Tuesday, March 22, 2011

In the Mood for Poetry

I don’t think of myself as a poet, but I do like to rhyme my words in short little ditties whether on paper or making up my own verses to a song while driving or dancing around the house.

When I was in high school, I wrote poems all the time. And recently I started a tradition at work where I write funny Ode’s to co-workers who are leaving. Sadly I've written quite a few over the last couple months.

Anyway, I’ve not studied poetry and I know little of the terms used or what applies to what I write. I don’t follow any rules, so I’ve probably broken them all. I wouldn’t know. I just write.

So enjoy and if you dare, share a bit of your own poetry.

A Rose

A rose fell from its branch today.
It seemed to wilt along the way.
I watched the rose hit the ground.
Death came without a sound.

It did not cry as people would.
It had been proud while it stood.
There was no grief over a past mistake.
It was not hollow, it was not fake.

Its life on earth was spent well.
It held its beauty until it fell.

A Gallant Horse

The trap is beginning to form.
I feel the pressure closing in around me.
I sense the danger and hear the warning,
Yet I’m pulled in as if against my will.
There is nowhere to turn and if there was would I choose it?
Why is it so hard to turn my back and walk away?
He does not ride a gallant horse.

My hands are placed against the wall for it’s begun to crumble.
My head knows I must fight to keep it in place.
My heart knows I will help tear it down.
After all this time of solitude the wall is gone
And before me appears a face.

The world I knew has died a silent death
And I have come upon that which I am afraid of.
I am amazed at what I see and what I feel.
Guided gently by the hand, I begin to see a new world around me.
I’m glad I did not turn my back and walk away.
For he does ride a gallant horse.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Not Enough Time to Read a Novel - Meet the Novella

Work, kids, social events and more keeping you too busy to read the full length novel the way you use to? Well, don't worry. You don't have to give up reading. Meet the Novella. The novella is defined as having a word count between 17,500 and 40,000 making it a quick easy read.

A novella has generally fewer conflicts than novels and the endings are located at the brink of change. Unlike novels, they are generally not divided into chapters, but by sections with the use of white space. They are intended to be read at a single sitting. Therefore, fitting more easily into busy lives.

Whether this is your first introduction to the novella or you’ve been a long time fan, here is a list of some you might want to check out.

Through The Wall
by Keri Ford
On The Fence
by Keri Ford
Until Emie
by Gabriella Edwards
Claiming the Legend
by Janet Eaves
Midnight In Legend, TN
by Magdalena Scott
Bed, Breakfast and You
by Maddie James
The Reunion
by Jan Scarbrough
Unlawful Hearts
by Suzi Goode

Notable Novellas from the Past

Animal Farm (1945) by George Orwell
The Awakening (1899) by Kate Chopin
The Body (1982) by Stephen King
Legends of the Fall (1977) by Jim Harrison
Of Mice and Men (1937) by John Steinbeck

What are some of your favorite novellas?