Text by Tammie

  I love spring because, in part, it reminds me of new beginnings. One day in April as I was in my front yard reading about a new way of “action” writing, I saw a tractor in a field across the way, preparing the ground for planting – new growth. Let’s think of spring as a time to find new ways “to grow” our writing.  

  My indoor flower and plant garden obviously is oblivious to the time of year. Whether you compare your writing life to an “early spring bloomer” like my Easter lily or a colorful tradition like my Christmas poinsettia, keep writing – no matter the season.

  Instructions in a bookstore restroom confirm that “how-to” writing remains important. Keep writing 😊

COVID-19 sent the class I was teaching on Fundamentals of Speech to remote learning with two major speeches left to present. The public speaking aspect of the class got creative. The students recorded themselves presenting their speeches in front of an audience of their choosing -- stuffed animals, photos of people, their pet dogs. In theory, that action would help ease "stage fright." Maybe that could work for writers who suffer from "stage fright" -- the thought of presenting their writings to the world. If you suffer from "writer's stage fright," write/talk to your dog.

Living in rural central Illinois, I can say that the outdoors is a great thing -- especially during a pandemic year. I've typically gotten up for years before 4:30 a.m. to stretch out in my living room before heading outside to walk/run for at least one hour. This year, I've seen more people having similar routines as I took to my jaunts around the state park I live near. Here's the cliche': Fresh air clears the mind and lightens the heart for another day of writing. 💗💗