New Year’s resolutions have been around for ages. According to history.com, about 4,000 years ago, the ancient Babylonians are said to have been the first group of people to make New Year’s resolutions. I’m sure, though, back then, it didn’t look the way it does today. The ancient Babylonians weren’t promising themselves to lose that last ten pounds they gained over the holidays. It probably had more to do with basic survival, like harvesting crops and building their civilization. And here we are, thousands of years later, carrying out an ancient tradition, always trying to better ourselves.
I am someone who has almost always made New Year’s resolutions for myself. Many people aren’t fans of the New Year’s resolution tradition for obvious reasons (which I can understand). Nearly every year, some of us make them, and more often than not, we break them.
In the past, I’ve made long lists with no specific target date or plan in mind. Recently, I’ve been working on goal setting with my students. We’ve been using SMART goals as a strategy. If you aren’t familiar with this acronym, it stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. That means that identifying a goal you want to work toward is only part of it; the other part is figuring out how you will get there.
This time round, I’m doing things a little differently. So, this year, I thought of some very realistic goals that I’m working on. I’ve separated my goals into two lists: my personal and career-oriented goals. If you are wondering what goals are on my lists, here they are:
Personal Goals
Meet new people
Take breaks from working
Travel more
Take care of my health
Start exercising again
Career-Oriented / Education Goals
Work on getting published again
Continue to build and update my website
Start working on my thesis
Finish my MFA degree
Establish a routine for writing
I know that I need to make some changes in my life and be aware of my goals. I will continually remind myself what I want in my life and ask myself what I will do to get it. Even if we don’t fulfill every single goal by the end of the year, it isn’t bad to write them down and at least try to work on them. It gives us something else to get up for every day.
I have some exciting news to share! About a month ago, I received the message that my essay, “The Courage to Rekindle a Dream,” would be published in The Penman Review. And, sure enough, on December 23rd, it was on their front page! I cannot begin to describe how I feel right now because I am still in shock (in a good way, of course!)—being published two days before Christmas makes it even better!
I’ve known for a long time that I wanted to write about how I overcame college and career-changing obstacles, but I never got around to it. Until last summer when I couldn’t do anything but write.
After being diagnosed with COVID and another common virus, I began writing this essay. Having both illnesses at the same time hit me very hard. Last June, I was in the hospital and missed nearly three weeks of work. Since then, I’ve spent the second half of 2022 recovering from lung and heart inflammation, among other complications. I spent months in bed, barely able to walk to my mailbox or cook for myself. What else is a bedridden writer to do? Write, of course.
This essay is not only a story of my early adult life struggles but also a piece of work I poured my heart into while in bed, very sick. And it happens to be my first officially published piece of writing too! This is a huge accomplishment, but it also means everything to me to share my life with the world. It’s been a long journey to get to where I am today. In my twenties and early thirties, I had dreams of teaching and writing, and now, here I am. Dreams, stories, and publication, in that order!
Last Friday, one of my students gave me a Christmas card. Inside the card, she wrote: “Dear Ms. Ward, I hope your holidays are amazing and healthy! I do hope to continue to thrive in your class. I really believe you can fulfill your dream to be a writer!” I haven’t told my student yet, but I was published the same day she gave me that card. It is so incredibly important for others to support us, and I’m glad she already knows that. And that’s what my essay is all about—dreams, determination, and believing the impossible is possible. So, with all that said, have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2023!
Hey there! Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this blog post, please let me know by sending a like or comment below. I’d love to hear your thoughts! You can also subscribe to future blog posts at the top of the sidebar to your right. Connect with me on Twitter: @jennwardwrites.
When most of us hear the name Tupac Shakur, we think of 90s rap music, violence, and a rather tough exterior. But underneath that hard shell lies a much softer side of him that few people realize existed. After his death, some of his most intimate, hand-written poems, including a book of his childhood poetry and illustrations, were uncovered. His poetry, which is quite heartfelt and profound, offers a window into his personal life, allowing us to see far beyond his hip-hop persona. While the lyrics in some of his rap songs were offensive enough to insult most women and anyone he hated, his poetry is quite the contrast with his music and the image he portrayed.
Did you hear about the rose that grew
from a crack in the concrete?
Proving nature’s law is wrong it
learned to walk with out having feet.
Funny it seems, but by keeping its dreams,
it learned to breathe fresh air.
Long live the rose that grew from concrete
when no one else ever cared.
This is the first poem of his that I ever read. It quickly became my favorite because it is so relatable. There is a strong, inspirational message here when thinking about life’s hardships. The rose is likely a metaphor for Tupac’s struggles on his road to stardom and success. Flowers are enchanting, especially when they bloom, even more so when unexpected. What has resonated most with me here is his unwavering determination to become something, despite the low expectations of others and the odds stacked against him in a rather cold, hard, and overlooked place. His poem also reveals the importance of holding onto those dreams and not getting stuck on seeking validation from others. Nature is fleeting, and so are moments in life, don’t waste time. Know your worth, fight for your dreams, and keep moving forward. I love it.
After reading that poem, I bought a collection of his hand-written poetry bearing the same title, The Rose that Grew from Concrete. What I found was a book of thought-provoking poems with poignant themes.
“Under the Skies Above” is another poem in this collection that reveals his pain and inner strength when dealing with an unthinkable tragedy.
My child is out there somewhere
under the skies above
waiting anxiously 4 u and me
2 bless it with our love
A part of me a part of u
and a part of this love we share
will protect my unborn child
who lives dormant out there somewhere Sometimes in my dreams
I imagine what it would be like
How could I properly guide him
when even I don’t know what’s right Whether he is born in wealth or poverty
there will be no deficiency in love
I welcome this gift of life
given from GOD under the skies above
This poem is heartbreaking, showing the couple’s excitement, and then their devastating loss. But it’s more than just a sad poem. It reveals an incredible amount of faith and inner strength needed to cope with such an awful, life-changing tragedy. In the end, he reflects that although it wasn’t the outcome they had hoped for, he chooses to see it as a gift from God. I found this poem to be sensitive, inspirational, and positive. It isn’t always easy to communicate that when tackling heavy subjects like this.
This last poem I’m going to share was dedicated in memory of Vincent van Gogh, aptly titled “Starry Night.”
Vincent van Gogh, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Starry Night
By TUPAC SHAKUR
a creative heart, obsessed with satisfying
This dormant and uncaring society
you have given them the stars at night
and u have given them Bountiful Bouquets of Sunflowers
But 4 u there is only contempt
and though u pour yourself into that frame
and present it so proudly this world could not accept your masterpieces
from the heart
So on that starry night
u gave 2 us and
u took away from us
The one thing we never acknowledged
your life
Tupac understood the struggles of an artist. Through his poem “Starry Night,” he showed appreciation for the talented Vincent van Gogh, who no one significantly noticed until after his death. For many artists, including van Gogh and Tupac, it isn’t about making money; it’s about sharing your gifts with the world. Van Gogh’s gift was painting. Tupac’s gift was writing. Tupac had that incredible drive and passion for being creative. Through his poetry, he shared a hidden talent with us, revealing that he is truly one of a kind.
Hey there! Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this article, please let me know by sending a like or comment below. I’d love to hear your thoughts! The original blog post was published on Vocal Media and featured as a top story in their Beat community. You can subscribe to future blog posts here at the top of the sidebar to your right. Connect with me on Twitter: @jennwardwrites.
As we approach Thanksgiving and the holidays, I wanted to write about a novel I read that focuses a lot on the intricacies of family relationships. When I pick up a new book and begin reading, a few things I look for are strong characters, a compelling setting, and poignant themes. Three years ago, I stumbled upon a beautifully-written book with all these qualities and more.
As a woman born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, I was immediately drawn to Naima Coster’s debut novel, Halsey Street. I had a feeling I would love her book, and I was right. Her contemporary fiction story introduces Penelope Grand, a young woman moving from Philadelphia back to her old neighborhood—Bed Stuy, Brooklyn. It’s an emotional journey with an ending I did not expect.
Coster’s protagonist, Penelope, is a talented, struggling artist looking for success and her place in the world. She finds herself working in a less desirable position as a substitute teacher to make ends meet. Like other aspects of her life, her temporary job is not what she envisioned for herself upon graduating college. Her relationships with both of her parents are strained, one living in Brooklyn, the other abroad. Perhaps it is the pain of her distanced relationship with her mother that I related to most.
Penelope returns to Brooklyn to help her ill father. Upon her arrival, the neighborhood of her youth is almost unrecognizable due to gentrification. The setting serves as a metaphor for the belonging the native residents once had and now long for. Penelope rents a room in the attic of the Harper’s brownstone, a few blocks from her father. When she first moved into their house, she walked down a long hallway of closed doors, further suggesting the plight of those underprivileged. Even the tiny room she occupies also hints at the marginalization experienced by the area’s long-time residents.
The Brooklyn setting is almost a character itself with its beautiful culture, way of life, and values so deeply ingrained in its residents. As the neighborhood changes, the setting becomes such a crucial part of her story that it could not have the same depth without it. Coster has the ability to connect with audiences who have felt the impact of gentrification in Brooklyn or other large cities across the United States.
Penelope’s entire life seems to float in this constant state of loneliness and limbo, perhaps making this story so nuanced and relatable. As I continued to read, I felt sad throughout a good portion of the novel, but I also felt a range of other emotions. Her struggle to succeed in a world of inequality is unmistakable. She isn’t perfect, and neither is the world she lives in, but she’s a strong woman who doesn’t give up, managing to care for herself and others around her with dignity and respect.
Through the telling of a family saga, Halsey Streetrevealsan important theme of forgiveness. The past and present moments of Penelope’s relationships with her parents are woven, revealing their complexity, and depth. The act of forgiveness might be one of the most challenging things for us to understand and embrace. To have it is truly a gift. Through her difficult journey, I saw a realistic and honest depiction of life, and the pain that comes with family conflict.
Another theme I found in Halsey Street is the human need to belong. You don’t have to be a Brooklyn-born resident to know what that feels like—it’s something that is part of all of us. Whether it is belonging to a small group of friends, a church, a team, or something bigger, the need to connect with others and feel important is a universal desire. For the native residents of Penelope’s neighborhood, gentrification not only took their homes and businesses but also their sense of pride and belonging. As a reader, I felt it too. Halsey Street sheds light on the importance of having people stay rooted in their communities and its bearing on Penelope, the people of Brooklyn, and her readers.
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“I don’t know anything with certainty, but seeing the stars makes me dream. ” – Vincent van Gogh
When I was a little girl, I used to look at van Gogh’s paintings for hours. My father had an enormous hardcover book that featured an impressive collection of his art throughout his career. I found it fascinating – the vivid colors, the brush strokes, the people – all of it was like nothing I had seen before. There are a few paintings I’ve never forgotten over the years–Skull of a Skeleton with Burning Cigarette, Sunflowers, Starry Night Over the Rhône, The Night Café, and his self-portraits.
Skull of a Skeleton with Burning Cigarette by Vincent van Gogh – Museum Page (the image was stitched from tiles – for assembly method used, see The Potato Eaters), Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22030423
The following picture was taken in Atlanta, GA at an exhibit. I’m not sure if this was the Vincent van Gogh expo, but I thought it was an interesting display. I love the gothic cathedral arches, and red lighting against the dark walls. This is one of many self-portraits he painted throughout his career.
Like many artists, he was appreciated far more after his tragic death. According to The Art Newspaper, his most expensive painting is Portrait of Dr. Paul Gachet. In 1990, it sold for about $85 million. Considering inflation, it would be worth almost $200 million today. Dr. Gachet cared for Vincent during his short life and later when he died of gunshot wounds to the chest. This is likely one of the reasons for its popularity. In case you aren’t familiar with the circumstances of his death, van Gogh committed suicide in 1890. It has been debated for many years if the revolver found was a suicide or murder weapon. There is a pretty strong argument for both sides. If you want to read more about the mysterious details surrounding his death, I suggest reading this blog post by Daily Art Magazine. Additionally, Architectural Digest published an interesting article revealing what researchers found about his paintings during his final hours.
As a lifelong admirer, I was very excited when I came across an ad for the Van Gogh Exhibit. If you haven’t heard of this art show, it’s happening across North America and Europe through 2022. You can see the show in Albany, NY, Philadelphia, PA, or Washington, D.C, if you are in or near New York City like me. The tickets are very reasonably priced. Somehow after I purchased my own tickets, I had gotten the dates mixed up. I almost missed the show, but luckily, it worked out. During the exhibit, flash photography is prohibited, which is very understandable. Unfortunately, some of my pictures are blurry and dark. I posted the clearest, brightest ones here.
The Cottage by Vincent van Gogh
The painting below is one of several portraits van Gogh painted of his friend, Père Tanguy. Tanguy’s art shop in Paris, eventually became a place where artists would gather. He was very respected and well-liked in the art community.
Portrait of Peré Tanguy by Vincent van Gogh
The picture below is one of nearly 40 self-portraits he painted throughout his career. Much of what we know about his physical appearance and personality is captured in these paintings.
Self-Portrait by Vincent van Gogh
If you are a fan of van Gogh’s work or enjoy going to art shows, I highly recommend visiting the van Gogh immersive experience. Overall, it was an emotional and surreal experience to be standing not only among Vincent van Gogh’s paintings but inside them.
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Before I became sick with COVID last May, I loved to walk and do interval jogging. Fitness has always been a big part of my life. I did it all—aerial yoga, Zumba, dance yoga, HIIT, cardio kickboxing, vinyasa yoga, cheerleading, track, aerobics, Pilates, Peloton, personal training, and of course, the treadmill. Unfortunately, I haven’t recovered enough yet to do these intense workouts. I am grateful that I seem to be improving and can go for short walks. Who knows? Full recovery might not be too far off in the distance.
One of the benefits of walking or running when you’re a writer is that it gives you time to think. Not only are you doing something great for your body, but you are giving your brain a workout too. I like to use this time—my short walks—to daydream about characters and ideas for stories. It often helps me cope with getting stuck.
Let your mind wander during your next walk or run while listening to these songs from my music library. I hope they give you some creative energy. Full disclosure: If you happen to hate pop music, you are not going to like this list.
1. Circles by Post Malone
Who doesn’t like a song with a heartbreak theme? Compared to the rest of his music, this tune from his album Hollywood’s Bleeding is much softer with its melody and words. I could argue this is his best song ever, but I prefer a much lighter sound. I will say this is the perfect pop song for many reasons.
2. We’re Good by Dua Lipa
This is another favorite song I’ve listened to a lot—during my car rides to and from work, in addition to walking. A similar heartbreak theme is found in Post Malone’s “Circles.” It’s another song that captures the failure of relationships and the unhealthy patterns that lead to pain. I guess I can’t get enough of these toxic relationship songs. I love the lyrics…what else can I say?
3. As the World Caves In by Sarah Cothran
A slower song that has made it onto this list but a good one. Cothran sings a song showing a couple spending their last night together as the world ends. The lyrics are beautiful and heart-wrenching at the same time. The world may not have survived, but at least they had each other.
4. As It Was by Harry Styles
This is a more upbeat song to switch things up. It also sits at the number three spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Although the melody is happy, the lyrics reveal a mix of emotions hinting at a sad undertone. Like so many things in life, feelings are fickle, and we struggle to make sense of them. Harry Styles’ song gets how change in life isn’t easy.
5. American by Lana Del Rey
Bringing it back to a slower rhythm, Lana Del Rey’s “American” is one of several great songs from her album Paradise. I don’t know about you, but I’ve played the hell out of this album over the years. Not only does Lana Del Rey have impeccable style, but her voice is incredible too. Released a decade ago, the song’s lyrics reference Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, and Elvis, which help create its nostalgic mood.
6. Modern Love by David Bowie
Back to an up-tempo song with darker lyrics, David Bowie’s “Modern Love” is another favorite I’m adding to the list. I had to include at least one song from the 80s, which is arguably the best decade for music. I can’t listen to 80s music and not think of being a little kid. There are different ways to interpret Bowie’s words, but it seems that the man in his song is looking for something with substance and only finds shallow relationships. Therefore, he loses his faith in modern love. Hmm…something a lot of us can probably relate to. We may never be able to figure certain things out, but at least we can try.
7. Riptide by Vance Joy
Vance Joy sings about a woman he admires, but it’s much more than a simple love song. This song is a blend of words and lines that seem unrelated throughout, but somehow, they all fit together. I have found myself thinking about this song hours after I’ve listened to it. The melody is simple yet, catchy and fun. The lyrics reveal what sounds like a turbulent relationship while his lady is “taken away to the dark side.” But in the end, it seems he loves her, nonetheless.
8. Rooster by Alice in Chains
Let us wind down with a slow-building alternative rock song from the 90s– “Rooster” by Alice in Chains. This song is worth listening to, even if 90s rock isn’t your thing. Its lyrics reveal the singer’s interpretation of his father’s experience fighting in Vietnam. The struggles his father faced are something I’m sure he could sense as a child. At a little over six minutes long, it’s a good song to listen to while cooling down at the end of a workout.
There it is — eight interesting songs you can add to your workout playlist (if you haven’t already). I would have made this list ten, but eight happens to be my favorite number.
Hey there! Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this story, please let me know by sending a like or comment below. I’d love to hear your thoughts! The original blog post was published on Vocal Media and featured as a top story in their Beat community. This story is also available on Medium. If you wish, you can subscribe to future blog posts here if you scroll to the top of the sidebar to your right.
“Education is one thing no one can take away from you.”
Elin Nordegren
Many of us who were English majors might have heard: “Well, I guess you could always teach,” or “Are you sure a degree in English is worth it?” While I was an undergraduate student in my twenties, I was questioned a lot, and it didn’t feel good. There were times I doubted how useful my degree would be post-graduate life. Would I end up working as a barista? I thought. I hoped not. As much as I love coffee, that would be a nightmare. The angst of figuring out what I wanted to do career-wise was part of it. Though I’ve wondered why we often question the valuable skill set we acquire with an English degree and all that we have to offer the world. Today, I argue that those of us with an English degree hold a remarkable advantage over everyone else—we can write.
While pursuing my bachelor’s degree, I worked as an administrative assistant for a large hospital in Midtown East. After a while, I didn’t like my job. I wasn’t valued there, and the work became tedious. It became my personal hell from 9 to 5 within the small confines of my cubicle, and I knew I wanted to do something different. But I wasn’t sure yet what that was. After earning my degree, I used my communication skills to land an administrative role in another large hospital on the West Side of Midtown. I was offered a higher position and a considerable salary leap. Because of my degree, I earned enough to support myself and pay for college with no loans.
As an assistant supporting the hospital’s chief staff, one of my responsibilities was editing the hospital’s newsletter. I reviewed written submissions and planned the newsletter’s layout. I’ve taken various English courses—journalism, literary theory, linguistics, and creative writing. They’ve helped prepare me for the multiple professional roles I’ve taken on. Although my knowledge of feminist theory or Marxist theory in literature may not have been something I needed to know in the office, the analytical and writing skills I gained were quite valuable. Around this time, I began looking at graduate schools. I had considered pursuing an MBA or MPA and thought about law school. I eventually knew my heart wasn’t in healthcare administration. So, I moved on.
Soon I started working as a substitute teacher, and before I knew it, I landed a permanent position teaching English to seventh graders. The most rewarding parts of teaching are getting to know my students each year and sharing with them what I know about literature and life. I didn’t become an educator because I had to; I became an educator because I wanted to.
Today, I’m teaching at the same public school in Brooklyn I was when I began my career. I’m also spending time with my other passion—writing. I am building a small side business as a freelance writer. In my spare time, I write fiction and creative nonfiction as I work to develop my presence as an author. Soon, I will be completing a second master’s degree—an MFA. I’ve learned over the years that an individual with a background in English or creative writing is quite marketable. Teaching has been a wonderful, stable career for me, but there is so much more out there in the world. Why stop there? A degree in English for anyone could mean working as an author, a freelance writer, an editor, a social media marketer, a literary agent, a journalist, a technical writer, a copywriter, and the list goes on. While some of these industries are challenging to break into, it is possible to be successful. While most of us with a humanities degree will never be rich, we will acquire a wealth of transferable skills we can bring anywhere. To anyone who wants to undermine the value of an English degree, I say, “Stop and take another look.” Much of it boils down to one primary skill we all need for any career—communication. And that’s an area any English major would undeniably shine.
Hey there! Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this story, please let me know by sending a like or comment below. I’d love to hear your thoughts! This article has been updated. The original story was published here. You can also subscribe to future blog posts at the top of the sidebar to your right. Additionally, you might enjoy the excerpt from my personal essay “The Courage to Rekindle a Dream.”
Writing has always been part of my life in one way or another. As a child, my journey began with writing short stories and poems about family summer vacations. As a teenager, I kept a journal for many years, writing about crushes and teenage drama. Today, I’m grateful that I can say it is a daily part of my life. As most people would expect, I write a lot as an English Teacher and an MFA student. But I also spend substantial time working on my creative writing. Whether our passion is technical writing, copywriting, creative writing, or something else, as writers, we never stop improving our craft or looking for work.
Over the years, I have found this small stack of books to be incredibly useful in the pursuit of writing. I hope you find them helpful too.
When I finished college, I was still looking for ways to improve my writing. During an afternoon of Google searching, I came across Zinsser’s book. I immediately ordered a copy and read it on my subway commute to and from work in Midtown. In those days, I had at least two hours of reading, Monday through Friday, which I often took advantage of.
Although this book was first published in 1976, it is up-to-date, addressing changes in the writing world making it relevant today. If you want to learn more about writing nonfiction, Zinsser—a lifelong journalist—offers some very sound advice in a tone that I found to be warm and friendly. I learned a lot from him about words, usage, style, and different types of nonfiction writing. William Zinsser passed away in 2015, a few years after I read his book. He remains immortal through his words, leaving behind a strong legacy in the writing world.
His classic guide is timeless and something we can all learn from.
In 2020, a fellow MFA student in a fiction writing course suggested picking up a copy of Writer’s Market. I’m happy I took his advice. This big book of nearly 1,000 pages is a reliable source for anything and everything a writer will need. It even includes advice on how to format a query letter and a chapter explaining how much to charge as a freelance writer. The pay rate chart continues for several pages breaking jobs down by the hour, project, and industry. This valuable source contains information about where to submit your work and how. Other editions focus on fiction and literary agents for those more interested in creative writing.
This trusted guide has been around for over a century—you can’t beat that.
Joyce Carol Oats, or as I call her, JCO, has been one of my favorite authors for decades. Her frequently anthologized short story, “Where Are you Going? Where Have You Been?” has left such an impression on me that I still think about it twenty years later. I’ve read several of her books and have found myself in awe of her writing and imagination. By the way, if you haven’t read her novel Zombie, you need to. I won’t say anything else. The less you know starting that book, the better.
Naturally, when I came across her book, The Faith of a Writer, I had to read it. Who wouldn’t want a glimpse into the private writing life of their favorite author? In a collection of essays, she elegantly writes about what makes a story striking and where she finds inspiration. Perhaps I am biased as a super fan, but I think everything she writes is brilliant.
Looking further into my shelved writing books, I found another excellent source written by various experts in the field. This book offers some interesting prompts, such as one based on the Rorschach Test. There are several steps involved, but the overall goal here is to generate a list of images associated with an inkblot created by you. The writing assignment is to draft a flash fiction story using those images and words. Sounds challenging, right? It is, but it’s also fun.
What I like about this book is that it offers an example of a flash fiction story, an essay by the author, and a writing exercise for you to practice. If flash fiction isn’t your thing, Rose Metal Press has also published books on prose poetry and flash nonfiction.
I initially read The Freelancer’s Bible for a required business class I took while working on my master’s degree. Yet, since then, I have used this as a road map to building a new career which is growing into a small side business. This book often reads like a friend offering professional, no-nonsense advice. Who wouldn’t want that? Even if you aren’t new to the freelancing world, this book is filled with beneficial suggestions for continuing to grow your business, such as figuring out taxes, insurance, and all the other intricacies of self-employment. If you are interested in working as a freelance writer, I highly suggest picking up a copy of this informative guide.
Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this blog post, please let me know by sending a like or comment below. I’d love to hear your thoughts.