Soaking up the simplicity

I'm soaking up the finely honed talent of Rilke today. I've always been inspired by him and have a copy (who doesn't?) of LETTERS TO A YOUNG POET. I recently picked up A LOVE STORY IN LETTERS which is the correspondance between Rilke and Lou Andreas-Salome. I just love the word choices and pictures he creates:

A bliss peals out, blooms from far away
And wraps around my solitude
And attempts like a golden bracelet
to ring my dreams.

And though my poor small life
is hoarfrost frightened and snowdrift sad
A holy season will present to it
The blessed Spring...

Isn't that lovely? Simplicity and honest emotion speaks far louder than any manufactured brand name or in-your-face media circus.

RETURNING TO THE PAGE

I'm reminded today of the importance of returning to the page. After wrestling for months with the opening of a novel, suddenly the knot slid fee and I finally hit the right note. I've known for months that it wasn't 'right,' but couldn't seem to fix it. Experimentation, time and distance helped; but most of all returning to the page ensured that eventually the right note would suface. Author N.A.T. Grant told me on BEHIND THE BOOKS, that she sets a limit of 3 lines a day and that keeps her going back.

If I continually go back to the page, the story will stay 'alive' in my concious and subconcious. Its plot is like the ingredients in the proverbial soup pot that need to simmer for hours, mingling and creating a whole that is greater than its parts. You never really know for certain how it will end up, but the 'not knowing' (and the risk that entails) offers surprises you'd otherwise miss.



Happy writing!
Kathy-Diane

SPRING CREATIVE RETREAT

Answering the Call VI: Releasing the Writer Within

A WORKING WRITERS’ RETREAT


WHERE: The Villa Madonna in Renforth, New Brunswick (just outside of Saint John)
WHEN: March 5, 6 and 7, 2010
5 p.m. registration.
6 p.m. Opening Address: Answering the Call by Kathy Diane Leveille
6 to 9 p.m. Meet and Greet Social
March 6 ( full writing day, 6 to 9 p.m. optional critique group)
March 7 (wrap-up mid-afternoon)

FEE: $168.00 which includes room and board.

During past retreats participants have enjoyed getting away from the interruptions of everyday life to dig into a body of creative work or dream up a new one. Why not join us this time around? If you have a piece of writing that you’ve been longing to tackle, our retreat is the best place to do it. There are no scheduled workshops, no meals to cook, no obligations to fulfil; in short, no excuses not to write. Start turning your dreams into reality, and make new friendships along the way.

Registration fee includes room and board, all meals, breaks, and snacks. A fridge is available for those who have special dietary needs. The Villa Madonna with its scenic trails, and location by the Kennebecasis River, provides a unique inspirational setting. Please note: There is a limit of 12 participants. Spaces will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis. (No refunds after February 15, 2010.)

For more information contact shadowsfall@kathy-dianeleveille.com.