Food for Thought: Is the Increase in Homelessness in LoWest Visible?

Posted on by

county poster

Recently, a news report was published stating that homelessness in Westchester County, NY was on the rise.

But is the increase visible?

And if the increase is visible, does the information regarding homelessness in the county seem as if it is being concealed or hidden in any way?

To refresh some memories (or to inform those who weren’t in “the know”) Westchester was one of the top places in New York State that faced a severe homeless crisis during the 1980s.

Share your thoughts!

Monday Mourning: Writing Prompt

Posted on by

20130429-104633.jpg
(Photo by Rachel McCain)

Monday Mourning: Photo Inspiration.
Check out the photo of the Mourning Dove family above. What thoughts come to mind? Can you think of a few sentences that reflect on the scene? What emotions does it evoke?

Enjoy your Monday, everyone!

Writing Prompt: Some Saturday Sunshine (or Sunset)

Posted on by

20130427-104144.jpg
(Photo by Rachel McCain)

Saturday Writing Prompt: Photo Inspiration.
Sometimes, a picture is worth a thousand words (cliche, but true). Then again, a photo may only conjure up a few sentences.
Examine the photo above. Think of a possible storyline to coincide with it? Who are the characters? What is the plot? How does the story begin?

Or maybe a poem comes to mind?

Whatever your inspiration/genre of choice, let creativity be your guide.

Happy writing!

Poll of the Week: Is Peaceful Resistance Needed in Westchester County?

Posted on by
Photo courtesy of hannaharendtcenter.org

Photo courtesy of hannaharendtcenter.org

The revolution, in Westchester County, will NOT be televised.

…Or will it?

In light of yesterday’s post regarding peaceful resistance, do you feel that Westchester residents have been slacking when it comes to fighting for rights? (Peaceful) protests? Share your thoughts!

Oriphany’s Founder on WVOX 1460AM TOMORROW!

Posted on by
Oriphany's Founder, Rachel McCain, will be on WVOX 1460AM tomorrow!

Oriphany’s Founder, Rachel McCain, will be on WVOX 1460AM tomorrow!

Tune into WVOX 1460AM TOMORROW from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. to hear Oriphany’s Founder, Rachel McCain, discuss the literary magazine and other topics of interest.

You can also listen LIVE at WVOX.com!

Is Peaceful Resistance Needed in Westchester County?

Posted on by
Photo courtesy of hannaharendtcenter.org

Photo courtesy of hannaharendtcenter.org

Mahatma Gandhi. Martin Luther King, Jr.


Two of the world’s greatest advocates for peaceful resistance.

 

In light of contentious occurrences that have taken place in Westchester County over the years, is it time for a bit of peaceful resistance?

Take for instance what’s going on with the Westchester County desegregation agreement, which has been a matter of concern for a number of years in the county.  Or even the allegations of segregation occurring in a Mamaroneck school last year.

Where was/is the publics’ thoughts on these matters? Where are the sit-ins? Nonviolent protests?

DOES ANYONE EVEN CARE?

Share your thoughts with us!

 

 

 

 

It’s All in the Details: Wednesday Writing Prompt

Posted on by

20130423-210033.jpg

(Photo courtesy of IMGFave.com)

Writing Prompt: Describing Something “Ordinary” to Make it Seem “Amazing”

Every good writer knows (or should know) that attention to detail is everything.

Take for instance the Ted Conover piece in the May 2013 edition of Harper’s.

…Enough said.

If you’d like to try your hand at expanding your craft for writing comprehensive details, consider this writing prompt.
(WARNING: This may take a while. However, I am sure you will be pleased with the results.)

Delving into Description: Profiling Inanimate Objects

-Find an everyday object in your home (ie: a spoon, towel, etc.)

-Write down EVERY detail about the object. From color, to texture, to smell – everything. You may have to stare at it for a bit, so I suggest you do this when you have adequate time.
It may sound cliche, but you’re going to have to “become one” with your chosen object. Sit with it a while. Study it from every angle possible. Ask friends and family their thoughts about your chosen object. Imagine life without it: Is it possible? What would it be like? What does the object smell like, taste like (if it is able to be tasted.) All in all, make your readers experience the object as if they are viewing it for the first time. Capture the object’s essence through the use of descriptive words by becoming momentarily “obsessed” with its appearance.

-Google the origin of said object; find out the history of how and when it originated, where the first model of your chosen object was made, etc. If you can’t find the info on Google, there is this nifty invention called a library.

-See if you can find any local (or national) experts on your chosen object. Again, this may or may not be done in a day. And if you can’t, it’s fine: by the end of this writing journey, you may be the expert.

-Once you’ve gathered your information (and regained some sanity) see if you can use the info to create a type of profile. Begin your piece with a scene: Where were you when you initially “discovered” your object? Next, discuss a bit about its history. Don’t forgot to use quotes and cite your sources to support your findings – although I’m sure you already knew that. 🙂
And don’t be afraid to delve deeply into the object’s physical description.

Voila!

Of course, there are many more organizational concepts that go into crafting a piece to include an exorbitant amount of detail. But before you move on to that step, you should at least try to master the art of description: Vague is not vogue.

And yes, the process may be quite tedious, but how many in-depth articles and/or stories have you read on the history of spoons? Towels? Even soap?

Not that many.

Happy Writing!