My name is Jan Mader and I'm an addict. What am I addicted to you ask? Words! Big words. Little words. Squeezed in words and specifically...
Words With Friends!
I'd like to say I'm ready to stop playing but that's just not the case. I could play Words With Friends till the cows come home. I play in between reading my emails. I play Words with Friends while I'm in a doctor's office. It's better than reading magazines I tell myself. Who knows what kind of germs are on the pages of those mindless reads! I keep my germs to myself.
I play Words With Friends while I talk on the phone. I play while my husband watches TV. After all, I tell him, my mind is working while I'm playing my game. Your mind is just being entertained.
I play Words With Friends while while I drink my morning coffee and until well after bedtime. Time zones have become my friend.
And speaking of friends....some of my best play Words With Friends with me now. I'm hopeless. Not only am I an addict I'm creating addicts.
I'm sure at some point my new favorite thing to do will get old, but for now I don't care. Isn't that what all addicts say? I don't care. If 'it's not a problem for me so why is it a problem for you?
Gotta run now. I'm sure there's a word that needs to be defensively squeezed somewhere!
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By: Jan Mader,
on 1/29/2013
Blog: Jan Mader Ignite to Write (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: play with words, Words With Friends, Add a tag
By: Jan Mader,
on 10/4/2012
Blog: Jan Mader Ignite to Write (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: rhyming, play with words, Add a tag
I was looking around at some very cool blogs the other night and found one that was so much fun. Why? Because everything was in rhyme! You've got to go see! http://rhymetime24.blogspot.com/
To me rhyming is playing with words at it's finest. At rhymetime, people just comment in rhyme. That seems simple enough so here you go:
The dishes are sitting
in my kitchen sink
and I'm up here blogging
so what do you think?
Should I become slave
to the dishes at hand
or should I keep on blogging
just because that I can!
Please leave me a comment
and put it in rhyme
we'll try it tonight
and again down the line!
PS Comments can be as short as two words!
By: Jan Mader,
on 10/12/2009
Blog: Jan Mader Ignite to Write (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: paint with words, play with words, joy of writing, Add a tag
I was away competing at a horse show all weekend. When I got home I looked at the list of words in the comment section of the last writing activity we did together.
I am so excited by all the new and interesting words, I don't want to stop. So, now you look at the last activity again and let's keep going! Listen for more amazing, beautiful, rhythmic words or phrases for the next few days. List them for no other reason than the way they sound.
Let's make more music for our ears together!
Here's my new word: dollop
Here's my new phrase: Click clop goes the horse!
Your turn to add to our very own thesaurus of fascinating words!
By: Jan Mader,
on 10/7/2009
Blog: Jan Mader Ignite to Write (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: kids, teachers, Writing Exercise, paint with words, play with words, aspiring writers, Add a tag
I like this game.
What's the first word or phrase that comes to your mind when I say autumn?
Ready, set, go!
By: Jan Mader,
on 9/2/2009
Blog: Jan Mader Ignite to Write (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: kids, creative writing, teachers, play with words, aspiring writers, creative flow, Add a tag
A teacher left me a message last week asking if I could make our writing exercises match the curriculum being taught. The answer is, "Yes I can!" However, I'd rather do that on a one to one basis. If you're a teacher and you need something specific, please let me know. I'll respond to you by email.
Honestly, like I've said before, I believe the foundation for good writing comes from the freedom to fool around with language and words. That happens when we just play! So, let's have some more fun!
Let's start are own quote anthology!
Here's how:
By: Jan Mader,
on 8/26/2009
Blog: Jan Mader Ignite to Write (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: kids, creative writing, teachers, creative genuises, paint with words, play with words, aspiring writers, Add a tag
Quick! What does ANGER smell like?
By: Jan Mader,
on 8/23/2009
Blog: Jan Mader Ignite to Write (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: play with words, aspiring writers, creativity, creative writing, teachers, Add a tag
Thank you all so much for leaving your happy words, thoughts, and phrases. You made my 100th post so much fun. In fact, you inspired a new activity!
I was just thinking that all too often we see what's wrong with life. We forget about what's right and good. All of our happy thoughts made me focus on one particular memory that made me think of the simple pleasure of seeing joy and love.
One of the greatest places in the world to see love is at the airport. Have you ever taken the time to watch the faces of people as they recognize someone they love (and have missed) file through busy airport turnstiles? Tears of joy and smiles of delight are often smothered by bear hugs that last long enough to cause carry-on suitcases to fall on the worn carpet floor. For at least one special moment, love and hope abound. Cynics who think that the world is filled with bitterness and anger should spend a day observing reunions at the airport.
The best writing comes from our hearts and memories. So, with that in mind,
this writing activity should be easy for you! Just finish the following sentence (pick one or do both).
One of the greatest places to see love is ______________________.
One of the greatest places to see joy is _______________________.
Before you start writing stop for a minute. Close your eyes and really recall the memory. How did it smell? How did it sound? How did it make you feel? Let your mind's eye write on for as long as you want! Show me happiness! I can't wait to read what comes from your hearts.
Teachers: Start this exercise orally with your kids. Remember, creative talking stimulates creative writing. Convince your kids that what they have to say is important by listening to them and joining in the oral experience!
By: Jan Mader,
on 8/20/2009
Blog: Jan Mader Ignite to Write (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: kids, creative writing, teachers, play with words, aspiring writers, Add a tag
I was getting ready to post something entirely different when I noticed that is my 100th post! My goodness! I've been having so much fun writing with you I had no idea.
So, in honor of the number 100, we have to do something special. Hmmm...I wonder....can we make a list of 100 happy words by Saturday? That's a real challenge but since we just wrote about things we hate, happy should be easier. Let's give it a shot! Play away. Come back often. Bring your friends and your friends' friends. Bring your kids and your grandkids too.
And of course, allow your dogs and cats to have a voice. Let's celebrate with 100 words that make us happy. Revel in joy. Wallow in happiness. Get happy! Be happy!
Let's go! Make sure to number your happy word or phrase so we can keep count. I'm excited, are you?
By: Jan Mader,
on 8/10/2009
Blog: Jan Mader Ignite to Write (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: play with words, aspiring writers, creative flow, write a story, creative writing, teachers, homeschoolers, Add a tag
No matter how young or old we are, word play should never end. I do the same writing exercises with aspiring authors that I do with 1st grade children. It's true!
Creative talking is the starting point for creative writing.
Life experiences ignite ideas. We've all had a good news experience that had a consequence. A great way to write a story is just by reaching back into our memory. If you've been writing with me for awhile, braindrop!
Think of this as another list. We'll call it our Good News Bad News list. I'll go first:
The good news is that I killed a horsefly that was biting the heck out of Tango yesterday.
The bad news is that I got blood all over my hand and new riding shirt.
Your turn! Let's play! Get creative and have fun! I know all you animal lovers out there will have tons of ideas. Bring them on!!!
By: Jan Mader,
on 8/7/2009
Blog: Jan Mader Ignite to Write (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: kids, creativity, teachers, play with words, aspiring writers, Add a tag
I'm going to list some old proverbs for you. Let's have some more fun by getting really creative. Help me think WAY outside the box by making changes to some of the old proverbs on the list!
Remember, nothing you can write is wrong here. Anything you write is right!
Of course the first proverbs that are going to be on the list are ones that have to do with horses, so you'll have to forgive me. I'll think of as many as I can. If you can think of more, please add to the list.
1. Don't put the cart before the horse.
2. Don't change horses mid stream.
3. You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink
4. A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
5. A penny saved is a penny earned.
6. A rolling stone gathers no moss.
7. Children have more need of models than of critics.
8. Children should be seen and not heard.
9. A dog is a man's best friend.
Okay. That's my list. Chose as many proverbs as you want to re-write. I'll go first.
Number 4. A Bird in the hand should be back in the tree.
Number 3. You can lead a horse to water but you probably shouldn't drink with him!
Your turn! Pick a couple old proverbs and change them up! You'll probably be more creative than me!!!
By: Jan Mader,
on 8/3/2009
Blog: Jan Mader Ignite to Write (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: write a story, finish the sentence, teachers, t, homeschoolers, play with words, aspiring writers, Add a tag
I could play with words all night, but I really shouldn't. This one will be quick and easy. Ask anyone you know to join us. There are no age limits here. We can keep wallowing in the love of language and the joy of writing till the cows come home! Anyone know when that will be?
Here you go! Finish this sentence:
It was as dark as ____________.
Here's my answer: It was as dark as chocolate.
Your turn! Have fun! We're going to have a list of descriptions that we can refer back to over and over again. Just think, when you get ready to write your novel (or your next blog post) you'll have all kinds of descriptions flowing through your mind and onto your paper or computer screen! You'll be painting pictures with your words.
By: Jan Mader,
on 7/31/2009
Blog: Jan Mader Ignite to Write (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: creative genuises, play with words, aspiring writers, children's writing exercise, write a story, creativity, teachers, Add a tag
I love words. I am fascinated by how words can change my perspective in a matter of seconds. I want you to feel that wonder too! Kids should have gobs of experience with the magic of words and so should we. Words are a way to stretch our thinking and make our writing more exciting.
Everyone should play with words and that's what we are doing!
What image comes to your mind when you think of the word soft?
Feathers come to my mind.
Here's how I might show soft in a sentence: The snow felt like feathers tickling my face.
Your turn. Think of the word soft. What does your mind's eye see? Can you show me soft in a word or two? Give it a try! Don't be shy. If you think of something after you've already been here, come back! Don't forget...we're creating our own thesaurus!
Feathers was my word to show soft. What's yours?
By: Jan Mader,
on 7/14/2009
Blog: Jan Mader Ignite to Write (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: parents, teachers, creative genuises, paint with words, play with words, aspiring writers, Add a tag
Let's start another list. This time let's make a list of words that indicate movement of any kind.
Think outside the box for this one. Leaves rustle when they move in the fall wind. Rabbits scurry when they dart out in front of your car. You get the idea. Have fun with this exercise!
Now it's your turn. List three words that show movement. Be creative!
1.
2.
3.
We'll use these words for something else later on, I promise! The more lists we get, the better. Please pass this activity along to anyone who likes to blog. Bloggers are writers!
By: Jan Mader,
on 7/4/2009
Blog: Jan Mader Ignite to Write (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: play with words, aspiring writers, joy of writing, braindropping, creativity, writing for children, paint with words, Add a tag
Happy 4th of July!
If you've been writing with me since January, you know all about braindropping. If you haven't, please take a minute to go back a look at the original post after you have fun with a mini version of a firecracking writing activity right now!
I braindrop with people of all ages. With young children (or when I'm short on time) we do it orally. I say a word and then rely on spontaneity. "Quick! Say the first word that comes to your mind when I say, summer," I tell the kids.
If you're really doing this game with a group of people, you play the same way. Never slow down. Quick! Quick! Quick! If you get to a person who doesn't have an immediate word, that person should say: "I can't think." Move to the next person faster than a race car that's in first place on the last lap. This is what makes braindropping fun.
Okay. Quick! What's the first word that comes to your mind when I say, "July 4th"? My word is the title of this post!
By: Jan Mader,
on 6/19/2009
Blog: Jan Mader Ignite to Write (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: kids, library visit, creative genuises, play with words, Add a tag
The Carnegie Library in Washington Court House is full of creative kids and terrific librarians. How do I know? Because last week my dear friend Kathy (who is also a writer) and I traveled there to conduct a creative writing workshop.
We braindropped. We painted with words. We used our senses to create the most descriptive showing sentences you've ever seen. And most of all, we had fun.
Every time I spend an hour or two with kids, I'm reminded why I love to write so much and why I'm so inspired by kids. They have more creativity in their thumbs than I have stashed in my very old memory. All Kathy and I have to do, is create an environment that says, "What you have to say is valued and respected and we are honored when you share it with us!"
The children's department at Carnegie is lucky. Their children's librarian, Anne Quinn, is the kind of educator all children deserve to have. She brought out the best in me, so it's easy to see why kids flock to the children's department. Her rich laughter is contagious. If I were a kid, I'd park myself as close to Anne as I could get and soak in every book she suggested I might like to read.
My guess is that if the kids in Washington Court House like to do journal writing, half their journals would mention Anne, the library, and summer fun.
My school visits are over for the summer. Now it's on to more library visits. I think I'm the luckiest writer in the world!
By: Jan Mader,
on 5/10/2009
Blog: Jan Mader Ignite to Write (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: aspiring writers, writers, parents, teachers, play with words, Add a tag
Quick and easy. Plain and simple.
Complete this sentence:
Imagine the fun you'll have when.........
Writers: You can explain why if you want to, but if not, my imagination can just pick up the slack! Maybe I'll share my ideas with you under your comment. Imagine the fun I could have with your sentences!
Teachers and Parents: Now's a good time to play with words. Let your kids be a little silly. They're ready. Give them permission to celebrate language!
I'm not much into games, play a few on swagbucks to get points to buy books.......wait, there's words in them thar books. Holly cow, who knew I must be addicted too.
Blogging though is probably my equivalent to playing the word game.
haha I play that every once in a while, but more addicted to going the rhyming mile.
Touche. Solid arguments. Keep up the great effort.
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keep playing- it will keep you young.
I love it as well as you know. You are a very worthy opponent and you are beating me right now lol. I will try to stop that.
Loveys Sasha
I am an addict also, but to solitaire and word jigsaw and word search! It's the "word" word that does it! lol
I love word games, so I won't play that one, in fear that I might become addicted like you are! There are worse things to be addicted to... :-)
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"My name is Jan Mader and I'm an addict. What am I addicted to you ask? Words!"!! Crack. Me. Up!! ;-D
Wait. I am addicted to words, too. Especially writing!! What is this Words With Friends game? ;)
--Raelyn
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You seem to get quite a lot of spam, Jan. I've had to disable anonymous option on my blog, though the spam comments always seem to go straight in the spam folder!
Anyway, came back to say that I am now playing words with friends :D Username is Callicom
xx
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This comment has been removed by the author.
This was your last post for 15 days. Come back to us. We miss you. Some of us don't have time to play games.
Jan....
Happy Valentine's Day!! ;op
Love, Raelyn.... Plus Rose, my BEAUTIFULLY UNIQUE "Mystery Dog"!!
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Where in the world is Jan? I have missed you, Friend!!
--Raelyn
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