No Wasted Ink Newsletter & Ramblecast - April 2025
a newsletter and voiceover podcast by Poet Laureate Emerita Wendy Van Camp
Welcome to the monthly No Wasted Ink Newsletter. My name is Wendy Van Camp and I’m Poet Laureate Emerita from the City of Anaheim, California. This newsletter is not affiliated with the city. All views stated here are my own.
RAMBLE
There’s something about poetry that creates instant connection. Whether it’s with a room full of strangers or just one person who nods along while you read, the power of a well-placed line or image never stops surprising me. That sense of connection keeps me writing and sharing my work at open mics. It’s not about putting on a show. Poetry is about making people feel and open their hearts.
This April, I attended the San Diego Writers Festival held at Coronado High School in California. The book fair filled the grassy courtyard with energy as readers, writers, and poets wandered about to see what was being offered. A main walkway held most of the tables, and additional rows jutted off this to create room for more vendors. Each space was decorated to reflect the spirit of the author or the book club it represented. Across the street, the lectures and panels were held in the quiet and inviting space of the Coronado Public Library. The setting gave the festival a mix of outdoor freshness and indoor calm.
I was there as one contributor of the current San Diego Poetry Annual, which is a well-known publication in Southern California. They had their own table at the event. They were selling their anthologies and getting out the word to prospective poets. Because of a leg injury, I stayed close to the table so I could chat with fellow poets without having to move too much. It was a pleasant afternoon spent in the shade created by a building that also provided a needed wind break. I enjoyed swapping ideas and talking about my poetry books to passersby. The festival had a friendly, relaxed atmosphere that was both welcoming and inspiring.
Later that day, I picked up my books and found my way to the school auditorium. I had been invited to feature at the San Diego Poetry Annual’s open mic, but I also wanted to catch the panel before my event. This poetry panel was hosted by the editor of the poetry annual and featured notable poets of the area along with both the outgoing and incoming poets laureate of San Diego County. All of their readings were incredible. They set a high bar. It would be a hard act to follow. I’m told this is the first year poetry has been featured at the SD Writers Festival and the coordinators for poetry were not pulling their punches. They were set to impress. I particularly enjoyed the giving of a crystal plaque to the incoming poet laureate, Paola Capó-García, to celebrate her upcoming term. As a former poet laureate myself, it gave me great pleasure to see her honored this way.
After a brief break, the Open Mic was announced. The host started with feature readings, so I was introduced first. I know some poets would find this difficult, but the crowd had already been “warmed up” by the previous panel and after all my years of readings and being a panelist, I am not nervous.
I had the pleasure of reading three of my original poems. As I normally do before a reading, I explained I am a speculative poet and my work is mainly science fiction or fantasy in theme, but when I became a poet laureate, I wrote literary work too. I began with my Rhysling-nominated poem called “Dragonette,” a piece that mixes fantasy with a haibun form. The poem ended with a surprising twist when the final haiku turned the meaning of the earlier prose on its head. The audience responded with surprised gasps. I had their attention.
Next, I shared “I am the Moonface.” A piece published in the San Diego Poetry Annual. It is a literary poem about my emotional journey to health after suffering from Cushing’s Disease. My final poem was an unpublished Haiku Sonnet about women’s empowerment. I call it “Reclaiming Her Name.”
Although my time at the podium was brief, every word felt like it mattered. The crowd’s warm compliments after my reading was a reminder that poetry can touch hearts in ways that go beyond the printed page.
The drive to the festival was long. It took me about three hours one way, but sometimes the journey was worth every mile. I have been part of the San Diego community for many years, working as an artist at various faires and festivals. Even though I have never called the city home, San Diego has become a cherished part of my artistic life.
In the end, the festival was more than an event; it was a reminder of the enduring power of poetry. I left inspired and hopeful, with my heart full of gratitude for this community that supports art and creativity. I realized that every encounter, every shared moment, adds to the tapestry of my life. It also reminded me that even a quiet voice behind a podium can be heard far and wide, and that poetry is a bridge that connects us all.
yours in poetry,
Wendy
ESSAY
Developing a Writing Routine that Works For You
Back when I was writing novels, I had a pretty solid system. Sit down every November, buckle up for NaNoWriMo, and just get the words down. My method wasn’t always pretty, but it worked. I got the drafts done. These days, I write mostly poetry. That’s a completely new rhythm. With teaching workshops, reading preparation, and a ceaseless influx of emails, finding a peaceful time for writing is difficult. I’d catch myself saying, “I’ll write tomorrow,” but tomorrows kept slipping further away. That’s when I realized I needed a new routine. One that worked with my life now, not the one I had years ago.
Developing a routine doesn’t mean forcing yourself into someone else’s process. It means finding what fits you. For me, that meant starting small. Choosing times that actually worked, creating a cozy writing space, and setting little rituals to get in the zone. I’m getting better at forgiving myself when things don’t go according to plan. Whether you write poems or novels or something in between, these five ideas might help you find a rhythm that keeps you writing.
Start Small and Stay Consistent
The process of building a writing habit can be overwhelming, especially if you’re putting pressure on yourself to crank out a thousand words every single time. That’s enough to make anyone want to quit before they even start. What if you gave yourself permission to start small? I’m talking ten minutes. Set a timer, jot in your notebook, or use your phone’s keypad; any approach is fine. Those little bursts add up faster than you’d think, and they help you build trust with yourself. You’re showing up. That’s what counts.
Some days you’ll be like a machine, writing page after page. Other days, a single sentence, or even no text at all. That’s part of it. Life gets weird. Moods shift. The key is consistency, not perfection.
Pick the Time That Works For You
We all know the drill. Some folks are morning people, their minds buzzing with ideas as soon as they roll out of bed, while others don’t even think about being creative until the sun’s down. No single writing schedule suits everyone. The trick is to discover when your brain is most alive and ready to work its magic. Try writing at different times during the week and see what clicks. That quiet pocket of time during your lunch break could be the space you need to put your thoughts down. Or perhaps, after the world winds down for the night, you’re finally able to let the words flow. Find that rhythm. Your mind begins to expect this. Like setting a creative alarm. Life’s unpredictable, so don’t stress if your schedule has to change. The aim isn’t to force yourself into another’s ideal schedule; the point is discovering a suitable time. That’s the best time to write for you.
Create a Comfortable Writing Space
Where do you write? It matters more than you think. If you’re crammed into a tiny, noisy spot, or if your chair seems like it’s been designed by a medieval torture expert, it’s going to be hard to get anything done. Your writing area doesn’t need to be Pinterest-perfect; your comfort is key. Perhaps it’s that nook by the window where you can sip your coffee and get lost in the words. Or maybe your bed is your creative haven, with a notebook on your lap and a warm mug of tea within reach. Some people like to light a candle or play soft music to set the mood; others need absolute silence. Play around with different setups until you find what clicks. And keep your tools close, so you’re not scrambling for your favorite pen mid-flow. The goal is to make writing something you’re excited about, not another item on your to-do list. When your space is cozy and welcoming, your brain begins to connect it to creativity, making it simpler to begin.
Set Rituals to Trigger Writing Mode
Sometimes, your brain needs a little nudge to get into the zone. That’s where rituals come in. They’re little cues that tell your brain, “It’s time to focus.” You don’t need to make it complicated. It can be something as simple as lighting a candle, brewing your favorite coffee, or putting on the same playlist every time. Some people open their notebooks to a fresh page or even just turn their phone to silent. It’s not about being fancy, it’s about creating a routine that signals its time to write. Over time, these tiny actions start to train your brain to switch gears quicker. Think of it like stretching before a run: your body gets ready, and your mind follows suit. The more you stick to your ritual, the less of a mental battle it becomes. Putting words on paper starts to be less like a chore and more like a rhythm you can fall into, making it easier to get started every time.
Be Flexible and Forgiving
Some days, writing doesn’t happen. That is fine. We all have those moments when life gets in the way. You could be tired, distracted, or unmotivated. That doesn’t mean you’ve failed or that your routine is falling apart. It just means you’re human. The key is learning to be flexible and kind to yourself. If you miss a day, don’t let guilt eat at you. Pick it up again tomorrow. Or, if you’re struggling to hit a thirty-minute mark, try writing for just five minutes. Anything is better than nothing, right? Your writing routine shouldn’t be a burden; it should bolster you. The more you show yourself some grace during those off days, the easier it’ll be to stick with it in the long run.
Here’s the thing: there’s no such thing as the perfect writing routine. The best one is the one that actually works for your life, energy, and goals. It might take some trial and error to figure it out. Some weeks, you’ll be unstoppable, as if composing words is simple. Other weeks, you’ll be lucky if you can get down a single sentence. It’s about finding a rhythm that supports your creativity, not drains it. Make your writing time something you actually look forward to, not another dreaded task on your list. And if you miss a day or fall off track? No big deal. Just be kind to yourself and give it another shot tomorrow. Whether you’ve got five minutes or an hour to spare, your voice matters. Your words deserve space in your life. So, keep at it! You’re doing better than you realize.
SCIFAIKU
mistaken translation Italian canelli creates hope of Martian life
This is a poem from my collection “The Planets” published in 2019. It is inspired by the long held belief Mars had canals on its surface. This belief started when an Italian astronomer Giovanni Virginio Schiaparelli observed what he thought were systems of long, straight linear markings on the surface of Mars. He called them “canelli” which describe the lines, but when the word was translated to “canal” it took on additional meaning.
UPCOMING APPEARANCES
San Diego Writers Festival
San Diego Poetry Annual Open Mic
Featured Poet: Wendy Van Camp
April 5, 2025
Coronado, CA
Featured Poets Reading and close out the festival as a community. Hosted by Michael Klam and Carly DeMento.
PUBLICATIONS
Indie Author Magazine April 2025 Issue
https://indieauthormagazine.com
How StimuWrite Helps Neurodivergent Authors Beat Distraction
I review a free writing program called "Stimuwrite."
Worlds of IF - Issue #2 - March 2025
https://worldsofifmagazine.com
A prestigious science fiction themed magazine produced by Starshipslone Publishing
Poem: The Aeronaut
Poem: Star Jump
Book Review: Have Space Suit - Will Travel by Robert A. Heinlein
Writing Coach Services
with Poet Laureate Emerita Wendy Van Camp
I have opened my consultation service at Indigoskye Press. I offer single hour coaching via Skype. I can help you navigate through the complex process of organizing a poetry chapbook, to either publish Indie or to prepare to entice a small press to pick up your book. I can explain how to Indie Publish your novel. I can also help on board potential science fiction authors and poets into the convention scene. If you need help with a long project, let me be your guide.
You can also order a block of three sessions at a discount.
Please visit my shop via the link at the top of my portfolio website or go there direct: https://indigoskye.com
LINKS TO SOCIAL MEDIA
Portfolio - http://wendyvancamp.com
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/author/wendyvancamp
Medium - https://medium.com/@wvancamp
Indigoskye Press - https://indigoskye.com
X (Twitter) - https://twitter.com/wvancamp
Instagram - https://instagram.com/nowastedink
Mastodon - https://me.dm/@wvancamp
Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/indigoskye.bsky.social
BOOKS
The Planets: a scifaiku poetry collection - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z8HMPF2
The Curate’s Brother: A Jane Austen Variation of Persuasion - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OU1V45A
ANTHOLOGIES
Eccentric Orbits: An Anthology of Science Fiction Poetry
Volumes 1 - 5
Editor
Available for purchase: https://dimensionfold.com
Anaheim Poetry Review 2023
Volumes 1 - 2
Editor
Free to Read: https://anaheimpoetry.com
Eye To The Telescope: Quests #46 - Fall 2022
Guest Editor
Free to Read: https://eyetothetelescope.com/archives/046issue.html
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