Writing Advice From Me: Stetson University Honors Convocations: First Prize in Poetry & Prose

Some philosophers, including me, think we should write better, and have more--and perhaps more descriptive--terms in philosophy, such as moral or character terms.

I took an admissions entrance exam for placement at then-DBCC. I scored gifted in English and remedial in Mathematics. I was a savant. A lot of gifted people are "lopsided."

I took the remedial Math classes. I loved my Math professors.

At Stetson, I entered writing competitions. I won First Prize in Poetry and/or Poetry and Prose from the years 2002-2004. I wasn't even an English major, and the competition was related to Women and Gender Studies.

In the Stetson Archives, I can only find 2 years of my awards, 2002 and 2004.

I graduated in 2004, but didn't walk. I only walked at my high school graduation. Contrary to popular belief, I don't love the limelight, and don't like to brag.

My tips for better writing? It's better than Stephen King's. He says in "On Writing" that he's born with it, so give up.

My Tips:

Listen to music.

Listen to poetry. I suggest the book/CD combo "Poetry Speaks."

Notice interesting words, sensations or images. Capture them for later.

It sounds cliché, but try to find your voice. It took me a long time to do that. I found my voice after hearing so many other voices in music, poetry, philosophy, politics, etc.

Learning is actual work. You CAN get better at things.

Now, buy my new memoir!

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