In today's reading the author suggests two activites to prevent, not just get through, writer's block. The first is the one that all published writers tend to give and that is to just keep writing. Even if you can't think of anything to write on the current project write something. The suggestions given are : write a list of future characters, write a letter to your mother or imaginary or famous person, or compose a greeting card verse. The key is to just keep writing. The second activities is to play word games. Again his suggestion is to chose ten random words from a dictionary and use them to compose a meaningful paragraph.
"For Further Reflection". The author reminds us that writer's block is preventable and we need to find strategies that work best for us. Even taking a small break and engaging in another activities for a while can be helpful. It will also help you gain a different perspective.
The "Try This" assignment for today is:
The next time you're blocked, ask someone to select three or more words from the newspaper. Use those words in the first paragraph of a story.
So far since I have started writing daily I have not faced writer's block. I have been able to write something. Maybe not something that gets accepted but at least I am learning. Like one website I have learned is really looking for more technical material and therefore only when I might want to write a non-professional article related to my profession will I be able to write something that will possibly be purchased on that site. If I were to do that I am much more likely to submit the article to professional magazines I already am subscribed too. I don't always have time to write the daily assignment but that growing list in my composition book is also a possiblity to work through writer's block on a particular story or article. Or I could work on writing a devotional to be submitted to one of several devotional sites that I read on a regular basis.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Oct. 29: Occult Symbols
Today's reading is about how "the supernatural world is rich in symbolism" according to Mr. White. He further says that "writing is a kind of occult, shamanistic activity in the way it enhances the reality of symbols." According to Mr White writers use words to "conjure up" new realities. This is particularly true in the genre of horror fiction which is loaded with symbolism and also generates even more symbolism just by the telling of the story. As I read that paragraph I did not think of "Hansel and Gretel" and the picture of the gingerbread house but of the white hockey mask that is forever linked in many peoples' minds now with murder and mayhem thanks to the "Jason" movies.
"For Further Reflection" today speaks of how there are a number of symbols that are recognized as either good or evil so that when a writer uses these symbols they do not have to state that they are good or evil the reader just automatically knows. However, the writer can also generate their own symbols.
Today's "Try This" assignment:
1. Make a list of objects (lamps, old photographs, trophies, clocks) that might carry symbolic value in an occult story.
2. Work up a horro story that includes conventional symbols of good and evil along with symbols of one or the other, or both, that you have invented.
This is an assignment that I will probably not do, or be very slow about doing. Basically because I do not like the genre of horror or sci-fi. They just do not appeal to me and never have. In fact, in spite of the fact that they are considered classic literature, I have never read (nor do I plan too) The Pit and the Pendulum, or Frankenstein. Even when required reading in Americal or English Lit I would do the quick read through of the cliff notes if at all possible. If there was an alternative I would chose the alternative assignment.
"For Further Reflection" today speaks of how there are a number of symbols that are recognized as either good or evil so that when a writer uses these symbols they do not have to state that they are good or evil the reader just automatically knows. However, the writer can also generate their own symbols.
Today's "Try This" assignment:
1. Make a list of objects (lamps, old photographs, trophies, clocks) that might carry symbolic value in an occult story.
2. Work up a horro story that includes conventional symbols of good and evil along with symbols of one or the other, or both, that you have invented.
This is an assignment that I will probably not do, or be very slow about doing. Basically because I do not like the genre of horror or sci-fi. They just do not appeal to me and never have. In fact, in spite of the fact that they are considered classic literature, I have never read (nor do I plan too) The Pit and the Pendulum, or Frankenstein. Even when required reading in Americal or English Lit I would do the quick read through of the cliff notes if at all possible. If there was an alternative I would chose the alternative assignment.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Oct. 28: Writing Satire
According to Fred White "Satire is sarcasm raised to the level of literary artistry. It pokes fun at hypocrisy, short-sightedness. It can be heavy-handed, even bitter in its attack, or it can be a gentle ribbing." He gives as the best example of a writer who used heavy-handed satire the writer Jonathan Swift. His examples of the second type are some modern day comedians to include Charlie Chaplin, Lenny Bruce, Lily Tomlin and George Carlin. He states that whether it is done in a serious or a comedic manner the purpose of satire is to alert readers to the "ethical shortcomings of practices that. . . seem altogether ethical." In the section "For Further Reflection" White explains that satire combines both emotional responses and our intellect it can overcome evel the most logical argument because it generates a keener emotional response.
Today's "Try This" assignment is to:
Test your satric wit by writing a story that pokes fun at some aspect of contemporary culture. Here are some possibilities:
Today's "Try This" assignment is to:
Test your satric wit by writing a story that pokes fun at some aspect of contemporary culture. Here are some possibilities:
- celebrity hounding
- what people say they value most in a presidential candidate vs. whtat they secretly value most
- courtship rituals
This one will take some thought and right now I have not ideas at all my brain has not yet woke up for the day.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Oct. 27: Interior Drama
In today's reading Mr. White talks about how stories unfold in the internal (mind) of characters as well as through external events. In the "For Further Reflection" he comments on how the human mind still has "unfathomable depths". Inspite of all the knowledge we have gained of the workings of the human brain there are still mysteries regarding consciousness and unconsciousness that we do not understand. Mr. White believes that enough has been learned about the workings of the human mind to make for some "compelling internal drama".
Today's "Try This" assignment:
Compose an interior drama from the perspective of one whose mental state is characterized by one of the following symptoms
Today's "Try This" assignment:
Compose an interior drama from the perspective of one whose mental state is characterized by one of the following symptoms
- paranoia
- delusions of grandeur
- one of the phobias, such as a fear of heights
- obsessive-compulsive behavior
- seasonal affective disorder
Don't have time to work on it today but there is one story that I am working on regarding two women one newly sober and one with long term sobriety that the first two symptoms could be included in. Particularly the newly sober woman. Could even blend the last symptom into the information regarding the woman with more sobriety. It sometimes happens that individuals with long-term sobriety realize that they have problems with depression.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Oct. 26: On Sorcery
In today's writing the author discusses how art can enhance everyday reality and that enhancement if a form of socery. He further states that "art helps us find magic and beauty in the real world."
In the section "For Further Reflection": He states that art in this sense enchants and bewitches us and it represents the animation of our imagination. It is our human ability to take the raw stuff of nature and transform it into a story. By the same token the art can add sorcery to our everyday lives, a way in which reality imitates fiction.
The "Try This" assignment for today is:
1. Write a poem about the sorcery you detect in the everyday world.
2. Outline a story in which your main character, dissatisfied with the way his love life is progressing, decides to add some sorcery to it. What kind of sorcery does he resort to? Does it work or does it backfire? what are the consequences.
In order for me to fully understand this assignment I looked up the definition of sorcery
1. A noun. Use of supernatural power over others through the assistance of spirits; witchcraft.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
2. A. Verb. (Spirituality, New Age, Astrology & Self-help / Alternative Belief Systems) the art, practices, or spells of magic, esp black magic, by which it is sought to harness occult forces or evil spirits in order to produce preternatural effects in the world. Also from The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language.
3. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary definition is the use of magic or witchcraft.
Therefore, although I do not have time to do the outline at this time, I think my story would be of a man who went to New Orleans famed voodoo priestess Marie LaVue for a magic spell to cast on the woman of his desires.
In the section "For Further Reflection": He states that art in this sense enchants and bewitches us and it represents the animation of our imagination. It is our human ability to take the raw stuff of nature and transform it into a story. By the same token the art can add sorcery to our everyday lives, a way in which reality imitates fiction.
The "Try This" assignment for today is:
1. Write a poem about the sorcery you detect in the everyday world.
2. Outline a story in which your main character, dissatisfied with the way his love life is progressing, decides to add some sorcery to it. What kind of sorcery does he resort to? Does it work or does it backfire? what are the consequences.
In order for me to fully understand this assignment I looked up the definition of sorcery
1. A noun. Use of supernatural power over others through the assistance of spirits; witchcraft.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
2. A. Verb. (Spirituality, New Age, Astrology & Self-help / Alternative Belief Systems) the art, practices, or spells of magic, esp black magic, by which it is sought to harness occult forces or evil spirits in order to produce preternatural effects in the world. Also from The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language.
3. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary definition is the use of magic or witchcraft.
Therefore, although I do not have time to do the outline at this time, I think my story would be of a man who went to New Orleans famed voodoo priestess Marie LaVue for a magic spell to cast on the woman of his desires.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Catching up again
Oct. 24: "Tell It Slant"
According to the author the title from this day's writing is a quote from an Emily Dickenson poem. It related to a writer needing to tell the truth or known paradigms in a different and even at times indirect way. According to Fred White they need to do this because if they told the blinding truth or philosphy in an obvious way the reader would consider it as being "preachy". The same is also true of using a set of story-telling conventions. The writer needs to take storytelling conventions and "stretch them to embody the new insights, the new variations on the themes they wish to convey".
In today's "For Further Reflection" White states that "searching for new ways of disclosing the truth of things is what the writer has in common with scientists and detectives". In order to do this he urges that the writer learn more about human nature and the natural world. This information will help us discover new ways to relaying the truth.
The "Try This" assignment for today is to outline a story in which your main character's true nature emerges indirectly through her "behind the scenes" thoughts and actions, which contradict the public ones.
Oct. 25: Autumn Leaves
In today's reading White talks about how Autumn speaks to writers. He gives his thinking on how it is a season of many things: learning, new season (TV shows), of fading rich in paradox, a celebration of summer's bounty, the beginnings of winter, of renewal with the sun of "Indian Summer".
For Further Reflection:
Here White states that this is an ideal time not only for study and comtemplation but also for writing. He claims that memories are brighter as the summer sun wanes. Also the intense colors of autumn are a good counterpoint for the "tamer greens and blues of summer months".
The "Try This" assignment:
1. Maintain a list of autumnal images and associations. Descriptions of colorful leaves might top you list, but also include changes in weather, in clothes, in light and shadows, in foods, in the rhytm of daily life; perhaps certain changes in mood or personality as well.
2. Compose a series of autumnal poems. Red Keats's ode, "To Autumn" for inspiration.
According to the author the title from this day's writing is a quote from an Emily Dickenson poem. It related to a writer needing to tell the truth or known paradigms in a different and even at times indirect way. According to Fred White they need to do this because if they told the blinding truth or philosphy in an obvious way the reader would consider it as being "preachy". The same is also true of using a set of story-telling conventions. The writer needs to take storytelling conventions and "stretch them to embody the new insights, the new variations on the themes they wish to convey".
In today's "For Further Reflection" White states that "searching for new ways of disclosing the truth of things is what the writer has in common with scientists and detectives". In order to do this he urges that the writer learn more about human nature and the natural world. This information will help us discover new ways to relaying the truth.
The "Try This" assignment for today is to outline a story in which your main character's true nature emerges indirectly through her "behind the scenes" thoughts and actions, which contradict the public ones.
Oct. 25: Autumn Leaves
In today's reading White talks about how Autumn speaks to writers. He gives his thinking on how it is a season of many things: learning, new season (TV shows), of fading rich in paradox, a celebration of summer's bounty, the beginnings of winter, of renewal with the sun of "Indian Summer".
For Further Reflection:
Here White states that this is an ideal time not only for study and comtemplation but also for writing. He claims that memories are brighter as the summer sun wanes. Also the intense colors of autumn are a good counterpoint for the "tamer greens and blues of summer months".
The "Try This" assignment:
1. Maintain a list of autumnal images and associations. Descriptions of colorful leaves might top you list, but also include changes in weather, in clothes, in light and shadows, in foods, in the rhytm of daily life; perhaps certain changes in mood or personality as well.
2. Compose a series of autumnal poems. Red Keats's ode, "To Autumn" for inspiration.
Recently I wrote the following article as I contempted something along the lines of #1.
The first frost of the season has signaled that Fall is here. Soon there will be the crisp sound of leaves underfoot when walking in the area parks. In more rural areas where there are no burning bans there will be the acid smoke as piles of these self-same leaves are burned. There are also the bright colors of Fall leaves, brilliant golds, yellows, oranges, and reds paint the local forests and mountain sides. Down quiet village streets there will be the gleeful sound of children playing in piles of the brightly colored bits of nature’s glory.
Along with the brilliant colorful Fall leaves other signs of Fall are the smells of harvested corn, pumpkins, and Fall apples, as well as the smell of Fall treats. Treats that not only come from the bountiful harvests but also the local county fairs, i.e., cotton candy, candied apples, funnel cakes, popcorn balls.
Then there are the sounds of Fall. The eerie honking of geese that fly across the face of a full moon in their traditional “v” formation, or the bulge of male elk in rut. There is the screams of happy children and adults going through local haunted houses. Giggling children dressed as spooks, ghosts, monsters, wizards, and witches as they scurry down village streets with bulging Trick-or-Treat bags. There is the crunch of ripe, tart Fall apples when you bite into one.
All of these are but some of my many memories of Fall. Fall was the time when things sort of slowed down. Not only nature but people as well. Fall is also the signal of coming Holiday seasons Halloween, Thanksgiving and of course the biggest of all Christmas. Fall is the season for festooning your home and yard with decorations of the season. Around the neighborhood people first arranged bales of straw, pumpkins and gourds, big pots of chrysanthemums, and scarecrows. They hang bats and ghosts from tree limbs and drape the front door with larger than life spider webs. These are then followed with colorful turkeys and pilgrims and later Santa, snowmen, and nativity scenes.
Fall was the time I woke up earlier than usual to join my father as he went hunting for pheasant, grouse, ducks, deer, antelope, and elk. I want not so much into the hunt as I was in spending time with my father. There was a bond there in the cold mornings sitting waiting for him to return with the game. Some mornings, particular for duck season, I got to set with him on a hillside overlooking some pond or small lake waiting for ducks to fly in.
Then there were the football games. What girl does not remember the very first time she went to a college football game with a date? The big mum with the school letter attached that he pinned to her jacket or sweater meant more than a simple corsage. It was a badge that she was with him and he was her guy, it symbolized that she was attractive enough to get a date, popular enough. Then there were those special homecoming games and dances. In so many areas Fall football season is a time of special memories for all stages of life.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Oct. 23: Idealism vs. Realism
In today's reading the author, Fred White, addresses the idea being either idealistic or realistic; optimistic or pessimistic. He stated that idealists/optimists "tend to be adventurous, willing to try new things, to take risks, to put a lot of hope in potential; realists tend to settle for what is tried and true, always weighing the odds and making the safest bets." He further states that writers shoulsd "think about the effect that each attitude has on personality and behavior".
In "For Further Reflection"
The author discusses how "love, paradoxically, is rooted in both the ideal and realistic universes". He also gives examples of where the same author can develop characters that exhibit an opposing personality or worldview.
In "Try This" Assignment for today:
1. Are you an idealist or a realist? Write a journal entry in which you answer that question.
2. Outline a short story in which a realist, through some fascinating series of circumstances, becomes an optimist--or vice versa.
Once again do not have time for #2 but here is my answer for #1.
Idealist or realist? I tend to be a little of both. When I think about what I, or someone else can attain as in goals I tend to be idealistic. I have a firm belief that people who through their positive belief system can attain any goal particularly if it is in alignment with what is God's purpose for their life's accomplishments. However, the author Fred White, mentioned gambling which is something I almost never do because of the reason he stated. I believe that the odds of winning are so great that your odds for winning a certain prize are the same whether you gamble or not. This is particularly true if money is involved. So I don't buy lottery tickets or play slot machines or poker in real life or on the computer. I may enter a contest such as Publisher's Clearing House or writing but never if it involves spending any money. I am also an idealist about our chances of improving our world it we would just all decide to do that. One way I like to think of this is that if everyone who professed to be a Christian would bring one other person to Christ then Christians would out number other religions. Or if everyone recycled, or conserved natural resources.
In "For Further Reflection"
The author discusses how "love, paradoxically, is rooted in both the ideal and realistic universes". He also gives examples of where the same author can develop characters that exhibit an opposing personality or worldview.
In "Try This" Assignment for today:
1. Are you an idealist or a realist? Write a journal entry in which you answer that question.
2. Outline a short story in which a realist, through some fascinating series of circumstances, becomes an optimist--or vice versa.
Once again do not have time for #2 but here is my answer for #1.
Idealist or realist? I tend to be a little of both. When I think about what I, or someone else can attain as in goals I tend to be idealistic. I have a firm belief that people who through their positive belief system can attain any goal particularly if it is in alignment with what is God's purpose for their life's accomplishments. However, the author Fred White, mentioned gambling which is something I almost never do because of the reason he stated. I believe that the odds of winning are so great that your odds for winning a certain prize are the same whether you gamble or not. This is particularly true if money is involved. So I don't buy lottery tickets or play slot machines or poker in real life or on the computer. I may enter a contest such as Publisher's Clearing House or writing but never if it involves spending any money. I am also an idealist about our chances of improving our world it we would just all decide to do that. One way I like to think of this is that if everyone who professed to be a Christian would bring one other person to Christ then Christians would out number other religions. Or if everyone recycled, or conserved natural resources.
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