Writing Like a Rose: with Beauty, Thorns, Addiction, Dedication & inspiration
2026
“Navigation is a compass to help guide our way. We navigate to get out of trouble, to find the path forward, to remain on our way… When our life has rhythm, we can dance through it; and, the struggles start to feel more like snuggles, the broken arms become bruises and the battles end up being good luck.”
— Matthew McConaughey, Page 33, “Poems & Prayers”
Happy 2026!!! This is the 2026 parent page of all the Ad-Libs to come in 2026, whether just one or many. I hope this year’s writing thoughts and tips help you on your writing journey, as you strive to become a better writer!
Welcome to The Rose! This is my literary corner of the internet, dedicated to all things creative writing. Here is where I keep a collection of my work. This includes everything from poems to short stories to writing tips, aka my collection of AD-Libs. I hope you enjoy what I have written here and are able to relate to my work. But ultimately, I hope this site inspires you to love writing as much as I do!
Writing Like a Rose: With Beauty, Thorns, Addiction, Dedication, and Inspiration. Please see the “About” pages for more information!!
Feel free to leave comments if you like or dislike something.
Criticism is welcomed!!
Warning: Poem formats may vary; they include, free verse, etheree, sonnets, and others.
Most Recently Published: “Memories of Snowfall”, a villanelle and “Bike for sale”, a villanelle
Important: Due to the story’s sensitive nature, the sestina, “Coming to America”, is password protected. If you would like the password, please email me at magnoliamclean@comcast.net.
AD-Lib is here! You can view previous AD-Libs under the “AD-Libs” tab to get some great tips on your writing and find out what is going through my head as I write. You can also view old Ad-Libs by year under the “Archived Entries” tab.
And, Coming Soon: (you’ll be surprised ;) )
Finally, please read IMPORTANT copyright information before proceeding; however, I do encourage the file sharing of my work.
Again, welcome! And, enjoy your time at “The Rose”!!
The Rose 