Thursday, June 7, 2012

Writing by the Numbers: 14 Writing Exercises, 20 Markets, and One Poem

At lunch over the weekend I was part of a discussion on the topic of which is more important--numbers or words--math versus reading. Of course, I took the side of words.

While numbers have been called the universal language, where would we be without words? We learn to talk before we learn to count, don't we? And if we can't read, how can we recognize numbers?

While I'm still a word nerd, the discussion got me to give numbers their due.

Numbers and words are important in different ways; often they are complementary. I even have examples:

The other day I stumbled upon this list of writing exercises in Stumbleupon with 14 writing exercises.

The first six focus on scenes, narration, verbs and most of all STORY. The next eight focus on creating rounded CHARACTERS.

Here's something writing-related with even more numbers.

Earlier this week Becky Povich sent me a link to Meghan Ward's blog Writerland, whose blog post includes a listing 20 markets for personal essays.

Oh, and then there's Elizabeth Barrett Browning's famous sonnet,  "How Do I Love Thee? Let me count the ways. . ."

10 comments:

  1. Donna--Thanks for sharing the link. I know writers all over are grateful for the low-down on some possible places to submit.

    As far as numbers, there's also "13 Ways of Looking at a Blackbird" (I hope I have the title of that poem correct.)

    A challenge to you: I'm writing a Big Foot Story to submit to Lou. Are you? ;)

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    1. Hi Sioux,
      You're welcome.
      As far as Big Foot stories--the only encounters I've had are with my own big feet--putting them in my mouth from time to time.
      Donna

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  2. Hi Donna! Thanks for posting the link with the submission possibilities. Guess I could've done it on mine after all, since I posted one today about "Writerly" things!...But, now I'm back to my blog break! :)

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  3. Words over number any day. Probably because I'm a lousy mathmatician!

    Pat
    Critter Alley

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  4. Hi Becky,
    Thanks for sending me the link. I was happy to read you took a break from your blog break to share your good news from Publisher's Syndicate.

    Hi Pat,
    My math skills aren't the greatest either.

    Donna

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  5. I like words better, but numbers have their place, too.

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  6. I like words better than numbers too, maybe because I spent so many years working in accounting departments for big companies.

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  7. Hi Carol,
    How true!

    Hi Pat,
    Same here. I worked with numbers in my government career conducting manpower studies, and I actually taught a class in statistical process control, but words rule!

    Donna

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  8. Thanks for sharing the info!

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