Blog: Mel's Muse - Archive for January 1970
Blogging, Book Marketing & The Problem With Duplicate Articles
Posted: Tuesday, 31st January 2012
To protect the privacy of participants, all names have been changed in what follows.
Dear Mel,
I wonder if you might give me some advice. I'm on Ezine Articles and I also write a blog. I duplicate material from one to the other.
My Daughter's Tribute To Her Grandfather
Posted: Tuesday, 24th January 2012
My grandfather, Bill, 97 and ¾
Photograph taken approx. 1941
I started to call him Billy when I was little and he replied with Milly (even though my name was Amanda). He was the only one that was allowed to call me Milly and Millicent when he was cross with me which wasn’t very often.
He would collect me from the infant school when he worked at the bottom of the hill. We would go to the sweet shop across the road and I would say that I didn’t want sweets but please can I have cheese and onion crisps.
Articles on related themes: Bereavement; Life, Faith & Other Stuff; Relationships; Inspirational
A Tribute To My Father
Posted: Sunday, 15th January 2012
Photo: My father in his Flintstone tie on Christmas morning, one week before he died.
My father, known to his parents as Beel, was born in Elgin, Scotland, on 15th April, 1914. The middle one of three boys, he was raised, largely, by his mother and maiden aunts, because his father, a Captain in the Gordon Highlanders, was away in the war. Under their tutelage, Beel grew up with a great reverence for women. As one of his Carers remarked to me only last week, he loved to cuddle the girls, but he was always, utterly, the gentleman.
Articles on related themes: Bereavement; Life, Faith & Other Stuff
Three Thoughts For Christmas & The New Year
Posted: Monday, 19th December 2011
Have you ever found that sometimes, various, seemingly disparate, things have come together and you've heard a still small voice? Some truth about life that's been revealed to you? Something that's previously eluded you, but has now come into sharp focus?
It can happen, as I discovered, even in the busyness of the lead-up to Christmas. And it can happen in different ways. For me, it was a snatched online conversation; a Google search; and a TV programme, ninety-nine percent of which was over my head.
JIMI HENDRIX & THE POWER OF LOVE
A Facebook entry began the conversation in my head.
Articles on related themes: Inspirational; Poetry; Life, Faith & Other Stuff
ONLINE BOOK CLUB - Showing of Love by Julian of Norwich - Discussion Summary
Posted: Tuesday, 6th December 2011
Showing of Love, a book written by Julian of Norwich in the 15th Century, is not an easy read! OK. I admit it. Mea culpa. With much laughter, when nine of us met last week for Book Club, I was roundly - but affectionately - condemned for having chosen the book.
Some members opted not to read it at all. Those of us who did were profoundly grateful to the person who took over from me (when my father nearly died) and apportioned sections to be read by various members.
Articles on related themes: Book Reviews; Book Club / Readers Group; Online Book Group; Life, Faith & Other Stuff; Forgiveness; Inspirational
ONLINE BOOK CLUB - Showing of Love by Julian of Norwich - Questions
Posted: Sunday, 4th December 2011
The questions below were compiled by members of the real-time Book Club I lead at church.
- A member of the clergy, retired through mental ill health, asked on the Association of Christian Writers' Facebook wall today whether we should be writing to be published, and pointed out that much of Julian's writing was printed posthumously.
The Reality of Being An Author: Marketing
Posted: Saturday, 3rd December 2011
Last month, I wrote about a reader of my website, Skye, who had written to me for advice about her first self-published novel. Her initial question was simply one of discouragement. I say "simply", but there's nothing simple about the sense of isolation one can feel as an author. And though I didn't mention it in my article, How To Be An Author: Facing Discouragement, I did suggest to Skye that she should think of joining a writers' group.
This week, I want to look at another query she raised.
Articles on related themes: Speaking Engagements; Radio / TV; Writing & Publishing A Book; Brand; Blogging
How To Be An Author: Facing Discouragement
Posted: Tuesday, 15th November 2011
If you are an aspiring author and are contemplating self-publishing your book, there are various issues to be considered. I received an e-mail from a visitor to my website last month which highlighted some of these.
She recently self-published her book and has encountered several problems. So over the next few days or weeks, I'm going to use Skye's letter as a means of examining them one at a time. I hope you will find this helpful. She wrote:
I wonder if you could offer me some advice as I am in such a pickle.
Articles on related themes:
Inspirational; Writing & Publishing A Book
ONLINE BOOK CLUB: DISCUSSION SUMMARY - Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Posted: Sunday, 16th October 2011
One of the great things about a Book Club, as I’ve said before, is that almost always there are aspects of the book we’ve read that strike people in different ways. So while all of us who met last Thursday confessed to feeling disappointed by the denouement of Life of Pi - the novel finished, we felt, with a whimper; a damp squib – most of us very much enjoyed the rest of what we’d read. One member, however, most definitely did not!
EQUALITY OF ATHEISM & OTHER FAITHS?
It was not so much the plot that annoyed Dan, as the narrative.
Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words; Book Reviews; Book Club / Readers Group; Online Book Group; Life, Faith & Other Stuff
ONLINE BOOK CLUB: BOOK REVIEWS & QUESTIONS - Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Posted: Friday, 14th October 2011
BOOK REVIEW
At times profound, at others humorous, the novel, Life of Pi, is the story of an Indian boy who, because he is named after a French swimming pool (Piscine) and doesn’t like the nicknames which result, shortens his name to the irrational mathematical number Pi - 3.14… Pi becomes a Christian-Hindu-Muslim, and debates the faith of atheism. His father, a zoo keeper, decides to relocate the family to Canada. Unfortunately, a ship wreck means that Pi is left alone in a lifeboat on the Pacific Ocean, with only a zebra, a hyena and a Bengal tiger for company.
Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words; Book Reviews; Book Club / Readers Group; Online Book Group; Life, Faith & Other Stuff
Creative Writing Techniques: Description in Writing
Posted: Tuesday, 13th September 2011
Aspiring authors believe that for creative writing to flourish they must be free to write without hindrance. They’re right! But only up to a point. Because like it or not, there are rules, and they can either be learned in advance, until they become so familiar that, like riding a bike, you’re not aware of them causing any impediment to your writing; or they need to be utilised when you edit your work.
Right Brain Creative Writing; Left Brian Editing
Posted: Tuesday, 30th August 2011
Photo: Right Brain / Left Brain
One of the most influential books I read when I was an unpublished, aspiring author, was Dorothea Brande’s Becoming A Writer. An American author (1893-1948) she identified the “adult / child” or Left and Right Brain aspects of writing. The “child” is the unconscious, creative mind, and I recall her saying that an author may tap into this Right Brain mode via the practice of any repetitive manual work, such as ironing, gardening, or walking.
WHEN DO YOU EDIT A BOOK?
The Left Brain, or “adult” is the analytical mind which is required for editing.
In A Biblical Big Society, Are We All Complicit In Bad Parenting?
Posted: Wednesday, 17th August 2011
I woke this morning having just dreamt of my daughter, whose birthday it is today. In the dream she was aged about nine, and she was running, running, running, through open grassland, ducking beneath bracken fronds high on a hillside, and the sound of her laughter and that of the younger children with her rang in my ears. I called her name again and again, but she seemed not to hear, and I was full of fear that she might come to harm.
Edgy Christian Fiction: Books For Summer Reading
Posted: Monday, 15th August 2011
If you’re anything like me, a book will be essential packing for your summer hols, the perfect partner for a picnic lunch, a bonus for the beach and a relaxing read for bedtime. So here are four book reviews for sensational summer reads, all with a Christian world view that mixes romance with realism, and fear with faith.
THE SHACK by William Young
Originally self-published, this debut novel courted controversy by representing God as female and black. Heretical, shouted one segment of the church. Inspirational, breathed another.
Articles on related themes: Bereavement; Books, Reading & Words; Book Reviews; Book Club / Readers Group; Online Book Group; Life, Faith & Other Stuff
ONLINE BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION SUMMARY: A Time To Live by George Pitcher
Posted: Wednesday, 3rd August 2011
Are you in favour of assisted dying? Would you like British law to be amended to allow euthanasia? Or is the risk of abuse to the elderly, disabled and infirm too great a concern?
Most of my real-time Book Club members admitted, when we met on 28th July, 2011, that they’d found this book on assisted-dying and euthanasia heavy going. An easy read, it is not! And not simply because of the topic. I have always found George Pitcher’s articles in the Daily Telegraph to be quite accessible.
Articles on related themes: Bereavement; Books, Reading & Words; Book Reviews; Book Club / Readers Group; Online Book Group; Current Affairs; Life, Faith & Other Stuff
ONLINE BOOK CLUB QUESTIONS: A Time To Live by George Pitcher
Posted: Tuesday, 2nd August 2011
<Articles on related themes: Bereavement; Books, Reading & Words; Book Reviews; Book Club / Readers Group; Online Book Group; Current Affairs; Life, Faith & Other Stuff
Dealing With Depression Caused By False Accusations
Posted: Friday, 15th July 2011
Photo: Desolation: An Empty Beach
In Dealing With Depression: An Author’s Look At Life I stated that, as an author, writing is not what I do but who I am. I went on to say that while writing and publishing a book is quite beyond me at present because I’m battling with depression (actually, skittering around the edges) a little creative writing each day helps me to deal with some of the signs and symptoms of my malaise.
EMOTIONAL ABUSE
The fact is that depression has as many reasons as manifestations.
Articles on related themes: Life, Faith & Other Stuff; Self Help; Relationships; Inspirational
Dealing With Depression: An Author’s Look At Life
Posted: Tuesday, 12th July 2011
Photo: Dandelions At Dusk
Forgive me, those of you who come regularly to An Author’s Look At Life to learn about creative writing techniques and writing and publishing a book. I feel I’ve let you down, lately. The fact is that I’m at something of a crisis point in my life. And although it’s fashionable to present oneself as a successful and all-together person, I’ve decided to come clean and admit that I’m battling with depression.
You might not recognise it as such, if you met me, but for me it’s a case of déjà vu. Been there! Done that.
Articles on related themes: Life, Faith & Other Stuff
How To Be A Writer Of Christian Fiction Books
Posted: Friday, 24th June 2011
Are you an established writer or aspiring author who is also a Christian? Is there a novel you want to write (or have written) for which you are unable to find a publisher? Do you enjoy reading mainstream fiction but find that Christian fiction books leave you cold? How does mainstream fiction differ from Christian novels? Have you been feeling frustrated with the narrowness of the Christian fiction genre? Do you have a passion to bridge the gap between Christian fiction and mainstream publishing?
If so, hope is at hand.
Articles on related themes: Character; Plot; Writing & Publishing A Book; Content; Inspirational; Life, Faith & Other Stuff; Online Book Group; Book Club / Readers Group; Book Reviews; Books, Reading & Words; Creative Writing
BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION SUMMARY: Suite Française
Posted: Sunday, 29th May 2011
Suite Française by Irène Némirovsky
Born in Kiev in 1903, Irène Némirovsky, was a Jewess who, with her family, fled the Russian Revolution. She settled in France, married a Catholic, and became a best selling author. Her novel, Suite Française is a keenly observed portrayal of French manners and morals during the Nazi occupation. Sadly, it is an unfinished work. Only two of the five parts she intended to write were completed and, though a highly skilled piece of writing, it is unedited. She died in Auschwitz in 1942.
Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words; Book Reviews; Book Club / Readers Group; Online Book Group
ONLINE BOOK CLUB QUESTIONS: Suite Française
Posted: Friday, 27th May 2011
Suite Française by Irène Némirovsky
THESE QUESTIONS ARE PROVIDED FOR MEL'S ONLINE BOOK CLUB but may be reproduced – see below. Discussion Summary will be posted shortly, when comments will be open for debate for six months.
Breaking Writers Block - Two Tips
Posted: Monday, 2nd May 2011
Revised: May 2011
There’s no doubt about it, marketing a new book plays havoc with your writing schedule. I told myself, when my novel, A Painful Post Mortem, hit the bookshops, that I’d give my undivided attention to book signings, speaking engagements, writing and blogging until – well, until the end of that summer. It didn’t last, of course! To be that disengaged from the process of writing is as close as I’ll ever know to withdrawal symptoms from any other addiction. In fact, it’s only now that I’ve got round to setting up a Facebook Page for my book.
Articles on related themes: Writing & Publishing A Book; Creative Writing
God On Mute - The Problem Of Unanswered Prayers: Mel’s Online Book Club
Posted: Sunday, 17th April 2011
As book club questions were included in the book, I did not compile any for my real-time reading group, who met last week.
A book on unanswered prayer is never going to be an exhilarating read, but God On Mute, by Pete Greig, surpassed expectation for all but two of my Book Club members. I was one of them, and couldn’t help but agree with the person who said she’d found it did nothing for her.
Articles on related themes: Book Reviews; Book Club / Readers Group; Online Book Group; Life, Faith & Other Stuff; Personal Growth
A Painful Post Mortem: Review
Posted: Monday, 4th April 2011
No matter how long you've been an author, nor how many books you've written and had published, it is always very humbling to receive a positive review of your work from someone who is a stranger to you. The process of creative writing opens you up in a manner which exposes your vulnerability. And in some indescribable way, walls are broken down and a bond is formed between you: author and reader. In the light of that realisation, I would like to thank all my readers and, especially, this one, Dawn Dorrington.
Articles on related themes:
Books, Reading & Words; Book Reviews
Conflict Resolution: Writers’ Block & How To Overcome It
Posted: Thursday, 31st March 2011
I must confess, writers’ block is rarely a problem for me. On the contrary, I’m usually brimful of ideas and can’t get them down fast enough. In fact, the last time I wrote on this subject was when my novel, A Painful Post Mortem was newly published and required all my efforts in marketing and speaking. So it comes as quite a shock when the writing is turned off, like a tap, and there seems to be no way to re-establish the flow.
Articles on related themes: Writing & Publishing A Book
The Importance Of An Elevator Pitch When Writing & Publishing A Book
Posted: Sunday, 13th March 2011
What do you do when the book you’re writing fails to impress the publisher to whom you’ve submitted it, on the grounds that the subject is not considered sufficiently compelling?
This was the scenario facing me two or three weeks ago, and I confess that my immediate reaction was to draw in my horns and retreat. Others – whether an aspiring author or an established writer, as I am - might have greeted this news rather more vehemently. However, on reflection, I soon realised that the publisher’s conclusion was correct.
Articles on related themes: Writing & Publishing A Book
Mel’s Online Book Club: Born On A Blue Day
Posted: Saturday, 19th February 2011
The choice of book for my real-time Readers’ Group / Book Club was, on this occasion, prompted by a non-member whose young grandson has been diagnosed as autistic. Born on a Blue Day, by Daniel Tammet, is a remarkable book in many ways – not least because the author is severely autistic, has Aspergers Syndrome, yet has succeeded in writing his story without the aid of a ghost writer.
And as all the members of my Book Club agreed, it is a remarkable story. As might be expected, the style of writing is clear, concise and factual.
Articles on related themes: Book Reviews; Book Club / Readers Group; Online Book Group
Is Happiness A Matter Of Positive Thinking?
Posted: Thursday, 27th January 2011
Photo: Pink Gerbera
As Britain’s Prime Minister, David Cameron, suggests that “happiness” would be a better measure of national progress than GDP (gross domestic product) and the BBC’s Breakfast programme tries to define the elusive emotion, I’m going to ask you what you think?
I first wrote on this subject more than two years ago, when I read a magazine article about it and, having given the dictionary definition, I made various suggestions then threw it open to readers.
The Joy, Or The Sadness, Of Teen Sex?
Posted: Friday, 21st January 2011
Photo: Solomon Island, Chesapeake Bay: Mum, Dad, Boy, Girl
If The Joy of Teen Sex on Channel 4 had been titled The Fun of Teen Sex or simply Teen Sex it would probably have been seen by the TV regulators (if they still exist) as porn. It was certainly a self-indulgent exposé of the depths to which human beings will resort in pursuit of “thrills”. But that word Joy was a clever artifice to elevate it beyond mere fun or self-indulgence, and the inclusion of a General Practitioner helped it to masquerade as a serious programme.
Articles on related themes: Family & Parenting; Stepfamilies; Relationships
Creative Writing & A God-like Or Omniscient Point Of View
Posted: Saturday, 15th January 2011
Last week I wrote an article about the importance of Point of View (POV) if you’re planning on writing and publishing a book, and a reader took me up on what I’d said. An aspiring author, he is in the process of writing his first book, he said, and he’s doing so from a God-perspective. So I thought further discussion on this topic wouldn’t go amiss. What, for instance, is a God-like perspective?
OMNISCIENT POINT OF VIEW
A God-perspective, as its name suggests, is actually an omniscient point of view. Omniscient means “all-seeing”.
Articles on related themes: Content; Writing & Publishing A Book; Viewpoint; Creative Writing
Characters & Point Of View: It’s All In The Mind
Posted: Friday, 7th January 2011
My husband, who is a keen cook, has a copy of one of Nigel Slater’s books, Simple Suppers. The recipes produce good, nutritious meals. I have to confess, however, to a slightly queasiness when it comes to watching the celebrity chef on TV. Something, I think, to do with what I perceive to be an erotic fixation on food.
Consequently, when it came to the dramatisation of his autobiography, Toast, my viewing pleasure was tainted with guilt (about my judgement of a man I have never met) and the hope that my perception might be changed.
Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words; Book Reviews; Content; Writing & Publishing A Book; Viewpoint; Creative Writing
Online Book Club Discussion Summary: Everybody's Normal Part 3 - Achieving Personal Growth & Strong Relationships
Posted: Wednesday, 29th December 2010
You've probably realised, from Parts One and Two of this Online Book Club discussion, just how taken I was with John Ortberg's book, Everybody's Normal Till You Get To Know Them. Having expounded the truth that there is no such thing as *normality*, and then shown his readers the ways in which personal growth may be achieved through authenticity, acceptance, empathy and conflict the author moves on to the idea that community is worth fighting for.
WISHING YOU A HAPPY CHRISTMAS
Posted: Friday, 24th December 2010
I'd like to give my heartfelt thanks to all you faithful readers and subscribers over the last year. Also, to those who have commented on blog posts, plus those who have connected with me on Twitter and Facebook, or who have e-mailed me privately. Your presence is what gives my efforts purpose and meaning; it is, therefore, a huge encouragement to me. May I wish you all a Very Happy Christmas, and look forward to seeing more of you in the New Year.
Mel
Children In Divorce And Separation: Conflict at Christmas
Posted: Monday, 20th December 2010
It was Christmas Eve, many years ago, when my marriage officially came to an end.A telephone call from a friend in the local pub alerted me to the fact that my husband of fifteen years was announcing, to anyone who would listen, that he was about to divorce me.
Articles on related themes: Family & Parenting; Relationships
Online Book Club: Everybody's Normal - Part Two: The Games That People Play
Posted: Thursday, 16th December 2010
John Ortbergs book, Everybodys Normal Till You Get To Know Them provoked more discussion in the Book Club I lead than any other book weve read. Consequently, Ive split the discussion summary into three parts. Your comments are welcomed whether or not youve read the book. If you have views on the topics raised, wed love to hear from you.
In Part One, we looked at community and conflict resolution, loneliness and personal growth, and relationship psychology. The discussion on what Ortberg calls mat management, ended with the conclusion that disclosure should never be coerced.
Online Book Club: Everybody's Normal Till You Get To Know Them - Part One
Posted: Monday, 13th December 2010
APOLOGIES! My admin/editing box keeps ditching quotation marks, dashes and apostrophes. This cannot be rectified until the New Year, and as I am having to reinsert them manually, in the meantime, I hope you will excuse any omissions.
Everybody's normal till you get to know them at Daves house. This was the reminder sent out to the Book Club that I lead. It made us laugh when ten of us gathered together - at Dave's house - to discuss John Ortbergs book by that title.
Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words; Book Reviews; Book Club / Readers Group; Online Book Group
Apologies
Posted: Friday, 10th December 2010
APOLOGIES TO ANYONE WHO HAS COME HERE TO READ MY ONLINE BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION SUMMARY ON John Ortberg's book: Everybody's Normal Till You Get To Know Them. I'm having problems with my website editor and have had to pull the article, temporarily. As soon as it's fixed, I'll be putting it up again. Please be patient with me. It's out of my hands.
Book Marketing Mistakes 3 & 4
Posted: Friday, 26th November 2010
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My last post, offered solutions to two mistakes often made by aspiring authors when marketing their books. This article, by Wheatmark, continues that theme.
Mistake No.
Creating Your Book Marketing Plan: Mistakes Nos 1 & 2
Posted: Wednesday, 24th November 2010
For regular reminders of new posts, click the button on the right, or read What It Means To Subscribe.Take a Personality Test, sign up for Mels News, Views & Muse and receive a *Free Download* on Creative Writing Techniques - available ONLY to recipients of this Monthly Newsletter.
The following post is the intellectual property of Wheatmark, a self-publishing company, and is published here by permission.
Articles on related themes: Writing & Publishing A Book
Going Viral: Is A Focused Strategy Possible?
Posted: Tuesday, 9th November 2010
I'd read about the definition and effects of a blog "Going Viral" but never thought it would happen to me! So imagine my surprise and delight when, following nigh on a month away with no input to my website, I found that it had happened in my absence!
WHAT DOES GOING VIRAL MEAN
Going viral? I hear you ask. Are we talking a flu epidemic here?
An epidemic? Yes! Flu? No! The term applies to an unexpected blip on your Google Analytics chart. In other words, a huge and unexpected increase in visits to your blog.
MEL'S ONLINE BOOK CLUB: The Catcher In The Rye: Summary Discussion
Posted: Friday, 1st October 2010
Those of you who follow Mels Online Book Club will know that for the real time Readers Group that I lead, I usually compile a list of questions as a prompt.
Articles on related themes: Book Reviews; Book Club / Readers Group; Online Book Group
How To Market Your Book? What Readers Really, Really Want
Posted: Tuesday, 28th September 2010
I know I shall be bucking the trend when I suggest that internet marketing is not the only method of selling books. Nor, dare I say, is it necessarily the best way to market your book. Especially for an aspiring author! The fact is that old-fashioned methods may work best for you, for one simple reason. Readers want to know authors!
DON'T MARKET YOUR BOOK AS IF IT WERE CURTAINS OR EGGS
Think about it. When you choose new curtains for your sitting room, your choice is determined by colour, style, design, quality and price.
Online Advertising Versus Column Inches To Market Your Book
Posted: Tuesday, 21st September 2010
Hands up if you thought writing and publishing a book was all there was to being an aspiring author. Hands up if you’ve ever said, ‘anyone can be a writer.’ Hands up if you’ve ever looked at a successful author and thought, ‘easy peasy, I could do that.
Articles on related themes: Radio / TV; Writing & Publishing A Book
How Can An Author Best Market A Book?
Posted: Monday, 13th September 2010
An interesting discussion arose on one of my LinkedIn forums about the merits of using Facebook advertising to market your book. One aspiring author shared a variety of statistics proving the ‘benefits’ of doing so, by showing the increase in ‘hits’ on his website, or ‘page views’ generated by such measures. In the end, however, he had to admit that sales figures were disappointingly low.
A couple of us – both authors with a track record of mainstream publishing – agreed that there were two particular areas of writing and publishing a book which warrant special attention. One concerns who you are writing for – in other words, your readers.
Articles on related themes: Writing & Publishing A Book
So You Want To Be A Writer? Questions & Answers
Posted: Tuesday, 31st August 2010
I was reading a poem titled “So you want to be a writer?” by author Charles Bukowski a while ago. It begins:
“If it doesn't come bursting out of you in spite of everything, don't do it.”
And continues with the urge NOT to “do it” if you’re after fame or fortune, status or any other self-seeking reward.
The whole poem, which I have not reproduced for copyright reasons, may be found on Poets.
Articles on related themes: Poetry; Writing & Publishing A Book
Understanding The Drama Triangle In Personal Relationships & Fictional Characters
Posted: Wednesday, 25th August 2010
The theory of transactional analysis is a subject of never-ending fascination - both to those who find themselves participating in the Drama Triangle, and to aspiring authors involved in writing and publishing a book! Last week I met up with the friend of a friend and, during the course of the afternoon, she began to talk about one of her relations – someone I knew well. “He was so generous,” she said, admiringly, of him, knowing full well that he was also a serial adulterer and had caused his ex-wife and children decades of heartache and pain.
Articles on related themes: Personal Growth; Relationships; Character; Creative Writing
One Stop Shop For Aspiring Authors & Published Writers?
Posted: Tuesday, 17th August 2010
Whether you are an aspiring author or an established, published writer, you will need to undertake research, from time to time, in order to provide material for the books or articles you are writing. Sometimes the research material you need may be factual; sometimes you may want to understand the emotional response to a given set of circumstances.
PROVIDING YOU WITH MORE RESOURCES TO INFORM, INSPIRE, ENCOURAGE
My aim is to provide you, not simply with help with your creative writing techniques, and a better understanding of the mechanics of writing and publishing a book, but also with the vital research you may need in respect of your book or article.
Articles on related themes: Writing & Publishing A Book; Creative Writing
The Torn Veil by Gulshan Esther: ONLINE BOOK CLUB QUESTIONS & DISCUSSION SUMMARY
Posted: Friday, 6th August 2010
QUESTIONS
- What strikes me, immediately, about the author is the sincerity and commitment she shows to her Islamic faith. Are the rituals she conforms to so very different to our own when seen through the eyes of a non-believer?
- She makes no complaint about her disability but has complete faith that she will be healed. Can we honestly say that our faith is as strong?
- Gulshan Esther says that when she thought of God, no picture arose in her mind P28. Do we have a picture of God?
- Islam began in 622. Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac is
recorded in the Koran, and sacrifice and tithing are part of the
Islamic faith.
Articles on related themes: Book Reviews; Book Club / Readers Group; Online Book Group
Do Recycled Articles Increase Traffic To Website?
Posted: Friday, 30th July 2010
Is your blog green? In an era when we’re being urged to recycle – well, pretty well anything, really – how do you recycle your blog articles? Do you, in fact, do so? Or are they, once you’ve written them, the equivalent of being un-biodegradable, as far as you’re concerned?
RECYCLED ARTICLES HAMMER HOME YOUR MESSAGE
True, recycling old newspapers saves trees; but recycled articles do more than save you writing time and effort. They also help to hammer home your message to your readers.
Articles on related themes: Blogging; Article Writing & Blogging
Why My Marriage Bucks The One In Four Trend For Divorce
Posted: Saturday, 24th July 2010
I’m sitting in the lounge after lunch, about to resume writing my new book, when I hear Paul coming down the stairs.
“Could you let me have my bank card back, please,” I call out.
He has borrowed it to take to the Post Office, because the Sub Postmaster forgot to write my number on the back of the cheque he cashed for me the previous day.
“I’ve got it in my hand, right now,” he says, coming into the room. “Just been to get it from my trouser pocket.”
Telepathy? You could say that. Or perhaps it’s just that we know one another so well.
Articles on related themes: Marriage; Relationships; Inspirational; Stepfamilies
Misery Memoir Genre: Do Grim Novels Dominate Book Market?
Posted: Wednesday, 14th July 2010
As an author I am, naturally, interested in the book market. Consequently, when I was shown a newspaper article a few months ago by a friend, about the continuing proliferation of misery memoir metamorphosing into a novel, I read it, avidly.
MISERY MEMOIR: WHAT IS IT?
The misery memoir genre came to prominence in the late 1990’s, with books like Frank McCourt’s Angela’s Ashes – a literary masterpiece about the author’s grim childhood in Ireland – and the more controversial, A Child Called It by David Pelzer. Describing the abuse suffered at the hand of his alcoholic mother, Pelzer’s account was later refuted by his brothers and grandmother.
Articles on related themes: Creative Writing; Writing & Publishing A Book; Books, Reading & Words
Guest Book Review: Picture Perfect By Jodi Picoult
Posted: Sunday, 11th July 2010
When I heard that Yvonne North (wife of author, Anthony North) was reading a book about domestic abuse I thought I must ask her if she would write a book review. I'm delighted to say that she agreed, and submitted the excellent appraisal that follows.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Jodi Picoult, as usual, has written an informative book, this time on the problems of domestic violence.
In Picture Perfect, the main character, Dr Cassandra Barrett teaches anthropology at UCLA. She meets and falls in love with Hollywood movie star Alex Rivers. However, what starts as a good marriage, soon turns to something not idealistic.
How Key Personality Traits Affect The Writing Process
Posted: Thursday, 8th July 2010
If you are a book author and you’re writing non-fiction, how do you decide what material to put in and what to leave out? How, in fact, do you organise the content of your book?
WRITING AND PUBLISHING A BOOK
Chances are that if you’re an aspiring author and you haven’t yet approached a publisher, your ideas are simply floating around in your mind. But even for a published author this may be true – initially, at least, during the cogitative period. This is a natural part of the writing process and cannot be hurried.
Articles on related themes: Content; Writing & Publishing A Book
Plot Twist Ideas: The First Cut Is The Deepest
Posted: Monday, 28th June 2010
So far, in my analysis of an age-old story, I’ve covered the creative writing techniques and plot ideas as follows:
THE STRUCTURE OF A NOVEL
- A novel is the unfolding of a fictional prose through the thoughts, words and deeds of its characters. An understanding of characterisation is, therefore, essential.
- The structure of a novel depends upon cause and effect (or consequences). The causes may be due to character flaws, and the consequences the result of bad decisions and faulty actions. Creative Writing Plot Ideas: Dealing With Manipulative People
- The emphasis here is on Show and Tell.
Creative Writing Techniques: Show & Tell To Develop Plot Ideas & Character
Posted: Friday, 25th June 2010
For aspiring authors, creative writing techniques may appear to be difficult to master. The main thing to remember is that the structure of a novel demands the creation of three dimensional characters, and that it is their actions and reactions which shape the plot ideas of the book. Analysis of a Bible story like that of Samson & Delilah demonstrates this admirably.
When you’re thinking about characterisation for your book, it’s tempting for the aspiring author to think in two dimensional forms: appearance and whether they are goodies or baddies. Yes, the physical attributes are important – even though they may not, necessarily, be stated.
World Cup? What World Cup?
Posted: Wednesday, 23rd June 2010
Five to three this afternoon, and my local Sainsbury's carpark was virtually empty. Did someone say something about England playing in the World Cup ?
Develop Plot Ideas: A Combination of Negative Personality Traits
Posted: Monday, 21st June 2010
My posts, in the last few days, have covered the way in which an aspiring author can use a combination of plot ideas to develop characterisation. For the purposes of demonstrating this aspect of creative writing, I’ve used a classical story taken from the Bible: the tale of Samson and Delilah. Since the entire purpose of this book is to portray the relationship between God and mankind, it is virtually unparalleled when it comes to studying the positive personality traits of a character, and how they may be used to highlight the negative personality traits of another.
This is a particularly useful ploy for aspiring authors.
Articles on related themes: Plot; Character; Creative Writing
Developing Plot Ideas To Show Characterisation
Posted: Wednesday, 16th June 2010
I suggested, last week, that creative writing - that is writing a novel – requires an understanding of human nature. So where is an author to turn for such material? How can your book have that ring of authenticity whilst maintaining a page turning quality?
Any well-known, classical, story may be used as the basis of a modern-day novel. Reading and analysing the plot ideas behind a Bible story, for instance, can suggest the outline for a contemporary tale, and reveal the creative writing techniques that will make it a winner.
Articles on related themes: Plot; Character; Creative Writing
Creative Writing Plot Ideas: Dealing With Manipulative People
Posted: Friday, 11th June 2010
Whether you’re looking for new creative writing plot ideas, characters for your novel, or how to deal with negative personality traits in real life, there’s plenty of material to be found in this old story about Samson and Delilah. Tom Jones song must, surely, have made her one of the best known bad girls of the Bible. But the song lyrics are wrong, because it wasn’t Samson who stabbed Delilah with a knife, but she who brought about his downfall.
DEALING WITH MANIPULATIVE PEOPLE
The structure of a novel depends as much upon understanding human behaviour as it does learning creative writing techniques.
Articles on related themes: Plot; Character; Creative Writing
Empowering Solutions: Lift Up Your Eyes; Enlarge Your Vision!
Posted: Tuesday, 8th June 2010
Have you ever felt weighed down in an emotionally draining situation – as if someone had thrown a heavy, wet, cape around your shoulders; as if the effort of having to drag it around drained you of energy for anything else? Especially anything inspirational, like creative writing.
Of course you have! Most of us have at some time or other.
EMOTIONALLY DRAINING: A CREATIVE VACCUUM
I’m not talking about the wild turbulence of anger, disappointment, or self-pity, but of an unidentifiable load. Something you can’t quite put your finger on; something emotionally draining.
Quite literally, you become downcast as your shoulders slump, your head drops forwards, and your eyes are lowered.
Articles on related themes: Life, Faith & Other Stuff; Personal Growth; Inspirational
Blogging Simplified: The What, Who, Why & How?
Posted: Saturday, 5th June 2010
What follows is based on a talk I gave to my Writers' Group, to encourage them to be brave and try a new form of writing. ;)
WHAT is a blog?
The word comes from an abbreviation of weblog, and began as a form of online journaling.
WHO can blog?
Well, anyone, of course! Social media such as Twitter, Facebook or even LinkedIn may be better suited to the Extrovert (quick, short, to the point, and instant connection with others). For the Introvert, gratification may come through blogging, where the solitary pursuit of toying with ideas and producing persuasive arguments, might be an end in itself.
Articles on related themes: Brand; Blogging; Article Writing & Blogging
Does Your Creative Writing Style Encourage A Relationship With Your Readers?
Posted: Thursday, 3rd June 2010
Is it ever a good idea, as a book author, to stop writing? This isn’t a trick question: I have a genuine interest in your views – especially those of you who subscribe to my blog and are regular readers of my articles – plus it may be something you should be asking yourselves. I’d like to know what you think because . . . well, I’ll tell you as I go along.
DOES THE ACT OF WRITING STIMULATE AUTHOR CREATIVITY?
My husband and I have spent the last eight days with my daughter, in a very rural part of North Wales.
Articles on related themes: Personal Growth; Inspirational; Writing & Publishing A Book; Article Writing & Blogging
Ten Tips To Publication
Posted: Sunday, 16th May 2010
Written The Book, Can’t Get It Published? This was the question posed on a LinkedIn forum in which I participate. In an attempt to help aspiring authors trying to find publication, I began my response by saying that, in my opinion, it's much more difficult to find a publisher for fiction than for non-fiction.
However, although much of what I have to say pertains to non-fiction, I hope it will be of help to those who have a novel awaiting publication. I’m aware, as I write it, that it may sound as if I’m 'tooting my own horn', but I can only tell you what worked for me.
Articles on related themes: Writing & Publishing A Book
A Personality Test: Can It Define Blog Brand, Niche & Writing Content?
Posted: Thursday, 13th May 2010
Does it ever occur to you that who you are might define not only your blog brand and niche, but also the content and style of your writing? One of my readers wrote to me recently and, as part of her e-mail, made the following statements:
- Just did the personality test on your website - I'm ESFJ - which was a bit of fun, but distracted me longer than I'd hoped!
- I far prefer having people dictate what I write than have to come up with something myself!
PERSONALITY TEST
Before we look at them point by point, I’d like to give you some general background information.
Articles on related themes: Personal Growth; Content; Brand; Blogging; Article Writing & Blogging
Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult: ONLINE BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION
Posted: Sunday, 9th May 2010
This Online Book Club discussion is intended to be just what it says it is, as well as a resource for real-time Readers’ Groups. Whether you’ve read the book, or not, you may have very different views to those expressed here, or you may agree with them. Please leave your comments at the end so that we can all benefit from a broader perspective.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS
Despite a degree of reluctance in some of us to be reading another Jodi Picoult book so soon (bit samey; all legal stuff) we agreed, when we met as a group last week, that we had found Plain Truth an enjoyable and compelling read.
Articles on related themes: Book Reviews; Book Club / Readers Group; Online Book Group
Living With Grief Following A Bereavement
Posted: Wednesday, 5th May 2010
If you have come here because you’ve heard that I shall be speaking about grief and loss on the OpenToHope blog radio show (airing at 9.a.m. California time [5.p.m. UK time] on 10th June, 2010) then it’s probably because you are coping with the loss of a child, or have been bereaved in some other way. If so, I hope you find something worthwhile to help you through the pain of dealing with the loss of a loved one. At very least, know that I understand your pain, because I, too, have experienced it. The grief of losing my daughter remains with me to this day.
Articles on related themes: Bereavement
Traditional Book Marketing Campaign v Marketing My Book Through Social Media
Posted: Monday, 3rd May 2010
If you’re selling a product or service, can you conduct your business solely through social media? More to the point, if you’re an author, like me, can you sell books using only the internet? And if you replace the traditional means of marketing your books with internet marketing, are you in danger of throwing the baby out with the bathwater?
I ask because of a series of events that have occurred, recently.
DEVELOPING RELATIONSHIPS WITH READERS
My husband, Paul, and I have just returned from a weekend visiting friends. We had a great time.
Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words; Writing & Publishing A Book; Article Writing & Blogging
Blogging, Writing For Pleasure, & Nurturing Your Talent
Posted: Thursday, 29th April 2010
Among the issues I identified in the e-mail I received from my online friend, Lucy Cripps, were the following:
- Niche blogging: where are you writing from?
- Reading and responding to other blogs.
- Writing for pleasure, with your own angle on the topic.
- Writing what comes naturally to your personality
In my penultimate post in this series on article writing and blogging, I’m going to turn to the second and third points:
2. READ AND RESPOND TO OTHER BLOGS
In her letter to me, accompanying her guest blog on Teen Drug Abuse, Lucy wrote: I'll write a blog on writing the blog.
Niche Blogging? All I Want To Know Is What To Write About!
Posted: Friday, 23rd April 2010
In this instalment of my mini series on article writing and blogging, I’m going to look at an issue that plagues many of us. How do you decide what to write?
Perhaps you blog daily? Or possibly only once or twice a week? But what is it that gives you the conviction to know what you are going to write?
This was the problem for Lucy Cripps, whose correspondence with me has been the basis of the last three posts I’ve written on the subject of article writing.
Taking a Focused Strategy When Optimising Your Blog Brand & Content
Posted: Monday, 19th April 2010
In this mini series on article writing and blogging, I have been using some queries put to me by an online friend, Lucy Cripps, as the basis of the information I’ve shared. In the first, I gave four tips on blog brand, purpose, keywords, and titles.
Using Long Tail Keywords When Optimising Your Title In Article Writing & Blogging
Posted: Friday, 9th April 2010
In my last post on article writing and blogging – the first in this mini-series - I used (with permission) the correspondence that had taken place between me and my guest blogger, Lucy Cripps. As an ex-teacher, Lucy had kindly agreed to write a guest blog for me about her experience with peer education training, in respect of teen drug abuse. When she sent the first draft she invited me to be ‘as brutal as you want’.
Articles on related themes: Article Writing & Blogging; Brand
Four Tips On Article Writing & Blogging & One New Blogger
Posted: Thursday, 8th April 2010
There are a number of basic skills in article writing and blogging, and rather than merely write another feature on each of them, it occurs to me that it may be helpful to readers to follow the process that I recently worked through in correspondence with an online friend. Let me explain.
BLOG BRAND
Having learned, through social networking (one of my LinkedIn groups) that Lucy Cripps was once a teacher who had participated in a drugs education project, I asked her if she would be willing to write a guest blog on the topic. My reason for doing so was, unashamedly, to promote my last book, A Painful Post Mortem.
Articles on related themes: Brand; Article Writing & Blogging
The Foolishness of God: A Mad Sad Plan?
Posted: Monday, 5th April 2010
An advertisement for a new book, Bad Laws by The Daily Telegraph’s assistant editor, Philip Johnston, has just caught my eye. The book is subtitled An explosive analysis of Britain’s petty rules, health and safety lunacies and madcap laws, beneath which is the following statement: For 13 years, a war has been waged on British liberties, traditions, and even religious conviction.
It's launch is obviously timed to precede the UK's General Election, but it particularly interested me because of its juxtaposition with the Easter weekend.
Articles on related themes: Life, Faith & Other Stuff
Teen Drug Abuse: Peer Education Training Challenges Misconceptions
Posted: Tuesday, 30th March 2010
INTRODUCTION TO GUEST BLOG BY LUCY CRIPPS
My novel, A Painful Post Mortem, has been
selling now for sometime, and has raised a substantial sum of money
for the two charities I chose to support with the proceeds. This
month, in addition to the print edition, I decided to make it
available as an e-book. Cutting out shipping by making it
downloadable helps not only the economy, but also goes some way to
addressing green issues.
Articles on related themes:
Family & Parenting; Self Help; Assertiveness; Personal Growth
Negative Personality Traits: How Do You Confront Them?
Posted: Saturday, 27th March 2010
Many of you have taken the free Personality Test here, on my website, so I hope you will understand when I tell you that I woke up this morning feeling somewhat at the mercy of my Type. Actually, what I thought, was that I must be turning into my father! He would tell you that he never achieved what he aspired to - and though it would be easy to put this down to a lack of discipline, I’m not so sure that it’s that simple.
PERSONALITY PROFILING
I am an INFP – Introvert, INtuitive, Feeling, Perceptive, and my Dad, as an ENFP, is the Extrovert version.
Articles on related themes: Self Help; Personal Growth
Book Promoting & Christian Integrity
Posted: Tuesday, 23rd March 2010
You’ve finished writing your novel, your bestseller, and had it published. So now what? How do you market your book, or promote it?
You understand the need to bring it to the attention of the book buying public – your readers.
Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words; Life, Faith & Other Stuff
Spoof Poetry: Or Gripes From The Chancel
Posted: Friday, 19th March 2010
No time for a blog today because we're about to go away for the weekend. So I thought I'd put up this poem for your enjoyment. It was sent to me some years ago.
IMMORAL, IMPOSSIBLE, GOD ONLY KNOWS
(Tune: St. Denio)
1. Immoral, impossible, God only knows how tenors and basses, sopranos, altos at service on Sunday are rarely the same as those who on Thursday to choir practice came.
2. Unready, unable to sight-read the notes, nor counting, nor blending, they tighten their throats. the descant so piercing is soaring above, the melody only a mother could love.
3.
Articles on related themes: Poetry; Occasional Silliness
If You Can (Write) Do; If You Can't, Teach!
Posted: Tuesday, 9th March 2010
I came across an article, recently, which stated that creative writing courses for aspiring authors are a ‘racket’ - and I wondered what you think?
IS THIS THE TRUTH ABOUT CREATIVE WRITING COURSES?
The author of the post pointed out that among hundreds of writing tips offered by dozens of authors, not one suggested taking a creative writing course. The implication was that if you need to sit around being taught about writing, you’re never going to make it as a great writer or novelist.
Articles on related themes: Self Help; Creative Writing
Return Of The Prodigal Son - Rembrandt Painting Inspires Author Henri Nouwen: ONLINE BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION
Posted: Saturday, 6th March 2010
Without exception, members of my real-time Readers’ Group found this an AMAZING book, and couldn’t believe how much they got out of it. To read the Questions that inspired their Discussion, which follows, go to: UV READERS' GROUP & ONLINE BOOK CLUB QUESTIONS: The Return Of The Prodigal Son By Henri Nouwen
If you think this is purely a ‘religious’ book for people of faith from a bygone era, think again. The themes are relevant to the whole of humanity, for all time.
Articles on related themes: Book Reviews; Book Club / Readers Group; Online Book Group
Godparents - What Should They Do? Anna Ford And Martin Amis At Loggerheads
Posted: Friday, 26th February 2010
Godparents - what are they and what is expected from them? In times of falling church numbers, it may seem almost anachronistic to be asking. However, it appears to be a hot topic!
ANNA FORD ON MARTIN AMIS’ ROLE AS GODFATHER
I arrived home from holiday today and, within ten minutes of stepping through the front door, received a phone call from the producers of the BBC Radio 4 programme ‘PM’.
Articles on related themes: Speaking Engagements; Radio / TV; Family & Parenting; Life, Faith & Other Stuff
EBOOK PRICE-FIXING: Who Gets Hurt in the End?
Posted: Thursday, 18th February 2010
I'm delighted, today, to include an article by Angela Hoy, on the topic of price-fixing the unit cost of e-books - a practice which will, ultimately, lead to a monopoly and, therefore, destroy choice for the end-user - readers!
Do let me know what your views are. Comments are moderated, and your contact details will never be revealed to any third party.
By Angela Hoy, Publisher, BookLocker printable version | Share on Facebook
----- This article can be reprinted/redistributed freely, as long as the entire article and bio are included. -----
price fixing (n.
Articles on related themes:
Current Affairs; Writing & Publishing A Book
Fictional Characters With Personalities That Build Conflict
Posted: Saturday, 13th February 2010
Conflict is as crucial to the narrative and structure of a novel as characters and dialogue. The author of fiction needs to ensure that the obstacles which prevent a character from achieving the story goal are driven by their own personality, plus that of other characters. That is, the personal relationships through which the characters interact. As I have written in earlier articles, without conflict there is, quite simply, no plot. Read What Makes A Story A Plot? to see what E.M.Forster has to say on the subject.
Consequently, we have been looking, recently, at plot summaries to see how best to use characters to build suspense.
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: Creative Writing; Character; Plot
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.
Articles on related themes: Self Help; Personal Growth; Relationships
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
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
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.
MEL'S ONLINE BOOK CLUB: Precis Of The Reluctant Fundamentalist By Mohsin Hamid
Posted: Thursday, 14th January 2010
THIS PRECIS IS PROVIDED FOR MEL'S ONLINE BOOK CLUB (but may be reproduced by other Readers' Groups – see below). Questions for Discussion will be posted on Thursday 21st January, 2010 when comments will be open for debate for six months.
PROTAGONIST
The story is presented as a first person monologue throughout by the protagonist, Changez, a young man of Pakistani birth and origin, but a graduate of an American university, and resident of Manhattan. Changez has met – by chance? – a nameless American tourist in a cafe in Lahore, and it is here, and to him, that he pours out the details of his doomed love affair with America.
The Drama Triangle & The Games People Play
Posted: Monday, 11th January 2010
I looked, a couple of days ago, at Transactional Analysis – the Drama Triangle in particular:
- First as a means of conflict resolution for those experiencing problems with their personal relationships.
- And second – for writers and aspiring authors – as an innovative way of creating fictional characters.
THE GAMES PEOPLE PLAY
The theory of transactional analysis is that in our normal, everyday, relationships, we are all involved in playing one of three roles: Parent, Adult, Child. I’ve explained this in my article titled: Conflict Resolution: Relationship Psychology - And Creating Fictional Characters and I would suggest that you read this before continuing with the article below.
Articles on related themes: Creative Writing; Character; Relationships; Personal Growth; Marriage
Conflict Resolution: Relationship Psychology - And Creating Fictional Characters
Posted: Wednesday, 6th January 2010
What I’m about to tell you will revolutionise the way you perceive your personal relationships. It will also give you immense insight when it comes to creative writing and publishing a book and, in particular, when you’re creating fictional characters.
Articles on related themes: Writing & Publishing A Book; Relationships; Personal Growth; Self Help; Character
New Year Greetings And A Hope For Happiness
Posted: Thursday, 31st December 2009
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I hope you’ve all enjoyed your New Year’s Eve revelry without having to endure any adverse after effects! My beloved and I were invited to several parties but, as the one we accepted was cancelled due to our hostess’s ill-health, we decided to celebrate at home alone. I have an eight-hour train journey to endure tomorrow so I’m not altogether sorry.
I WISH YOU A HOPE FOR HAPPINESS?
But it occurs to me that there may be those who find the whole Christmas / New Year celebrations a painful and lonely experience.
Online Book Club (Readers' Group)
Posted: Sunday, 27th December 2009
I’ve decided to start an online Book Club! Well, actually, I can’t take credit for it myself; my online friend Lucy suggested it. Thing is, I already lead a real-time Readers’ Group and post the discussion summary on my Diary page (last one was Joanne Harris’s Chocolat if you want to read it) and I think it would be interesting if this was extended to online discussion as well.
Articles on related themes: Book Club / Readers Group; Online Book Group
A Christmas Gift For All Year Round
Posted: Thursday, 24th December 2009
I was reading, this week, a short piece titled: Right People Get It Wrong. The writer cited two extremes in the range of good and evil: those who appear to live selfless, sacrificial lives; and those who are utterly unconcerned about the damage that they do to others. But the gist, the moral, of the article, was that we should, none of us, be too quick to label people as one or other. We can be too swift in ‘filing’ people in categories of good or bad, or even writing them off altogether, said the author.
GOOD AND BAD
I thought, immediately, of my daughter.
Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words; Personal Growth; Inspirational
Blogging, Copyright, & Free Distribution
Posted: Sunday, 20th December 2009
If you blog, do you blog only to convey information to your readers? Or do you blog so that others may freely copy and distribute your material?
I ask because, to date, it has been a vexed question to me. As the author of a number of books published over the past twenty-five years, my experience has been that of the real world (as opposed to the cyber world). In addition, I have been employed, for the past twelve years, as Copyright Manager for a publishing company and, in the next few days, I shall be writing a post on Copyright to accompany this one.
A Letter From A Blogger Who Wants A New Tagline
Posted: Saturday, 12th December 2009
I've put Blogging For Buddies: Create Your Own Voice to Instil Confidence on my Dear Mel page in response to a letter from Isaac, who has commented on my own articles from time to time. Do see what he's had to say, read my response, then visit his site via the link I've put up.
Demise Of A Marriage: A True Story - Chapter 3 Part 2 - The Tug Of Two Loves
Posted: Wednesday, 9th December 2009
Catch up with the story so far in Part 1:1 The Inner Yearning. It will be posted, in parts, two or three times a week. For a free prompt to follow the story to its conclusion click the Subscribe button on the right.
BANKRUPT – IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE!
Early one winter evening, as I was putting the children to bed, James arrived home with the sort of commotion that announced that he was drunk. There was nothing unusual about his condition; it was only the time of day that surprised me.
Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words; Marriage; Inspirational
Creative Writing: How, Where & When?
Posted: Monday, 7th December 2009
How, where and when do you write and, more to the point, does it matter? Many bestselling novelists, whose diverse methods and locations are described below, would chant an unequivocal ‘Yes!’ And I think I would have to agree.
WRITING IN LONG-HAND
Perhaps because my earliest stories and dramas were written when I was only a child, my first few published books naturally began life in long hand, in exercise books. There is something about forming cursive lettering with a pen on a page which seems to help the creative juices to flow.
Articles on related themes: Writing & Publishing A Book
Demise Of A Marriage: A True Story - Chapter 3 Part 1 - The Tug Of Two Loves
Posted: Sunday, 29th November 2009
Catch up with the story so far in Part 1:1 The Inner Yearning. It will be posted, in parts, two or three times a week. For a free prompt to follow the story to its conclusion click the Subscribe button on the right.
Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Rom 12:2
BIRTH AND NEW BIRTH
“Well? What d’you think?” James leaned against the French windows from the conservatory, awaiting my reaction.
I surveyed the garden which looked a small park.
Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words; Marriage; Inspirational
Demise Of A Marriage: A True Story - Chapter 2 Part 3 Lost And Found
Posted: Wednesday, 25th November 2009
Catch up with the story so far in Part 1:1 The Inner Yearning. It will be posted, in parts, two or three times a week, with a link from one to the other. For a free prompt to follow the story to its conclusion click the Subscribe button on the right.
SCHISM
During the months that followed my second visit to hear Billy Graham, my faith deepened and widened as I became more aware of God in my life. At the same time, I came to a better understanding of what my commitment meant.
Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words; Marriage
Family & Parenting: Tough Love & Discipline Prove Best Practice
Posted: Monday, 23rd November 2009
Bereavement comes in various guises, chief of which is the grief and loss caused by death. But losing a child to drugs has its own grieving process. And it was in recognition of this that I wrote my bereavement poem, Weep For A While.
In my article last week, titled,
British Law Undermines Parental Authority I reproduced part of
an interview I did at the end of my book, A Painful Post
Mortem, which looks, among other things, at parental
bereavement and ways of coping with the loss of a child.
Articles on related themes:
Family & Parenting
A True Story: How To Ghost-Write, Or Write Biography
Posted: Friday, 20th November 2009
True story telling and writing has been around for a very long time but, as a genre, it really came into its own a few years ago with a spate of ‘kiss and tell’ books.
Articles on related themes: Writing & Publishing A Book
Demise Of A Marriage: A True Story - Part 2:2 Lost & Found
Posted: Thursday, 19th November 2009
Arguing a case against Jesus’ claims about eternal life, Megan is brought face to face with the truth that it is her pride which prevents fulfilment of her inner yearning. A second visit to a Billy Graham rally sees her accepting that even a good friend is no substitute for faith. Only a life saving treatment will suffice. But what will it do for the gulf in her marriage.?
Catch up with the story so far in Part 1:1 The Inner Yearning. It will be posted, in parts, two or three times a week.
Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words; Family & Parenting; Marriage; Relationships; Inspirational
Sexism & Wonderbras: What In The World Of Books Have They In Common?
Posted: Friday, 13th November 2009
"Publishing takes men more seriously than women; female writing is regarded as second tier,” Lionel Shriver says in a Daily Telegraph article on sexism in the world of books.
Ms Shriver, born Margaret Ann Shriver, is an American
journalist, and author of the acclaimed novel, We Need To Talk
About Kevin.
Articles on related themes:
Books, Reading & Words
Demise Of A Marriage: A True Story - Part 2:1 Lost & Found
Posted: Thursday, 12th November 2009
With marriage, babies and moving house having failed to still the inner yearning in Megan’s life, she feels sure that her new friendship with Eileen must be the answer. Especially when Eileen invites her to hear Billy Graham. Eileen has a faith in God which Megan finds enviable. Eileen knows Jesus as her Saviour and Lord. Can Eileen change Megan’s life for the better?
Catch up with the story so far in
Part 1:1 The Inner Yearning. It will be posted, in
parts, two or three times a week. For a free prompt to
follow the story to its conclusion click the Subscribe button on
the right.
Articles on related themes:
Books, Reading & Words; Family & Parenting; Marriage; Inspirational
British Law Undermines Parental Authority: Novel Shows How
Posted: Tuesday, 10th November 2009
I wrote, last week, about the sad story of Kate Walsh who, at the tender age of sixteen, became a heroin addict and died, alone in a dirty squat. Her parents had asked, repeatedly, for help from various authorities and received none. They had, as the Coroner described it at Kate’s Inquest, fallen into a ‘grey area’.
Since it highlights that grey area, I thought it might be
helpful, this week, to reproduce part of the interview at the end
of my book, A Painful Post Mortem.
Articles on related themes:
Books, Reading & Words; Family & Parenting; Current Affairs
Demise Of A Marriage: A True Story - Part 1:3 The Inner Yearning
Posted: Monday, 9th November 2009
With two babies only a year apart in age, Meg is as lonely as ever. Will moving house be the answer? For a while it seems a possibility. But as James’ career ambitions take him away from home once more, it seems that only a new friendship might fill that inner yearning.
Catch up with this true story so far in
Part 1:1 The Inner Yearning. It will be posted, in parts, two
or three times a week. You may wish to subscribe (for a
free prompt) to follow the story to its conclusion. Simply click on
the button on the right.
Articles on related themes:
Relationships; Marriage; Family & Parenting; Books, Reading & Words; Inspirational
Heroin Addicts Like Kate Walsh Show That The Grey Areas Of British Law Need A Black & White Reform
Posted: Wednesday, 4th November 2009
We read, this week, of a situation which has complied with British law but which is, nevertheless, a grave miscarriage of justice. Kate Walsh’s parents, when their sixteen year old daughter died of heroin in a dirty squat, were denied the protection that the law is supposed to provide. They are not alone. British law in the area of adolescents is a mess.
“I have lost faith in the police, in doctors, in the Government; they have shown a shocking level of incompetence,” Kate’s father, Anthony Walsh, is reported as saying.
A "GREY AREA" IN BRITISH LAW
He’s right! And the sad thing about it is that there’s nothing new in this.
Articles on related themes: Bereavement; Family & Parenting; Current Affairs; Life, Faith & Other Stuff
Demise Of A Marriage: A True Story - Part 1:2 The Inner Yearning
Posted: Wednesday, 4th November 2009
Less than a year into Megan’s marriage to James, with her baby born and motherhood now a reality, the cracks which were apparent from the outset, are beginning to widen. As the swinging sixties begin to make themselves felt, the over-riding question is: can Megan find, in James, the love she craves?
Catch up with the story so far in Part 1:1 The Inner Yearning. It will be posted, in parts, two or three times a week. You may wish to subscribe (for a free prompt) to follow the story to its conclusion. Simply click the button on the right.
MOTHERHOOD
James laid his newspaper down.
Articles on related themes: Relationships; Marriage; Family & Parenting; Books, Reading & Words; Inspirational
Demise Of A Marriage: A True Story - Part 1:1 The Inner Yearning
Posted: Monday, 2nd November 2009
What follows is a true story, the real life story of a woman named Megan, who was raised in an era when to be married, to be a wife, was the pinnacle of aspiration for a woman. The expectation that you shopped, cooked, cleaned and raised children whilst your husband worked, played and waited to be waited on was rife. But, on the cusp of the hedonistic sixties, the expectation often failed to deliver.
It will be posted, in parts, two or three times a week.
You may wish to subscribe (for a free prompt) to follow the story
to its conclusion.
Articles on related themes:
Marriage; Family & Parenting; Books, Reading & Words; Relationships; Inspirational
Creative Writing: Tips For Novelists On Priming The Pump
Posted: Wednesday, 28th October 2009
Authors of books are urged, by writing pundits, to identify the genre and market for which they are aiming before they commit to print. This is for good reason; not least that if you are engaged in writing and publishing a book, knowing who you are writing for will affect how seriously a publisher views your work.
But there is another aspect to understanding what you are trying to achieve in your writing. In my last post on this topic, Authors: Tellers of Tales, Weavers of Dreams, Tap Into Your Childhood To Reveal & Nourish Hidden Emotional Creativity I identified seven reasons why readers buy books.
Articles on related themes: Inspirational; Writing & Publishing A Book
Creative Writing Style: Do You Have One?
Posted: Monday, 26th October 2009
We talk about certain novelists as having “style”, or say that we like "the style" of this author, but not that. But what does it actually mean to have writing style and is this something we can acquire, or foster in ourselves as writers? Or is it something that just happens?
IS STYLE DICTATED BY CONTENT?
Style has been defined as “the sound words make on paper.” In an attempt to simplify a complex subject, I’d say that this might be categorised as:
- Logical
- Formal
- Slang
- Lyrical
A logical style might be used to convey scientific or medical matters and a formal style by the legal profession.
Articles on related themes: Inspirational; Writing & Publishing A Book
Authors: Tellers Of Tales, Weavers Of Dreams? Tap Into Your Childhood To Reveal And Nourish Hidden Emotional Creativity
Posted: Friday, 23rd October 2009
Why do writers exist? What is it about the human race that makes us want to be authors and readers? Tellers of tales, serialisers of stories, weavers of dreams: what compels us? Scriptwriters, dramatists, actors, theatre-goers, radio broadcasters and listeners? Why? What inner compulsion urges us on – those of us who share our inner selves – to make ourselves vulnerable? And what feeds that well of emotional creativity? What makes for great writing?
WHAT NURTURES & NOURISHES YOUR INNER SELF?
This is a serious question.
Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words; Self Help; Inspirational; Writing & Publishing A Book
Abusive Relationships And Those Trapped In Them
Posted: Wednesday, 21st October 2009
Emotional abuse - when a paternal example of sexual rejection, silence and sarcasm are damaging to a child's development, is it time for those trapped in abusive relationships to get out?
Blogging: Does Adding Your Credentials Add Or Subtract Followers?
Posted: Sunday, 18th October 2009
Do you ever feel that the more you know, the more you know you don’t know? I, for instance, didn’t know until I wrote that sentence that The More You Know was the title of public service announcements in the USA! Googling the phrase – as you do – brought up the following YouTube spoof.
But the ignorance, or rather uncertainty, that I’m referring to has nothing to do with spoofs, public services or announcements. What I’m confessing to is a genuine insecurity, and I’m hoping you will help me to overcome it.
How To Blog To Sell When Writing And Publishing A Book
Posted: Thursday, 15th October 2009
You’re an author and you have a book to sell. Selling in bookshops is one thing; selling online another. You have a question: which is superior, social media or search engines when it comes to promoting your work?
In my last blog post I concluded that, as a reader or researcher, I prefer the latter. It follows, therefore, that from the other side of the coin, as a book author, this is the method I would choose to use to promote my material.
Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words; Content; Writing & Publishing A Book; Blogging
Writing And Publishing: Online Marketing
Posted: Monday, 12th October 2009
I wrote, last week, about the futility of relying solely on book publishing houses to promote your new novel, and the need to think in terms of self-promotion. Publishing a novel is not an end in itself (you want people to read it!) and, sooner or later, the process of creative writing has to be transmuted into that of creative marketing.
METHODS OF ONLINE MARKETING
Methods of online marketing lie primarily within the realms of website, blog and social media. Each of these three techniques has its own distinct features but, to my mind there is little parity between them when it comes to marketing.
Articles on related themes: Writing & Publishing A Book; Blogging
Successful Step-parenting: If Ozzy Osbourne Can Do It, So Can You!
Posted: Thursday, 8th October 2009
I was asked by BBC Radio Birmingham to be their 'expert' on this morning's discussion on step-parenting. I’ve forgotten how many times I’ve been interviewed in connection with my book, Stepfamilies, but I suppose, given that something like one in eight British children are now growing up in a blended family, it’s a hot topic.
STEP-CHILDREN: SOMETIMES THEY GET ON, SOMETIMES THEY DON’T
Ozzy Osborne kicked off the discussion in the studio, by admitting that his children from his first marriage and those from his second (to Sharon) "sometimes get on, and sometimes don't".
Articles on related themes: Relationships; Family & Parenting; Speaking Engagements; Stepfamilies
Writing And Publishing: Promoting Your Novel
Posted: Wednesday, 7th October 2009
If you are serious about writing and publishing your book, then sooner or later you’re going to have to think about promoting it. I’m not talking here about manuscript submission guidelines, how to write a publishing proposal for your book. Nor am I referring to writing a synopsis for a novel in order to submit it to publishing houses. I’m thinking more of what you can offer a publisher in terms of helping with sales of your book.
BOOK PUBLISHING HOUSES & AUTHOR COLLABORATION
Publishing a novel is an expensive business.
Articles on related themes: Writing & Publishing A Book
Anti-Social Behaviour: Is It The Result Of Legislation Promoting Children's Rights?
Posted: Wednesday, 30th September 2009
Newspaper reports on the life and death of Fiona Pilkington and her disabled daughter make harrowing reading. Victims of abuse and anti-social behaviour by local youths, the lives of both were made a misery for years. However, despite making no fewer than thirty-three complaints to the police, her plight, and that of her daughter, was ignored. Until, unable to endure the situation any longer, she ended their misery in the only way she knew how: by taking her daughter to a remote place, and setting fire to the car.
I could weep for them both.
TACKLING ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR? HOW?
Three points particularly interested me about the story.
Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words; Family & Parenting; Life, Faith & Other Stuff
Bereavement Poetry - Death Is But A Door
Posted: Friday, 25th September 2009
IF YOU WISH TO USE THIS POEM FOR THE BEREAVED DURING A FUNERAL OR THANKSGIVING SERVICE, PLEASE SEE THE FREE REPRINT NOTICE AT THE END OF THIS ARTICLE.
I lost my daughter some years ago, so I know what it’s like dealing with the loss of a loved one. You wonder what life is all about; whether you’re the only person who feels you way you feel; if there is any sense in the pain you’re going through; and how much more you can bear?
Sometimes it seems no one wants to talk to you about death, generally; or the loss you’ve suffered, in particular.
Creative Writing Tips: Take Inspiration From The Poets
Posted: Friday, 18th September 2009
Sometimes the sheer effort of writing seems to be almost overwhelming. Whatever inspiration you once had has evaporated. You feel tired, drained and dispirited.
We’ve all experienced it. You wake up one morning and think, what on earth am I doing with my life? All those hours spent cooped up with no one but yourself and a bunch of fictitious characters for company have failed to set your writing career on fire. Your creative writing tasks are no more than a flickering flame; and the struggle to reignite them, to fan them into life and vigour is – well – simply beyond you.
Articles on related themes: Writing & Publishing A Book
How To Write Description In A Novel: Viewpoint
Posted: Monday, 14th September 2009
Viewpoint, or Point of View (commonly referred to as POV) is, arguably, one of the most difficult aspects of creative writing for a novice to grasp. Even when the theory is understood, it is so easy for a new writer to slip up and write from an omniscient (all-seeing) point of view. I have written on this topic in the past but I want to revisit it in this series of how to write description in a novel.
In the first article, I highlighted how little is required, when writing a character description, in order to flesh out the appearance and disposition of the individual in question.
How To Write Description In A Novel: Describing Location
Posted: Wednesday, 9th September 2009
Revised: 19th September, 2010
When you read a novel, you are being invited to inhabit an imaginary world: a fictional place, in which fictional characters live, and move, and have their being. If good descriptive writing is used, their experiences become yours, too, for the duration of the book. But because the medium is textual, visual imagery has to form part of the narrative for it to become effective. Your job, as an aspiring author, is to create, through the words that you choose, a cinematic experience in the imagination of your reader.
Articles on related themes: Writing & Publishing A Book; Content; Creative Writing
How To Write Description In A Novel: Characters
Posted: Wednesday, 2nd September 2009
Revised: 15th September, 2010
Writing and publishing a book requires an understanding of how to write description. Describing characters is a necessary part of creative writing, as is describing location. But I had to smile when I read a review in The Daily Telegraph, of the American TV drama, The Tudors. It appears that in order to refresh viewers’ minds as to Who’s Who, from the first series, characters not only told each other what they were called, but also – helpfully – gave a brief CV of themselves! I can just imagine it.
Articles on related themes: Writing & Publishing A Book; Character
Successful Step Parenting: Three Potential Pitfalls - No 3 Contact With Absent Parent
Posted: Monday, 24th August 2009
The absent parent and the role they play in a stepfamily is, without doubt, one of the major blended family challenges. In the BBC Birmingham Andrew Peach show on which I had been invited to speak, I was able, in the brief amount of time allotted to me, to get something of this across.
But first, I touched on the other aspects I’ve already covered. The priority is to find common ground between step parent and step child in order to establish a stand-alone relationship which is independent of the biological mother or father.
Articles on related themes: Stepfamilies
Successful Step Parenting: Three Potential Pitfalls - No 2 Coping With Step Children
Posted: Friday, 21st August 2009
Only a day after doing the BBC Newcastle Breakfast Show, I had a phone call from BBC Birmingham, asking me to kick off the debate on Sunday morning 9.05 a.m. on – guess what – stepfamilies! What’s going on here?
In my blog of a couple of days ago, I identified the three potential pitfalls in a stepfamily as:
- Relationship between the couple
- Relationship between stepparent and stepchild
- Relationship between an absent parent and child
They all seem pretty obvious, don’t they? And without doubt, they overlap and interlink.
Articles on related themes: Relationships; Family & Parenting; Speaking Engagements; Stepfamilies
Successful Step Parenting: Three Potential Pitfalls - No. 1 Financial
Posted: Tuesday, 18th August 2009
BBC Radio Newcastle, which serves an area from the Scottish Borders to Durham, asked me to speak, this morning, on whether stepfamilies could ever be as successful and harmonious as biological families.
As before, on my interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, I answered a resounding Yes. From personal experience, plus observation of the families I interviewed for my book Stepfamilies, I know that step parenting, while never easy, can be worked at, and blended family challenges are rarely insurmountable.
Articles on related themes: Relationships; Family & Parenting; Speaking Engagements; Stepfamilies
What Is The Role Of Godparents: Are They Really Relevant Today?
Posted: Friday, 14th August 2009
UPDATED 27th FEBRUARY 2010
It seems strange, in this highly secularised world, that the concept of Godparents appears to be such a hot topic. It makes you wonder if, despite our anti-religious dogma, we’re not – deep down – actually spiritual beings after all.
Well, of course, I’m in no doubt that we are! But the article that follows – first written in August, 2009 - suggests that there does seem to be some strong feeling, plus a good deal of confusion.
Articles on related themes: Speaking Engagements; Family & Parenting; Life, Faith & Other Stuff
Creative Writing? Active Rewriting?
Posted: Sunday, 9th August 2009
Words are the tools an author can’t be without. Creative Writing depends upon their being carefully chosen and arranged. But what of the letters that make up the words?
Here are some clever anagrams which are making the rounds at present. No credit to me - they arrived in my Inbox. But I thought them too good not to pass them on.
Just rearrange the letters in each capitalised word to make a phrase that describes it, using all the same letters. You'll see what I mean.
Erotic Photographs & Sacred Spaces
Posted: Wednesday, 5th August 2009
The Diocese of Truro is suing photographer, Andy Craddock, for taking erotic photographs of women inside the 13th Century St Michael Penkivel Church, in Cornwall, in South West England.
Naturally, the self-professed-self-taught photographer denies intentionally causing the “deep offence” claimed by the church.
“I don’t understand it and I don’t see the photographs as offensive, it’s art,” he says.
Given that his website is named Deviant Art, that the photographs in question are hidden behind a “banned” sign, and that access to them is only granted if you sign in as a “Deviant”, I somehow doubt that. In my opinion, this is titillation for the sake of commercial interests.
Articles on related themes: Life, Faith & Other Stuff
The Basic Rules Of English Grammar
Posted: Monday, 3rd August 2009
I came across the following rules of English grammar and, since no one seems to know where they originated, am reproducing them here for the benefit of writers and aspiring authors.
I’m not sure that I agree with all of them. How about you? Leave a comment at the end if you have anything to add or contradict in the following list.
- It is wrong to ever split an infinitive.
- Verbs has to agree with their subjects.
- And don't start a sentence with a conjunction.
- Prepositions are not words to end sentences with.
- Contractions aren't necessary and shouldn't be used.
- Avoid clichés like the plague. (They're old hat)
- Also, always avoid annoying alliteration.
Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words; Content
Loss And Bereavement Poetry: Weep For A While
Posted: Wednesday, 29th July 2009
IF YOU WISH TO USE THE POEM BELOW FOR A FUNERAL OR THANKSGIVING SERVICE, OR FOR ANY OTHER NON-COMMERCIAL EVENT, PLEASE SEE THE FREE REPRINT NOTICE AT THE END OF THIS ARTICLE.
The poem about loss and bereavement that follows came to me within an hour. I am not a poet! From time to time, however, rhyming verses appear in my mind with such lightening speed that I can barely get them down in time. This is what happened here. The entire first verse – which is about coping with grief – occurred to me instantly.
Using Visual Aids In Presentations: Tips On How To Prepare For A Keynote Address
Posted: Monday, 27th July 2009
I began a series, recently, with a list of five practical ways to overcome a fear of speaking in public. The first item: Public speaking ideas: how they may be found and categorised, and the way in which they might be arranged to become a coherent talk, formed the basis of that post. I touched upon the concept of writing a good dialogue – using language with which your audience would be familiar, and finished with a brief look at structure.
Today, I’m going to look at the second item on the list, how to prepare a visual presentation.
Articles on related themes: Speaking Engagements
2nd Blog: Polly, Sean & Alex
Posted: Thursday, 23rd July 2009
Tday we are going to gramas, polly 4 years, 11 months, 3 weeks and 4 days
Go in g to cockington park sean 4 years, 11 months, 3 weeks and 4 days (We are twins)
Down in Devon with grandma, my cousins have woken me up so im knackered. Alex 12 years, 11months, and 2 weeks
Mummy still has one day of school left, whereas all the grandchildren have broken up. Guess who gets to have them all? Plus great-grandma who is now recovering from her pleurisy. Four generations in the house.
Free Psychometric Profiling Switch On As The Power Of Positive Thinking Is Unplugged
Posted: Wednesday, 22nd July 2009
The Power of Positive Thinking, Norman Vincent Peale, has electrified society for over half a century as the means of feeling valued and attaining success in life. Now, it appears, to have been unplugged – or at least to have suffered power failure and fizzled out! Despite an epidemic of positive thinking for the last fifty years, we are, says the World Health Organisation, heading for a pandemic of depression in little more than a decade.
Psychologists have discovered from case studies, that
repeating positive thoughts can, actually, be counterproductive
– especially for those who are most in need of a
psychological boost.
Articles on related themes:
Books, Reading & Words; Self Help; Personal Growth
A Fear Of Speaking In Public: Five Practical Ways To Overcome It
Posted: Friday, 17th July 2009
You’ve been asked to do some public speaking for the Gardening Club, or Mums & Toddlers and frankly, you’re terrified. In fact your fear of speaking in public is enough to make you want to hang up your trowel and green wellies forever. And as for mums and toddlers, well your two-year-old is going to have to grow up fast!
Consequently, you are not going to believe me when I tell you that public speaking, as a means of increasing your confidence, cannot be surpassed! It’s all a matter of knowing what to do and how to do it.
Articles on related themes: Speaking Engagements; Personal Growth
A Blog By Polly & Sean, Aged 4 years, 11 months, 2 weeks and 2 days
Posted: Tuesday, 14th July 2009
My daughter, a teacher, told me that children are now being encouraged to blog and would I please get her two to do so. Polly loves reading and writing; Sean loves typing on a keyboard. Here is the result of their first blog which tells the story of the play they put on for our benefit this afternoon. Apart from the title, and credits, this is entirely their own work.
Tday we mad a play ov a princes and a princ. The dragin loct the princes in the tow r. polly age 4 years 11 months 2 weeks and 2 days.
My srod is sharp.and shiny.
Public Speaking As A Means To Enlarge My Vision: Part 2 - Receiving
Posted: Monday, 13th July 2009
I wrote, last week, about public speaking as being an act of investing in people, and suggested that it had a three dimensional nature: I give; I receive; I am filled. Having put in the effort to find out something about your audience, assembled your public speaking ideas and arranged them into a coherent talk, complete with slides and a visual presentation, and injected some fun into your address in the form of simple ice breakers, it’s time now to take a look at the wider role of public speaking.
Articles on related themes: Speaking Engagements; Self Help; Personal Growth
Do False Expectations Of Marriage Cause Stepfamily Problems?
Posted: Wednesday, 8th July 2009
What follows is an excerpt from the soon to be published revised and updated edition of Mel's book, Stepfamilies.
It is a false premise to expect that any marriage can ever answer all of our needs. To think otherwise is a totally unrealistic ideal which is doomed to disappointment. And this, perhaps, is one of the prime reasons for the failure of so many marriages.
Articles on related themes: Relationships; Family & Parenting; Books, Reading & Words; Stepfamilies
Public Speaking As A Means To Enlarge My Vision: Part 1 - Preparing To Give
Posted: Sunday, 5th July 2009
Public speaking for the dedicated communicator is so three dimensional. I give; I receive; I am filled. Or perhaps that should be: I am filled; I give; I receive. Let me explain.
Setting up a keynote address requires a huge effort. Especially if it includes visuals such as a Power Point Presentation. Hours of work go into the talk, with the construction defined by the mantra:
- Tell your audience what you’re going to tell them
- Tell them
- Tell them what you’ve told them
INVESTING IN PEOPLE
Before you begin, it’s important to remember, during the preparation work, that when giving your talk you are investing in people.
Articles on related themes: Speaking Engagements; Self Help; Personal Growth
Make The World A Better Place: Be A Cookie
Posted: Thursday, 2nd July 2009
One of the seminars I attended at the Conference at which I was speaking last week was about seeing your life as a cookie. Kathy See is the editor of Revive magazine and she wanted us to focus on our self-perception and what we might be able to offer in terms of writing a short inspirational article. The idea is that we all have a story to tell when it comes to making the world a better place. And naturally, as a keen cook, and mommy to two little boys, Kathy expressed herself in culinary language.
Articles on related themes: Fun & Competitions; Personal Growth
Personality And Communication
Posted: Wednesday, 1st July 2009
There’s no doubt that mistakes, misunderstandings and misinterpretation lie at the bottom of many of the problems we all encounter, from time to time. You know the situation? There was a poster some years ago which summed it up admirably. Something along the lines of: I know you think that what you say is what you intended to mean when you had it in mind. But what I’m hearing is what I understand and believe to be the correct interpretation of what you thought you were aiming to indicate, had you been a little clearer about it in the first place!
Confused? Yes. So are most of us, occasionally.
Articles on related themes: Relationships
Les Holidays Anglaise
Posted: Monday, 22nd June 2009
If you don’t mind having to flush the odd, alien, pubic hair from the shower tray, and polish your cutlery before eating, les holidays anglaise take a lot of beating. I am not, you understand, referring, here, to the fortnight in an Eastbourne hotel or boarding house favoured by my parents’ generation during my childhood, when homemade knitted, or shirred-elastic bathing costumes, deck chairs and windbreaks featured alongside jelly fish, jellied eels, rolled up trouser legs and corner-knotted handkerchief sunhats.
THE POSSIBILITY OF BEING SARTORIALLY WRONG-FOOTED
No! The sort of holiday to which I refer is the touring-the-countryside, stop-a-night-or-two-here, and a-day-or-two-there variety on which we embarked earlier in the week.
Articles on related themes: Life, Faith & Other Stuff; Occasional Silliness
Feuding Families v The Stability A Single Parent Can Provide
Posted: Monday, 15th June 2009
“Children with feuding parents 'more likely to have underage sex and do drugs.'” * (see link below.) The Daily Telegraph heading caught my eye because it so precisely mirrors my own experience and philosophy. Divorce may be cited as an unstabilising factor in a child’s life but, until now, there has been little research undertaken to show that it may be the lesser of two evils.
FAMILY FEUDING, INFIDELITY & FORGIVENESS
Much of my early marriage, in the late sixties and early seventies, was peaceful simply because I buttoned my lip and behaved as the submissive wife that I believed I should be.
When You Marry Again, Are You Expecting A Replacement Parent For Your Children?
Posted: Friday, 12th June 2009
Continuing the series of excerpts from Mel’s book on Successful Step Parenting, we come now to the sensitive issue of wedding plans, and what to call the new person in mummy’s or daddy’s life.
Many of the practical details of converting two families into one stepfamily will, necessarily, have been thrashed out prior to the wedding. Based on those discussions, a number of decisions may well have been put into operation. Some of them, such as what type of wedding service you hope for, may be dictated by the facilities available.
The Structure Of An Article: Think Base, Building & Boundaries
Posted: Wednesday, 10th June 2009
Part 6 of 6 in the Series on Article Writing
The secrets of article writing may be thought of in terms of a building project:
- Base
- Building
- Boundaries
BASE: LEAD TECHNIQUES
This is your lead paragraph, the opening of your article, details of which I posted last month under the title Lead Techniques When Writing An Article. Without a firm base on which to begin, your article will simply not stand up. So today we’re going to look at three aspects on writing an article from the perspective of sentence and paragraph construction.
Successful Step Parenting: Dealing With The Loss Of A Parent
Posted: Friday, 5th June 2009
Whenever the subject of single parents marrying again arises, there is a tendency to think that the greatest consideration should be given to the impact of divorce on children. Those coping with the loss of a parent through death appear to receive less in the way of attention. Perhaps the concept of a ‘replacement parent’ is perceived, by onlookers, to be a net gain? But this simplification of complex emotions shows a complete lack of understanding, and grossly under-estimates the problems which such attitudes may foster in the resulting stepfamily.
The issues break broadly into three:
- The emotions of the child dealing with the loss of a
parent.
Articles on related themes: Stepfamilies
How To Structure An Article For Success: Eight Essentials
Posted: Wednesday, 3rd June 2009
Part 5 of 6 in a Series on Article Writing
The structure of an article – that is the components that make it first grab our attention and then read on – barely register, if at all, when we pick up a newspaper, or read a blog. It’s a little like cleaning your teeth, or showering: either is a function which requires little or no thought, but which, once accomplished, has a pleasurable outcome! Well, perhaps that’s an analogy too far.
Successful Step Parenting: Consider The Impact Of Divorce On Children
Posted: Friday, 29th May 2009
Continuing the series on Stepfamilies, this revised and updated excerpt from Mel's book examines the steps that can be taken to avoid some of the problems that may arise for children of divorce.
MARRYING AGAIN used to be the only alternative to remaining single after a divorce but, with a shift in benefit payments in the UK, that is no longer the case. Nevertheless, despite a fall in remarriages since a peak of 141,00 in 1988, they still account for nearly 40% of all marriages, and more than 10% of families with dependent children are stepfamilies.* Sadly, many of them are not destined to succeed.
Articles on related themes: Stepfamilies
Broken Spoken English - When A Polite Request May Inadvertently Be Rude
Posted: Wednesday, 27th May 2009
Creative writing is not always what it seems! It is a temptation, sometimes, to put up on my blog some of the jokey e-mails that circulate, if for no other reason, than to give people a laugh. I have always resisted, however, on the grounds that this is not its purpose.
The inclusion today is somewhat different in that it comes into the realms of creative writing. Syntax and punctuation are largely to blame for the delightful errors that follow.
Lead Techniques When Writing An Article
Posted: Tuesday, 26th May 2009
Part 4 of 6 in a Series on Article Writing
When writing an article, do you plan for success? Or for failure? Silly question? Possibly!
In the past few weeks, we’ve been considering the secrets of article writing through the lens of knowing your market. That has included the personal experience, professional expertise, and specialist knowledge you have to bring to your writing. Today, we’re going to take a look, in broad terms, at the structure of an article; and in particular at the factors that spell success in the opening paragraph. What follows is relevant to all articles, regardless of theme or genre.
Marriage And Remarriage: When Two Halves Don't Make A Whole
Posted: Friday, 22nd May 2009
Following is an abridged and revised excerpt from Mel’s book Stepfamilies, which the BBC recently asked her to debate on the Richard Bacon show. In previous posts, the inference has been that unless the two people embarking on a second (or subsequent) marriage get it right, there is little chance of tackling other blended family issues, such as step-parenting.
Most marriages don’t add two people together. They
subtract one from the other.
Articles on related themes:
Relationships; Self Help; Family & Parenting; Books, Reading & Words; Stepfamilies
Know Your Market, Know Your Reader, When Writing An Article
Posted: Wednesday, 20th May 2009
Part 3 of 6 in a Series on Article Writing
Whatever you read about the secrets of article writing, one of the first pieces of advice you’ll be given will be to Know Your Market. In blogging terms that means knowing your Brand – as I alluded to in a previous post (see below). But it’s amazing how often this is overlooked by those hoping for publication. Last week we looked at this crucial element of writing, by seeing what it means from the viewpoint of knowing what personal experience, specialist knowledge, and professional expertise you can draw on.
Articles on related themes: Blogging
Live With Less: How To Love Working To Live Rather Than Living To Work
Posted: Monday, 18th May 2009
I began this article a couple of months ago before Parliamentary Expenses took over as the latest UK soap opera escapism from the real story of boom and bust economics. So I wondered, this morning, whether it would still have any relevance; whether, in fact, it would resonate with you, my readers. But thinking about it, I see now that it is all part and parcel of the same malaise: an obsession with economic prosperity which completely masks the real values in life.
Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words; Family & Parenting; Life, Faith & Other Stuff
Love And Commitment: The Basis Of A Stable Marriage
Posted: Friday, 15th May 2009
Last week, in my Friday series on Families & Parenting, which is currently focused on stepfamilies, I pointed out that if American author Charles Swindoll equated marriage to a house, then remarriage could be said to be like a conversion. I then went on to show why love, in terms of romance, is not always enough to get you through the grey days, and suggested that commitment – an act of will rather than emotion – was the answer.
Today, I’m going to continue with an outline of what traditional marriage and commitment have to offer.
Articles on related themes: Family & Parenting; Books, Reading & Words; Relationships
The Secrets Of Article Writing: Know Your Market, Know Yourself
Posted: Thursday, 14th May 2009
Part 2 of 6 in a Series on Article Writing
I began this series of articles with one titled Ten Tips On Writing An Article and I'm going to unwrap each of these ten points in turn and look at them in detail. Some may require more than one post to develop the theme, so I hope you’ll stick with me and see it through to the end.
YOUR SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE
The first tip on my list was know your market.
Articles on related themes:
Content
Ten Tips On Writing An Article
Posted: Wednesday, 13th May 2009
Part 1 of 6 in a Series on Article Writing
Article writing, or journalism, is an art-form quite unlike anything else. And yet, in many ways, the fundamentals are identical to the way in which you’d go about writing a book. It’s these differences and similarities which I’m going to look at today.
ARTICLE WRITING OR BLOGGING
In this post I’m simply going to outline the main features of a successful piece of writing, which we’ll look at in more detail at a later date.
Remarriage: Laying Firm Foundations
Posted: Friday, 8th May 2009
A marriage is a lot like our house. While new it sparkles. Fresh smells, fun surprises and new discoveries... As time passes, however... the grit of responsibility mixed with the grind of routine starts to take its toll... Weeds sprout. Doors squeak and sag. Windows stick. Paint peels. Roofs leak... From Strike The Original Match by Charles R Swindoll, pb Multnomah Press 1980.
THOSE WORDS WERE written nearly thirty years ago by one of America’s most popular authors, a father of four. They show a realism about family life that goes beyond the obvious falling in love and living happily ever after.
Articles on related themes: Relationships; Stepfamilies
Creative Writing Tips And The Definition Of Denouement
Posted: Tuesday, 5th May 2009
This article has been revised & updated on: 6th September, 2010. Photo: Looking back down to the end of the funicular railway at the sea below!
I expect many of you, as an aspiring author, will know that a novel has a beginning, a middle and an end. That’s pretty obvious, I would have thought. But that statement is not quite as simple as it may first appear.
The Beginning of a novel is neither defined by, nor confined to, its opening sentence. Nor even its first paragraph, section or chapter. A novel’s Beginning is the first quarter of its length, and its End is the last quarter of its length.
Articles on related themes: Content; Writing & Publishing A Book; Plot; Creative Writing
Stable Stepfamilies: Book Excerpt - Foreword
Posted: Friday, 1st May 2009
AS A SCHOOLGIRL, I loved history. Not the dry dates and wars of my school books, but the vital characters that strode right out of their pages straight into my imagination. People like Henry VIII of England, for instance. His marriages particularly fascinated me.
Articles on related themes: Relationships; Family & Parenting; Books, Reading & Words; Stepfamilies
Do Niche Blogs Attract More Readers & Subscribers Than A Scatter-gun Approach?
Posted: Friday, 1st May 2009
Have you ever thought about what makes the best blogging sites so attractive, and why you subscribe to some and not to others? Yes, I asked a similar question in a previous post titled Six Blogging Styles: Which Approach Turns You On? but, today, I want to take that further.
Articles on related themes: Blogging
Right Brain Dominant: How To Make Your Writing Flow
Posted: Friday, 24th April 2009
A comment on my post The Structure Of A Novel: 12 Tips, complimented me for my articles on writing fiction, but asked when you should give up the brainstorming and simply sit down and let the narrative flow? It’s a good question and one which I thought deserving of more attention than I could give it in the comment box. Hence the observations that follow.
Please bear with me. I’ve found it quite difficult writing on this topic in a readily readable way. It’s been necessary to include some academic material, which I’ve tried to lighten with anecdotal stuff, but it has been hard not to get bogged down.
Articles on related themes: Personal Growth; Writing & Publishing A Book
Blogging For Beginners: The Use Of Keywords
Posted: Monday, 20th April 2009
21st December, 2009 - This article has been revised, and may now be reproduced, subject to the conditions shown below.
Blogging as a means of driving traffic to your website is a well-documented fact. I’ve written in Essential Blogging Advice For Beginners about the need for beguiling blog branding, tantalising titles, and compelling content for your blog. What I want to write about today is the crucial role of keywords, and how to manage them.
Keywords are imperative in that they are what the search engines pick up on in your articles.
Creative Writing As A Means Of Illustrating Compulsive And Obsessive Behaviour
Posted: Wednesday, 15th April 2009
I hope you’re not going to lose patience with me, but I’m so impressed with Friedman’s Fables that, yet again, I’m going to apply one of them to a real-life situation, in what I call a ‘combi-blog’. Because it addresses not only a real life relationship problem but is also of relevance to writing fiction.
DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO IS FIXATED?
I was speaking with someone recently about the people we all encounter from time to time who seem to become fixated by some destructive notion or action and who, despite all our best efforts – yours and mine – appear to be incapable of changing that mindset.
Articles on related themes: Book Reviews; Books, Reading & Words; Personal Growth
Writing And Editing A Book For Publication: Listening to Dialogue
Posted: Sunday, 12th April 2009
Whilst it is true that editing and proof reading are an editor’s job, many would-be authors erroneously believe that they will undertake to knock their unleavened narrative into shape. However, your manuscript is unlikely to progress from the slush pile to the editor’s desk unless it has undergone some serious editing before hand. And whilst professional editing is available, it is not inexpensive. For most of us, editing and proof reading at home should be accepted as the natural outcome of creative writing projects if we are to have any hope of being published.
Articles on related themes: Writing & Publishing A Book
What Drives You: Final Instalment Of The Easter Story
Posted: Friday, 10th April 2009
Previous Episodes: What Drives You? Part I & Part II
The rev rave on the cliff top was no longer a happy blare of horns and engines but had taken on an entirely different ambience, bordering on what appeared to be mass hysteria. From where he stood, in the corner of the car park, the nearly-red little car could see it all. The down-turned bumpers; the gnashing radiators and whining engine noise; the water spurting from windscreen washers, only to be dashed away by swiping blades.
And the flowers! Garish displays of red and orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet. He rubbed his headlights.
Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words; Life, Faith & Other Stuff
What Drives You? Part II
Posted: Thursday, 9th April 2009
What Drives You? Part I
Now read on:
The rev-rave on the cliff top was a riot of music and laughter, as engines were tuned and horns were blasted. The little once-white-now-pink car was ecstatic; he’d never seen anything like it before. His little red car – he still thought of her as his, though she was surrounded by an adoring rally of other brightly coloured cars, all shiny and new – turned a loving gaze towards him.
His engine raced. He flipped his sunshine roof back and forth like the other cars, flashed his headlights and pooped his horn with abandon. The scent of high octane stardust was intoxicating.
Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words; Life, Faith & Other Stuff
What Drives You?
Posted: Wednesday, 8th April 2009
Once upon a time there was a little white car, shiny and new.
Articles on related themes: Life, Faith & Other Stuff
Writing In Style Requires Rewriting & Revision
Posted: Sunday, 5th April 2009
Can any one of us honestly say that the first draft of our book has been written in style? Yes, we fall in love with great chunks of our work – phrases, paragraphs, heck, whole chapters. But I’d be the first to admit that if I put my work away for a few weeks and then take it out to read again, some of it is pretty cringey! Without a re-write and some revision it could never, remotely, be considered a good piece of writing.
Articles on related themes: Writing & Publishing A Book
Really Good Writing Requires Really Good Editing!
Posted: Friday, 3rd April 2009
Anyone, it has been said, can write. But as any published author knows only too well, the secret of writing well is in the rewriting.
GOOD WRITING STYLES
I was very fortunate in that my first book was commissioned. Actually, what happened was that what had been one book became two. It had taken me many years to write it – plus many rewrites. And even when it was accepted by a publisher, I was still expected to undertake a great deal of editing before a final draft was deemed ready to go to the printers.
Articles on related themes: Writing & Publishing A Book
To Be A Good Story Teller You Need To Understand What Makes A Good Piece Of Writing
Posted: Tuesday, 31st March 2009
I wrote, yesterday, about a lady who had e-mailed me from Greece to ask what the difference was between a Good Story, and A Good Piece of Writing. It's a good question!
Many years ago I was speaking to an agent who knew Jeffrey Archer well. Lord Archer was a Member of the British Parliament until he was sent to prison for perverting the course of justice. But he is also a prolific and highly successful writer: a bestselling novelist. The agent to whom I was speaking told me that he is a great story-teller but a hopeless writer. His editor, I was told, practically re-writes his books.
What is a good story? And what a good piece of writing?
Posted: Monday, 30th March 2009
"Is there a difference between a good story and good writing?"
I was asked the question by a lady living in Greece, who has been reading my blog posts for sometime, and who e-mailed me, direct. She, like many would-be authors, is frustrated by the stone-walling she has received from the publishers to whom she’s submitted her novel.
Articles on related themes: Writing & Publishing A Book
The Structure Of A Novel: Twelve Tips
Posted: Thursday, 26th March 2009
You’ve decided to start writing a novel but you’ve no idea where to begin. Or perhaps you’ve already made a start but haven’t a clue how to proceed. You thought that once you’d started it would simply flow, but now you’re finding that pulling all the strands together to bring the wretched thing to its conclusion isn’t quite that easy. In fact, you’re beginning to wonder if your story is simply going to end up in a drawer along with all the other half-finished best sellers, begun with the best of intentions.
Articles on related themes: Plot; Writing & Publishing A Book
Six Blogging Styles: Which Approach Turns You On?
Posted: Monday, 23rd March 2009
Do you write and own a blog? Or are you simply a reader of blogs? If so, what sort of blog most turns you on? What makes you want to subscribe to regular updates? And what urges you to leave a comment?
I’m not asking you to describe the niche for which you’re writing, nor the niche you're reading: whether they’re blogs about marketing; faith; or news.
Articles on related themes: Blogging
Rejection Slips And Bad Reviews Of Your Book? 4 Ways Of Coping
Posted: Wednesday, 18th March 2009
There’s no such thing as bad press! So says the old adage. The idea is that a literary review for your work – regardless of how damning it may be – is, nevertheless, a step up from no review at all! That may be, but how, when you’ve already waded through an emotional ocean of rejection slips, do you now cope with a basinful of criticism?
Consider the following from someone I have never met but who had
intimated that she might review my novel, A Painful Post
Mortem, in her regular magazine column: “I have to
admit that I just couldn’t get absorbed into the book.
Articles on related themes:
Writing & Publishing A Book
Fact, Fiction Or Fable: Is This A Sorry Story Of Fault-Finding?
Posted: Sunday, 15th March 2009
I wrote a few weeks ago about Friedman’s Fables, which my daughter gave me for my birthday. The book is a collection of short stories – very short at times – each of which highlights a specific pattern of human behaviour. Because of events in my family, one of the stories particularly caught my eye.
WHY DOES NO ONE WANTS TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR OWN ACTIONS?
My situation revolves around a decision made ten years ago by my parents and sister which has resulted in the breakdown of family relationships, plus financial consequences which have made my parents bitterly regret that decision.
Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words; Self Help; Relationships
Issues Of Trust Between A Mother And Her Child
Posted: Wednesday, 11th March 2009
“Can it ever be right for a mother to expose her child
in the name of literature?” I asked on an online forum.
It was a question which has provoked an impassioned response. But
it was, itself, a response – my answer – to a recent
news story which has spread itself across the pages of broadsheet
and tabloid alike, and into the hearts and minds of the nation.
Because at its heart lies the most fundamental of human
relationships: the sanctity of love and trust between a mother and
her child.
Articles on related themes:
Book Reviews; Writing & Publishing A Book
Crafting Fiction: Understanding How Scenes In Novels Are Constructed - Part 4
Posted: Saturday, 7th March 2009
By now I hope you’re beginning to understand the importance of conflict in a novel, and how to incorporate the three elements of Goal, Conflict and Disaster into each ACTION scene. I’ve had some feedback from readers via Twitter, but it would be great if you could post your comments and queries at the end of this article.
Last time, in Part 3, we looked at REACTION scenes (or Sequels), and learned where the three elements of Reaction, Dilemma and Decision have their place.
Articles on related themes: Writing & Publishing A Book
Crafting Fiction: Understanding How Scenes In Novels Are Constructed - Part 3
Posted: Wednesday, 4th March 2009
Earlier in the week, I posted some articles about ACTION scenes. We looked at the necessity for both emotion and conflict in a novel and stressed that your reader will want, and expect, to be engaged at an emotional level. That means that they will want to live the life of your main character – as if it were their own!
I illustrated the way to craft a scene, using a well-known parable from the Bible to make the point. In the third part of this series on learning creative writing in respect of crafting the scenes in a novel, we’re going to look at Sequels or REACTION scenes.
Crafting Fiction: Understanding How Scenes In Novels Are Constructed - Part 2a
Posted: Monday, 2nd March 2009
I know it’s not very professional to abandon a blog post half way through, and I apologise for having done so yesterday. But when your mother’s poorly and needs you, there’s just no way round it. So in the hope that you’ll forgive me, and have come back for the second half, here it is.
Articles on related themes: Writing & Publishing A Book
Crafting Fiction: Understanding How Scenes In Novels Are Constructed - Part 2
Posted: Sunday, 1st March 2009
I finished Part 1 of this series a couple of days ago by saying that a scene is invariably made up of three simple elements:
- Goal
- Conflict
- Disaster
THE CONFLICT IN A NOVEL IS VITAL TO ITS STRUCTURE
In a previous post, I’ve written about what makes a story a plot, and highlighted the significance of conflict and consequences. Goal, Conflict and Disaster are, in fact, the structure of the entire novel.
- A novel is a story about people.
- It’s about their one overall objective in
response to a particular set of circumstances, stated at the outset
of the story.
Articles on related themes: Writing & Publishing A Book
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
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 book, and followed up every lead - including the old boy in the Post Office who published a book on railway timetables via Agatha Christie’s gardener’s aunt and now knows all there is to know about the book publishing process.
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
I Am Not A Doormat! Are You?
Posted: Saturday, 31st January 2009
What do you do when you’re faced with other people’s problems, you’re expected to help, and you’re almost certainly being manipulated, or taken for granted? Do you simply fail to notice the way people are treating you and fall into line? Do you have a vague suspicion that you’re being exploited but get on with the job, anyway? Or do you realise what’s happening, but bite your tongue and conform to expectation?
See if you can relate to this.
- You are in a relationship which in some way is abusive.
- You are always being put down, verbally, both in private and in public.
- Your needs are never recognised, nor met.
Articles on related themes: Self Help; Assertiveness
Creative Writing: How To Make Your Point Without Being Pointed
Posted: Wednesday, 28th January 2009
21st December 2009: This article has been revised so that it may be reproduced. See below
Years ago, when I was a member of a Writers’ Circle, we used to read aloud to one another, and subject each reading to a critique. One woman – a successful writer – used to stop those of us who were novelists mid-stream, shouting, “Authorial! Authorial!” whenever she felt that we had injected too much of ourselves into our writing. Let me explain.
Articles on related themes: Writing & Publishing A Book
Assisted Dying For The Terminally Ill?
Posted: Monday, 26th January 2009
Revised: 15th January, 2010
Does it ever strike you as strange that medical advances, in Western civilisations, are such that we can prolong life by nearly half as much again as our allotted three-score-years-and-ten, yet the legal position of euthanasia is constantly challenged? Of course, we don’t call it euthanasia! That in itself would challenge our sensibilities, especially those of us for whom Hitler’s programme of eugenics is still uncomfortably close.
So it’s ‘assisted dying’ that we speak of, which is more in keeping with our preconceived ideas of sanitising life in the twenty-first century. And that, somehow, makes it sound more altruistic. Less sordid! More natural.
Articles on related themes: Bereavement; Life, Faith & Other Stuff
Building Sustainable Relationships For Stepfamilies
Posted: Saturday, 24th January 2009
I hope you’ll forgive me! I’m afraid I’m going to take the easy way out today and simply upload part of a chapter from my Stepfamilies book, on the topic of building effective relationships with somebody else’s children. It’s been a difficult week; as I tweeted only today: my mother has fallen and broken her pelvis. To make it worse, she’s on holiday in Spain. Worse still, she is my dad’s Carer: he has dementia. (This is beginning to sound like the plot for a novel!) Lots of obstacles to be overcome.
Articles on related themes: Relationships; Self Help; Family & Parenting; Books, Reading & Words; Stepfamilies
If You're Writing In The Passive Voice, Consider Revising
Posted: Thursday, 22nd January 2009
I wrote, yesterday, on the need to find your Voice, and illustrated how verbs may be used in the Active and Passive voice. Now I am no expert when it comes to grammar, and if there are those who know better than I, I would ask you to correct me please. However, I do know that persistent use of the passive voice in writing creates a clumsy and confusing narrative, which fails to have any impact on the reader, or to engage them in any way with the thoughts, words or deeds of the character.
Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words; Writing & Publishing A Book
What Does Passive Voice Mean In The Creative Writing Process?
Posted: Wednesday, 21st January 2009
I received a piece of work, recently, with a request to look it over and comment on it. It has prompted me to write on the subject of Voice, and the merits (or otherwise) of how it is used. There’s a little bit of grammar instruction necessary here, but I will illustrate my point afterwards with something more creative and interesting. First let me explain the point:
A verb may be active, or inactive (in which case it is called ‘passive’).
WHAT IS A PASSIVE VERB?
Grammar: (yawn!)
The passive voice is formed with a past
participle and the auxiliary verb to be.
Articles on related themes:
Books, Reading & Words; Writing & Publishing A Book
Why I'm Tearing My Hair Out About The Gap In Your Teeth!
Posted: Monday, 19th January 2009
Talk about early signs of senile dementia! If I’m not already a victim, I’m sure I soon shall be. I Twittered (or should it be Tweeted?) only a couple of days ago about how sad it was seeing my father so upset about being left behind (with a Carer) while my mother (his usual Carer) was booked for some much-needed respite. She was flying to Spain with a female companion, to join my sister and brother-in-law on a bridge holiday. My other half and I – being the ones who live closest and, therefore, the most involved – had left all the arrangements to them.
Articles on related themes: Life, Faith & Other Stuff
Ten Tips To Help You Avoid The Breakdown Of A Relationship
Posted: Saturday, 17th January 2009
When you look back on an argument you’ve had recently with someone close to you, do you sometimes feel it was a squabble over nothing? That what seemed like a major misunderstanding at the time was, actually, nothing more than a petty clash of opinion; or a state of affairs where the two of you have different expectations?
I wrote, a few days ago, about a situation like that, which arose between my husband and me, and I finished with some of our strategies, used to resolve conflict. I hope you found them helpful.
Articles on related themes: Self Help; Relationships
Reviewing Techniques When Resolving Conflict
Posted: Thursday, 15th January 2009
This is the first Post on my shiny new laptop. As I wrote, yesterday on my Twitter wall (I think that’s the correct jargon) setting up a new computer is a nightmare of mistakes, misunderstandings and misapprehension. Hence the lack of time to add anything to my blog for a few days.
So I thought, today, that I’d write a combi-post. As some of you may know, in addition to posting articles on Creative Writing, my aim is to “offer hope to the hurting” (Click to see What Drives You) . Quite often – as I’ve said before – the two overlap.
Articles on related themes: Self Help; Personal Growth; Relationships; Writing & Publishing A Book; Character
Writing A Synopsis For A Novel To Submit To Publishing Houses
Posted: Monday, 12th January 2009
Your book manuscript is finished. From your Writers’ & Artists’ Year Book, you’ve chosen the first publisher you’re going to send it to, written your submission proposal letter and sat back and waited. One month. Two. . .
Hang on a minute. Rewind!
A GOOD SYNOPSIS IS KEY TO SUCCESS IN WRITING & PUBLISHING A BOOK
If the book publishing agent or editor you’ve written to is interested in reading your manuscript, she will, almost certainly, require a synopsis. Consequently, as soon as you complete your novel, you should begin working on an outline, polishing it to ensure that it is the best that it can be.
Articles on related themes: Writing & Publishing A Book
Proof That God Does Not Exist? Look No Further Than A Bendy Bus!
Posted: Sunday, 11th January 2009
There’s probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life. So says the 800 or so advertisements that now adorn London’s bendy-buses, as the result of a campaign by The British Humanist Society (BHA), funded by Prof. Richard Dawkins.
Really? Now what do you say to that?
Much has been made of that word ‘probably’. As Tony McNulty (Minister of State for Employment and Welfare Reform at the Department for Work and Pensions) joked on the radio, that’s so wishy-washy a declaration, it can only have been made by the Lib-Dem party.
Articles on related themes: Current Affairs; Life, Faith & Other Stuff; Occasional Silliness
Manuscript Submission Guidelines: How To Write A Publishing Proposal For Your Book
Posted: Thursday, 8th January 2009
It must be nearly twenty years, or so, since many of the major book publishing houses underwent a huge reshuffle. Secretaries suddenly found themselves elevated to the status of editors and, among certain authors, an aura of gloom and doom descended. Accompanying this sense of Last Times, was the advent of the (then un-named) hand-held digital devices which, it was said, were certain to spell The End for books.
TOO MANY BOOKS PUBLISHED?
Yet evidence shows that there are now more books published than ever before. Whether this is a Good Thing or not is debatable.
Articles on related themes: Writing & Publishing A Book
Overcoming Shame: Are We Guilty Of A Guilty Conscience?
Posted: Tuesday, 6th January 2009
I was reading about a man – Jeff Lucas – who described himself, in his younger years, as a “shame addict”. The term resonated with me and sparked a sitting-up in bed, early morning debate – though, sadly, without a cuppa to accompany it.
“That describes me years ago,” I said.
“Yes!” my husband agreed. “But what did you feel ashamed about?”
“Everything,” I replied.
It made me think.
Articles on related themes: Family & Parenting; Current Affairs; Life, Faith & Other Stuff
Thirteen Things To Boost Your Morale
Posted: Monday, 5th January 2009
On the last day of 2008, I posted a blog titled Let This New Year Be Your New Beginning, and suggested that if you’ve been having a tough time in 2008, or are facing hard times as the New Year dawns, you might try a writing exercise. Exercise is probably the wrong word to describe what I proposed. It was more of a free association of ideas that I had in mind: a cathartic experience when you indulge in an outpouring of yourself, your disappointments and angst, your hopes and aspirations.
FREE ASSOCIATION NARRATIVE
The idea is that we are all stuck in denial, to some extent or other.
Articles on related themes: Life, Faith & Other Stuff; Personal Growth
January Blues
Posted: Saturday, 3rd January 2009
I don’t know about you, but for the last couple of days I’ve been feeling vaguely depressed. Some of my feelings of malaise are undoubtedly to do with tiredness brought on by having a houseful of guests to feed, and the late nights spent sitting on hard, upright chairs, playing games like Mexican Train Double Dominoes around the kitchen table. The game, purchased for us by a chum visiting America, has been a huge success with friends and family.
Articles on related themes: Family & Parenting; Life, Faith & Other Stuff
Manuscript Formatting
Posted: Friday, 2nd January 2009
I received a manuscript, yesterday, from a friend who wants me to look it over for a client of hers (she’s a Life Coach). I have to confess that with the departure of all my visiting family after the Christmas break, bed-changing, washing and ironing have taken priority. But I did manage to take a peep – and what I saw has prompted me to write, today, about the necessary formatting of a submission. So, for those of you who are interested and don’t know, here’s how you should produce your ’scripts.
Articles on related themes: Writing & Publishing A Book
Let This New Year Be Your New Beginning
Posted: Wednesday, 31st December 2008
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I hope that 2009 will bring you good health and happiness. If you’re an aspiring author, let this be the year that you achieve success in publishing terms. And if you’re simply in need of a little love and understanding, may you find it where you least expect it. Read on . . .
DARK DAYS & DASHED HOPES
I was a young woman when, in the early nineteen eighties, I put pen to paper (literally) to form the first draft of what was to become my first book. Those were dark days for me.
Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words; Life, Faith & Other Stuff; Personal Growth; Writing & Publishing A Book
A Black Hole Where Once Your Mind Was
Posted: Saturday, 27th December 2008
His world is one of darkness. Silent. Confused. He’s not entirely Anything. Not blind, nor daft. Just less of what he was. Diminished. Shrunken. Glimpses of shapes he catches in the side of his eye appear tall and distorted, disorienting and delusional from a moving car. The rushing sensation induces motion sickness. He cries out for it to stop.
Sometimes, in the house in which they’re staying, he thinks he sees faces he knows. His eyes dart about to confirm an identity, but the features he thought recognisable dissolve into a black hole of oblivion.
Articles on related themes: Family & Parenting; Life, Faith & Other Stuff
The Seven Plot Lines: Rebirth
Posted: Wednesday, 24th December 2008
It seems appropriate to be thinking of Rebirth as the last of the seven story plots on Christmas Eve, because the birth that we celebrate tomorrow is the one that is meant to bring rebirth to the human race.
Kasia Body’s review of The Seven Basic Plots by Christopher Booker in The Daily Telegraph (2004) is titled: “Everything Ever Written Boiled Down To Seven Plots”. It continues by pointing out that “these seven plots are merely different perspectives on the same great basic drama".
Articles on related themes: Plot; Writing & Publishing A Book
Ten Thoughts At Christmas
Posted: Tuesday, 23rd December 2008
Happy Christmas
A hot debate in The Daily Telegraph has dubbed the family Christmas letter as ‘self-congratulatory’, ‘embarrassing’ or ‘derisory’. Am I alone in enjoying news of far-flung family and friends? I hope not, because this one comes with a very sincere thank you to all of you who have visited my website in the (nearly) six months since its inception, and my Best Wishes for a Very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. Plus a comment on the photograph.
My daughter brought these little figures back from a school visit to Nigeria when she was nine years old. Together they form a Nativity Scene.
Articles on related themes: Life, Faith & Other Stuff
Answers To Fun Christmas Quiz 2008
Posted: Monday, 22nd December 2008
You have, obviously, all had too much on your minds to think about this Fun Christmas Quiz. Or perhaps, with all the perplexities of planning menus and bedroom combinations for visiting family members over the festive period, your brain simply couldn’t accommodate more? All I can say is: you will be kicking yourselves when you see the answers!
Here are the questions again:
QUIZ QUESTIONS
- How many children did Queen Elizabeth II have?
- What was the full name of the captain of the Titanic?
- What was the name of the President Elect of USA in 1968?
And here are the answers:
ANSWERS
1.
Creative Writing Tutorial: Voyage And Return
Posted: Saturday, 20th December 2008
We’ve now looked at five of the seven plot lines which form the basis of all storytelling, and move on, today, to the penultimate Voyage & Return.
- Rags to Riches
- Overcoming the Monster
- The Quest
- Comedy
- Tragedy
- Voyage and Return
- Rebirth
VOYAGE & RETURN
Voyage and Return frequently follows not simply a physical journey, but an inner voyage of overcoming something that was previously alien. Thus, faced with something outside your normal experience, you may find your (inner) morals challenged. Or perhaps your belief system; your culture; even a commitment like a love affair, or a marriage. The point of the journey is that however far you may stray your return is the ultimate conclusion.
Articles on related themes: Plot; Writing & Publishing A Book
What It Means To Subscribe
Posted: Friday, 19th December 2008
Thank you for visiting my website. Would you like to receive regular updates of books, or articles on Mel’s Muse? Perhaps you’re interested in Creative Writing? Family and Parenting issues? Stepfamilies or Bereavement? Or, perhaps, Personal Growth or Relationships, or taking a Personality Test?
There are several ways of doing this and, having taken the advice of a professional blogger, I’m going to assume that you may not know about them all. Here’s what you can do:
- You can keep coming back to the Mel Menzies website – if you remember.
The Seven Plot Lines That Form The Basis Of A Creative Writing Process
Posted: Thursday, 18th December 2008
I began this series by saying that, according to tradition, there are only seven basic plots which form the basis of all the stories ever told or written. They are:
- Rags to Riches
- Overcoming the Monster
- The Quest
- Voyage and Return
- Comedy
- Tragedy
- Rebirth
We’ve already looked at the first three, and discovered that some story plots are a combination of two or more of the above. Today, because they’re pretty self-explanatory, I’m going to touch, only briefly, on Comedy and Tragedy.
TRAGEDY
Writing a novel and getting a readership has never been an easy matter. Dickens attracted his followers by serialising his earlier works; Shakespeare by being a playwright.
Articles on related themes: Plot; Writing & Publishing A Book
Seven Basic Plots: Part 3 - The Quest
Posted: Tuesday, 16th December 2008
I began this study on the seven plot lines that are said to be the basis of all stories, by examining what is meant by the rags to riches story, and that of overcoming the monster. Today I’m going to look at what it means to write about the quest.
THE QUEST
The Quest is the third of the seven plots, and may be described as a mission, an expedition, a hunt or a search for something. This may take the form of a mission to find something lost – perhaps a search for the lost lands of Atlanta, a Will, or buried treasure.
Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words; Plot; Writing & Publishing A Book
Fun Christmas Quiz 2008: Think Outside The Box
Posted: Monday, 15th December 2008
Come on peeps! ONLY ONE WEEK TO GO. Although heaps of you have looked at my Fun Christmas Quiz, no one has been brave enough to leave any answers. You don’t have to be a brain-box to do this. The emphasis is on FUN. Try to think outside the box. Look forward to hearing from you. Here it is again.
RULES
- All 3 questions must be answered correctly.
- A random selection will be made of the correct answers, and the first to ‘come out of the hat’ will be the winner; second one will be the runner-up.
- In the event of there being no one with 3 correct
answers, we’ll accept 2.
Articles on related themes: Fun & Competitions
The Seven Story Plots: Parts 1 & 2
Posted: Sunday, 14th December 2008
It is said that there are only seven basic plots, to which all storylines adhere. Of these seven plot lines perhaps the best known is the rags to riches story. This, after all, is the basis of many of our favourite nursery rhymes and fairy stories. Think Cinderella, and Jack and the Beanstalk. In one the despised and downtrodden youngest sister gets her Prince Charming; in the other, the poverty-stricken Jack and his mother procure the goose that lays the golden egg.
BEST KNOWN: THE RAGS TO RICHES STORY
This rags to riches plot dates back many thousands of years.
Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words; Plot; Writing & Publishing A Book
14 Ways To Avoid Stress - And The Breakdown of A Relationship At Christmas
Posted: Friday, 12th December 2008
ORIGINALLY WRITTEN PRE-CHRISTMAS 2008, THE FOLLOWING POINTS MAY BE ADAPTED, AND ARE VALID AT ANY TIME OF THE YEAR
The effects on children when parents are separating are immense. They are quick to pick up on the cracks and strains that appear between warring parents, and it is the adults’ responsibility to protect them, as far as possible, from the consequences of relationship breakdown. Whatever the state of affairs between you and your spouse, you need to practice self-discipline in front of your children. Which, when you’re facing the possibility of coping with marriage breakdown, is not that easy.
Articles on related themes: Family & Parenting; Personal Growth; Relationships
How To Recognise The Signs Of Relationship Breakdown
Posted: Thursday, 11th December 2008
Boy, did my last post on Children In Divorce & Separation provoke a response! Not in comments, because it’s a painful subject; but in more hits on my website than ever before. There's obviously a lot of hurt out there, especially at this time of year.
That article dealt with the effects of family breakdown on children – in other words, after the event. So I’m going to follow up with a couple of ‘before the event’ articles, on ways to avoid stress. Hopefully, a few simple strategies should tide you over the holiday period until you can seek outside help.
Articles on related themes: Family & Parenting; Self Help; Relationships
Children In Divorce And Separation: A Christmas Tragedy
Posted: Tuesday, 9th December 2008
Christmas – traditionally the time of good cheer – is also, for many, a time of great sadness. Somehow, the fact that everyone is out to enjoy themselves seems to concentrate the mind when it comes to the tragedies of life. A train derailment or plane crash in the weeks leading up to the festive season appear all the more terrible precisely because it’s Christmas time. People talk about it for years to come.
WHAT HAPPENS TO CHILDREN WHEN PARENTS SEPARATE?
For many years that’s how it was for my family. Because Christmas day was remembered as the day my husband walked out on us all.
Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words; Family & Parenting; Relationships
Creative Writing Techniques: How To Write Good Dialogue
Posted: Saturday, 6th December 2008
I wrote, in an earlier article, about the need to give readers plenty of white space on the page, and suggested that you aim for a clotted cream effect: solid lumps of differing sizes and consistency, floating in a soft smooth cream. The cream is the narrative of your novel. And at least some of the solid lumps, and much of the empty white space on the page, can be achieved through writing good dialogue – as in the following example taken from my novel, A Painful Post Mortem. Here Rosie and Steve are discussing Rosie’s sister’s adolescence, whilst picnicking with their children.
Articles on related themes: Speaking Engagements; Writing & Publishing A Book
Step Parenting Advice: Don't Do It Unless You're Prepared To Work At It!
Posted: Thursday, 4th December 2008
Can A Step Parent Ever Replace A Real Parent? This was the topic under debate on the Richard Bacon radio show on BBC Radio 5 Live on Tuesday evening. As the author of a book titled Stepfamilies, I had been invited to participate to put the positive side of the case, whilst Philip Parkin, General Secretary of the Teachers Union Voice, was to argue against. In the event, we both (I think) found ourselves singing from the same hymn sheet.
Articles on related themes: Relationships; Self Help; Family & Parenting; Stepfamilies
Advent: A Time To Reflect Between Thanksgiving & Gift Giving - Ten Tips To Happiness
Posted: Tuesday, 2nd December 2008
I woke, yesterday morning, feeling bad-tempered. This is a rare occurrence and is almost alwaysas a result of my husband’s snoring! There’s something deeply offensive about lying next to someone whose somnolence – loudly and bed-tremblingly declared - is the sole reason for your inability to sleep. Don’t you think?
A FEELING OF CONTENTMENT WAS MARKEDLY ABSENT!
But that wasn’t the only reason I felt bad-tempered.
Articles on related themes: Personal Growth; Self Help; Life, Faith & Other Stuff
Creative Writing Techniques: How To Find Ideas For Plots
Posted: Monday, 1st December 2008
It seems that these days almost everyone is writing a book! Despite the fact that we’re told that computers have dumbed down and depleted our appetite for reading, increasing numbers of would-be authors are emerging. So with apologies to those who may already have read the following, I’m revising an article I wrote some time ago when I was leading Creative Writing Classes.
ARE YOU WRITING A BOOK FOR THE FIRST TIME?
If you’re like most would-be authors, you’ve probably been thinking for years about your book. The one that’s been inside you waiting to get out. Whether it’s fiction writing or a short biography, that’s good.
Articles on related themes: Plot; Writing & Publishing A Book
Assertiveness Training: Ten Tips To A Stronger You
Posted: Saturday, 29th November 2008
I’ve written, previously, about people pleasers and how we can go about managing conflicting priorities in specific situations. We talked about our need to expect respect, and how to promote dignity. Today I want to write about the art of assertiveness as a life style choice.
TAKING ON OTHER PEOPLE’S PROBLEMS
A number of years ago, I found myself going through a particularly difficult period of life. My daughter had died in suspicious circumstances, leaving a baby of eighteen months. My husband’s business was ailing, so I had to give up my career as an author and take on an administrative job to help keep us afloat.
Articles on related themes: Self Help; Assertiveness
Bereavement Poetry: Crossing The Bar By Alfred Lord Tennyson
Posted: Friday, 28th November 2008
In the following excerpt from my book, A Painful Post Mortem, one of the characters, Rosie, has been asked by her father to read a poem at her sister's funeral. Curious to remind herself of the long-forgotten verses, she looks out an old book before she goes to bed.
When the baby had been fed and settled and she had checked on the
boys, she looked out an anthology of English poems she had been
given as a schoolgirl. Steve, who had been clearing up downstairs
whilst she had seen to Erin, had not yet come up.
Articles on related themes:
Bereavement
Successful Step Parenting: Do You Know What It Takes?
Posted: Wednesday, 26th November 2008
I’ve been asked by BBC Radio 5 Live if I would take part in a debate, arguing the case for the premiss Can A Step Parent Take The Place Of A Real Parent? The e-mail was from one of their producers, who said he’d found my book, Stepfamilies on a Google search. During the telephone conversation that ensued, he asked me if I knew of anyone who might argue the case against. I’ve had to say that I don’t.
STEPFAMILY PROBLEMS
My book was based on personal experience, but also included a number of case studies: people my second husband and I interviewed for the book.
Articles on related themes: Forgiveness; Self Help; Family & Parenting; Bereavement; Stepfamilies
Poetry For Grief - In The Silence Of Friends
Posted: Tuesday, 25th November 2008
Not everyone experiences the five stages of grieving: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance; and even if they do, they may find that they occur in a different order. But frequently, at just the point when we most need them, our friends seem to melt away. They have supported us in the early days with admirable concern.
Articles on related themes: Bereavement
Writing Your First Novel: How Viewpoint Affects Show & Tell
Posted: Sunday, 23rd November 2008
An understanding of how to use Viewpoint correctly is crucial to the success of writing your first novel. A history book may tell you about a particular event, or period in time, on either a personal level or a grand scale; a text book on psychology may inform you about behaviour; a self-help book may even apply that knowledge in such a way that it may become learned behaviour. But a novel, as I’ve said before, is about people.
Articles on related themes: Writing & Publishing A Book; Viewpoint
Fun Christmas Quiz
Posted: Saturday, 22nd November 2008
In all this gloom and doom of recession, when everything’s going down, down, down, I thought it was time we all looked up, and had a bit of FUN.
QUIZ - 22nd November to 21st December
So I’m going to run this Fun Christmas Quiz for a month 22nd November to 21st December. And as Christmas is a time of giving, guess what? Once again I’ll be giving a copy of my novel A Painful Post Mortem to the winner.
PRIZE
A Painful Post Mortem is a contemporary love story with a difference, because it’s also a ‘who-done-it?’.
Articles on related themes: Fun & Competitions
Coloured Christmas Lights Eclipsed By Child In The Manger
Posted: Friday, 21st November 2008
How long before 25th December should Christmas decorations go up? Every year it seems that they’re earlier and earlier. Especially shopping centre Christmas decorations. But this year, instead of being a cause for complaint from me, their premature appearance last week, in London, was a bonus, when my other half and I had to make a business trip to the West End to meet with the American agents of the music publishers for whom we work.
SHOP TIL YOU DROP
Now I have to admit that when it came to shopping genes, my mother and eldest daughter hogged the lot.
Plotting Stories: Off-Topic Blogs May Be The Best Growing Medium For Your Budding Novel
Posted: Wednesday, 19th November 2008
One of the benefits of modern technology is that, as a writer, you have more information at your finger tips about who is connecting with your blog personality, and which content for your blog attracts most readers, than ever you could in the real world. So it’s exciting to know that, since I began blogging four months ago, I’ve had just short of six thousand page views, from forty-eight countries around the world, including places like United Arab Emirates, Croatia, Peru, China, Indonesia and even Afghanistan, in addition to the more obvious UK and USA.
Articles on related themes: Plot; Writing & Publishing A Book
Do Grief & Loss Conform To A Pattern?
Posted: Tuesday, 18th November 2008
This article was revised and updated on 28th July, 2010
One of the most shocking aspects of attending the funeral of someone you loved is the sense of desolation you may feel afterwards. Everything in you has been working towards this moment, to such an extent that it has emptied your mind of everything else. This, of course, is one of the purposes of such rites of passage. Funeral services help us through the initial stages of shock, grief and loss by concentrating the mind on the details and ritual of the event.
THE SENSE OF LOSS IN BEREAVEMENT
But they do little to prepare us for what is to come.
Articles on related themes: Bereavement
How To Hook Your Reader: Starting Your Story
Posted: Sunday, 16th November 2008
Revised & Updated: 10th August, 2010
Right! You’re sitting in front of your computer to begin your novel, and you’re raring to go. You’ve read my article, Writing & Publishing A Book: Ten Tips Before You Begin, and identified your readers, as well as Fiction: Main Characters & How To Choose Them, so you know, as an author, which of your characters are going to be conveying your story. You know, too, that right from the outset, you have to hook your reader.
Articles on related themes: Writing & Publishing A Book
Youngest Child In The Family: Paragon? Or Pain?
Posted: Friday, 14th November 2008
Where, in birth order, do you come among your siblings? Are you the youngest child in the family? Do you see yourself as different to your brothers and sisters? Are you aware of a gulf between them and you?
Having previously written about eldest child syndrome and middle child complex, today I’m going to begin a study on the concept of the youngest child in the family.
Articles on related themes: Family & Parenting; Life, Faith & Other Stuff; Self Help
The Right To Die; The Fight To Live
Posted: Wednesday, 12th November 2008
On the day that the news broke of the British teenager who has chosen to reject a heart transplant, an e-mail arrived in my in-box from a young woman who has no such choice. Both stories are incredibly moving.
THE RIGHT TO DIE WITH DIGNITY
Hannah Jones, the thirteen year old, has had leukaemia since the age of five, and chemotherapy to treat it has left her with a hole in the heart. Three operations to fit a pace-maker resulted in a collapsed lung. She is a sick girl, for whom a heart transplant offers the only hope.
Articles on related themes: Life, Faith & Other Stuff
Fiction - Main Characters And How To Choose Them
Posted: Monday, 10th November 2008
Revised and Updated: August, 2010
Last week, in Ten Tips Before You Begin, I wrote about the necessity for you, as an aspiring author, to identify your readers before you begin to write your book. That advice holds true whatever the genre in which you are writing. Today, we’re going to concentrate on writing a novel, and in particular, the importance of identifying all the main characters in your book.
FICTION – MAIN CHARACTERS
This need to identify which of your characters is going to advance the plot of your story is crucial.
Articles on related themes: Writing & Publishing A Book; Character
Animal Rights Stuff
Posted: Saturday, 8th November 2008
This surely has to be the stuff of comedy? I mean I know we, in Britain, are a nation of animal lovers, but do we need a whacking great document telling us how we should look after them, with a threat of a £20,000 fine if we stray from the guidelines? What are these people at Whitehall thinking about? And why are we paying them to do it?
I have loved all my pets and wept at their demise. There was the thrill of finding kittens born in my bed when I was a schoolgirl.
Articles on related themes: Current Affairs; Life, Faith & Other Stuff; Occasional Silliness
Healing And Forgiveness
Posted: Thursday, 6th November 2008
An article in The Times, last month, contrasted, without condemning, the reactions of two families who have recently been in the news. First was the story of the two young boys killed by footballer and drink driver Luke McCormick, whose family was unable to forgive him. And second was Carolyn Todd, the widow of Michael, Chief Constable of Greater Manchester who forgave her husband not only his affairs, but also his death on a mountain in Wales. In the same week, the British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, and Cabinet Minister, Peter Mandelson, showed us all (seemingly) how to forgive and forget in political circles.
Articles on related themes: Self Help; Life, Faith & Other Stuff; Books, Reading & Words; Forgiveness
People Pleasers: Managing Conflicting Priorities
Posted: Wednesday, 5th November 2008
Trying to please everybody frequently results in pleasing nobody – least of all yourself. The old maxim: You can please all of the people some of the time; some of the people all of the time; but you can’t please all of the people all of the time is one, I suspect, that must be familiar to many politicians, and not a few parents.
Articles on related themes: Self Help; Assertiveness
Writing And Publishing A Book: Ten Tips Before You Begin
Posted: Monday, 3rd November 2008
Revised and updated August, 2010
BEFORE YOU BEGIN WRITING AND PUBLISHING A BOOK
I remember reading, many years ago, of someone famous – a well-known pop singer – who told a story of a woman who had written to him saying: God has told me I’m going to marry you. To which the singer replied: Well he hasn’t told me!
I’ve come across many people who believe they can do something similar when writing and publishing a book. They may be writing a self help book or a novel. They may believe that what they have written – or plan to write – is exactly what the world is waiting for.
Articles on related themes: Writing & Publishing A Book
Making Funeral Arrangements
Posted: Saturday, 1st November 2008
It’s a paradox, but there is a sense in which planning a funeral is a positive and constructive experience. Although not intentionally so, making funeral arrangements – whether for burial or cremation – is a welcome distraction from grief and loss. As long as those who are bereaved are actively contacting funeral planning services and finding a funeral celebrant, they are less likely to dwell on their own distress.
This post is part of a series, each of which links to the previous one which, in this case, was: Dealing With Denial, Grief & Anger Following Bereavement. Today's post deals more with the practicalities than emotions.
Articles on related themes: Bereavement
Grandparents Caring For Grandchildren
Posted: Friday, 31st October 2008
Eighty per-cent of children in the UK are regularly cared for by a grandparent, says The Times, with the result that sixty per-cent of all British childcare is undertaken by grandparents. As payment for grandparents is virtually non-existent (92% receive no remuneration) this is at a saving to the economy of £4 billion a year.
PAYMENT FOR GRANDPARENTS
Many grandparents caring for grandchildren say that they would find the offer of money an affront. But I suspect that this sensitivity would be greatly diminished if the care they gave were to be officially recognised.
Articles on related themes: Family & Parenting
You Wouldn't Do It To A Dog
Posted: Wednesday, 29th October 2008
A cracked rib is painful at the best of times. A fortnight with an undiagnosed cracked rib still worse. But a fortnight, yelling in pain, being fobbed off with paracetamol and accused of malingering, when you’re 94 years of age is outrageous.
THE WRONG SORT OF BLINDNESS
It began two weeks ago last Sunday. My other half and I went to my parents’ home to spend the day with my father so that my mother might have a day of respite playing in a bridge tournament. My father is the ninety-four year old; my mother – his carer – is ninety.
Articles on related themes: Family & Parenting; Life, Faith & Other Stuff
True British Spirit - Transport Style
Posted: Tuesday, 28th October 2008
It was with a sense of dread that I left home, at the weekend, to travel north to visit my eldest daughter. It was a trip which should have taken eight hours and included three trains journeys, with a car ride either side. As it turned out, it took nine hours, five trains plus the two car rides – and because my itinerary was shot to bits before I even started, I felt I was stepping into the unknown.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT – BRITISH STYLE
My first train was cancelled. The second was more than twenty minutes late.
Articles on related themes: Life, Faith & Other Stuff
Bloody Cheek - From A Faint Streak Of Humility!
Posted: Monday, 27th October 2008
Reviews of your book are something a writer looks upon with a sort of love-hate relationship. In a sense they’re the life-blood of a book: a good one serves the same purpose as a shot of adrenaline in the arm, or a stiff G&T, a poor one may do what a dose of flu might do; none at all, and rigor mortis will rapidly set in.
GOOD BOOK REVIEWS OUTWEIGH BAD
There are some who say that for every bad review you need seven good ones to counter it. Others declare that all publicity is good publicity.
Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words
Best Evening Gowns For A Fashion Fix?
Posted: Saturday, 25th October 2008
The Party Season Beginneth. And if you’re after a Fashion Fix, you need look no further than Marks & Spencer. Have you seen the glamorous evening gowns on offer through their Autograph range? One of the most stunning, in my view, was advertised recently in The Daily Telegraph.
GLAMOROUS EVENING GOWNS BEAT RECESSION
In these days of gloom and doom, the sight of luxurious, feminine fabrics and décolletage are enough to thrill any woman’s heart.
Articles on related themes: Family & Parenting
Essential Blogging Advice For Beginners
Posted: Thursday, 23rd October 2008
There may be those, as I have already said, who decry blogging as adding to the ‘misinformation and ignorance’ of the ‘digitally addicted’, but without doubt blogging has become the buzz word of the internet. Whether you’re blogging for profit or simply for fun, the aim of the game is always to attract more readers to your site.
BLOGGING FOR PROFIT - OR NOT
I have been asked to speak, next month, at a London-based meeting of the CMPA – a branch of the Music Publishers’ Association – on the subject of blogging.
Horsing About - Internet Stupidity On Delusion
Posted: Wednesday, 22nd October 2008
On page 6 in the Daily Telegraph, dated 21st October, 2008, there was a short piece titled ‘Internet encourages stupidity’. A serious study of the rise in children’s addiction to ‘an endless digital forest of mediocrity’ and decline in moral boundaries, it called for a government clean-up. It appears, also, that an increase in blogging blurs our sense of what is true or false, real or imaginary. All of which I can believe.
Nevertheless, in the interest of insanity and depression, I thought that, today, in the midst of all the gloom and doom, a light hearted look at some recent news wouldn’t go amiss.
Articles on related themes: Occasional Silliness
The Art of Forgiveness - Is It Achievable?
Posted: Tuesday, 21st October 2008
My daughter passed on to me her copy of The Times from a couple of weekends ago. She thought I might like to blog about an article to do with modern grannies, but my eye was caught by another – on healing and forgiveness. Time enough for grannies at a later date, I thought!
PERSONAL PRACTICE OF THE ART OF FORGIVENESS
It was particularly relevant to me because of a decision made by others a decade ago, which has resonated through my family ever since. What was once a warm and close-knit unit is now, sadly, scattered, slow-burning coals.
Articles on related themes: Self Help; Life, Faith & Other Stuff; Forgiveness
Bank Of England Bail Out Versus House Repossessions 2008
Posted: Monday, 20th October 2008
Now I’m not an economist, and neither do I read economist reports. But I am a human being! And it seems to me that it’s not difficult to see a great injustice going on in today’s troubled times. What’s even more galling is that wherever you come across it, there’s always someone benefiting from injustice. With apologies to Matthew 18: 23-35 in the New Testament – see what you think:
THE PARABLE OF THE UNMERCIFUL BANK
There was once a Prime Minister who wanted to settle accounts with his banks. As he began the settlement, a bank which was several billion pounds adrift was brought to his attention.
Articles on related themes: Current Affairs; Debt; Life, Faith & Other Stuff
Dealing With Denial, Grief & Anger Following Bereavement
Posted: Saturday, 18th October 2008
REVISED & UPDATED 1st December, 2010
I wrote last week about dealing with the shock of losing someone you love and said that numbness is a normal initial response following a bereavement.� The loss of a loved one is a traumatic event, and this is the body's defence mechanism kicking in, to ensure that the ill-effects are minimised before they become overwhelming.� Gradually, various emotions will then begin to seep into consciousness over a period of time.
Articles on related themes: Bereavement; Books, Reading & Words
Birth Order - Middle Child
Posted: Friday, 17th October 2008
According to the Wikipedia website, one of the first people to suggest that birth order has an effect on personality was an Austrian psychiatrist, Alfred Adler. A contemporary of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung, he argued that the way in which each of us tackles the major aspects of life – friendship, love and work – is greatly influenced by our birth order in the family.
Articles on related themes: Life, Faith & Other Stuff; Family & Parenting; Books, Reading & Words
Sex or Chocolate? Chocolate or Sex? How Would YOU Define Happiness?
Posted: Wednesday, 15th October 2008
Revised: NEW YEAR'S EVE, 31st December, 2009
Much has changed since I first wrote this article, so it seemed to me that it deserved to be revised, amended and added to, with quotes, suggestions and advice. I hope, that in following some of the ideas, you might find yourself stumbling on happiness, without, perhaps, ever having defined the secret!
“Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city,” joked George Burns.
With the frenzy of Christmas still upon us, many may agree.
Articles on related themes: Life, Faith & Other Stuff; Self Help; Personal Growth; Inspirational
The Initial Shock Of Losing Someone You Love - How To Cope
Posted: Tuesday, 14th October 2008
“Life,” said Lewis Grizzard, the original grumpy old man, “is a sexually transmitted terminal disease.”
It took me a moment or two to take it in when I read that statement. When the penny dropped, I laughed aloud. It’s just such a clever line!
And on a physical level, it says it all. Life – mine and yours – began with a sexual act, and without a shadow of doubt, it will end in death. In the Western world, that thought is something we shy away from.
Articles on related themes: Bereavement; Books, Reading & Words
Is Taking Risks In The Second Half A Good Game Plan For Life?
Posted: Monday, 13th October 2008
OLD AGE? YOU GOTTA LAUGH, BEFORE YOU DIE
Do you ever feel that there are times in your life when your body is trying to convince you that it’s closer to lights out than it is to reveille? You don’t, actually, have to be in your dotage to feel like this. Neither do the symptoms have to be the subject of tragedy. It’s all a matter of perception.
That seems to be the message of David Lodge’s latest novel Deaf Sentence, in which the protagonist, a sixty-something year old, is losing his hearing.
Articles on related themes: Life, Faith & Other Stuff; Books, Reading & Words
COMPETITION - Winner of the Bucket List - 5 Things I'd Like To Do Before I Die
Posted: Saturday, 11th October 2008
For those of you who may be coming to this Post for the first time, here is the competition I set at the beginning of September, asking you to list the Five Things I’d Like To Do Before I Die.
PETULANCE & PRESSURE
It was obviously something that you all find quite daunting, because it was only with a degree of petulance and pressure on my part, that you were eventually persuaded to put your thoughts together.
Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words; Fun & Competitions
Eldest Child Syndrome - Are You One? Or Do You Know Of One?
Posted: Thursday, 9th October 2008
Have you ever been in a situation where you begin to wonder whether other people’s expectations of you exceed your ability or willingness to deliver? Of course you have! Silly question – unless you’re one of those super-humans who knows how to say ‘No!’ But that’s another issue, for another day.
BIRTH ORDER AND SELF
Thing is, there’s a limit to what you can do, isn’t there? I’m one of the sandwich generation – more of that, too, on another day – so I have both young grandchildren for whom I care twice a week whilst my daughter teaches, and parents with various health issues, who require a degree of support.
Articles on related themes: Family & Parenting
Bereavement - Dealing With The Death Of A Loved One
Posted: Tuesday, 7th October 2008
DEALING WITH THE DEATH OF A LOVED ONE
‘Life is a public performance on the violin, in which you must learn the instrument as you go along.’ The quotation is attributed to a friend of the writer, E.M Forster, and is taken from a new book titled, Advanced Banter. It struck me, as I read it in the Daily Telegraph, that this is never more true than when we are dealing with a death in the family.
LOSS & BEREAVEMENT
Coping with the loss of a loved one is probably the most public performance we shall ever put on, for which we have had no prior preparation.
Articles on related themes: Bereavement
Man Flu? The Female Version's The Killer Strain!
Posted: Monday, 6th October 2008
MAN FLU?
I don’t know about Man Flu, but I’ve definitely been suffering with the female version this week. You know the sort of thing? Having hardly slept overnight, you wake up on Monday morning feeling utterly ghastly: stuffed ears feeling as though they’ve been pumped full of the insulating foam that lines the cavity walls of your house (unless you happen to have shares in British gas); throat behaving as though you’ve swallowed a golf ball, if not a tennis ball; head exploding; and nose like a blocked drain in need of a plumber and a plunger.
THE FEMALE VERSION’S WORSE
But hey! You’re female.
Articles on related themes: Family & Parenting; Life, Faith & Other Stuff
Recipes From A Yorkshire Woman
Posted: Saturday, 4th October 2008
THE REAL YORKSHIRE PUDDING
Consistently produce the perfect Yorkshire pudding; one that rises majestically into crisp pinnacles on the edges yet retains a moist base. Nick says mine are great, but unlike me, he doesn't come from the north of England where a housewife is judged on the quality of her Yorkshire puddings!
This was one of the comments left on Day 14 of the competition: 5 Things I’d Like To Do Before I Die so I thought I’d respond by giving the Yorkshire Pudding recipe which was passed on to me by my children’s great-grandmother, a Yorkshire woman through and through.
Articles on related themes: Life, Faith & Other Stuff
Innovation & Profundity - Competition Short List - 5 Things I'd Like To Do Before I Die
Posted: Friday, 3rd October 2008
Related Posts: Final Day
A PROCESS OF ELIMINATION
Wow! I’m glad the response to my competition on the Five Things I’d Like To Do Before I Die wasn’t overwhelmingly large. It’s much more difficult than I realised to judge something like this fairly. I’d hate to be a Booker prize judge! But thank you, again, to all of you who took part. You can read the comments by clicking Day 14 and Day 9.
REPETITION
Using a colour-coding, the first thing I did was to eliminate
repetitious replies. Remember, I said: The winner will be
the comment which I consider to be the most innovative
(Concise Oxford Dictionary definition: innovative adj.
Articles on related themes:
Fun & Competitions
Protesters Take On The Post Office - And Win!
Posted: Thursday, 2nd October 2008
Other Posts in Life, Faith & Other Stuff: Recipes From A Yorkshire Woman
Last month we saved our local Post Office. This week it’s Ban the Mast. Well – you gotta try, haven’t you?
RADICAL ACTIVIST NETWORKS
Actually, I’ve never been a try-er in the sense of protestors who regularly practice militancy, marching, or sitting-in. I recall the Ban-the-Bomb lot, and the Greenham Common women with a mixture of awe and revulsion. All those unwashed bodies. But what dedication! And what about Swampy? Remember him? His dreadlocks emerging from his tunnelled home beneath Binsted Wood were a regular feature on our TV screens in the nineties.
CAMPAIGN PRODUCTIONS
Our campaigns have not been in that league.
Articles on related themes: Life, Faith & Other Stuff
5 THINGS I'D LIKE TO DO BEFORE I DIE - Competition Final Day
Posted: Tuesday, 30th September 2008
It’s been fun thinking of the five things I’d like to do before I die – but quite difficult, too. I suppose your own death is one of those things you rarely consider. We all like to think we’re immortal. Or perhaps not, the way things are going? Eternal, then!
My fifth and final wish is posted below. I’d like to thank you again for participating in this competition. I’ve a pretty good idea who I’m going to choose as the winner – the one thing that stood out for me.
Articles on related themes: Fun & Competitions
IS FAITH A LEGITIMATE SUBJECT FOR FOOLISHNESS, FALSEHOOD OR FUN?
Posted: Monday, 29th September 2008
A COMEDY OF CHRISTIANITY
It’s a strange paradox that at a time when so many people profess not to believe in God, religion appears to be a subject enjoyed by the masses in almost all forms of multi-media. To mention but a few examples, we’ve had the stage-shows Jesus Christ Superstar and Godspell; the book The God Delusion (and counter-argument The Dawkins Delusion ); umpteen TV comedies from All Gas and Gaiters to the inimitable Vicar of Dibley, and the film Life of Brian. Now I hear that we’re to have a new film, Religulous, and that the producers unashamedly want to espouse the same anti-religious zeal which makes for best-selling status.
Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words; Life, Faith & Other Stuff
Cool Brittania: The Good, The Bad - And the Utterly Sublime!
Posted: Sunday, 28th September 2008
THE GOOD
The Good News is that we have a National Health Service at all! Even better are the advances made in medical science, which mean that conditions like Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) can be treated.
Articles on related themes: Current Affairs; Life, Faith & Other Stuff
The How-to of Creative Writing - Plotting is a Journey
Posted: Friday, 26th September 2008
This is the last Post in this Series. Over the past few weeks you’ve been learning how to Plot your Story. Complete the process of writing your book by subscribing FREE to the next series.
SUBSCRIBE NOW *FREE* TO THE NEXT SERIES: CREATIVE WRITING – CRAFTING THE STORY. Your contact details will be kept secure at all times, and will NEVER be divulged to any third party.
PLOTTING IS A JOURNEY WITH A BEGINNING. . .
Remember I told you that plotting a story is like marking points on a map, before you undertake a journey.
Articles on related themes: Plot; Writing & Publishing A Book
5 Things I'd Like To Do Before I Die - COMPETITION COUNTDOWN - 5 DAYS TO GO
Posted: Thursday, 25th September 2008
DAVE FREEMAN'S BOOK 100 THINGS TO DO BEFORE YOU DIE.
This Competition was prompted by the author's death at the age of 47.
Thank you to those of you who have left comments on the FIVE THINGS YOU’D LIKE TO DO BEFORE YOU DIE. They make interesting reading. If you haven’t seen them, follow the links to Competition Day 14 – Thin Thighs and from there the links to the previous Post. It would help me enormously if you’d leave a comment letting me know which you find the most original and philosophical.
DAY 23 OF THE COMPETITION, WITH ONLY 5 DAYS LEFT TO GO!
BUT IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN IN.
Articles on related themes:
Fun & Competitions
Credit Crunch: The Personal Pain And Gain
Posted: Wednesday, 24th September 2008
Related Posts: Ten Tips to Stay Free From Debt; Ten Tips To Get Rid of Debt
EFFECTS OF THE CREDIT CRUNCH
Watching the UK’s Channel 4 TV programme Dispatches on the human cost of the credit crunch was heartbreaking. First there was the man (Jamaican, I think) who’d worked all his life on the buses. Masking his emotion with a big, beaming smile, he told us that he had never imagined that retirement would be so frightening. He indicated his gas and electrical bills. They terrified him, he said.
Then there was the single mother, wanting to do what all mothers want – to give the best to her children.
Articles on related themes: Current Affairs; Debt; Life, Faith & Other Stuff
Ten Tips to Get Rid of Debt
Posted: Monday, 22nd September 2008
Revised & Updated 26th December, 2010
Related Posts: Click here: Ten Tips To Stay Free From Debt
CONSUMER BORROWING ON THE RISE
As an author, its interesting to see how things come around again. In an article I wrote in 1988 for a popular womens magazine, I stated that the UK newspapers were predicting that Britain was heading for bankruptcy. Bank lending had nearly trebled (560million in 1970 to 15,002 million in 1984) and in the last four years of that period credit card lending had leapfrogged by 158 per cent.
Articles on related themes: Debt
The How-to of Creative Writing - Where To Begin
Posted: Saturday, 20th September 2008
Related Posts: Joining up the Dots
HOW TO PLOT A NOVEL & HOOK YOUR READER
At what point do you decide if you’re going to like the book you’ve picked up to read? Almost certainly, it will be by the time you’ve reached the bottom of the first page. If the narrative hasn’t hooked you by then, you’re unlikely to read on.
Articles on related themes: Plot; Writing & Publishing A Book
How We Little People Can Change Big Bank Pay-outs - Open Letter to Lloyds TSB
Posted: Friday, 19th September 2008
Mr Eric Daniels, Lloyds TSB Chief
Dear Mr Daniels,
PLEASE CLOSE MY LLOYDS TSB ACCOUNT WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT
I see, from my Daily Telegraph today (and trust that this is accurate) that subsequent to your takeover of the failed bank HBOS, you are planning to give Mr Andy Hornby, the failed CEO of HBOS a £2 million stake in Lloyds TSB. I had no objection to the former before the event, but I write now to tell you that I strenuously object to the latter.
May I remind you, Mr Daniels, that I have banked with you for the past twenty-six years.
Articles on related themes: Debt; Current Affairs
A Life of Laughter: BOTTOMS, WEE-WEES, WILLIES & POO-POOHS
Posted: Thursday, 18th September 2008
Other posts on Parenting: Parent Power = Kids Confidence
WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Yesterday, I received an e-mail from my cousin. He used to be an airline pilot flying holidaymakers out of Gatwick, and he tells stories of walking out to the plane in full view of all his passengers, dressed in a long gabardine, with one leg strapped up and only a wooden broom handle visible. As if doing a Jake the Peg impression wasn’t enough, he’d weave about as if drunk. The story, and his telling of it, made me laugh. But how true it was I don’t know.
Articles on related themes: Life, Faith & Other Stuff
Divorce & Family Law - Does It Affect Us All?
Posted: Wednesday, 17th September 2008
Other Posts on Books & Reading: The Isolation of Being Unable to Read
STATISTICS OF SINGLE PARENTS
What do you think of when you read of mothers raising children without fathers? Does it incite you to indignation? Rage? And if so, against whom? The mothers who so ruthlessly exploit the benefits system with serial offspring by multiple fathers? The feckless fathers who abandon them? Or the systematic onslaught of successive governments who have dismantled the best-known building block for the stability of society: marriage and the family unit?
Whilst we are (rightly) concerned with such matters, we appear to have allowed the other end of the spectrum to have slipped from our sight.
Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words; Current Affairs; Family & Parenting
COMPETITION - DAY 14 - Thin Thighs
Posted: Tuesday, 16th September 2008
IT'S LONELY HERE!
Look! I’m going to stamp my foot and cry if you don’t respond to my invitation >:( It’s very lonely blogging away here and not getting any response! I’m going to put up the third thing I’d like to do before I die (see below) and it would be great – no, really Great! – if you could let me know even one, teeny-teeny little thing you’d like to do before you die.
Not that it’s imminent, you understand. At least I hope not. But then, I suppose that’s what Dave Freeman must have thought when he wrote his book 100 Things To Do Before You Die.
Articles on related themes: Fun & Competitions
Ten Tips To Stay Free From Debt
Posted: Monday, 15th September 2008
Revised: 10th December, 2009
The article that follows was written more than a year ago, when the true story of global recession was only beginning to unfold. Now, nearly fifteen months later, governments of all nationalities face unprecedented levels of indebtedness. And levels of unemployment, we’re told, are still set to rise. If you are one of the millions who face a drop in income and a squeeze on your finances, read on. These ten tips are designed to help you stay debt free.
Articles on related themes: Debt
The How-to of Creative Writing - Joining Up The Dots
Posted: Saturday, 13th September 2008
LINKS TO PREVIOUS SESSIONS
How did you get on with the last session? I hope the update on all the previous tutorials was a help. For those of you who’ve just joined, the post titled The How-to of Creative Writing – What Makes A Story A Plot? – will link you to all relevant sessions.
STORY & PLOT
In the last post, I stressed the importance of conflict in plotting a story. That is as true of an inspirational true-life story or testimony as it is for a novel. We looked at E.M.
Articles on related themes: Plot; Writing & Publishing A Book
Memories of 9.11.2001
Posted: Thursday, 11th September 2008
Other Posts on Current Affairs: Rick Warren
I thought that in memory of all who lost their lives, and those who lost loved ones, I would reproduce the comment I left on The New York Times online.
COMMENT
I expect, like me, you've been thinking about the terrible events of seven years ago. But can you remember where you were? I'm old enough to remember the assassination of John F Kennedy and still recall exactly where I was when the news came through. But 9/11 was worse. So much worse!
I was at home (in the UK) when my eldest daughter rang to ask me where my niece was.
Articles on related themes: Current Affairs; Life, Faith & Other Stuff
COMPETITION - DAY 9 - Don't Let Me Die Before You Reply!
Posted: Thursday, 11th September 2008
Look, I’m sorry to sound sergeant majorish, but this is pay-back time! I’ve succumbed to your silence by speaking out myself, and I’ve identified one - no TWO - of the items I’d like to do before I die. (See below)
This competition was prompted by the book 100Things To Do Before You Die, written by Dave Freeman. His death, at the age of 47, has prompted a flurry of posts on various sites.
Articles on related themes: Fun & Competitions
The How-to of Creative Writing - What Makes A Story A Plot?
Posted: Wednesday, 10th September 2008
I’m sorry I’m rather late with this week’s How-to of Creative Writing. I’ve been developing my website in the hope that it will make it easier for visitors to navigate. Also, I wanted to make sure that my readers – you! – understand what it’s all about. I hope you’ll take a look around and let me know what you think. I’m open to any suggestions for improvement. I may have been a published author for nearly twenty-five years, but I’m a novice when it comes to websites and blogs! I need your feedback, please, to help me get it right.
Articles on related themes: Writing & Publishing A Book; Plot
GUEST BLOG - David Scott - K.I.S.S.
Posted: Tuesday, 9th September 2008
DAVID SCOTT - Novelist, Consultant, Former Newspaper Editor
I was talking with David Scott last week, and I asked him if he would share his thoughts on writing, for the benefit of my readers. David is a former editor of several daily and weekly newspapers, and now runs his own media consultancy, training journalists on short, intensive, in-house courses. His first novel, The Standard Bearer, was published in 2004.
Here’s what David had to say:
K.I.S.S.
Of all the advice I have given potential writers over the last 30 years I think the most important is to remember K.I.S.
The Isolation of Being Unable to Read
Posted: Monday, 8th September 2008
Related topics: 59 Million Keywords to PublicationReading Between The Lines
EFFECTS OF ILLITERACY
Have you ever thought what it would be like if you were unable to read or understand a word of this blog? Doubtless you would be feeling the same shame and isolation as the people I wrote about in my post: Reading Between the Lines last month. Tears were aplenty as they shared their stories in the TV series Can’t Read; Can’t Write – and they weren’t solely those of the participants! There we learned that in Britain, alone, over five million adults have a reading age of 12 or less, or are unable to read at all.
Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words; Current Affairs; Family & Parenting
COMPETITION - DAY 5 - 5 Things You'd Like To Do Before You Die
Posted: Sunday, 7th September 2008
Okay – so you don’t want to be the first. I understand that! BUT IT'S NOW DAY 5 OF THE COMPETITION, WITH ONLY 23 DAYS LEFT TO GO!
This is a bit like having a primary school birthday party when all the other children are too shy to come in. Remember that? When your guests hid behind the door and wouldn’t give you your present?
Well, I’m asking you to come inside. I’ll go first. (See my contribution below). But I’m really hoping you’re going to be brave enough to follow. This is the competition as posted on 3rd September. It finishes on 30th September.
Articles on related themes: Fun & Competitions
CREATIVE WRITING - Creativity in Conflict
Posted: Friday, 5th September 2008
DEALING WITH CONFLICT – DO YOU KNOW HOW?
Ever felt that you fall out with your partner / colleague / mother about the same thing, over and over? Not sure why this happens? Even less sure what to do about it?
This Post will, I hope, be of interest to anyone reading it, not simply to aspiring writers. I wrote a couple of days ago about the need to bring credibility to the characters we create. Now I’m going to show you how you can bring creativity to the way you manage conflict – in your own lives, as well as the lives you write about.
Articles on related themes: Writing & Publishing A Book; Plot; Character
COMPETITION - DAY 3 - 5 Things You Want To Do Before You Die
Posted: Friday, 5th September 2008
The recent death of Dave Freeman aged 47, author of 100 Things To Do Before You Die, has prompted a flurry of posts on various sites.
Come on everyone! Today is Day 3 of the COMPETITION I launched on Wednesday.
Post your comments showing the top 5 Things You Want To Do Before You Die and you could win a free copy of my novel A Painful Post Mortem.
I’ll keep the competition open throughout the month of September.
COUNTING DOWN: ONLY 25 DAYS TO GO.
The winner will be the comment which I consider to be the most innovative and profound.
No trips to the moon will be allowed.
Articles on related themes: Fun & Competitions
Competition - 5 Things You'd Like To Do Before You Die
Posted: Wednesday, 3rd September 2008
The recent death of Dave Freeman aged 47, author of 100 Things To Do Before You Die, has prompted a flurry of posts on various sites.
So I’ve decided to launch a COMPETITION.
Post your comments showing the top 5 Things You'd Like To Do Before You Die and you could win a free copy of my novel A Painful Post Mortem. (No pun intended!)
I’ll keep the competition open throughout the month of September.
The winner will be the comment which I consider to be the most innovative and profound.
No trips to the moon will be allowed. All comments must be decent and realistic. Winner will be informed by e-mail.
Articles on related themes: Fun & Competitions
Child Pornography
Posted: Tuesday, 2nd September 2008
CHILD PORNOGRAPHY – A SUBJECT FOR DRAMA?
Child pornography may not be everyone’s ideal Sunday evening viewing (UK - BBC1 – Fiona’s Story), but it is, sadly, a topical subject. The problem, to my mind, is the way it was dramatised. Am I the only one to feel that it was all very unsatisfactory? Both content and conclusion left me feeling badly let down.
I can understand that if you’ve been married for some years and love your husband, then – like Fiona – you going to be in denial to begin with. Shock and disbelief go hand in hand.
Articles on related themes: Family & Parenting
The How-to of Creative Writing - Credible Characters
Posted: Monday, 1st September 2008
A couple of days ago in the How-to of Creative Writing, I said that Characters – whether in fiction or true-life stories – need:
- Credibility – to be true to life
- Creativity – in the way they respond to conflict
- Complexity – depth which makes them three dimensional
Today we’re going to look at the first of these features:
CREDIBILITY
In this Post, and the next, I’m going to show you how to know and grow your Characters.
Articles on related themes: Character; Writing & Publishing A Book
The How-to of Creative Writing - Characterisation
Posted: Saturday, 30th August 2008
DO YOU ANALYSE WHAT YOU READ AND WATCH?
Last week we looked at the way in which Theme determines the subject or focal point of a story. Have you found, since then, that you’re beginning to be a little more analytical about what you read and watch?
Before I started writing professionally, I never considered the
books I read or the films I saw in terms of Theme. We all tend to
share our enthusiasm about the latest ‘must-read’ or
‘must-watch’ in language which is to do with Plot. We
tell the story: ‘He did this; she said that; this was the
consequence.
Articles on related themes:
Character; Writing & Publishing A Book
Paedophiles Offered Castration, Daily Telegraph Reports
Posted: Wednesday, 27th August 2008
Other Posts on Current Affairs: Rick Warren
Paedophiles are to be offered a chemical castration following completion of their sentence, in order to prevent re-offending, so we’re told. The report reminded me of a story I heard recently, when we were dining with friends. Ted (not his real name) is a retired Headmaster and a Lay Preacher. At some point during his working career, he was asked if he would take a Sunday Service at the local prison. He readily agreed.
On arrival inside the gates, he followed the Prison Warden towards the Chapel at the centre of the grounds.
Articles on related themes: Current Affairs
59 Million Keywords to Publication
Posted: Monday, 25th August 2008
Related topics: Reading Between the Lines
59 million keywords to publication!
Now I love words. And I guess anyone who can be bothered to read or write a blog like this one must love’em too.
Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words
The How-to of Creative Writing - Part Two - Theme
Posted: Saturday, 23rd August 2008
CREATIVE WRITING PROJECT
How did you get on last week? Did you find the list of prompts
helpful – i.e. considering a modern take on a Bible story or
a nursery rhyme as inspiration? I hope you’ve got plenty of
ideas milling around in your mind. Keep a note of them because
we’ll be putting it altogether in the next few weeks.
And if you’ve come up with something I haven’t
thought of, let me know by posting a comment at the end of this
post, so that we can all benefit.
Articles on related themes:
Theme; Writing & Publishing A Book
New York Times Comments On Rick Warren's Forum
Posted: Thursday, 21st August 2008
SHOULD POLITICS AND RELIGION MIX?
Should politics and religion mix? This is the question which is vexing the readers of the New York Times – and probably many more of the population.
REV RICK WARREN’S FORUM
An article by the columnist William Kristol, titled Showdown at Saddleback, was what prompted the dispute. It seems that Rev. Rick Warren staged a question and answer session with Barack Obama and John McCain, the two main US presidential candidates, at the large, evangelical church over which he presides. His method of probing was, according to Mr Kristol, equally fair to both candidates and allowed viewers to hear ‘revealingly different’ answers to the same questions.
Articles on related themes: Current Affairs; Life, Faith & Other Stuff
The How-to of Creative Writing - Part One - Ideas For Plot
Posted: Saturday, 16th August 2008
TRIED & TESTED TECHNIQUES
Last week I posted a blog about beginning a series on writing a book. The introduction was titled The How-to of Writing a Novel, but I’ve now decided that the series might be better titled The How-to of Creative Writing. In last week’s post, I suggested that some people might be thinking in terms of writing a full length novel (min. 70,000 words if it’s for adults) while others would want to accomplish something rather different.
Reading Between The Lines
Posted: Friday, 15th August 2008
Related topics: Books & Reading The Isolation Of Being Unable To Read
CAN’T READ, CAN’T WRITE
Did anybody watch the UK’s Channel 4’s Can’t Read, Can’t Write series? It focused on people from different backgrounds and ages: the young mother who was unable to help with her children’s homework, the labourer who longed to improve his job prospects, the middle-aged woman whose intellect and culture relied solely on audio tapes, and the grandmother whose own mother had spent a lifetime denouncing her as a failure. As the title suggests, what each had in common was an inability to read or write.
Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words; Current Affairs
Reeling in the Royalties - A Dangerous Weakness?
Posted: Wednesday, 13th August 2008
Well, what did you think of that for a piece of audacious publicity? I read it several times, trying to stem a rising tide of envy with a modicum of magnanimity – and still didn’t see beyond the obvious.
I’m referring to the 93 year old lady who has just published her first book. Good on her! She’s beaten British author Mary Wesley (the previous claimant of a first novel in advanced years, and with whom I once shared an agent) by at least a decade. And anyone who can complete a novel, at any age, deserves a medal in my book – if you’ll excuse the pun.
Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words
The How-to of Writing a Novel - Introduction
Posted: Sunday, 10th August 2008
HOW TO WRITE A BOOK. OR NOT?
One of the flattering, if potentially fatal, aspects of being an author is that other people want you to read their manuscripts. It isn’t always that they want to know how to write a book. They have, they tell you, already done so. It’s just that, to date, no one seems to want to publish it. What they need (they say) is a comprehensive critique: the low-down on fiction writing and publishing their purple prose.
Seduced, in the early days when I was first published, I undertook to read through several dog-eared masterpieces.
Articles on related themes: Writing & Publishing A Book
Bring Words of Hope - by Blogging
Posted: Thursday, 7th August 2008
Revised 26th November, 2009
The article that follows was written in August 2008 when I had been blogging for little more than three weeks. For reasons which I’ll explain later (see below) I thought it worth adding to. But first, the article as it was:
A RAY OF HOPE FOR A PERFECTIONIST
Please bear with me. I’ve been an author for more than twenty-five years, but a blogger for little more than twenty-five days. Not only that, I’m a perfectionist. At least, I’m a repentant perfectionist trying hard not to lapse.
Does my bum look big in this? (Or that wretched F-word again)
Posted: Monday, 4th August 2008
A fortnight ago I wrote that legislation against the use of certain words (like Chav) is ludicrous and went on to quote from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet: What's in a name? that which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. “It’s not the word that’s at fault,” I said. “What’s needed is a change of attitude. And that, sadly, can’t be dealt with by the law.”
I read this to my husband, and he totally disagreed with me!
“Look at the way attitudes have changed towards homosexuality because of changes in the law,” he said.
CAN THE LAW GAG DISSENTERS?
Yes, he has a point.
Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words; Current Affairs; Family & Parenting
Drugs & Human Rights - the god of the era
Posted: Friday, 1st August 2008
Click for related post: Parent Power = Kids' Confidence
I wonder how this generation of policy-makers will go down in history? Human Rights, it seems, is the god of the era. It certainly takes precedence over any sort of morality. And common sense? Well that’s out of the window.
I refer to the statistics showing that Britain now has an estimated 1% of the population taking illegal drugs, and somewhere in the region of 300,000 children growing up in homes where one or both parents is an addict, in a trade estimated to be worth more than £5.3billion.
Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words; Current Affairs; Family & Parenting
Dry mouth and sinking stomach - Photographer v Dentist
Posted: Tuesday, 29th July 2008
Dry mouth and sinking stomach.
‘Without wishing to cast aspersions on your profession,’ I said to the photographer, ‘I should tell you that as far as I’m concerned, having my photograph taken is akin to having teeth pulled.’
Actually, I’ve never had teeth pulled – but the sensations I experienced as my sitting room was invaded by lights and little white umbrellas, was exactly what I imagined my husband must have been through a month ago when he had to have a tooth extracted. He, needless to say, thought my assumption a gross exaggeration.
Articles on related themes: Life, Faith & Other Stuff; Books, Reading & Words; Occasional Silliness
Is The F-word Foul?
Posted: Monday, 21st July 2008
Whatever happened to the old saying, 'Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me'? They can, of course. But only if we let them. Have we become a nation of wimps that we have to talk of legislation to prevent the use of certain words? Words like Chav, for instance.
I say they can hurt, but is that entirely accurate? I once had a debate with a friend, a well-known author, about the use of the F-word. It’s not a word I would use: it would shock my friends and family if I were to do so.
Articles on related themes: Current Affairs; Books, Reading & Words; Life, Faith & Other Stuff
Journeys & Destinations
Posted: Thursday, 17th July 2008
A visit to a friend in the Malverns, en route to my daughter, brought home, vividly, how fortunate we are. Forget the increase in car tax, food, fuel and heating. Put out of mind the drop in house-prices, the pesky politics, the miserable summer. Blake’s green and pleasant land is stunning; Elgar’s inspiration lush and beautiful. And all despite – or rather because of – the cool, wet weather. 'Have you been to this area before,' my husband asked, forgetfully.
Instantly, I was transported back to an occasion when three of us – all young women – had driven up for some event or other in Birmingham.
Articles on related themes: Life, Faith & Other Stuff
An Inrush of Hissing Air
Posted: Thursday, 10th July 2008
It must be the most expensive single purchase I’ve ever made on my own. Oh, no! There was the house, of course. I bought that at auction, whilst heavily pregnant, and exceeded my husband’s upper limit by several thousand. I could only plead temporary insanity and excessive competitiveness due to hormones. My other half and the beginnings of his beer belly nearly went into labour for me. But I digress. The purchase to which I alluded was made in Tenerife.
Articles on related themes: Books, Reading & Words; Life, Faith & Other Stuff
Parent Power = Kids' Confidence
Posted: Sunday, 6th July 2008
It was the doll’s clothes that reminded me. My daughter had decided that, at nearly four years of age, the twins were old enough to play with some of her most precious toys. So they’d arrived at my house armed with a doll’s buggy each, Katy, Lillibet, and the latter’s entire wardrobe. My heart did a little skip of pleasure. I recognised the tiny Liberty-print dresses, with their puffed sleeves and patch pockets, the lace-trimmed matching knickers, coats and headscarves, from long ago. I had made them for Lillibet decades earlier, from scraps of materials left after dressmaking for my daughters and myself.
Articles on related themes: Family & Parenting
Cumcaritas with love
Posted: Wednesday, 2nd July 2008
WRITING RIGHTS & WRONGS
Are you as fed up with the negative concept of society as I am? Every day we’re bombarded with news about failing governments, education, health and housing services, marriages, families and kids – and that’s without all the heartbreak of home-grown drug and alcohol abuse, 20 million children starving to death worldwide and babies being born HIV+. Do you feel it’s enough to make you despair? Then read on . . .
It does make you feel helpless, doesn’t it? I know that’s what I experienced when my marriage fell apart for the umpteenth time and ended in divorce.
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