THE WRITERS’ FORUM
Page 8
T
Familiarize yourself with poetry
Terminology!
T
E
N
N
O
S
Y
N
R
H
Y
M
E
T
A
P
H
O
R
G
L
C
N
O
T
N
A
O
N
O
M
A
T
O
P
O
E
A
P

A
A
I
O
D
O
S
Y
N
O
N
Y
M
G
A
U
C
P
S
O

H
L
N
M
U
Q
N
S
N
O
I
T
A
M
O
N
O
O
Y
E
I
L
Q
A
I
I
A
S
S
O
N
A
N
C
E
I
N
K
M
A
M
I
U
M
K
S
N
O
F
B
M
O
R
E
S
M
O
C
B
E
E
T
A
E
M
O
T
L
A
L
L
I
T
E
R
A
T
I
O
N
N
G
I
E
Y
N
O
E
G
A
H
O
M
O
E
G
A
L
L
O
E
H
N
F
N
N
N
R
U
N
K
N
F
M
V
E
T
Y
B
T
H
E
O
R
O
O
Y
R
R
K
C
L
H
K
E
R
I
M
A
S
Y
N
N
E
M
T
M
T
A
V
I
T
I
R
E
Y
O
E
N
Y
P
O
Y
E
O
A
E
C
T
E
R
A
M
E
R
I
N
A
K
N
E
H
M
V
H
M
T
U
T
R
E
G
H
P
F
U
K
L
V
T
R
P
A
E
C
H
E
R
I
S
M
S
T
R
U
C
T
U
R
E
B
O
P
R
K
T
E
C
O
E
I
I
E
K
C
N
A
L
Q
L
O
M
H
E
A
T
Q
T
N
A
L
L
I
T
I
G
L
L
I
P
L
O
R
T
E
E
U
I
K
N
O
I
T
A
T
O
N
E
D
U
E
H
I
M
S
R
A
O
A
D
B
L
U
U
K
I
H
A
I
O
F
O
Q
V
E
R
I
N
E
L
O
Q
N
I
C
A
N
N
M
C
N
F
I
G
U
R
A
T
I
V
E
L
A
N
G
U
A
G
E
I
ONOMATOPOEA
ANTONYM
HOMONYM
RHYME
ASSONANCE
HOMOPHONE
RHYTHM
BLANK VERSE
HYPERBOLE
SETTING
CINQUAIN
IMAGE
SIMILE
COUPLET
IMAGERY
SONNET
DENOTATION
LIMERICK
STRUCTURE
FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE
METAPHOR
SYMBOL
FORM
METER
SYNONYM
Printed by TAMIU Copy Center
Writers’ Forum
Volume IX Issue II
Featuring
E
HAIKU
“Write here! Write now!”
March/April 2009
by Diana Mederos
ALLITERATION
he


Poetry month is here!
The Aztec god from Irapuato returns,
and Mad Madam Mim joins in .
Care to join a smack, murder, or rabble?
Gettin’ in the rhythm with a word
search.
José Lara
Edna Mendiola
A publication of the Texas A&M International University Writing Center
http://www.tamiu.edu/writingcenter
THE WRITERS’ FORUM
Page 2
Volume IX Issue II
TH E WR I T E R S ’ FO R U M
A publication of the Texas A&M International University Writing Center
Volume IX Issue II
THE WRITERS’ FORUM
Chris Davila Reports on New WRICTUS Members
Recently, two word warriors were inducted into the Writing Center Tutoring Squad (WRICTUS). Their impressive abilities and
skills have become tools in a never-ending effort to rid the world of our arch nemesis: Grammatron, leader of the Clutter Syndicate. I proudly welcome Mary “Mad Madam Mim” Muñoz and Michel “Not Appearing In This Film” Martin del Campo to
WRICTUS.
Mary Muñoz
Writing Center
Location
Dr. Billy F. Cowart Hall 203
Hours
Monday – Thursday
8:00am – 8:30pm
Friday
8:00am – 3:00pm
Saturday
11:00am – 4:00pm
Sunday
, Aim High: TAMIU’s New English
Start Low
Instructor
By Cinthia Sierra
Mario Martínez, a former Writing Center tutor, believes patience is an
essential component in his writing. He says, “As little of an attribute as that
sounds, it’s a necessity in teaching, writing, and well… life.” Currently experiencing the fastest transition of his life, Martinez juggles graduate school, a job as a
graduate teaching assistant (TA), and two technical writing classes. Yes, he’s on
his way to becoming a college instructor, and as ludicrous as it sounds, at age 23,
he gives great advice to those who seek a career similar to his: “If I had to say
something to students that are thinking about the profession, I’d tell them to
really examine themselves. This profession isn’t for everyone, but if they have an
addiction to never-ending learning, this is the job for them,” he says.
1:00pm – 6:00pm
Phone Numbers
326-2883 - Front Desk
326-2884 - Helpline
Director
Kimberly Thomas
326-2885
Associate Director
Destine Holmgreen
As a tutor and aspiring teacher, I thought it would be great to hear about Martínez’s experience.
How did working at the Writing Center prepare you for a teaching position?
The Writing Center taught me patience, and that is a virtue every teacher needs. Students
aren’t always going to understand the lesson no matter how you word it; it’s frustrating. But,
the sections of technical writing are a learning experience for students and me.
How has the transition been from a Writing Center tutor to a TA and, finally, to
being in your own classroom?
Fast. I, barely getting comfortable as a TA, was thrown to the sharks, as my department jokingly
puts it. But, with each passing class, you just get more comfortable with it.
326-2907
“Write here,
write now”
Forum Editors:
Diana Mederos
Jonathan Martínez
Erica Matos
What is your teaching philosophy?
It will sound strange, but I want to teach students how to think, not necessarily what to think.
When dealing with the written word, students can learn to notice minute details, recognize
trends and themes, and analyze both what’s on the page and what’s behind it.
Are there any modifications to your teaching style because you are teaching
technical writing?
Yes. With teaching writing, I have to balance my lessons with both lectures and in-class writing.
In a literature course, there would be an open dialogue and discussion about readings, but with
writing, you really need to keep students on task. They learn by doing.
How does it feel to now be a part of the Language and Literature Department?
I really don’t think it has hit me yet. When my friends and family heard about it, they told me
how proud they were, and all I could think to say was, “Why? I’m just doing my job.” I’ve known
a lot of the professors from my years as an undergraduate, so there were no daunting feelings or
ominous looks my first day. Everyone has been very supportive of my move from the Writing
Center to the Language and Literature department.
Page 7
Michel Martín del Campo
Origin: Unknown
Origin: Krypton via Irapuato, Mexico.
Classification: Junior
Classification: Level 13 Bard (4th edition)
Major/Education: Double major in
English and Spanish
Major/ Education: BA in English Writing
from DePauw University. I’ve also studied
sociology and have some background in
physics.
What do you “do”?
I slowly decay in the vast emptiness of a mundane
box: my room. Therefore, I like the outdoors; it improves my
mood and inspires a few electric charges across postsynaptic
membranes. The only things that rescue me from the everwidening abyss of lost neurotransmitters are books, every
genre of music, and any writing utensil. I like the granddaddies and grandmammas of literature and poetry: Rowlandson,
Hawthorne, Poe, Dickinson, Gilman, Robinson, Hemingway,
and Plath. I listen to absolutely everything, except for bubble
gum atrocities. As for my writing utensils, I use anything
available. My favorite: a pen; least favorite: my lipstick.
Anything interesting happen lately?
I saw Café Tacuba live last year and was catatonic
with admiration. I pushed and tore flesh with my teeth like a
ferocious beast to get close to the stage; I succeeded and
caught the drumstick that was thrown into the crowd at the
end of the show. I have never jumped so high in my life to get
a splintered stick, but I would do it again in half a heartbeat.
Only this time, I wouldn’t elbow anyone in the face.
What annoys you?
People that beat around the bush and look elsewhere
when speaking to me. I don’t like superfluous dillydallies in
conversation, unless the topic is suspenseful, comical, or truly
bizarre. Also, I understand my face may not exactly be that
pleasant to look upon when speaking to me but at least give
me eye contact. I also don’t really like TV.
Any special talents?
I still turn oxygen into carbon dioxide. I am a percussionist. I “sing” and “dance.” I attempt to paint. I can still do a
cartwheel and bend backwards.
What’s the word?
Cloaca is one of my favorite words. Esoteric has one
of my favorite meanings. Здравствуйте is my favorite thing in
Russian to say.
What do you “do”?
Why the quotes? Is there some dirty joke I’m not
getting? Oh well. I write, I draw, and I game. I have a special
love for speculative fiction and am an avid fan of horror movies and science fiction. I’ve been getting into urban fantasy in
the last couple of years, too. Sometimes I mixed genres for
the sake of telling the right story, and I believe experimentation with any art is crucial for growth and success. While I’ve
written several short stories, novellas, and even two novels,
none are published yet. In the last few months, I’ve also gotten a second job as a freelance editor and writer. I draw in
charcoal, sometimes pencil, and use digital programs such as
Photoshop and Paint Shop Pro. I’ve got a gallery at http://
dagger3000.deviantart.com/ if anyone wants to see my work.
Anything interesting happen lately?
Got my first major writing job. Of course, my name
won’t be on it and I can’t tell you what it is, but hey, it’s the
business of ghostwriting. I just moved back from Washington
D.C. after working as a speechwriter, researcher, and legislative correspondent. I made major headway into an RPG design I hope to sell to Goodman Games. I’m drawing a lot
more than before and getting noticed. I’ve ascended to become the Aztec god of death and retribution. Also, one of
these things is untrue.
What annoys you?
A census taker once tried to test me. I ate his liver
with some fava beans and a nice chianti.
Any special talents?
I roll 20s.
What’s the word?
Grease is the word.
Page 6
THE WRITERS’ FORUM
Volume IX Issue II
THE WRITERS’ FORUM
Volume IX Issue II
April: A Month for Poetry
My Prized Collection
Page 3
appreciate it as a form of art, and if I can have this much fun
with it, so can you.
by Jorge “CoCo” Martínez
by Jesus Molina
A lot. A group. Many. All flawlessly flawless words, and all so common. So generic. So … bland. A lot of what? “A lot,”
“many,” and “a group” characterize any number of items. They possess no individual taste. They lack seasoning. Where’s the paprika or cilantro? This is where a nice juicy collective noun comes in. Collective nouns add flavor to the noun they describe. Why
settle for just a group of lions when you can have a pride of lions? Savor the word pride. It sounds proud, almost regal—much
more fitting for the king of the jungle. Just like a boot in a pot, collective nouns give kick to a sentence.
Though several collective nouns may represent more than one group, a flock of sheep and birds or a herd of cows and
buffalo, they are still more savory than a generic term. Afterall, cilantro goes in several dishes, but it does not go in all dishes.
These ingredients will spice up the recipe for whatever you write. Research paper? Bam! No problem. How’s a culture of bacteria
sound? Profile essay? Bam! Class of students. Dissertation? Bam! Panel of experts. Ha! Eat it, Lagasse.
Try your culinary skills with the following list. Match the collective noun with the correct noun it describes. Some you’ve already
seen; others may be new for you. Take them with you, and give your papers a kick.
____1. Horde
A. Cows
____2. Flock
B. Bacteria
____3. Smack
C. Badgers
____4. Rabble
D. Wolves
____5. Murder
E. Sheep
____6. Herd
F. Butterflies
____7. Bunch
G. Dolphins
____8. Armada
H. Elephants
____9. Culture
I. Jellyfish
____10. Choir
J. Mice
____11. Pride
Since April is National Poetry Month, why not join in
on
the
festivities?
Started by the Academy of American Poets
Two years ago, I gladly changed majors from Biology
in
1996,
the
group’s
ultimate goal is to promote universal ento English. It meant replacing jargon-laden textbooks, reports,
joyment
of
poetry.
This
goal is clearly possible; no matter
and lab equipment for creative literature, open-ended essays,
who
you
are,
poetry
invokes
an array of feelings and emotions
and the mighty pen. Still, I was reluctant to embrace poetry,
when
read
or
recited.
though it related to my newfound love for language and literature.
Although it is nationally recognized, Poetry Month
can
be
enjoyed
on a personal basis. Celebration can take place
I first faced my “fear” as a sophomore in American
in
community-sponsored
events: poetry festivals such as the
Literature with Dr. Sean Chadwell when studying Emily Dickone
the
Laredo
Public
Library
is holding on April 26 at 2 PM;
inson. Studying her work consisted of intellectual discussion
open
mic
readings
like
the
ones
held Wednesday nights at
instead of just memorizing stuff for quizzes and tests. HowCuadro Café (Jacaman Road.) and Le Modulor (Shiloh Bouleever, this was a required sophomore lit class with students of
different majors, and I was still into Biology. As such, relating vard.); and publication of poetry in newspapers, newsletters,
views with each other proved difficult and was limited to disanthologies, books, and magacussion with the teacher.
zines.
I realized my true strengths in language, literature,
More information on
and writing. After spending a year away from TAMIU to take
how
to
celebrate
can be found
English online courses at LCC, I triumphantly returned to the
at
the
Academy’s
official webUniversity by enrolling in Dr. Tom Mitchell’s “Great American
site:
http://www.poets.org.
Poets” class. As we read Dickinson, Robert Frost, Walt WhitSuggestions include all types of
man, and Sylvia Plath, my eyes fully opened to the beauty of
activities, from doing somepoetry. Unlike the sophomore lit class, I felt at home with
thing as little as keeping a daily
these fellow English majors as we engaged in discussion not
poem in your pocket to organonly with the instructor, but with each other. It felt like my
izing a poetry reading with
definition of poetry: a precise, harmonic arrangement of
your community
words. Today, I am an admirer and composer of poetry. I
It’s the Word of the Month
by Michael Mederos
Tittle
[títt’l]
Tit-tle—noun
functions, a student confused 5ln (five natural log) for sin
(sine: a trigonometric function). The teacher explained that it
was indeed “five natural log” since the “L” did not have a dot
over it. “What is that dot called?” she asked herself rhetorically.
1.
a dot or other small mark in writing or printing, used as
punctuation
K. Crows
2.
A very small part or quantity; a particle, jot, or whit
____12. Pod
L. Bananas
Etymology:
____13. Colony
M. Lions
____14. Range
N. Mountains
If you ever wondered what that little dot on an “i” or “j” is, now
you know!
____15. Parade
O. Ships
____16. Crowd
P. People
Gospel of Matthew (5:18) “For assuredly, I say to you, till
Tittle‘s existence is not well-known to the general population. However, two days after I discovered this word on an heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no
means pass from the law till all is fulfilled."
internet quiz, it popped up in the most random place: my calculus class. During our lesson of natural logs with trigonmetric
____17. Pack
Q. Singers
th
Tittle first appeared in Latin manuscripts from the 11 century.
Middle English titel, from Medieval Latin titulus,
from Latin, title
At that moment I felt excited that this useless little
word was of some importance. “It’s called a tittle,” I told her.
Naturally, my classmates and teacher thought I said something
nasty. To prove myself, I took out a Webster’s and confirmed
my presumption. Since I came upon the word “tittle,” I have
found more than a tittle of uses for it.
Famous examples: Down to a “T.”
Information from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/tittle
Volume IX Issue II
Page 4
THE WRITERS’ FORUM
Shunned Rock
Celebrate
by Jonathan Martinez
My grandmother’s house, a dim star
Tucked away within a cosmos forbidden
The whoops reverberate
The piercing bellows mock
I orbit distantly— a shunned rock
Wishing to join
But my tongue is clumsy
Unable to click-clack the rhythms
That sound like machinegun fire
My r’s don’t roll like my mother’s
They stumble
As I pass near the tones
Shift to accommodate the alien insect
Infesting their kinship
My Mexican blood hates me
My Spanish blood weeps
My French blood likes me for now
But I don’t speak that either
Inhale/Exhale
by Erica Matos
I forever race
Muscles bound and wound
Guarding against the impact of life
Running to, running from
What matter, move along. . .
Taking an eternal drag
Holding it in—
BloodNervesSweatDeathsTears
RegretLoveAngerLustDisgust—
Aching with sweet-bitterness
Gasping for
Air
Lungs too full—
I turn, blow my smoke in your face
The exhale exhausts more than the
inhale
THE WRITERS’ FORUM
Volume IX Issue II
Hunting Season
Poetry
by Liliana Saldaña
My closed window
Will not drown the sound
Of meat being hacked
And a knife exposing purple flesh
Ink Scratches
by Michel Martín del Campo
I turn my thoughts
Into black-on-white marks
So others may hear my words
When I leave the room
A comma is a breath
Perhaps unwanted rest
A pause to think of lies
I wonder, smiling, if commas matter
Question marks are roads
We follow a single snake-like path
A blind turn towards the unknown
When did you last pronounce a question mark?
Apostrophes simplify thoughts
Shorten words and memes
And leave the scratches behind
We can’t stand the sound of negativity
The ellipses are the brakes on our memories
Sudden stops as everything crashes
And we stumble to say anything.
And the period…
Page 5
Añoranza
by Luna
My darkened shades
will not hide the sight
of A corpse hanging
upside down in my backyard
Añoro las latentes sonrisas,
las largas tardes de sol
llenas de cantares y alegrías.
Aquellos años
en los que no conocía los pesares
y no congeniaba con la melancolía.
Lo cotidiano
era jugar entre las flores,
era dormir entre nubes de algodones
y soñar lo que sería de la vida.
My drawn curtains
Will not prevent the image
Of open swollen eyes
Draped with lashes and flecked with dirt
My eyes shut
Cannot stop blood
From soaking the ground,
And a stain that will not fade.
Y hoy,
corriendo en la maratón del tiempo,
sin tan siquiera darme cuenta
de cómo corren los segundos
ganando los minutos,
solo encuentro,
pequeños intervalos
de lo que tuve siendo una niña.
Falsa y efímera felicidad
que apareces cual fantasma
y cuando en mis yemas la siento
se esfuma en la nada,
conduciéndome a la búsqueda incesante.
The period is always the end.
Artwork by Michel Martín del Campo