Writing For a Different Result

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“Gotta move different when you want different.” – unknown

I wrote a Wise & Shine post this morning about writing outside of our comfort genres: Writing Outside of the Box

That post and this one were, largely inspired by an interesting post by Jack Canfora I read recently about trying a different style of writing when you are stuck or want to get out of a groove. In the post, The Virtue of Walking in Different Shoes Jack tries his hand at writing Bob Dylan lyrics and extols the practice of writing something entirely different as a way to break away from our habits.

Ode to Joy

I read an article about a man
Playing ping pong in the dorm
He was dropping his son at college for the term
And not ready for good-byes to become the norm.

He said, “one more game” and his son complied.
Finding his own rhythm for the change of the day
The man served instead of cried.
Knowing both he and his son were finding a new way.

I read this article and looked at my two, feeling how soon they’ll both fly.
As the tears welled up and I honked back a wheeze
I thought, “I’m not ready to let go of these wee moments of glee
Sponsored by luck and joy.”

So now I’m on notice to really savor the fun
Complete with spills, drills and mess.
I’ve got you for now, my little ones
So let’s play while you’re still in the nest.

Okay – so I’m not taking up writing verse anytime soon. But it really was a good exercise to change things up – to really think about every word I used and to really listen to the cadence. Besides, I consider any day I can use the phrase “honked back a wheeze” a good one…

52 thoughts on “Writing For a Different Result”

  4. I so admire writers who can pluck great stories, lyrics, poems, etc., out of thin air. Sadly, for the most part, not in my wheelhouse! Kudos to all of the adventuresome writers who create their genius in—or out —of the box!

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    1. I’m with you on the kudos to all the people who make it look easy, Julia! That’s not my wheelhouse either but I appreciate it all the more. And you make writing incredibly supportive and kind comments look easy, Julia! 🙂 ❤

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  6. Bravo for taking on verse, Wynne! Poetry is daunting. I love the thoughts you express in it, and you’re noticing its effect on you. I’ve been convinced for awhile (from the experience of writing some) that poetry is an excellent way to rewire our brains. So your post prompted me to investigate that more this morning, and the below article states that the right brain enables us to see things in their totality. Hence, writing some poetry increases our awareness (and therefore consciousness.) It opens doorways. 🙂 I started with haiku 4 years ago, – just for fun, and was surprised at what came out. I became aware of what was locked inside. Poetry is also simply fun word play. Anyway, here it is if you want to read the article. https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/articles/69599/this-is-your-brain-on-poetry

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    1. What an interesting article with some great examples. Thanks, Susan. And I love the “see things in totality.” What a wonderful pointer and encouragement! Thank you!

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  9. My daughter just finished her 3rd year of college. She didn’t come home this summer, but left school and drove directly to her summer internship in Wisconsin. It’s hard and we miss her terribly, but I’m so happy for today’s technology. We’re generally in touch at least daily via text and we can facetime for something approximating a real face to face conversation. I can only assume this will continue to improve, and by the time your little ones leave the nest, you’ll be able to sit down and watch a movie with realistic holographic images of your kids with back and forth conversation. Back in my college days, my parents only heard from when I called on the dormitory pay phone.

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    1. And do you remember how long the lines were for getting a phone? You make a great point about the technology – maybe that will make it better. I hope your daughter has a great internship and I’m guessing she misses you all a ton too!

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  13. Oh this is a fun creative writing exercise Wynne! And I can see how it stretches our brain muscles. I think you did pretty great at Bob Dylan! You should get Miss O or Mr D to suggest your voice to use next!

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    1. Now that’s a creative idea to have my kids make the suggestion next time. I love how you liken it to stretching our brain muscles. Yes – a little writing yoga?! 🙂 Thanks, Ab!

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  16. “Knowing both he and his son were finding a new way.” that jumped out @ me, because that captures EXACTLY where I am at with my youngest (son) as we are currently working together. Your little ones are so blessed to be growing up in a home where their mama loves them so intentionally.

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  17. I’m with anyone who’s looking for reason or excuse to honk back a wheeze! Thanks for the heart and ideas in your writing; the passenger that’s being carried is always more important than the vehicle

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  22. I loved your poem Wynne! This is so interesting. After watching the coronation of King Charles a song popped in my head out of nowhere! I guess creative writing is going around. You can read my ‘Coronation Rap’ coming out on Wednesday morning on regulargirldevos.com. Spoiler alert: it is total silliness!

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