The Anatomy of Poetry

Writing poetry can be a powerful creative outlet, allowing us to express ourselves in unique and beautiful ways. But what is the anatomy of poetry? What makes a poem click? In this blog post, we will explore the image, the line, and the sentence as the three main elements that make up the anatomy of a poem.

The Image: This is the foundation of any poem. The image is the main idea or concept the poet wants to convey. It is the first step in creating a poem and often the most difficult. When it comes to finding the perfect image, it is important to think outside the box and come up with something that is both creative and meaningful.

The Line: The line is the next step in the anatomy of poetry. It is how the poet expresses the image. The line can be as simple or as complex as the poet wishes. It is the way in which the poet creates the rhythm, flow, and structure of the poem.

The Sentence: The sentence is the last element of the poem. It is how the poet expresses the feelings and thoughts associated with the image and line. It is the way in which the poet creates the emotion and message of the poem.

By understanding the anatomy of a poem, a poet can create powerful and beautiful works of art. The image, line, and sentence are the three key elements that make up the anatomy of a poem. With a bit of practice and creativity, any poet can create a masterpiece. Check out the poem below. Let me know what you think, or how I can help you breathe life into your poetry. Leave a comment or follow Ignited Pens or CharletteWrites on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

The Anatomy of Poetry

The anatomy of poetry, so complex and divine

Composed of many different parts, each essential in its design

Image, line, and sentence, the core components of a poem

Creating beauty with rhythm, emotion, and imagery that soon will roam.

Image, the foundation of the poem, so powerful and bold.

A single frame to capture a story, existing before it’s ever told

Bringing to life the details, so vivid and true

An image that inspires, captivates, and speaks of what is due

Line, the backbone of the poem, the structure and the form

The structure that holds the work together, the one that keeps it warm

A line of words and phrases, so carefully arranged

The line is the bridge between the reader and the written page

Sentence, the heart of the poem, the emotions that it holds

The feelings that it conveys, the power of its words

Sentence brings to life the story, the narrative of its core

Sentence is the voice of the poet, the words that will endure

The anatomy of poetry, so intricate and deep

Image, line, and sentence, a combination that will keep

The poem alive and breathing, so beautiful and true

For this is the essence of poetry, its anatomy for me and you.

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5 Tips to Overcome Writer’s Block

Happy New Year Igniters!

For many writers, the new year ignites their pens, but for others, they’re left with no fuel. Here are 5 tips on how to overcome writer’s block and ignite that pen!

1) Inspire yourself: Take a walk, watch a movie, read a book, or listen to some music. Sometimes a little inspiration is all you need to help get your creative juices flowing again.

2)Change location: Try to switch up your writing environment. Go to the library, a cafe, or a park. This can help spark some new ideas and help you get over the block.

3)Talk it out: Talking about your project with someone else can help you discover new ideas and solutions to problems that you may have been struggling with.

4)Brainstorm: Jot down any ideas that come to mind, no matter how silly or unrelated they may seem. This can help get your mind moving and help you come up with new ideas.

5)Freewrite: Start writing anything that comes to mind and don’t worry about the structure or content. This can help you get the creative juices flowing and focus on the task at hand.

Which one resonated with you? Let me know in the comments. Follow Ignited Pens or Charlettewrites on Twitter, FB, or Instagram for more tips.

3 Things I Learned from LAST YEAR’S (2021) 30 Days of Prayer for Financial Freedom Challenge

Happy November! It’s my favorite time of the year. Every November for the past 5 years, I have been hosting the 30 days of Prayer for Financial Freedom. Before I start the 2022 Challenge, I want to share with you the three things I learned from last year’s 30 Days of Prayer for Financial Freedom.

What is Financial Freedom?

• Financial Freedom is where one has an abundance of income coming from multiple sources, where there is no bad debt, there is a reliable income stream, practically all their assets are protected from loss, they own a business that is achieving maximum value, and they have time to pursue whatever life goal they may have.
• According to Forbes, FF means you control your finances and your life choices.
• Another defines it as having enough savings, financial investment, and cash on hand to afford the life you desire for yourself and your family. Your money is working for you rather than the other way around.

Am I financially free- NO- not yet, but I have seeds in the ground, and I’m still planting. I am clearer now about money than I was just four years ago when I started praying for my finances.

So, let’s start with the first thing I learned.  

Freedom in Wealth

I learned that financial freedom changes your mind about wealth. God desires for us to be wealthy and financially well. 3 John 1:2 – Beloved, I wish above all else that you prosper and be in good health as your soul prospers. Here wealth is not just money. It’s about your soul being whole. And for your soul to be whole, you must put in some soul work. Soul work is putting action into motion (obedience) so God can bless. A few ways I am doing some soul work are 1) decluttering physically and mentally 2) taking care of my health. Since August, I have lost 30 pounds. 3) Knowing my strengths and weaknesses. This work may be easier said than done, but you don’t have to do the soul work alone. According to John 10:10, Jesus said, But I have come to give you everything in abundance more than you expect- life in its fullness until you overflow. Here is what God offers. Have you taken it? Not only does God want to change our mindset about wealth, but he also wants us to build it. And the way we build is by building our soul. If you’re not settled in your soul, you will mishandle what’s in your hand.

Freedom in Generosity

I learned that financial freedom activates your faith to advance kingdom principles. And one kingdom principle is generosity. In the Kingdom, you give your way to freedom. God has the plan to bless us so we can bless others. According to 9:7-8, God loves a cheerful giver. So God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. To sum up, generosity changes love, generosity connects us with others, generosity helps us invest in what matters, and generosity frees our hearts. According to Chip Ingram, money is the mirror of our heart before God. Where is your heart?

Freedom in Stewardship

Learned that financial freedom increases your level of stewardship. And stewardship here is how you will handle the increase? I wouldn’t say I enjoy budgeting because I feel like I’m not in control, but it helps me control my spending habits, so I budget. I release some, sow some, and save some because God owns everything – another Kingdom principle. Psalms 24:1 The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof. He holds everything, so we are the managers of God’s household business. How will I handle the increase? 1) release my tithes, 2) maintain an emergency fund, 3)recognize my needs and wants, 4) get quality advice from experts, 5) take care of my things, and 5) stay healthy. Proverbs 20:21 says, There is a treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise But a foolish man spendeth it up. The contemporary English version says Be sensible and store up precious treasure. Don’t waste them like a fool. Valuables are safe in a wise person’s home; fools put it all out for yard sales. Message.

 I don’t know if  Ben Franklin said this, but it sounds great, “ A small leak will sink a great ship.”  

 As a recap

Financial Freedom changes our minds about wealth

Financial Freedom activates our faith to advance the kingdom’s principle- generosity.

Financial Freedom increases our level of stewardship.

Which one resonated with you? Let me know in the comments. I hope you will join me for this year’s challenge. You can visit my website or provide your email to receive additional information.

3 Investments that Made the Difference in my Writing Journey.

Investing in yourself is more than planning for the future; it’s about focusing on the present. So I’m focusing on more than learning to write well as a writer. What am I saying? Whether you are a writer, a business owner, or an educator, investing in yourself will make all the difference. 

Doing what you are doing is not enough to keep you motivated. For me, writing all the time is exhausting. I’m always fighting resistance; creative people do. I don’t believe in going broke in pursuing your dream. But I think strengthening your craft and exploring your creativity is worth whatever resources you have to invest. If you don’t invest in your growth, who will? Looking back, there are several investments I made and continue to make that had kept me motivated when I was scared or lacked discipline; I hope they help you too. 

Investment #1: Get a Coach

While reading an email in my office about 11 years ago, I came across an email to apply for the Greater Kansas City Writing Project (GKCWP) Summer Institute. Even though the institute was for current teachers and not administrators, they made an exception. I was forever grateful because it changed my life as a writer and a leader, reader, and thinker. It was the best professional development I ever experienced because without the insight and perspective I gained, Ignited Pens would not exist. 

Coaching opportunities can take many forms, from small groups to one-on-one sessions with an industry expert. The challenge is to begin. 

Here’s how to get started: Be on the lookout for growth opportunities on your job or social media. Social Media is not just for airing out your dirty laundry; it’s for connecting with others. For example, my Ignited Pens writing sessions are now online because of the Pandemic, and I share this opportunity on social media. To add, not too long ago, I facilitated a prayer challenge on social media. On the last day of the challenge, an opportunity came for me to join a unique challenge to gain business, ministry, and life strategies, and it was worth my investment. Also, if you don’t like social media, connect with the person thriving in the area you want to be successful. Last, connect with a small group at your church or talk with your pastor. A pastor is a shepherd over your soul, so they will give you advice about the directions you should go.  

Investment #2: Study the Work of Others 

When I started Ignited Pens, I knew I didn’t know what I didn’t know, so I began with the lives and practices of other writing groups, writers, and entrepreneurs. 

The book Writing Alone and Writing Together: A Guide for Writers and Writing Groups by Judy Reeves taught me how to structure the Ignited Pens’ writing sessions. Janet Banks, a local Kansas City poet, spoke about awakening your muse at my first Ignited Pens session. Last but not least, Jeff Goins is the one I study because of his validation of the art of writing and making money as a writer. He also believes that successful people spend time with people who are smarter than them. I do, too, so books have the power to educate and transform our lives. Therefore, I invest in resources like the app Blinkist. It helps me understand powerful ideas and the world around me through insights from the world’s best nonfiction titles. Also, I have a kindle and a Prime membership, so I can get a genre of books at a discount to teach me different things about writing. It’s been the most inspiring in my writing journey. There’s just something powerful about learning to overcome writer’s block by reading on my Kindle the book What Your Clutter is Trying To Tell You by Kerri L. Richardson—or learning about the minimalistic poetry style of Lucille Clifton.  

I agreed with Jeff Goins when he stated in one of his articles, “You must invest in the work of others if you expect others to invest in yours.”

Here’s an action step: Make it a personal goal to read at least one book per month. If you’re already doing that, increase the frequency to once a week. And if you’re already doing that, kudos to you!!! 

Don’t have enough time to read? Try Audible or Blinkist. You can sign up for a free-trail membership for both.

Of course, you don’t have to spend money reading or listening to books. That’s why we have libraries. But I recommend you commit to a reading schedule and invest your time working through lots of unique books.

Investment #3: Never Stop Learning

I graduated with my BS in English Education in 1995. That didn’t stop me from getting my Master’s and Special in Educational Leadership, nor did it prevent me from attending National Writing and Leadership Conferences and becoming a writing consultant for the National Writing Project. I’m sharing this because I never stopped growing. I didn’t arrive because I graduated with a BS in 1995. Life is an endless learning experience, so I’ll never stop growing. Now, I’m taking a couple of online courses to take Ignited Pens to the next level for my participants to have an excellent online experience. I’m learning that people who invest in their success are more likely to succeed than those who don’t. 

Are online courses and conferences expensive? Some are, some aren’t. But think about the information you’ll be receiving. When considering investing in a class or a conference, you want to know how tailored the information is to what you want to learn and how knowledgeable the instructor is. Attending a conference is where connections are made and can continue for years, inspire your writing, and take your creative career to unimaginable places.

 I have made lifelong friends at conferences. People who have made me lots of money at conferences have connected with me.

Something powerful happens when people get together and share their lives, whether it online course or at a conference; if you haven’t experienced that yet, I encourage you to keep looking. 

Here’s an action step: Find an online course and a conference to take or attend that will help you grow as a writer or a person. An excellent course has:

Relevant information on the topic you want to learn.

Legitimate credentials (i.e., the teacher has actual first-hand experience with the material).

Access to the teacher and other students.

A conference will connect you with broader ideas, insights, and like-minded people.

Ignited Pens is launching its online courses soon. Meanwhile, we have a Facebook page and group to ask questions, share your writing and connect with other writers.  I am also leading a Women’s Creative Writing Life Group at my church. If you are in the Kansas City area, you can join us by clicking on this link: https://lifegatekc.churchcenter.com/groups/join/n1NWTmSaGqK9BDLBtDVT4YMC

For me, when I made these investments into my writing commitment and personal growth, I grew so much as a person and a believer in Jesus, simply because I was taking it more seriously. And in making these investments of time and money, I found others who were just like me. Others could help me succeed in ways that I couldn’t on my own. So I encourage you to invest in yourself. 

Please share this post and tell me which investment resonated with you and why. Please, like Ignited Pens on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

3 Pieces of Advice I’d Give my Younger Self

Since it’s a new year, I’m reminded of the scripture that is so befitting, “Everything on earth has its own time and its own season.” Although it’s the perfect time to look forward, it is also the ideal time to look back. So, what advice would you give your younger self? Research stated that mulling over the question is a common human experience. It turns out about ⅓ of adults ponder the subject once a week. In addition, when some scientists surveyed that question, they learned it was the best way to get over regret. So, here are the three pieces of advice I’d give my younger self.

Know Your Worth

I’ll never forget when I was around ten years old, and I found 10 dollars as soon as I got off the school bus. The crisp bill immediately caught my eyes. I picked it up and said out loud, “I found 10 dollars.” In hindsight, I should have said nothing. A pretty, light-skinned girl with long hair told me it was hers. I knew it wasn’t hers because she got off the bus behind me, but I didn’t measure up to her. I was dark with short hair and big lips- the beauty that got little attention in the ’80s. The walk home was the longest ever. When I got there, I told my dad. He asked me why I had given the girl the money. I didn’t respond.
I hung my head lower and said to myself that I didn’t measure up. And that same attitude followed me into my adulthood. When you don’t know your worth, you will attract people who mistreat you. It’s like a magnet. It was not until after my divorce that I had to spend time unbecoming what I had become. I reminded myself of what God says about me: I am loved and the apple of His eye. I had to respect myself and love myself enough to care about all of me. It may have seemed that I wasted time, but God is a redeemer. He will restore my time..

Me when I was 13

Don’t Have Sex Before Marriage.

Growing up in church, I often heard sex before marriage was a sin. No one made it clear on the reason, and I wasn’t reading the Bible as I should have, so in my mind, I believed the lie that it wasn’t realistic, so I compromised myself in a couple of situations. And within a couple of those compromising situations, it wasn’t worth the 10 minutes. So I vowed to abstain from sex until marriage. A long six years later, I compromised myself again with my ex-husband before we got married and ignored the red flags. It clouded my judgment. I thought our marriage would be the beginning of a blazing union, but in reality, I settled for what was steam and good lighting. He left me after 13 years. How could he? I got the answer as I sat in one of the DivorceCare sessions, and someone stated that when it is easy to sin before marriage, it is easy for someone to leave after it. I realized I threw my values out the door when I compromised myself, and I have suffered the consequences.

Manage your Money (Be a Good Steward)

I have made some good money over the years, but I didn’t know how to manage it. And at 48, I playing catch up, but I’m grateful. As the interest accrued on my student loans and grew sick of living paycheck to paycheck even after releasing my tithes, I began learning about financial freedom. I budget, live below my means, give more, and change my mindset about wealth. If I knew then what I know now, I’d be retired right now.

I must say the question helped me realize how much I have grown in loving myself. My former Pastor before he died in 2009 called me Oprah Winfrey often, so when I came across her sharing her thoughts on what she would say to her younger self: relax, stop being afraid, and to believe everything is going to be alright; It gave me that extra push to share: know your worth, don’t have sex before marriage, and manage your money.

Please share this post and let me know which advice resonated with you and why. And if you like, please share one thing you would tell your younger self. You may end up taking your own advice. Please like Ignited Pens on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

Ignited Pens Top 2021 Blog Lists

The Top 3 Blog Post

1) The 3 Benefits of Keeping a Journal

2) 5 Myths about Writing

3) 7 Strategies to Starting a Fire for Financial Freedom

I am surprised that The 3 Benefits of Keeping a Journal was the most viewed and engaged post. I can conclude that many readers enjoyed the content and engaging photos and poems. According to my readers, the one benefit that resonated with them was to Relive Expressions-Create New Material from a Golden Line. Below I have reposted the poem I shared and then chose a new line- the perfect collab and wrote a new poem. Let me know what you think in the comments. 

Our Hearts Speak

We greet

not saying a word

our eyes meet and then

our hearts speak

We feel the melody

of each other heartbeats

like the unforced rhythm of grace

glimpses of it become

spoken word and a symphony,

the perfect collab of you and me

our eyes meet and then

our hearts speak

We feel the warmth

We move closer and

The crackling of our fire

grow bolder and bolder

Embers dance

to the tune of our frequency

Our hearts become one

Just let our hearts speak.

New- Golden Line – The Perfect Collab

It could be short and sweet

or when sand and water meet

but you can’t have one without the other

like Doritos and Taco Bell

like pen and paper

like Doja Cat and Sza

like Venus and Serena

they make indelible expressions

with lasting impressions 

that will have you 

singing

writing

eating

to the rhythm of their

perfect collaboration.  

The Top 3 Visited Pages

1) IP Services, Classes, and Workshops

2) About

3) Flint to Flame

I’m not surprised at these stats; I intended to have readers visit these pages. Although the IP service page is on hiatus, we will return in 2022 on fire. We will have new online courses, focus, and books. So be on the lookout. 

What were your personal or blog’s top lists? Please share in the comments, and if you had a golden line from either poem I shared, post in the comments. Please like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter or Instagram.

7 Strategies to Starting a Fire for Financial Freedom

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Becoming financially free is not for the faint of heart. It takes faith, perseverance, and a lot of lifestyle choices. You may get discouraged, but remind yourself that you created a tinder. You have the flint in your hand, and you have made many strokes, and one of them will set that tinder on fire. Here are some strategies I’ve used to get my fire started;

7 Strategies to Start That Fire

1. Release your tithes – 10% faithfully. 
2. Start a budget. The book It All Starts With a Budget by Kemberly Washington was helpful. She has some practical nuggets. 
3. The following Bible Plans on the Youversion Bible App. THEY WERE SO HELPFUL in understanding finances in the spiritual aspects. a) Financial Fitness by Rick Warren b) Finding Your Financial Path. I read each plan 3X.
4. Read Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover and save $1,000 immediately. This money is only for emergencies. 
5. Open another bank account that is at a different bank from your current bank. You fill this account with an automatic deduction from your paycheck. Check with your employer on how to make this happen. You can call this account “For Ministry and Me or Business.” Your goal is to have at least 2,000 or save at the end of each year.
6. Take advantage of Dave’s Ramsey 1 free financial coaching call! The coaches are phenomenal. It blew me away on how I could save money. 
7. Join my 30 Days of Prayer for Financial Freedom Challenge. Every November for the past four years, we pray God’s Word daily and post it on social media. Here is the list of daily scriptures, https://bit.ly/3Bcme7D .

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All that I’ve experienced since starting a fire four years ago still doesn’t add up, but I can tell you it’s God’s supernatural blessings. My girls and I traveled to France for a week. I bought a used car (it’s still running fine after 2 1/2 years), paid off $6,000 credit card debt ( I don’t own any credit cards), paid off a 3,000 car settlement, paid cash to remodel 2 1/2 bathrooms in my home, and still have an emergency fund, my For Ministry and Me Account, and a nice amount in savings.

I’m in awe. If I started a fire, so can you. As I continue to let the fire burn, I believe my student loan debt of 250,000 will be dissolved. I’m currently on the PSLF plan for my loans (some people say it’s not real), but I’m believing God’s promises and biblical truths that I will no longer have that debt. “The bigger the debt, the bigger the miracle.” 

If you have any more strategies, please leave one and tell me which one resonated with you the most. Please like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter or Instagram.

Fighting Resistance

Writers face resistance, but we can overcome it..

Since May, I’ve experienced resistance. Steven Pressfield describes resistance in his book, The Art of War, as an opposing force in the world that keeps you from fulfilling your dreams. It could be inner creative battles or self-sabotage. However, I am an overcomer and according to Pressfield, “Overcoming resistance is for more important than talent.” So, here are three ways I fight resistance.

Immerse Yourself
Get your hands on as many writing resources as you can. Whether it’s reading books about writing or watching moving about writing, it will fuel your creativity. Writers understand the struggle, and they will share how to explore your voice and strengthen your craft. Also, get a writing partner or join a writing group. Being around other writers will give you the motivation you need to fight.
My Favorite Writing Books:
The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg
My Favorite Movies about Writing:
Finding Forrester
Freedom Writers
Dead Poet’s Society
Favorite Writing Apps/Websites:
Archuleta Chisolm http://www.archuletachisolm.com
Word Wise Tip http://www.nonprofitcopywriter.com
Jeff Goins http://www.goinswriter.com

Keep fighting like a pro.

Exercise
Any form of exercise improves your health, which benefits your writing. After all, your thinking sharpens, and your energy levels stabilize. For example, when I reduced my daily walks, my writing declined. Since writing is mental and physical, exercising is essential. It creates discipline, increases energy, and pushes past limits that writers need.

Bible Plans
Since resistance is an opposing force, I combat it with something positive. I complete Bible Plans on the YouVersion App. The plans provide relevant experiences that help me focus, grow spiritually, and become inspired.

How do you fight resistance? Share in the comments and tell me which one way I fight resistance resonated with you the most. Please like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter or Instagram.

3 Hacks to Combat Your Inner Critic While Writing

When you sit down to write, do you hear applause or hear yourself saying no one will read this?  If you hear the latter, that’s your inner critic. It happens to the best of us.  As Steven Pressfield states in his book The War of Art, creative people fight resistance, and to overcome; we must fight it like a pro.  Here are three hacks to combat your inner critic:

Turn off the spellcheck or editing tool

This hack will help your writing flow better. There is nothing worse than seeing a highlighted or underlined word in the middle of you completing your thought.  It’s the same feeling you had when you submitted your paper, and your professor drew on it with a red pen. Spell-checker or any editing tool interrupts the flow, and it makes you second-guess yourself. The focus should be writing. You’ll have plenty of time later to edit.

Write with Pen and Paper

Although technology is great, some old-fashioned things you shouldn’t get rid of like pen and paper.  Writing with them limits interruptions from your inner critic because you’re exploring your creativity.  The thoughts flowing with your hands keep you in great company and in touch with the writing craft. 

Talk to Your Inner Critic

Has your younger sibling ever told you weren’t the boss of them, yet your parent left you in charge? Be like the younger sibling and let your inner critic know who the boss is. You have some writing to do, and you don’t have time or space to doubt your work anymore. There is a place for your inner critic to be alive and well, and that’s when it’s time to edit.

If you are like me, you are your own harshest critic.  But using these three hacks will fight your inner critic like a pro.  Let me know what you think in the comments. Please like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter or Instagram.

How to Write Your Book Faster in 3 Quick Tips

If you are anything like I was, you’ve been saying to yourself that you were going to write your book this year, but 5 years have passed. I am a published author now, and with these 3 quick tips, you will have your book complete faster than you thought.

Keep a Binder or Notebook

One of the biggest challenges of writing a novel is keeping all of your ideas in one place. With a binder or notebook, there is little to no flipping through to hunt down information. Your notes are intact in one place. Plus, when you know your material is in one place, it motivates you to write more and faster.  

Join a Writing Community

As I mentioned in one of my earlier blogs titled 5 Myths about Writing, There are some aspects of writing you should do internally, but having a group helps with the writing process. Writing groups provide accountability and feedback. With this process, you can become a better writer faster than learning alone. And this is the premise of Ignited Pens. We are a community that encourages, inspires, and motivates you through writing.

Write Without Editing

According to Anne Lamott, everybody’s first draft is messy. The goal is the process and not the product. If you worry about editing, it slows down the writing flow because you switch between writing mode and editing mode. You can’t be creative and critical. Just writing keeps you focused on the main thing, finishing your book. Also, in Lamott’s book Bird by Bird, “…the first draft is the down draft — you just get it down. In the second draft, you fix it up. You prove to say what you have to say more accurately. And the third draft is the dental draft where you check every tooth to see if it’s loose or cramped or decayed, or even, God help us, healthy.”

If you have any more tips, please leave one and tell me which one resonated with you the most. Please like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter or Instagram.