Category Archives: A writer’s journey

Welcome to My Writer’s Corner

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Writer's Notebook

Do you enjoy writing or reading poetry?  Most of the posts on Big Sky Buckeye are poetry, but I also share short stories, photography, and a few surprises along the way. You are invited to sit a spell and find something you like.  I enjoy sharing my curiosity through my writing.  You are welcome to like, comment, follow, share, or reblog a post.

Featured Posts

The world reaches out to each other on this Sunday.  Many are worshipping via online services or perhaps some have found a television program with a great teacher such as Charles Stanley.  In reading a recent devotion about the intimate relationship with God, my poet’s pen was moved to craft today’s post in “One on One.”

In addition to my writing, view another journal entry posted on March 29 in From My Journal.  While Big Sky Buckeye enjoys writing poetry and short stories, much of his journal writing is inspired from reading and commenting on other blogger’s posts.

You are encouraged to read a quote updated on March 29 from the words of British evangelist and Christian author Alan Redpath.   His words bring out a beautiful summary of the writing of Apostle Paul.

Many of you enjoy photography (either your own or someone else’s).  A wonderful bed and breakfast stay awaits visitors to Maryland’s Eastern Shore.  Check out the new photograph added on March 22 in the Photo Gallery. 

Recent Posts

Here’s my Baker’s Dozen, featuring 13 of my recent writings from the past couple of weeks.  Each post is linked to take you right to its location.  Other poems and writings can be found in the archives.  Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Behind the Scenes

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Welcome to “Behind the Scenes.”  Today, we are visiting with Richard, the creative energy behind the writing journey of Big Sky Buckeye. 

Richard, tell us a bit about where you grew up.

I grew up in Billings, Montana.  With the exception of the three years when my Dad was teaching in Oilmont and Poplar (other Montana towns), my life was spent in the largest city under the Big Sky.

Many of your readers know you are a retired teacher.  Tell us about your college background.

After graduating from Billings West High School, I attended four years of college at Montana State University in Bozeman.  My major was business education, which prepared me for a teaching position in a high school business department.  I also earned a broad field minor in social studies.

We think you have said that you taught for 40 years.  Wow!  Can you tell us more about your teaching career?  Where did you teach, and what did you teach?

My teaching career started in Montana, traveled to Wyoming, returned back to Montana, and finished in Ohio.

During my 29 years in Montana, I taught mostly high school business classes.  Later, I taught elementary keyboarding and middle school computer applications along with my high school teaching duties.  I also was active as a coach, activities director, and student council advisor.

After being laid off in Missoula, Montana, my teaching journey took me to Wyoming for one year.  I taught high school business before returning back to Montana.

My final ten years were spent in Columbus, Ohio where I taught middle school computer applications.

Before we wrap-up, tell us some of your childhood memories from growing up in Montana.

My family was a large one with four brothers and one sister.  Our home was located right across the street from the elementary school, which would be our school for all of us through the sixth grade.  At least one member of my family attended this school for nearly 25 years in a row.

We lived on what was the far west side of Billings at the time.  Farm fields and relatively quiet roads were all around where we lived.  Today, this area is completely developed, but the elementary school is still in use.

We have appreciated our time with Richard from Big Sky Buckeye.  Look for more “Behind the Scenes” in a future posting.

If you have a question for Big Sky Buckeye, feel free to leave it in the comments.  He would be happy to share an answer with you.

 

 

 

A Blogger’s Notebook Revisited

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This post is a continuation of an earlier article that was entitled “A Blogger’s Notebook.”  In case you missed it, here is a link for it:  “Blogger’s Notebook.”

Any creative journey will teach you patience and humility.  At the same time, you will witness growth in your blogging experience.  As you continue to  improve your craft, your readers will take note of the growth.  Here is a reflection that was written in my journal several weeks ago.

A new writer needs to write and continue to write without worry.  Allow your goals to promise less, and you just might deliver more.

I am beginning my seventh month here on WordPress.  Here are some thoughts of my experience.  Perhaps you can find something here to hang your hat on as well.  You are invited to comment with any thoughts, and your words will invite a prompt response as well.

Here are a few observations that come to mind from reading other blogs and evaluating my own time on WordPress.  How would you answer these short questions?

  • What is your blog’s purpose?  Is your passion reflected in what you post?  Poetry remains Big Sky Buckeye’s primary place to write.  However, even there can be opportunities to experiment and try new ways of writing a poem as well as occasionally posting a different type of writing (short story, travel feature, book review).
  • How often do you plan to post?  Do you have a definite schedule in mind?  Big Sky Buckeye generally posts every other day, so by week’s end there are at least 4-5 quality posts on this blog.
  • Do you write every day?  Are you carving out time to make your blog as successful as possible?  Try to do some type of writing or other blog-related activity nearly every day.  Whether it is writing a poem, crafting a draft for a longer post, creating artwork to publish, recording thoughts in a journal, or taking photographs to share, you will feel more fulfilled when you are writing and creating something.
  • Are you reaching out to other bloggers with thoughtful comments?  One of the most rewarding experiences that you can have is to become engaged with other bloggers.  There is a mountain of wonderful writing and sharing here on WordPress.  If you need help with your blog, search topics such as “blogging” or “art of blogging.”

Personally, I feel growth in my writing.  I am sometimes amazed at how far my writing has matured.  Secretly, someday I would welcome an opportunity to publish an anthology of my poems and short stories.  This will be for another day!

Here is one tip that I will try with a future short story post:  posting a part of the story over a series of posts.  People may feel more inclined to read a portion instead of the entire story.

In the meantime, you are invited to send me any thoughts that you wish to share.  An amazing part of maintaining a blog is staying in contact with other readers who are writing, sharing other information, and enjoying the experience here.

 

Writer’s Notebook Revisited

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Today, I am pausing once again to reflect upon my writing journey.  While I have developed a routine to my writing, I am still working to always refine my craft, just as I did when I was teaching in the classroom for 40 years.

  • Create a writing atmosphere.   Find a time to write that is “your” time.  For me, my best creative moments are early in the morning (yes, I am a morning person).  I feel comfortable and free to write with quietness and coffee before the sun comes up.
  • There are times when we feel empty about what to write.  Read, read, and read!  My mind sometimes discovers a thought or an idea after reading from a newspaper, magazine, book, or something else.  Even a film or television show may send you a thought to write about.
  • Keep your batteries recharged.  Do something that you truly enjoy—but away from writing.  We all need a break in order to maintain some sort of balance in our lives.
  • Sometimes, try new things in your writing.  Tap into your inner self.  I started out with basic poetry, which is still my favorite place to be, but I’ve challenged myself to write pieces outside of my comfort zone.  Experiment, be a risk taker!
  • You are unique.  Develop and craft your individual style of writing.

To read the first installment of the “Writer’s Notebook,” go to Notebook.

 

Writer’s Notebook

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Today, I am pausing to reflect on my writing journey.  Perhaps it is the teacher in me that wants to share these thoughts.  I am definitely a “rookie” when it comes to writing, but I feel energized each day with my writing, which never seems to be a chore.

These points are written in no particular order.  Just call them ramblings of a curious writer, who is enjoying his retirement while finding a new passion to fill some of his time.

  • Find a way to discover your inspiration to write.  For me, my morning walks seem to create a whirl of new ideas and interesting thoughts.
  • Establish a habit of writing frequently.  Many accomplished writers have said this in what I have read.  From my days of teaching fundamentals as a basketball coach, I understand and appreciate the use of repetition, repetition, repetition. Now translated into write, write, write.
  • Don’t worry about perfection.  Your first draft is an excellent beginning, but you should never fuss about what an initial start looks like.
  • Appreciate any feedback that you receive about your writing.  Draw encouragement from others who may follow, comment, or like your creation.
  • Perhaps this point should be at the top of the list.  Enjoy what you do.  Have FUN!!