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Creating Character Led Conflict In Your Novel

Posted: Monday, 8th February 2010

Last month I began what turned out to be a series about Transactional Analysis. It was what I call a combi-article: one designed to help real people with real needs, but also to inform the creative writing of authors of fiction. Titled Conflict Resolution: Relationship Psychology – And Creating Fictional Characters, my intention was to show that there are a number of ways to heighten the suspense in your novel.

Articles on related themes: Plot; Character; Creative Writing

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Transactional Analysis: Getting Off The Drama Triangle Part 2

Posted: Thursday, 4th February 2010

The Drama Triangle is a model of dysfunctional relationships, in which I might see myself as occupying one of three roles: Victim; Rescuer; or Persecutor. As Victim I require you to become my Rescuer. If you don’t comply, I may become a Persecutor, accusing you of neglecting my needs. If you choose not to be my Rescuer you may, instead, become a Persecutor, accusing me of failing to take responsibility for myself, and thus putting me back in the role of Victim. You may then feel guilty and become my Rescuer after all.

• This description of the games people play may be unrecognisable to either of us.

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UV Readers' Group & Online Book Club: The Reluctant Fundamentalist - Discussion Summary

Posted: Friday, 29th January 2010

My UV Readers’ Group met last Thursday, 21st January, to discuss The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid and, as always, we had plenty to say! First and foremost that we had found the book an enjoyable and compelling read, with the sinister elements evident from the start and building to a climactic conclusion.

A LOVE-HATE RELATIONSHIP

The narrative threw up some interesting and topical points and, because one of the aims of the group is to examine life applications for ourselves, we began by looking at the way in which a love/hate relationship might affect each one of us – just as it did the protagonist, Changez.

Articles on related themes: Book Reviews; Book Club / Readers Group; Online Book Group; Current Affairs; Life, Faith & Other Stuff

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The Reluctant Fundamentalist Discussion Questions - MEL'S ONLINE BOOK CLUB

Posted: Thursday, 21st January 2010

Hi! I’m really excited about this new Online Book Club, which is starting today, and hope that you will be, too. The beauty of being a member of a readers’ group is that it encourages you to read books you might not, otherwise, have picked up.

But reading can be a solitary pursuit. Half the pleasure of being a reader is having the opportunity to enthuse, criticize and discuss the books you’ve read. In his book, Aspects of the Novel, E.M.Forster declares that a novel is a story that takes place over a period of time.

Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words; Book Reviews; Book Club / Readers Group; Online Book Group

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Transactional Analysis: Getting Off The Drama Triangle Part 1

Posted: Wednesday, 20th January 2010

In any dysfunctional relationship – such as that of the Drama Triangle – knowing and naming the disorder is immensely helpful. In fact, it’s often the biggest step in making the changes necessary for personal growth and peace of mind! The first base of Alcoholics Anonymous is introducing yourself: “Hello! My name’s Druncan and I’m an alcoholic.”

CONFLICT RESOLUTION PROCESS

I was speaking to a medical doctor a few weeks ago and she confirmed that the resolution of conflict begins by recognising the problem.

“Patients come to see you feeling terribly unwell: in despair,” she said. “But the moment you name their condition you can see a heavy load lifted from them.

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