Coffee and Words

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Part III of my reaction to "On Writing," by Stephen King

In "On Writing" Stephen King takes his own advice and shows the reader how to write well, unlike most textbooks that just tell. King's specifics and details allow for easy comprehension and a smooth read. It's like he took the reader into account... For me, this is a book I will keep in my writing toolbox. There is relevant and crucial information King shares with the readers/writers. Regardless of where someone is in their writing path I would recommend reading "On Writing," by Stephen King. What I learned from Stephen King (Three most important things): Writing with the door closed and rewriting with the door open/Rewrite formula. I feel these two pieces of advice from King go hand-in-hand. This has been one of the most difficult things for me.I think due to my last writing classes requiring more technical style my sory telling ability is lacking. I find myself having to go back on the second draft to fill in a lot of parts that need impr

Postcard from the Future: Over the River and Through the Woods to the Oregon Coast We Go!

Beach access is closed, parks are closed, restaurants and salons, too. The list of “don’ts” is long. For many, summer plans have been canceled. Beverly Beach State Park, Oregon. Me and Harlow. Once travel is permitted I will wait a little longer. I anticipate a large crowd of ocean lovers flocking to where the water meets the sand. I will trail behind. Most of my favorite memories take place on or around the ocean, from childhood and beyond, from California to Alaska. My flip-flops are packed. I can almost smell the salty air, damp and clean. We don’t have to travel too far. I will burn the tank of gas that has been waiting to be used and take the winding road over the Coast Range to Newport, Oregon. My daughter, Harlow, will make a wager with ice cream, on who will see the ocean first. Our first stop will be the Newport Bayfront for our traditional purchase of seafoam candy and a handful of salt water taffy at the Newport Candy Shoppe. From the street we will he

Stick A PORK In It! -- A Food Cart Review

One bite of my Porkadilla and I was hooked! A quesadilla filled with smoky pulled pork, cheddar jack cheese, and topped with your choice of drizzle, ranging from mild to slightly spicy. I chose the zesty sriracha drizzle and it was the perfect amount of spice. Stick A Pork In It, is a small food cart, with big flavor. Currently, the cart is located in Rife’s Home Furniture parking lot in Lebanon, Oregon. The family-owned business specializes in Cuban-inspired dishes, and has been a local favorite in the Lebanon and Albany area since starting their business in 2016. In an interview published in the Albany Democrat Herald in 2016, Neysi Von Ruden acknowledged her Cuban heritage as being an inspiration for the dishes they serve. Neysi also mentioned that two of the recipes they use are her mother’s, who also owns a restaurant, in California. Recently the husband and wife duo, John and Neysi Von Ruden, have found their business more in demand. “We have had a 30 percent increa

Lesson's from "On Writing" -Part II

I would recommend Stephen King's memoir "On Writing" to almost anyone! Fan or not, Stephen King's memoir is entertaining and full of relatable material. King maintains a very casual tone, allowing his humor and sarcasm to shine through. One of the most interesting and surprising things I've learned so far about Stephen King would be his struggle with addiction and the intervention his family staged to save his life. I think his candid recollection of such a sensitive personal issue, like many other memories he shares, makes him a trustworthy and reliable source of information. King shares a piece of advice with the reader that he was given by Editor John Gould- "write with the door closed, rewrite with the door open." King claims Gould taught him more in ten minutes than all his college courses. Right before we get to the "Toolbox" section of King's memoir, he reminds the reader that writing "isn't a

"On Writing" - Reaction to Stephen King's memoir

I've really enjoyed the book "On Writing", so far. During the first 50 pages I could relate to many of Stephen King's anecdotes, in one way or another. The most relateable would be when King is telling the audience about his re-occuring ear infections as a child and the next story about tonsil removal. King recalls being coaxed into a taxi cab by his mother to go to an ear specialist (otolarynologist), not once, not twice, but three times. He recounts the doctor and nurse reassuring him nothing would hurt before jamming a needle into his infected ear to release pressure and let the fluid drain. He admits the last time he saw the ear specialist that he had caught-on to their lie. The third time he says "I screamed so long and so loud that I can still hear it. In fact, I think that in some deep valley of my head that last scream is still echoing." I am able to relate to this anecdote because my daughter had re-occuring ear and sinus infections and she had

"Silver Lining"- a reflection on my family's adaption during the coronavirus pandemic

Silver Lining I sleep in longer these days. I don’t set the alarm anymore. My walk from the bedroom to the coffee pot has become relaxed. The sips of the bitter, sweetened, hot liquid have become more ritualistic than out of rushed necessity. I have been using the same mug for weeks, washed of course, it’s become an artifact of comfort, just like my house slippers. The words “schedule” and “routine” seem foreign to me during this pandemic, and I struggle to remember what day it is. I take a guess at the time, by judging the angle of sunlight entering the windows. Life as I know it has been put on hold, and for many others in the world as well. We are all encouraged to “stay home, to stay healthy” by the Centers for Disease Control , during the novel coronavirus outbreak. Statewide guidelines also encourage staying home. I am not considered an essential employee, and have not been able to work since March 13. Yes, it was a Friday. I have suddenly become a first-grade instr