In today's readings Mr. White talks about how stories tend to follow a pattern of some sort. The pattern tends to be the same whether you are writing a mystery, horror, or romance. In fact some readers expect the story to move in a certain pattern.
In "For Further Reflection" however he warns against the pattern being to conspicuous because then is seems artificial. By the same token if the story has not discernable pattern the story seems to just drift and the reader loses that sense of anticipation. That being said, he also adds that as writers we should "tell the story you want to tell, in the way you want to tell it, and then worry about form later.
For today's "Try This" assignment:
1. Outline a short story, being very mindful of pattern; that is, of story sequence, rising curve of conflict, climactic moment, resolution.
2. Write the story you've outlined for number. As you work on the draft, try to "mute" the pattern so the seams do not show.
Because this has been a long and rushed day will again have to file this one in the old composition book for a later time.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Oct 21: Invention
Fred White in today's reading uses one definition of invention to refer to a systematic or spontaneous way to generate ideas or what to say about ideas. He states that one of the best known such inventions was the use, by journalists, of the "5 Ws and the H: Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How." White further states that this is useful in "outlining a writing project (not use a news report)." He then states that
Who - characters in the story.
What - situation or conflict of the story/plot.
When & Where: setting and time frame
Why - character's motives
How - ways in which characters achieve their goals.
In "For Further Reflection" White states "the more inventive we are with language, with plotting, with character development, the more adept we will become at being inventive." To achieve this he suggests that we write, write, write.
"Try This" assignment for today is:
1. Use the 5Ws/H invention strategy for planning a story or essay.
2. Write the story or essay you've outlined above, only don't let the outline show through in your writing. White suggests to achieve this you might want to defer character motivation until the very end of the story, or disclose the details of the setting only gradually.
Since I need to get a couple of articles written over the weekend I think I will use this to begin outlining them. Also over the weekend will go back over the four stories I am currently writing and see that these are covered or if they need to be developed more, and how.
Who - characters in the story.
What - situation or conflict of the story/plot.
When & Where: setting and time frame
Why - character's motives
How - ways in which characters achieve their goals.
In "For Further Reflection" White states "the more inventive we are with language, with plotting, with character development, the more adept we will become at being inventive." To achieve this he suggests that we write, write, write.
"Try This" assignment for today is:
1. Use the 5Ws/H invention strategy for planning a story or essay.
2. Write the story or essay you've outlined above, only don't let the outline show through in your writing. White suggests to achieve this you might want to defer character motivation until the very end of the story, or disclose the details of the setting only gradually.
Since I need to get a couple of articles written over the weekend I think I will use this to begin outlining them. Also over the weekend will go back over the four stories I am currently writing and see that these are covered or if they need to be developed more, and how.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Oct. 20: On Inspiration
In today's message the author talks about how it is better to be actively writing everyday instead of passively sitting by hoping to be inspired. Inspiration comes more readily to those who are already writing regularly. It is not that you are never inspired passively but you will get more "milage from a flash of inspiration when you're already in the habit of writing on a regular basis."
For Further Reflection: just stresses this point.
The "Try This" assignment for today is:
"Generate some active inspiration by getting a short storyu going this moment. Rather than wait for one of the Muses to whisper a plot outline in your ear, plunge directly into a story situation in which your protagonist meets one of the following individuals:
For Further Reflection: just stresses this point.
The "Try This" assignment for today is:
"Generate some active inspiration by getting a short storyu going this moment. Rather than wait for one of the Muses to whisper a plot outline in your ear, plunge directly into a story situation in which your protagonist meets one of the following individuals:
- a former lover
- someone who, five years ago, vowed: 'If I ever see you again, I'll kill you'.
- a magican reduced to homelessness and panhandling
Work steadily; after about half an hour, active inspiration should keep you going until you finish the draft.
Again sadly, this will have to go in the composition book for later consideration as I lack the time right now. In fact, almost didn't post today because I am so rushed at my "day job".
Monday, October 19, 2009
Catching up
Oct. 17: "I Got Rhythm"
In this day's writing the author talks about how rhythm is biological in nature. He states that there is natural rhythm found in nature; i.e., tides, phases of the moon, movement of various animals, etc. There is also natural rhythm in art, in poetry, and even in prose. He stated in "For Further Reflection" that rhythm is just as important in writing and in other forms of the arts, nature, and even our own physiology and behavior. "Life pulsates; we are most alive when we satisfy our instinct for rhythmic gratification."
"Try This" assignment: Compose a number of short poems, each one expressing a distinctive rhythmic character. Construct one poem predominantly with anapests (two unstressed syllables followed by a stressed, as in 'Twas the NIGHT before CHRISTmas and ALL throught the HOUSE. . ."; and another poem with trochees (a stressed syllable followed by an unstressed; as in 'HOLD me, KISS me, LOVE me'; and yet another poem based on a rhythmic pattern of your own devising.
Growing up in a house that was always filled with music and having a father who played guitar by ear without ever having a lesson, I believe has given me a natural sense of rhythm which has been a part of the fiber of my life since birth. That may also account for my natural sense of creativity.
Oct. 18: Dwelling In Uncertainty:
In today's writing the author talks about how having a certain amount of uncertainty in writing is what is best for some writers while others are very uncomfortable if their story starts to deviate from they well organized plan. However, for those who of the first type to try to force their stories into a more well defined path makes it feel brittle and lacking in character. He also says that regard of which type of writer we are we should give ourselves "the opportunity to discover what your tolerance for uncertainty is like."
"For Further Reflection":
"Metaphors of direction--paths, roads, points of the compass, guiding lights, and so on--have their limitations when it comes to creating stories from scratch. Creative writing is more like exploring a cave than like painting by numbers."
"Try This" Assignment for today: "Begin writing a story with only a general topic in mind--say, the end of a love relationship. Your opening sentence should set up the situation quickly--something like, 'Martha could tell just by the way Gary shut the door on his way out that he would not be coming back that evening.' Without any further planning or consulting sources, write the story spontaneously, letting ideas fall into place from one sentence to the next."
This is basically how I have started the four stories I am currently working on. In fact, the only writing for pleasure that I have ever done, except for my family history, is basically written this way. I have sort of a theme or topic/plot in mind but the characters just develop as do the stories just evolve. Now much of this is influenced by past stories of other writers that I have read or as in the case of The Pioneer Woman's Journal from the history of the area that I have known and studied since I began school.
Oct. 19: Souvenirs:
The author calls souvenirs for writers as "heuristic devices--prompts to get the writing going." He also gives a definition and description of souvenirs. He states that they are reminders of past events that have occurred in our lifes. Because of moving around so much as an Army wife and an employee of the Army I have not kept souvenirs. What I do have instead is pictures. When my mother had to move from the family home into a nursing home my sister collected all the family photos some of which had been handed down to my parents by their parents. I have since made up family scrapbooks which include all of these pictures except for some negatives that I have never gotten made into pictures.
"For Further Reflection": In this section the author tells us that even if our souvenirs are not worthy of being shaped into stories they can provide information for scenes and incidents that can someday become part of a larger story. He further states that "when it comes to fiction writing, even the most seemingly trivial souvenir could stir the imagination and suggest much more than the literal experience with which it is associated."
"Try This" assignment:
"1. Go through the souvenirs you've collected over the years, without judging their story potential. Just gather them together. Be flexible, too, as to what should count as a souvenir.
2. Once you have your souvenirs gathered together, give carfeul consideration to each itme for its story potential. Conduct some online research if necesary. Finally, select one souvenir--or a group of closely related souvenirs--and use it as a springboard for an exxay on some facet of the culture it represents."
Can't really think of anything except some very special pictures that I might want to do this with and in a way I am incorporating these photos in the story of the Pioneer Woman's Journal because they are pictures of grandparents and great grandparents, and in one instance a great, great grandfather.
In this day's writing the author talks about how rhythm is biological in nature. He states that there is natural rhythm found in nature; i.e., tides, phases of the moon, movement of various animals, etc. There is also natural rhythm in art, in poetry, and even in prose. He stated in "For Further Reflection" that rhythm is just as important in writing and in other forms of the arts, nature, and even our own physiology and behavior. "Life pulsates; we are most alive when we satisfy our instinct for rhythmic gratification."
"Try This" assignment: Compose a number of short poems, each one expressing a distinctive rhythmic character. Construct one poem predominantly with anapests (two unstressed syllables followed by a stressed, as in 'Twas the NIGHT before CHRISTmas and ALL throught the HOUSE. . ."; and another poem with trochees (a stressed syllable followed by an unstressed; as in 'HOLD me, KISS me, LOVE me'; and yet another poem based on a rhythmic pattern of your own devising.
Growing up in a house that was always filled with music and having a father who played guitar by ear without ever having a lesson, I believe has given me a natural sense of rhythm which has been a part of the fiber of my life since birth. That may also account for my natural sense of creativity.
Oct. 18: Dwelling In Uncertainty:
In today's writing the author talks about how having a certain amount of uncertainty in writing is what is best for some writers while others are very uncomfortable if their story starts to deviate from they well organized plan. However, for those who of the first type to try to force their stories into a more well defined path makes it feel brittle and lacking in character. He also says that regard of which type of writer we are we should give ourselves "the opportunity to discover what your tolerance for uncertainty is like."
"For Further Reflection":
"Metaphors of direction--paths, roads, points of the compass, guiding lights, and so on--have their limitations when it comes to creating stories from scratch. Creative writing is more like exploring a cave than like painting by numbers."
"Try This" Assignment for today: "Begin writing a story with only a general topic in mind--say, the end of a love relationship. Your opening sentence should set up the situation quickly--something like, 'Martha could tell just by the way Gary shut the door on his way out that he would not be coming back that evening.' Without any further planning or consulting sources, write the story spontaneously, letting ideas fall into place from one sentence to the next."
This is basically how I have started the four stories I am currently working on. In fact, the only writing for pleasure that I have ever done, except for my family history, is basically written this way. I have sort of a theme or topic/plot in mind but the characters just develop as do the stories just evolve. Now much of this is influenced by past stories of other writers that I have read or as in the case of The Pioneer Woman's Journal from the history of the area that I have known and studied since I began school.
Oct. 19: Souvenirs:
The author calls souvenirs for writers as "heuristic devices--prompts to get the writing going." He also gives a definition and description of souvenirs. He states that they are reminders of past events that have occurred in our lifes. Because of moving around so much as an Army wife and an employee of the Army I have not kept souvenirs. What I do have instead is pictures. When my mother had to move from the family home into a nursing home my sister collected all the family photos some of which had been handed down to my parents by their parents. I have since made up family scrapbooks which include all of these pictures except for some negatives that I have never gotten made into pictures.
"For Further Reflection": In this section the author tells us that even if our souvenirs are not worthy of being shaped into stories they can provide information for scenes and incidents that can someday become part of a larger story. He further states that "when it comes to fiction writing, even the most seemingly trivial souvenir could stir the imagination and suggest much more than the literal experience with which it is associated."
"Try This" assignment:
"1. Go through the souvenirs you've collected over the years, without judging their story potential. Just gather them together. Be flexible, too, as to what should count as a souvenir.
2. Once you have your souvenirs gathered together, give carfeul consideration to each itme for its story potential. Conduct some online research if necesary. Finally, select one souvenir--or a group of closely related souvenirs--and use it as a springboard for an exxay on some facet of the culture it represents."
Can't really think of anything except some very special pictures that I might want to do this with and in a way I am incorporating these photos in the story of the Pioneer Woman's Journal because they are pictures of grandparents and great grandparents, and in one instance a great, great grandfather.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
Oct. 16: Exaggeration and Understatement
Today's reading discusses how the use of exaggeration or understatement can be used effectively for emphasis in writing. They can also be used for satiric bite. He give three examples in the reading; Andrew Marvell's carpe diem poem "To His Coy Mistress", Dave Barry in Dave Barry's Bad Habits, and Woody Allen in Without Feathers. In the "For Further Reflection" section he states that exaggeration and understatement are used in ordinary conversation. Humor writers and commedianne use them frequently for quick laughs and they can be used in statire. In writing this segment he must have had my husband in mind. Except that he uses mostly exaggeration. The assignment in today's "Try This" is to use your journal to practice hyperbole and understatement and gives you three prompts:
1. a driver weaving through traffic while talking on a cell phone
2. goings on at a Halloween party
3. anticipating a tooth extraction
Really quick examples:
1. His driving was as erratic as a drunken sailors progress down the sidewalk all the while talking to his imaginary friend, a six-foot white rabbit name "Harvey". He gave little or no notice of those objects and people that he collided with and just kept right on talking.
2. Most of the party goers had opted for the safe standard costumes from the local rental but there were a small cadre of more creative individuals who had gleaned through the latest fantasy games or science fiction novels to fashion their costumes themselves. Some of these ragtag creations demonstrated a complete lack of talent in this area.
3. I approach my annual visit to the dentist in which he will tell me I need to have the aching tooth removed with as much excitement as Anne Bolen approached the executioner's ax.
1. a driver weaving through traffic while talking on a cell phone
2. goings on at a Halloween party
3. anticipating a tooth extraction
Really quick examples:
1. His driving was as erratic as a drunken sailors progress down the sidewalk all the while talking to his imaginary friend, a six-foot white rabbit name "Harvey". He gave little or no notice of those objects and people that he collided with and just kept right on talking.
2. Most of the party goers had opted for the safe standard costumes from the local rental but there were a small cadre of more creative individuals who had gleaned through the latest fantasy games or science fiction novels to fashion their costumes themselves. Some of these ragtag creations demonstrated a complete lack of talent in this area.
3. I approach my annual visit to the dentist in which he will tell me I need to have the aching tooth removed with as much excitement as Anne Bolen approached the executioner's ax.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Oct. 15: Logs
In today's reading the author talks about maintaining logs. Now this was something that I had never considered or done. The examples of scientists keep logs of experiements, pilots and ships captains logs, even architects and construction supervisors but I never considered that artists of all types would, or should, keep logs of their work. However, his reasons for keeping a log make good sense. (1) to keep track of your research and research sources. (2) for writing a novel a timeline, a record of time spent and resources utilized, and of revisions. (3) They are useful for keeping necessary tax records because some items are allowable income tax deductions. In the "For Further Reflections" Section today he suggests that you keep both a log for record-keeping purposes and a journal for recording "raw ideas, character profiles, observations, reflections, daydreams, and rough drafts. This again sounds very reasonable and organized just not something I have never thought of, nor heard about. I can see that you would want to keep up with your expenses, research, etc. so that you would have the information later on.
Today's "Try This" section tells me to keep a log of my next writing project. In this log I am to have various sections in which I record research data, time spent writing, outlining and revising. This sounds like a very good idea and I will try to incorporate that into the four projects I am currently working on.
Today's "Try This" section tells me to keep a log of my next writing project. In this log I am to have various sections in which I record research data, time spent writing, outlining and revising. This sounds like a very good idea and I will try to incorporate that into the four projects I am currently working on.
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