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Stephen Lloyd Webber

What Albert Einstein and the 14th Dalai Lama Have In Common

Two quotes. The first from Einstein, the second from the Dalai Lama. A human being is part of the whole called by us “universe,” a part limited in time and space. We experience ourselves, our thoughts and feelings as something separate from the rest. A kind of optical delusion of consciousness. This delusion is a [...]

Edward O. Wilson wrote. . .

It seems that whenever people are given a free choice, they move to open, tree-studded land on prominences overlooking water.

Examples of Season-Tone in Literature (part two)

In the previous article, I wrote about the use of season-words in haiku and the possibility of conveying season through tone rather than the use of weighted words. The subject of tone relates to all writing, not exclusively haiku, so I thought I would provide some useful examples of the use of tone in works [...]

A Tonal Approach to Season Words in Haiku (part one)

The tradition of haiku is historically a Japanese one, and the tradition in English is so formally different it might be best to simply use a different term. I have heard that Gary Snyder calls this form simply ‘short poems.’ It is marvelous that the spirit of haiku is not exclusively a Japanese one; it [...]

Should I Write About My Dreams?

Last night before bed I read Decalogue for a Young Writer by Carlos Fuentes. In it, he mentions that he usually plans the next day’s writing before going to bed. He then writes first thing in the morning, following the advice of Alfonso Reyes, who quoted Goethe saying: “The writer must take the cream off [...]

Interview for Joseph Scapellato’s Senior Portfolio Class at Susquehanna

Joe Scapellato interviewed me for the class he’s teaching. He asked some very interesting questions pertinent to senior-year undergraduate English – Creative Writing majors. Here are the results of the interview: 1. Okay, let’s talk about your senior year of undergrad. Do you remember how you were feeling? Where did you think you were headed? [...]

‘Padding and Contrivance’ – Syllable-Counting for Haiku Poetry in English

Haiku is a poetic form most of us have some experience with. This Japanese form which found its way only about a hundred years ago to those writing in English merits a much closer investigation. The form contains useful lessons for most (if not all) writers. J.W. Hackett’s suggestions for beginners and others writing haiku in [...]

Autumn Wellness and Writing Retreat in Italy – October

You are invited to our two-week autumn retreat at Casa della Pace, a delightful estate featuring a renovated stone church (now a yoga studio) and delicious local vegetarian cuisine prepared with great care. Workshops will be given for the following topics: haiku and the poetry of attention energized scenes and short prose self-development, personal assessment [...]

Poem – check out Verse Wisconsin

Check out Verse Wisconsin here: http://www.versewisconsin.org/issue102/poems102/webber.html For our October retreat in Italy, click here: http://www.summerwritingretreat.com

Wellness and Writing Retreat in Italy this October

Writing and Wellness Retreat in Italy – Casa della Pace: October 16-30, 2010 Take a moment to imagine the quiet voluptuousness of a peaceful estate in the Italian hills. Now picture spending two weeks there, doing yoga, enjoying the wildlife, and enjoying a bit of local wine. You are invited to our two-week autumn retreat [...]

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