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CONTACT US!
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Receive Writing News
Complete the boxes to the left and respond to the confirmation email. Then add writing@writepath.org to your address book. Writing News originates in Boise, Idaho.
* * * * * Susan Reuling Furness, M.Ed., LCPC, LMFT
Registered Poetry Therapist •
Jefferson Counseling and Consulting •
1517 West Jefferson Street •
Boise, Id 83702 •
208-385-0888
writing@writepath.org
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CLASSES & SPECIAL EVENTS
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FOR MORE DETAILS ON CLASSES, CLICK HERE, Call (208) 385-0888 or write writing@writepath.org
Just hearing the word poetry makes some people anxious. Relax! OnThe Write Path no one asks for the “true meaning” of a poem. Poetry whispers differently in everyone’s ear.
The Write Path invites you to pick up a pen; write the thoughts prompted by the poem of the day. Some writers write verse. Many do not. Your response is always right for you. Your writing opens the door to insight and personal wisdom.
Learn More
* * * * * * *REGISTRATION UNDERWAY* * * * * * *
WRITING THE WINDS OF CHANGE: WOMEN'S JOURNALING GROUP
Wednesdays, March 31 - May 26, 2010 (no class on April 7.)
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m
8 Weeks
Early Registration: $290 before March 20. After March 20 - $320
When one door closes another door opens.
– Alexander Graham Bell.
Regardless the source of your loss or change, your own words will help you navigate toward the discovery of a bright tomorrow. Join other woman-explorers as we untangle the confusion, upheaval, and mystery of riding and writing the winds of change.
• Let go of the past.
• Trust yourself through transition.
• Find optimism about change and new life adventures.
• No need to be a “writer.” The group provides tools and encouragement for a successful experience.
For more information and to register for this class, call 208-385-0888 or email: writing@writepath.org
* Ask about insurance reimbursement, scholarships, and senior discounts.
* * * * * * *REGISTRATION UNDERWAY* * * * * * *
THE HEART OF THE MATTER: CREATIVE WRITING - CREATIVE LIVING
Mondays, April 19 - May 24, 2010
5:15 p.m. – 6:45 p.m
6 Weeks
Early Registration: $175 before April 1. After April 1 - $215*
Creative people thrive in a climate of openness and tolerance, since some great ideas start out sounding ridiculous.
– Garrison Keillor.
Creative inspiration lives in everyone, but it is often dulled by criticism and comparison.
Through a series of playful and serious writing assignments:.
• Silence uncertainty
• Uncover your true thoughts & feelings
• Learn to trust your voice
• Open the door to your creative self
In an always-supportive-environment, beginners will learn to trust their voices. Experienced writers will blast through doubt and every vestige of writer's block. Join the fun and change your life. All ages . . . junior high school through octogenarians.
For more information and to register for this class, call 208-385-0888 or email: writing@writepath.org
* Ask about insurance reimbursement, scholarships, and senior discounts.
* * * * * ONGOING CLASS * * * * * JOIN ANYTIME * * * * *
WRITE A NEW TUNE WHEN YOU'RE SINGIN THE BLUES
Class Meets Weekly – Registration: $320 for 8 weeks.*
Tuesdays . . . 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Limited Space Available
I will put chaos into fourteen lines . . . Edna St. Vincent Millay
An always-supportive, on-going group to inspire your way as you recover from:
• grief and loss
• depression
• anxiety
• divorce or separation
Directed journal-writing allows you to explore the blue notes in your life and find a peaceful song. No writing experience or expertise is required. If you can make a list, you are ready.
For more information about this class, call 208-385-0888 or email: writing@writepath.org
* Ask about insurance reimbursement, scholarships, and senior discounts.
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THE WRITE PATH FOR HELPING PROFESSIONALS
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THE WRITE PATH FOR HELPING PROFESSIONALS - ANNUAL RETREAT
FRIDAY, JUNE 18, 2010 (5 pm - 9 pm) and SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 2010 (9 am - 5 pm.)
Idaho Counseling Association, Co-Sponsor – 10CEU's.
Mark your calendar now for this annual overnight event at Bogus Basin. Details coming soon.
Everyone has idiosyncrasies. Creative people express theirs. This frightens people who know only how to work and how to propagate. – Garrison Keillor
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CUSTOM-DESIGNED SERVICES
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Every word is treated like a king.
CREATIVITY COACHING - Private Sessions - In Person • By Telephone • By Email
Help for writers, visual artists, photographers. Susan serves as coach if you are stumped in your creative project or life.
WORKSHOPS & RETREATS: Susan travels to you or provides the space for your group.
* * Family and Friends – For Fun or To Restore Harmony
* * Couples' Writing Sessions – Unlock Your Marriage Potential
* * Workplace Team Building – Kindle Creative Problem Solving & Thought
TRAINING IN POETRY THERAPY: Poetry Therapy Training for those interested in becoming a Certified Poetry Therapy Facilitator, a Certified or Registered Poetry Therapist. For more information about these designations NFBPT . Learn more about training here.
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SUSAN'S NOTEBOOK - December 2009
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More Articles From Susan's Notebook
The Approval Trap - Another Reason to Pick Up Paper and Pen
A few months ago I offered four great reasons to make personal writing part of your life. (reasons to pick up paper & pen). While digging through some old Write Path files, I happened across this story. Overcoming The Approval Trap "furnishes" another great reason to write.
The Approval Trap
(c)July 2001
Approval works for sofas, not people. Today Commercial Furniture allowed me to take home a dark green sectional on approval. If the pieces look good in my living room, I will pay the bill. Only then do I give the sofa permission to stay. Once it is mine, I will determine the fate of this overstuffed, behemoth. Someday in the future, however, when I detect broken cushions and faded fabric, I will call Good Will Industries to whisk the sofa away. It will be gone. Disapproval begins when approval ends.
So it seems in many families. When I was young, if I displeased my father, he withdrew his approval. I felt as powerless as a sofa. If I did not behave, Dad threatened to call the local orphanage which, by the way, he never did. Still I needed to keep my deportment and image squeaky-clean. Like many others, including the sofa, I was designed and fabricated to please someone else. As a child I had no voice of my own; I mimicked my parent's thoughts to keep my father’s approval.
Now that I think about it, Criticism and Approval live as Siamese twins. Together they create the perfect child.
When Criticism torments, Approval placates. Together they stay out of trouble. Approval wins smiles, blue ribbons, and pats on the back, and it all makes great sense when you are a kid. But if I continue to seek approval as an adult, I am no more independent or thoughtful than a sofa.
At some point we get rid of other people's furniture . . . furnish our lives with our own thoughts and opinions . . . develop our voice . . . give up on approval.
A personal journal provides a pathway to your voice - the one and only, unique, “true you." John Updike called it "your own brand of magic." I like that.
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SEND US YOUR WORK
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Come Out Of The Shadows
It is your turn to publish on The Write Path pages.
We all wish to see our words in print, yet, at the same time we are nervous about the idea. As Ruth Gendler puts it, "It is terrifying to be seen and equally terrifying not to be seen." Writing News invites novice as well as seasoned writers.
What you have to say is important.
Guidelines for Submissions
• Submit up to 25 lines of poetry or prose up to 250 words.
• Send your responses to writing@writepath.org
Please Note:
• The Write Path reserves the right to edit submissions to meet formatting and space restrictions.
• No edits will be posted without the author’s permission.
• The Write Path will return inappropriate material.
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LOOK WHO IS WRITING
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From Sara Rodgers, a naturopathic physician who writes with the Early Writers, come these responses to a group prompt. The prompt is posted in this month's "Write Try" section.
What Is Not Said
Aha!
Really?
Yup!
Wow, does this mean...?
Yup?
What about...?
Nope, too complicated.
Ok, I believe you.
Silence
Silence which fills a room is the sound of
disconnect and loneliness.
The warm, loving, soft silence
of connection is
earned with hours of
dialoge and understanding.
The difference is enormous and
easily told with a glance.
Valerie Hallgrimson writes, "I have lived in Boise since 2005 with my two cats. My degree is in Communications and my passion is "customer service". I work at a local hospital. My desire is to find an avenue and a purpose for my writing. In the meantime, I have written Christmas plays, devotionals, some poetry, but mostly my writing is journaling, which brings me clarity." Here is Valarie's poem.
Comes A Smile
In the early morning dawn
comes a smile
not born of answers
but born of knowing
that the past will not again enslave me
nor my dreams of who I am.
Within me lies the gift of freedom
God given but earthly taken
Insteps too small and trembling to be counted
But too many to be denied
Steps that tap out, pound out, timidly tiptoe out
That I matter
too much
to deny
the pain, the tears, the hopes, the dreams.
In the early morning dawn
comes a smile.
M Stevens responded to the Shadow picture above with a Shadow poem. She writes, " This poem reflects an experience I had as a very young child. The experience played a major role in my life."
Shadow Talking
Step in if you will.
No tears or fears please.
It is only my shadow talking,
only my pathetic, half woman,
self pitying, piss covered,
lips that whimper into
the once pregnant silence.
Step in if you will.
There is no place to stand here
only dark and endless space
where other shadows spin
and twist and touch
where they ought not touch.
Step in if you will,
to the unspoken lies
the silence talking
my lonely, lonely shadow walking
away, always away,
less real love should touch me.
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A WRITE TRY ~ Experiments With Your Pen
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For Grown-ups and Kids
Conversations
Poets often find poems in the language of everyday conversation. This poem by David Ignatow reminds me of exchanges I overhear in my home town. One of Sara Rodgers' contributions to the Write Try (above) is prompted by this Ignatow poem. Try your hand at capturing the essence of a conversation.
Two Friends
by David Ignatow
I have something to tell you.
I’m listening.
I’m dying.
I’m sorry to hear.
I’m growing old.
It’s terrible.
It is, I thought you should know.
Of course and I’m sorry. Keep in touch.
I will and you too.
And let me know what’s new.
Certainly, though it can’t be much.
And stay well.
And you too.
And go slow.
And you too.
Write To Change A Mood
It's been a bad day. You feel tired and out-of-sorts. Angry, that's it! ANGRY.
Besides driving nails through your parent or lover, what can you do with this run-away feeling? Try giving anger a body, a career, and personality. Is Anger a male or female? What does Anger look like? What does Anger wear? What does Anger do for a job? How about recreation? Does Anger have any friends? Who are they? What happens to Anger after sundown? Who will help Anger survive?
Try personifying other emotions when they arise. Hurt. Frustration. Despair. Notice how the creative you helps take the poison from the weightiest mood.
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CREATE A PERSONAL WRITING HABIT
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Create A Writing Habit
THE TWELVE MONTHS OF GRATITUDE
Hands down, the best therapy journal is a gratitude journal.
Even when life hands you a raw deal, there is something to appreciate.
Bad day? Remember a good one.
Broken heart? Look around for loving friends.
Disease, plague, pestilence? It's not easy, but what is not going wrong?
Write about people who are suffering more than you. Look to nature for a bright spot. Appreciate the invisible (electricity, plumbing, hot water) and visible (the sun, a flower, a kindness.). List some of your blessings everyday. You will feel better.
Who said that keeping a journal takes too much time? Here are ideas for very brief journaling to help you stay in touch with your life.
BAD NEWS/ GOOD NEWS
Part One: Before going to bed, briefly describe the most frustrating thing that happened today. Get to the to the point quickly. Example: My boss came into our staff meeting and announced that our health insurance plan is changing. I will no longer be covered for maternity expenses. How are we going to afford Junior when he finally arrives?
Part Two: After doing Part One, briefly describe the best thing that happened today. Example: This was the first time I completed a five-mile run without getting a side-stitch and stopping to rest. I think my fitness plan is beginning to pay off.
IMPORTANT: Write both parts of this exercise. Too many people only write negative things in their journal. This leaves you stuck in negativity. Best to always finish with the positive "good news" portion of the day.
TRY A WRITE PATH DAY PLANNER
Weaving through the amazing maze is easier if you set aside time to reflect. Did you follow your beliefs and values today? Were you kind to yourself and others? Did you do what you set out to do? Reflect on 8 lines beneath each day's date. Just a few lines will make a decided difference in your life. The Write Path offers day planners (Gift section of this letter.) Your 12-month planner starts with any month you chooser.
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GRIEF WRITING
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• Grief Letters will help you walk through the dark hours of sadness.
• Share your Grief Letters with a safe someone to help ease your loneliness.
• Write without editing. Keep your hand moving. Don't worry about grammar and spelling.
• Quite simply, write from your heart.
1. Write a letter to your lost or deceased loved one explaining how you feel. Explain how his/her death affects you.
2. Write a letter of protest to death or divorce. This may resemble a poison pen letter. Explain your anger and frustration.
3. Write letters to God or the universe, either in anger or devotion.
Photo-Therapy For Grief
They say the loss of relationship is the core of our grief. When a dear friend or loved one leaves or dies, familiar old places often remind you of your loss. You need a new angle on these places. Creative assignments help. When you feel ready to reclaim some of your old haunts, grab your camera and hit the road. Your mission will be to build a collage of the old places. Choose a specific focus for your pictures - perhaps doors or natural plants or the signage of the place. Experiment with different angles, as you build a new perspecitve on life.
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BULLETIN BOARD ~ Announcements
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SOMETHING TO GO WITH YOUR COFFEE?
From Mary Pipher, author of Saving Orphelia comes an inspiring book on writing. Writing To Save The World. At first blush, "saving the world" seems rather grandiose. Pipher comments on this in the introduction. "Good writing facilitates making connections in a way that inspires openheartedness, thinking, talking, and action." She notes that writing enlarges readers' knowledge of the world, empowers readers to act for the common good, connects people to one another, animals, and the earth. Pipher promotes personal writing so that even if you do not publish, I encourage you to read her book.
The Artist Way: A Spiritual Path To Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron.
Walk through a comprehensive twelve-week program to recover natural creativity. Overcome your blocks and replace them with artistic confidence and productivity. Don't bother buying the accompanying workbook unless you have money to spare . . . you can get started with any blank book. Cameron has other titles including a book released in December 2009 The Writing Diet: Write Yourself Right-Size. * * * *
Sheila Bender's memoir A New Theology: Turning to Poetry in a Time of Grief. – Read more about this title in Sue's Notebook above. * * * *
You Don't Have To Be Famous: How To Write Your Life Story by Steve Zousmer - Everybody has a story to tell and every voice deserves to be heard. Zousmer offers tips: motivation, organization, using your imagination. The publishers call this an accessible, friendly, and reader-focused book.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
April Is National Poetry Month. Celebrate with us by sharing a favorite poem with your friends. You might write a verse or borrow one from this web site. We will post some selections suggested by the Academy of American Poets.
Idaho Writer's Guild offers networking, employment and educational opportunities as diverse as the writers who join it. Visit their web site GUILD.
Open Mic Poetry at The Brick Oven Bistro on the Grove, downtown Boise. Every Tuesday, 7 p.m. Sign-up 6:30. Poets can read their own works or the works of others.
Winterhawk Press is starting a poetry book club to meet one Monday evening each month. Poets and books chosen by the group. If interested, please call Susan at 323-1218.
Idaho Writers Update available via email twice each month. Contact Betty Rogers
TAKE A TRIP to web-poetry-land. Each Sunday The Boise Live Poets posts a new poem by one of their talented members. Click Here
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THINK ABOUT PUBLISHING
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CONTESTS
LITERAL LATTE
See Web Site For Deadlines
Food Verse and Other Topic Contest. $10 entry fee for up to 6 poems.
Literal Latte
TINY LIGHTS
No Deadline.Seeks contest entries that show a shift in the narrator’s
perspective. Looking for writers who weave the struggle to understand into the fabric of their essays. Entry fee $15. Find guidelines and more details at:
Here.
BASIC LANGUAGE LITERACY
No deadline
Offers links to many writing opportunities for youngsters including some that pay. Kids' Writing
IDAHO MAGAZINE YOUTH WRITER'S PROGRAM
No Deadline. Encouraging emerging young writers - kindergarten through high school - to develop writing skills. Authors of each published story will be paid $25 for one-time rights to that story (both in print and online.) Published articles will be entered in the IDAHO magazine Young Writers Award competition. Details at IDAHO MAG or e-mail Sheila Robertson
* * * * *
New West Boise Newletter
No Deadline. New West publishes area newsletters and encourages contributions in the form of letters, guest columns, comments and forum posts. Click on "Contribute" once you arrive at the home page.
Mother Earth News.
No Deadline. First-person stories (1,500 to 2,000 words) about sustainable lifestyles for "Firsthand Reports from the
Field." Pays $150 per published piece. Guidelines at:
Mother Earth
You & Me America's Medical Magazine
No Deadline. Seeks non-fiction articles about the
human aspects of dealing with all medical issues from a first-person
perspective. Pays on acceptance. Check guidelines at: You & Me
Many Voices Press
No Deadline. Accepting submissions for an anthology of poets from Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. Will review submissions until they have compiled a 400 page manuscript. $200 awarded to the best poem from each state.Guidelines
Lachance
No deadline
Publishing "Voices Of" anthologies. Firsthand accounts of experiences including "Voices of Depression", "Voices of Bipolar Disorder", "Voices From Iraq and Afghanistan," and stories about the life-changing impact of dogs on a family or individual. Proceeds from book sales go to the Healing Project. More information and topics at Voices Of
Sheknows.com
No deadline
An online magazine paying $25 to $50 for first person pieces and $100+ for feature articles. Hint, it’s about women but there’s more to know.Visit She Knows.
Passager Magazine
Topics and dates vary
Passager Magazine publishes quality writing by people over 50. Poems and stories up to 4000 words.Passager Magazine
The Rambler
Topics and dates vary
The Rambler accepts submissions for nonfiction, fiction, poetry, and artwork. No minimum length, but no more than 8,000 words. Open to a variety of subjects, please do not send s science fiction, horror, romance, or children's stories. Rambler Magazine
Persimmon Tree
No deadline
This Online Literary Magazine by Women Over Sixty seeks quality fiction and nonfiction submissions.Persimmon Tree
Mom Writers Literary Magazine
No deadline
This quarterly online and print publication wants quality creative nonfiction, poetry, guest profiles and reviews. Mom Writers
IDAHO Magazine
No deadline
IDAHO Magazine is interested in your non-fiction stories on Idaho topics. They offer one-time rights to buy those stories. Send queries with specific details in the "Subject" line to Kitty Fleischman, publisher/editor at Kitty Fleischman
Common Ties
No deadline
Common Ties pays $100 for “quickies,” personal stories of 300 words or less. Favored topics are: 1) secrets and confessions; 2) moments of extreme euphoria or enlightenment; 3) moments of extreme embarrassment, shame, terror, or despair; 4) biggest mistakes or regrets; 5) turning points; and, 6) random acts of kindness. COMMON TIES
Skirt Magazine
No Deadline
Skirt Magazine publishes 14 personal essays per month on women’s lives and interests. Pay varies for 800-1,200 words. Check guidelines and find themes at SKIRT
On the Brighter Side
No Deadline
Takes humorous essays from 50 to 2,000 words.
Guidelines say any topic goes as long as you make them laugh (but not at
you). Pays $.03 to $.05 per word. Free subscription required for work to
be considered. Brighter Side
Backpacker
No Deadline
Backpacker magazine likes "quirky, idiosyncratic" tales about
foot-based travel, preferably in North America. Pay starts at $.60 per
word. BACKPACKER GUIDELINES
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Best Poetry Contests
Winning Writers recommends poetry contests from a wide variety of publications. CONTESTS
Things to Avoid
Remember, you cannot trust everything in print. Some contests exist for the sole purpose of generating dough for the organizers. Check these resources for the reliability of a contest:
1) Winning Writers provides dozens of publishing leads and also offers a list of the bogus contests: CONTESTS TO AVOID
2) Writers Beware offers a wealth of cautionary information for the prospective writer. Go to www.sfwa.org/beware
3) You will find a good article about poetry scams at Scambusters
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WRITE PATH GIFTS
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Proceeds Go to Write Path Scholarships.
Contact us at 208-385-0888 or writing@writepath.org
Journals & Photo Notecards:
Note cards:
$16.00 for packages of 8 - 4x6 inch cards - 50% of cost is tax deductible.
Customize cards with your name and/or special greeting available also: 12 custom cards - $24. Allow 3 weeks for custom.
Photo Journals Custom Designed with your choice of color, photograph, and quotes. One hundred lined or unlined pages inside. $17.50 per book.
Traditional Write Path Journals - Always ready for reflection, a journal begs for a creative companion. WP Journal - durable binding, high quality paper, & a sturdy cover. $10.00
For shipping and handling, add $3,00 to all orders.
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THE WRITE PATH SCHOLARSHIP FUND
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$$$$ SUPPORT HOPE $$$$
Scholarship dollars support people like B.H. who writes: "This is exactly what I needed. Thank you so much. I couldn't do it without the scholarship help and the First National Bank of (my) Mom & Friends. Please tell people who donate to the fund how much it is appreciated."
No doubt, times are tough for many. Even a small donation will help. The Write Path offers scholarships to anyone who is disabled, financially strapped, out of work, or homeless. Students and youth, as well as victims of trauma, catastrophe, and disease benefit from scholarships. Anyone may ask for financial assistance regardless of race, creed, national origin, color, gender, physical limitations, or sexual preference. A tax-deductible check made out to Susan Reuling Furness - WP Scholarships makes healing through writing scholarships available.
Proceeds from Photo Notecards and Journals or WP Gift Certificates also support the Write Path Scholarship Fund.
Please send your tax deductible gifts or requests to:
Susan Reuling Furness
The Write Path Scholarship Fund
Jefferson Street Counseling & Consulting
1517 W Jefferson St.
Boise, ID 83702
208-385-0888
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About Susan Reuilng Furness
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Susan Reuling Furness is a Registered Poetry Therapist, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, practicing in Boise, Idaho. As facilitator of Write Path groups, she weaves the art of personal writing with the art of healing. Susan has studied with many poets and writers including: Joan Logghe, Kim Stafford, John Fox, and Myra Shapiro. She was trained in Poetry Therapy under the supervision and direction of the National Federation of Biblio/Poetry Therapy.
In addition to her regular Write Path groups, you may find Susan teaching personal writing at Barnes and Noble Bookstore, the Vital Longevity Project in Boise, Idaho, and at businesses and universities in the Intermountain and Pacific Northwest. Susan's creative approach to therapy for adults, children, and other professionals opens the door to optimism, confidence, and better health.
For Susan’s complete professional vitae, visit Netfirms.com
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