What is it that causes the need to express one's self in written form? Is it to display knowledge? Perhaps it is a forum where you can state opinions that you have and get feedback. Whatever the reason, writing causes us to organize thoughts or ideas into some framework. This is a good thing. Humans need order in their world.
A popular form of writing these days, is the type where people express ideas in short bursts. The Internet is full of these examples ranging from articles like the one you are reading, to blog posts or reply’s to postings.There are millions of written entries to different things on the Internet these days.The keyboard has replaced the pen or pencil in many cases. Written expression has become the way to talk to people as opposed to traditional face to face dialogue. This is especially true for young people.
Text Messaging is a perfect example of this. People communicate without actually talking to one another. So in this case, writing has become a replacement for the spoken word. Writing can be very rich and passionate as history has shown. In the case of “Texting”, short bursts of letters and symbols are used as substitutes for words. This form of writing often evokes passion in those who read and write the messages. It is a short version of writing that is done to often quickly communicate feelings and thoughts passionately.
You would not compare "Texting" to the words of Shakespeare or other writing legends. I wonder what these giants of the written word would have done if they’d had the computerized tools that we have now. Would the idea of "Texting" be deplorable to them? Much of the fabric in their words and experiences were derived from a life that was consumed with food, shelter and survival. Would they have had the same inspiration if they’d had computers to write with? Some would argue that they would have been even more prolific with our modern tools “at hand”. I doubt it. We have the tools. Do they distract us and block real writing?
Hu no’s
About the Author:
George Chavez
I have spent the last 30 years in various chapters of my own growth and exploration of life as a Hispanic Man. I feel a calling to write on various topics, share my opinions,and enable others to pause if they find something I've written that strikes something familiar within them. My intent is to facilitate thought, reflection and discovery. I enjoy writing as it provides a vehicle through which I can reflect on and organize my thoughts. Often I receive clarity and other insights during this process
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
The Details Are In The Calendar
Like many authors, writing a novel was always an aspiration. When I finally started the process, in Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace I had a great story that had evolved from real-life events. Still, the majority of my experience was writing nonfiction, a style that generally called for straight facts with less emphasis on descriptive elements. Exceptional fiction requires authentic details that pull the reader into the world in which the story takes place. I discovered that one of the best ways to do this is to construct the narrative around a calendar.
Wanting feedback on the story, I sent an early draft of the manuscript to an editor I'd learned of through one of my writing groups. While she liked the novel, she noted there was no specific timeline of years or events, and felt the story could essentially be taking place at any time. The editor suggested using a calendar with actual dates and specific years during which the story would be set. By taking this approach, it not only helped me plan the story better, but a historical reference of Jesse Ventura's election as governor of Minnesota in 1998 or making note of the Aquatennial Festival held in Minneapolis each July could be woven into the narrative and enhance the authenticity of the book.
Implementing her advice, I constructed a five-year calendar over which the story in Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace unfolds. The calendar not only worked well as an organizational and research tool, but it also served to focus the book over a definite time period. In real life, the events that inspired Shades of Darkness occurred over a much longer period of time, making for an unwieldy time frame that dragged on too long, offered no sense of closure, and risked boring the reader. By using a specific calendar, those events could be compressed into a much shorter and intense span.
Employing a real calendar also heightened the dramatic effect of the narrative. In a crucial incident near the end of book, Paul Pierson is arrested for domestic battery in a scheme orchestrated by his ex-wife. Threatened with spending the weekend in the county jail if bail money cannot be raised, the scene takes place over the New Year's holiday of 2000/2001. Only by using a real calendar did I discover that if Paul were arrested on Saturday December 30, 2000 he could be looking at several days in jail. In 2001 New Year's Day fell on a Monday, and banks would not have reopened until Tuesday, January 2. Utilizing real dates offered the dramatic dilemma of the Pierson family frantically pooling their financial resources to keep Paul from extended jail time.
Working off a calendar can also combat one of the hazards many authors confront - writer's block. Once I had the basic framework of the novel laid out across a calendar, if I was having difficulty with a particular chapter or scene, I could write another chapter and return at a later point to the problematic area with renewed inspiration. For many authors I've known, it can be easier to write out-of-order when the energy strikes than to force a writer to compose a manuscript in linear fashion. A calendar not only helps an author render a vivid story, but can be a useful tool in tracking the progress and consistency of the plot.
The initial version of the calendar was bare bones - an outline of the main scenes that comprised the novel. From there I began writing individual scenes, building on them and incorporating the crucial details, many of which were discovered through research. Those descriptions that make a scene real might be as ordinary as the weather on Halloween or the once-in-a-lifetime occurrence of the Millennium, experiences any reader could relate to.
Details should engage the reader and connect them to the characters, setting, and narrative. This editor taught me a great lesson - that for fiction to truly come alive requires authentic details. For many authors, those details can often be found within the framework of a calendar.
Article Source: http://marketing.article24h.com/category/writing-speaking.html
Author: Catherine Johnson
Catherine Johnson is the author of Shade of Darkness, Shades of Grace published through iUniverse. For more about the novel, visit Catherine Johnson Novels.
http://www.catherinejohnsonnovels.com
Wanting feedback on the story, I sent an early draft of the manuscript to an editor I'd learned of through one of my writing groups. While she liked the novel, she noted there was no specific timeline of years or events, and felt the story could essentially be taking place at any time. The editor suggested using a calendar with actual dates and specific years during which the story would be set. By taking this approach, it not only helped me plan the story better, but a historical reference of Jesse Ventura's election as governor of Minnesota in 1998 or making note of the Aquatennial Festival held in Minneapolis each July could be woven into the narrative and enhance the authenticity of the book.
Implementing her advice, I constructed a five-year calendar over which the story in Shades of Darkness, Shades of Grace unfolds. The calendar not only worked well as an organizational and research tool, but it also served to focus the book over a definite time period. In real life, the events that inspired Shades of Darkness occurred over a much longer period of time, making for an unwieldy time frame that dragged on too long, offered no sense of closure, and risked boring the reader. By using a specific calendar, those events could be compressed into a much shorter and intense span.
Employing a real calendar also heightened the dramatic effect of the narrative. In a crucial incident near the end of book, Paul Pierson is arrested for domestic battery in a scheme orchestrated by his ex-wife. Threatened with spending the weekend in the county jail if bail money cannot be raised, the scene takes place over the New Year's holiday of 2000/2001. Only by using a real calendar did I discover that if Paul were arrested on Saturday December 30, 2000 he could be looking at several days in jail. In 2001 New Year's Day fell on a Monday, and banks would not have reopened until Tuesday, January 2. Utilizing real dates offered the dramatic dilemma of the Pierson family frantically pooling their financial resources to keep Paul from extended jail time.
Working off a calendar can also combat one of the hazards many authors confront - writer's block. Once I had the basic framework of the novel laid out across a calendar, if I was having difficulty with a particular chapter or scene, I could write another chapter and return at a later point to the problematic area with renewed inspiration. For many authors I've known, it can be easier to write out-of-order when the energy strikes than to force a writer to compose a manuscript in linear fashion. A calendar not only helps an author render a vivid story, but can be a useful tool in tracking the progress and consistency of the plot.
The initial version of the calendar was bare bones - an outline of the main scenes that comprised the novel. From there I began writing individual scenes, building on them and incorporating the crucial details, many of which were discovered through research. Those descriptions that make a scene real might be as ordinary as the weather on Halloween or the once-in-a-lifetime occurrence of the Millennium, experiences any reader could relate to.
Details should engage the reader and connect them to the characters, setting, and narrative. This editor taught me a great lesson - that for fiction to truly come alive requires authentic details. For many authors, those details can often be found within the framework of a calendar.
Article Source: http://marketing.article24h.com/category/writing-speaking.html
Author: Catherine Johnson
Catherine Johnson is the author of Shade of Darkness, Shades of Grace published through iUniverse. For more about the novel, visit Catherine Johnson Novels.
http://www.catherinejohnsonnovels.com
Sunday, June 28, 2009
7 Steps to Success for Chick Lit Writers and Authors
The 'chick lit' market is going from strength to strength as more and more young women find that they can relate so uncannily to the characters in these books. These books address concepts that all women will face in some way and at some time in their lives. Whether it be facing the dilemma of balancing motherhood with a career; or whether it is having to make the choice between a sensible life partner that your parents would adore or choosing the rugged, good for nothing man that sends your heart racing! Chick lits are invariably an easy and light-hearted read written in a humorous tone and littered with slang and clichés and modern cultural references that young women can relate to.
A good chick lit read will contain the following key elements:
* A female lead: The main character will be struggling in at least one if not all of the dimensions of her life. These dimensions generally being her career, her love life and her relationships with family and friends.
* A unique style of writing: Often being as a recount of the heroine’s disastrous efforts in love and life, this can sometimes be in a diary format, such as ‘Bridget Jones’ Diary’, which was one of the more successful ‘chick lits’. The style of writing ensures that the book can be picked up, read and enjoyed in short bursts.
* Humour: The book will generally highlight the character’s failings or day to day happenings with a humorous slant.
* Sexual themes: A good chick lit will not shy away from the inclusion of sex and it is often written about in a very frank manner.
* Glamorous setting: These stories are often written around the supposedly glamorous worlds of fashion or media, although more often than not the story reveals that the reality is not quite as the reader would expect.
* Modern references: References to the latest designer shoes or to celebrity lives can often be found in a good chick lit and it adds to the relevance that the reader can find within the story.
* An unexpected twist: Although chick lits are expected to be an easy read, the more successful books always have a quirky outcome or twist that makes finishing the book even more worthwhile.
So if you want to write successful chick lit make sure you incorporate these simple elements.
About the Author:
Samantha Pearce
Want your Chick Lit Manuscript to be noticed? Visit Words Worth Reading for professional writer's proofreading / appraisal services.
http://www.wordsworthreading.co.uk/cgi-bin/arman.pl
A good chick lit read will contain the following key elements:
* A female lead: The main character will be struggling in at least one if not all of the dimensions of her life. These dimensions generally being her career, her love life and her relationships with family and friends.
* A unique style of writing: Often being as a recount of the heroine’s disastrous efforts in love and life, this can sometimes be in a diary format, such as ‘Bridget Jones’ Diary’, which was one of the more successful ‘chick lits’. The style of writing ensures that the book can be picked up, read and enjoyed in short bursts.
* Humour: The book will generally highlight the character’s failings or day to day happenings with a humorous slant.
* Sexual themes: A good chick lit will not shy away from the inclusion of sex and it is often written about in a very frank manner.
* Glamorous setting: These stories are often written around the supposedly glamorous worlds of fashion or media, although more often than not the story reveals that the reality is not quite as the reader would expect.
* Modern references: References to the latest designer shoes or to celebrity lives can often be found in a good chick lit and it adds to the relevance that the reader can find within the story.
* An unexpected twist: Although chick lits are expected to be an easy read, the more successful books always have a quirky outcome or twist that makes finishing the book even more worthwhile.
So if you want to write successful chick lit make sure you incorporate these simple elements.
About the Author:
Samantha Pearce
Want your Chick Lit Manuscript to be noticed? Visit Words Worth Reading for professional writer's proofreading / appraisal services.
http://www.wordsworthreading.co.uk/cgi-bin/arman.pl
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Be a Travel Writer: Fun While You Earn
One of the purest joys in life is to travel to virgin places. Places that have not yet been touched or treaded into. The excitement of unraveling the mysteries is too tempting for anyone to control his passion and resist from the inevitable. That is to making a foray into the alien, mysterious place. Not that people are not alarmed at doing something which has not yet been done. But it is this heady mixture of bravado and butterflies that make this whole venture so exciting. And if one gets to do this to make his living then he can simply be called supremely lucky. Indeed, to be a travel writer is the best profession that a travel enthusiast can ever let his hand on. Not only does he get to do what he likes most, but, to add to that he also gets paid for it. It surely is one combination that simply cannot be beaten.
However, one must understand that to be a travel writer it is imperative that one possesses certain qualities. First of which is to remain alive to whatever is happening around. Passive traveller can never be a good travel writer. A good travel writer must be like a sponge. He should be able to take in all the experience as it unfolds and then squeeze last drop of it as and when he writes about it. This surely would breathe life into his writing. Then one must also get rid of his complaining nature or else he would never be able to strike a chord with the place. Nor would he be able to establish any worthy communication with aboriginals, and if this happens then one can never think of producing a script that can ever move anyone.
If on the other hand one possesses or develops a nature that enjoys every thing that it comes across then one is sure to create a piece that would work as a window for the rest of the world, providing the most incisive information and exclusive report that can introduce the secluded mass of land to the world and give it its rightful due. One must not forget that travel writers have a lot to do in redemption of Africa from a dark continent of yesteryears to one of the most happening tourist attractions of today. To be a travel writer, therefore, requires a lot of determination hard work and it certainly is not a child's play.
If one gets a high on meeting stranger, travelling to foreign locale and if one has the habit of writing diaries then one must seriously think to be a travel writer for one has all the qualities present in him and all that is required is chiseling and harnessing of talent before one can develop the art of creating magic with words.
Article Source: http://marketing.article24h.com/category/writing-speaking.html
Author: Mike
Author: Mike Joe is a connoisseur of traveling and entertainment. He loves journeying far and wide in the quest of experiencing different lifestyles and gathering information about the best places to eat, drink and stay in different countries and lands. Over here, Mike talks about be a travel writer.
http://www.dexplore.co.uk
However, one must understand that to be a travel writer it is imperative that one possesses certain qualities. First of which is to remain alive to whatever is happening around. Passive traveller can never be a good travel writer. A good travel writer must be like a sponge. He should be able to take in all the experience as it unfolds and then squeeze last drop of it as and when he writes about it. This surely would breathe life into his writing. Then one must also get rid of his complaining nature or else he would never be able to strike a chord with the place. Nor would he be able to establish any worthy communication with aboriginals, and if this happens then one can never think of producing a script that can ever move anyone.
If on the other hand one possesses or develops a nature that enjoys every thing that it comes across then one is sure to create a piece that would work as a window for the rest of the world, providing the most incisive information and exclusive report that can introduce the secluded mass of land to the world and give it its rightful due. One must not forget that travel writers have a lot to do in redemption of Africa from a dark continent of yesteryears to one of the most happening tourist attractions of today. To be a travel writer, therefore, requires a lot of determination hard work and it certainly is not a child's play.
If one gets a high on meeting stranger, travelling to foreign locale and if one has the habit of writing diaries then one must seriously think to be a travel writer for one has all the qualities present in him and all that is required is chiseling and harnessing of talent before one can develop the art of creating magic with words.
Article Source: http://marketing.article24h.com/category/writing-speaking.html
Author: Mike
Author: Mike Joe is a connoisseur of traveling and entertainment. He loves journeying far and wide in the quest of experiencing different lifestyles and gathering information about the best places to eat, drink and stay in different countries and lands. Over here, Mike talks about be a travel writer.
http://www.dexplore.co.uk
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Writing, Editing, and Proofreading
Let us say from the start that writing, copy editing, and content editing are different and, as such, require unique skills. Writing is about getting ideas and content on paper. The primary task of writing is to determine what content to communicate. Copy editing (often called proofreading) is about adherence to commonly accepted rules for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and usage. Content editing (often simply called editing) is about bridging the gap between what a writer wants to communicate and what a reader needs or desires.
As we are in the business of editing, we will address copy editing and content editing more thoroughly.
Copy editing:
The primary task of copy editing is ensuring that accepted rules for punctuation, spelling, grammar, and usage are being followed accurately. Technical documents have the additional difficulty of making sure that formatting, heading, and citation styles are applied consistently. A good copy editor has to have a strong understanding of those rules and strong attention to detail.
Copy editing is a very tedious process, which means that the necessary intensity and focus can lapse. Thus, the copy editing process may need to be repeated several times. For example, Precise Edit generally conducts three (or more) reviews by two different people.
Content editing:
The primary task of content editing is revising text to help the writer effectively communicate with a particular reader. A good editor must have 4 characteristics:
1) a feel for style, voice, and tone;
2) the ability to interpret the writer's ideas and intentions clearly and appropriately for a particular audience;
3) an appreciation for the aesthetics and structure of writing; and
4) the logical ability to analyze the reasonableness and organization of content.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, a good editor must understand the writer's audience and be able to address readers' needs. The editor considers the content, style, structure, etc. that the reader needs in order to understand, be engaged in, or learn from the text. In this way, editing is much like marketing and product development: converting raw ideas into a product that consumers can use and will want to buy.
Editorial Services:
As mentioned above, writing, copy editing, and content editing require different skills. One mistake that many writers make is to assume that he or she can do all three. This may be true in some cases, but typically it is not. Actually, in our experience, the writer is usually not the best person for proofreading and editing.
Depending on the importance of a document, a writer should consider engaging a professional editorial service, and many are available. How, then, can a writer choose which one to hire? Based on Precise Edit customer feedback data, two factors seem to be most important: expertise and the quality control process. Other factors include responsiveness, cost, and timeliness. Together, these five criteria significantly reduce the number of quality editorial services from which to choose.
Keep up the great writing. Editors are ready to help.
About the Author:
David Bowman is the Owner and Chief Editor of Precise Edit (http://PreciseEdit.com), a comprehensive editing, proofreading, and document analysis service for authors, students, and businesses. Precise Edit also offers a variety of other services, such as translation, transcription, and website development.
As we are in the business of editing, we will address copy editing and content editing more thoroughly.
Copy editing:
The primary task of copy editing is ensuring that accepted rules for punctuation, spelling, grammar, and usage are being followed accurately. Technical documents have the additional difficulty of making sure that formatting, heading, and citation styles are applied consistently. A good copy editor has to have a strong understanding of those rules and strong attention to detail.
Copy editing is a very tedious process, which means that the necessary intensity and focus can lapse. Thus, the copy editing process may need to be repeated several times. For example, Precise Edit generally conducts three (or more) reviews by two different people.
Content editing:
The primary task of content editing is revising text to help the writer effectively communicate with a particular reader. A good editor must have 4 characteristics:
1) a feel for style, voice, and tone;
2) the ability to interpret the writer's ideas and intentions clearly and appropriately for a particular audience;
3) an appreciation for the aesthetics and structure of writing; and
4) the logical ability to analyze the reasonableness and organization of content.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, a good editor must understand the writer's audience and be able to address readers' needs. The editor considers the content, style, structure, etc. that the reader needs in order to understand, be engaged in, or learn from the text. In this way, editing is much like marketing and product development: converting raw ideas into a product that consumers can use and will want to buy.
Editorial Services:
As mentioned above, writing, copy editing, and content editing require different skills. One mistake that many writers make is to assume that he or she can do all three. This may be true in some cases, but typically it is not. Actually, in our experience, the writer is usually not the best person for proofreading and editing.
Depending on the importance of a document, a writer should consider engaging a professional editorial service, and many are available. How, then, can a writer choose which one to hire? Based on Precise Edit customer feedback data, two factors seem to be most important: expertise and the quality control process. Other factors include responsiveness, cost, and timeliness. Together, these five criteria significantly reduce the number of quality editorial services from which to choose.
Keep up the great writing. Editors are ready to help.
About the Author:
David Bowman is the Owner and Chief Editor of Precise Edit (http://PreciseEdit.com), a comprehensive editing, proofreading, and document analysis service for authors, students, and businesses. Precise Edit also offers a variety of other services, such as translation, transcription, and website development.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
