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April 2009:
National Poetry Month!

Apr 01 2009:
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April 7 2009:
Day Meeting

April 21 2009:
Night Meeting

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Hidden Room                                                            

 

Editor's note: This front page section of the Bearlodge Writers' Web site is always devoted, in one form or another, to the process of writing or to celebrate some special event in the agenda of writing. BLW members share the responsibility of providing copy for this purpose. Because we think this poem by BLW member Jim Bowers is so meaningful, we have chosen to share it with those of you who stop in to visit our pages. Let us also take this opportunity to invite you to check our member pages for other writing samples by our multi-talented authors.

Now, Jim's poem:

 

Hidden Room

 

Writing: enter a sacred place,

a dimly lit sauna of inner space;

a ritual bath, cleansing and healing,

uniting opposites: what we want to know,

what we do not want to know;

a descent down a winding staircase,

into a hidden room,

listening to conversations

in the depths of soul.

 

Writing: concentration,

a wisp of air

on the surface of waters;

breath becomes form,

takes its place on the page.

 

Writing: visualization,

words dance a ritual of attraction;

line by line of

remembered past,

assimilated present,

imagined future;

the picture becomes,

almost complete.

 

Writing: resurrection

into a world of imagination,

rooted in everyday experience;

singing songs of oneness,

we become,

the protagonist in the story,

the flower in the poem.

                       James W. Bowers

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

What Makes A Good Writer's Group?

Following is the Bearlodge Writers philosophy, answering the question "What makes a good writers' group?"

If we had to answer in one word, we would say, respect, and that includes trust.

Respect for the writer. The writer comes as a pilgrim, bearing an offering. Whether the writer be prince (experience/published) or pauper (brand new beginner), he is granted the respect of willing attention and receipt of the critique he desires, whether it be “Does this work? Are the characters believable?” or a complete pre-pub edit. This includes respect for the writer’s emotions—a willingness to laugh or cry along with him.

Respect for the piece. To place the offering on the table/altar requires an act of faith by the writer. This is met by the respect of serious consideration and gentle but honest critique, focusing on the merits of the piece itself, the type of critique desired, and the intent of the writer. It is never the group’s purpose to change the intent, but to clarify, to suggest, and to encourage.

Respect for the group. Each writer brings to the group his respect for its function and for the other members, making sure each one has time for his work to be discussed, is willing to give his thoughtful critique or expertise, and holds sacred within the group whatever revelations might be shared. Because of the mutual trust within the group, there is no “competition.” Everyone has the same goal—to make each other’s work the best it can be. And of course, pass the chocolate.