy writing so much now that I am retired is that I can ignore the rules (to a certain extent). It is so much easier to express oneself when the virtual handcuffs come off.
Hi, Susan
I'm not a poet, but I agree that if one is to use the labels, the work must fit the requirements- especially if the work is to be formally published.
A question?
When you say "a ruler" do you mean the leader of a country or a measurement device, or could it be either?
Your interpretation is the right one, whatever it may be.
Go for it, Ari!
Thanks Susan.
I wrote a poem and posted it, but it doesn't seem to have posted to this group. Is there a setting I need to fix?
Ari
It should be posted now, Ari. I didn't get to the queue of submissions until supper time today. In fact, I'm going over there right now to check for more.
Here you go Susan ~
George B, a ruler
Claimed justifiable war
Lives lost break our hearts
Nothing like a succinct woman, Janet. Bravo!
Wow. That was good!
Featured in the The Triple Name Club
Thats why most of my stuff is prose now. I used to write sonnets, and what ever couplet poetry is called, with every other sentence rhymed.
I may have to try this no promises. I haven't been able to post much with problems with gather errors. When is this to be in? Anytime today?
I need to add a deadline on this, don't I? I've been swamped today with work and this is my second time since morning to be here and only for a few minutes either time.
I'll check for submissions until next Tuesday night so that I can comment on them. But I'll do a recap of submission to date later tonight.
Oh! Great! Thought you were from the older style of WE days, and we had to do it the same day. I have just finished, but good to know we get the whole week. I can't imagine, simply because I take Wednesdays off, I'll actually always get to enjoy the day off. lol Thanks.
Thanks I will try to post.
Time for lunch. I've written a drabble.
I had not realized till now that there was a new Wednesday Essential group leader. Now that I've found out, I will send out a friend request, so I can keep up with the prompts for each week.
So, beginning next week, I hope I can begin writing creatively again.
labels can get out-of-hand at times!
You are doing a great job with GWEssentials. Keep up the good work. You do inspire.
Hugs from me.
Thanks, Jan. I needed that.
I've been viewing your posts/prompts & I so want to contribute, but it's summer & I think my brain's on vacation...
Probably just summer lethargy. Lots of us have it. ;-) One solution is to take an ice cube and tape it to your forehead. =:-)
More seriously, Mari, I hope you find some time to write. I'd love to include your voice in my recap.
I may just try that ice cube :)
Oh, no! I was being silly. You might get a headache! I wash my hands of this messy advice. :-D
Didn't get a headache, but the lady at the store was looking at me funny. Didn't know why, until I got home and saw the orange duct tape drooping off my forehead. ;)
You're a stitch, Lynn. :-)
And I almost bought duct tape at CVS today...
Hey Jim, are you stimulating a discussion with such comments? If so, your efforts paid off.