Poetry Friday: My Favorite Writing Things
Patricia Franz, my Nevermores poetry buddy, is our host for today. The Nevermores is a group on Inked Voices that gives each other prompts each week. Since we’ve been in the group together, we’ve written to 102 prompts! I’m so proud of us!
My Favorite Writing Things
Usually at the end of the year, right before Christmas, I see lots of “great gifts for writers” posts. Many of them are things I wouldn’t buy. I love seeing purely practical stuff—tools of the trade. Like Austin Kleon’s post about his materials.
Last year, I shared what I use for my haiku photography. So I thought I’d do a page with a mega list of my favorite things.
Here’s the thing: I can write anywhere. I love writing in libraries, coffee shops, on trains, in my parked car. But I also love routine. I write daily in my office at 5:00am. So I have a few favorite things that I really do love using.
Haiku of the Week
This poem was published (without the photo) in the Haiku Society of America member anthology.
above the train tracks
skeleton tree waits
for lightning
Photo Taken: June 17, 2022
Haiku Written: June 22, 2022
Haiku Moments Playlist
Poetry Printables Page
Sign up for poetry postcards
What I’m Reading
edited by James Crews
22 Comments
Rose Cappelli
Thank you, Marcie. I always get great tips from you. Congrats on the publication of your haiku. It is a joy to write with you.
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
The feeling is mutual, Rose. I feel so lucky to be part of the Nevermores.
Linda Mitchell
Great information packaged creatively…it’s so you! Thank you for the tips. That book needs to be in my hands asap!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Aww, thanks, Linda!
Linda Baie
It’s a lovely observation in the haiku, Marcie! I have the book, but am still reading his earlier one! I’m sure it’s lovely! I hope your weekend is going great!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
The book is lovely! Definitely recommend.
Tracey Kiff-Judson
Marcie, your posts are packed with so much information! I found myself pulled several layers deep before I realized I had to get back to your original post! “Skeleton tree” is such perfect word choice for that picture. It is too bad they could not publish your picture as well! : )
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Thank you, Tracey. It’s funny, I had the mega list already made, but it took me forever to put the links together. So glad you managed to get layers deep. 🙂
PATRICIA J FRANZ
Ooh… I need that James Crewes volume now! Thx!
I saw your haiku post (congratulations!) on FB – and I’m giggling because this second look at the skeleton tree makes me think he was struck once already 😉
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Yeah, it’s funny, pretty sure it was struck by lightning. I looked back at the date. In the middle of June, it should have been completely leafed out. So it’s definitely a dead tree.
Michelle Kogan
Congrats on the publication of your haiku, I like its edginess! And like Linda B I also have the James Crews book but am reading an earlier one –Thanks!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Thank you, Michelle!
Mary Lee
Thanks for your list of favorite writing goodies! Fun to compare yours with Austin’s with mine. I’ve had to replace my early morning writing routine with an exercise routine and I’m still working out when I’ll consistently put BIC and use my so-old-the-brand’s worn off .7 lead mechanical pencil with the twist-up eraser in my Decomposition notebook decorated with whatever stickers come my way in the 6 months or so that it takes me to fill one, tabbing each month with Redi-tag divider notes (post-it style tabs where I can jot monthly goals).
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
I LOVE this! See? We are particular about our materials. 🙂
Laura Purdie Salas
Oooh. That tree not only waits for lightning. It IS lightning. And I love the idea of stickers to decorate a project folder. Hmm…
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
It IS lightning–something I didn’t see until you pointed it out. 🙂
Susan T.
Marcie, congrats on the haiku publication! Yay.
I love your list of, and links for, writing supplies. I’m a fan of Blackwing pencils, too, and around back-to-school time each year, I buy the on-sale composition books at Staples. I can’t believe how cheap they are! When I am in NYC listening for poetry lines, I like to have a reporter’s notebook handy, but honestly I end up writing on whatever I can get my hands on fast enough. I’ve learned that I do not always remember great lines that seem impossible to forget! The phone with its Notes app is good, but going through various log-in screens can take too long.
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Yes, I often buy composition notebooks for morning pages–they are cheap, so they work for this. But I have to have WIDE margins since I’m a lefty.
Janice scully
I love that there is always something to think about when a person loves to write. A connection to make, a word to admire, a reaction to study and understand. Lovely photo and haiku. Trees are a wealth of inspiration for me. Thanks, Marcie!
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Thank you so much!
Margaret Simon
I’m reading the same book. It’s so inspiring and so are you! I love your haiku and would love another calendar for 2024 as your calendar led me through 2023. Your generosity abounds.
Marcie Flinchum Atkins
Thank you, Margaret!