Lions unite

I am humbled: The Shameless Lions Writing Circle, via Church Lady has given me the award called 'A Roar For Powerful Words'!

I would like to express my thanks to Church Lady for acknowledging my efforts.

I like that she says I have an earthy spirit - this is one of the nicest compliments I have ever been given. Plus, as a dedicated pagan this means oh-so-much to me. She likes my creativity and freshness - well, I like those as well, provided, there's any within me.

I have grown enough inside now to cast this praise away and say I'm not worth it...There were times when I acted like this. But as I grew more mature, I take it with a little blush and try to keep on working and living up to this standard.

Thank you, Church Lady!

Now, there's something about the award:

It was founded by Seamus Kearney. It's aim is to find, initiate and celebrate high-quality and powerful writing.

I am now to give three main characteristics I find of utmost importance in writing.

These are:

1. Depth and outcome and a potential help. There's no use reading/writing about things/people/events that do not explore some parts of the human (or other) soul. No matter how light or serious the subject of the writing is, no matter how long or short the writing is, it has to have a message and preferably, a positive one. Some encouragement. Some pshycological insight. Some help. Otherwise, one might grab and read a manual or a telephone book as well. Violence and pain is accepted - it's not that I can not tolerate them. But they have to have a well grounded meaning within the story. Perhaps it's not right to focus on this point, but meaningless violence and evil in writing hurts and spreads discomfort. And it does not help fight against violence.

2. A careful selection of words. I like when there are exciting or even exotic words in a writing, but...enough is enough. Since I consider myself more of a poet-in-training than a writer of prose, I like new combinations and expressions that make themselves resonate within the reader's mind. I like when reading a poem I feel the need to read it aloud for more pleasure.

3. Accuracy and determination. A purpose. Uhm, I'm sort of confused... How to put it? A writing that comes from true inspiration, that was fished from deep within, was written with honesty, not for a special market but to fulfill the need to write it. The relief the writer must have felt. It's even better when the reader gets some of this alleviation of pains.

And now, here are my list of bloggers/writers I wish to give the award to:

1. Vesper. Her words are powerful. My favourite poem by her is this. Please follow the link. But even when, for whatever reason, her voice is not that peaceful, the reader does get the meaning. She carefully plays with words and forms of poetry.

2. Bernita Harris. She makes readers think. She makes readers think about writing in general and also, she helps working out on some minor details as well. It's not that she provides readers with complex solutions - but she opens up our eyes to look and find and look and find again with the final goal of improving ourselves.

3. Jason Evans. He's quite complex talent provides readers with powerful writings including, but not limited to poetry, vignettes and short stories. I also heart his contests, but most of all I like his attention towards his readers. (The same goes to Bernita and Vesper as well!)

4. Paul at Strugglingwriter. He's definitely got that 'cheerful' touch to his writing. He's down-to-earth mentality is combined with spirituality and kindness. Too bad that his prose is hardly available in this site of his. Readers would clearly need more :)

5. Steve on the Slow Train. I have to admit that I do not read all of his posts. Shame on me, I know. His honesty and dedication toward any topic shows through his writing. His words are powerful. He digs deep and presents us with his findings. Most, if not all of his entries are non-fiction. Well, I love non fiction just as much as I do fiction.

Thank you again, and spread the word!