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A Step Out: Rest before Revision

3/23/2017

12 Comments

 
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Happy Poetry Friday! It is so good to be back with all my poetry friends. I am so very grateful to be a part of such an incredible community of poetry enthusiasts! All are welcome to join in the round-up at any time. This week, the poetry festivities are happening at Catherine's space, Reading to the Core.

Last week, I took a step outside to take a deep breath and write some poetry. I do this often, not just to find inspiration for writing, but especially before I take on the work of revision. I realize that when I take a step away from a draft for a period of time, I gain a sense of clarity and purpose for my work. Then when I am ready, I am eager to awake my resting draft and reread it with a renewed lens of attention. This "step out" strategy really has helped me approach the revising process with excitement and initiative.

Today, I am sharing a poem which came to life only because I chose to step out and away from my draft for a moment before returning to the real revision work with fresh eyes.     
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Invitation to Write:

Sometimes taking a step out or away from our normal routines can help refresh our thinking and help us to make sense of our world. As a writer, I have used this strategy often. Often times, a physical step out into nature or an emotional step out of my comfort zone, is just what I need to inspire new ideas. Other times, a step out and away from a first or second draft, allows me the time to consider my work with a fresh pair of eyes.

I invite you to take some time to think of how a step out or away from your current work might help you as a writer. Take your current work or a working draft, and let it rest in a quiet space for as long as you feel necessary. Then, give yourself permission to step out for awhile. When the time is right, take out your piece. Give yourself a nudge, and begin again.  
12 Comments
Linda Mitchell link
3/24/2017 04:02:13 am

Welcome Home! I did miss you last Friday....but am so glad you have taken the time to make your writing all that it can be. Revision is such satisfying work. It's amazing what I can find to work on after the "rush" of thinking something was good or even great. I am taken with "spending an hour in eternity" That is just lovely.

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Brenda Harsham link
3/24/2017 04:50:43 am

Lovely. I would be happy to spend a quiet hour today, but alas, it is more likely to be frantic fun today.

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Irene Latham
3/24/2017 06:22:43 am

Oh, we should all step out more often! This is lovely, for a moment, for an hour, for a lifetime. Nothing heals like nature. Thank you!

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Donna link
3/24/2017 09:26:12 am

If this wind would stop, I could maybe step out and think while I'm out there! Oh, for the warmer days to come! Stepping away from my writing to do the laundry or dishes though, also gives me that time, too.
It is good reflection time.
Just so you know, some words were used from a poem on your post to use in the new Scavenger Hunt today! http://mainelywrite.blogspot.com/2017/03/poetry-friday.html

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Jane @ Raincity Librarian link
3/24/2017 09:47:20 am

When I was younger, I used to struggle with the idea of working on a project over time - I was so impatient, and I wanted everything to be 100% perfect the first time around! I'm trying to take this advice to heart, and let my projects rest and breath, and come back to them with a fresh perspective.

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Mary Lee Hahn
3/24/2017 04:47:18 pm

When you keep your eyes open, you find poems everywhere you look!

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Alice Nine link
3/24/2017 08:09:46 pm

I like your "'step out' strategy." I talk about letting it get cold so I can see it with different eyes and hear with different ears. This is a part of writing that most students don't experience in the classroom because they are being pushed to complete their writing. BTW, love your poem; reminds me of childhood yet speaks to me in the now.

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Kay McGriff link
3/25/2017 05:33:49 am

What a lovely invitation to step outside, both physically and figuratively.

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Robyn Hood Black link
3/25/2017 05:51:05 am

Thanks for sharing your "stepping out" time with us, Kiesha. That time away from a piece of writing is absolutely necessary, isn't it? (I call it time for the writing to cure!)

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Linda Baie link
3/25/2017 07:03:25 am

I love that middle part of your poem, those questions that show what's out there if only one takes the time to look. Stepping away to let the mind drift is good advice, then return for a new look. Thanks, Kiesha

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Catherine link
3/25/2017 03:19:46 pm

Sigh. Your poem is lovely, Keisha. I am a big fan of spending an hour to "let my spirit drift," to "hear nature's soft voice inside my soul."

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Michelle Kogan link
3/25/2017 04:00:39 pm

Beautiful and refreshing poem Kiesha! Sometimes when I'm super busy if I can push myself to fit in a quick walk, it often has wonderfully rich results.

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    Welcome! I'm Kiesha Shepard, and I have a love for writing and the teaching of writing. Whispers From the Ridge is a place where I can share my words and ideas for teaching writing. It's also a place for you to find inspiration for writing the words inside of you. I invite you into my world of writing as I capture the whispers from the ridge.

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