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Archive for the ‘Writing Inspiration’ Category

Embracing My Writing Circle…

Posted in Writing, Writing Inspiration, writing journey, tagged , , , , , , , , , on June 16, 2013 | 2 Comments »


Espouse – definition: to make one’s own : adopt or embrace, as a cause

Within my writing circle, it is no secret I am obsessed with writing. Coming to this art later in life has opened up an opportunity not only to experience a wonderful way to express my creativity but also to form new friendships. Part of my bio on the web site states: I count myself blessed to have found this group and I intend to stay until my bones turn to dust! My writing journey has taken me, in a very short time, on a path I never thought possible.

Writeres Foundation of Strathcona CountyThe Writers Foundation of Strathcona County is a marvel in its own right. Here is a brief description:

The WFSC is limited only by the level of its volunteer commitment: as we grow so will opportunities for our groups, our members, and the community. We continue to hone our craft, encourage new members, promote cultural and creative diversity – we have many avenues yet to explore. The following list includes some of our group accomplishments and events we promote annually:

  • WFSC partners with the Strathcona County Library to co-host the popular Words in the Park Book Fair and Sale held in the late fall in the Centre in the Park
  • WFSC participates and encourages writing interaction at the annual Arts Expo (February) and Alberta Culture Days (September) hosted by the Arts & Culture Council of Strathcona County
  • WFSC published its first anthology compilation of member work in 2010 - Writing Prompt Journey ~ The Road to Your Creativity offers a selection of writing prompts to encourage writers
  • WFSC published From a Solitary Drop – The History of the Strathcona County Writers Circle (2001 – 2011) in celebration of the Writers Circle 10 year success
  • WFSC was asked to manage and publish the popular Never Been Better page that appears in the Sherwood Park News the first Friday of each month – the two page spread celebrates 4 years in 2013 and it’s all because of the popularity of the page and use by its target audience ~ our vibrant 55+ community
  • WFSC participated in the inaugural summer for Arts in the Plaza – an outside venue for artists of all mediums to share and interact with community members

Over the years, the WFSC developed partnerships with other community organizations and respects the place we hold within our community. The Strathcona County Library, the Arts and Culture Council of Strathcona County, the Strathcona County Museum & Archives, and Strathcona County Recreation Parks and Culture all support and promote a vibrant arts & culture community… a community of which we are proud to be a part.

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In short, I have embraced the foundation and its mandate as well as its members, whether they are local or virtual. Each member brings a new aspect to the group and I have found a ‘home’.

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Guardianship themes…

Posted in novels, Writing, Writing Inspiration, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 14, 2013 | Leave a Comment »


Tutelage – definition: instruction : protection : guardianship

Winner of NaNo

My current work in progress is the result of my successful participation in NaNoWriMo 2012. It is a children’s book about woodland sprites helping the animals that live within their forest. The sprites knowledge of healing was passed down generation to generation. Elders instructing their offspring.

With all new project’s; after the initial idea is laid down, the real work begins. I had to create a history for the sprites and their kind as well as decide, which animals I would have them interact with. Each animal also required their own history and an ailment the sprites could fix. I researched herbal medicines and fabricated instruments the sprites could use. Coming up with names for all these characters was also really enjoyable. I tried to match the name with the animal’s personality. For example the wise old owl is called Xavier, while the mole is Morry.

Woodland sprites front door

Woodland sprites front door

When I thought about today’s word, it occurred to me that these sprites are guardians of the forest dwellers. They ensured the well being and safety of their charges. In a different way, my protagonist, Evan in Life in Slake Patch also had a guardianship role. Although his difficulties were much more complicated. He fought to maintain the matriarchy rules, whilst discovering opposing views to the system and becoming instrumental in historic changes.

What is your current project’s theme?

Do you have guardianship in one way or another?

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Inconsequential ..? I Don’t Think So…

Posted in Writing, Writing Inspiration, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on June 12, 2013 | Leave a Comment »


Inconsequential – definition: of little or no importance : insignificant

insignificant

In the grand scheme of things we are insignificant to the majority of the population of the world. However, if we believe this within a more local perspective, it can block the opportunities awaiting us. Being open to prospects in whatever form they present themselves, can, and doe,s widen our ‘range’.

Take for example an email sent to my writers group late last year. The local council asked if a creative writer could assist them in structuring a new vision statement.  I was the only one to offer her services, surprisingly. To cut a long story short, I worked with a consultant and a new vision was produced. My reward, apart from the fee, was to attend the unveiling at a very posh luncheon and to receive a personal thank you letter from the Mayor. If I had not offered my services none of this would have happened. Sometimes we just have to take a deep breath and go for it.

Since then I have written several articles on behalf of non-profit organisations and am always on the look out for the next request. I even made a desk plaque which says New Opportunities.

So why not take some advice from the quote below and understand each person has a significant affect on those around them. It may be a small part of the world we effect but that is all right. After all we can not be everything to everyone.

Quote

Do you keep your options open?

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Surrender to Your Muse…or Not?

Posted in Writing, Writing Inspiration, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 11, 2013 | 2 Comments »


Cede – definition: to give in, yield or formally surrender to another

As writers should we surrender to our muse?

Muse floats

I have found, in my experience, that surrendering to my muse has enabled me to accomplish large quantities of narrative. Whole chapters have formed with details previously unknown to me. In some circles this is known as channeling but more on a spiritual plane. May be my muse has more control over me than I care to admit. Although, saying that, once a story starts to flow, I yield to the process completely. I enjoy the journey as much as my characters. I am immersed in their lives, wondering which paths we will tread. Writing uninterrupted  by aspects of editing is a freeing experience.

Have you surrendered to find unexpected plot lines or do you need to control every aspect?

170px-Muse_reading_Louvre_CA2220

Some famous authors and their perceived muses’:

F. Scott Fitzgerald and Zelda

Charles Dodgson (Lewis Caroll)—Alice Liddell

Shakespeare-The Dark Lady/The handsome youth/Henry Wriothesley

J.D. Salinger/Joyce Maynard

A couple of links concerning the muse:

http://www.juliamccutchen.com/blog/?p=837

http://chloegetsaclue.com/writing-tip-the-care-and-feeding-of-your-muse/

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Stirred Up Vehicle Memories…

Posted in Writing, Writing Inspiration, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 10, 2013 | 3 Comments »


Today’s word – Vanguard, which is defined as the leading or forward position in a movement, actually reminded me of a vehicle my parents owned when I was quite young. That car was a Vanguard, and popular in England in the 1950′s. Look at the two tone paintwork and those eyelash head lights. They certainly don’t make beautiful, charismatic vehicles like that anymore. The front has a ‘face’ and the curved lines are visually pleasing. We lost the individuality of vehicles once the wind tunnel became a major factor of design. In those days each manufacturer was instantly recognizable, not just because of the badge, as now-a-days.

Standard_Vanguard_VignaleThe interior of our Vanguard had a large bench like seat in the back, where my siblings and I were seated. There were no seat belts…so my father instructed us to roll into the foot well and crouch there, if he ever shouted ‘down’. Luckily, we never had to do that in an emergency, although on occasion he would test our reactions.

I have one clear memory of the Vanguard. After visiting my grandparents, we were just along their street and rounding a curve, when the car door on my little’s brother’s side of the car swung open. He was leaning on it at the time. I saw him falling and managed to grab his legs before he fell completely out of the car. All the while screaming at my father to stop the car. It was one of those moments I will never forget. Luckily, my brother was unharmed but very scared. From that day on we always doubled checked the doors were closed tightly.

Another vehicle I remember fondly, is the Morris Traveler I was transported in going to school. The lady who took us, lived nearby and offered her services to local parents. There were probably too many kids in that car, morning and afternoon but seat belts were a thing of the future at the time. (Doesn’t this make me sound old – good grief!)

Morris_TravellerAustin Traveller

Just look at the rounded lines and head lights, such character. The wood is real wood not plastic!

And now I will share a picture of the first car I bought. She was a fantastic vehicle and I loved her,  naming her – Babe! A Mk2 Ford Cortina two door saloon. I probably have photos of her buried deep within my photography collections but here are a couple of photos to give you the idea. Babe’s color was called Aquatic Jade. I drove Babe for many years and even blew up her first engine! I learnt how to drive properly in her and she will always have a special place in my heart.

CortinaFord Cortina

Have you any vehicle memories?

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Manipulating Your Reader…

Posted in Writing, Writing Inspiration, tagged , , , , , , , , , on June 9, 2013 | 3 Comments »


Circuitous – definition: in a roundabout way, not direct

Indirect

Manipulation isn’t a bad thing when an author uses it to entice their readers. A story arc should have many layers to keep the reader interested as well as surprised. Twists and turns in the story’s events and in the characters reactions ensure your reader continues to turn the page.

We can make our main character choose a path that brings him into peril but must remember his actions have to be believable. A shy character would not immediately confront his bully. However, by using a circuitous route, we can bring about a consequence that helps him. Foreshadowing is another way to manipulate your reader. By mentioning something that our character suspects heightens the tension. The scenario may not occur but it will certainly ensure the reader turns the page.

This link gives some great perspective into this skill.

http://blog.janicehardy.com/2011/07/write-what-they-dont-know-manipulating.html

Care to share how you have manipulated your readers?

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Life in Slake Patch…

Posted in novels, Writing, Writing Inspiration, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 7, 2013 | 4 Comments »


Insurrection – definition: an act or instance of rising in revolt, rebellion, or resistance against civil authority or an established government

LifeinSlakePatch 001

In my novel, Life in Slake Patch, the ruling government is a matriarchy borne of necessity after a Grand War. Generations have lived without questioning the separated male and female compounds until my protagonist, Evan’s twenty second year. A group of younger men, calling themselves the Tribe separate themselves from the normal routine. Creating a camp away from the compounds and surviving as best they can.

Conflict ensues between the establishment and the Tribe. Evan is enrolled to bring the Tribe members to justice but several unfortunate events and Evan’s own emotional struggle lead him to question their way of life.

He comes to understand how unfair it is after taking a bride and being unable to visit his lover, apart from once a week. And then only when the weather permits in the harsh winter months. He cannot be seen to side with the Tribe members but also wants to bring about change.

In interviews with the Tribe leader,  Aiden, Evan realizes he and his followers are not so dissimilar from the other males. They want to be free to live with their chosen partners and children every day. To be a constant presence not an occasional one. Evan must find a way to balance the requirements of the ruling council with that of the younger members of the society.

Do you have a revolt in your novel?

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Exorcising Carnage Creatively…

Posted in novels, Writing, Writing Inspiration, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 6, 2013 | 4 Comments »


Carnage – definition: the slaughter of a number of people : massacre

400px-Sadler,_Battle_of_Waterloo

Television viewers are assaulted with images of carnage on a daily basis. Regardless o,f if it is a war, revolt, terrorist attack or mother nature, there is human and animal suffering displayed to the world by the news cameras. When I was younger; I’m talking late teens early twenties, these images had a profound effect on me. I would have recurrent nightmares, which incorporated all the most disturbing pictures I had witnessed. It was at this time I resolved never to watch the news. My parents told me I should keep up with current events and affairs, but I just couldn’t do it. So I left the room when the news came on at my parents house and when I moved out, I never switched it on. Several years later I happened to accidentally see a news clip. What struck me was its similarity to the last report I had seen except the location of the carnage had moved.

What is wrong with the world, it is on some sort of repeat button? Are we on a thread wheel, going round and round in circles? Supposedly we are the ‘higher’ animal life on this planet, so why can’t we learn? Doesn’t the natural world give us enough to contend with without adding to the pain, suffering and carnage?

End of lecture…and on to a happier note.

The images I was exposed to on television and film still haunt me on occasion but now I can use them creatively banishing the demons. One scene from my novel, Life in Slake Patch, has my antagonist, Evan, in shock.  After a fierce battle he finds many dead including a close friend. He questions their actions. Was it worth the lives lost?

How do you expel your demons? 

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Where’s Your Happy Place..?

Posted in Writing, Writing Inspiration, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 5, 2013 | 8 Comments »


Halcyon – definition: calm : tranquil : peaceful : happy

Where is your happy place?

treed

With spring in full flow here on the prairie’s, the trees have burst forth with waxy new leaves, the bird’s are busy building nests and evening’s can be spent on the deck. From my writing desk I can view through the front and back of the house onto the acreage so I am surrounded by nature – perfect. Gone are the stark grey and black birch tree trunks of the winter months. Squirrels scamper about, woodpeckers are busy drumming, and butterflies flutter. There are flashes of bushy tails  and vibrant wings against the green foliage. The air is full of bird song and croaking frogs with an evening chorus from the coyotes. Life is abundant.

 

 

New Writing DEsk 003So my happy place is either at my desk with the windows open or on the deck or walking (although the walking has been curbed somewhat with my back problems of late).

As a young child, one of my happy places was actually a small graveyard – bizarre I know, what can I say I was a strange child! I would sit in the quiet stillness underneath a willow tree beside a child’s gravestone. I cannot really explain why I felt so peaceful there but I did. Most of the time I was playing with numerous friends on bicycles, go-karts, building camps in the forest or generally hanging out but sometimes I just needed that peaceful place. Maybe it was because I was the oldest child of four and I wanted some space? Whatever the reason I felt re-charged and calm after visiting my special place.

Now-a-days, I can ‘escape’ into my creative world just as easily and find happiness there but experiencing life is always fun.

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Seize Your Opportunity…

Posted in Writing, Writing Inspiration, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , on June 4, 2013 | Leave a Comment »


Temerity – definition: reckless boldness; rashness

boldnessHow do you seize your opportunities?

I boldly pursued…

Since finding writing as my favored creative outlet and my group, The Writers Foundation of Strathcona County, I have embraced any and all opportunities. Yes, some were scary, such as attempting NaNoWriMo for the first time but others have been awesome adventures. I have learnt new skills and met some wonderful people. My life has improved beyond my expectations.

Before I toiled every day with no true relaxation or interest at the end of the day or week. Running my own company meant ‘the buck stopped with me’ and therefore I could never really shut off. I was also chairman of two Parent Teacher Associations for extended periods and excelled in the organization of fund raising events. However, I was still unfulfilled, missing that ‘something’ that captured my passion.

It took travelling across the Atlantic to find my passion. Rather drastic maybe, but I know I am where I need to be. I have found my creative outlet and embrace it wholeheartedly.

salamander_logo

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