What a lovely accent you have

This post by Jennifer Flaten

Recently, Grammar Girl posted one of her Quick and Dirty Tips on using accents and dialects in writing. It got me thinking a) if I ever really start writing dialogue I need to keep these tips in mind b) as a reader I’ve encountered both good and bad examples of these tips.

In the best books, I can hear the dialogue in the character’s voice in my head. It is seamless, like a movie as I am reading I am “hearing” it in my head. Posh British accents, low and lovely southern drawls all conveyed with just a few words to describe the speaker.

English: The main reading romm of Graz University Library (19th century) on 2 Sep 2003. Picture taken and uploaded by Dr. Marcus Gossler. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This probably explains why I am so often disappointed by a movie adaptation of my favorite book. If  the author describes the speaker/narrator/main character so that I “hear”  Antonio Banderas’ voice in my head as I read the story I am going be sorely disappointed if the movie has Bruce Willis in that role. In my case, it is not only a case of “not how I pictured it in my head”, but “not how I thought he would sound”.

In the worst, the accent or dialect is distracting. Take for instance Loch by Steve Alten. It takes place on a Loch in Scotland. Yep, you guessed it; one of the main characters “spoke” in a Scottish accent through the entire book.

It was rendered phonetically throughout the entire book (a big no-no according to Grammar Girl). It truly distracted me from the story and I tried to figure out what the character was saying. This is also a case of the story not being good enough for the reader to put up with a quirky dialogue.

Of course, I understand you can’t make every reader happy, but in this case do you agree with Grammar Girl. If you use dialects/accents, how do you use them?

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Motherhood: All Love Begins and Ends There. by Cher’ley

 This Blog  by Cher’ley Grogg

My Mom said she liked Mother’s Day better than her birthday because it celebrated what meant the most to her in life, her children. She was so giving and loving. She’d wear rags so her children could be dressed well. She’d eat scraps so her children could have the better parts of the meal.

My fondest memory is sitting on the porch with my Mom. We spent a lot of time there, spending quiet moments and talking softly. Here’s a poem I wrote about my lessons from Mom the original poem is on Yahoo Voices.

Mother’s Knee
By Cher’ley Grogg

I sat at my mother’s knee,
Her with her coffee and me with my tea,
Listen; hear the birds.
Observe carefully my child
And you will learn from the wild.

I sat at my mother’s knee,
Her with her coffee and me with my tea,
Feel: raise your face,
Savor the sun my child
And know there is warmth in this place.

I sat at my mother’s knee,
Her with her coffee and me with my tea,
Smell; lilacs and honeysuckles,
Breathe deeply my child
And allow the aroma to waft and tickle.

In “Stamp Out Murder” James’ adventure started with the death of his

mother. In his quest to get  closer to fulfilling her dreams, he went in search of an antique armoire to complete her boudoir set.

In Chapter Nine James Freeman talks about his mother. James thought about saying, loving someone too much isn’t stifling them. He thought about his own mother; she’d loved him so much, and he had loved her just as much. He never felt like he’d given up anything to care for her. He sat quietly as the first witness, a shahadah to the healing taking place before him.

Cosmopolitan says you should buy your Mother a gift that you would like to receive. Not sure if she would want a tool box, a monkey wrench or a power saw. This link takes you to their suggestions. (I like several of them–just in case anyone wants to know).

• Tell me a little about your mother. What is your favorite memory of your mother?

Stamp Out Murder”.

“The Secret in Grandma’s Trunk” This is an especially good book for your Tween Children and Grandchildren.

And please join me on my Facebook Fanpage, that’s managed by one of my most faithful fans: Cindy Ferrell

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All My X’s by Cher’ley

 This Blog  by Cher’ley Grogg

Countless lives cross over the course of a lifetime. Think of the zillions of people you’ve crossed lives with.

 

In my life people have come and gone, since I was in the ministry for so many years I’ve probably met more on a personal level than most people do. I often wonder where they all are and what they’re doing. They’re really not X’s, only people who have gone a different route than me. I wonder how some of them are doing now. 

An article in Psychology Today talks about a study on the importance of friends.

• Social support is related to psychological well-being, meaning that the more a person feels he has friends and family who are there for him, the less likely he is to feel depressed and anxious (Turner, 1981).
• High levels of social support predict more job satisfaction and longer job tenure than low levels of social support (Harris, Winskowski, & Engdahl, 2007).
• Older adults with a chronic illness who had medium levels of social support had 41% less chance of death than those with low levels of social support, and high levels of social support resulted in a 55% lower chance of death. (Zhang, Norris, Gregg, & Beckles, 2007).

 May will become my month for reconnecting. Some by visits, some by phone calls, some by emails, but mostly I’ll connect on Facebook. On a personal note, a card or phone call still means a lot to me. I like to get something in the mail besides bills and something on the phone besides tele-marketers.

With the social media so readily available, we can meet thousands of social friends. But, before Facebook and Twitter there were groups that we joined which were on a more personal basis. I was in a group I loved called “Spoiled Ink” and later “Edit Red”. We got close. We shared our writing, our critiques, and our lives. I’ve been in a lot of groups, but none touched me as much as that one. I wonder where all of those people are? Maybe one or two of them will see this “All My X’s” and connect with me.

Make sure not to get over-connected on social media and please, please-don’t stay glued to your phones when there is real company present.

I decided I’d like to use this blog to connect to some of my X’s. Some of my old friends are from real life, some from old groups, or writing sites, some are more recent, and some are my old friends from Writing Wrangler and Warriors. I just want to say “Hi, how  are you?” You may use this blog to connect to some of your X’s or contact them in a different way.

No matter if it’s been days or years, use this opportunity to say “I still care.”  I really do.

Who are you thinking of right now?

Stamp Out Murder”.

“The Secret in Grandma’s Trunk” This is an especially good book for your Tween Children and Grandchildren.

And please join me on my Facebook Fanpage, that’s managed by one of my most faithful fans: Cindy Ferrell

Outside the Box

This post by Craig Snider

This time, I have a piece of advice that doesn’t necessarily pertain to only writing, but to life itself. It is simple in principle, but difficult in practice. This may be difficult for some writers, and for others it may come as second nature. Regardless of which writer you are, consider this:  Step outside your comfort zone.

“Uhm. What does that mean exactly?” you may be asking. Well, it is the habit of making a concerted effort to do something out of your ordinary routine. Writing is often a lonely and secluded profession, but only because writers make it so. Often, writers withdraw inwards, satisfied with their own company and the voices in their heads. While there is nothing inherently wrong with this, it does mean many opportunities to live life are missed. And what writer couldn’t benefit from some first-hand experience?

You may already be this type of person. If you are, then you are one step closer to becoming a better writer. Writers who have life experience can draw from those experiences to enrich their writing with a truth that may otherwise fall short if the experience is merely second-hand.

For example, I am by nature, a very shy and introverted person.  Always have been. But, as I got older I found I didn’t want to miss out on experiences merely because I am easily embarrassed, don’t like large groups of people, or new experiences in general. I have a distinct fear of failure. But, I grew tired of it. So, when an opportunity to be an intern for the West Virginia Writers Inc. writing conference came up, I decided to apply. I was accepted and had the best three days of my life. I ran around like mad to get things done, met wonderful writers, and learned more than I had on my own. I went back for a second year, then served two years as Secretary. That forced me to come out of my shell, to put myself out there, and yes I did fail on occasion, but I also succeeded.

Somehow, that lead to me being in an Improv Comedy troupe called the Fearless Fools. This means I have to get up in front of an audience and make a complete ass out of myself, on purpose…  But, I have to say, it is a great experience, and I love almost every minute of it (minus the ass part). And, I find that I now look for new opportunities rather than just letting them come to me.

Now, when I write, I have a new perspective to draw upon, new people to incorporate, and new experiences to share. I won’t say don’t be afraid, because I think that is always an issue. All I’m saying is be daring even when you think you can’t. You might just surprise yourself. And just to show solidarity, I will share a really ridiculous picture of myself from one of our shows…

“Is he having a stroke??”

So, if you are the type to hole up in your study, drink Scotch, and type away wreathed in cigarette smoke, keep doing that if it helps, but don’t limit yourself as a writer or a person. Getting out and meeting new people and trying new experiences will not only enrich your life, but also your writing.

Write on!

Keep Your Enemy Closer by Cher’ley

 This Blog  by Cher’ley Grogg

Sun-tzu Chinese general & military strategist and Al Pachino in the Godfather had something in common. They both knew to “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer”.

In my novel Stamp Out Murder, James met some great friends and some people who were potential enemies. The mayor had a bad reputation and James went into this relationship with one hand in a handshake and the other on his wallet.

1942 Admiral Togo with Surcharge marking the Surrender of Singapore (Photo credit: Vintage Lulu)

It’s important in life and in fiction to know your friends and your enemies. When I’m reading or watching a movie, I hope the friend who is about to betray the hero or heroine will change their mind or will actually be doing the mischief for the good of the protagonist.

Sometimes an enemy may not be drastic, it could be someone who doesn’t understand you, someone who wants your position, or someone who just has a rotten nature. Some people put other people down to build up themselves.

As a child I’d sometimes get in an argument or someone would say something mean to me and my Mom would say, “They are only jealous of you.”  I usually ended up in fights, but I should have followed the advice of “How to Deal With Enemies”. Here are a couple of  suggestions from this site.

1. Ignore whatever they say. They are probably only insulting you because they are jealous. No matter what they say, it can’t offend you unless you let it. Just remember when they say something nasty to you, they want you to react. So pretend you didn’t hear it. Don’t acknowledge them or give them any attention for it. If they continue insulting you or bothering you in any way, walk away from them. Don’t look at them or talk to them; just walk away. After a few times of you doing this they will probably get bored and stop picking on you.
2. Surround yourself with friends and people who like you for who you are. These people will make you feel more confident about yourself and you should realize that it doesn’t matter what haters say as long as you have good friends by your side.

As an adult I practice the second bit of advice. I surround myself with people who like me and with people I enjoy being around. Over the years, I have become close to a large group of people. I sincerely try to like and help everyone and it’s paid off in friends.

But fiction imitates life and most of us have encountered people who have wronged or betrayed us so for those people, I write them into a novel and I apply the following:

• How do you deal with difficult people? 

Stamp Out Murder”.

“The Secret in Grandma’s Trunk” This is an especially good book for your Tween Children and Grandchildren.

And please join me on my Facebook Fanpage, that’s managed by one of my most faithful fans: Cindy Ferrell

 

What’s Your Sign? by Cher’ley

 This Blog  by Cher’ley Grogg

 Doris got me thinking about the stars. She talked about going to see the stars and I’m talking about how the stars influence our lives.

We all know the most famous pick up line of all time is “What’s Your Sign¿”  Did anyone ever use this line on you? In my day, it was like saying, “How you doing?”

A lot of people, as soon as they get out of bed, check their horoscope to see how their day will go. They won’t make a move unless it’s in the stars. The stars direct them in their love life and in their finances.

This is my Chinese Horoscope for Sagittarius.  Is this possible?

While you might think you know what you want, it’s possible your mind is going to change soon enough. So leave some doors open. There’s not always a right and wrong path — just different opportunities for learning.

I used to read my horoscope every day. Opened the paper to horoscopes, then the cartoons, society, ads, and finally the news.

As a teen, my friends and I talked about astrology and how the stars and planets aligned. It was a fun thing to discuss. I think we all are aware of our sign.

An Hour Scope to predict the future.

The descendant is directly across from the ascendant (As) in the chart, in the three o’clock position (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A horoscope is an astrological chart or diagram representing the positions of the Sun, Moon, planets, astrological aspects, and sensitive angles at the time of an event, such as the moment of a person’s birth. The word horoscope is derived from Greek words meaning “a look at the hours” (horoskopos, pl. horoskopoi, or “marker(s) of the hour.”) Other commonly used names for the horoscope in English include astrological chart, astro-chart, celestial map, sky-map, star-chart, cosmogram, vitasphere, radical chart, radix, chart wheel, or simply chart.

So, what’s your sign? What’s your favorite characters sign? How much does your horoscope influence you?

If you’re a writer, does astrology come into play in your novel?

If you get a chance check out my novels. I’m interested in knowing what you think.

Stamp Out Murder”.

“The Secret in Grandma’s Trunk” This is an especially good book for your Tween Children and Grandchildren.

And please join me on my Facebook Fanpage, that’s managed by one of my most faithful fans: Cindy Ferrell

Space: A Love Affair

Post by Doris McCraw

It is in our genes. The desire to explore to know what’s there.  From ‘Star Trek‘ , ‘Star Wars‘ and Arthur C. Clarkes “2001, A Space Odyssey“, space is a part and parcel of our dreams and thoughts.  Who hasn’t spent time looking at the stars and wondering what was up there?  As a child my love of space was to stand outside, look up and pick the stars I wanted to visit. I even used to plan my trip, as long as it didn’t involve flying.  I can hear you laughing. I know, space ‘flight’ is part of the package. You are probably wondering where all this is leading.  The Space Symposium!

What is the ‘Space Symposium’? It is the premier gathering of the global space community, which is how they describe it. This one was the 29th year.  Even though NASA didn’t make it this year it was still a great event. To wander the displays, the booths and talking with the people is heaven for anyone who has the slightest interest in space. For me, one of the greatest parts of the event: the young people who attended. They showed interest, asked intelligent questions and overall gave a person a good feeling about where these young ones will take us in the future. If you would like to see an overview of the week you can visit http://www.astronaut.com. and then the link to the 29th Space Symposium.

This image was selected as a picture of the week on the Farsi Wikipedia for the 8th week, 2011. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I also realized that this event could be seen as the story and characters of a book. You have the main characters, that would be the larger companies that attended, and then the secondary characters, the smaller companies.  Each has a part to play, but not all are in every story, just like not all the companies are a part of each others final product. However, everyone needs to be seen and their specialties evaluated, just like we do when composing our stories. Who knows when the contact you make at a symposium will be a part of the final product.  Sometimes we just meet characters that will not leave our consciousness until we find a place for them, even if that is in a future story.

Maybe some day I will write a story about this amazing event, but I would have to make it a space story or a mystery about satellites, space travel or…  That is for another time. In the meantime, look up, enjoy the stars, the Milky Way and the sky.  Follow your dreams or as Smashmouth sang at the opening ceremonies “You might as well be walking on the sun.”

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What Happened?

This post is by Doris McCraw

What makes your muse sit up and take notice? When the fickle lady decides she wants to go somewhere other than by your side, how do you get her back? Believe it our not, I go read. Yes, you heard or should I say read correctly, I read. From there it is all easy sailing, with a major dose of work.  You thought I was going to say it was easy.  You still have to do the work, I write as I smile.

From those readings I can find so much to make me wonder, WHAT HAPPENED?  Let me give you some examples that I found fascinating. Maybe you will too.

1. From the poem Emigravit by Helen (Hunt) Jackson

With sails full set, the ship her anchor weighs.
Strange names shine out beneath her figure head.
What glad farewells with eager eyes are said!
What cheer for him who goes, and him who stays!

As someone who loves tall ships I wonder who went, who stayed and how were their lives changed.  What about you? How do you see the people involved?

2. A man was recently hanged for taking vengeance on one who had practically disputed his property in a girl.

I just found this statement so odd and somewhat disturbing.  Still working on this one.

3. The new road though the Ute Pass is completed, and is now alive with traffic.

Imagine using this as your first line. What kind of traffic? When was this opened? This simple statement can take you anywhere.

Summit of Ute Pass, by Chamberlain, W. G. (William Gunnison) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

4. Another mystery, discovered the remains of a man near the head of the gulch. They were found under a pile of rocks. Two bullet holes were found in the skull. They were about forty feet from where the remains of another man was found six weeks ago.

Although this incident took place in 1872, the crime itself is timeless. Who are the victims? Were they related? Is it the work of a serial killer or in the case of the Old West, outlaws?

5. And finally my last and favorite are the last lines to the poem “Last Words” by Helen (Hunt) Jackson

And when, remembering me, you come some day

And stand there, speak no praise, but only say,

“How she loved us! T’was that which made her dear!”

Those are the words that I shall joy to hear.

Helen Hunt Jackson portrait (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I hope someday to use these words as the ending to a story.  I know they remind me of my mother and her love of her family, her friends and those whose lives she touched.

Whatever you do to bring the muse into your life and writing, know she wants to help you tell the story of What Happened, so listen. Hear the call? She is whispering in your ear. Now sit down and write, I say with a smile.

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Visit the Helen Hunt Jackson Live page on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Helen-Hunt-Jackson-Live/110440582339080?ref=hl

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Life is Like a Chimney

This post by Neva Bodin

I have told many life is like a chimney—built brick by brick, or experience by experience. I looked up quotations using the word brick and found many times bricks are compared to life situations.

William J. H. Boetcher (I have no idea who that might be) is quoted as saying, “Better to be a strong man with a weak point, than to be a weak man without a strong point. A diamond with a flaw is more valuable than a brick without a flaw.” I don’t agree with the last part of his statement.

When I worked with people who had early emotionally damaging experiences in life, such as abuse or abandonment, either emotionally or physically, I found the earlier the trauma, the harder to repair. Life changes seemingly unimportant to one, can shape future reactions to certain circumstances in others.

My folks had no idea my moving into a two story home at age two where everyone had their own bedroom would make me forever afraid of the dark, including the big dark basement in this house. We had moved from a two room house with five people in it. I was very secure in my crib in a small bedroom that housed adults, teens and a pot-bellied stove.  I cried to go “home” that first night in “Pete’s house.” Pete was our carpenter.

If the first bricks laid at the bottom of the chimney are strong, they will hold up when things that try to beat us down come at us. If the weaker bricks—anything disastrous to our well-being—are put in layers later in the building, they will be more easily dealt with, worked on, and repaired. It’s hard to repair a brick at the bottom of a chimney without shaking the whole structure.

Candace Bergen, sounding bitter, is quoted as saying “Men say they love independence in a woman, but don’t waste a second demolishing it brick by brick.” While not espousing this theory in general, I do recognize her comparison of being made out of bricks as similar to mine.

“If a person offends you, and you are in doubt as to whether it was intentional or not, do not resort to extreme measures; simply watch your chance and hit him with a brick.”  So says Mark Twain. Would that be like fighting fire with fire?

Mr. Twain also said, “Let us guess that whenever we read a sentence and like it, we unconsciously store it away in our model-chamber; and it goes, with the myriad of its fellows, to the building, brick by brick, of the eventual edifice which we call our style”

Which brings me to my thoughts as a writer—I need to build my character brick by brick, knowing the weak ones and where they lay, and how they will color that person’s choices, reactions, and personality quirks. Can they be changed, or will they have to be accepted by the closest relational person? Will someone or something act as mortar to hold the weak bricks together?

“They cannot see that we must lay one brick at a time, take one step at a time.” Dorothy Day ( I don’t know who she is either, but I like her comment.)

Amrish Puri (another unknown in my book) says “I am like a brick.” I think he must be like a whole pile of bricks! Let’s hope they are all well made.

Follow me on Twitter:@NevaBodin1, Facebook: facebook.com/neva.bodin

 

Teeny, Tiny, Small, and Little by Cher’ley

  This Blog  by Cher’ley Grogg

An eyelash, a blade of grass, Tinkerbelle, Jack, and an embryo all have something in common they are teeny, tiny, small, and little. I lived in Texas for quite a while and in Texas the bigger the better. Everything is bigger in Texas, or so I’ve heard. I have come to realize that some of the most fascinating things on this earth are small.

I haven’t seen the movie Jack the Giant Killer on the big screen, but I read the book to my children when they were little, and I’m sure it was read to me when I was a tiny young’un. Jack, the small lad, climbs the beanstalk, kills the giant and gets the goose that lays the golden egg, and he and his mother live happily ever after. From the advertisements, I don’t believe that’s exactly what happens in the movie. But in the book that’s what happens, they live happily ever after and I like to think of life is being happily ever after too. However, I’m a realist, and I know this is not true, but I look for the little things in life that make me happy. Look for the little things that lift your spirits.

Jack the Giant Killer

How amazing is it to walk through the woods and spot those little teeny yellow flowers or those tiny blue flowers that grow wild and they are scattered everywhere for our enjoyment? If there’s a grassy patch, there are little flowers. The tiny buds on trees and bushes that burst forth in the spring are awesome.

Teeny, tiny, little, small pleasures of life give us some of the happiest most contented moments that anyone can experiences. Just think about the wonder of viewing a kitten, a puppy or a newborn baby.

Here’s a list of 40 LITTLE THINGS THAT MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE IN YOUR DAY

While under my instructor, during the time when I was developing my fine art, we’d examine paintings by great artists and Lee would tell me to watch for the details. He said to put in the little details. Water color is a looser form of painting, but still it has detail. Just like writing, I’d go back and add a little more color in one area and a little more water in another. I’d smudge it and move the paint around, constantly adding more detail. In writing, I’m painting a picture with words. Details bring the writing picture to life.

For instance, a little baby is soft to the touch. You smell the freshness of her hair. You look at the tiny creases in her arms and legs. and you marvel at her tiny feet. Her perfect eyelashes brush her cheek as she sleeps. Little sucking noises come from her rosy little mouth. There is nothing that beats the feeling when she curls that little hand around your finger, and you kiss her on the top of her head.

In my book “Stamp Out Murder”, James and Carolyn walk through a wooded area, to get to the Cheat River behind McKeel’s Bed and Breakfast. They touched trees, were careful not to slide down the hill, and took photos standing beside big trees. Carolyn taught James to skip a rock across the water, and they splashed and played in the shallow river like small children. A story poem by me. 

What teeny. tiny, small, or little something has touched your life? What unexpected noun gave pleasure to you?

Stamp Out Murder”.

“The Secret in Grandma’s Trunk” This is an especially good book for your Tween Children and Grandchildren.

And please join me on my Facebook Fanpage, that’s managed by one of my most faithful fans: Cindy Ferrell

Painting by Cher’ley Grogg