Tim has shared the following thoughts with us regarding his writer's process:
When working from a word list, I try to utilize as many of the words as I can--all of them, if possible. The more words, the bigger the challenge, and the greater the satisfaction (for me) if I end up with a successful poem. Often, though, there will be one or two words that become the square pegs I'm trying to force into a round hole, and I will eventually discard them rather than upset the balance of something I feel is working.
There are many ways to begin. Sometimes looking at the list as a whole will suggest my theme immediately. Other times, I may focus on one or two words and get a feel for what they are saying to me, and I will set off in that direction like an explorer, allowing the poem to find its own direction as we go along. Like a novelist who, at some point, realizes that his characters are taking over and essentially "writing themselves," one needs to intuit when to drop any preconceived ideas and just let it happen. A big part of the joy of writing, I think, is being surprised by what can come out of you...especially if you "didn't know you had it in ya!"
Buen viaje
And now, the list of words!
master
leverage
crickets
carriage
moon
edgy
believe
precipice
calypso
pepper
fancy
bite
thrust
cryptic
souffle
rapidly
drumbeat
bang
climb
broken
If you have a chance, please check out Tim's collection of poems. His book is hot off the press, published in conjunction with ALL CAPS.
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| Available HERE |
Our challenge today is to write a new poem for this prompt, using a selection of words from the list - a minimum of three is required.
Wow, thanks, Tim. I love word lists, and also try to use all the words but you're right, sometimes some don't make it into the mix.
ReplyDeleteWill look at the list tonight, let it percolate in my brain while I sleep, and see what happens!
K
Fantastic list of words, I didn't use all of them, but I managed to use several.
ReplyDeleteI love love love the list...managed to use all.
ReplyDeleteCool list, Tim!
ReplyDeleteoooh hey Timo! great list. yay.
ReplyDeleteHi Toads! Hope you have fun with this list. I know I did. Many thanks to Kerry for inviting me to provide the word list this time around!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your process, Tim. I also love that 'rush' when all of the 'list words' come together ..
ReplyDeleteWow-now that is a list ;D
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Oh, and congratulations on your book!!!!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your book. I love your poetry! I'll be back to read.
ReplyDeleteSome of my all-time favourite words here, Tim. Like calypso and precipice.
ReplyDeleteThe weather has swung from a mild Winter into full Summer in a matter of days and I'm suffering from the unexpected heat, but I really hope to write something. These days I don't take poetic thought for granted.
i just have to say that Timo's book is FANTASTIC. truly wonderful! everyone should read it. i cannot say enough about it. trust me.
ReplyDeleteI am not usually a list person, but this one grabbed me--so thanks Timo for dredging all those cool words up--also, enjoying Darwin's Moon a LOT. There have been several times when my husband has really looked at me funny for bursting into strangled hilarity from remembering a line or phrase during some random moment.
ReplyDeleteWhen in doubt, write about the moon.
ReplyDeleteThinking of the list, perhaps too analytically which can be used of verbs or objects or moods... I am struck by it seems like an inkblot to which we betray our poetic state of moods trying to make sense of a focus artfully standing out as if it the only things in a new and strange environment, some other neighborhood but a block away in the city of poems built from the concrete desert of words.
ReplyDeleteWhen in doubt write about the moon?
After the first stanza of the first poster I see my mood vaguely too mechanical and dark (like later posters this vague yet romantic view emphasized.) well, hidden, cryptic, such view unpolluted by street lights or daystar... to which a call to self-reflection on my mood I stand eclipsed. Bravo All!
Oh, I love word puzzles! Thank you, Tim!
ReplyDeleteQuite the challenge! Mine is a tad silly (OK, very silly!) but I had a good time writing it! Will be back tomorrow to read others.
ReplyDeleteA fun list - thanks! I am exhausted from cross country, voice lessons & tutoring (Wednesdays will be like this through the school year) but I hope to use this with a another challenge or post on Open Link Monday.
ReplyDeleteLoved this word list. Thank you. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's a very neat list. I'm feeling slightly under the weather, but am still hoping to come up with something.
ReplyDeleteLate, as usual! Writing this made me late for work this morning, too!
ReplyDeleteNot as late as me!
ReplyDeleteMy poem is silly, but I did use all the wonderful words.
ReplyDeletein very late, and with but 3...
ReplyDelete