Awe, Circle of Life-Life & Death, paying attention

The Circle of Life — Life and Death

Posted on August 5, 2026 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

Each of us can recall the soaring music of composer Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice in “The Circle of Life” written for the Disney movie, The Lion King, when it is simply mentioned.

We hear the crescendo of a piano and symphony, recognize the Zulu beat and chant created by Lebo M., and feel our hearts expand with the message.

We’re All Connected

We, and not just we humans, but we as in all living beings, including plant and animal, wind and rain, flora and fauna, water and mountain are all connected. At least that’s been my experience this week.

One End of the Circle — the Sad One

Yesterday, my husband Lynn and I experienced the circle of life come to an end for our Shih Tzu Murphy. You can see our forced smiles in this picture just moments away from putting him down.

He was an old man, 115 years old by human years, if we multipled his age, 16.5 x 7 = 115. He was blind and deaf, tired and achy from arthritis, and weary from a persistent cough due to a collapsing trachea.

MEMORIES

Murphy was a champ for not barking at other dogs penned up behind gates and fences. He was rather arrogant, when he turned his head in the opposite direction from a barking dog, as if to say, “You are not worthy of my attention or response.” He never barked at the golfers that played on the 4th green just out our back yard. Yes, he barked, but not impolitely.

He greeted company at our house with enthusiasm and a sniff at their feet. Then he would settle back to his living room bed (Or throne, should I say?). He never jumped up on guests or begged at the table.

He was good with other dogs on the street. Sniff one end, then the other, then go on his way. We walked with different dogs on the street, sometimes 4-5 of them at a time. He was the elder of the street and perhaps “King.”

Murphy was a very polite little boy, turned old man.

He was active in his younger years. When we’d toss a ball from one of us to another, Murphy would take off in that kind of “running close to the ground” die trying to catch the ball from us.

He tried to chase the squirrels, but darn it all, he couldn’t climb that dog-gone tree. He even took off after a small herd of deer on the golf course one day. I was worried he’d get hit by a soaring golf ball, while he was single-mindedly focused on the white tail of those deer.

But he was a bossy little guy from early on. It took me 2 weeks to potty train our first dog in 1985 but 9 months to train Murph in 2009. As a smart boy, he learned all the commands and would hesitatingly conduct them.

The command that was key to his safety, COME, was the one he refused to honor. He’d plant all 15 pounds of him, as if he had four-wheel braking power, and yank my arm off, if on lease, or sit stubbornly on the other side of the street from me.

Some neighbors called him independent, reluctant, a dog with a mind of his own. I called him, my stubborn little shit. I loved him, but found him more recalcitrant as the years went by.

He has been our little buddy for 16.5 years and we missed him dearly this morning, when he didn’t arrive in the kitchen for his splash of milk and dry food, his trip out to potty and to gain his first treat.

The Other End of the Circle — the Cheerful One

Earlier this summer the barn swallows returned to our house after providing us 3 sets of babies last year after the tragic July 4th, 2025 Guadalupe River flooded here in Kerrville, Texas. Those baby birds gave me solace after the community’s loss of lives and river landscape.

In recent weeks, the barn swallows have built a new nest, laid eggs, and the female has nested deeply in the home they created for their new family. This specie of birds mate, but others also help out. The male and female share the load in varying ways.

A GIFT

Today, 24 hours after we gave up Murphy, the female barn swallow that had roosted deeply in the nest is sitting higher. I see more of her profile.

And then I see her and her mate taking turns depositing nourishment to apparent new baby birds. Their little becks have yet to tower above the side of the nest.

What a gift of nature, of our connectedness to the natural world.

God knew Lynn and I needed something to distract us from the loss of Murphy with the start of new life just outside our kitchen window. We are grateful!

Creative Writing, journal writing

“To Find the Light” Creative Journal Writing Workshop.3

Posted on June 30, 2026July 3, 2026 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

I’ll facilitate a 2-hour workshop, “To Find the Light” Creative Journal Writing from 1:00-3:00 PM on July 4, 2026 at Unity Church of the Hill Country, 1016 Jefferson Street, in Kerrville. I hope you will join me.

EXPLORE THREE POWERFUL WRITING EXERCISES

Through guided prompts, personal reflection, and optional group sharing, participants will gain new insights in a welcoming and supportive space.

Reflect on life’s challenges
Discover the meaning we give those challenges
Move toward healing, hope, and light

WHAT PARTICIPANTS HAVE SAID ABOUT THIS WORKSHOP

Amy W. “I loved this class, the only writing I have ever done was the ‘to do list!’ So excited to start this next chapter of journaling through life.”

Liz A. “Thank you, Rhonda. This far exceeded my expectations. You had us traveling on our journaling journey and it was incredibly moving! Thank you.

YOUR FACILITATOR

You will be in the hands of a skillful facilitator.

I hold a Masters of Adult Learning degree (M.Ed.). As a capable presenter and workshop facilitator with 40+ years of experience helping adult succeed in the workplace, I bring unique abilities to guide participants in meaningful/soulful exercises. You’ll have quiet time to write and group sharing, though sharing is optional. My classroom motto is “we learn with and from each other.” You’ll experience an interactive workshop with as much sharing as you choose to contribute.

Also I’m a local award-winning travel writer, novelist, memoirist. You can learn more about me, my blog, books, and publications on my website: Paying Attention: The Best Investment You’ll Ever Make (in Life, Writing, and Travel).

I look forward to seeing you there.

Travel Writing

“To Find the Light” Creative Journal Writing Workshop.2

Posted on June 21, 2026 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

I’ll facilitate the following workshop next month.

Unity Church of the Hill Country, 1016 Jefferson Street, in Kerrville will host a 2-hour workshop, To Find the Light Creative Journal Writing from 1:00-3:00 PM on July 4, 2026 with local author Rhonda Wiley-Jones facilitating.

JOURNAL WRITING EXERCISES

Journal writing workshop You will gain insight from guided journal writing to illuminate or uncover your spirit-filled light in spite of or because of life’s challenges or obstacles. Writing activities will address 1) the difficulties of life; 2) the meaning of these times to you personally; and 3) how to search and find the light that guides each of us.

Multiple journaling prompts in each of the three exercises will appeal to different learning styles and personalities, so there is something for everyone.

“Writing is like driving at night in the fog. You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.” ― E.L. Doctorow, Writers At Work: The Paris Review Interviews, 2nd Series

MY FACILITATION STYLE

I will guide you in the exercises, allow plenty of quiet time to write, and facilitate group sharing; however, sharing is always optional. My classroom motto is “we learn with and from each other.”

I’ll see your there!

WHAT PAST PARTICIPANTS HAVE TO SAY

Shelley B. “Now I’m more interested in journaling. Really enjoyed being able to write again. The prompts were useful and fun.”

Kathleen H. “The handout gave great guidance. I uncovered many new ideas.”

Diane F. “These workshops have helped me to know and understand myself better.”

journal writing, Mindfulness, Reflection, Writing Workshops

“To Find the Light” Creative Journal Writing Workshop.1

Posted on June 12, 2026June 21, 2026 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

WORKSHOP DETAILS

I’ll facilitate the following workshop next month.

Unity Church of the Hill Country, 1016 Jefferson Street, in Kerrville will host a 2-hour workshop, To Find the Light Creative Journal Writing from 1:00-3:00 PM on July 4, 2026 with local author Rhonda Wiley-Jones facilitating.

PURPOSE: HOPE AND HEALING

Our community and the surrounding areas are grieving and healing from the historic July 4^th, 2025 flood. Unity Church offers community members a weekend of hope and healing. One activity will be a workshop to explore memories and the impact of the flood on us and the area as a whole. Whether you have a specific need to write about trauma, grief or life’s challenges in general, you will find this workshop useful.

“Writing is an exploration. You start from nothing.”
― E.L. Doctorow

WHAT PAST PARTICIPANTS SAID

Jody D. “Workshop was wonderful – very well organized and presented! Enjoyed it! Now I am anticipating your next workshop!”

Laura H. “I wish I’d known I had it in me all along. There’s nothing I want more than a deeper connection with myself. Before now I was superficial in journaling, which led to a lack of interest. Now I’m confident and prepared. Thank you so much!”

Awe, Paying Attention, Time, Wonder, Wonder-bringers

The Art of Stretching Time: How Wonder Slows Down the Clock

Posted on July 31, 2025March 16, 2026 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

A photo at Pexel by Photographer, Valeriia Harbuz

Wonder Can S-t-r-e-t-c-h Time

Today, I delight to the breeze on my face and arms, while sitting outside on our back patio. Paying attention to this tactile sense slows down time for me. I read a book, scroll my phone – or nap, which I’m particularly fond of doing. I relax and regenerate energy.

Looking back in time, I also experienced this same phenomenon years ago. In the spring and fall, when I lived in Ames, Iowa and worked at Iowa State University I would walk to work. About 30 minutes door to door.

Then as now, I enjoyed the feel of wind on my face, arms, and legs. The motion of walking that pumped my heart, also pumped my soul. When I walked to work, time moved in slow motion, compared to other days. I accomplished more on those days. Therefore, double the pleasure.

A GUIDE TO WONDER

Monica C. Parker’s book, The Power of Wonder: The Extraordinary Emotion That Will Change the Way You Live, Learn, and Lead, brings together research on topics such as the magic of wonder, our awareness and attention, and the resulting awe and its benefits. Paying attention to all our senses and staying in the present, in my opinion, supports her theme and claim that wonder will change the way we live, learn, and lead.

In her book, Parker tells us that wonder doesn’t materialize in our fast-paced lives with grueling schedules. Hence we miss chances to experience wonder, because we don’t slow down. It’s a must.

TIME AND PERCEPTION

Time isn’t a fixed or simple concept. The way we preceive time can make it feel like its speeding up or slowing down. We often hear about a state of “flow” when we lose track of time. Like when we’re having a good time or so engrossed in what we are doing that time flies. This happens to me when I work on a chapter of my work-in-progress or a creative nonfiction essay. Six hours pass and I barely notice.

THE NEED FOR WONDER

We crave wonder (without knowing it) with overwhelming news cycles, hectic work schedules, the demands by our social, religious and civic organizations. We are constantly bombarded and distracted from the simple things in life.

Wonder may be free, but it isn’t always easy to slow down.

Simple ideas may include to get outside, touch the bark of a tree, smell the pungent scent when trimming a lantana plant in Texas, to distinguish bird songs, feel the vibration of a bee buzzing, observe the various flight patterns of birds. Now these are moments of wonder and awe that can slow down time–expand and stretch it.

We may find wonder in writing a simple poem, sketching a scene, playing a favorite tune on the piano or listening to it on Spotify or iTunes. Wonder can be discovered in hearing a friend tell of a discovery in their field of science. We can marvel at the news of those from around and outside the country who came to conduct rescue and recovery efforts after a disaster occurs. Just as it has in my hometown, Kerrville, Texas, in the July 4th, 2025 Guadalupe River Flood that took over one hundred lives.

Wonder comes in many guises.

WHAT BRINGS US WONDER?

However, Monica Parker encourages us to find our own “wonderbringers,” those experiences that can bring wonder. We have to discover those things and pursue them with purpose and intent.

Wonder is the catalyst to build the social and emotional competencies we need to make us more open, more curious, more compassionate … more human. (Monica C. Parker)

Her wonderbringers include travel, fellowship with friends, and Trey Anastasio’s guitar. Mine are nature encounters, meals with friends, travel, and reading.

What are your “wonderbringers?” What lights you up? What sets your senses alive?

CHALLENGE

Set yourself up to pay attention to each of the five senses every day this week: sight, sound, smell, taste, touch. This experiment could open a new way of paying attention to our daily lives and shape your sense of wonder. (Weeks ago I suggested another way to pay attention. Here’s a reminder. “Look up, look down, look all around.”)

Please share you experiments, your thoughts, your sense of wonder with us. We can learn from each other.

Thanks for reading and responding.

To learn more about my books in which young women are experimenting with ways to pay attention to their lives from the ups and downs, adventures and misadventures. In which young women build their personal psychological agency through travel—to become the authors of their own lives.

FICTION

In Song of Herself, Fiona Weston, an Iowa horsewoman in work boots and trousers, sails to India in 1906 to discover her journey is not the quest for which she had yearned, nor the escape from those who ridicule her unconventional ways. In Song of Herself, Fiona experiences a journey fraught with obstacles that creates a sturdy sense of self in which she comes to accept irreconcilable differences and still can sing her song of self.

NONFICTION

Rhonda’s memoir, At Home in the World: Travel Stories of Growing Up and Growing Away, portrays her growing up in rural Arkansas launched by an empowering mother to journey into the world as tourist, missionary, and independent young woman. These forays mirror her spiritual life, while telling a mythic story of a mother-daughter relationship and a missionary-church conflict that will be resolved through healthy development.

Awe, Creative Nonfiction Narrative, Paying Attention

Awe’s Dual Nature: Terror and Tenderness

Posted on July 24, 2025June 10, 2026 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

INCONVENIENCED CRIES FOR COFFEE

July 4^th, 2025, the Guadalupe River in Kerrville, Texas, broke records and hearts. I awoke about 6:30 a.m. to find a newly formed lake on the golf course behind our house. Out the front kitchen window, the dry creek had filled and overflowed into the end of the street. The cul-de-sac featured a raised island, curbed with pebbled ground, large decorative rocks and 3 concrete benches. Water was 3-4 feet high and climbing up the street toward our house. Two houses away from ours. Only the flag pole and the crepe myrtle were visible on the cul-de-sac island.

Electricity was off, which meant no coffee, no TV, no Internet, no way to see and hear what was happening. However, we discovered through Facebook we could read about the disaster. A massive wall of rushing water had encompassed summer camps in Hunt, Texas, then made its way downstream.

My husband Lynn and I live about half a mile “from the way a crow flies” to the Guadalupe River. When it runs high, which is rare, it overflows into a nearby creek. It then fills the dry creek that runs through Riverhill Golf Course that our house sits on. Between 7:00 and 8:00 that day, the water began to recede. How odd, so soon.

The news was spotty and episodic. Lynn and I continued to cruise Facebook for more tidbits. All the while whining about not being able to make coffee. We didn’t make coffee until just after noon. Only when the electricity came back on. It was only then on the news we saw the mass destruction and heard the horrific stories. Then we regretted our petty, inconvenienced cries for coffee.

TERROR AND TRAGEDY

I cannot provide you any better photos than you have seen on television of Kerrville’s previously lovely and tranquil but now ravaged Guadalupe River. A wall of water brought terror and tragedy, but also generated a response of awe of what it can achieve or destroy. The county was devastated by a deluge that stripped and uprooted hundred-year-old trees, washed vehicles and homes down river, and pulled debris from the flood plain and left rubble in its wake for 100 miles. However, as you might expect, nothing compared to seeing it in person.

RESCUE AND TENDERNESS

So many people came to the rescue of survivors, homes, pets, and the river itself. The citizens of Kerr county were surprised and admiring of all the help we have received. Residents were asked to stay home that day and in the week following, if not volunteering, to be out of the way of those “working” in ways one should never have to work. It has been a busy several weeks since the 4th and the work continues.

GRIEF AND LISTLESSNESS

In the hours and days following, grief sat over this town like a ghost. Unseen but heavily felt. Overwhelmed and grateful, but worn down. I sensed grief pressing on my skin for a week or more, like invisible water in the air. I was listless and found it hard to focus. And I hadn’t even been directly impacted by the raging river.

TWO BARN SWALLOWS NESTING

On the other side of terror is tenderness. Just weeks before the flood, two Barn Swallows had make their messy nest just outside our front door. I wished they had chosen another location instead of our front porch. They tenderly laid their eggs, then defended the nest swooping and careening trying to keep me away as I came and went, walking the dog.

I fussed at them. “You could have picked another spot.” I began paying attention to their comings and goings. Each night when I took out Murphy, our Shih Tzu, before bedtime, they sat atop the eggs. The two parents perched facing in different directions. It was so sweet to see them nurturing their nest.

EGGS HATCHING

One night they seemed to be sitting higher in the nest. Had the babies hatched? The swallows sat higher and higher each night. I listened for chirping, which was faint. Or was I just wanting to hear them?

One day I saw three pointy beaks up over the top of the nest, like little hay stacks from Monet’s paintings. The next day, the beaks were in full view, then the next, their little hooded eyes peaked over the nest’s edge. Before long they were sitting on top of each other.

Barn Swallow fledglings -- a healing distraction after the July 4th, 2025 Guadalupe River Flood in Kerrville, TX — Barn swallow after fledging

THE FLEDGLINGS

It wasn’t long until they fledged.

They flew from their nest to our Jasmine bush, then to the Crepe Myrtle, all under the tender watch of parents. In the following days, they made it a little further to the gutter of the house next door. They looked just like mom and dad, blue and golden, except their tails were not yet as long.

The fledglings returned to the nest each night, until one night they were gone.

THE TENDERNESS OF HEALING

The Barn Swallows pulled me through the days and early weeks following July 4^th, 2025.

Death and birth, birth to death: two ends of existence. Life continued on!

~~~~~

MY BOOKS

Song of Herself, a story of a young horsewoman in 1906 who travels to India to sell her uncles horses. It is not the journey she expected or wanted but gave her the chance to grow into her own skin.

At Home in the World: Travel Stories of Growing Up and Growing Away, my coming-of-age travel memoir that covers ages 10 to 27. It is the story of my church and my mom, wise beyond her own experience and ahead of her time, who encourages and prepares me for international travel opportunities. I become a world citizen at a very young age and later in life leave home and the church that provided me growth opportunities.

Both stories suggest that travel can offer chances that help us build personal, psychological agency by which we become the author of our own lives.

If you read either or both books, I’d appreciate it, if you left a review on Amazon, Goodreads, or your favorite book platform.

Craft of writing, Creative Nonfiction Narrative, Details in Writing, Fiction & Nonfiction Writing, How to Write Emotional Beats, Metaphors, Reflection, Writing exercises

3 Enhancing Elements for your Stories and Essays

Posted on June 26, 2025June 26, 2025 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

Metaphor of Women’s Dress Styles to our Writing

Let’s explore that metaphor of women’s wedding attire to our writing. It struck me as useeful as I ruminated on women’s style of clothing today after attenting a wedding.

A lot of stylish women showed off their figures in form-fitting dresses, both short and long at a family wedding recently in Phoenix. Regardless how one fit into herdress, in my humble opinion, some were too skinny for the style they wore and some were out of proportion (top heavy or bottom heavy) to select the style they had on.

Many wore a long dress, tucked in around their heels that made them scoot, shuffle, or skate across the floor, therefore, losing their natural walking gait.

Let’s apply the form-fitting dress to our writing, whether it is travel writing or any other genre.

Too Skinny

Some women were too skinny and didn’t give shape or meaning to wearing a stylish dress. We can write skinny with not enough meat on the bones — too tight, too lean, too emotionless or meaningless.

We need to flesh out our stories or essays by using our senses to illustrate what’s happening, where in the world we are, and how the action is taking place. Sensory details add depth and fullness to our stories.
We can add emotional reaction to the events of the narrative or essay. We can alson reflect to what’s going on. How does it impact the key character(s)?
We can also give heft, shape, and meaning by using an appropriate metaphor that runs the gamut of the story or one that gives weight to a single event.

Too Out of Proportion – Top-heavy or bottom-heavy

We can also write out of proportion. Maybe one woman was too busty for her form-fitting dress, while another had little or no shape to her booty or legs. Maybe our stories start out strong and fizzle to no meaning at all. Perhaps our essays are overpowered by too many details so readers get lost in the tangle and wonder which ones are significant. Perhaps our writing carries too few details that leave the reader confused or wondering what’s what. Maybe our essays offer enough “leg” to carry the story line or plot, but without sufficient heart or emotion.

Just Right

Then there’s the woman with the form-fitting dress that carries it off to perfection. Her makeup is understated, while only the flare of her cheeks and lipstick match the depth of the magenta color of her dress. Just off-the-shoulder neckline reveals the shape of her bustline, but no cleavage.

The tautness of the dress reveals the lovely shape of her hips, but never distracts one by the line in the crack of her booty, like some of the others I saw that night. Instead, it draped to the ground, loose enough for her to walk gracefully. The dress left room for the imagination.

Just like our writing. The wow of style applied in this extended metaphor to our writing offers guidance without a set of how-tos or step-by-step instructions.

The writer must flaunt the form, the function, and color of the writing with flare. Reveal the stunning details, the flow of events, the emotions and reflections on the events, so the reader has enough to keep her or him riveted and enough room to imagine and reflect on its meaning. Balanced.

This metaphor of women’s attire to our writing, nevertheless, advises the writer …

to find balance in the details of people, places, and events;
to express emotions and reflection to enhance meaning; and
to expand a metaphor to allow the imagination of the reader to explore and discover.

EXAMPLE #1-Not so good.

The palm trees grew out of dirt with no sustaining grass to hold them in place. The city of Phoenix the surrounding mountains in the distance were khaki-colored, not lush green. The moon was covered by a palm from where I stood.

I was from another part of the country and Phoenix disappointed me without green grass and blooming flowers in mid-April. The wedding of my nephew to his finance seemed like the surrounding environment should be fresh, green, lush, and blossoming.

The clouds, flanked by an archway, made a phoenix shape in the sky. That’s the metaphor I wanted for the couple. Rebirth, becoming something new. Resilience, the ability to overcome. Transformation, the openness to becoming someone different as a couple, as parents, as a family unit.

NOTE: No strong sense of place, peope, or events. Little reflection. And the metaphor is too obvious. Uninteresting.

EXAMPLE #2-Much better

My nephew Dean, the groom, and the likeable and genuinely spirited young woman, Carson, would rise to promise their love and devotion to each other for a lifetime tomorrow.

The Phoenix palm trees rose tall and regal but seemed lonely in the bare dirt floor that stretched over the city and into the surrounding mountains. A palm shielded the full moon from where I stood. Dry, barren desert did not represent what the couple meant to me.

As I sat and visited with my brother Bruce, father of the groom, I noticed a cloud in the shape of a Phoenix, over his shoulder. It stretched out in a forward, mounting motion, as if reaching for the next adventure. The archway behind my sibling framed the cloud for the photo I took.

The new couple would soar too, like the Phoenix. They would experience a rebirth and new beginning from two individuals to a single couple into a family unit; resilience, the strength to overcome adversity together and grow stronger; and the hope of shining brighter together than ever before and the years soar by. Rising!

NOTE: Here you have the metaphor without calling it that. It’s more organic. There are more details and people’s names making it personal. This story is more compressed leaving only the necessary details. And in this short essay you move with the writer though the experience and land on the reflection that the couple will soar and rise, much like the Phoenix.

When we pay attention to add these 3 elements to our writing we take it to the next level. Share a piece of writing with us to show how you used these elements to allow your writing to soar!

___________________________________________

adventure, Awe, Details in Writing, Mindfulness, Paying Attention

3 Simple, No-cost Ways to Pay Attention

Posted on June 23, 2025 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

Is This You?

Are you the last one in a group out for a walk to notice what’s happening in the environment? Are you the one who says, “What? Where is it? I don’t see it?”

Do you want to be the one who notices?
Do you wish to immerse yourself in the inexplicable?
Do you yearn to find the mysterious and clandestine elements in life?
Do you ache for the freedom of release and relaxation from feeling awe?
Do you believe you can experience the “ah!” in nature or the “awe?”

Paying attention is a habit, not some sophisticated study, though it can be.

Bird Watching Was My Starting Point

Once upon a time, I was one of those who wanted to be adept at experiencing the ineffable.

I took up birding, purchasing the Golden Guide to Field Identification: Birds of North America. Sure, I knew my birds, a robin, cardinal, and blue jay. I was familiar with the basic sparrow that was everywhere. But I did NOT know how many variations of sparrows there were until I started studying the book. Oh my goodness!

My First Identification

I observed a small grey bird with a white, round belly, which I’d never seen before. (Or had I seen it but not noticed it?) I saw it pecking in the snow in Wisconsin where I lived at the time. It looked like its belly had been dusted by snow. So in my mind I called it a snow bird, and so it is called by other birders. But in fact, it was one of the many kinds of sparrows listed in the bird book, called the slate-colored junco. Never had I heard of a junco.

A Friend Tried to Dissuade Me

A friend of mine suggested I study vegetation, flowers, trees, wildflowers – anything that didn’t move like birds that flit from limb to limb. She said, “Why don’t you decide to identify things that sit still, instead of birds that you have to follow around in a screen of leaves? Learn the skill of observation first?”

I was determined. “I’m not interested in those, but I’m in love with birds.” She shook her head and threw up her hands. “Okay. Start the hard way.” We laughed together.

Your 3-Step Guide to Paying Attention

For those of you who want to build observation skillls to pay attention, I suggest 3 simple ways. They come from a song most of us have heard before. Three ideas from a 1990s British TV children’s show, Come Outside, along with the theme song by the same name. Here, I want us to use these unpretentious words to the theme of the kids’ show:

Look up, look down, look all around.

STEP 1: LOOK UP

Yesterday, my three friends and their four dogs including Murphy and me had a brief 2–3-minute walk in a shower. I looked up to see a rainbow in full display. Not horizon to horizon, but the vivid color spectrum grew out of a cloud. It sailed across the blue expanse and ended abruptly mid-sky.

Jim Putnam's photo during an evening walk in the rain — Pay attention by looking up to find treasures in the sky.

Layla said, “Make a wish. A rainbow is good luck. Look at the end of the rainbow and make a wish.” For me it was more of a prayer than a wish, “Make my husband Lynn stronger after cancer radiation.”

None of us, except Jim had a phone. “Jim, take a photo.” I was thinking of another post on paying attention when I repeated the request he had not heard. “Jim, please, take a picture. Send it to me.”

STEP 2: LOOK DOWN

Also yesterday morning as I walked Murphy home, I sensed movement in the grass. I looked down to two cicada killer wasps mating. They were end to end, vibrating as if they were enjoying it. I wondered whether without the emotions of a human, how they experienced the act of mating. One of the two had its face burrowed beneath the grass. Its stinger end attached to the other one hovering over the top of the grass. (After a web search, I learned the female has the stinger and the male does not.)

It was a moment for me. Was I interrupting? No, they did not notice me taking pictures of their intimate act. Was I rude to take their picture? I don’t know. Nonetheless, it did make my day to get to see nature at work, at play, creating life!

STEP 3: LOOK ALL AROUND

Again yesterday I lounged on the porch loveseat, where I could feel the breeze tickle my skin. The golfers on the course beyond my yard probably gawked or sneaked a peek at me scrolling on my phone, listening to a course online, reading a book, and of course napping. (I’m recovering from surgery and 2 procedures in less than 6 weeks – nothing life threatening, merely an annoyance.) All this for the healing process.

I don’t usually take this kind of time each day to sit on the porch and watch the geese and the squirrels coexist. Sniff the freshly cut grass or listen to the birds and the chimes clash. I do however notice the black cat slink by in its ritualistic daily walk about. When I look all around and take in the world with all my senses, there’s a relaxed sense that neutralizes the anxiety of the news and life.

See? Simple. No-cost. Sing the song as you start out to work, to pick up the kids, to garden, clean the house, or go out with friends. You can apply this song to any part of your life, travels, or writing. These 3 steps can enrich our lives in so many ways.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

How do you pay attention to the world around you? How does nature speak to you? While you go about your day, what shows itself to you? I, along with many others, I presume would like to know. Share your stories, your thoughts with us.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Please check out my books on Amazon. After reading one, please leave a review. Thanks!

Both stories hold that travel can offer chances that help us build personal, psychological agency by which we become the author of our own lives.

adventure, Awe, Metaphors, Mindfulness, paying attention

When Awe Walks In, Anxiety Walks Out

Posted on June 16, 2025June 17, 2025 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

MY EXPERIENCE OF AWE

Scrolling

I didn’t plan for it. Just out for a walk, pacing the same loop with Murphy, my dog. Usually, I take my phone and scroll the morning news. With my head down I thumb through what’s happened in the world since I went to bed.

Multi-tasking

Besides the news, my mind travels in more than one direction, all the while, considering what’s on my calendar and what I can do with the time left. I carry my worries, my what-ifs—until something makes me stop.

In an instant, it may be silent, loud, or dramatic.

4 Examples of Awe

One, a chameleon darts from brownish gravel up the stalk of a green plant, changing colors as it moves into new territory. Flexibility and openness are critical as we find ourselves in new surroundings. The chameleon changes its’ colors, not its essence. We don’t change the creatures we are.
A different day, a bossy goose chases another one for who knows what reason. It’s wings widen in defiance of the other one, which reminds me we can let others into our circle of friends, even if we’re not comfortable at first. We might learn something or make a new friend.
On another day, the wind shifts, a storm is on the way. I check the clouds and see an figure, whether a phoenix, a dog lopping, or a sword surfing across the sky. My imagination creates what the clouds provide. And intentionally, we too can assert and use our own creativity for the enjoyment of others.
And still again, the squawk of a Blue Jay calls to one another in flight. My first thought is that it reminds me I will have a productive writing day. A second thought comes: or does it challenge me to write productively that day. What’s the metaphor for me?

The Result of a Moment of Awe

Regardless of the moment, it draws my attention from the anxieties of our times that are speaking to me on my phone. In that moment when awe marches into my world, anxiety slinks out.

RESEARCH SUPPORTS MY EXPERIENCE

In recent years, research sheds light on the topic of awe. Dacher Keltner in his book, AWE: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life (2023), tells us that the human mind treats social threats as an invading pathogen. Things like chronic stress, loneliness, and/or being the target of prejudice can elevate inflammation or cytokine levels in our bodies.

On the other hand, awe offers a larger context for our lives, gives us metaphors to reconsider how we view our lives, and heightens our sense of being loved and supported by a connected community.

Researchers theorized that everyday awe could lower our bodies’ inflammation. They gathered physical measures of inflammation against people’s experience of positive emotions, like pride, amusement, awe, and others.

The Result

Basically, of all the positive emotions studied, the only predictor to lower inflammation was awe.

“Awe occurs in a realm separate from the mundane world of materialism, money, acquisition, and status signaling—a realm beyond the profane that many call the sacred.” (Keltner, p. 19)

Whether we look for awe or get captured by it, it can transform our day, our outlook, and our physiology. And regardless if we are travelers, writers, or armchair readers, we can use a dose of awe that comes from paying attention to the life around us.

How About YOU?

Also referenced in Keltner’s book is another research project of daily diary writing, in which researchers learned most study participants encountered awe 2-3 times a week. That’s about every other day. Why not several times a day? I must admit, I fall into the 2-3 times a week, as well.

When, where, and how do you experience awe in your life?

Local or Hometown Travel, Texas Hill Country Travel, Travel

Traveling the Texas Hill Country to New Braunfels: Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo

Posted on August 18, 2024August 19, 2024 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

KEEPING UP WITH OLD FRIENDS – NOT THE SNAKE

Do we keep up with old friends? Do we take time to see them? Do we wait sometimes until it’s too late? Often I’m not good at staying in touch; my husband is. Mayo Clinic states “friendships enrich your life and improve your health.” So, NOW, is the best time to visit old friends.

Maryann lost her husband Larry, and my husband’s long-time friend, suddenly last year. She invited us to come see her and provided her community’s guest apartment for our convenience.

So Lynn and I left town to explore more of the Texas Hill Country and visit Maryann for 3 days and nights. We traveled to New Braunfels with Murphy, our Shih Tzu. She lives in an over-55 community with her two Lasa Apsos, Cassidy and Sundance.

LOCAL FLORA AND FAUNA

As I walked Murphy when we arrived, I noticed a bird’s nest. In fact, I discovered over the three days a row of seven elm trees, three of which had nesting mourning doves. They must be used to lots of commotion, because they are tending their eggs just feet from the pool and walking path.

Two things I love about this bird: 1) the cooing sound, which is mournful but relaxing to me; and 2) the birds mate for life, devoted to the end. This dove observed me with a black eye hiding behind a leaf. Look for the head and beak at “9:00 to 10:00” in the photo.

THE ANIMAL WORLD AND SNAKE FARM ZOO

After my online research, I knew what I wanted to experience first. The Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo. Admission fee was $16-$20/person. Extra for the petting zoo feed pellets (goats, lama, free-range chickens and peacocks/peafowl) and another charge for lettuce to feed the camels.

THE PETTING ZOO

I dusted the walking path with pellets. Chicken, peacocks, and birds followed. When I entered the petting zoo and toured the animal selection I counted about 20 goats, a single buck-toothed lama, a miniature cow and horse. A single worker was filing the hoofs of a goat. She offered no warning.

When I scattered pellet the goats surrounded and pinned my knees and shins in place. If I’d been claustrophobic, I would have panicked. Instead I laughed at my predicament and looked at Maryann. “What am I to do?” “Wait,” she said laughing at me. She enjoyed the show so much, she didn’t think to capture my dilemma on camera.

When they mobbed me, I spilled the rest of the pellets, landing on their backs. They had their faces and mouths to the ground. I tried moving forward the force of the goats that held me in place. Ironically, I found I could back up and finally moved out of that herd of feeding goats. This article on the affection of goats may explain some of this behavior.

A mother entered the petting zoon with a 2 or 3 year old. I gave her the warning, I wish someone would have given me. “Your little boy will be engulfed. It’s scary.” She retreated with her son.

THE SNAKE FARM

I’m fascinated by snakes as long as they are behind glass. These snakes were from all over the world, as well as right here in Texas. Snakes are known for their camouflage abilities. That is apparent in these photos, except for the Green Tree Python, but in its original habitat, I’m sure its bright green works well.

Gaboon Viper of Africa. Find it’s head on a leaf in far lower R.

Banded Rock Rattlesnake. Smallest in Texas.

The lizard below was quite the entertainer, dancing his way into everyone’s heart.

FEEDING THE CAMELS

Young girls purchased lettuce to feed the herbivores. The camels proved friendly when offered the leafy morsels, so the girls had an up close encounter petting the dromedaries.

The single-humped, hoofed mammal hails from Arabia. They eat grass, grains, oats and wheat in their desert environment. They store fat in their humps to serve as reserved energy and water when sources are scarce. They can go for a week without water.

NAP TIME
The sun climbed higher and the heat soared. While some animals were retiring for a nap, monkeys cleaned each other, mountain lions paced, pumas – one white, one spotted stood panting, and a male/female pair of magnificent lions napped on a big stone.

We left hot, thirsty, and tired. It was time for my nap with the wildest of animals–my Murphy.

If you like to travel and you’re reading this post, you may enjoy my coming-of-age, travel memoir, At Home in the World: Travel Stories of Growing Up and Growing Away. Or if you are more interested in historical fiction, check out my novel, Song of Herself.

adventure, Driving Trips, Local or Hometown Travel, Travel

Traveling the Texas Hill Country to Enchanted Rock

Posted on July 28, 2024August 5, 2024 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

Is it the Great Wall of China? I don’t think so!

Is it the fences of the Cotswolds in England? I don’t think so!

This rock wall intrigued me on our drive through the Texas Hill Country. We enjoyed wind on our faces in my husband Lynn’s Mazda Miata convertible. Lynn has walked part of the Great Wall of China that was built over centuries. Stone or soil mixed with gravel and pressed between two boards to dry created the wall. It separated countries, enemies, and trade routes.

I’ve visited the Cotswolds of England and found their honey-colored stone fences stacked without any sort of cement fascinating. Both countries built walls and fences out of rocks that surfaced from the soil. Both countries used naturally available materials. Their walls, fences, structures separated countries, property and livestock.

This rock fence on our ride was about 2 feet wide, 3-4 feet tall, and a mile or more long. I suspect it merely divided the property from the road as any typical fence would. It was one of a kind to my eye.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF FENCE

We smelled the wafting scent of cedar trees being burned from landscapes overrun by cedar trees because of a recent 3-6 inch rain that broke a drought somewhat and lifted burn bans. Historically cedar trees were crafted into roof shingles in this area. No longer used in shingles, the tree can still be stripped and set as fence posts side-by-side here or with barbed wire. An invasive species, cedar trees slurp up too much water from our soil and aquifer, leaving the area drier than ever and so must be cut from ranch land and burned. A burden, cost, and nuisance to land owners.

BIRDS AND ANIMALS

The thrill of the day however was spotting a roadrunner fly to a low-hung tree branch and roost there AND then spying two zebras close to the fence line next to the road on an exotic animal hunting ranch. Neither of which I could capture in a photo.

ROCK

Our destination was Enchanted Rock, located 21 miles north of Fredericksburg, a German community and shopping haven, and 26 miles south of Llano, Texas, the deer capital of the state. A granite rock erupts in the ground with little to no vegetation. The State park allows for picnicking, climbing, geocaching, nature studies, birding, and stargazing. Be sure to bring your protein snacks and plenty of water. Wear athletic shoes or hiking boots for climbing. A climb can be achieved in half a day. Beware of rattlesnakes!

When you drive TX-16 S and Ranch Rd 965 you understand why it is called the Texas Hill Country. Broad panoramas, rock walls, and lush green hills welcome you to the Texas Hill Country.

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Posted in adventure, journal writing, Life-narrative, paying attention, Writing Classes, Writing Retreats, Writing Workshops
REACHING FOR AWE DURING THE APRIL 8 ECLIPSE

Posted on March 12, 2024March 12, 2024 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

Would you like to enrich your experience of the total Solar Eclipse coming April 8? Can you envision the setting where you will wait for the eclipse? With whom will you share this once-in-a-lifetime (for most of us) phenomenon? How do we prepare to have a deeper, richer experience of the total eclipse? Have you set an intention for those four-plus minutes of total darkness, so you can allow the wonder and enchantment to wash over you?

That’s what we will explore this Saturday, March 16, from 2:00 to 4:00 at the Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library here in Kerrville. Bring pen and paper or your journal to write with.

Awe occurs in a realm separate from the mundane world of material money, acquisition, and status symbols — a realm beyond the profane that many call the sacred. (Dacher Keltner in his 2023 book, Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform your Life)

I will be your facilitator. I propose a variety of writing prompts for you to discover the answer to some of these questions above. In addition, I offer hands-on guidance in what I call “stream-of-consciousness” journal writing. This will allow you to access those answers quickly and successfully. We will share our answers, gather ideas from each other, and leave with an intentional and mindful plan of action.

…there exists a magic crackle, a sacred thrum, found at the threshold between two states. Liminal space has its own tantalizing quality to it. … I believe there is more–untapped, unseen. I believe relentless reality breaks us, and magical wonder can make us whole. (Monica C. Parker in her 2023 book, The Power of Wonder: The Extraordinary Emotion That Will Change the Way You Live, Learn, and Lead)

You can let the eclipse be a “been-there-done-that” experience or you can enhance this grand encounter with nature by thoughtfully considering how to prepare yourself to experience it. Let’s do it together. There will be handouts. Bring pen and paper to write with you.

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Posted in fiction, Fiction & Nonfiction Writing, Literary Community, Memoir writing, Novel writing, Travel Writers, Travel Writing
Okoboji Writers’ Retreat, Sept. 22-25

Posted on February 2, 2024February 2, 2024 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

Want to take your writing to new dimensions? Want to learn from other writers to shorten your own learning curve? Want to rub shoulders with writers from the Washington Post or the New York Times? Want to generate a network of fellow writers interested in helping you grow as a writer?

If so, then the Okoboji Writers’ Retreat, September 22-25, welcomes you to a whatever–conference, retreat and workshop experience–you’ve been looking for.

Where or what is “Okoboji?” It is a lake and a town, a location in northwest Iowa. Though not a typical conference site like Chicago or LA, natural beauty invades the retreat site. Speakers often take their sessions outside on the lawns of the recreation site.

Check it out for its unique format, bevy of faculty members (50+), and variety of learning options.

I’ll serve on the cadre of speakers, as a travel writer, memoirist, and fiction writer. I’ll be a participant and faculty member for the first time. I’ve gotten acquainted with the organizer, Julie Gammack. because of pre-retreat zoom calls with speakers to be sure we understand the culture of this retreat. In one of those calls she told us (I’m paraphrasing) that she believes we (all people around the globe) need writers to make the changes needed in our world. I’m on board with that. The list of speakers illustrates the diversity in writing experiences they bring.

Other faculty members who have participated before indicate that it is three full days of fun exchanges between writers of all levels. Speakers attend as participants, as well. They are available for one-on-one networking, discussing direction for a participant’s next book, or coaching. “The meetings between meetings” can be valuable networking. Relationships have continued past the retreat as long term friendships and/or writing groups emerged during their time at Okoboji.

I can’t wait! Will you join me at Okoboji Writers’ Retreat September 22-25? Let me know if you too are registered, so $100 in your registration will be deducted from your fee.

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Posted in journal writing, Memoir writing, Rolf Potts, Travel Writing
Memories That Can’t Be Caught on Camera

Posted on January 3, 2024January 3, 2024 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

As I read Potts’ December 27 daily meditation last year (just a few days ago), it gratified my distain for the current culture trend to take photos of everything and everyone in them.

Rolf Potts writes in his book, The Vagabond’s Way, December 27, on page 377, “Make peace with the quiet banalities of domestic familiarity and let memories of past journeys blend with a dream of future ones.”

I’d rather muse over memories of past travels and allow them to blend with the anticipation of future journeys. Today, I recall trips where I could not have expected experiences to offer such magical memories, and I could not have captured the experience in a picture.

I often say, “I can’t remember to take pictures when I travel.” I also believe that photos cannot capture all the senses of significant memories: taste, touch, hearing, sight, smell (as exemplified in the photo above). Let me share some examples where the camera doesn’t do justice to the experience.

MEXICO
The thoughtfulness of a couple who invited my friends and me to their house after having just met us. The tete-de-tete conversations that were held and laughter peeling in their house. Their generosity to share their lives within the Mexican community as US expatriates, having lived in Mexico for over thirty years.

US GRAND CANYON Continue reading “Memories That Can’t Be Caught on Camera” →

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Posted in Craft of writing, Fiction & Nonfiction Writing, Revision, Scene Craft
Two Types of Writing Research & Two examples of each

Posted on December 24, 2023December 27, 2023 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

INTRODUCTION
Discovery in writing happens in so many ways. All the different ways can be enlightening to the writer and in turn for the reader. Discovery may happen before, during or after writing a chapter, scene, or essay. Some are technical such as dialogue that’s culturally relevant or time frame that matches with the attire of characters, while others are artistic, such as voice, rhythm, pacing, or description.

TECHNICAL RESEARCH
Example #1: I love working with all of these means of discovery. Research to know what is happening in a particular time will create interest and/or relevance. For example, when I write about the 1970s I need to know the pop culture of the time. Through music, world events like Vietnam War, social events of protests.

Example #2: When I write about Cuba, I need to know about the cars that line the streets. Writing about a Ford Bel Air, instead of accurately a Chevy Bel Air, will make my writing suspect. And what if only a few know the difference? They may be the ones who tell others every chance they get that I don’t know what I’m writing about. Therefore telling potential readers not to bother with my work. That’s a marketing blunder.

ARTISTIC RESEARCH
Example #1: On the other hand, discovering how I develop my voice on the page, how I pace different stories based on the demands of the story to be a slow burn or a rapid-melt conclusion, require learning from my own mistakes. Paying attention to what works with my writers’ community or beta readers is key to building my confidence and adherence to using my own voice in my work.

Example #2: Artistically as writers, we need to spend time reading great works and even not such great works to see what doesn’t measure up. We read to “feel” when a writer’s pacing reflects what is actually happening in the story. We read to “hear” how the words fall on the page and in our ears. Do they fit the era? Do they fit the timing of the story? Do they reflect emotions being expressed?

SUMMARY
Our lives as writers are always at work in our heads as to how to write. We can learn from overheard conversations, jokes, google searches, or library digging. What a wonderful job (full of wonder) we get to enjoy. But we must also do our own due diligence, to ensure that are work is relevant, inspiring, and culturally, technically, and scientifically accurate. Our work is never done and that’s the fun of it.

See my latest work: Song of Herself.

Fiona Weston, an Iowa horsewoman in work boots and trousers, sails to India in 1906 to discover her journey is not the quest for which she had yearned, nor the escape from those who ridicule her unconventional ways. Fiona experiences a journey fraught with obstacles that creates a sturdy sense of self in which she learns to accept irreconcilable differences and still sing her song of self.

It’s available on Amazon and Bookshop.

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Posted in Travel Writing
Purpose of Scenes in a Novel

Posted on August 29, 2023August 29, 2023 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

Cicadas are a favorite sound of late summer for me. They are noisy this time of year. My love of them is the reason I placed them in two scenes of my recently released novel, Song of Herself, and is the inspiration of this post.

Scenes are the life blood of story building. They have three primary purposes, which generate savory stories.

They keep the story moving forward: Passages keep us engaged, asking, “what will happen next and next?”

Scenes set up problems or conflict: For example, if a character shows up unprepared for a trip, then there will be consequences, often negative ones.

They reveal consequences in action and reaction: For example, if ill-prepared then the character may have insufficient supplies, food, water or equipment. Then how do these situations make the character feel and react?

Scenes divide a story into smaller units of actions, events, and reactions. They allow the writer to release information to the reader as it serves the narrative.

As the late August heat here in Central Texas blazes, the cicadas sing their hearts out. The dead one I found outside our back patio door was whole and complete, available for my close inspection.

It reminded my of one of two scenes in which the protagonist of my newly published novel, Song of Herself, Fiona is sailing alone with only the help of the company man, Jacob, who serves as her go-between with the sailors on ship. So I decided to share this scene. In part because I it illustrates the purposes of scenes and because of the cicada I found.

When writers craft their words in Deep Point of View (POV), it allows the characters feelings and reactions to surface. I wrote of Fiona Weston and her loneliness (wishing for the sound of cicada from home) in this scene from my novel, Song of Herself.

SCENE from Song of Herself

That evening before Jacob could introduce her to the men at supper, two fair-haired chaps looking like twins, stood behind Fiona in line, while Jacob left her to talk to another sailor. “Hello. I’m Lars and this is my brother, Leo.” He rolled the letter “r” when he spoke. His voice ended higher at the end of each phrase. It was English but nothing like she had heard before.

Setting down her cup, she extended a hand to Lars, as any man would. “Hi, I’m Fiona Weston.” She suspected his hesitation came from women not shaking hands; instead, ladies offered a hand to be kissed. After pausing to look at her outstretched hand, he shook it loosely. She reached beyond Lars with his clear blue eyes and offered her hand to Leo, who had green ones, both deep-set. Their full lips smiled broadly.

Having had time to think and react, Leo shook her hand firmly.

“Are you twins or just brothers?”

Leo with green eyes said, “No, not true twins.” He rolled the “r” sound too and pronounced “twins” quite strangely, with the “w” as a “v” sound. She tried not to laugh.

Lars chimed in. “Irish twins. Some call us Catholic twins. But we are Norwegian.”

Fiona said, “What does that mean?”

They laughed, looked at each other and back to Fiona. “Irish twins are siblings born within a year of one another. It’s a nod to people, usually Irish, who are Catholic and do not use—what do you say?—precautions.” Fiona blushed.

Leo said, “Why don’t you join us for supper?”

She had to listen carefully to understand them. That was part of their charm. She was not accustomed to gallantry from any man, much less this much attention from two men. “I would be happy to, but—.”

Lars said, “Let’s go up on deck—it is nice tonight, away from the earthquakes’ smoke and dust still moving away from San Francisco.” He smiled at Leo.

Leo said, “We’ll find a place for you—other than the floor of the deck.”

Fiona laughed, “That’s okay. I can find a spot for myself.” She had always found her own place in the world, whether a chair or the prairie.

When the cook, Paddy, served her, he caught her eyes, and shook his head. She shrugged her shoulders as if to say, “What?” Paddy looked across the mess hall and motioned to Jacob to “come here.”

Jacob was already on his way. While she waited with her plate and cup in hand for Lars and Leo to be served, he appeared. He steered her from the line to a separate table.

Lars said, “Hey, you, we just asked her to eat dinner with us.”

Jacob took her tray from her, ignoring the comment, and said to Fiona, “Follow me.”

Leo, cocky and offended, said, “She’s our date. We can offer what no one else can.” Lars chimed in. “You bet, two for one. Doesn’t get any better than that.”

Fiona now realized her dilemma, which she had not detected, until rescued. She said to them, “I think I’ll keep my regular date. Thank you, gentlemen.”

Jacob hissed at her, “Those gentlemen would have had their way with your innocence. You will not dinner-date with those two yahoos—not on my watch.”

“But—” She tucked her chin in indignation.

Jacob spit words. “Why did they want supper on deck away from the rest of us?”

“To visit?” Fiona was holding on to her right to be with them.

“No, to have their way—without eyes on you.”

“I just wanted to meet someone new, see upper deck. I wasn’t thinking.”

“Not thinking at all, I’d say,” he said in a huff. She stood, hesitant to sit with him after he embarrassed her. Jacob clasped her wrist. “Sit, eat,” lowering his voice, “I’m trying to keep you safe.”

She sank down in front of her dinner tray. “Guess I should be grateful to you.” It was her proud way of apologizing.

Jacob sat with his head over his plate shoving supper down. While chewing, he hissed, “Your radar was not working. Sailors are not your friend.” He looked up at her softening his eyes, swallowed his food, and laid his hands on the table’s railing. “Sailors will never be your friends.”

After supper at the entry to her quarters, Jacob tried to repair his harsh words. “I’m sorry. Sorry I was harsh. They could have hurt you.” He placed each word in front of her, as well as the tenderness of caring for her safety.

She could only mouth, “Thank you.”

He reached for the same wrist he had grabbed earlier and inspected it. “I hope I didn’t hurt you or leave marks.” He held her arm in both of his hands and then grinned. She could see his smile even in the shadows. He said, “I’ll be more of a gentleman next time.” He lightly squeezed her hand and said, “Good night.”

When he dropped it and stepped away, she wanted to say, “No, don’t leave.”

Fiona lit the candle on the wall and readied herself for bed. In the makeshift bunk, she wished for her bedroom at home, the soft music of the cicadas singing in the trees, better yet the silence of fireflies. Tonight, Fiona was homesick and knew she would be, even if her brother, Will, had been there. The memories of waking up together in the same house with Will, whether to play when they were little or to work when they got older, deepened the hole in her heart from having lost him in the earthquake.

Her uncle Louis had read from Leaves of Grass to Fiona since she was little and gave her her own copy when she turned thirteen. Turning to the comfort of Walt Whitman’s book, her burning eyes scanned the pages. Tonight the bard’s words spoke directly.

“And I will show that there is no imperfection in the present, and can be none in the future, And I will show that whatever happens to anybody it may be turn’d to beautiful results, … And that all things of the universe are perfect miracle, each as profound as any.”

Fiona argued with Whitman’s optimism. Will’s death had no beautiful results, nor was it a perfect miracle, as he suggested. The only marvel at work she knew of was now Jacob’s care and tenderness, not only to the mares she accompanied, but also and especially toward her. She had prayed for an escape from Spirit Lake for years, then when her uncle offered this trip, she had imagined new feats, new chances in unknown territory. Instead, the constant clinking and clanking of the rigging of the ship began to wear on her nerves in her bunk below.

Now you see why this scene came to mind. Can you find the three elements or purposes of a scene in this one? Does this chapter from my novel give you an example of how it works? Let me know what you think of this scene building idea? Let me hear from you!

Check out the book, Song of Herself, if you haven’t read it already. If you read it, please, pretty please, leave a review.

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Posted in Good literary citizen, Literary Community, Travel Writing
5 Reasons to be a Good Literary Citizen

Posted on May 7, 2023May 8, 2023 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

Reading from my Books Publicly Can Contribute to the Literary Community

Saturday, April 22, 2023, I read from my debut novel, Song of Herself at Comfort, Texas, Public Library’s Read-a-Thon.

I also read from At Home in the World: Travel Stories of Growing Up and Growing Away, my coming-of-age, travel memoir.

The theme of both books assert the transformative nature of travel to build personal and psychological agency, especially for women.

It was also the library’s Authors, Artists, and Artisans (AAA) Day. There were watercolorists, jewelry makers, and authors selling their products. It was a fun community day together.

Yes, you may have noticed that the word itself is spelled differently on various sites. Readathon or read-a-thon. The first is easier to type, the second, easier to read. I’ll use them interchangeably.

5 Reasons why being a good literary citizen is important?

You’ll make new friends, like Catherine Wilde and her three adorable daughters in the photo above. She’s the author of Reclaiming your Inner Sparkle, and the accompanying book, Self Care Journal for Moms: Sparkle Every Day: Prompts & Practices to Effortlessly Infuse your Days with Compassion & Self Love. You will find her online at SoulCareMom.com

Whether you’re a reader or writer, you will learn of books that you would not have found any other way. That’s part of the thrill of it.

To support other writers, even artists and artisans, in their creative endeavors. We work alone, yet our products, whether books or artwork are for the public, the communities in which we live.

To let the world know what you, as writer and creative, have contributed to the world, so they can read and enjoy your work. Also let them know who you are as a person, not just a name on the front of the book.

To bring together those who love to read and those who write, so both can have live discussions about books, themes, and how books and stories have changed our lives.

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Posted in Revision, Solas Travel Writing Awards, Writers' Groups, Writing Partners
3 Reasons to Join Writing Groups

Posted on May 6, 2023May 6, 2023 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

Without the persistent support and serious critique of writing groups and partners throughout my writing career, starting in the early 1990s, I likely would not be a published author or had the success I’ve had to date. Groups and partners are necessary to the revision process of writing.

Let’s look at three reasons for getting feedback from other writers so we can revise with input and confidence.

Three Purposes of Receiving Feedback from Fellow Writers

ONE. Writing partners and groups offer support to the fragile souls of writers. Positive feedback is just as important as negative, if not more so. Partners and groups answering , “What do you like or what works for you as the reader?” lets the writer know what already enhances their piece.

Examples of feedback:

“The author’s work is paced so that it heightens the tension.”

“The audience is kept informed of details that keep the reader from stopping to ask ‘huh?’”

“The essay on forgiveness is a difficult and humbling topic, one needed in our public and private lives today. I commend the author for tackling the topic.”

TWO. Members of a writing group give brutally honest responses to another’s writing product — called constructive feedback. This gives the author a chance to listen and determine if the review feels on target or is deemed unimportant to their work.

Examples of feedback:

“The dialogue on pages 3-4 is clunky and extraneous and could be deleted without loss to the story.”

“The use of the adjective ‘really’ adds no value to a sentence, is overused, so can be eliminated throughout the story.”

“The sequence of events feels out of order. Perhaps placing the second event as the fourth will improve the logical occurrences of the scene.”

THREE. When a writer hears group members express what they are curious about or what they want more of in the story, it opens up possibilities. This often lets the writer find new scene-worthy material.

Examples of feedback:

“When the writer mentions rubies being found, is there a chance of other jewels being discovered in the treasure hunt?”

“As the author describes Hemingway’s life, what role do his four wives play in his literary career? ”

“When the protagonist fades from the scene, what is her emotional state? What physical ways can you show that?”

Writing Success through Publications and Awards

My most recent achievement was winning a bronze Solas travel writing award in “Elders” category for my story, “From the Back of the Van,” when traveling in Chiapas, Mexico with two friends.

My travel writing group is the backbone of my success. We take classes together and review each others’ work, going on about three years now. The group expands and contracts over time, but there are eight to fifteen of us, Zooming from San Diego to New York and all in between.

What’s remarkable is that ten of us placed in the Solas awards this year; last year, six of us. Solid proof that writing partners and groups work.

The Travelers’ Tales editors and this year’s guest judge Scott Dominic Carpenter announced the winners of the Seventeenth Annual Solas Awards for Best Travel Story of the Year on March 15, 2023. Scores of entries in 21 categories kept the judges busy. As usual, not every story that deserved an award received one. Here’s the complete list of winners.

Winning stories will be posted on the Great Stories page and as Editors’ Choice stories on TravelersTales.com, and may appear in future Travelers’ Tales books. (Taken from the 17^th Solas Awards Announcement page)

Travel is the Subject of my Two Books

Travel writing was not just aspirational, but a driving feature of my life and my work. At Home in the World: Travel Stories of Growing Up and Growing Away was my coming-of-age, travel memoir that follows me from a girl of ten to a young woman of twenty-seven. Travel experiences helped me grow up with a nuanced view of the world and a telling tale to gain self-confidence and agency as a result of my travels.

Novel writing grew from a dream one morning of a woman in a salwar kameez. It became the inspiration for Song of Myself, an historical novel, set in 1906 about a young horsewoman that traveled to India to sell her uncle’s quarter horses to the British Indian army for breeding.

Both book themes assert the transformative nature of building agency during travel, especially for women.

You can purchase each at Amazon as a paperback or an eBook.

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Posted in adventure, Memoir writing, Travel, Travel Writing, Women traveling
Getting Lost in Dublin

Posted on April 26, 2023April 27, 2023 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

The Idea of Getting Lost

Getting lost can be a result of traveling into unknown territory. For many travelers and especially travel writers that’s the point of travel—to get lost, find ourselves in unlikely places, and discover something we could not have imagined just hours before. It’s the thrill of the travel writer, even if it is intimidating or scary.

A Travelers’ Tale of Getting Lost

In Ireland years ago, my mom joined my husband and I at his international conference in Dublin. Typically, the host university would have a robust itinerary for spouses and guests. But not this time.

One day Mother and I took the bus from our guesthouse to central downtown. I don’t even recall what we hoped to see or do. But we had shopped (my mother’s favorite hobby), bought a refreshing drink in the midafternoon and decided it was time to head back.

Map Reading Got us Nowhere

Our map did not match where we were. It didn’t resemble where we wanted to go. We walked and walked to find a street location that would give us our bearings to no avail. We laughed at our combined ineptitude. We walked until we were tired. We laughed at a city that seemed incomprehensible to either of us. We walked until we were parched again.

Finally, we waited in the heat of the afternoon, feet swelling at a bus stop.

A stern bus driver wanted us on or off the bus. I was taking up time out of his route to step onto the bus to ask directions while mom stood on the street. Exasperated, he demanded, “Both of you. Get on. I’ll take you to the right bus stop.”

The Kindness of Strangers

In the end, he took time out of his route (and possibly at the ire of passengers) to get us to the correct bus stop, headed in the right direction back to our guesthouse, almost late for dinner with my husband.

We giggled at how this intimidating driver had given in to two damsels in distress. The kindness of a stranger was our hero in this story. The afternoon in Dublin was mom’s and my most memorable moment of a two-week Ireland trip.

A “Getting Lost” Story in Song of Herself.

You can find my novel, Song of Herself, on Amazon. In the novel you can find specifically the story of the protagonist, Fiona, getting lost in India and how she found her way to shop for a salwar kameez, on pages 166-168.

I believe, you will enjoy the adventure story of one young horsewoman’s journey to India alone to sell her uncle’s quarter horses. What she discovers along the way is the kindness of others and her own resilience to suffer the same obstacles she faced at home and due to her ability to taken the reins of her life succeed in overcoming those challenges.

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Posted in Craft of writing
Join the Story Circle Network Class, “What Lurks Beneath: Finding the Emotional Current Beneath the Story Events”

Posted on March 12, 2023March 12, 2023 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

Invitation to Join the Class

For my writing friends, this is an invitation to join me and others to write a personal essay (travel writing perhaps?), then search for the emotional currents that lurk just beneath the events of the story. Learning how to express the emotional beats or currents in your story (whether fiction or nonfiction) challenges most of us as writers.

Class Description in a Nutshell

This class will explore the uniqueness of travel writing and how to revise and edit your work for publication word count limitations. Once the personal essay is drafted then you will learn how to discover the emotional current or force of you story, where to add emotional content, and different ways to express an emotional beat, like peeling an onion.

Learn More Here

I’d enjoy having you join us. You will find the class summary and outline with dates and costs, along with how to register for the class on the Story Circle Network’s class website.

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Join the Story Circle Network Class, “What Lurks Beneath: Finding the Emotional Current Beneath the Story Events”

Posted on March 11, 2023March 11, 2023 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

Invitation to Join the Class

For my writing friends, this is an invitation to join me and others to write a personal essay (travel writing perhaps?), then search for the emotional currents that lurk just beneath the events of the story. Learning how to express the emotional beats or currents in your story (whether fiction or nonfiction) challenges most of us as writers.

Class Description in a Nutshell

This class will explore the uniqueness of travel writing and how to revise and edit your work for publication word count limitations. Once the personal essay is drafted then you will learn how to discover the emotional current or force of you story, where to add emotional content, and different ways to express an emotional beat, like peeling an onion.

Learn More Here

Please join us. You will find the class summary and outline with dates and costs, along with how to register for the class on the Story Circle Network’s class website.

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Posted in adventure, Daily travel meditations, Rolf Potts, Travel Writers, Travel Writing
The Vagabond’s Way by Rolf Potts

Posted on January 18, 2023January 18, 2023 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

I don’t typically review books on my blog, but this is an exception. I studied travel writing with Rolf Potts through the Santa Fe Workshops in San Miguel de Allende in 2017. I learned a lot from him as he shared his vagabonding days and how to find a good story and then how to craft it into a finely honed travel story.

Potts latest book, The Vagabond’s Way: 366 Meditations on Wanderlust, Discover, and the Art of Travel. He had the pandemic-imposed two years to write this book, while landlocked in Kansas, his home.

The book offers his philosophy on travel, his encouragement to engage the world beyond our own backyard, rather than escape to our fenced or gated communities.

… travel is as much a way of being as it is an act of movement. — Rolf Potts

Potts organizes his book in themes that vaguely follow the hero’s journey: the chance to travel, the decision to take off, the preparation to make one’s way into the world, the experiences of awe and obstacles on the road, overcoming those unexpected obstacles, returning home with a new and extended sense of self.

I haven’t completed the book, of course, because the year has just started, but the sage guidance to encounter the world as we go by being open to our senses, to other people, to ourselves (no demanding advice to do it this way or that way) is his gentle way of sharing his own experience.

What makes our stomach churn with anxiety? What sends gleeful joy pulsing through our bodies? What unexpectedly delights our owns sense of self? These are the questions we should ask ourselves as we sojourn.

But I have started reading for January and already found much to mull, chew on, and consider for future travels. He quotes other writers on each day. Potts pulls from the writing of others to convey his thoughts about travel–from ancients such as Rilke and Seneca to modern-day philosophers such as Ryan Holiday and Maya Angelo. And then he slips in his own mighty perspective of how important travel is to the world and to ourselves.

Indeed, one of the reasons travel can lead to a sense of awakening is that leaving our home habits allows us to see things with eyes undimmed by familiarity. — Rolf Potts

Find a copy of the book to indulge your own need for wanderlust and adventure. When we discover the metaphors of travel and life, we often see they are inseparable. I’m sure you will enjoy Pott’s book.

Let me know what is one of your favorite travel books, recent or ancient.

My Debut Novel, Song of Herself

To read my debut novel, Song of Herself, an epic adventure to India by an Iowa horsewoman, click here.

Please, please, when done with the book, go to Amazon, BookBub, Goodreads, or your favorite reading app to leave a review of the book. I appreciate every assessment of the book for you the reader. It helps know if they are interested in the book. Thanks so very much!!!

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Posted in Anthology, Submission of writing, Submitting for Publication, Travel Writing, Women's Fiction, Women's Fiction, Women's Nonfiction, Writing
What’s an Anthology?

Posted on November 29, 2022November 30, 2022 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

I pose the question, “What’s an anthology?” because I suspect some people may not know. For those who don’t , it is a book of stories, fiction or nonfiction, that have been compiled typically based on a theme, so that various writers can write to the theme.

I just have to share with you that two of my nonfiction writing pieces have been published in an anthology by the Story Circle Network this week. The Network is “by, for, and about women, where women become the authors of their lives. Women’s life stories matter. We’re committed to helping you tell yours.” For all women writers, I wholeheartedly recommend joining this talented and dedicated group of serious women writers.

Just published this week.

The book, Real Women Write: Seeing Through their Eyes, can be found on Amazon. My two stories are “Paying to Pee” and “A Letter to our Insolent Server.” I had fun writing these two stories from my time spent in Mexico. They are self-reflective pieces of trying to be a better world citizen, though I fail at it more often than I want to admit.

The book cover of Seeing Through their Eyes is lovely with soulful stories written by women who are members of the Story Circle Network. The stories are insightful, redemptive, and inspiring. They are also short, life-narrative stories (2-3 pages long) based on the theme of empathy. This book would make a lovely gift for your girlfriends, sisters, moms, and daughters for Christmas.

I am proud to share the pages of these books with the other women writers from the Story Circle Network.

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Posted in adventure, Craft of writing, Debut Novel, fiction, Historical Fiction, Travel Writing, Women traveling, Women's Fiction
The Gold Standard of Book Reviews

Posted on November 8, 2022November 8, 2022 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

I’m thrilled to share with you the book review I received from Kirkus Reviews just last week. Kirkus Reviews are the gold standard for anonymous, fair, unbiased book reviews. Many librarians use their reviews to determine which books they will purchase and shelve. See a partial review of Song of Herself, my debut novel.

… Wiley-Jones packs her narrative with a plethora of captivating themes and images that expose Fiona and readers to India’s cultures, religions, and styles (Women “wrapped their silhouettes with sarees in every color from ruby red to sapphire blue, and marigold to lemon yellow”) as well as the building Indian resentment toward British imperialism. Then there is the chaos of Calcutta, which the author describes in vivid detail, capturing the city’s history, topography, sounds, smells, and foods. Fiona is a complex character who repeatedly turns to Walt Whitman’s Leaves of Grass for inspiration and guidance in her search for her own center. …

… An engaging period drama overflowing with historical tidbits.

Consider buying a copy for a Christmas gift of the book, Song of Herself !

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1639885501

Ebook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDK7Q54J/

Recently my friend Marge wrote me,

“I just finished your book and loved it. It was a page turner! I loved the character development and learned so much. All your hard work paid off! Thank you for the adventure. I loved the ending!!”

If you have read the book, please leave a short review of two or three sentences on Amazon.

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Posted in Debut Novel, Growing Up, Historical Fiction, Hometown Travel
You Can Go Home Again! (A visit to my hometown, Piggott, Arkansas)

Posted on October 27, 2022November 8, 2022 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

Hometown of Piggott, Arkansas

Thomas Wolfe claimed a truism that is the title of the book which many of us might agree with, “You can’t go home again.” I agree I could not go home to live there again, but I can go back for a visit. I’m always thrilled and happy to see my mom, Gaye Wiley in Piggott, Arkansas. It’s fall and it was a colorful time to travel through the Ozarks and then follow the road home to the delta cotton fields of my hometown. I grew up in Piggott, Arkansas, just like Pauline Pfeiffer, second wife of Ernest Hemingway.

Hometown Newspaper Announces my Debut Novel

I was honored when my hometown newspaper announced my debut novel publication and therefore supported my artistic work by letting locals know of my new book.

The Clay County Times-Democrat announced my debut novel, Song of Herself (see the article by clicking here), and reminded viewers of my previously published coming-of-age travel memoir, At Home in the World: Travel Stories of Growing Up and Growing Away (found on Amazon by clicking here).

Thanks Clay County Times-Democrat!!!

Hemingway Made Piggott Famous

Turns out my small rural hometown because famous after I left when some people in high places determined to celebrate Hemingway having spent time writing in Piggott, Arkansas, at his in-laws’ house.

The Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum & Educational Center, also known as the Pfeiffer House and Carriage House, is the historic home of Pauline Pfeiffer, wife to novelist Ernest Hemingway.

Carriage House where Hemingway wrote part of Farewell to Arms.

The house itself is well maintained and contains some of the original furniture and artifacts. The barn at the back of the house that was used as the Hemingway’s writing studio also has a lot of historic value.

The guided tours are informative and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable. A sister to a classmate of mine gave me a tour this trip to Piggott. I recommend making a trip to Piggott when you can to tour the house and carriage house where Hemingway wrote part of Farewell to Arms.

Covid-delayed Class Reunion

During my Covid-delayed class reunion, classmates and I had a good time reminiscing and telling stories on each other. But it was a joyous night together again with those who knew us in our raw (young, unedited) forms, before we became who we would be.
RW-J

We were saddened to learn about classmates who had died since the last time we were together and that some could not join us due to health problems.

If you haven’t already ordered my book, Song of Herself, see below

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1639885501

Ebook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDK7Q54J/

Recently my friend Marge wrote me,

“I just finished your book and loved it. It was a page turner! I loved the character development and learned so much. All your hard work paid off! Thank you for the adventure. I loved the ending!!”

If you read the book, please leave a short review of two or three sentences on Amazon. Tell potential readers what you liked, found intriguing, learned about another culture, or what you discovered about yourself in reading the book.

Thanks, so much!!!

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Posted in Craft of writing, Description, Details in Writing, Editing & Revision, Pacing, Travel Writing
Description, Detail, and Pacing

Posted on October 1, 2022November 8, 2022 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

Research that Serves the Story

In my last post, I illustrated three places in my recent novel, Song of Herself, where research served the story well. Without it, there would not have been sufficient particulars to give credibility to the characters.

As writers, we must search for and offer just enough details to render the character believable, but not so much that it bogs down the pace of the story. That’s a fine line.

Four friends have commented on that fine line and how my story achieved that for them as readers. Here are their words.

Rhonda has taken years to craft this story and the work shows. One of the best books that I’ve read. The image of “monkeys swinging from thought…” sticks with me the most. (George H.)

You captured me with including wonderful information about things outside my world. The vocabulary of the ship and the special “horse words” are a bonus, but not ones that get in the way. (Jane W.)

Calcutta, I was there fifty years ago. You nailed it. The story flowed—made it easy to read. (Bruce B.)

The horses, you got it just right, but not too much. (Lenell D. )

Tips for Writers

As writers, we must remember that readers want a fast-paced story with specifics that tell the story without slowing it down. Two to three targeted details usually get the job done.

Presenting them in the context of an appropriate environment helps, as well. To find how much time is spent in a scene and then match it to how the reader experiences the story is critical. This is called pacing.

Writers develop the skill of pacing over time from experience and feedback by beta-readers or writing group members helps.

If you haven’t already ordered my book, Song of Herself, see below

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1639885501

Ebook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDK7Q54J/

If you read the book, please leave a short review of two or three sentences on Amazon, what you liked, what you found intriguing, or what you discovered about yourself in reading the book. Thanks, so much!!!

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Posted in adventure, Craft of writing, Historical Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horses, Research for Fiction Writers, Women's Fiction
Research Enhances the Story

Posted on September 26, 2022October 1, 2022 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

Do you ever wonder if research is done before the writing starts? Or if it’s done as the author is writing? And how does the research change or enhance the story?

For me, I found I needed to conduct more research than first realized. I discovered along the way, how many details were required to satisfy my reading audience. So I had to stop and dig for info, dates, and details. In the process, I learned that history was often on the side of the story.

The First Example: British Indian Military’s use of Polo for Cavalry Training

As I researched the game of polo, I came to know that the British Indian military utilized the game of polo to train and prepare their cavalrymen. The agility of horse and rider working in tandem and moves atop a horse were just the right skills for warfare. In addition, building a strong relationship between horse and rider was equally important.

The Second Example: The Garment, Salwar Kameez, Worn by both Men and Women

The combined garment consists of the trousers as the “salwar” and the overshirt as the “kameez.” I thought it was worn only by men, but research illustrated the outfit as fitting both men and women. This made it an androgynous attire that fit Fiona’s work life and her preference for comfortable clothes.

In addition, a salwar kameez is made of cotton or linen fabric that both shades and therefore cools one, while simultaneously allowing the breeze through the open weave of the fabric. It serves as a symbol of a paradox, a “both/and” of allowing air in while keeping the sun out. (Yes, today, we know better, but in 1906 they did not.)

Third Example: The 1905 partition of West Bengal

As I did a history dive, the 1905 partition of West Bengal reared its head. The fallout that continued into 1906, the date in which my story happened, created much unrest and many factions that each wanted to respond differently.

In the midst of this civil unrest I anticipated that the Society of Religious Friends or Quakers would be involved. In this accompanying research I learned that indeed Quakers were split on the issue of how much they should get involved.

Fun Writing & Fun Reading

With those three examples of research that served my story, I let my imagination loose to fill in some unknown details. All the more fun in writing fiction.

I hope you will find Song of Herself as much fun to read as I had writing it.

If you haven’t read the book, please choose your reading preference and order the book in one of two ways.

Order Here

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1639885501

Ebook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDK7Q54J/

If you read the book, please leave a short review of two or three sentences on Amazon, what you liked, what you found intriguing, or what you discovered about yourself in reading the book. Thanks, so much!!!

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Posted in Adventure Fiction, Book Club Discussion Guide, Coming-of-Agency Fiction, fiction, Historical Fiction, India, Women's Fiction
Book Club Discussion Guide for Song of Herself

Posted on September 19, 2022 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

Book clubs abound in every rural town, city and suburb. They are a great way to look at books through the eyes of others, a way to share your enjoyment of reading, and build friendships.

If you are in a book club and would like to visit with me, as author and the mind behind the story, I’d be happy to zoom or attend in person, depending on the proximity to your club.

Take a look at the book club discussion guide below. Are there other questions you would like to frame for your group? I’d like to hear them.

Though this fiction story is set in 1906, current research (https://ifstudies.org/blog/how-dads-affect-their-daughters-into-adulthood) tells us that the role of a dad in a girl’s life helps her develop her confidence and resilience. How do you see this play out in Fiona’s case? What does she accomplish as a result of the presence of a strong father and supportive uncle? How have you seen this play out (or not) in your family or extended family?

India is a country of paradoxes. If you have been to India, what contradictions did you experience? What incongruities did you see in the India that Fiona experienced in 1906? What’s the importance of examining two sides of a coin—in other words, two sides of an idea, a belief system, or cultural norm?

Can you imagine being alone on a ship with a bunch of men? Would you have found the same kind of comfort and support from Jacob as Fiona did? Could you have survived the forced confinement for weeks? To be held back from the very thing Fiona wanted, an adventure to learn from every things she could not in Iowa, was a great loss. What things that happened in the story showed that loss to you?

What kind of traveler are you? Armchair traveler, who wants to see the world through a character’s eyes like Fiona? The kind who will spin the globe and take off? Or the kind who will choose and plan a trip with great detail? The kind of person who enjoys luxury or budget travel? What do you gain from travel, regardless what kind of traveler you are?

Religions around the world all differ and all have some elements in common. What do you see in Jacob’s Native American heritage that is common or different to your religious traditions and beliefs? In David’s Quakerism or Religious Society of Friends? In Ameera’s Hinduism? How does she explain being Hindu and Christian Quaker simultaneously? Can you accept this dichotomy? Why or why not?

Relationships between men and women are fraught with romance, conflict, and the pleasures of companionship. How did you see Fiona navigating her relationship with David and with Jacob? What does she gain and what does she lose in the final confrontation with each man?

If you were to rewrite the book, how would you want it to end? The same or differently? What would have to change earlier in the story, to create a different ending?

Please share your question about the book you would like to discuss with your group or club. I may add them to the discussion guide. Thanks for sharing.

If you haven’t gotten the book, take a look.

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1639885501

Ebook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDK7Q54J/

If you read the book, please leave a short review of two or three sentences on Amazon, what you liked, what you found intriguing, or what you discovered about yourself in reading the book. Thanks, so much!!!

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Posted in adventure, Adventure Fiction, Coming-of-Agency Fiction, Historical Fiction, Women's Fiction
DEMYSTIFYING THE CREATION OF A NOVEL

Posted on September 16, 2022September 16, 2022 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

IDEA CREATION

Idea creation is often mysterious and vague. But I can recount the two specific events that led to the creation of my protagonist, Fiona Weston, Song of Herself.

The first. I took a walk in Spirit Lake, Iowa, after conducting a workshop in the early 1990s. I meandered down a lane of houses built on the lake. One house had a large letter, F, encircled on the side of the garage—like you see on ranches in Texas.

My imagination leapt to the attic of that garage with an old trunk and a woman named, Fiona, who was going through the trunk with a young girl at her side. They were reliving Fiona’s life.

The second. Several weeks later, I woke up from a dream in which my fantasy Iowa woman, Fiona, stood dressed in an outfit that looked like it was from India. I didn’t know what it was until weeks later when I described it to a Pakistani friend, who said it was a salwar kameez.

The morning I awoke from that dream, it continued to unfold in my mind during the next several waking hours. The skeleton of a story. It clung to me as a baby monkey clings to its mother.

A NOVEL IN THE MAKING

In the coming weeks, I wrote a three-page story for my writing group. They informed me that it was definitely a novel. There was too much there for a short story.

I balked and brought them an expanded ten pages and later twenty-five pages to show them I could tell the tale in short form. They insisted it was a novel and Fiona was begging me to tell her story.

In coming years, I took a novel writing class at the Iowa Summer Writing Festival in Wayne Johnson’s class. During my one-on-one with him, he informed me I didn’t have a 300-word novel, but a saga, one that could yield 600 pages. I won’t print my reply.

THE CURRENT BOOK, SONG OF HERSELF

In the end, the book turned into a 480-page book. If you have the book and are reading it, you may be interested to know the story took new twists and turns in the writing process. New characters and events beyond the skeleton grew out of the writing process.

My dream life set Fiona on a journey of a lifetime.

WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM NOVELS?

Journeys of this importance create chances to open our eyes, our minds, and our hearts. They show us what we can become.

We can build confidence (self-assurance and the ability to make decisions for ourselves), resilience (adaptability and flexibility, the ability to the bend and sway as life throws obstacles), and agency (the ability to organize our lives around what is best for us, choose who and what we take with us, and take action to make these things happen).

These are things all individual need to learn for themselves as they mature. But it is especially critical for women (in our culture, which makes them second guess themselves too often) to take the reins of their lives to give the world the best they have to offer.

Fiona’s journey opened her eyes to different ways to live, seized her mind to realize she could think with an open mind, and captured her heart to know she could be who she is and to live openly and unafraid.

HERE’S HOW TO ORDER, SONG OF HERSELF

The novel’s protagonist, Fiona Weston, an Iowa horsewoman in work boots and trousers, sails to India in 1906 from San Francisco to discover her journey is not the quest for which she had yearned, nor the escape from those at home who ridiculed her unconventional ways. Fiona’s journey is fraught with obstacles that create a sturdy sense of self.

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1639885501

Ebook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDK7Q54J/

If you read the book, please leave a short review of two or three sentences on Amazon, what you liked, what you found intriguing, or what you discovered about yourself in reading the book. Thanks, so much!!!

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Posted in Adventure Fiction, Debut Novel, Historical Fiction, Women's Fiction, Women's Fiction
My Debut Novel on Sale, September 9

Posted on September 5, 2022September 9, 2022 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

My debut novel, Song of Herself, goes on sale today Friday, September 9, 2022, launching from Amazon.

And I want you to have it in paperback ($17.99) or Kindle ($7.99)—your preference.

Help me reach my goal of 100 copies of the books sold on September 9th this week.

The Book Can Be Order on Amazon

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1639885501

Ebook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDK7Q54J/

If you read the book, I would appreciate a quick review of 2-3 sentences on Amazon as a verified reader, or on Book Bub, Goodreads, or any other book app you use. Tell what you liked about the book and why others readers might be interested in it, too. Thanks a million!

Book Description

The novel’s protagonist, Fiona Weston, an Iowa horsewoman in work boots and trousers, sails to India in 1906 from San Francisco to discover her journey is not the quest for which she had yearned, nor the escape from those at home who ridiculed her unconventional ways. Fiona’s journey is fraught with obstacles that create a sturdy sense of self.

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1639885501

Ebook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDK7Q54J/

Six Reasons to Read

If you read historical fiction, you’ll experience the 1906 San Francisco earthquake through Fiona’s frightened eyes as she leaves her brother’s body behind to sell her uncle’s quarter horses to the British Indian cavalry.

If you prefer travel adventure fiction, you’ll experience sailing the Pacific and Indian Oceans, while an attraction between Fiona and the shipping agent smolders.

If you enjoy absorbing other cultures, you’ll be riveted as Fiona navigates Calcutta (Kolkata) ruled by the British Raj, its history, the Hindu religion and caste system.

If you need a little romance, Fiona will choose between two men, the engaging, free spirited shipping agent, or the intellectually intriguing Quaker missionary who needs a wife. More importantly, she will choose herself above all others.

If you want conflict, she encounters similar men who deny her place in the world, as she did at home. From the shipmaster to the crew to the military purchasing agent.

If you lean toward women’s fiction, you will find Fiona’s journey fraught with hurdles where she learns to accept irreconcilable differences and still sing her song of self.

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1639885501

Ebook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDK7Q54J/

I will appreciate your review of the book on Amazon!

When you read the book, I would truly appreciate a 2-3 sentence review, as a verified reader. It helps Amazon put it closer to the top of what they show to interested readers. Thank you!

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1639885501

Ebook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDK7Q54J/

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Posted in Cultural Sensitivity Readers, fiction, Historical Fiction, India, Novel writing, Travel Writing
Cultural Sensitivity Readers are a Must for Novelists

Posted on August 23, 2022August 23, 2022 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

Have you ever read a novel and noticed that something did not fit in the historical period or in a certain part of a country? That is every novelists’ fear—and certainly was mine.

That’s why I asked two people whose hometown was Kolkata to read through my novel before it was completed to make sure I had things culturally correct, as well as locations and descriptions captured as accurately as possible for the early 1900s. One person was in her thirties and the other in her eighties. Both were true Bengalis.

One of the two “beta” readers—think first reader to catch mistakes or cultural sensitivity readers—explained that painting henna onto the hands and feet of brides was not done in the province of Bengal, ever. Henna hands culturally did not belong to this region . So I had to take it out of my novel.

Rather than let that scene go to waste, I decided to share it with you today. Let me introduce the characters. Fiona is my protagonist, hailing from Iowa; Ameera is her Indian hostess; and Basanti is the bride they are visiting just days after her ten-day marriage ritual has been completed, which included painting her hands with henna. I hope you enjoy the scene and the visual examples of what they call mehndi (in English, mehendi) hands.

Mehendi Hands (A Scene from the book I couldn’t use.)

Basanti greeted Ameera and Fiona with “Namasté,” while they slipped off their shoes in the entryway. Fiona, embarrassed by her heavy work boots, placed them next to fine slippers, and silently promised to buy a pair for herself. When the new bride offered them a seat, Fiona saw the intricate henna stain snaking up the woman’s arm, a cluttered and confusing design.

After formalities, Ameera asked Basanti to show Fiona her palms. The warm orangey-brown henna ink climbed up the young bride’s wrists and wrapped to the forearm.

“Basanti’s mehndi hands are drawn with henna stain. A family member is typically the artist, like her sister-in-law.”

“Is that tradition?” Fiona asked. Tradition in Iowa consisted of a white or cream-colored dress, if the bride could afford it, then something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, as the old adage went. Fiona had always thought it a lot of hoop-la, but nothing compared to this.

Ameera said, “Yes, a family member fits the art to the couple’s sign.”

“The couple’s sign? What do you mean?” Fiona asked.

“Their Vedic zodiac sign. If one is a Taurus, for instance, then a bull will be drawn. If they are from a particular caste, then certain gods may be etched to bless the couple.”

Fiona scanned the bride’s hands. “Why are the fingertips a solid color?”

Basanti said with delight, “My new sister-in-law, my husband’s brother’s wife, believes dark fingertips are a sign of good luck. She brought this tradition from her family to her husband’s—now it will be my family, also.” She allowed a slip of a smile to show pride in her new family. “I am pleased by the depth of color; I hope my touch will always be firm and healing.”

Fiona noted, “No two fingers are alike.”

“It is indeed special as a gift from my new sister. Do you not agree?”

“Yes, most beautiful.” Fiona was unaccustomed to using superlatives.

Basanti continued. “On the third day of celebration, the henna painting took place. My husband could not take me to bed until he found our names inscribed on my arms. He saw his name quickly but looked and looked for mine.”

She rolled her eyes. “Teasing me, he found mine before he even saw his own.”

Fiona, ill-at-ease with the topic of newlywed mating, changed the subject. “It appears the color is already fading in places. How long will it last?”

Ameera leaned forward to answer. “Basanti is not allowed to do housework until it is worn off. But by not working, it will last longer. Rubbing cream on it also makes it last. A husband may wonder, but he does not know it can be gone in days without much attention to delay homemaking.” The three laughed at keeping this kind of a secret.

Basanti confided. “I have watched henna painted on my sister, cousins, and friends, as new brides. I longed for my mehndi hands,” touching the red dot on her forehead, “and bindi.” American women used rouge on their cheeks, face powder, and lip color, but nothing as showy as this.

Basanti lightly rubbed her arms, admiring the art. “The day the henna stained my skin, I felt the most beautiful I have ever been. I now feel my inner light illuminating.”

Fiona did not grasp what it had to do with getting married. Too much ceremony for her.

Ameera riffled the bracelets on Basanti’s wrist. “These are a gift from her aunt and uncle. She wears the red ones a year to show she is a newlywed. Then her husband’s parents replace them at the end of year with gold or brass ones; and she takes over responsibilities of the entire household.”

Basanti said, “Many Hindu couples rush to marry the last week of April, like we did to avoid May, an inhospitable time of year to wed. Wednesday is the best day of the week, but also, our Vedic astrologer searched the position of the moon for us to determine the best time. It bodes well for our future together.”

Fiona admitted to the two women, “This is a bit overwhelming to me.”

When Ameera rose to leave and bid her friend farewell, Fiona pulled her boots back on as gracefully as possible and knew to expect the same slight bow and the “Namasté” greeting as they left.

Walking back, Fiona’s thoughts were all a-jumble by arranged marriages, superstitions, painted hands, signs, and bangle bracelets. In comparison, weddings in Iowa now appeared lackluster.

****

Please sign up with your email address, if you haven’t already, to get future messages from my blog. And stay on the look out for my upcoming novel, Song of Herself. Pre-order information will be coming soon. Thanks for stopping by to visit.

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Posted in Adventure Fiction, Coming-of-Agency Fiction, Debut Novel, fiction, Historical Fiction, Historical Fiction, Travel Writing, Women's Fiction
Sample from My Debut Historical Novel

Posted on August 15, 2022September 7, 2022 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

The book title from my historical novel, Song of Herself, is a take-off from Walt Whitman’s poem, “Song of Myself” from his book, Leaves of Grass.

Here are three short paragraphs from early in the book that introduces Fiona, her brother Will, her Uncle Louis, and the shipping agent Jacob, as well as her use of Whitman’s Leaves of Grass.

~~~SAMPLE 3 paragraphs from the BOOK~~~

“Her Uncle Louis had read from Leaves of Grass to her since she was little and gave Fiona her own copy when she turned thirteen. Turning to the comfort of Walt Whitman’s book, her burning eyes scanned the pages. Tonight the bard’s words spoke directly.

And I will show that there is no imperfection in the present, and can be none in the future, And I will show that whatever happens to anybody it may be turn’d to beautiful results, … And that all things of the universe are perfect miracle, each as profound as any.

Fiona argued with Whitman’s optimism. Will’s death had no beautiful results, nor was it a perfect miracle, as Whitman suggested. The only marvel at work she knew of was Jacob’s care and tenderness, not only to the mares, but also and especially toward her.”

Thanks for stopping to read today

I hope this whets your appetite for reading Song of Herself, when it’s available. Watch for information about my book coming out soon. Please join my newsletter by signing on with your email on this webpage. Thanks for stopping by today!

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Posted in adventure, Travel, Travel Writing
Let Travel Be Your Teacher

Posted on August 13, 2022 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

Study abroad experiences stretch college students’ horizons; mission trips help church teens see a world different from their own. We expect young people to learn from travel, but do we anticipate the same from ourselves when we travel?

We often say, “Yes,” but fail to do what it takes to make it happen. We may be a tourist, pilgrim, or adventurer. It doesn’t matter. Anyone can let travel be their teacher by setting an intention before leaving, paying attention to that intention, and seizing surprises along the way. When we capture our experiences in a journal, we can reflect on the insights gained. That’s where the learning takes place.

The only things that interest me are people and ideas. I love going on trips that shock me, where everything I believe in my religion, my politics, my social outlook is immediately challenged with diametrically different viewpoints. (Arthur Frommer)

Objection

A frequent objection is one misses travel experiences, while journaling. Early morning or late evening can offer quiet time to write. Or you can convert hours of transportation to useful writing. Using simple methods that don’t take much time is another answer.

Themes for your travel

A purposeful method of journaling is to choose a theme for the trip. You might select to focus on architecture, then create questions that go beyond the obvious.

What are traditional and contemporary construction methods and materials used? Why these?
What topographic, geological, or historical factors affected building structure design?
How are/were homes different from ours and for what reasons?

Journal when you have down-time.

These inquiries set in motion intentional travel that culminates in paying attention more closely while roaming the world. We experience the trip more deeply, and as a result, discover richer insights.

Choose from simple journaling techniques

Categorize differences between the culture you’re visiting and your own
Write about the most influential part of your day; recall one significant conversation, historical fact, or memorable event – not everything
Create a “3D” table: Date, Destination, Discovery (what you learned in twenty-five words or less)
Identify the 3E’s of daily travel: Event, Emotion, and what to Explore next
Each day draft a short poem about something particular or a haiku (a 17-syllable poem)
Ask others travelers to record memorable moments from their day in your journal
List new foreign vocabulary words and their meaning
Describe trees and plants, birds or animals new to you

Artistic Journaling

Try artistic approaches. Collect items like tickets, coffee sleeves, or maps to paste into your journal—like a collage. Sketch a scene, a historical building, or unique road sign. Ask children you meet along the way draw or color in your journal. Create a mind map of the day’s activities.

Journaling Supplies

People, who journal, choose supplies to fit their personality and the circumstances of their trip. Do you prefer a ballpoint or gel pen, colored markers or pencils? Do you like a sketchpad, a spiral bound notebook with lines and a pretty cover, or a classic leather-bound journal? Will you be at the beach or in a rain forest? Waterproof paper and pencils are available; otherwise, a Ziploc bag will protect your supplies.

Mindful, intentional journal writing allows travel to serve as guide, mentor, and teacher.

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Posted in Travel, Travel Writing, Women traveling
Travel Back in Time

Posted on August 9, 2022August 9, 2022 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

On vacation last month we traveled to visit friends in Wisconsin we had not seen in many years. As we followed the Wisconsin highway and turned onto a two-lane county road, then to the unpaved road into the forested overhang of our friend’s retreat home on Lake Michigan, we knew we were almost there. As it is with old friends, we fell into old habits of eating, drinking, story telling, reminiscing, filling our glasses again and catching up on the years in between.

A TRIP DOWN ANOTHER MEMORY LANE

But I must interrupt our current good time to walk the dog, Murphy, who travelled with us. So he and I trekked back up the long driveway to our friend’s house and I was transported to the Scottish Highlands, particularly the Isle of Skye.

I had visited the isle decades ago, where eight other tourists and I missed the last ferry of the day for the mainland. We ended up spending a night at the inconvenience of locals who found lodging for each of us, couples, singles (like myself traveling alone), and singles traveling together.

We spent a riotous dinner together laughing about how we had become so entranced by the island that we simply forgot to catch the ferry. At least I was not alone.

The road Murphy and I walked that day took me back in time to why I missed the ferry. In wandering the lush undergrowth that was so mysterious then, I decided–just knew in my bones–that elves had to exist on that island.

Did they call them pixies, sprites, fairies, leprechauns (no, that would be Irish)?

I could not see them, but I just knew (without really knowing) they could see me. They were watching my every move. And here again in this forest near the shores of Lake Michigan in Wisconsin I could feel their presence then and there again.

I WONDERED

Were they observing me from the turn of the underside of a fern?

How small were they and how many were there?

Did they sit and twitter with each other about how funny we look and sound?

Could they leap from leaf to leaf to get a better view of us?

And did they listen from the creases of a tree?

Could they hide in the center of a flower, seeing us without being seen?

TRAVELING BACK IN TIME

I will never know the answers, but I will remember that unexpected overnight stay on the Isle of Skye. And then how my time in Wisconsin took me back, just as our drive had taken us back in time to visit old friends. What joys!

A TRAVELER’S QUESTION

When you travel what kind of alertness do take with you to explore even the mundane?

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Posted in fiction, Historical Fiction, Travel, Women's Fiction
Debut Novel Coming Soon

Posted on June 12, 2022June 12, 2022 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

Book Description: Song of Herself

Fiona Weston, an Iowa horsewoman in trousers, sails to India in 1906 to discover her journey is not the quest for which she had yearned, nor the escape from those who ridicule her unconventional ways.

Her uncle offers Fiona and her brother a chance for adventure, to sell the quarter horses to the British Indian army to breed with their Manipuri for polo. The San Francisco earthquake takes the life of her brother. Jacob, the shipping agent, hired to handle the horses, sale and quarantine, works alongside Fiona. Confined below deck to her quarters by the captain, the adventure of sailing evades her, but an attraction with Jacob smolders.

In India everything she encounters rubs against previous experiences. Her host and mentor, Ameera, introduces her to religions, castes, British Imperialism, and the ways of men and women. Fiona will choose between two men: the engaging shipping agent, and an intellectually intriguing missionary who needs a wife. More importantly, she will choose herself above all others.

In Song of Herself, Fiona experiences a journey fraught with obstacles that creates a sturdy sense of self in which she learns to accept irreconcilable differences and still sing her song of self.

Pre-Order Info Coming Soon

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Posted in Craft of writing, Editing & Revision, fiction, Revision, Writing exercises
Three Elements for Power-packed First Sentences

Posted on June 12, 2022June 12, 2022 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

INTRODUCTION: Writers continue to learn the craft no matter where they are in their writing development. Recently, I read in the January 2022 issue of The Writer magazine an article by Alison Acheson, “In The Beginning: Three elements that create a strong opening sentence,” pages 26-29. First sentences draw the reader in and give them a sense of character, setting, and emotion. They carry a lot of weight to gain your readers interest and trust in your writing. The author suggests that there are three elements to carry that responsibility of reeling in the reader. Here is my take on reading her article. I hope you will reader her article.

Three Elements in First Sentences

CHARACTER: Readers want to have a sense of the main character(s). We may not know their names, but we know something about them that will show up again or throughout the novel.

SETTING: The first sentence will offer a sense of place, maybe a location, time in history, or an event.

EMOTION: This may be indirect or implied by the setting or action or event. We likely won’t be told in the first sentence what the emotion is, but the writer will hint at it. We will get a sense of it.

EXAMPLE

I’ll offer an example from Ernest Hemingway’s Farewell to Arms. I’ll give you the first sentence then I’ll dissect it to learn what Hemingway accomplished in using those three elements. Your take on it maybe somewhat different than mine, but that’s okay.

HEMINGWAY in Farewell to Arms. “In the late summer of that year we lived in a house in a village that looked across the river and the plain to the mountain.”

CHARACTER: The word, “we,” implies two or more people. The rest of the sentence tells us that they live together in a house. My assumption before reading the book would be that it is a couple, which it is.

SETTING: “In the late summer of that year,” tells me it is about a point in time that we will learn more about later. But it happens in a season that is waning, which gives me the feeling that something is in decline, about to hibernate, or die.

The phrase, “a house in a village,” makes me think of a remote location, perhaps isolated.

The prepositional phrase, “across the river and plain,” again gives me the feeling of being in a valley far from the big picture, or where the action occurs.

Finally, the last expression, “to the mountain,” tells me they are looking to what is or might be happening on that mountain. Or perhaps it is just a goal, a wish, or even an illusion.

EMOTION: The setting has carried a lot of metaphorical and emotional weight of distance, foreboding, remoteness. A moment in time that might entail a connection, an affair, an event that does not bode well.

Summary

As you can see, Hemingway’s sentence deftly implies a decision by his main character’s to give up his arms to fight in World War I. The relationship between he and his lover is waning because they are looking at what they need and want, which is not each other.

What’s next in the coming weeks?

Look next week for another example taken from a narrative nonfiction classic. The next week another one from a short story; and finally the last week the example from my own novel, Song of Herself, to be published next year (soon I hope).

What about you?

Does this help you think about the first sentence in your story, novel or narrative nonfiction? Examine your first sentence and tell us what you find.

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Posted in Craft of writing, Editing & Revision, First Sentences, Memoir writing
Three Elements to Create a Strong Opening Sentence

Posted on December 9, 2021June 12, 2022 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

INTRODUCTION: Writers continue to learn the craft no matter where they are in their writing development. Recently, I read in the January 2022 issue of The Writer magazine an article by Alison Acheson, “In The Beginning: Three elements that create a strong opening sentence,” pages 26-29. Opening sentences have a lot of weight to carry. The author suggests that there are three elements to carry that responsibility of reeling in the reader. Here is my take on reading her article.

Three Elements in First Sentences

CHARACTER: Readers want to have a sense of the main character(s). We may not know their names, but we know something about them that will show up again or throughout the novel.

SETTING: The first sentence will offer a sense of place, maybe a location, time in history, or an event.

EMOTION: This may be indirect or implied by the setting or action or event. We likely won’t be told in the first sentence what the emotion is, but the writer will hint at it. We will get a sense of it.

EXAMPLE

After last week’s example take from fiction, this week I offer a nonfiction example from Frank McCourt’s memoir, Angela’s Ashes . I’ll give you the first sentence then I’ll dissect it to learn what McCourt accomplished in using these three elements. Your take on it may be somewhat different than mine, but that’s okay.

McCourt’s first sentence in Angela’s Ashes, “My father and mother should have stayed in New York where they met and married and where I was born.”

CHARACTER: The reference to the writer’s father and mother suggests they who set the action in motion. Even if we don’t know if the mother and father will be key actors throughout the memoir, we do know that they made a decision that impacted the antagonist, Frank McCourt’s life.

SETTING: The phrase, “… should have stayed in New York,” implies they are all on a journey to some place else. They have left a thriving city where previously good things had happened – the couple met, married, and gave birth to Frank.

EMOTION: The setting, like Hemingway’s, carries a lot of metaphorical and emotional weight. In this case, it provides a hint of regret, remorse, or longing for what is left behind.

Summary

As you can see, the relationship between him and his parents implies that McCourt is young and therefore reliant on his parents at this point in time. His first sentence deftly implies a decision by parents that will come to influence or impact McCourt gravely. What we do not know is that Angela is his mother, nor that her ashes are the cigarette ashes of despair.

As writers, when we can weave or at least hint at the three elements, character, place, and emotion in the first sentence of a story, whether fiction or nonfiction, we have successfully sent a message to readers they are in capable hands.

Next week, I’ll take the first sentence from a fiction short story writer. Join me in this series of investigations on first sentences that convey character, setting, and emotion in some significant way.

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Posted in Craft of writing, Memoir writing, Revision, Travel Writing, Writing exercises, Writing Groups
Endings: The Power and Types of Endings

Posted on November 19, 2021 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

ENDINGS. Philip Lopate in To Show and To Tell talks about a typology of endings. Here are the kinds that he mentions. This is a summarized list and paraphrased in some cases by me. My travel writing group that meets every two weeks, discussed this list in our last Zoom time together. We are eager to use this list and see where it takes us in add the power and punch of a satisfying ending. Join us in discussing these through this blog post.

Step #1: Identify the type of ending you have used in one of your last stories.

An image (metaphorical or real)
A pithy saying in a clever or humorous way
A line of dialogue
A joke (use this one with care)
A question
A quote
An ellipsis (…)
A return of a refrain or a different spin on the phrase
A new insight
A resolve
A sigh, a shrug, a sudden mood change
A platitude, ONLY IF it is humorous or non-preachy
A summary in the form of a series of semicolons
Restating conflicting elements (ideas, images, thoughts, etc.) and how to live with them
________________________________
________________________________
________________________________

Step 2: Develop multiple endings to your next story by trying several of these types of endings.

Step 3: Choose three of your favorite endings you have written. Think through those and select the most impactful for your story.

Step 4: Add to these types of endings overtime from your own experience and from your reading of others work.

Which ones have you used? Which ones would you like to use in the future? Which ones have you added to this list? I’m curious to learn what you think about the types of endings to our stories.

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Posted in journal writing, Memoir writing, Travel Writing
Journal Writing about your Travel Day

Posted on November 12, 2021 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

At the end of a travel day, journal about the events, people, and places you encountered.

In “Launch Your Travels” blog, the independent traveler Jen made several suggestions that a woman traveling alone can do in the evenings. It is rich with ideas for not only her niche audience, but for other travelers as well.

I had one thing to add to her suggestions, I’d like to share it with you here. If you do nothing else but this at the end of each day, you will have succeeded as being a thoughtful, purposeful, intentional traveler.

Journal about your travels. During dinner alone jot some notes while waiting for your meal to arrive. Make more full bodied reports of your travels that day after returning to your lodging. Here are some ideas to consider writing about.

Record a conversation you had with a child, stranger or tour guide.
Describe a place, person you met, or an experience you had, using all your senses.
Write your reactions (emotions, thoughts, challenged beliefs) to what you encountered during this day.
Reflect on a theme you set for your journey (i.e., as big as history or architecture, as small as slang or t-shirt sayings).
Report your progress on an intention you set for yourself before traveling (such as do something each day you’ve never done before or practice your second language with locals).

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Posted in adventure, paying attention, Travel
How Do You Define Travel Adventure

Posted on October 5, 2021 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

How do you define adventure, escapade, exploration, quest, or venture?

An adventure can be the outdoor, physically demanding kind. Like climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, mountain biking, or canoeing the North Woods. But not all of us are that physically fit or daring. Many of us travel for other kinds of adventures. One of mine is to learn to pay attention to what I experience.

How do you define travel adventure for yourself?

Chiapas from the back of a van

One year, at the invitation of two other women, I went along from Isla Mujeres to practice paying attention while seeing another part of Mexico, the southernmost state of Mexico, Chiapas. Once there we decided to take a tour to three different scenic and historical sites in a single day. What we did not calculate was the amount of time we would be in the van.

Jenn, Rhonda, Cathy

We left at 4:30 a.m., got home at midnight, spent 3 hours at three sites total, hurried through meals to ensure a potty stop, and bounced on the back axle of the van the rest of the trip.

My biggest surprise was not the beauty, or the history learned at the three sites, but what I gleaned from the back window of the bus about the way people lived in Chiapas.

Each household had cleared a spot in the tropical forest and built a house on an earthen plot with no vegetation. The houses, painted or not, sat enclosed by jungle. Most yards accommodated a large, non-specific breed of dog, some on a chain, others not. Yet they all barked at whatever passed by and barked with the children who played in the dusty yards. Even at a distance I could see happy kids in tattered clothing. Occasional goats, chickens, or other farm animals roamed free, well-fed and housed in an open shed or simply in the yard.

Because the houses were built close to the road and there was nowhere else to play, homeowners had laid massive nautical ropes in front of their homes. Much higher than most speed bumps and without the merging incline and leaving decline on each side, they made for a torturous journey. Therefore, our ride took the rhythm of down-shift, slow down, (first axle) up and over, then (back axle) up and over again, shift, and speed away. Parents and extended family settled on protecting their children’s safety over the convenience of tourists or even other locals.

As we returned in the fading sunlight, a single light bulb lit the interior of homes. We could tell because they left the doors and windows open for air—their native air conditioning. Inhabitants circled a table under that light bulb for dinner, reading and/or homework, sewing, or other life requirements.

I could see bare necessities were all they had, but they looked cheerful and well-fed to me. They seemed determined to make a life with little at hand.

Americans often feel denied if we don’t have the right brand of clothing, the best margarita on vacation, or a bonus at the end of the year. Often we find it tough to be happy with blessed lives.

From the back of the bus, I could see their poverty, joy, and ability to make the most of what they had.

Is your adventure to try using your rusty French or German, or your newly acquired Japanese; eat different foods than you normally would; or simply to write about your experiences in your journal to turn them into stories later? Any of these and many more can lead you to discoveries you would not have imagined before.

How do you define adventure for yourself? Please send an answer to that question so others can consider it, too.

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Posted in Submitting for Publication, Travel Writing, Writers' Groups
Progress of Writing

Posted on April 3, 2021 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

Two Steps Backward

Two steps back. I learned this week that submissions to two publications were rejected. That’s disappointing as a writer, but it is the nature, life, and supposed progress of writing.

One Step Forward

One step forward. Publishers of the Saturday Writers’ 2020 anthology, Decades in Writing, informed me that I can pre-order copies of the book for my purposes early at a reduced cost, as contributor. Now that’s progress to me.

Small Successes

Last February I placed second in a monthly writing contest that addressed the decade of 1900-1910. The first chapter of my novel, not yet published, Song of Herself, won as a stand-alone story entitled, “Tuck Tail or Sail.” You will find it on pages 99-104. My writing can be found in their 2011 anthology as well.

Saturday Writers Could be your Success Story

If you are a poetry writer or prose writer of personal narrative or fiction, consider Saturday Writers writing contests for a likely place to get published. Their logo states: Writers Encouraging Writers. It’s true.

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Posted in Craft of writing, Revision, Writing exercises
Edit your own Writing

Posted on March 18, 2021March 20, 2021 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

Are you ever in a crunch when you don’t have time for your writing group to critique your work? Working on your own and your client says your work sounds too repetitious? Wish you could see the problems in your own work that you see in other’s? Then this post is a first step for you.

Editing your own writing—to find the problems and develop solutions for them—is work. Often, revision is not considered the fun part of writing, but it can be when we see the results of our hard-won success.

While teaching a writing course this month, I have included an assessment of our sentence structures. This will help us see the multiple ways we start sentences and how we can add variety to our sentences and paragraphs to improve readability.

I decided to apply the assignment for my students to my own work as an illustration. When I did that, I saw my example essay still needed revision. So I went to work to get it ready for submission to publications.

Let me offer the assignment and then two paragraphs from my illustrative essay. One paragraph is varied, so I will not make changes; on the other hand, the second one needs work.

ASSIGNMENT

Analyze each paragraph in your story to see if your sentences start in a variety of ways to create interest for the reader.

Subject-verb structure. EX. He walked away. She ran to town.

Prepositional phrase. EX. For too long, we’ve put up with this. With that said, I left.

Transition word. EX. However, I concede. Subsequently, the lady gave in.

Gerund or “-ing” word. EX. Hunting for shoes, I found a new dress.

Conjunction phrases. EX. While shopping for shoes, I found a dress. Because life is difficult, we stumble on.

Incomplete sentences. EX. Right on time. Never again. For the cause.

EXAMPLE #1 FROM MY OWN WORK

This paragraph is taken from a story when I was fifteen-years-old, trying to find the right souvenir to take home to my mother from my first trip abroad.

Finally, my eyes land on world globes. One would mean a lot to Mom because we study missions at church. Like her, I enjoy learning geography by studying the world map and learning about other cultures by reading about missionaries in other countries. Mom has rarely been outside of Arkansas—me either until now.

Assessment of sentence variety for purposes of revision (3 of the 6 types of sentence starts)

Sentence #1 Transition word or phrase

Sentence #2 Subject/verb

Sentence #3 Conjunction word or phrase

Sentence #4 Subject/verb

EXAMPLE #2 FROM MY OWN WORK

The following paragraph also is taken from the same story.

Some globes stand on the floor; others sit on tabletops. The globes look like they were made from old-world parchment, like expensive antiques. The wooden stand in which one sets would suit our house—and Mother. She will smile when she pulls it out of the box and exclaims, “I love it.”

Analysis (1 of the six ways to start sentences–pretty boring)

Sentence #1 Subject/verb

Sentence #2 Subject/verb

Sentence #3 Subject/verb

Sentence #4 Subject/verb

REVISION ON EXAMPLE #2

There are infinite ways to make the revisions, but here is one attempt to add variety to my sentence structures in a single paragraph.

While a few globes stand on the floor; others sit on tabletops. Leaning toward the latter, I like the ones that have an old-fashioned, weathered look. The maple wood frame in which one sits would suit our house. And suit Mother. I can imagine her opening it. After prying open the box, she’ll pull it out and look at me to exclaim, “I love it.”

Assessment of sentence variety (5 of the 6 types of sentence starts–and less boring)

Sentence #1 Conjunction

Sentence #2 Gerund (-ing word)

Sentence #3 Incomplete sentence

Sentence #4 Subject/verb

Sentence #5 Preposition

That’s the fun of revision, to make your writing easier to read for your audience.

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Posted in Craft of writing, fiction, Travel Writing, Workshops, Writing exercises, Writing Workshops
Flash Fiction from playing the Flaneur

Posted on August 20, 2020August 25, 2024 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

The Story Behind the Story

The story behind a story, I recently had published The City that Stole His Daughter, offers insight into the kind of an exercise that can stoke the imagination of a writer.

The Exercise

In Rolf Potts‘ course, Travel Writing as Memoir, in October 2019 sponsored by Santa Fe Workshops, he set before us a “pyschogeography” exercise to prompt the imagination as a flaneur, wandering not so aimlessly through the streets of San Miguel de Allende.

We were to select a color — I picked blue. Wander the street to find the first instance of the color while walking the streets and follow it until it disappeared or ran out of sight. Then pick up the next element of blue and follow it until I walked past it or it fell out of sight. Again and again until a story or fragments came into being.

The Outcome

This process led me to notice a man on a park bench with his hat tipped to shade the sun with a big fat yellow lab asleep underneath. I imagined he had come to the city to see an adult son or daughter who had left the countryside for a better way of life.

I sauntered to a yellow coffee shop with a lavender blue door and shutters, Lavanda, for lemonade and asked for the owner. The manager, Karla, came to visit me about where they purchased their lavender and leapt to the topic of “specialty” coffee.

I recall her excitement as she told me, “Our coffee is fair trade. It is good for the farmer, the roasters, the coffee shop, and our clients. It is a win-win for everyone. It makes a good economy for our community. When asked by customers if our coffee is organic, I must tell that that ‘Yes, it is farmed without pesticides and with the old ways of tilling the fields and harvesting, but sadly no, our government does not regulate for an organic label’.”

When I combined the image of the old man and my imagined story of him with the enthusiasm of Karla about speciality coffee, I had my story.

The Resulting Story

I have submitted the story to contests and for publication several times, revised it each time a bit, and then won honorable mention by WOW! Women on Writing in early 2020 but it was not published. I submitted it for review and feedback by Flash Fiction Magazine and then received substantial recommendations to make changes. They published my 1000-word flash fiction, The City that Stole His Daughter, this week, August 18, 2020. Thanks to Flash Fiction Magazine.

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Posted in Craft of writing, Memoir writing, Travel Writing, Writing Retreats, Writing Workshops
Travel Writing as Memoir with Rolf Potts

Posted on November 15, 2019November 15, 2019 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

I wondered what Potts meant by the title, Travel Writing as Memoir? As a student in his Santa Fe Workshop, held in San Miguel de Allende October 13-18, I learn that he meant the writer could impose herself in the writing, rather than standing at a distance and reporting–the reader wants to hear the voice of the writer. He meant we were free to use literary devices, such as writing with imagery, metaphor, foreshadowing, symbolism, and/or humor, among others.

He introduced us to psychogeography and assigned us the task of following a color of our choice through the city to encounter it in a unique way, randomly yet meaningfully. The concept of drifting or wandering the streets of the city aimlessly with the intent to observe with all our senses what the paths of the village had to offer us was the assignment–paradoxical in nature, but highly productive and insightful.

The workshop took my writing to a new level. I better understand how to find an appealing first sentence. I can see more ways to place myself reflectively in an essay about what I experience. And I know how to mine my travel experiences more thoroughly and insightfully through color tracking as a means of psychogeography.

What classes, workshops, or retreats have helped take your writing to a new level? Please share below, so others will find venues to develop their writing.

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Posted in journal writing, Travel, Travel Writing, Writing Workshops
Vacation Travel Journal Writing Workshop

Posted on May 2, 2019May 29, 2019 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

Wrede Country School in Gillespie County, open 1896-1960

On April 27, 2019, the Wrede little one-room country schoolhouse, just outside of Fredericksburg, Texas, hosted ten students for inspiration and tutoring in the art of travel journal writing. The organizers promoted the workshop as Vacation Journal Writing, which attracted people from their early teens to their mid-seventies. Continue reading “Vacation Travel Journal Writing Workshop” →

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Posted in Craft of writing, Marketing, Promotion
Promoting my Book Locally

Posted on April 4, 2019May 29, 2019 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

Sometimes it is difficult to find an audience for your book and the process is time consuming. But a recent opportunity came along that I couldn’t pass up. The Comfort, Texas, Public Library hosted its annual Read-A-Thon Saturday, March 30, 2019. I was invited to read and exhibit my book, At Home in the World: Travel Stories of Growing Up and Growing Away. Continue reading “Promoting my Book Locally” →

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Posted in Craft of writing, Submitting for Publication, Writing
WOW! Women on Writing publishes my essay: Finger Gone Rogue, Writing Gone Mute

Posted on October 26, 2018May 29, 2019 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

Some of you will recall me sharing with you last year that I almost lost a finger but saved it by getting Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). Good news came from that unfortunate experience.

Life often gives us our stories. We bring them to life for others by writing them.

Continue reading “WOW! Women on Writing publishes my essay: Finger Gone Rogue, Writing Gone Mute” →

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Posted in Writing Conferences
Conference Etiquette

Posted on July 25, 2018July 25, 2018 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

Last week, I offered suggestions on how to make the most of attending a writing conference. I focused on learning, networking, and taking care of yourself while there.

This week, I want to consider the etiquette of attending a writing conference. While last week I featured what to do; this week, I’ll stress what not to do at a conference. Both are equally important. Continue reading “Conference Etiquette” →

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Posted in Workshops, Writing Conferences, Writing Workshops
How to Make the Most of Attending a Writing Conference

Posted on July 17, 2018July 24, 2018 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

Regardless of the kind of writing conference, course, or retreat you attend, here are some ways to make the best of it. You have most likely paid money for this experience, so it’s up to you to get your money’s worth.

Continue reading “How to Make the Most of Attending a Writing Conference” →

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Posted in Craft of writing, fiction, Writing, Writing exercises
Revision: Ways to Improve my Writing

Posted on June 17, 2018March 19, 2020 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

REVISION

Editing a paragraph from my book-in-progress illustrates the kind of work entailed in revision. This is the “line edit” kind of editorial work that I do on an ongoing process with my writing partners and for myself. Continue reading “Revision: Ways to Improve my Writing” →

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Posted in Craft of writing, fiction, Travel Writing, Writing
Conduct Research for Scenes in Your Fiction

Posted on January 17, 2018July 25, 2018 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

via How to Research a Location You Haven’t Actually Been To

This blog post above by fellow writer, Helena Fairfax, has been wonderfully helpful to me in writing my novel set in India and on a ship in the Pacific and Indian oceans. As an example, I wrote a scene in the book of slaughtering a sea turtle for eating aboard ship after watching a YouTube by today’s Aboriginal Australians.

Read the scene below from my book in-progress, Salwar Kameez. I’ve added a few notes to the reader to be able to grasp who the characters are in the scene, because it is out of context for you.

SCENE from BOOK on Butchering a Sea Turtle Continue reading “Conduct Research for Scenes in Your Fiction” →

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Posted in Submission of writing, Submitting for Publication, Writing
Payoff when Submitting for Publication

Posted on December 30, 2017July 25, 2018 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

For the last six months, my writing has been on hold. On July 20, 2017, I almost lost my left middle digit to a fungal infection that a doctor deadened and lanced. Two days later, it was black—dead, not simply bruised. Doctors’ cautionary comments did not use the word, amputation, but they hinted at it for a month.

My writing life was on hold. Or so I thought. Continue reading “Payoff when Submitting for Publication” →

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Posted in Travel Writing
Travel Writing workshop coming up!

Posted on November 10, 2017July 25, 2018 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

How to capture your travel adventures, while not missing a thing? How to prep yourself by deciding in advance what kinds of things you want to write about? How to find the right type of journal for your trip?

Continue reading “Travel Writing workshop coming up!” →

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Posted in fiction, Travel, Travel Writing
My Writing Hiatus in a Hyperbaric Chamber

Posted on September 21, 2017July 25, 2018 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

My fortieth and last visit in a pressurized hyperbaric oxygen chamber

I am right handed, so how can I steady a cantaloupe without the middle finger of my left hand while cutting it up? How can I keep it from slipping and then spilling juice and contents? How can I hold the fruit firm enough not to cut myself? Very carefully.

How can I type the E, D, and C letters on the computer without that middle finger? Slowly and with lots of mistakes.

I have been in a hyperbaric chamber every weekday for the last two months in an attempt to save a finger. Success is slow but promising. Continue reading “My Writing Hiatus in a Hyperbaric Chamber” →

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Posted in Craft of writing, fiction, Writing
Does my novel pass the Bechdel-Wallace test?

Posted on September 15, 2017July 25, 2018 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

I just learned about the Bechdel test (or Bechdel-Wallace test, as Bechdel prefers to call it to credit her friend, Ms. Wallace) from Andrea Lundgren’s recent blog post. This test requires in fiction or movies that 1) two women be present and named 2) talk to one another 3) about something other than a man. Continue reading “Does my novel pass the Bechdel-Wallace test?” →

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Posted in Craft of writing, Writers' Groups, Writing, Writing Groups
Writers are often INFJs or INFPs, based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)

Posted on June 23, 2017July 25, 2018 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

Lauren Sapala, the author of The INFJ Writer in a recent blog post, writes there is no coincidence that many writers are INFJs or INFPs, which are terms for the personality types in the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).

The types are a four-part combination of four spectrums of likely thoughts, actions, behaviors that generate a personality type. These types are used to better understand ourselves and others, to improve communication between different types, and to work more effectively. But the types should not be used to label or box people into narrow definitions of self or others. Continue reading “Writers are often INFJs or INFPs, based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI)” →

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Posted in Craft of writing, journal writing, Travel Writing, Writing exercises
Revise a draft using the five senses.

Posted on June 4, 2017July 25, 2018 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

Another way to revise our travel stories (or any story or scene) is to use the senses to describe the setting, the characters, and the action. Using the words “I smell…, we heard…, or you may taste…” is NOT the point. We can imply the senses by using rhythm with our words or utilizing descriptors that convey the sense itself. Continue reading “Revise a draft using the five senses.” →

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Posted in Craft of writing, journal writing, Memoir writing, Travel, Travel Writing, Workshops, Writing exercises, Writing Workshops
Flow Writing followed by 3-step Revision

Posted on May 22, 2017July 25, 2018 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

Flow Writing

In a recent Travel Touchstones: Transformative Travel through Creative Journal Writing workshop with lively participants, I explained that I developed the writing exercises as a result of not having the right kind of material from my journals when drafting my coming-of-age travel memoir, At Home in the World: Travel Stories of Growing Up and Growing Away.

I offered a flow writing activity. Continue reading “Flow Writing followed by 3-step Revision” →

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Posted in Craft of writing, journal writing, Memoir writing, Travel, Travel Writing, Writing exercises
Insight from Travel through Journal Writing Exercise

Posted on May 11, 2017July 25, 2018 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

Ira Progoff’s “Stepping Stones” Journal Writing Exercise

Stepping Stones is a journal writing exercise developed by Ira Progoff. He conducted research about how individuals develop more fulfilling lives. In his role as psychotherapist, he found that clients who wrote about their life experiences were able to work through issues more rapidly. Through this research, he then developed and refined the Intensive Journal Method to provide a way to encourage the processes by which people learn, grow, and develop as individuals. Continue reading “Insight from Travel through Journal Writing Exercise” →

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Posted in Craft of writing, Writing, Writing exercises
BUILDING TENSION

Posted on April 28, 2017July 25, 2018 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

A WRITING EXERCISE THAT HELPS BUILD TENSION

Open your thesaurus; go to any letter in the alphabet. Pick words from that letter that prompts questions that may help you think about your characters, plot, setting, dialogue, actions, emotions, and especially tension. Then for every word, develop a question that can push you deeper into your story, hopefully building tension in your book, story, or scene. Continue reading “BUILDING TENSION” →

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Posted in Craft of writing, Memoir writing, Writing
A writing exercise for insight into your memoir’s main characters, you

Posted on April 23, 2017July 25, 2018 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

BACKGROUND for the EXERCISE

“The stranger at the heart of my journey is me—transformed.” — Joseph Dispenza in his book, The Way of the Traveler (p. 97)

Dispenza suggests in his book that the people we meet in our travels can serve as mirrors of ourselves in what we portray to the world. Or these folks, whether strangers or not during our adventures, may contain qualities that we lack and wish we had. For our memoir, this is one way to gain insight that we need to write a more textured and full-bodied story of our life. So try this. Continue reading “A writing exercise for insight into your memoir’s main characters, you” →

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Posted in Craft of writing, journal writing, Travel Writing, Writing, Writing Myths
Myth Buster: If I write, I’m a writer!

Posted on April 10, 2017August 22, 2024 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

Myth Bluster: If I write, I’m a writer.!

We often tell ourselves, “I can’t write worth a hoot!” And sometimes others imply it by their lack of interest in our work or comments that sound and feel negative. We must believe in ourselves and our ability to improve over time. Here is what we need to be thinking instead to bust previous belief.

Myth Busters: If I write, I am a writer. If I don’t write well, I can learn to write better. Work makes wishes come true.

It’s all a matter of perspective. We can tell ourselves a different story about our ability to write, and then start to make progress by practicing. So put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard. Start writing what is on your mind and in your heart.

I’ll be offering some writing prompts in the near future. I hope they will be useful to you.

Here is another myth buster to previous thinking:

Practice does not make perfect; practice makes possible.

Comments from anyone?

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Posted in journal writing, Travel Writing, Workshops, Writing Workshops
Treat Yourself to a Writing Retreat

Posted on January 31, 2017February 2, 2017 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

Why go to a “travel journal writing retreat” while traveling? Why not? What better time? Why not here (Isla Mujeres, Mexico) and now (February 7)?

Why?

Get inspired to write your nightly notes or scribbled itinerary or captured conversations while in route. During the “Travel Touchstones: Transformative Travel through Creative Journal Writing” workshop, discover new techniques to trap your memories on paper in words and sketches. Share your journal writing experiences with other travelers. Explore multiple journal writing tools and techniques to use, as well as identify topics you might not have thought to pursue.

Why Not?

You are on a break from your day-to-day routine. This is when you are more open to taking in new perspectives on your travel, your world back home, and/or who you are and want to become.

What better time?

Travel time provides the perfect circumstance for nourishing your creativity. You have more flexible time. Different scenery offers new outlooks. Various people (you might not otherwise spend time with) come and go temporarily from whom you can learn.

Why not here and now?

The Red Buddha yoga studio serves as lovely, soulful place for a writing retreat in Isla Mujeres, Mexico; February 7, 6-9pm. The three-hour workshop costs $50 USD (or equivalent pesos), a bargain for the fun of spending time with like-minded folks and for the years of enhanced journal writing experiences you will log.

Transformative travel happens when …

sojourners anticipate, mentally rehearse, and build expectations for the future;

explorers experience places, people, and circumstance that challenge and test them;

adventurers return home with stories that have transformed their thinking, actions, and perspectives.

For more workshop information, click below.

announcement-of-isla-feb-7-workshop.

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Get Candace Raredon’s “Travel Sketching 101” FREE

Posted on January 23, 2017January 23, 2017 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

I invite you to go Candace Rardon’s website for her FREE e-book, “Travel Sketching 101” launch and giveaway. Even if you are not an artist, this is a lovely book with ideas for sketching–even for those of us whose artistic genius matured and ended in the third grade, like mine.

I tell you about this because I believe her instruction book can greatly enhance our travel journals with images. Visual images, like words, help us collect and retain memories in our travel journals.

REMINDER: I will hold a fun, interactive writing workshop on Isla Mujeres, Mexico entitled, “Travel Touchstones: Transformative Travel through Creative Journal Writing” on Tuesday evening, February 7, from 6:00-9:00 p.m. at the Red Buddha yoga studio, #22 Juarez Avenue. You will get to write from 2-3 different prompts, share, practice writing with all six senses, and develop techniques, topics, and tools.

In the workshop, you will get to write 2-3 different entries from prompts given, share, practice writing with all six senses, and develop techniques, topics, and tools.

If want to take advantage of this unique opportunity while traveling for only $50 (or equivalent pesos), please email me (rwileyjones@gmail.com) or complete the form below, as soon as possible to hold your place in the workshop. Pay on site.

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Posted in journal writing, Travel, Travel Writing
Upcoming Workshops in Texas and Mexico

Posted on January 5, 2017January 5, 2017 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

Travel Touchstones: Transformative Travel through Creative Journal Writing

I had always thought that travel books and travel writers were all about where to go and how to get there. “Been there, done it, got the t-shirt” mentality. But the following quote from Arthur Frommer dispelled my thinking.

“The only things that interest me are people and ideas. I love going on trips that shock me, where everything I believe in my religion, my politics, my social outlook is immediately challenged with diametrically different viewpoints.” – Arthur Frommer –

Frommer took his interest in people and ideas and turned it into an international travel business. His advice is one way to start thinking about the Travel Touchstones workshop, where we attempt to turn standard excursions into transformative travel.

How? Several ways.

Anticipate (play out in our mind or rehearse) what you may encounter and decide how you want to experience what lies in front of you. Often setting a ‘theme’ for your travel may be sufficient to help you get more from the journey into the world. What do I mean by theme? Choosing a cultural phenomenon, like the place of food in the French lifestyle, to investigate as you meet people, eat in restaurants, or shop in grocery stores. Or say, select something about yourselves you want to explore, like notice when you feel threatened, defensive, or uncomfortable and why.

Learn to pay attention to the little things. Use your senses to experience all there is along the way. Not just through the eye of the camera, but sounds and scents, textures and tastes. Note how children are viewed by the country’s culture. Watch for body language in place of verbal attempts. Put your brain and your senses on high alert to help you experience more than you typically would.

Discover what kind of journal writing tools you want and need for the particular journey, find journal writing techniques that make it fast and fun and fulfilling to write, and anticipate topics and themes you may want to pursue. With tools, techniques, and topics in your toolkit, you are ready to hit the road.

These are the three key areas that participants will explore in the upcoming “Travel Touchstones: Transformative Travel through Creative Journal Writing” workshops.

Dates and Locations

Saturday, January 14, 1-4 pm; Kerrville, Texas

Tuesday, February 7, 6-9 pm; Isla Mujeres, Mexico, at the Red Buddha Studio

Join me and others to learn how to enjoy transformative travel through creative journal writing. For details and registration, email me at rwileyjones@gmail.com.

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The Value of Joining a Writing Group

Posted on December 1, 2016January 5, 2017 by Rhonda Wiley-Jones

by Kyle Massa

Just the other day, I finished a first draft of a piece I was working on and thought to myself, This is pretty darn good. I brought that piece to my writing group a week later,…

Source: The Value of Joining a Writing Group

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