My Confession

My name is Jan Mader and I'm an addict.  What am I addicted to you ask?  Words!  Big words.  Little words. Squeezed in words and specifically...
                 Words With Friends!
I'd like to say I'm ready to stop playing but that's just not the case.  I could play Words With Friends till the cows come home. I play in between reading my emails. I play Words with Friends while I'm in a doctor's office.  It's better than reading magazines I tell myself.  Who knows what kind of germs are on the pages of those  mindless reads!  I keep my germs to myself.

I play Words With Friends while I talk on the phone.  I play while my husband watches TV.  After all, I tell him, my mind is working while I'm playing my game.  Your mind is just being entertained.

I play Words With Friends while while I drink my morning coffee and until well after bedtime.  Time zones have become my friend.

And speaking of friends....some of my best play Words With Friends with me now. I'm hopeless.  Not only am I an addict I'm creating addicts.

I'm sure at some point my new favorite thing to do will get old, but for now I don't care.  Isn't that what all addicts say?  I don't care. If 'it's not a problem for me so why is it a problem for you?

Gotta run now.  I'm sure there's a word that needs to be defensively squeezed somewhere!

Playtime!

I was looking around at some very cool blogs the other night and found one that was so much fun.  Why?  Because everything was in rhyme!   You've got to go see! http://rhymetime24.blogspot.com/

To me rhyming is playing with words at it's finest.  At rhymetime,  people just comment in rhyme.  That seems simple enough so here you go:

The dishes are sitting
 in my kitchen sink
and I'm up here blogging
so what do you think?

Should I become slave
to the dishes at hand
or should I keep on blogging
just because that I can!

Please leave me a comment
and put it in rhyme
we'll try it tonight
and again down the line!


PS  Comments can be as short as two words!

A Twist to Our List!

We are now the proud owners of a huge list of city words. If you don't believe me, go take a look!

We can even make our list of city words better by taking just one word and expanding on it by creating more words.

For example, if I chose the word house for my city word, I would start to think about things that were in the house and create a new list. Example: couch, kitchen, pets, family....

So, go look at the list of city words (or use one of the words that you left or remember seeing) and write it at the top of your comment section. Add two or three words that paint a picture to show us what you envision.

I'll go first:
traffic light (is my word)
stopped cars
red light
yellow light
green light
cars go fast
cars run light
cars crash

See what I mean? Now it's your turn to play with words. Let's give our CITY LIST a twist! Pick a CITY word and expand on it..have fun!

Lists, Lists, and More Lists!

That's what we're going to be doing! We are going to create lists of words that we can use for any kind of writing at all. Our lists will be filled with words for special purposes. They can be used to build characters. They can be used for creativity. They can be used to paint pictures that draw readers into our writing.

Most of us don't write stories to get them published. Most of us write stories to entertain our readers!

Our lists will be on file for our own personal use. We can copy them or come back here to use them anytime we want. Some very insightful and creative people leave comments here. If you're reading this, you know what I'm talking about!

So, here's our activity:

Help me build a list of city words.

These words can be anything that you think of that would create a setting that would depict a city.

I'll for first.

1. bus

Haberdashery of Words!

I was away competing at a horse show all weekend. When I got home I looked at the list of words in the comment section of the last writing activity we did together.

I am so excited by all the new and interesting words, I don't want to stop. So, now you look at the last activity again and let's keep going! Listen for more amazing, beautiful, rhythmic words or phrases for the next few days. List them for no other reason than the way they sound.

Let's make more music for our ears together!

Here's my new word: dollop

Here's my new phrase: Click clop goes the horse!

Your turn to add to our very own thesaurus of fascinating words!

One Word Wednesday

I like this game.

What's the first word or phrase that comes to your mind when I say autumn?

Ready, set, go!

Quote a Quote!

A teacher left me a message last week asking if I could make our writing exercises match the curriculum being taught. The answer is, "Yes I can!" However, I'd rather do that on a one to one basis. If you're a teacher and you need something specific, please let me know. I'll respond to you by email.

Honestly, like I've said before, I believe the foundation for good writing comes from the freedom to fool around with language and words. That happens when we just play! So, let's have some more fun!

Let's start are own quote anthology!

Here's how:

Share your favorite quote. (It doesn't need to be exact.)

or

Write your own quote for us to remember!

I'll go first. My favorte quote is: Life isn't measured by the number of breaths you take but by the moments that take your breath away.

Think Fast!

Quick! What does ANGER smell like?

The Best Writing Comes from Our Hearts and Memories!

Thank you all so much for leaving your happy words, thoughts, and phrases. You made my 100th post so much fun. In fact, you inspired a new activity!

I was just thinking that all too often we see what's wrong with life. We forget about what's right and good. All of our happy thoughts made me focus on one particular memory that made me think of the simple pleasure of seeing joy and love.

One of the greatest places in the world to see love is at the airport. Have you ever taken the time to watch the faces of people as they recognize someone they love (and have missed) file through busy airport turnstiles? Tears of joy and smiles of delight are often smothered by bear hugs that last long enough to cause carry-on suitcases to fall on the worn carpet floor. For at least one special moment, love and hope abound. Cynics who think that the world is filled with bitterness and anger should spend a day observing reunions at the airport.

The best writing comes from our hearts and memories. So, with that in mind,
this writing activity should be easy for you! Just finish the following sentence (pick one or do both).

One of the greatest places to see love is ______________________.
One of the greatest places to see joy is _______________________.

Before you start writing stop for a minute. Close your eyes and really recall the memory. How did it smell? How did it sound? How did it make you feel? Let your mind's eye write on for as long as you want! Show me happiness! I can't wait to read what comes from your hearts.

Teachers: Start this exercise orally with your kids. Remember, creative talking stimulates creative writing. Convince your kids that what they have to say is important by listening to them and joining in the oral experience!

I'm In Shock - This is Post Number 100!

I was getting ready to post something entirely different when I noticed that is my 100th post! My goodness! I've been having so much fun writing with you. I had no idea.

So, in honor of the number 100, we have to do something special. Hmmm...I wonder....can we make a list of 100 happy words by Saturday? That's a real challenge but since we just wrote about things we hate, happy should be easier. Let's give it a shot! Play away. Come back often. Bring your friends and your friends' friends. Bring your kids and your grandkids too.

And of course, allow your dogs and cats to have a voice. Let's celebrate with 100 words that make us happy. Revel in joy. Wallow in happiness. Get happy! Be happy!

Let's go! Make sure to number your happy word or phrase so we can keep count. I'm excited, are you?

Don't You Just Hate It When....

Some of the best writing we produce comes from strong feelings that we have. The feelings can come from our past experiences or our everyday lives. Talking and writing about how we feel helps us to savor memories and recognize our emotions.

I know that what I am working on is really going to be good if I'm crying or laughing as I write. It doesn't matter if you're a child or an adult, you have strong feelings about something. Let me help you figure out what they are!

Finish this sentence:

I just hate it when ________________.

I'll go first. I just hate it when I'm in the car with someone who yells at other drivers!

Imagine the story that could come from that sentence. If you want to know the truth, I'd like to hit the yelling driver over the head and ask, "Have you ever made a mistake?" I could go on and on. I'll stop!

If you're a teacher, start this exercise orally with any emotion you like. Make your way around the classroom allowing each child to quickly finish the sentence or pass. Writing isn't taught by telling someone to write, it's demonstrated by respectfully and playfully sharing ideas. As a teacher, make sure you join in...in fact, you go first!

If you're a writer/blogger, before you finish this sentence you might want to braindrop. Write the word, "hate" at the top of a paper. As fast as you can, write every thought, word, or phrase that falls out of your mind and reminds you of something that you really don't like! This could be more fun than you've had for awhile. Just think about it, you have a good reason to write about what YOU REALLY REALLY HATE! Don't you just love it?!

Playtime! Good News - Bad News

No matter how young or old we are, word play should never end. I do the same writing exercises with aspiring authors that I do with 1st grade children. It's true!
Creative talking is the starting point for creative writing.

Life experiences ignite ideas. We've all had a good news experience that had a consequence. A great way to write a story is just by reaching back into our memory. If you've been writing with me for awhile, braindrop!

Think of this as another list. We'll call it our Good News Bad News list. I'll go first:

The good news is that I killed a horsefly that was biting the heck out of Tango yesterday.
The bad news is that I got blood all over my hand and new riding shirt.

Your turn! Let's play! Get creative and have fun! I know all you animal lovers out there will have tons of ideas. Bring them on!!!

Let's Play! Re-Write an Old Saying

I'm going to list some old proverbs for you. Let's have some more fun by getting really creative. Help me think WAY outside the box by making changes to some of the old proverbs on the list!
Remember, nothing you can write is wrong here. Anything you write is right!

Of course the first proverbs that are going to be on the list are ones that have to do with horses, so you'll have to forgive me. I'll think of as many as I can. If you can think of more, please add to the list.

1. Don't put the cart before the horse.

2. Don't change horses mid stream.

3. You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink

4. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

5. A penny saved is a penny earned.

6. A rolling stone gathers no moss.

7. Children have more need of models than of critics.

8. Children should be seen and not heard.

9. A dog is a man's best friend.

Okay. That's my list. Chose as many proverbs as you want to re-write. I'll go first.

Number 4. A Bird in the hand should be back in the tree.
Number 3. You can lead a horse to water but you probably shouldn't drink with him!

Your turn! Pick a couple old proverbs and change them up! You'll probably be more creative than me!!!

Are You Ready for More?

I could play with words all night, but I really shouldn't. This one will be quick and easy. Ask anyone you know to join us. There are no age limits here. We can keep wallowing in the love of language and the joy of writing till the cows come home! Anyone know when that will be?

Here you go! Finish this sentence:

It was as dark as ____________.

Here's my answer: It was as dark as chocolate.

Your turn! Have fun! We're going to have a list of descriptions that we can refer back to over and over again. Just think, when you get ready to write your novel (or your next blog post) you'll have all kinds of descriptions flowing through your mind and onto your paper or computer screen! You'll be painting pictures with your words.

Word Play - For Kids and Adults!

I love words. I am fascinated by how words can change my perspective in a matter of seconds. I want you to feel that wonder too! Kids should have gobs of experience with the magic of words and so should we. Words are a way to stretch our thinking and make our writing more exciting.

Everyone should play with words and that's what we are doing!

What image comes to your mind when you think of the word soft?

Feathers come to my mind.
Here's how I might show soft in a sentence: The snow felt like feathers tickling my face.

Your turn. Think of the word soft. What does your mind's eye see? Can you show me soft in a word or two? Give it a try! Don't be shy. If you think of something after you've already been here, come back! Don't forget...we're creating our own thesaurus!

Feathers was my word to show soft. What's yours?

Magic - Pure Magic

Thank you so much for leaving your ideas. This is going to be so much fun!

Magic is what writing is all about. Finding words to cast that magic is what we can do together. Writing activities don't have to be long or difficult. They need to be joyful. They need to inspire you to "spice" up what you write.

Together, we can find ways to say the same thing in lots of different ways. Then, whenever we want, we can let what we do spill over into our own pieces.

We can help our children learn to think outside the box, just like we do.
We can let our imaginations "run wild" together!

So, here we go! What word or phrase could replace the word "lazy" in the following sentence:
He looked lazy.

Example:
1. like a slow moving train
2. like a sleepy elephant

Your turn. Think outside the box. Help me get rid of the word LAZY. We can start a new thesaurus! Leave as few or many words as you like. Please invite other bloggers to join us. Bloggers are writers. Let's fill our very own thesaurus to the brim!
*Please come back more than once if you think of other ways to show "lazy"

More Lists - Don't You Just Love Them?

Okay. Onward and Upward. Now we're going to make a list of words to describe someone. That someone can be a family member, friend, casual acquaintance, or someone you just observed at your local coffee shop.

Close your eyes. Get a person in you mind. Now then, think about what three to five words or phrases you would use to describe that person. The words or phrases can show physical attributes, emotional characteristics, or fashion sense. Actually, anything goes. Draw your senses into this activity if you like.

I'm thinking of my person right now. Here are five words I would use to describe her:

1. hard working
2. long ashen brown hair
3. tiny but mighty
4. smells like sweet grain
5. tired

Your turn!

Just Words - Really?

Let's start another list. This time let's make a list of words that indicate movement of any kind.
Think outside the box for this one. Leaves rustle when they move in the fall wind. Rabbits scurry when they dart out in front of your car. You get the idea. Have fun with this exercise!

Now it's your turn. List three words that show movement. Be creative!

1.
2.
3.

We'll use these words for something else later on, I promise! The more lists we get, the better. Please pass this activity along to anyone who likes to blog. Bloggers are writers!

KABOOM!

Happy 4th of July!

If you've been writing with me since January, you know all about braindropping. If you haven't, please take a minute to go back a look at the original post after you have fun with a mini version of a firecracking writing activity right now!

I braindrop with people of all ages. With young children (or when I'm short on time) we do it orally. I say a word and then rely on spontaneity. "Quick! Say the first word that comes to your mind when I say, summer," I tell the kids.

If you're really doing this game with a group of people, you play the same way. Never slow down. Quick! Quick! Quick! If you get to a person who doesn't have an immediate word, that person should say: "I can't think." Move to the next person faster than a race car that's in first place on the last lap. This is what makes braindropping fun.

Okay. Quick! What's the first word that comes to your mind when I say, "July 4th"? My word is the title of this post! Maybe I'll interject a couple of other words as we get on a roll!

The Luckiest Writer in the World

The Carnegie Library in Washington Court House is full of creative kids and terrific librarians. How do I know? Because last week my dear friend Kathy (who is also a writer) and I traveled there to conduct a creative writing workshop.

We braindropped. We painted with words. We used our senses to create the most descriptive showing sentences you've ever seen. And most of all, we had fun.

Every time I spend an hour or two with kids, I'm reminded why I love to write so much and why I'm so inspired by kids. They have more creativity in their thumbs than I have stashed in my very old memory. All Kathy and I have to do is create an environment that says, "What you have to say is valued and respected and we are honored when you share it with us!"

The children's department at Carnegie is lucky. Their children's librarian, Anne Quinn, is the kind of educator all children deserve to have. She brought out the best in me, so it's easy to see why kids flock to the children's department. Her rich laughter is contagious. If I were a kid, I'd park myself as close to Anne as I could get and soak in every book she suggested I might like to read.

My guess is that if the kids in Washington Court House like to do journal writing, half their journals would mention Anne, the library, and summer fun.

My school visits are over for the summer. Now it's on to more library visits. I think I'm the luckiest writer in the world!