Blog - Archive for February 2009
Crafting Fiction: Understanding How Scenes In Novels Are Constructed - Part 1
Posted: Friday, 27th February 2009
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 similar with hand-written index cards, or computer generated section sheets.
LEARN CREATIVE WRITING
Whatever your chosen method, creative writing is a little like riding a bike or driving a car. You may believe yourself to be doing it instinctively.
Articles on related themes: Plot; Writing & Publishing A Book
Modern Morality: What Is Its Place In Contemporary Fiction?
Posted: Wednesday, 25th February 2009
What do you learn about life, characterisation, plot or theme from what you read, or watch on TV? Do you, in fact, analyse such elements as, say, individual responsibilities or manipulative behaviour? Or do you see drama and literature as merely entertainment?
I ask because my eldest daughter, knowing me well and being of similar mind, has sent me a book for my birthday. Titled Friedman’s Fables (read the Amazon review), it was written by the family therapist and rabbi, Edwin Friedman, who practised in Washington DC for over 35 years until his death in 1996.
Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words; Self Help; Assertiveness; Plot; Character; Theme
The Integrity Partnership Between Author And Reader
Posted: Monday, 23rd February 2009
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 your time. Think it through. Because the question (and it is only one, viewed from two different angles) is profound.
Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words; Relationships
Are Biblical Truths Essential To An Author's Understanding Of The Human Mind And Behaviour?
Posted: Friday, 20th February 2009
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 February, 2009). He’s right, of course! From Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress to John Milton’s Paradise Lost, English classic literature is riddled with reference to the Bible stories we, once, all knew and loved.
I'd go further and suggest that this is not simply an issue for students of classical literature.
Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words; Writing & Publishing A Book
Inspirational Thought: 8 Ideas To Plumb For Creative Writing
Posted: Tuesday, 17th February 2009
“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 couple of my favourite quotations, and these were the two I chose. I have mentioned them before, but not, I think, in any depth. So today I’m going to rectify that.
Articles on related themes: Writing & Publishing A Book
Sex Education And Teenage Pregnancy
Posted: Sunday, 15th February 2009
“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 quickly revised his denial.
“Well - perhaps cats do get married after all.”
SEX EDUCATION REVIEW
It’s a tricky topic. Not how cats make babies, but how children shouldn’t. Much is made, nowadays, of educating the young.
Articles on related themes: Family & Parenting; Current Affairs; Life, Faith & Other Stuff
Partner-Pleasing: Styles Of Communicating
Posted: Wednesday, 11th February 2009
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 the internationally recognised movement of Marriage Enrichment, and were foundational to Courses led by my other half and I.
In the first article, we looked at Partner-Pleasing: Do You Have Different Expectations Of One Another? and, in particular, at Knowing and Being Known.
Articles on related themes: Self Help; Relationships
Partner-Pleasing: Different Ways Of Communication In A Relationship
Posted: Tuesday, 10th February 2009
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 easy it is to understand your partner better, and deepen your love for one another.
These exercises were devised some years ago, when my other half and I used to lead Family Forum’s and Marriage Enrichment Courses. But their relevance is as meaningful today as it was then.
Articles on related themes: Self Help; Relationships
The Book Publishing Process Laid Bare
Posted: Sunday, 8th February 2009
What do you do if you can’t get your novel accepted by an Agent or Publisher? You’ve followed up every lead: the old boy in the Post Office who published a book on pre-war bus timetables via Agatha Christie’s gardener’s aunt.
Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words; Writing & Publishing A Book
Stroke Survival: How To Recognise The Signs & Save A Life
Posted: Saturday, 7th February 2009
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 stumbled and fell. Someone offered to call the paramedics, but she assured everyone that she was fine, and that she’d just tripped over a brick because of her new shoes.
Her friends got her cleaned up and brought her a new plate of food.
Articles on related themes: Life, Faith & Other Stuff; Self Help
Golliwog Banned: And TV Presenter Carol Thatcher With Him
Posted: Thursday, 5th February 2009
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 did! As did the enamelled golliwog badge I received from a well-known marmalade manufacturer, who, for decades, offered them as a free gift in exchange for tokens collected from the label on the jar.
Years later, one of my parents’ favourite TV shows was The Black and White Minstrel Show.
Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words; Current Affairs; Life, Faith & Other Stuff
Partner-Pleasing: Do You Have Different Expectations Of One Another?
Posted: Wednesday, 4th February 2009
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 no eye contact whatever. On the other side of the restaurant, there’s a couple of kids who look as if they’re barely out of college, who are engaging in a ding-dong row, comprising scowling faces, pointed fingers and inaudible, but clearly furious, phrases spitting like flame-throwers from their mouths.
Articles on related themes: Self Help; Relationships
A Passive Voice In Writing A Blog Has Its Place
Posted: Tuesday, 3rd February 2009
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 err is human and it’s human to err! I’ll tell you why I changed the title in a moment.
Descriptive Writing Styles: Conveying A Sense Of Place, Person, Personality and Mood
Posted: Monday, 2nd February 2009
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 are not alone.
Most new writers are rather prone to the use of too much description. Large blocks of illustrative writing about the weather, the scenery, appearance, character and atmosphere add little to the modern narrative and should be used sparingly, if at all.
Articles on related themes: Writing & Publishing A Book; Character; Viewpoint
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