Monday writing Quote
“I think there are two types of writers, the architects and the gardeners.
The architects plan everything ahead of time, like an architect building a
house. They know how many rooms are going to be in the house, what kind of
roof they’re going to have, where the wires are going to run, what kind of
plumbing there’s going to be. They have the whole thing designed and
blueprinted out before they even nail the first board up. The gardeners dig
a hole, drop in a seed and water it. They kind of know what seed it is, they
know if planted a fantasy seed or mystery seed or whatever. But as the plant
comes up and they water it, they don’t know how many branches it’s going to
have, they find out as it grows. And I’m much more a gardener than an
architect.”
― George R.R. Martin
POST CARDS FROM THE MUSE
The Post Card
By Nandy Ekle
I’ve been sitting here for a week staring out my window, trying to think of something to write. Anything. At. All. I see a squirrel run up a tree and think, Okay, must be something there. But nothing interesting happens. I watch as a beetle trudges across the sidewalk to the other side and wonder if I can make a play on the old “chicken crossing the road” story. But then I decide that’s too cliche.
I’m about to give up and spend another day not writing when the mailman puts a stack of letters in my mailbox. Looking through the day’s deliveries I find a couple of bills (must remember to make those payments), sales’ ads, sales’ gimmicks, and a few announcements to “Resident.” Then I come across a picture of a beautiful sandy beach. The sun is setting and the palm trees are almost black against the bright purple, pink and orange sky. The white foamy water has seeped across the beach nearly up to the legs of the two Adirondack chairs positioned under the fronds of the trees.
I turn the post card over and see these words: “No Drama Here.” And the story of who sat in those chairs under those starry palms with their feet swishing in the tide, and how they got there. The events leading up to such utterly delightful peace exploded in my mind and I couldn’t get to the computer keyboard fast enough.
Dear Muse. I get frustrated with you, nearly on a daily basis. But when you’re right, you’re very right indeed. Thank you.
Congratulations. You have just received a post card from the muse.
Red Herring
by Adam Huddleston
This week’s literary device is one that many if not most writers have at least heard of: red herring. It is defined as the use of a topic to deliberately mislead the reader or character in a story. Red herrings are often utilized in mystery or suspense to deter the audience from solving the plot.
It is often believed that a red herring must be false. This is not the case. A true fact may also be used to mislead the intended target. For example: Let’s say a police officer catches a thief. Said thief begins a long, sob story concerning how he needed the money to pay for food for his starving children. The thief’s story may or may not be true, but he is using it to distract the officer from the real point that he is guilty. The use of red herrings in your work can make it more engaging for your readers.
Happy writing!
Outtakes 303
Blank Mind
By Cait Collins
Ever had one of those weeks when no matter how hard you try your project just won’t jell. The characters are stuffy, the dialogue stilted, and the setting, forget it. That’s where I am this week. Nothing is working. Even at work, I’m having issues in reviews and creating new letters.
So, I’m taking a break. I make another attempt to write tomorrow. Getting frustrated doesn’t spark creativity. It will be better tomorrow.
A Little Taste
Rory C. Keel
How would a man living in the 1800’s feel about going across the Oregon Trail? Here’s a taste of a novel I’m working on.
Milton needed a stout cup of coffee to make it through the day, so he added a few extra beans into the coffee grinder, turned the handle to the count of ten, and emptied the grounds into the pot of water. The fire grew brighter as he watched the flames lick the bottom of the pot waiting for the brew to boil.
They’re the same color of the sun setting in the west, He thought. I bet the sunsets are much brighter in Oregon.
The Saturday Morning Blogger – Handwritten letters
James Barrington
When my mother died eleven years ago, one of the treasures we found among her belongings was a box of hand-written diaries in the form of lined notebooks. She had spent undoubtedly countless hours recording commonplace events of life and personal musings on what some of them meant.
For the past several years I have been sending monthly notes to my grandsons who live 2,000 miles away. I don’t have the opportunity to interact with them on a regular basis. I don’t know if they appreciate (or can even decipher) my handwritten notes, but I am trying to leave them a legacy of their grandfather that they may find useful at some point in the future. Maybe that use will be as kindling for a campfire, but maybe they can find more productive uses.
My brother found some handwritten notes from our fraternal grandmother among his share of the papers we salvaged from our mother’s belongings. Perhaps she was the source of my sometimes opinionated ways – although I found that her opinions and mine don’t often agree. That’s OK. We loved each other, anyway. It just goes to show that people don’t have to agree on everything to be able to get along.
My older grandson in the Northeast sent a list of interview questions for an English assignment in his high school freshman class. The questions seemed simple enough until I thought about the liberal philosophy of the Northeast. Here are the questions as he sent them:
4.Do you think it is good or bad that different places have different laws? Why?
5.Do you feel the law is too strict? Why?
When I replied to him, I mentioned that I want to talk to him about this when I see him this summer. There are layers of possibilities involved in those questions – particularly in 21st Century American society.
The written word has a permanency to it that transcends generations.
POST CARDS FROM THE MUSE
Friday Funnies
Gathered by Nandy Ekle
Synesthesia
by Adam Huddleston
This week’s literary term is: synesthesia. While it generally refers to a medical condition, as it pertains to writing, it is defined as a link between two or more of a character’s senses. Often seen in poetry, synesthesia is used to combine several senses, leading to a deeper understanding by the reader.
For example: “I immediately noticed the sharp smell of rubbing alcohol.” While sharp is a term usually connected to the sense of touch, here it is used with that of smell. Effective use of synesthesia can broaden your writing make the reading experience more enjoyable.
Happy writing!
Outtakes 302
Best Friends
By Cait Collins
I have been accused of hoarding books. My library shelves are full, and the new bookcases hold books I have not read yet and some titles for research, as well as some old favorites. The truth is I love books. Hardcover or paperback, I enjoy their words of wisdom, the dreams, their knowledge, and the hours of entertainment. Opening a book is akin to meeting a new friend or revisiting an old, dear one.
Recently, I found myself without anything new to read. I searched the bookshelves for my copy of Nora Roberts’ THE DONOVAN LEGACY. I first read the trilogy in 1999, and periodically I reread the stories of witches who find love with mortals. Nearly 20 years later, the stories are still great reads.
I was recently told by a young furniture salesman that bookshelves are no longer necessary as everyone uses e-readers. Because they were no longer needed, the store only carried one style. Needless to say, I did not take the time to look for the new sofa I want. Why would a dinosaur need their more modern styles? I will not visit that store again.
While e-books and e-readers are popular now, nothing will replace the joy of holding a book in my hands and turning the pages as the story unfolds. E-books have their place and are great for vacations and travel, but an e-book will not replace the memories of book signings where I have met and conversed with favorite authors.
A book never judges, nor does it offer unwanted advice. The volumes I hold offer friendship and surprises with each reading. I love books and I always will.
Wordsmith Six 