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Ray's Blog: February 2009

Crafting Fiction: Understanding How Scenes In Novels Are Constructed - Part 1

How do you go about constructing the scenes in a novel? Many writers simply sit down and write, in the belief that to do otherwise impedes the flow of creativity. Others ‘story-board’ the plot in a carefully assembled series of scenes for each character, arranged in sequence on a pin board. Yet others do something...

Posted at 11:56am on 27th February 2009

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Modern Morality: What Is Its Place In Contemporary Fiction?

See, also, my post titled: Does Glamorising Abusive Sexual Relationships Adversely Influence Society? written in response to a recent BBC discussion about the merits (or otherwise) of a book like 50 Shades of Grey.

What do you learn about life, characterisation, plot or theme from what you read, or watch on...

Posted at 18:24pm on 25th February 2009

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The Integrity Partnership Between Author And Reader

I want to consider, today, something which is relevant to human life, in general; to personal development; and to all the relationships which touch on our lives. It’s an issue, however, which is of particular relevance to writers – whether you’re a novelist, an author of self-help books, a journalist, a biographer, or a blogger.

Take...

Posted at 16:02pm on 23rd February 2009

Are Biblical Truths Essential To An Author's Understanding Of The Human Mind And Behaviour?

Andrew Motion, the UK’s Poet Laureate (a person appointed by a government who is, typically, expected to compose poetry for State occasions) has reportedly said that, “Children should be taught the Bible throughout their education because it is an ‘essential piece of cultural luggage’ without which they will struggle to fully understand literature.” (The Guardian 17th...

Posted at 17:13pm on 20th February 2009

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Inspirational Thought: 8 Ideas To Plumb For Creative Writing

“I write when I’m inspired, and I make sure I’m inspired at 9 o’clock every morning.”

This is said to originate with the novelist Peter de Vries, but I think it may be George Bernard Shaw.

“Writing is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.”

A variation of Thomas Edison’s observation on genius.

I was asked, recently, to state a...

Posted at 17:17pm on 17th February 2009

Sex Education And Teenage Pregnancy

“Do cats get married, Daddy?”

The question came from my four-year old granddaughter. She’s one of twins, and is obsessed by cats.

“Nope,” Daddy replied.

“Then how do they have babies?” asked Millie.

With the news of a thirteen year-old fathering a child fresh in his mind, and wanting to foster a sense of relationship, my son-in-law...

Posted at 19:07pm on 15th February 2009

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Partner-pleasing: Styles Of Communicating

For those who have just joined this series on Partner-Pleasing, let me bring you up to date. The aim is not simply to illuminate ways of improving communication in a relationship, but to enhance the overall experience of couples with each other. The exercises are based on those used by...

Posted at 18:47pm on 11th February 2009

Partner-pleasing: Different Ways Of Communication In A Relationship

Last week I began a series of blogs which are intended to be more than simply a swift read by an individual. So if you are part of a couple, read on. My aim, today, is to show you several ways of improving communication between you. And, in the coming weeks, to see how...

Posted at 14:35pm on 10th February 2009

The Book Publishing Process Laid Bare

Photo: Author, Mel Menzies, at a Book Signing Revised: January 2011

What do you do if you're an aspiring author but can't get your novel accepted by an agent or publisher? You've been to every creative writing course available, read everything you can lay your hands on about writing and publishing a...

Posted at 17:40pm on 8th February 2009

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Stroke Survival: How To Recognise The Signs & Save A Life

If your Mum or friend had a stroke would you know what to do to ensure their survival? No? Nor me! So when I received the following by e-mail, I thought it was so important, I’d put it up on my blog.

THE STORY OF A SAD AND UNNECESSARY DEATH

During a BBQ, a friend...

Posted at 12:59pm on 7th February 2009

Golliwog Banned: And Tv Presenter Carol Thatcher With Him

As a little girl, I owned a much loved golliwog. I have no idea who gave it to me, nor what their motive was in doing so. I can only conclude that it was a toy of its era, and that the gift was intended to please and delight me. And so it...

Posted at 12:59pm on 5th February 2009

Partner-pleasing: Do You Have Different Expectations Of One Another?

I don’t know about you, but sometimes, if we go out for a meal, I find myself people watching. It’s fascinating! There’s the middle-aged couple sitting at the table over by the wall who have said nothing to one another since they sat down and who, now that they’re tucking into their first course, make...

Posted at 20:05pm on 4th February 2009

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A Passive Voice In Writing A Blog Has Its Place

I began this article by titling it: There’s A Place For Passive Voice In Writing A Blog – then immediately realised that it was totally contra to what I was about to say in the body of the article! You see! Even when you’ve been at it a while, you still err, because to...

Posted at 13:56pm on 3rd February 2009

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Descriptive Writing Styles: Conveying A Sense Of Place, Person, Personality And Mood

When you sit down to write, do you find that the bit you like best is when you can indulge your love of description? Is that the part of your prose that you feel most proud of? Does it give you a thrill when you read it back to yourself? If so, you...

Posted at 11:35am on 2nd February 2009