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⤝❖⤞The Eirenic Verses ⤝❖⤞
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After two days on the road, I'd love nothing more than to faceplant in bed and sleep for years - but unfortunately, work calls. Thankfully, I've got plenty of caffeine to keep me going as I reorient myself back to normal life!
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The above photo is one I found in my archives of the stained glass windows in the Chicago Pedway, which are such a fun little treat for tired commuters. In honor of that memorable owl, let's look at a poem about these winged watchers.
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"The Judge is like the Owl"
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The Judge is like the Owl –
I’ve heard my Father tell –
And Owls do build in Oaks –
So here’s a Amber Sill –
That slanted in my Path –
When going to the Barn –
And if it serve You for a House –
Itself is not in vain –
About the price – ’tis small –
I only ask a Tune
At Midnight – Let the Owl select
His favorite Refrain –
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⤝❖⤞
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Writing Tip of the Week
Great authors are also self-aware authors. While no one would expect you to become a Zen master to write your masterpiece, carving a bit of time out for a mindful activity can help you become more aware of bodily sensations. Things like how you feel when you're angry versus anxious, what your face does when you're thinking, or what impatience feels like in your body can all be rich fodder for your work.
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⤝❖⤞
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About the Eirenic Verses
If you haven't yet picked up your free review copy of Saint Luridalr and the Peony Phoenix over on Booksprout, I encourage you to do so! It's a very quick read at only 10,000 words, so it shouldn't take you more than two hours at the very most.
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Many people get nervous about the idea of reviewing a book, believing that they must be some great literary critic or provide the perfect quote for advertising. There's no need to be so formal; all you have to do is share your honest thoughts, even if that's only a sentence or two.
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Any and all reviews are deeply appreciated, whether positive or negative. I thank you in advance for your help!
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⤝❖⤞
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What I'm Reading This Week
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I found Thich Nhat Hanh's book No Mud, No Lotus when I was in a very dark place. It completely transformed my relationship with grief. While I'm not a member of his Plum Village community, I deeply admire his ability to explain Buddhism so simply and elegantly.
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You don't have to be a Buddhist to appreciate what Thich Nhat Hanh says in The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching; what he shares is universal to everyone who has suffered in their lives. Hanh's writing style is exquisitely comforting, deeply compassionate, and easy to understand. It's a great book if you're ever feeling uncertain or want to understand yourself deeper.
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Last Week's Posts
I was busy last week, and I bet you were, too. Here are last week's posts in case you missed them!
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What's the Difference Between Epic Fantasy and Literary Fantasy?
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Learn about the unique features, constructions, and characterization in these two often-confused subgenres of fantasy.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Writers (Everything You Wanted to Know But No One Answered)
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All the private questions you have about writers and the writing process but didn't know how to ask!
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Weekly Quote
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“To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.”
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⤝❖⤞
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Share the Monday Missive with your friends!
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If you know of someone who would enjoy my newsletter, please direct them to this "Manage Your Subscription" page where they can sign up! Your support is greatly appreciated.
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⤝❖⤞
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Thanks for joining me this morning. I'll talk to you again on 04/14/2025.
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