By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Anthony_J._Namata]Anthony J. Namata
This may sound a little farfetched, I know, but if you were to let your imagination run wild while watching animals during an exotic vacation, who knows, you may came up with an outline for a blockbuster film or book. Well, are you a writer looking for the perfect setting around which to weave a compelling plot? So what are you going to do about it? This article will help ignite that fire within you to overcome writers block or whatever it is that's holding you back, to use the enchanting African tapestry of wildlife, flora and fauna to come up with a plot befitting a Hollywood blockbuster.
There are no guarantees, but if you put your mind to it, who knows what you can come up with. The Lion King, inspired by the Serengeti in Tanzania, is one example of how one can draw inspiration from an African wilderness setting. Bestselling author Wilber Smith writes his novels in an African setting. He has sold millions of books. So let's take a look at how to create a compelling plot around a setting that is, presumably, unfamiliar territory to you. I'd say don't think too hard. If you can afford it, travel to an African destination and take a safari excursion. Soak in everything you see around you and let your imagination run wild.
Many years ago, when I'd completed my first creative writing course, I embarked on penning my very first novel with an intricate plot woven around the Seychelles islands. I wasn't a great writer back then, so my manuscript has, over the years, undergone several revisions. To come up with a plot, the fastest way is to imagine yourself in the plot by drawing on your surroundings for backdrop, and begin developing a story around that. It flows more naturally when you work from yourself outward, even when you write in the third person. Let's say you travel to Tanzania to find that inspiration, the key thing is to soak up anything and everything you see on the trip. From the minute you step off the plane, begin a search for likely characters and settings for your story. Take down the names of streets you find interesting; make a note of how you would describe these locations in your literary work; talk to people, try to find out something about their personal lives. It may trigger something. Tanzanians, especially, are very friendly people. It would be very easy to start up a conversation with anyone. If you need a translator, get one! Remember, you are looking for a story with an interesting backdrop; a compelling plot; and most importantly, characters that will breathe life into your story. A leaf dropping off a tree; a lion sprawled lazily over a tree trunk; an exotic bird tweeting from a nearby nest, can all help trigger an idea for your book and bring sizzling ingredients to your plot...but only when you listen and allow your creative flow to run its full course.
Anthony J. Namata publishes [http://travelwriterafrica.blogspot.com/]Travel Writer Africa blog and is an Internet marketing consultant to travel and tour operators. To book a safari in Tanzania, contact expert Arusha based tour operator [http://www.abrojaleyafrica.com]Abrojaley Africa Ajabu.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Draw-Inspiration-From-an-African-Safari-to-Create-a-Hollywood-Blockbuster&id=6567713] How to Draw Inspiration From an African Safari to Create a Hollywood Blockbuster
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Make Your Brainstorming Sessions Rain Ideas
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Benjamin_C_Andrews]Benjamin C Andrews
Brainstorming is an essential part of the writing process. Without ideas after all, what would you have to write? Whether you are just starting a new novel, or need new plot ideas for a current work, brainstorming is a fantastic way to generate new content. There are a few things that you should take into consideration though as you begin your brainstorming session.
First, make sure you are in the proper mindset. If your mind is not in a place where you can focus on idea generation, your brainstorming may yield little results, or even become a complete waste of time. Allow your mind to start thinking about writing, even if it's not necessarily related to your current work. You have to get on the right path before you'll find the right ideas. If your mind is busy with other thoughts, such as what you need to cook for dinner tonight, or that term paper that will be due tomorrow, your brainstorming will suffer. Make sure you're in the creative mindset to formulate quality ideas related to your writing.
Once you're ready to begin, allow your mind to wander. Ideas may pop in and out of your head. Some may be great, and others may be downright ridiculous. No matter what though, each and every idea you have could be the first link in a chain that leads to the next big idea. Thoughts move in sequence, and a bad idea may just be that handhold you need to climb up to better ideas. Not only should you let your mind wander, but you should also feel free to move to the fringes of your imagination. Sometimes we find ourselves staying with "safe" ideas. There's nothing wrong with that, but by exploring the boundaries of your imagination, you may find an idea you'd never have found before.
The final piece of advice is to keep a notebook or computer handy for your brainstorming session. Jot down the ideas you have, even if you think you may never use them. That idea could someday evolve into something you'll be glad didn't just pop in and out of your mind. At worst, they go unused. Even if that is the case, they'll always be there for you to refer back to in the future. What is useless now could be immensely helpful years from now.
Take the opportunity before you begin brainstorming to give yourself an edge. Make the most out of each session, and you may soon find you have more ideas than you know what to do with. Having a list of ideas you can refer to will make future content creation easier, and will help give you more time to write instead of spending tons of time on formulating new ideas.
I'm Benjamin C. Andrews, an author sharing my writing knowledge with others. Visit http://magicjarpublishing.blogspot.com/ for more writing tips and tricks, and other quality information.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Make-Your-Brainstorming-Sessions-Rain-Ideas&id=6567969] Make Your Brainstorming Sessions Rain Ideas
Brainstorming is an essential part of the writing process. Without ideas after all, what would you have to write? Whether you are just starting a new novel, or need new plot ideas for a current work, brainstorming is a fantastic way to generate new content. There are a few things that you should take into consideration though as you begin your brainstorming session.
First, make sure you are in the proper mindset. If your mind is not in a place where you can focus on idea generation, your brainstorming may yield little results, or even become a complete waste of time. Allow your mind to start thinking about writing, even if it's not necessarily related to your current work. You have to get on the right path before you'll find the right ideas. If your mind is busy with other thoughts, such as what you need to cook for dinner tonight, or that term paper that will be due tomorrow, your brainstorming will suffer. Make sure you're in the creative mindset to formulate quality ideas related to your writing.
Once you're ready to begin, allow your mind to wander. Ideas may pop in and out of your head. Some may be great, and others may be downright ridiculous. No matter what though, each and every idea you have could be the first link in a chain that leads to the next big idea. Thoughts move in sequence, and a bad idea may just be that handhold you need to climb up to better ideas. Not only should you let your mind wander, but you should also feel free to move to the fringes of your imagination. Sometimes we find ourselves staying with "safe" ideas. There's nothing wrong with that, but by exploring the boundaries of your imagination, you may find an idea you'd never have found before.
The final piece of advice is to keep a notebook or computer handy for your brainstorming session. Jot down the ideas you have, even if you think you may never use them. That idea could someday evolve into something you'll be glad didn't just pop in and out of your mind. At worst, they go unused. Even if that is the case, they'll always be there for you to refer back to in the future. What is useless now could be immensely helpful years from now.
Take the opportunity before you begin brainstorming to give yourself an edge. Make the most out of each session, and you may soon find you have more ideas than you know what to do with. Having a list of ideas you can refer to will make future content creation easier, and will help give you more time to write instead of spending tons of time on formulating new ideas.
I'm Benjamin C. Andrews, an author sharing my writing knowledge with others. Visit http://magicjarpublishing.blogspot.com/ for more writing tips and tricks, and other quality information.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Make-Your-Brainstorming-Sessions-Rain-Ideas&id=6567969] Make Your Brainstorming Sessions Rain Ideas
Friday, December 9, 2011
Sensory Images and What Not to Do in Writing
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Michael_A_Tate]Michael A Tate
When you start out writing, many people will tell you to make sure you put in lots of sensory details, as they liven up your writing. And yes, that is true. If you can smell, feel, taste, hear, and see the story, it will be a lot more vivid than if you are just looking at it like a movie.
But the trap I've seen a lot of writers (myself included) fall into is they end up using the character as a sensory vessel. Now while this would be technically correct to write:
Zachary saw the blooming flowers and bent down, smelling their sweet fragrance.
It comes across as weak. Zachary is technically the subject of this sentence. He dominates. And unless the act of Zachary bending over to smell the flower is very significant, we don't care about it. What you would want to do is, instead, just go out and tell us about the blooming flowers and what they smell like. The reader doesn't need the main character to be a sensory vessel. Here is a quick revision:
The blooming flowers released their sweet fragrance into the meadow.
There were two things I did there. First, I was able to add the little detail about the meadow (in 2 less words mind you) Second, I made the flowers the subject of the sentence. Now we as a reader are focused on the flowers and the image is a lot more powerful.
But you have to be careful when you do this with any POV that isn't 3rd person omniscient (and I don't recommend you use that) because while readers don't want to see Zachary bend down and smell the flowers, the character has to be smelling the flowers. If he is trapped in a glass box where the smell can not enter, then the sentence I wrote would technically have a POV problem. Instead you could do this though:
The blooming flowers swayed in the meadow, and Zachary could only imagine their sweet fragrance wafting through the air.
Granted there are quite a few more words in this, but come on, my MC is locked in a glass box.
This POV problem though also goes for the other senses including sight. If you character can't see it, you can't describe it. But you don't need to (or should) explicitly tell us what your character sees. Again, some examples:
Zachary turned around and saw the bear chasing him.
Zachary turned around. The bear was chasing him.
It's subtle, but in an industry as competitive as creative writing, every little trick you have to make your writing just a bit more powerful goes a long way.
Michael Tate is a writer currently living in Minneapolis who blogs about writing and writing advice at [http://michaelatate.blogspot.com]michaelatate.blogspot.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Sensory-Images-and-What-Not-to-Do-in-Writing&id=6574200] Sensory Images and What Not to Do in Writing
When you start out writing, many people will tell you to make sure you put in lots of sensory details, as they liven up your writing. And yes, that is true. If you can smell, feel, taste, hear, and see the story, it will be a lot more vivid than if you are just looking at it like a movie.
But the trap I've seen a lot of writers (myself included) fall into is they end up using the character as a sensory vessel. Now while this would be technically correct to write:
Zachary saw the blooming flowers and bent down, smelling their sweet fragrance.
It comes across as weak. Zachary is technically the subject of this sentence. He dominates. And unless the act of Zachary bending over to smell the flower is very significant, we don't care about it. What you would want to do is, instead, just go out and tell us about the blooming flowers and what they smell like. The reader doesn't need the main character to be a sensory vessel. Here is a quick revision:
The blooming flowers released their sweet fragrance into the meadow.
There were two things I did there. First, I was able to add the little detail about the meadow (in 2 less words mind you) Second, I made the flowers the subject of the sentence. Now we as a reader are focused on the flowers and the image is a lot more powerful.
But you have to be careful when you do this with any POV that isn't 3rd person omniscient (and I don't recommend you use that) because while readers don't want to see Zachary bend down and smell the flowers, the character has to be smelling the flowers. If he is trapped in a glass box where the smell can not enter, then the sentence I wrote would technically have a POV problem. Instead you could do this though:
The blooming flowers swayed in the meadow, and Zachary could only imagine their sweet fragrance wafting through the air.
Granted there are quite a few more words in this, but come on, my MC is locked in a glass box.
This POV problem though also goes for the other senses including sight. If you character can't see it, you can't describe it. But you don't need to (or should) explicitly tell us what your character sees. Again, some examples:
Zachary turned around and saw the bear chasing him.
Zachary turned around. The bear was chasing him.
It's subtle, but in an industry as competitive as creative writing, every little trick you have to make your writing just a bit more powerful goes a long way.
Michael Tate is a writer currently living in Minneapolis who blogs about writing and writing advice at [http://michaelatate.blogspot.com]michaelatate.blogspot.com
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Sensory-Images-and-What-Not-to-Do-in-Writing&id=6574200] Sensory Images and What Not to Do in Writing
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Enhancing Character Development the Lazy Way
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tamara_McCallan]Tamara McCallan
It's every author's bane. Those two hated words that at some point or another will show up in a critique: Character Development. Unfortunately, if one aspires to become a successful author, character development is one of the key elements in achieving success.
During the penning of my first novel, The Eighth House, I ran into a problem common in the writing world. I had an idea, I had a setting, and I had the sketchy outline of a main character, one I didn't know anything about other than his physical features. All I knew was he was a lot like that hot guy you pass on the street, do a double take, admire for a few seconds, and then go on with your life because there is no possible way you can know anything about him with just a glance.
Days after coming up with the story idea, there I was, racking my brain trying to figure out an easy way to make my protagonist, and all my characters for that matter, into real human beings, complete with all the idiosyncrasies that make them unique. I had to find a way to make the reader believe that these could be real people... right down to their imaginary souls.
So, I did the only logical thing I could think of: I turned to astrology. And no, I don't mean I consulted an astrology expert to read my star charts. What I did do, however, was begin researching each house (or sign) of the zodiac. Anybody who has read a newspaper horoscope in the last fifty years can find some way to relate the goings on in their life to those three scant sentences of advice based solely upon the date of one's birth. It's because, inherent to each soul born under a certain zodiac sign come certain personality traits.
For example, my protagonist, Nash Graffias is six-five, well-built, with longish black hair, and startling blue eyes. (Hey, it's a not-so-sweet romance, of course he's hot.) Based off that information, you know what he looks like, but that's about it. So I applied the character traits innate to those born under the sign of Scorpio, and "built" Nash based on those traits.
Since we've already established the protagonist is physically fit, we now need to develop his psyche. The protagonist in this story is highly emotional. Scorpios ride the emotional knife's edge, often to the point of volatility, especially when their anger gets the better of them. This Scorpio character trait is established in my male protagonist early on in the novel. As a Scorpio, he is naturally withdrawn, which adds to the "brooding" trait common amongst alpha male characters in some romances. When a Scorpio finds something they want, they will stop at nothing to get it. Since the novel is a romance, Nash's obsession and subsequent love for the female protagonist epitomizes this natural Scorpio trait. Additionally, those born under the sign of the scorpion can also be very jealous. Scorpios are the most passionate, powerful, and sensually energetic lovers of all the signs of the zodiac and therefore, "rule" the genitals. This means they have great control over everything associated with this body area, medically, physically, and everything in between. On the dark side of sex, they can fall easily into debauchery, sadism, and can become deeply involved in the darker sex acts. The final two traits are key components I used in my novel to create and develop my character and story arcs.
I could go on and on about this, but I think I've driven home the point. Understand, one doesn't have to use all the personality traits associated with a particular sign of the zodiac to develop their character, but taking a couple of them and molding your character out of two or three of the traits can definitely get you on the road to building your imaginary human.
As for where to begin? Type, "signs of the zodiac" into any search engine and prepare to be overwhelmed by volumes upon volumes of information. My month's long research simply scratched the surface of the strange and fascinating world of astrology... a world I continue to learn from and utilize in my writing to this day. So much so, my entire paranormal romance series is based on the twelve houses of the zodiac.
Your homework: Come up with a birthdate for your main character before you even develop him or her. This should occur after you have an image of this character in your head. Check the birthdate against the appropriate zodiac sign, read the traits, and then run with them if they fit. Do the same for the remainder of your main and significant peripheral characters. This exercise can also be used to help develop an existing character that's not "popping".
If you have any questions about this unique method of character development, please feel free to contact me via my website. http://www.tlmccallan.com/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Enhancing-Character-Development-the-Lazy-Way&id=6574438] Enhancing Character Development the Lazy Way
It's every author's bane. Those two hated words that at some point or another will show up in a critique: Character Development. Unfortunately, if one aspires to become a successful author, character development is one of the key elements in achieving success.
During the penning of my first novel, The Eighth House, I ran into a problem common in the writing world. I had an idea, I had a setting, and I had the sketchy outline of a main character, one I didn't know anything about other than his physical features. All I knew was he was a lot like that hot guy you pass on the street, do a double take, admire for a few seconds, and then go on with your life because there is no possible way you can know anything about him with just a glance.
Days after coming up with the story idea, there I was, racking my brain trying to figure out an easy way to make my protagonist, and all my characters for that matter, into real human beings, complete with all the idiosyncrasies that make them unique. I had to find a way to make the reader believe that these could be real people... right down to their imaginary souls.
So, I did the only logical thing I could think of: I turned to astrology. And no, I don't mean I consulted an astrology expert to read my star charts. What I did do, however, was begin researching each house (or sign) of the zodiac. Anybody who has read a newspaper horoscope in the last fifty years can find some way to relate the goings on in their life to those three scant sentences of advice based solely upon the date of one's birth. It's because, inherent to each soul born under a certain zodiac sign come certain personality traits.
For example, my protagonist, Nash Graffias is six-five, well-built, with longish black hair, and startling blue eyes. (Hey, it's a not-so-sweet romance, of course he's hot.) Based off that information, you know what he looks like, but that's about it. So I applied the character traits innate to those born under the sign of Scorpio, and "built" Nash based on those traits.
Since we've already established the protagonist is physically fit, we now need to develop his psyche. The protagonist in this story is highly emotional. Scorpios ride the emotional knife's edge, often to the point of volatility, especially when their anger gets the better of them. This Scorpio character trait is established in my male protagonist early on in the novel. As a Scorpio, he is naturally withdrawn, which adds to the "brooding" trait common amongst alpha male characters in some romances. When a Scorpio finds something they want, they will stop at nothing to get it. Since the novel is a romance, Nash's obsession and subsequent love for the female protagonist epitomizes this natural Scorpio trait. Additionally, those born under the sign of the scorpion can also be very jealous. Scorpios are the most passionate, powerful, and sensually energetic lovers of all the signs of the zodiac and therefore, "rule" the genitals. This means they have great control over everything associated with this body area, medically, physically, and everything in between. On the dark side of sex, they can fall easily into debauchery, sadism, and can become deeply involved in the darker sex acts. The final two traits are key components I used in my novel to create and develop my character and story arcs.
I could go on and on about this, but I think I've driven home the point. Understand, one doesn't have to use all the personality traits associated with a particular sign of the zodiac to develop their character, but taking a couple of them and molding your character out of two or three of the traits can definitely get you on the road to building your imaginary human.
As for where to begin? Type, "signs of the zodiac" into any search engine and prepare to be overwhelmed by volumes upon volumes of information. My month's long research simply scratched the surface of the strange and fascinating world of astrology... a world I continue to learn from and utilize in my writing to this day. So much so, my entire paranormal romance series is based on the twelve houses of the zodiac.
Your homework: Come up with a birthdate for your main character before you even develop him or her. This should occur after you have an image of this character in your head. Check the birthdate against the appropriate zodiac sign, read the traits, and then run with them if they fit. Do the same for the remainder of your main and significant peripheral characters. This exercise can also be used to help develop an existing character that's not "popping".
If you have any questions about this unique method of character development, please feel free to contact me via my website. http://www.tlmccallan.com/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Enhancing-Character-Development-the-Lazy-Way&id=6574438] Enhancing Character Development the Lazy Way
Monday, December 5, 2011
Small Business Newsletter: How to Write One?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Benjamine_Vlaunt]Benjamine Vlaunt
Even small businesses will need the services and benefits that a business newsletter can give. This is a way to let the people know about new items, products or services. This is small business' way to introduce it to a particular person, group of people or other businesses as well. The best way to make a small business newsletter is not to make it 100% marketing. Though it is an effective marketing tool, you should not make it as though you are marketing the product or service. Make it as informative as possible. It should only appear as though you are letting the people know more about the product or service that your business has.
For a small business, the newsletter should always start with 'Dear Friends'. This will make the letter friendly and can make the readers feel comfortable with reading the letter. As your first newsletter, it is important to go directly to the point. Just simply inform the people that the business is coming up with new products or services. And then, introduce the product or service to them by giving a bit of information. This will let the readers know more of what you are talking about. Always consider your readers. Make sure that you are writing in the most comfortable way that the readers will read your letter.
Make sure that you are writing in a friendly and conversational manner. This will make it easy for your letter to connect quickly to the reader. Make it as interesting as possible. A communication letter should be written in an informative and friendly manner. But of course, do not forget to add a pinch of sales pitch to the letter. This way, you can possibly attract the people to try out what you are offering. If it is your first time to create a newsletter for your small business, this may appear to you as an experiment. But when you have seen its results, you will definitely want to create some more.
There are simple ways to create a newsletter for your small business. There are online templates which can somehow give you a pattern on how to create one. You can also get tips and methods on how to create an effective newsletter. There are even websites that teaches the basics of making this type of letter. You just need to know the basic principles so that you can create a valid and effective newsletter.
For many business people, newsletters are only for big companies. This is totally wrong. Any type of business whether big or small will need the help of this type of letter to boost up their visibility in the business world. This will also let the people know that a certain product or business exists. So, start experimenting on your first newsletter for your small business and gain the benefits of it in the near future. This has been a tried and tested technique for all types of businesses around.
Find out more info about Newsletter Marketing with my top recommended News Letter and learn more from the [http://newslettermarketingsystems.com.au/]Business Newsletter authority site here as well with [http://newslettermarketingsystems.com.au/]www.newslettermarketingsystems.com.au.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Small-Business-Newsletter:-How-to-Write-One?&id=6577642] Small Business Newsletter: How to Write One?
Even small businesses will need the services and benefits that a business newsletter can give. This is a way to let the people know about new items, products or services. This is small business' way to introduce it to a particular person, group of people or other businesses as well. The best way to make a small business newsletter is not to make it 100% marketing. Though it is an effective marketing tool, you should not make it as though you are marketing the product or service. Make it as informative as possible. It should only appear as though you are letting the people know more about the product or service that your business has.
For a small business, the newsletter should always start with 'Dear Friends'. This will make the letter friendly and can make the readers feel comfortable with reading the letter. As your first newsletter, it is important to go directly to the point. Just simply inform the people that the business is coming up with new products or services. And then, introduce the product or service to them by giving a bit of information. This will let the readers know more of what you are talking about. Always consider your readers. Make sure that you are writing in the most comfortable way that the readers will read your letter.
Make sure that you are writing in a friendly and conversational manner. This will make it easy for your letter to connect quickly to the reader. Make it as interesting as possible. A communication letter should be written in an informative and friendly manner. But of course, do not forget to add a pinch of sales pitch to the letter. This way, you can possibly attract the people to try out what you are offering. If it is your first time to create a newsletter for your small business, this may appear to you as an experiment. But when you have seen its results, you will definitely want to create some more.
There are simple ways to create a newsletter for your small business. There are online templates which can somehow give you a pattern on how to create one. You can also get tips and methods on how to create an effective newsletter. There are even websites that teaches the basics of making this type of letter. You just need to know the basic principles so that you can create a valid and effective newsletter.
For many business people, newsletters are only for big companies. This is totally wrong. Any type of business whether big or small will need the help of this type of letter to boost up their visibility in the business world. This will also let the people know that a certain product or business exists. So, start experimenting on your first newsletter for your small business and gain the benefits of it in the near future. This has been a tried and tested technique for all types of businesses around.
Find out more info about Newsletter Marketing with my top recommended News Letter and learn more from the [http://newslettermarketingsystems.com.au/]Business Newsletter authority site here as well with [http://newslettermarketingsystems.com.au/]www.newslettermarketingsystems.com.au.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Small-Business-Newsletter:-How-to-Write-One?&id=6577642] Small Business Newsletter: How to Write One?
Saturday, December 3, 2011
3 Tips for Creating Works of Realistic Fiction
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sheila_C_Skillman]Sheila C Skillman
I chose this title because the word "realistic" is so open to abuse and misunderstanding. For the purposes of this article, in relation to writing fiction, let us begin by defining "realistic." I take the word to mean not only "set in, and dealing, with, the world which we all experience in our daily lives" but also "convincing and recognisable from our own experience." Achieving this in fiction is one of the paradoxes which I most enjoy as a creative writer.
1) Start by reminding yourself of a well-known phrase, which is almost a cliche of real life, i.e. There are always two sides to every story. The first requirement of "realistic" fiction is that the characters are believable. In other words, the reader recognises them from somewhere in his or her own experience, and says, whether unconsciously or not, Yes. Real people are like this. You may happen to believe that with some people, "what you see is what you get"; but no fiction writer can afford to present characters of whom this is true. My own view is that in "real" life, we can never fathom all the deep motivations and drivers behind the personalities of others; as often as not, it's difficult enough to honestly identify and face our own. The psychologist Carl Jung was very aware of this when he described the principle of The Shadow; the dark side of ourselves which we project onto others and are most ready to criticise or fear when we see it "out there." Writers who fully meet the challenge of this in their fiction are those who create the most "realistic" characters. For "realistic" perhaps we can also use the word "truthful." And those who read psychological thriller fiction, at least, want to know what's going on beneath the surface. The truth lies through and behind the complex, strange and subtle.
2) Then consider all the limitations and conditions of the "real" world of the senses that surrounds us every day. This can be a very enjoyable challenge for realistic fiction writers; just as much so as for those who write fantasy fiction, who still need to create a world with consistent rules and laws. A creative writer can have fun with this simply because the role of a novelist is in itself an impossible one. We play God, as a novelist; certainly not a privilege any of us can enjoy in real life. It may even be why we become fiction writers in the first place; perhaps we are all failed megalomaniacs, and the fictional world is the only world over which we can have meaningful control. But we have to respect and acknowledge the limitations of the senses, and ensure that our godlike status as a novelist never compromises the laws of real life.
3) Be aware though of a very strange and almost sinister fact, which gives the lie to the word "realistic": art follows life, doesn't it? or can it be true that life follows art? Because sometimes it does; and I have come to treat this seriously. Be careful what you create from your imagination; real life can sometimes start to follow it. Not that I am suggesting, of course, that Thomas Harris went roaming round in his Hannibal Lecter personna having created "Silence of the Lambs"; but just hold in your mind that, even in real life, strange things can go on behind the scenes.
S.C. Skillman is the author of "Mystical Circles" - a psychological thriller. The word "mystical" in the title is used ironically to mean "mysterious behaviour, events that keep you guessing, and people playing at cross purposes". Reviewers have described it as "intense psychological drama in a beautiful setting." You can buy the novel on Amazon and through the Kindle Bookstore or visit the author's website to find out more. Click the secure payment gateway to buy a signed copy at [http://www.scskillman.co.uk]http://www.scskillman.co.uk.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?3-Tips-for-Creating-Works-of-Realistic-Fiction&id=6585789] 3 Tips for Creating Works of Realistic Fiction
I chose this title because the word "realistic" is so open to abuse and misunderstanding. For the purposes of this article, in relation to writing fiction, let us begin by defining "realistic." I take the word to mean not only "set in, and dealing, with, the world which we all experience in our daily lives" but also "convincing and recognisable from our own experience." Achieving this in fiction is one of the paradoxes which I most enjoy as a creative writer.
1) Start by reminding yourself of a well-known phrase, which is almost a cliche of real life, i.e. There are always two sides to every story. The first requirement of "realistic" fiction is that the characters are believable. In other words, the reader recognises them from somewhere in his or her own experience, and says, whether unconsciously or not, Yes. Real people are like this. You may happen to believe that with some people, "what you see is what you get"; but no fiction writer can afford to present characters of whom this is true. My own view is that in "real" life, we can never fathom all the deep motivations and drivers behind the personalities of others; as often as not, it's difficult enough to honestly identify and face our own. The psychologist Carl Jung was very aware of this when he described the principle of The Shadow; the dark side of ourselves which we project onto others and are most ready to criticise or fear when we see it "out there." Writers who fully meet the challenge of this in their fiction are those who create the most "realistic" characters. For "realistic" perhaps we can also use the word "truthful." And those who read psychological thriller fiction, at least, want to know what's going on beneath the surface. The truth lies through and behind the complex, strange and subtle.
2) Then consider all the limitations and conditions of the "real" world of the senses that surrounds us every day. This can be a very enjoyable challenge for realistic fiction writers; just as much so as for those who write fantasy fiction, who still need to create a world with consistent rules and laws. A creative writer can have fun with this simply because the role of a novelist is in itself an impossible one. We play God, as a novelist; certainly not a privilege any of us can enjoy in real life. It may even be why we become fiction writers in the first place; perhaps we are all failed megalomaniacs, and the fictional world is the only world over which we can have meaningful control. But we have to respect and acknowledge the limitations of the senses, and ensure that our godlike status as a novelist never compromises the laws of real life.
3) Be aware though of a very strange and almost sinister fact, which gives the lie to the word "realistic": art follows life, doesn't it? or can it be true that life follows art? Because sometimes it does; and I have come to treat this seriously. Be careful what you create from your imagination; real life can sometimes start to follow it. Not that I am suggesting, of course, that Thomas Harris went roaming round in his Hannibal Lecter personna having created "Silence of the Lambs"; but just hold in your mind that, even in real life, strange things can go on behind the scenes.
S.C. Skillman is the author of "Mystical Circles" - a psychological thriller. The word "mystical" in the title is used ironically to mean "mysterious behaviour, events that keep you guessing, and people playing at cross purposes". Reviewers have described it as "intense psychological drama in a beautiful setting." You can buy the novel on Amazon and through the Kindle Bookstore or visit the author's website to find out more. Click the secure payment gateway to buy a signed copy at [http://www.scskillman.co.uk]http://www.scskillman.co.uk.
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?3-Tips-for-Creating-Works-of-Realistic-Fiction&id=6585789] 3 Tips for Creating Works of Realistic Fiction
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Kinesiology in Writing (Stimulating the Brain to Enhance Creativity)
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tamara_McCallan]Tamara McCallan
If I were to tell you that writing was a whole brain function, would you agree? At the basic level, most people know that the right hemisphere of the brain handles creativity, while the left hemisphere deals primarily with logic. Therefore, writing is a whole brain function since an author needs both creativity and logic to bring his or her story to life.
I am fortunate enough to have an acquaintance who is a Kinesiologist. In other words, he uses the brain and the body in conjunction with each other to increase the performance level of his clients, most of whom are internationally known open-wheel race car drivers.
So I got to thinking, if educational kinesiology shaves off lap times for a bunch of guys driving around a racetrack at Mach 1, why couldn't that same science be used to stimulate creativity and increase concentration in a writer? Good news. Kinesiology can do just that. Shortly, I will list some of the more common exercises one can do to stimulate concentration and creativity but first, let me explain how it works.
We've already established that the brain has two hemispheres. The right hemisphere controls the left side of the body and the left hemisphere controls the right side of the body. The hemispheres can work independently of one another, in other words, they can work unilaterally. Unfortunately, a person with a brain working in this fashion can have difficulty with whole brain activities such as learning to drive, or sports, or any activity that requires high level processing and multi-tasking.
But let's assume we have a brain that's working correctly. What scientists and researchers have discovered is that if they can stimulate the communication between both hemispheres of the brain via the corpus callosum, which is that bundle of nerve fibers that join the hemispheres, a person will perform a given skill or task at a higher level than if that stimulation hadn't occurred. The process is known as "integration" and it happens by doing some very simple movements commonly called integration exercises.
CROSS-CRAWLS
Let's start with the first, most basic exercise I use to get my brain on track. They're called cross crawls and they are very simple. First, find an open area; you have to be free to move. Begin marching in place. As the left knee comes up, reach across with your right hand (or elbow) and touch it. Do the same with your right knee, touching it with your left hand (or elbow). Continue doing this for about a minute.
What's the science behind this simple exercise? Easy. As soon as you cross the center line of the body and contact your knee, you are forcing the hemispheres of the brain to communicate and work together.
COOK'S HOOK-UP
If you're to a point in your writing where you're frustrated, maybe a scene, or chapter, or a character isn't turning out quite the way you wanted, Cook's Hook-up is your answer. This is a calming exercise as well as a brain integration exercise. Stand (or sit). Cross your right leg over your left. (Spread your feet and look at a point in the distance to help you maintain balance if you are standing). Stretch out your arms in front of you, palms facing each another. Cross your arms. Flip your hands so your palms are once again facing each other. Link your hands. Roll your linked hands towards your chest. Your clasped hands should now be resting on your sternum. Stay in this position for a couple of minutes, breathing deeply. Visualize writing a successful chapter, or developing a character, or whatever you hope to accomplish. This is also an excellent exercise to relieve test anxiety.
LAZY EIGHTS
I don't think there's a writer out there who hasn't, at some time or another, run up against writer's block. Lazy Eights can help overcome it.
Lazy Eights can be done two ways. The first: Hold your dominant hand in front of you about nose height, thumb up. Keep a slight bend in your elbow. Move your thumb in the pattern of an eight on its side (think of the mathematical "infinity" sign). Make the lazy eight no wider than your shoulders. The pace of the movement should be moderately slow. Now track your thumb with your eyes only, keeping your head still. Do this for about a minute with first your dominant, and then your non-dominant hand.
The variation to this exercise involves a pen and a piece of notebook paper. For this version, simply draw the lazy eight, tracking the movement of your hand with your eyes only, keeping your head still. Repeat with your non-dominant hand.
The benefits of doing Lazy Eights are many. Some of which include: improved visual tracking, clearer thinking, improved hand/eye coordination, increased attention span, increased writing flow and speed, improved memory, and as I already mentioned, freeing up writer's block.
BRAIN BUTTONS
Before you sit down to write, prepare your brain for this sometimes psychologically exhausting activity. Stimulating one's "brain buttons" increases blood flow to the brain. This helps improve creativity, helps with reading and writing tasks, and increases concentration.
To stimulate your brain buttons, spread out your hand. Place your middle finger and your thumb in the slight indentations just below your collar bones. Lightly massage this area. At the same time, place your other hand over your navel. Lightly massage this area as well. Do the exercise for about two minutes. Remember to breathe deeply.
So there you have it, some basic integration exercises to help improve the quality of your writing by stimulating creativity. It is my suggestion that you do all the exercises right before you sit down to write. If you are consistent, the integration exercises will act as a sort of trigger, which notifies your brain that you are about ready to get down and get busy. Remember, a busy brain is a creative brain. I also suggest that you "reintegrate" occasionally while you're writing. This keeps the brain active and communicating.
If you have any questions about the information contained in this article, please refer to the book Brain Gym, written by Paul Ehrlich Dennison and Gail E. Dennison, pioneers in Educational Kinesiology or contact me via my website.
Source: Dennison, Paul and Dennison, Gail, Brain Gym, Edu Kinesthetics. 1992.
Ms. McCallan is the author of several articles depicting ways to enhance character development and stimulate creativity in writing. She writes primarily fiction and is a paranormal romance and paranormal thriller novelist. Learn more about her and her other works at: http://www.tlmccallan.com/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Kinesiology-in-Writing-(Stimulating-the-Brain-to-Enhance-Creativity)&id=6579611] Kinesiology in Writing (Stimulating the Brain to Enhance Creativity)
If I were to tell you that writing was a whole brain function, would you agree? At the basic level, most people know that the right hemisphere of the brain handles creativity, while the left hemisphere deals primarily with logic. Therefore, writing is a whole brain function since an author needs both creativity and logic to bring his or her story to life.
I am fortunate enough to have an acquaintance who is a Kinesiologist. In other words, he uses the brain and the body in conjunction with each other to increase the performance level of his clients, most of whom are internationally known open-wheel race car drivers.
So I got to thinking, if educational kinesiology shaves off lap times for a bunch of guys driving around a racetrack at Mach 1, why couldn't that same science be used to stimulate creativity and increase concentration in a writer? Good news. Kinesiology can do just that. Shortly, I will list some of the more common exercises one can do to stimulate concentration and creativity but first, let me explain how it works.
We've already established that the brain has two hemispheres. The right hemisphere controls the left side of the body and the left hemisphere controls the right side of the body. The hemispheres can work independently of one another, in other words, they can work unilaterally. Unfortunately, a person with a brain working in this fashion can have difficulty with whole brain activities such as learning to drive, or sports, or any activity that requires high level processing and multi-tasking.
But let's assume we have a brain that's working correctly. What scientists and researchers have discovered is that if they can stimulate the communication between both hemispheres of the brain via the corpus callosum, which is that bundle of nerve fibers that join the hemispheres, a person will perform a given skill or task at a higher level than if that stimulation hadn't occurred. The process is known as "integration" and it happens by doing some very simple movements commonly called integration exercises.
CROSS-CRAWLS
Let's start with the first, most basic exercise I use to get my brain on track. They're called cross crawls and they are very simple. First, find an open area; you have to be free to move. Begin marching in place. As the left knee comes up, reach across with your right hand (or elbow) and touch it. Do the same with your right knee, touching it with your left hand (or elbow). Continue doing this for about a minute.
What's the science behind this simple exercise? Easy. As soon as you cross the center line of the body and contact your knee, you are forcing the hemispheres of the brain to communicate and work together.
COOK'S HOOK-UP
If you're to a point in your writing where you're frustrated, maybe a scene, or chapter, or a character isn't turning out quite the way you wanted, Cook's Hook-up is your answer. This is a calming exercise as well as a brain integration exercise. Stand (or sit). Cross your right leg over your left. (Spread your feet and look at a point in the distance to help you maintain balance if you are standing). Stretch out your arms in front of you, palms facing each another. Cross your arms. Flip your hands so your palms are once again facing each other. Link your hands. Roll your linked hands towards your chest. Your clasped hands should now be resting on your sternum. Stay in this position for a couple of minutes, breathing deeply. Visualize writing a successful chapter, or developing a character, or whatever you hope to accomplish. This is also an excellent exercise to relieve test anxiety.
LAZY EIGHTS
I don't think there's a writer out there who hasn't, at some time or another, run up against writer's block. Lazy Eights can help overcome it.
Lazy Eights can be done two ways. The first: Hold your dominant hand in front of you about nose height, thumb up. Keep a slight bend in your elbow. Move your thumb in the pattern of an eight on its side (think of the mathematical "infinity" sign). Make the lazy eight no wider than your shoulders. The pace of the movement should be moderately slow. Now track your thumb with your eyes only, keeping your head still. Do this for about a minute with first your dominant, and then your non-dominant hand.
The variation to this exercise involves a pen and a piece of notebook paper. For this version, simply draw the lazy eight, tracking the movement of your hand with your eyes only, keeping your head still. Repeat with your non-dominant hand.
The benefits of doing Lazy Eights are many. Some of which include: improved visual tracking, clearer thinking, improved hand/eye coordination, increased attention span, increased writing flow and speed, improved memory, and as I already mentioned, freeing up writer's block.
BRAIN BUTTONS
Before you sit down to write, prepare your brain for this sometimes psychologically exhausting activity. Stimulating one's "brain buttons" increases blood flow to the brain. This helps improve creativity, helps with reading and writing tasks, and increases concentration.
To stimulate your brain buttons, spread out your hand. Place your middle finger and your thumb in the slight indentations just below your collar bones. Lightly massage this area. At the same time, place your other hand over your navel. Lightly massage this area as well. Do the exercise for about two minutes. Remember to breathe deeply.
So there you have it, some basic integration exercises to help improve the quality of your writing by stimulating creativity. It is my suggestion that you do all the exercises right before you sit down to write. If you are consistent, the integration exercises will act as a sort of trigger, which notifies your brain that you are about ready to get down and get busy. Remember, a busy brain is a creative brain. I also suggest that you "reintegrate" occasionally while you're writing. This keeps the brain active and communicating.
If you have any questions about the information contained in this article, please refer to the book Brain Gym, written by Paul Ehrlich Dennison and Gail E. Dennison, pioneers in Educational Kinesiology or contact me via my website.
Source: Dennison, Paul and Dennison, Gail, Brain Gym, Edu Kinesthetics. 1992.
Ms. McCallan is the author of several articles depicting ways to enhance character development and stimulate creativity in writing. She writes primarily fiction and is a paranormal romance and paranormal thriller novelist. Learn more about her and her other works at: http://www.tlmccallan.com/
Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Kinesiology-in-Writing-(Stimulating-the-Brain-to-Enhance-Creativity)&id=6579611] Kinesiology in Writing (Stimulating the Brain to Enhance Creativity)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)