Author Archives: Ruth Ayres

open invitation no. 85: fresh comparisons

Using words to describe magic is like using a screwdriver to cut roast beef. [Tom Robbins] Comparisons are good for writers. They help readers connect to the story or think about ideas in new ways. They are great for painting word pictures. The best comparisons are unexpected. This invitation invites you to seek out aContinue reading “open invitation no. 85: fresh comparisons”

open invitation no. 84: stolen moments

Magic can be found in stolen moments. [Francesca Lia Block] I coached alongside a favorite teacher who insisted on taking advantage of golden moments. These were spaces in the day that you could swipe and complete a small task or organize a larger one. Now, more than a decade later, I still think about goldenContinue reading “open invitation no. 84: stolen moments”

open invitation no. 82: own your joy

A flower blossoms for its own joy. [Oscar Wilde] Make a list of your joys. Here are the guidelines. Be specific. The color of the horizon just before sunrise. Be ordinary. The squeaky-clean feel of my teeth on my tongue after I brush, floss, and rinse. Be small. The smell of a just cracked bananaContinue reading “open invitation no. 82: own your joy”

open invitation no. 81: scent of spring

Can words describe the fragrance of the very breath of spring? [Neltje Blanchan] Give it a try. Use words to describe the scent of spring. *Remember, you don’t have to accept this invitation…but I do hope you will accept the invitation to write. Sharing our stories is magical. PS—There is a Facebook Group for theContinue reading “open invitation no. 81: scent of spring”

open invitation no. 80: be lyrical

I’m always looking for instances of people doing things for and with each other for pleasure, for passion, for camaraderie, from kindness. It’s the anthropology of people figuring out how to punctuate life with the lyrical. [Debra Granik] I like to make words dance. I’m drawn to the lyrical nature of writing, the fun ofContinue reading “open invitation no. 80: be lyrical”

open invitation no. 79: turn toward the light

Flowers don’t worry about how they’re going to bloom. They just open up and turn toward the light and that makes them beautiful. [Jim Carrey] Stand still and turn. Open your eyes wider and look for the light. Name it. Name the light in your corner of the world. Now turn toward it. The invitationContinue reading “open invitation no. 79: turn toward the light”

open invitation no. 78: a writing habit

First forget inspiration. Habit is more dependable. Habit will sustain you whether you’re inspired or not. [Octavia Butler] I forgot how much I love to write when the sky is dark. In the wee morning hours the words swirl. Under the dark night sky the words wobble and bend. I write for work, completing tasksContinue reading “open invitation no. 78: a writing habit”