Articles written by Pat Merewether in Arts & Humanities

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About me - Pat Merewether

Thank you for visiting my Helium page. My passion for writing started when I was in high school and won a nationally run essay contest for my school. The writing came through in letter writing (Back when people still wrote letters). Shortly after my husband

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Arts & Humanities > Making Art How to overcome artist's block: 2 of 41
Artist's block can be very disconcerting. One day you have so many ideas and projects you want to start, the next day there's not a shred of inspiration in you. It happens to all of us at one point or another. A NEW STYLE: Try using another style or doing your work in the style of another artist. Make a drawing, freehand or ... More..
Arts & Humanities > Literature (Other) How to analyze a short story: 2 of 17
A short story must make an emotional and intellectual connection with the reader. The first sentence has to draw the reader in and assure them that they will be rewarded for their time and given a glimpse into the writer's world and experiences. Does the story have a point or is it going nowhere? I've read short stories that... More..
Arts & Humanities > American Literature Book reviews: Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life, by Anne Lamott: 2 of 11
I wasn't sure what she was about when I first saw Anne Lamott on the TODAY show about thirteen years ago. She was a tiny little person sporting a head full of incongruous thin blond dreadlocks. I turned up the volume to hear what this person had to say. That day changed my attitude toward writing and even life. Her book, 'Bi... More..
Arts & Humanities > Buying & Selling Art How to find art treasures at flea markets and garage sales: 1 of 4
At one time I had a small antique business in an antique mall. I was always on the lookout for finding bargains at garage sales, thrift shops and flea markets. Flea markets seemed to have more to offer. For one reason, there are usually more choices and also vendors who specialize in everything from Delft pottery to wall art... More..
Arts & Humanities > Internet Writing & Blogging How the Internet has affected the writing community: 12 of 42
The internet has had a huge effect on the way writers present and share their work. More opportunities than ever grow each day and help writers gain experience and hone their craft. Getting your work read and published is much more likely today than it was in the old ship/SASE/wait days. I used to have nightmares about those... More..
Arts & Humanities > Writing Tips Tips for writing horror fiction: 5 of 17
Horror fiction is more difficult to write than many people think. To some writers, like Edgar Allen Poe or Stphen King it's an innate talent, but that talent is rare. Here are some tips I've picked up after years of reading and writing horror fiction that I hope you find helpful. 1. Reading the genre is most important. Reade... More..
Arts & Humanities > History of Ideas The value of oral history in local communities: 8 of 24
My 90-year-old neighbor told me that the narrow dirt road that leads from our house to the main highway was once made of wood planks and the old houses on either side of had once been a flour mill, general store and a post office. She said that the town is gone and all that remains is the name on the road and when it rains h... More..
Arts & Humanities > Ancient History Trade: A catalyst for change in prehistoric society: 2 of 6
This summer my neighbor, my nephew and I all had vegetable gardens. My tomatoes were great, but not my cucumbers. My nephew grew amazing squash, but his beans didn't produce well. So, we traded and all ended up winners. We also swapped information. That's pretty much how I picture trade originally got started. Archeologist's... More..
Arts & Humanities > Ethics Why your conscience is your own personal judge: 14 of 41
Children at about age four or five are more likely to end up with a pack of gum or a candy bar they picked up from a display while you were putting your groceries on the checkout counter. It's a stage, a part of the growing/learning cycle. How you respond to this will offer the perfect opportunity for them to learn about rec... More..
Arts & Humanities > Making Art Tips for watercolor painting: 3 of 8
There are a number of tips or tricks' that many artists have developed or discovered over the ages and knowing them can really help your watercolor painting be more fun and interesting. The first rule of watercolor painting is that you must leave the light'. One chance is often all you get. If you fill in the entire paper wi... More..