“Be a spot on the ground…”: Breakthrough tip for the week of January 26, 2014

Be a spot on the ground
where nothing is growing
where something might be planted,
a seed, from the Absolute.
—Djalal ad-Din Rumi

Thank you, writer, for your question last week: “No matter how I try to figure out what comes next in my short story; no matter if I ask my dreams; no matter how I try to outline, the story won’t fall into place.” Rumi tells us what to do. What not to do. His teaching is the opposite of everything we are told these days about success.

Love to hear how this works for you. Love getting questions. Please send them. ms

Extra breakthrough tip: Try switching genres. If you’re a fiction writer, let a few lines of poetry emerge. If you’re a poet, begin a short memoir. I’m writing a screenplay for a pilot for a t.v. series based on my 2014 novel, 29. I feel a fire and excitement – make that obsession – that I haven’t felt in a long time.

I’m teaching a one-day Breakthrough writing workshop for women in Chandler on Saturday, March 7. I have three spots left. Please let me know if you are interested:

Breakthrough Writing for Women: Take Two with Mary Sojourner

We’ll meet Saturday, March 7, from 10-5, with an hour lunch break, at Holly Metz’ house, 421 N. Evergreen Street, Chandler, AZ. As you know. we will mostly write and read, though I can teach whatever craft skills you ask me to teach! I see this as a chance to go more deeply into your work. Bring writing materials and lunch. Holly will provide tea and coffee. Limit: 10 writers. The fee is $100./ $60. un-refundable deposit to me by February 20. Mary Sojourner, 2706 Tishepi Trail, Flagstaff, Az. 86005. Feel free to write me: bstarr67@gmail.com or call: 928-213-5591 if you have any questions.

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