tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82644762584452834042024-03-17T23:03:41.459-04:00Succeed At Writing"What you believe yourself to be, you are." - Claude M. BristolVicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.comBlogger249125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8264476258445283404.post-26796686259105878862018-02-05T11:21:00.000-05:002018-02-05T11:21:18.705-05:00Writing the Opening of Your Story - the TaDa Moment!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://d1yn1kh78jj1rr.cloudfront.net/image/thumbnail/rDtN98Qoishumwih/what-a-wonderful-beginning_zJ_eqvwu_thumb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="300" src="https://d1yn1kh78jj1rr.cloudfront.net/image/thumbnail/rDtN98Qoishumwih/what-a-wonderful-beginning_zJ_eqvwu_thumb.jpg" /></a></div>
Your story starts with the first chapter.<br />
<br />
I take that back. Your story starts with the first page.<br />
<br />
Oh wait, I mean, your story starts with the first paragraph.<br />
<br />
No, sorry, my mistake. Your story starts with the first sentence.<br />
<br />
The first <b>SENTENCE</b>. Okay, that makes more sense.<br />
<br />
Your first sentence is your "hook" to luring the reader to pause all that they are doing and read your book.<br />
<br />
Your hook from the first sentence widens into the first line, the first paragraph, the first page, and the first chapter. All very important in gaining confidence in your writing and success in ensuring your reader.<br />
<br />
According to Noah Lukeman, in <b><i>The First Five Pages</i></b>, "... the job of the hook is to set the tone for the book..."<br />
<br />
Lukeman cautions that the "Hook" is more than a marketing tool. "It can establish a character, narrator or setting, convey a shocking piece of information."<br />
<br />
Priscilla Long writes in <b><i>The Writer's Portable Mentor</i></b>, "Often a good opening consists of a small sentence that concentrates into its short little self the essence (sometimes the central dramatic conflict) of what follows.<br />
<br />
Long lists various ways to use the first sentence:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Begin with an aphorism.</li>
<li>Ask the central question of the piece.</li>
<li>State directly what the piece is about.</li>
<li>Establish your protagonist's connection to the subject matter at hand.</li>
<li>Begin with a telling anecdote or quote.</li>
<li>Rely on the reliable What? When? Where? Why? Who?</li>
<li>Begin with a good title.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
Long suggests that writers collect openings written by others. Keep a sentence book and collect these passages and study from them, learning from them.<br />
<br />
K. M. Weiland writes in <b><i>Structuring Your Novel: Essential Keys for Writing an Outstanding</i></b><br />
<b><i>Story,</i></b> "The hook comes in many forms, but stripped down to its lowest common denominator, it's nothing more or less than a question. If we can pique our readers' curiosity, we've got 'em. Simple as that."<br />
<br />
Writers want readers to ask, "What's going to happen?" Or, as K.M. Weiland writes, "Readers have to understand enough about the situation to mentally form a specific question. <i>What the heck is going on here?</i> does not qualify as a good opening question."<br />
<br />
Your opening to your story must sell the story. You can have the best darn ending ever written but no one will ever read it if they're not hooked in your opening.<br />
<br />
K.M. Weiland outlines the traits and parts of a good opening:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Don't open before the beginning of the story. Don't dump your backstory in your opening.</li>
<li>Open with characters; preferably the protagonist to connect your character with your reader.</li>
<li>Open with conflict. Without conflict, you have no story.</li>
<li>Open with movement. Keep your characters moving.</li>
<li>Establish the setting to ground your reader in the physicality of the story.</li>
<li>Orient readers with an establishing shot by presenting the setting and characters' positions within it in a sentence or two.</li>
<li>Set the tone the reader to understand what type of story they are reading.</li>
</ul>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Openings give you the best and first
opportunity to make a profound statement about your story. It should include as
many of the following five parts as you can:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Inherent Question</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Character</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Setting</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sweeping Declaration</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tone</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Work on your opening lines. They should
introduce your story’s character, plot, setting, theme and voice and send the
reader on an unforgettable adventure.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">James V. Smith, JR., outlines what a great opener might contain, in <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The
Writer’s Little Helper</i></b>:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">A great first line</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-indent: -0.25in;">Excitement: high action, high drama, high anxiety</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">An intro to the heroic character</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">An intro to the worthy adversary</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Problems that stand in the way of the heroic character achieving a
worthy goal</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Your best writing style, to set the tone and to show you can
write: action, conflict, imagery, dialogue, irony</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">A feel for the story’s setting and atmosphere</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Foreshadowing of things to come</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Above all, a single overwhelming central problem that will only
get worse until it appears incapable of being solved, a problem that will
defeat the heroic character unless she defeats it in the Closer</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A final word of caution from Smith, “Don’t press too hard with
these opening words. Just as in trying to meet someone you admire, it’s
possible to go breathless and appear needy if you try too hard. You’ll be
tempted to overwrite an overwrought opener if you’re not careful. Be cool. Be
natural. No matter how hard you have to work at it, make it look easy.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;">REFERENCES:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Writer's Portable Mentor </span></i></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Priscilla Long<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The First Five Pages </span></i></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Noah Lukeman<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Structuring Your Novel: Essential Keys for Writing an Outstanding
Story</span></i></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> by K. M. Weiland<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Writer’s Little Helper</span></i></b><span style="color: black; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> by James V. Smith, JR.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8264476258445283404.post-64585478615753359222017-03-09T16:48:00.000-05:002017-04-01T20:30:01.687-04:00UPDATED - Life Stories Writing Workshop on April 1. 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKr4UDaG02V_LI_h3bJuxbZHFOOMhnEcPFMZr2XokyniVGqqFomQfxDz8YyAjdzVPvflfIwJlAkGmy1R9UudvoTS0ETYHHAdzJ73uDf8mayxpKEq936nMV_P7qnE_-hkMtpQd4hQrWvGs/s1600/14733315_s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKr4UDaG02V_LI_h3bJuxbZHFOOMhnEcPFMZr2XokyniVGqqFomQfxDz8YyAjdzVPvflfIwJlAkGmy1R9UudvoTS0ETYHHAdzJ73uDf8mayxpKEq936nMV_P7qnE_-hkMtpQd4hQrWvGs/s320/14733315_s.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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For all those who would like to attend, I will be presenting a workshop to the Bloomingdale Writers Connection on April 1, 2017 at the Bloomingdale Library in Valrico, FL.<br />
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The address is 1906 Bloomingdale Ave, Valrico, FL<br />
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2:00 pm - 5:00 pm with a break in between for refreshments<br />
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Please call or email Valerie Perry, to register, there is no cost.<br />
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<a href="mailto:LifeWritersBloom@msn.com">LifeWritersBloom@msn.com</a><br />
813-653-9591<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmh1FsbHCvWLATjTRxEK_omHMeR9No2ILsUND-GdruxZJgTli3cVRA6B69KhDgn3PAai1UlkeB1JfM1M-YhXBjrrz_GEo452oQpy3YURH5xDGtuI5sHIll7Ng6VtbCRAM2p1-wuf6HaAmB/s1600/1497472_10203108107532227_1581668039_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmh1FsbHCvWLATjTRxEK_omHMeR9No2ILsUND-GdruxZJgTli3cVRA6B69KhDgn3PAai1UlkeB1JfM1M-YhXBjrrz_GEo452oQpy3YURH5xDGtuI5sHIll7Ng6VtbCRAM2p1-wuf6HaAmB/s320/1497472_10203108107532227_1581668039_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>The topic is <b>Life Story Writing</b> - Focusing on finding the time and making the commitment to write, tightening your story by finding the right words, learning the life story "formula," and much more. I will include handouts and intersperse the workshop with fun and inspiring writing exercises.<br />
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I will also have my books available for purchase. If you have been looking for a workshop about Life Story Writing, then look no further. This will be fun, interactive, and casual!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDJTwMNB2Eep_oPpGqXIJiYzVPpQddbtlnTIs_HimuVHXTl3plCpAYQmJyFeEZwxYb4hRKYAW0g9MhaC4jq9sDmd1YIWJMmDJwkd7CskOFSrqMy2zi8qslhaqzmkR7cuSHRE4bNmxDvoX/s1600/iwant2inspirepeople.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDJTwMNB2Eep_oPpGqXIJiYzVPpQddbtlnTIs_HimuVHXTl3plCpAYQmJyFeEZwxYb4hRKYAW0g9MhaC4jq9sDmd1YIWJMmDJwkd7CskOFSrqMy2zi8qslhaqzmkR7cuSHRE4bNmxDvoX/s320/iwant2inspirepeople.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-large;">UPDATE</span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9TNAuHhro5KnSlFsEtv691OzfbSHUQD0NR3isw8rPiyOQvhj839BnAZ3ihiQdOBAblkQ5hyCLIZY58xF5Lu6fjx7qaE0-2q9pZJ8BY07lv6vnJ0ck3FfyW9FRmVbWGkdTvIAw4bOxAWJ/s1600/Unknown.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj9TNAuHhro5KnSlFsEtv691OzfbSHUQD0NR3isw8rPiyOQvhj839BnAZ3ihiQdOBAblkQ5hyCLIZY58xF5Lu6fjx7qaE0-2q9pZJ8BY07lv6vnJ0ck3FfyW9FRmVbWGkdTvIAw4bOxAWJ/s320/Unknown.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljkwgqcTg1jpB4FuXAXRAPZuBc4DU3lPS_ie4NO-ocEts8xJliIy4ZVYjBXMWl3d1jAYEDfUxMZCiuvsKAuUWBXTApL6si6OWDHXjlcX5foiETYqZa9F5z9NgpTiFCCnsaBWyxsB3feXS/s1600/thank+you+word+cloud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljkwgqcTg1jpB4FuXAXRAPZuBc4DU3lPS_ie4NO-ocEts8xJliIy4ZVYjBXMWl3d1jAYEDfUxMZCiuvsKAuUWBXTApL6si6OWDHXjlcX5foiETYqZa9F5z9NgpTiFCCnsaBWyxsB3feXS/s1600/thank+you+word+cloud.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_LotxjrftBEllQGPwRyiOMA2jJ3R0Q49MPg_ITd-649JmSN4WloQLAq7CCNkrzcggWfCtnsSMtHFR56uVmfCuAFlsU3595oY2A1qp8ry4kiLrEtz4N4G442TUOITuobozHV6Qlf6bhDjP/s1600/thank+you+smiles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_LotxjrftBEllQGPwRyiOMA2jJ3R0Q49MPg_ITd-649JmSN4WloQLAq7CCNkrzcggWfCtnsSMtHFR56uVmfCuAFlsU3595oY2A1qp8ry4kiLrEtz4N4G442TUOITuobozHV6Qlf6bhDjP/s1600/thank+you+smiles.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What a wonderful welcome I received from the workshop attendees today! Your enthusiasm and participation helped me present a workshop designed especially for you. I rode your energy the entire drive home. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you, Val Perry and the Bloomingdale Writers Connection, for coordinating and organizing the event. Without your support and guidance, I would not have been successful.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">To everyone I spoke to, YOU TRULY MADE MY DAY!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I had the time of my life!</span><br />
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<br />Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8264476258445283404.post-85320621521046754442017-02-15T15:03:00.002-05:002017-02-15T15:03:29.468-05:00All Coaching and Workshops are FREE from NOW ON<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_vnk1WazfKoMccZ81Fwc-0FuYWTxYtj-ucbwnx4Cxloon51-5FMbmBihKMBKL4gc4FbuswWJksyk05Npaf0MX7PEA3atyUHX7grjbXOyQ5RwiSS8ee7gv63-9HpP8tzmyPl8fUbnlSka/s1600/IMG_0171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_vnk1WazfKoMccZ81Fwc-0FuYWTxYtj-ucbwnx4Cxloon51-5FMbmBihKMBKL4gc4FbuswWJksyk05Npaf0MX7PEA3atyUHX7grjbXOyQ5RwiSS8ee7gv63-9HpP8tzmyPl8fUbnlSka/s320/IMG_0171.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I did not come to this decision lightly. I sought advice, both through prayer and Bible Study. I am no longer going to charge for any workshop I present or any writing coach services I am asked to provide. <div>
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I have a great gift to give writers and why should it only be for the writers who can "afford" it? All writers deserve to learn how to hone their writing skills and seek assistance.</div>
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I will serve my God by serving others, and I will help you be the best writer you can be.</div>
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As I continue to update this blog, I will eliminate all reference to costs. Please bear with me. In the meantime, let me know if you would like to talk writing!</div>
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If you desire, I will help you achieve your writing goals!</div>
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Have a blessed day.</div>
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Vicki<br /><div>
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Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8264476258445283404.post-33645510962147455622016-11-16T11:56:00.000-05:002016-11-16T11:56:27.856-05:00Guess Who is Turning 55?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEOnBuCsVgl6sTonmJfM9zt9G8pJrXIfMzNTNx_mKVpkXB7bYeL0zGjv8PqtkVc36p_9wVm0VF4WvE3GLF5voUk75mIe0T92xiJ8KFD-YymGXTqhiuTa0GlDojrqibEY2RZ2cBmie44c/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOEOnBuCsVgl6sTonmJfM9zt9G8pJrXIfMzNTNx_mKVpkXB7bYeL0zGjv8PqtkVc36p_9wVm0VF4WvE3GLF5voUk75mIe0T92xiJ8KFD-YymGXTqhiuTa0GlDojrqibEY2RZ2cBmie44c/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a><b>Remember when ...</b></div>
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The 1961 Favorite TV shows<br />
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<ul>
<li>Hazel</li>
<li>Perry Mason</li>
<li>Candid Camera</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPoII5wgnsliPnQ1tRoLRDbddMyscp6_O2J_5AC513UM8YXZsnfpEV98kyw4izCN3xSFDo0yeZYv4ntqM0E5Fh46agNtJqsemTylaapHeTPeho4T3H_So3jewPQPltl0GABJHej-y1MY/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPoII5wgnsliPnQ1tRoLRDbddMyscp6_O2J_5AC513UM8YXZsnfpEV98kyw4izCN3xSFDo0yeZYv4ntqM0E5Fh46agNtJqsemTylaapHeTPeho4T3H_So3jewPQPltl0GABJHej-y1MY/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqPoII5wgnsliPnQ1tRoLRDbddMyscp6_O2J_5AC513UM8YXZsnfpEV98kyw4izCN3xSFDo0yeZYv4ntqM0E5Fh46agNtJqsemTylaapHeTPeho4T3H_So3jewPQPltl0GABJHej-y1MY/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>
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I<b>n 1961 Sports News</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>World Series Champion - New York Yankees</li>
<li>US Open Golf - Gene Littler</li>
<li>Pro Football Champions - Houston Oilers & Green Bay Packers</li>
<li>Indianapolis 500 Winner - A.J. Foyt / 139.130 mph</li>
<li>Stanley Cup Winner - Chicago Blackhawks</li>
<li>NCAA Basketball Champion - Cincinnati</li>
<li>College Football Champions - Alabama & Ohio St</li>
<li>Heisman Trophy Winner - Ernie Davis from Syracuse</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZLXlhZ1Pv7_W8fEDz_KcjwTi8_yp95Ke-j-oo7YW-B9sg68luOXuSALvicAD5Gmdp2Wc8YGPae2CESW8JUcqaetB-rMSjc8-JkCmhr5Bl7ecgG2BgLEKKrc3ZN_cWoR0PReRRHddeMQ/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCZLXlhZ1Pv7_W8fEDz_KcjwTi8_yp95Ke-j-oo7YW-B9sg68luOXuSALvicAD5Gmdp2Wc8YGPae2CESW8JUcqaetB-rMSjc8-JkCmhr5Bl7ecgG2BgLEKKrc3ZN_cWoR0PReRRHddeMQ/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a><b></b><br />
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<b>1961 Interesting Facts</b><br />
President of United States - John F Kennedy<br />
Vice President - Lyndon Johnson<br />
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Pulitzer Prize Winner - Harper Lee <i>To Kill a Mockingbird</i><br />
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Miss America - Nancy Fleming from Montague, MI<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMs3OvtgsxErOMCY3tVJVMHR6cTLUbp1EHRhyphenhyphenSPxaP-prVW4ql02U5Lb09L-VrcBcs3Se3yAzxqzAlOL-8jf4Wwr_ZKa3f-bmJFs_mkZbJTdMbGpxyYHlsjVGWwdeL3XdxfgxWit6ZoHc/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMs3OvtgsxErOMCY3tVJVMHR6cTLUbp1EHRhyphenhyphenSPxaP-prVW4ql02U5Lb09L-VrcBcs3Se3yAzxqzAlOL-8jf4Wwr_ZKa3f-bmJFs_mkZbJTdMbGpxyYHlsjVGWwdeL3XdxfgxWit6ZoHc/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAiKSonypGAzXS_hrEIvQNANh73mM0nanDuJ0v2W6Gg-wP3dm8gSnrudv2tYpkFj3bfxHRGU0FoJ_dgF3zpSs2oiYWAgmKOjJnbJlSiUHAK5NjtNlba4t8115AWx7Nib7c95ya3ODjDgI/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAiKSonypGAzXS_hrEIvQNANh73mM0nanDuJ0v2W6Gg-wP3dm8gSnrudv2tYpkFj3bfxHRGU0FoJ_dgF3zpSs2oiYWAgmKOjJnbJlSiUHAK5NjtNlba4t8115AWx7Nib7c95ya3ODjDgI/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a><br />
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A chimp named Enos became the first non-human primate sent into orbit by the US<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNsvfEo_2PSFOXzxZBT9KBCMQQBnegoVfz6gSq-Yk5j3dVLcvr94FLOa_ScJn5lT7NZdRquQUIDXZeVyXVN-8l7Utm-YiywzX4hEIReyZgqCu63hXezoHwEbe4O307cpPHGLTKE64zS0/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwNsvfEo_2PSFOXzxZBT9KBCMQQBnegoVfz6gSq-Yk5j3dVLcvr94FLOa_ScJn5lT7NZdRquQUIDXZeVyXVN-8l7Utm-YiywzX4hEIReyZgqCu63hXezoHwEbe4O307cpPHGLTKE64zS0/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>1961 Cost of Living</b><br />
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New House ..... $12,550.00<br />
Average Income ..... $5,315.00<br />
New Car ..... $2,849.00<br />
Average Rent ..... $110.00 / month<br />
Harvard University Tuition ..... $1,250.00 / year<br />
Movie Ticket ..... $1.00<br />
Gasoline ..... $0.27 / gallon<br />
US Postage Stamp ..... $0.04<br />
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Food<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5yXIjJOqlbnf9V2MfVJF2czbGwgf0AU0XHGaajPZNqjOPjrwEH-xQ8gfTHrckjuhJGKdrSoLYNa5BfrayS_2UkMMgo7PFL3fw8aTN7kGNpt1xU6NFWwsHtxv1jJQykVeaI33Em4I0RQ/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi5yXIjJOqlbnf9V2MfVJF2czbGwgf0AU0XHGaajPZNqjOPjrwEH-xQ8gfTHrckjuhJGKdrSoLYNa5BfrayS_2UkMMgo7PFL3fw8aTN7kGNpt1xU6NFWwsHtxv1jJQykVeaI33Em4I0RQ/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a><br />
Granulated Sugar ..... $0.89 / 10 pounds<br />
Vitamin D Milk ..... $1.05 / gallon<br />
Ground Coffee ..... $0.85 / pound<br />
Bacon ..... $0.67 / pound<br />
Eggs ..... $0.30 / dozen<br />
Fresh Ground Hamburger ..... $0.40 / pound<br />
Fresh Baked Bread ..... $0.21 / loaf<br />
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<b>1961 Favorite Music & Movies</b><br />
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<u>Music</u><br />
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Big Bad John - Jimmy Dean<br />
Blue Moon - The Marcels<br />
Runaround Sue - Dion<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Y9Y4W25ltWvO3NQkdVbN4UcM5ksf622v5dIGDR9P1an_8BGTCmrb0KA1rWDVaiTK1JeJBk3sLPRK9Z5GCGeBvQ1BnUakoQ_ikfjjh1aNeTUo1H7mRZz9LJbYFk9WE6H3WmoBi58pwtA/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Y9Y4W25ltWvO3NQkdVbN4UcM5ksf622v5dIGDR9P1an_8BGTCmrb0KA1rWDVaiTK1JeJBk3sLPRK9Z5GCGeBvQ1BnUakoQ_ikfjjh1aNeTUo1H7mRZz9LJbYFk9WE6H3WmoBi58pwtA/s1600/images.jpg" /></a>Runaway - Del Shannon<br />
Mother-in-Law - Ernie K-Doe<br />
Please Mr Postman - The Marvelettes<br />
Hit the Road Jack - Ray Charles<br />
The Lion Sleeps Tonight - The Tokens<br />
Tossin' and Turnin' - Bobby Lewis<br />
Travelin' Man - Ricky Nelson<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyWz5K2HucZ_3TWmckE3RkbVsskg1XsFZ8CTBhyfnSCifM6ccfsW4gumQvjdTTVhGo0QBPfDyvLg2SpwvE-82rvSUVCDjD-_N1WePNdim8vttMSZiBbXrZgnlW3RgoKKWVv0_jN7Lyb0/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyWz5K2HucZ_3TWmckE3RkbVsskg1XsFZ8CTBhyfnSCifM6ccfsW4gumQvjdTTVhGo0QBPfDyvLg2SpwvE-82rvSUVCDjD-_N1WePNdim8vttMSZiBbXrZgnlW3RgoKKWVv0_jN7Lyb0/s1600/images.jpeg" /></a></div>
Movies<br />
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West Side Story<br />
Breakfast at Tiffany's<br />
One Hundred and One Dalmatians<br />
The Parent Trap<br />
The Hustler<br />
The Guns of Navarone<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78MrCSyis0c9FHq0ogGcI369MpLmRXTMqnBG55604fpCtlZL_Be5XsY-0iG-78cFq1HLXpF4dXVNtDsETs6eOw6s2-mUFtK3YGvI-wcgJYHPvCR9_9XGd3Qj6ZSDhFZhZCzhfywzIWj0/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi78MrCSyis0c9FHq0ogGcI369MpLmRXTMqnBG55604fpCtlZL_Be5XsY-0iG-78cFq1HLXpF4dXVNtDsETs6eOw6s2-mUFtK3YGvI-wcgJYHPvCR9_9XGd3Qj6ZSDhFZhZCzhfywzIWj0/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">Uh, if you haven't figured it out by now, IT IS MY 55TH BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!</span></div>
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Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8264476258445283404.post-29878900698698853912016-10-11T10:04:00.001-04:002016-10-11T10:22:33.263-04:00Coming Soon - New Chat Opportunity to Learn from Your Writing Coach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIypGSe-71c9vRB_DxaCYywxK6u7luNJ9FPcCZuRolE9iUFAA2fzFGYxzMSERsruX475JlLpIrrGzaDwHqMt4-Ct4Vd7f5bt_a57bfpuMEbUJk8j3XRxMzcMxKLLCe4_Pzu8Ia0tuMe8fF/s1600/home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIypGSe-71c9vRB_DxaCYywxK6u7luNJ9FPcCZuRolE9iUFAA2fzFGYxzMSERsruX475JlLpIrrGzaDwHqMt4-Ct4Vd7f5bt_a57bfpuMEbUJk8j3XRxMzcMxKLLCe4_Pzu8Ia0tuMe8fF/s320/home.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica";"><span style="font-size: 12px;"> </span></span><a href="http://carrot.fm/" style="font-family: inherit;">Carrot.fm</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, a new connection application, is going to be launching an app soon that enables clients to get advice via video chat with qualified, carefully selected Authors. I am signing up so that you can have the opportunity to chat LIVE with me and ask me questions about writing tips or specific writing issues you may be experiencing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>Carrot's goals:</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Enjoy a seamless experience</span></span></h1>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We built Carrot to get people video-chatting in 10 seconds</span></span></div>
<ul style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sign-up quickly and with no hassle.</span></span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Browse experts on Carrot or invite anyone to easily join.</span></span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pay per minute, simply and transparently.</span></span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Video chat anyone in your social networks.</span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Experts and influencers</span></span></div>
<ul style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0px;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Set your rate easily and withdraw funds at ease.</span></span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Direct people to video chat you on Carrot by word of mouth.</span></span></li>
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Get targeted traffic courtesy of Carrot.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The <a href="https://youtu.be/hIDs8VfRK5o" target="_blank">video link</a> gives a quick overview of the purpose of Carrot.fm and how you can join. You can also join by clicking my <a href="http://www.carrot.fm/?email=fanmail%40vickimtaylor.com&kid=BW4TS" target="_blank">link "join me" below.</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As soon as the application launches, we can be chatting "just like that!"</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.carrot.fm/?email=fanmail%40vickimtaylor.com&kid=BW4TS">Join me at Carrot.fm</a>Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8264476258445283404.post-11000810138902290912016-09-28T01:00:00.000-04:002016-09-28T01:00:16.667-04:00First Drafts - You Have to Start Somewhere<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPO1LMaQfnwxeJGZwayy8U9UN8WAwbs_1hZKkPWSd_bz02cUUc9eCG5OHWcIKlSw4ohGsBu9dldTUJS8iuSC7A_WvraMg4ot189OAPtwdvjyn1iAtKv1Oo7YRRXQN7EZ-39Nzy9_meVdRM/s1600/firstdraftpiechartreality.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPO1LMaQfnwxeJGZwayy8U9UN8WAwbs_1hZKkPWSd_bz02cUUc9eCG5OHWcIKlSw4ohGsBu9dldTUJS8iuSC7A_WvraMg4ot189OAPtwdvjyn1iAtKv1Oo7YRRXQN7EZ-39Nzy9_meVdRM/s320/firstdraftpiechartreality.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>
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We all want to write a book, that's why we feed the passion inside of us. But, how many of you have started writing a book, then put it away and started another and then another? Many writers have a "stop, start, stop, start" mentality about their writing. Every time an idea about another book comes into their head, they stop the book they are currently writing and start on the new idea. Then, another idea sweeps into their mind, so they stop their current book again, and start on another new book, again.</div>
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That type of writing can be exhausting and infuriating. I can tell you how I handle the numerous ideas that flit in and out of my head every day. Whether they be dreams, articles, words, newspaper articles, overhead conversations (yes, we all do it) or that "must write" book of your passion.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCqpOfAiP0wA1RmM6DA_bs4cwQR-y4kEsMLHnZLrv3s-bfRi6yTRkOjLg4VFc3x7IJAtXpDal2x0D8aIb7ge-1NeUA7OQkUowfahtIMBpeylDpTkXkcn8M7qYq0tPzodtunxjCeAxwsmIA/s1600/iamawriterliveinfantasyworld.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCqpOfAiP0wA1RmM6DA_bs4cwQR-y4kEsMLHnZLrv3s-bfRi6yTRkOjLg4VFc3x7IJAtXpDal2x0D8aIb7ge-1NeUA7OQkUowfahtIMBpeylDpTkXkcn8M7qYq0tPzodtunxjCeAxwsmIA/s320/iamawriterliveinfantasyworld.jpg" width="320" /></a>I keep binders with plastic inserts so I can put the things that inspire me about a topic or idea. I write a few words or a sentence or two to help me remember why I was so inspired and put that in with the other items. Then, I close the binder and go back to the current book I'm writing. </div>
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How many binders do I currently have on my shelf? Four 4-inch binders. Packed so full, they are overflowing. </div>
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I know. </div>
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I get a lot of ideas. </div>
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So, now that I went off on that little tangent, let's get back to first drafts. Be truthful, how many first drafts of articles, blog posts, or books do you have cluttering up your desk, computer, head?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_siUEL89iBdJd96r-KEVJ1fC0Z3m5Piu5IgsaF5vv0C32Md_MOSAiRqeR26icw7qXYYV9bSe4-XG9tw80-xBGlVCYvoj3xWYE03iLKRzPGQloaWZGgVuKe1qMnAgZf-KlXGA3koT2w9b/s1600/firstdraftsr4learningrevisionworkswquisitepleasuresofwriting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_siUEL89iBdJd96r-KEVJ1fC0Z3m5Piu5IgsaF5vv0C32Md_MOSAiRqeR26icw7qXYYV9bSe4-XG9tw80-xBGlVCYvoj3xWYE03iLKRzPGQloaWZGgVuKe1qMnAgZf-KlXGA3koT2w9b/s320/firstdraftsr4learningrevisionworkswquisitepleasuresofwriting.jpg" width="309" /></a></div>
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Bernard Malamud gives us a great quote about the purpose of first drafts. </div>
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Do you consider this true about your first drafts?</div>
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Do you treat your first draft as something that must be written and finished, editing comes later?</div>
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Why or why not?</div>
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If you edit as you write, will you ever truly finish your book?</div>
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For some writers, editing can take a lot of time. Why? For a variety of reasons:</div>
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<li>They expect their editing to make their writing perfect.</li>
<li>They think they are the only writers who can truly appreciate their words and the only ones who can edit appropriately.</li>
<li>Editing is "rewriting" and for some writers that could mean a whole "new" book!</li>
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BuzzFeed posted a great article of 27 famous writers giving writing/editing advice.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/ellievhall/27-pieces-of-advice-for-writers-from-famous-authors?utm_term=.qhv56OnjN&sub=2121749_1032648" target="_blank">27 Pieces Of Advice For Writers From Famous Authors</a></span></h1>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="color: #333333;">Celebrated authors, editors and illustrators write advice to young writers on their hands for “</span><a href="http://www.wofford.edu/sharedworlds/default.aspx" style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #0077ee; text-decoration: none;">Shared Worlds</a><span style="color: #333333;">,” a two-week creative writing summer camp at Wofford College.</span> </i></span></div>
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The article is unusual because each author wrote their advice on their hand. </div>
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Another blog post I found extremely helpful comes from YA Science Fiction author, Beth Revis.</div>
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<a href="http://bethrevis.blogspot.com/2012/08/writing-wednesday-master-post.html#.UMAaQb-3zfI.pinterest" target="_blank">The Master List of Writing Tips</a></div>
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I like her website and blog so much, I'm adding it to my <b>Recommended Links</b>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_u8CeMcqdmjkRAjEUBmGUDwQKsecBDxneaJ51FIqQFB_DALleirKYqC4EvmAynaeQSGFvBDpkckBmyqhXjK8JZAw19ggOEwPQYWrSDpypGZBwW_U9fDxAPhJw5ennakYLMvIvvIio6omj/s1600/firstdraftsdonthavetobeperfect.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_u8CeMcqdmjkRAjEUBmGUDwQKsecBDxneaJ51FIqQFB_DALleirKYqC4EvmAynaeQSGFvBDpkckBmyqhXjK8JZAw19ggOEwPQYWrSDpypGZBwW_U9fDxAPhJw5ennakYLMvIvvIio6omj/s200/firstdraftsdonthavetobeperfect.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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This button image gives you the greatest advice about First Drafts.</div>
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Don't you think? </div>
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<b>Important tip to know: </b>A book cannot be properly edited until the first draft is written. I know that there are a lot of authors/writers out there who will disagree with me, as they write and edit as they go. But, honestly, can you really focus on the story you are writing and making sure there is consistent continuity if you are always changing something?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NHYBUeg7-MlDuCXt9z63jLX2-Muu025wgiokAg6FF_UBCell7jtmQYLSdND8iiySMTih_449fTUrtfRqdlCTdGK7ZJMuwCo-pLZKalwQ4k-XTNuL2qLS6qFX2LDMrUuLiCL7roLlDaYC/s1600/novelfirstdraftgrumpythatcharactersveeredoffoutline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NHYBUeg7-MlDuCXt9z63jLX2-Muu025wgiokAg6FF_UBCell7jtmQYLSdND8iiySMTih_449fTUrtfRqdlCTdGK7ZJMuwCo-pLZKalwQ4k-XTNuL2qLS6qFX2LDMrUuLiCL7roLlDaYC/s320/novelfirstdraftgrumpythatcharactersveeredoffoutline.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Don't let this happen to you.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Writing and editing is a slippery slope. Your characters are already trying to write the story the way they think it should be written. If you aren't paying attention, they will run off and either change the outline of the book, or disappear all together. They may even band together and attempt to fight you.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGIpRqfBzzaJhhr2fuybNa7ZIQQ36CagW86h1SYWsoBvlhVehszIr5oRWCFg-O-BM7Vq2paC2P85PdAi8nMGbzlLkXW6Vvf0TQsoImT2AK44ccdJEO2Nvwm23fFHVpJx0PWbHCTvAGHEh/s1600/d2a48b4999a3705489b4f6b64faa1b29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGIpRqfBzzaJhhr2fuybNa7ZIQQ36CagW86h1SYWsoBvlhVehszIr5oRWCFg-O-BM7Vq2paC2P85PdAi8nMGbzlLkXW6Vvf0TQsoImT2AK44ccdJEO2Nvwm23fFHVpJx0PWbHCTvAGHEh/s320/d2a48b4999a3705489b4f6b64faa1b29.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Yes, I do believe my characters have life. My characters talk to me all the time. While I'm writing, after I've written, and before I've started the next book. Get to know your characters. Inside and out. Once you know them intimately, you'll be able to write their story.</span></div>
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Once you've discovered all of your characters' stories, only then than you let go of the control you hold over them and they will be able to tell their own story.<br />
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In conclusion, I'll let Nora Roberts have the last word.<br />
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Happy Writing,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE5lz_DVOdJ4UghqKB4WLxKVZGC951fiTz2Ym-0IGB94hH-bV1e04iw5qYxisfap8lRvdW4AB7PIhm_f-3Pv46BsvG-1MOb5KI0M1cC_qu1nmdHh3LLdBTsjEa_QNUXm56jOKvagSOzacB/s1600/yourwritingcoach-sig2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE5lz_DVOdJ4UghqKB4WLxKVZGC951fiTz2Ym-0IGB94hH-bV1e04iw5qYxisfap8lRvdW4AB7PIhm_f-3Pv46BsvG-1MOb5KI0M1cC_qu1nmdHh3LLdBTsjEa_QNUXm56jOKvagSOzacB/s1600/yourwritingcoach-sig2.png" /></a><br />
<br />Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8264476258445283404.post-41336867771797316632016-08-30T12:43:00.004-04:002016-09-07T11:59:28.756-04:00August Writing Challenges: Day 30 - My Sincerest Apologies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had full intentions to complete this challenge, unfortunately I was challenged as well, physically and emotionally. I ended up with a Fibromyalgia flare up, migraine headaches, and some household chores that required my attention. I don't remember if I told you or not, but we moved in our new home at the end of March, 2016. We moved to Spring Hill from Tampa. There are still boxes to be emptied all around the house. Window treatments to be hung. We have windows with arches above them. Very difficult to measure and find something that works.<br />
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I do have the guest room finished, or as close to finished as I'm going to get right now. I'm also working on the backyard, creating flower beds and gardens. My favorite garden I'm working on is the Fairy Garden, which will provide me with a Spiritual Space, calming space, and a place to meditate. You can see more at <a href="http://www.myfairyspritualspace.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Vicki's Fairy Garden and Spiritual Space</a><br />
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Soon, I'll provide pictures of what I have finished now. As of the moment, I'm unable to move as I worked to hard over the weekend and today to get all the plants potted in the ground that were becoming an emergency.<br />
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I've also been collecting things around the house and outdoors to create accessories for the Fairy Garden, including Fairy Houses.<br />
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It's a fun diversion. My husband thinks it's an obsession.<br />
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And, to top it off, it was my dog's 13th birthday on the 28th. We go all out on our pets' birthdays - carrot cake slice for Jack, new toys for Bailey, toys, party hats, the whole she-bang!<br />
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So, what I'm going I'm going to do, is give you a list of books that will provide you with challenges, writing prompts, exercises and overall help with your writing.<br />
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If you require help or have a question, please don't hesitate to contact me.<br />
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And for the heck of it, a friend sent this image I used at the top, and I thought it would bring a smile to your face.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Books that can help you increase your writing skills with exercises and writing prompts:</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">(Some are embedded and available as a download straight from their cover image)</span></b><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="550" src="https://read.amazon.com/kp/card?asin=B0031W1E4U&asin=B0031W1E4U&preview=inline&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_pJAXxb69D5E1C" style="max-width: 100%;" type="text/html" width="336"></iframe><br />
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<b><i>Write Starts</i></b><br />
Hal Zina Bennett<br />
Paperback<br />
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<b><i>The Writer's Little Helper</i></b><br />
James V. Smith Jr.<br />
paperback<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="550" src="https://read.amazon.com/kp/card?asin=B000SEIW9E&asin=B000SEIW9E&preview=inline&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_-QAXxbD9G3WDP" style="max-width: 100%;" type="text/html" width="336"></iframe>
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<b><i>Writing Tools</i></b><br />
Roy Peter Clark<br />
paperback<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="550" src="https://read.amazon.com/kp/card?asin=B002IEUUUG&asin=B002IEUUUG&preview=inline&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_w2AXxbETCQ0BF" style="max-width: 100%;" type="text/html" width="336"></iframe>
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<b><i>Now Write!</i></b><br />
Edited by: Sherry Ellis<br />
paperback<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="550" src="https://read.amazon.com/kp/card?asin=B01D8FKYX6&asin=B01D8FKYX6&preview=inline&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_p4AXxbEG4YEB5" style="max-width: 100%;" type="text/html" width="336"></iframe><br />
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<b><i>A Writer's Workbook</i></b><br />
Caroline Sharp<br />
paperback<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="550" src="https://read.amazon.com/kp/card?asin=B0075T2T08&asin=B0075T2T08&preview=inline&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_Q5AXxb86M7A48" style="max-width: 100%;" type="text/html" width="336"></iframe><br />
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<b><i>101 Creative Writing Exercises</i></b><br />
Melissa Donovan<br />
paperback<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQyexfn_42CVz6CYM9JUjItpC6Dit0_sBlpaddIzBfUsTXB6N8WsTsHu5yDBfC5CGAcTNUHy8AVdsIEqpf8xm_iSG2kTy-cyiOvbCwrcrsTYVu5Mho-tcruI02_JeXrmI5FbORON84Mv3/s1600/take+ten+for+writers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiQyexfn_42CVz6CYM9JUjItpC6Dit0_sBlpaddIzBfUsTXB6N8WsTsHu5yDBfC5CGAcTNUHy8AVdsIEqpf8xm_iSG2kTy-cyiOvbCwrcrsTYVu5Mho-tcruI02_JeXrmI5FbORON84Mv3/s320/take+ten+for+writers.jpg" width="235" /></a></div>
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<b><i>Take Ten for Writers</i></b><br />
Bonnie Neubauer<br />
paperback<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7eixG8UxxEnz-ZlAGz0dFTYZZJSgnfgKkLSvlauHpF3owJ2BcHj6tSKOpf9Plihu4trRIQfNkQNnpvHodp2Wr82DYRp0Ih6jcP9-5A4Ywjxu7ZvBrojPqHHWk6_iDxVTFWA7z48ncsNT/s1600/712+more+things+to+write+about.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7eixG8UxxEnz-ZlAGz0dFTYZZJSgnfgKkLSvlauHpF3owJ2BcHj6tSKOpf9Plihu4trRIQfNkQNnpvHodp2Wr82DYRp0Ih6jcP9-5A4Ywjxu7ZvBrojPqHHWk6_iDxVTFWA7z48ncsNT/s320/712+more+things+to+write+about.jpg" width="264" /></a></div>
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<b><i>712 More Things to Write About</i></b><br />
San Francisco Writers' Grotto<br />
paperback<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="550" src="https://read.amazon.com/kp/card?asin=B0044DEL7C&asin=B0044DEL7C&preview=inline&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_feBXxbY30PNCR" style="max-width: 100%;" type="text/html" width="336"></iframe>
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<b><i>1,000 Writing Prompts</i></b><br />
Bryan Cohen<br />
paperback<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFDGTmHLnUvG2LiktiSbMjslbzfxqWW-N470Lqa-rpYl1ajThZW1ndUwV6_aE1MDUYmxemfa7SWm0msBXiLYPkilbKoPt1V-nix-kjCsLzlq99_YNceyMrIvmFT7HSPEBCdC_S0-9N4ikP/s1600/501+Writing+Prompts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFDGTmHLnUvG2LiktiSbMjslbzfxqWW-N470Lqa-rpYl1ajThZW1ndUwV6_aE1MDUYmxemfa7SWm0msBXiLYPkilbKoPt1V-nix-kjCsLzlq99_YNceyMrIvmFT7HSPEBCdC_S0-9N4ikP/s320/501+Writing+Prompts.jpg" width="219" /></a></div>
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<b><i>501 Writing Prompts</i></b><br />
Learning Express<br />
paperback<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="550" src="https://read.amazon.com/kp/card?asin=B016R5CIJ2&asin=B016R5CIJ2&preview=inline&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_jGAXxbXF4FF0B" style="max-width: 100%;" type="text/html" width="336"></iframe><br />
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<b><i>60 Creative Writing Prompts and and Plots</i></b><br />
Ganga Bharani Vasudevan<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="550" src="https://read.amazon.com/kp/card?asin=B00ZAYEV2E&asin=B00ZAYEV2E&preview=inline&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_UlBXxbE43KQNM" style="max-width: 100%;" type="text/html" width="336"></iframe>
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<b><i>510 Creative Writing Prompts</i></b><br />
Jonathan Wright<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="550" src="https://read.amazon.com/kp/card?asin=B015GTA1HQ&asin=B015GTA1HQ&preview=inline&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_1pBXxbR54ZBVA" style="max-width: 100%;" type="text/html" width="336"></iframe>
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<b><i>A Year of Creative Writing Prompts</i></b><br />
The Love in Ink Team<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="550" src="https://read.amazon.com/kp/card?asin=B00OZJZGSI&asin=B00OZJZGSI&preview=inline&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_NvBXxbY79X3XS" style="max-width: 100%;" type="text/html" width="336"></iframe><br />
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<b><i>Writing Prompts: 150 Ideas to Help</i></b><br />
James Maschia<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="550" src="https://read.amazon.com/kp/card?asin=B005GVZFTO&asin=B005GVZFTO&preview=inline&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_RxBXxbQ6GR41G" style="max-width: 100%;" type="text/html" width="336"></iframe>
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<b><i>Creative Exercises to Inspire</i></b><br />
Heidi Angell<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="550" src="https://read.amazon.com/kp/card?asin=B00KPIDW7K&asin=B00KPIDW7K&preview=inline&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_FzBXxbWJV5620" style="max-width: 100%;" type="text/html" width="336"></iframe><br />
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<b><i>Fiction Writing Prompts</i></b><br />
Patti Stafford<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="550" src="https://read.amazon.com/kp/card?asin=B009GLMF7U&asin=B009GLMF7U&preview=inline&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_ABBXxb6808M44" style="max-width: 100%;" type="text/html" width="336"></iframe><br />
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<b><i>Four Seasons of Creative Writing</i></b><br />
Bryan Cohen<br />
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I've given you some great resources to help you get started with creative writing prompts.<br />
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If you have any other questions, please let me know. If you'd like to suggest a book to add to the list, I'd appreciate that very much.<br />
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<br />Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8264476258445283404.post-19651790240506664942016-08-24T01:00:00.000-04:002016-08-24T01:00:22.409-04:00August Writing Challenges: Day 24 - Depression & Doppelgänger<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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August. The summer is nearly over. Kids are going back to school. You now have some time on your hands. Okay, you still have a list of chores a mile long, but let's put writing at the top of the priority list, okay?<br />
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I am going to challenge you with a writing prompt every day this month. Are you up for it? I hope so.<br />
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The writing challenges will be about a variety of topics and hopefully cause you to dig into your writing toolbox to complete with emotional skill.<br />
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Watch out, I just might throw in a fun one, well, just for fun!<br />
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For the twenty-fourth challenge we're going to discuss your goals to success.<br />
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<b>Here is your challenge:</b><br />
<b><i>You are a depressed person. You are tired with life, you are tired of the disappointment and loneliness. One night, you contemplate suicide. Before you can pull the trigger of your firearm, you are confronted by your doppelganger. The doppelganger says, “We need to talk. It is urgent.”</i></b><br />
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This is a very interesting prompt. For those who have ever been this depressed, they will understand the emotional and mental effects on their mind and be able to write a thoroughly expressive piece.<br />
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For others, you may have to do some research about depression and suicide to get the right attitudes and background to help you write.<br />
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I hope that if anyone has ever been this depressed, they seek help immediately. Go to your nearest ER and let them know what you are feeling.<br />
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If this prompt is too much and you experience triggers that cause anxiety, depressive, or panic episodes, please do not complete this writing exercise.<br />
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Proceed slowly.<br />
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Wright, Jonathan (2015-06-17). 510 Creative Writing Prompts: For Aspiring and Experienced Writers (Bundle) (p. 49). . Kindle Edition. </div>
Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8264476258445283404.post-2514820271869588442016-08-23T01:00:00.000-04:002016-08-23T01:00:27.095-04:00August Writing Challenges: Day 23 - Embarrassing Secret<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSN4BPRifGACLhwVOqaSskJKTBtZ76TC_IVbv95_WmPp-Fc0DKIFQIAY2f77rsInfzI0ShhQHkhdjC9lIdm4ydKCXhDV22JzK7CecFcPTQaO1U4iN4_9l8xkHwzw6VU9_nDN5KNfhNfmai/s1600/fiction+writing+word+cloud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSN4BPRifGACLhwVOqaSskJKTBtZ76TC_IVbv95_WmPp-Fc0DKIFQIAY2f77rsInfzI0ShhQHkhdjC9lIdm4ydKCXhDV22JzK7CecFcPTQaO1U4iN4_9l8xkHwzw6VU9_nDN5KNfhNfmai/s320/fiction+writing+word+cloud.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
August. The summer is nearly over. Kids are going back to school. You now have some time on your hands. Okay, you still have a list of chores a mile long, but let's put writing at the top of the priority list, okay?<br />
<br />
I am going to challenge you with a writing prompt every day this month. Are you up for it? I hope so.<br />
<br />
The writing challenges will be about a variety of topics and hopefully cause you to dig into your writing toolbox to complete with emotional skill.<br />
<br />
Watch out, I just might throw in a fun one, well, just for fun!<br />
<br />
For the twenty-third challenge we're going to discuss your goals to success.<br />
<div>
<br />
<b>Here is your challenge:</b><br />
<b><i>You have an embarrassing secret: you can't swallow pills. Therefore, you prefer a liquid medicine. When you visit the doctor due to illness, he hands you a cup full of pills. You asks if he has it in liquid form and he sternly says, “No. Swallow the pills.” Sweat starts spurting from your face like a garden sprinkler, especially when the cute nurse enters the room... What do you do?</i></b><br />
<br />
This is not an uncommon issue. Many people cannot swallow pills at all, while others can take a handful and toss them in their mouth, drink a swallow of water, and easy peasy, done.<br />
<br />
My husband used to be unable to swallow pills. At all. We got liquid medicines when we could. However, I resorted to purchasing a throat spray that helped the pills slide down. My husband even found that a problem.<br />
<br />
So, we talked about the mental and emotional issues tied to the inability to swallow pills. Once he opened up, eventually, with some guidance, he can now take pills, even more than one at a time, by tossing them to the back of his throat and drink a good amount of water.<br />
<br />
So, if this is an embarrassing secret you've been hiding, or you know someone who is, know that it can be overcome.<br />
<br />
Let's get writing.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Wright, Jonathan (2015-06-17). 510 Creative Writing Prompts: For Aspiring and Experienced Writers (Bundle) (p. 21). . Kindle Edition.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8264476258445283404.post-22970795971065354582016-08-22T01:00:00.000-04:002016-08-22T01:00:14.032-04:00August Writing Challenges: Day 22 - Gardening<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjea-rXZkWJkhTjRPao-ua66liZwY7ru7u0QtqdlHO5vOssGjZIPZoJJ7FREXqhcrPLIsFSiS8JCAj7Q7T8BsLtOLscGkl-fodQH7-AmGg0y4NAxZG0A8rkHKnT0x2xp4SDp_6awqaZK5tO/s1600/fiction+writing+word+cloud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjea-rXZkWJkhTjRPao-ua66liZwY7ru7u0QtqdlHO5vOssGjZIPZoJJ7FREXqhcrPLIsFSiS8JCAj7Q7T8BsLtOLscGkl-fodQH7-AmGg0y4NAxZG0A8rkHKnT0x2xp4SDp_6awqaZK5tO/s320/fiction+writing+word+cloud.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
August. The summer is nearly over. Kids are going back to school. You now have some time on your hands. Okay, you still have a list of chores a mile long, but let's put writing at the top of the priority list, okay?<br />
<br />
I am going to challenge you with a writing prompt every day this month. Are you up for it? I hope so.<br />
<br />
The writing challenges will be about a variety of topics and hopefully cause you to dig into your writing toolbox to complete with emotional skill.<br />
<br />
Watch out, I just might throw in a fun one, well, just for fun!<br />
<br />
For the twenty-second challenge we're going to discuss gardening and how it relates to other aspects of our life.<br />
<div>
<br />
Recently, we moved to a new community with an acre of property. I'm planting various flowers, shrubs, vines, and herbs as well as creating a fairy garden. Each flower bed will be connected to the other by paths of pine mulch. The central garden is my Zen garden. It has a "round-a-bout" made out of the pine mulch breaking off to different plant beds.<br />
<br />
I thought today's challenge would be an interesting twist on gardening.<br />
<br />
<b>Here is your challenge:</b><br />
<b><i>Certain plants like yarrow flowers, Russian sage, and frostweed, thrive with low amounts of water and might actually die with too much. What does it mean to have too much of a good thing? Has that ever happened to you? If so, explain what occurred, and if not, what might you overindulge in and why?</i></b><b><i><br /></i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>How can you connect plants that die if they have too much water to over-indulging with something in your life?</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>Write as much as you can for about fifteen minutes. Don't edit, don't think, just write.</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>I wonder what you found out about yourself?</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Excerpt From: Bryan Cohen. “Four Seasons of Creative Writing.” iBooks.<br />
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<br /></div>
Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8264476258445283404.post-47449632573435699762016-08-21T01:00:00.000-04:002016-08-21T01:00:19.379-04:00August Writing Challenges: Day 21 - Writing a CritiqueAugust. The summer is nearly over. Kids are going back to school. You now have some time on your hands. Okay, you still have a list of chores a mile long, but let's put writing at the top of the priority list, okay?<br />
<br />
I am going to challenge you with a writing prompt every day this month. Are you up for it? I hope so.<br />
<br />
The writing challenges will be about a variety of topics and hopefully cause you to dig into your writing toolbox to complete with emotional skill.<br />
<br />
Watch out, I just might throw in a fun one, well, just for fun!<br />
<br />
For the twenty-first challenge we're going to turn the tables and you are going to write a critique.<br />
<div>
<br />
Critiques are similar to reviews except they address a writer rather than a potential audience; a critique explains what's working and not working to the author in an effort to help a fellow writer improve his/her work.<br />
<br />
In a critique, you start by listing what you liked about the piece. Then, you list the areas that could be strengthened. Don't try to change the piece into what you would have done as a writer; take it for what it is.<br />
<br />
Finally a proper critique discusses the work, not the person who created it. Your objective is to use positive, supportive language framed in the context of how the piece could be improved.<br />
<br />
<b>Here is your challenge:</b><br />
<b><i>Choose a piece of writing and compose a critique. You can use a book, short story, poem, article, or blog post. You will address the critique to the author, but you will not send it to the author. Also, your critique will discuss the work, not the person who created it. The length of your critique will depend on how long the piece of writing is and how deeply you evaluate it.</i></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>TIPS: </b>While the focus of this exercise is to evaluate and analyze the overall content of a piece of writing, you should also look for spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes as well as typographical errors.<br />
<br />
As a change of variety, you could also do this exercise using a TV show or movie, or any kind of story or art medium.<br />
<br />
This exercise teaches you to look at a piece of writing objectively and assess it thoughtfully in an effort to consider how it might be improved. Writing critiques helps you build skills that benefit your own writing projects.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b></div>
Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8264476258445283404.post-5673409282632298002016-08-20T01:00:00.000-04:002016-08-20T01:00:30.045-04:00August Writing Challenges: Day 20 - Moral Dilemmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_thtmpUm4PCPP9oTJq8kFnxTkaNukJt_sbZdxGTTiVKRobuKkfQN_OQSCyDbFtXOnCpNKE82tmSbW_RRx2CNMU5hst2-lxHBEaF0NL-wSFoh7K3Y4h5efeNjzWFVEHj-IGfwdIsQOlpf/s1600/fiction+writing+word+cloud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_thtmpUm4PCPP9oTJq8kFnxTkaNukJt_sbZdxGTTiVKRobuKkfQN_OQSCyDbFtXOnCpNKE82tmSbW_RRx2CNMU5hst2-lxHBEaF0NL-wSFoh7K3Y4h5efeNjzWFVEHj-IGfwdIsQOlpf/s320/fiction+writing+word+cloud.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
August. The summer is nearly over. Kids are going back to school. You now have some time on your hands. Okay, you still have a list of chores a mile long, but let's put writing at the top of the priority list, okay?<br />
<br />
I am going to challenge you with a writing prompt every day this month. Are you up for it? I hope so.<br />
<br />
The writing challenges will be about a variety of topics and hopefully cause you to dig into your writing toolbox to complete with emotional skill.<br />
<br />
Watch out, I just might throw in a fun one, well, just for fun!<br />
<br />
For the twentith challenge we're going to dig into moral dilemmas.<br />
<div>
<br />
It's not enough for your characters to have simple opinions. Each of us also has deeper philosophical ideals and values. Our values come from our families, religions, and cultures. They shape our morals and the decisions we make.<br />
<br />
People are complex. What we believe is right or wrong changes when we find ourselves in real situations. Consider an honorable character who believes that one's highest loyalty is to his or her family. Then, that character learns his/her brother is a serial killer. Does he/she turn him in? Testify against him? Stories get interesting when characters' morals are put to the test.<br />
<br />
We all know the knight in shining armor should risk his life to save the damsel in distress. If he doesn't, then he loses his status as hero and becomes a coward. What if the knight is forced to make a more difficult decision? What if his true love and his beloved sister are both in distress but he only has time to save one of them?<br />
<br />
<b>Here is your challenge:</b><br />
<b><i>For this exercise, you will put a character's morals to the test. Below, you'll find a short list of moral dilemmas. Write a scene in which a character faces one of these moral dilemmas and has to make an agonizing decision.</i></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>In the novel <i>Sophie's Choice</i>, a young Jewish mother and her two children are taken to a concentration camp. Upon arrival, she is forced to choose one child to live and one to die. If she doesn't choose, they both die. Write a scene in which your character must choose between the lives of two loved ones.</b></li>
<li><b>A single woman is close friends with the couple next door and has secret romantic feelings for the husband. She discovers that his wife is having an affair. Normally, this woman minds her own business but now she sees an opportunity to get closer to the man she wants.</b></li>
<li><b>Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession. A family has traveled to one such country for vacation. Upon arrive (or departure), one of the teenager's bags is sniffed out by a dog. The bag is opened, the drugs are identified, and the guard asks who bag it is. Both parents are considering claiming ownership. Everyone in the family knows the sentence would be death.</b></li>
<li><b>Your character gets to travel through time and face this classic moral dilemma: The character find himself or herself holding a loaded gun, alone in a room, with a two-year-old baby Hitler.</b></li>
<li><b>A plane crashes into the sea. Most of the passengers escape with inflatable lifeboats but they do not board them correctly. Your character ends up on a lifeboat that holds eight people but there are twelve people on it, and it's sinking. Your character can either throw four people overboard and eight will survive or they will all die expect your character, who will get rescued after the others drown.</b></li>
</ul>
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<br />
Remember, during the scene, the character should agonize over the decision and reveal his or her reasons for the choice that he or she makes.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>TIPS: </b>Search online for "lists of moral dilemmas" to get more scenarios.<br />
<b><br /></b>
If you don't want to write a scene, you can come up with more moral dilemmas of your own.<br />
<br />
The moral dilemmas force you to put your characters in situations that are deeply distressing, thus creating conflict and tension.<br />
<br />
Good Luck!<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b></div>
Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8264476258445283404.post-48775869121644685982016-08-19T01:00:00.000-04:002016-08-19T01:00:34.518-04:00August Writing Challenges: Day 19 - Success<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_thtmpUm4PCPP9oTJq8kFnxTkaNukJt_sbZdxGTTiVKRobuKkfQN_OQSCyDbFtXOnCpNKE82tmSbW_RRx2CNMU5hst2-lxHBEaF0NL-wSFoh7K3Y4h5efeNjzWFVEHj-IGfwdIsQOlpf/s1600/fiction+writing+word+cloud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_thtmpUm4PCPP9oTJq8kFnxTkaNukJt_sbZdxGTTiVKRobuKkfQN_OQSCyDbFtXOnCpNKE82tmSbW_RRx2CNMU5hst2-lxHBEaF0NL-wSFoh7K3Y4h5efeNjzWFVEHj-IGfwdIsQOlpf/s320/fiction+writing+word+cloud.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
August. The summer is nearly over. Kids are going back to school. You now have some time on your hands. Okay, you still have a list of chores a mile long, but let's put writing at the top of the priority list, okay?<br />
<br />
I am going to challenge you with a writing prompt every day this month. Are you up for it? I hope so.<br />
<br />
The writing challenges will be about a variety of topics and hopefully cause you to dig into your writing toolbox to complete with emotional skill.<br />
<br />
Watch out, I just might throw in a fun one, well, just for fun!<br />
<br />
For the nineteenth challenge we're going to discuss your goals to success.<br />
<div>
<br />
<b>Here is your challenge:</b><br />
<b><i>What is your number one goal in life? If you do not yet have one, there’s no time like now to think about choosing one. </i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>TIP: Give this some thought. Try not to think of something that can be achieved immediately. Choose a goal that takes time, effort, and thought.</i></b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b><i>How do you plan on reaching this goal? </i></b></li>
<li><b><i>What would happen if you achieved it? </i></b></li>
<li><b><i>What would be the next step?</i></b></li>
</ul>
<br />
Write about your goal, why you chose it, what you are going to do to reach it, and once you do, what goal will you set next?<br />
<br />
I hope this makes you think about setting goals and achieving them.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8264476258445283404.post-87349228515618267612016-08-18T01:00:00.000-04:002016-08-18T01:00:12.195-04:00August Writing Challenges: Day 18 - Superhero to the Rescue!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSN4BPRifGACLhwVOqaSskJKTBtZ76TC_IVbv95_WmPp-Fc0DKIFQIAY2f77rsInfzI0ShhQHkhdjC9lIdm4ydKCXhDV22JzK7CecFcPTQaO1U4iN4_9l8xkHwzw6VU9_nDN5KNfhNfmai/s1600/fiction+writing+word+cloud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSN4BPRifGACLhwVOqaSskJKTBtZ76TC_IVbv95_WmPp-Fc0DKIFQIAY2f77rsInfzI0ShhQHkhdjC9lIdm4ydKCXhDV22JzK7CecFcPTQaO1U4iN4_9l8xkHwzw6VU9_nDN5KNfhNfmai/s320/fiction+writing+word+cloud.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
August. The summer is nearly over. Kids are going back to school. You now have some time on your hands. Okay, you still have a list of chores a mile long, but let's put writing at the top of the priority list, okay?<br />
<br />
I am going to challenge you with a writing prompt every day this month. Are you up for it? I hope so.<br />
<br />
The writing challenges will be about a variety of topics and hopefully cause you to dig into your writing toolbox to complete with emotional skill.<br />
<br />
Watch out, I just might throw in a fun one, well, just for fun!<br />
<br />
For the eighteenth challenge we're going to turn you into a Superhero!<br />
<div>
<br />
<b>Here is your challenge:</b><br />
<b>You are a Superhero. Your special power is the ability to walk through walls, pass through solid objects, and hid inside solid materials. What is your backstory, and how did you get this special power?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Right up Avengers alley, or are you an Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.? Maybe you joined the Justice League? If you need to do research on Superheroes, go ahead. Then get as detailed as you can about your backstory, using character, plot, theme, and more to build it.<br />
<br />
Have FUN!!<br />
<b><br /></b>
</div>
Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8264476258445283404.post-18048398156785441332016-08-17T01:00:00.000-04:002016-08-17T01:00:15.863-04:00August Writing Challenges : Day 17 - What Happens Next?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjea-rXZkWJkhTjRPao-ua66liZwY7ru7u0QtqdlHO5vOssGjZIPZoJJ7FREXqhcrPLIsFSiS8JCAj7Q7T8BsLtOLscGkl-fodQH7-AmGg0y4NAxZG0A8rkHKnT0x2xp4SDp_6awqaZK5tO/s1600/fiction+writing+word+cloud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjea-rXZkWJkhTjRPao-ua66liZwY7ru7u0QtqdlHO5vOssGjZIPZoJJ7FREXqhcrPLIsFSiS8JCAj7Q7T8BsLtOLscGkl-fodQH7-AmGg0y4NAxZG0A8rkHKnT0x2xp4SDp_6awqaZK5tO/s320/fiction+writing+word+cloud.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
August. The summer is nearly over. Kids are going back to school. You now have some time on your hands. Okay, you still have a list of chores a mile long, but let's put writing at the top of the priority list, okay?<br />
<br />
I am going to challenge you with a writing prompt every day this month. Are you up for it? I hope so.<br />
<br />
The writing challenges will be about a variety of topics and hopefully cause you to dig into your writing toolbox to complete with emotional skill.<br />
<br />
Watch out, I just might throw in a fun one, well, just for fun!<br />
<br />
For the seventeenth challenge we're going to find out what happens next...<br />
<div>
<br />
<b>Here is your challenge:</b><br />
<b>You are driving home in blinding rain from a hiking trip in a southern region of Texas. It's very late, and there is no one for miles on the dark country road. Suddenly your car dips into a very deep puddle, stalls, and then stops. You have no way of calling anyone. After a while, you see headlights approaching. An old pickup pulls up right behind you and stops. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>But, no one gets out. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>What happens next?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I give you full rein to have as much fun with this as you want. Aliens, body snatchers, invisible creatures, whatever your imagination can dream up. Just be as detailed as possible using all your senses.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8264476258445283404.post-41704700349323489262016-08-16T14:54:00.002-04:002016-08-16T14:54:43.127-04:00August Writing Challenges: Day 16 - That Was Then<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjea-rXZkWJkhTjRPao-ua66liZwY7ru7u0QtqdlHO5vOssGjZIPZoJJ7FREXqhcrPLIsFSiS8JCAj7Q7T8BsLtOLscGkl-fodQH7-AmGg0y4NAxZG0A8rkHKnT0x2xp4SDp_6awqaZK5tO/s1600/fiction+writing+word+cloud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjea-rXZkWJkhTjRPao-ua66liZwY7ru7u0QtqdlHO5vOssGjZIPZoJJ7FREXqhcrPLIsFSiS8JCAj7Q7T8BsLtOLscGkl-fodQH7-AmGg0y4NAxZG0A8rkHKnT0x2xp4SDp_6awqaZK5tO/s320/fiction+writing+word+cloud.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
August. The summer is nearly over. Kids are going back to school. You now have some time on your hands. Okay, you still have a list of chores a mile long, but let's put writing at the top of the priority list, okay?<br />
<br />
I am going to challenge you with a writing prompt every day this month. Are you up for it? I hope so.<br />
<br />
The writing challenges will be about a variety of topics and hopefully cause you to dig into your writing toolbox to complete with emotional skill.<br />
<br />
Watch out, I just might throw in a fun one, well, just for fun!<br />
<br />
For the sixteenth challenge we're going to travel back in time and have some fun with a history writing challenge.<br />
<br />
<b>Here is your challenge:</b><br />
<b>What is the period of history that you identify with most? The flappers of the American 1920's? The royal family during the War of the Roses? Choose one of these or your own particular period of time and write about a day you lived during that time.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>TIP: </b>History is defined as a time that <span style="background-color: white;">that takes place in past times (usually more than fifty years ago.)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">If you want to expand this challenge, you can also do research on the time in history you've chosen and delve deep into the what/who/when/how/why of the events at that time and how they affected your character.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">I hope you enjoy this challenge.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8264476258445283404.post-10962385737946244062016-08-15T01:00:00.000-04:002016-08-15T01:00:23.024-04:00August Writing Challenges: Day 15 - Dialogue Without Words<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_thtmpUm4PCPP9oTJq8kFnxTkaNukJt_sbZdxGTTiVKRobuKkfQN_OQSCyDbFtXOnCpNKE82tmSbW_RRx2CNMU5hst2-lxHBEaF0NL-wSFoh7K3Y4h5efeNjzWFVEHj-IGfwdIsQOlpf/s1600/fiction+writing+word+cloud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_thtmpUm4PCPP9oTJq8kFnxTkaNukJt_sbZdxGTTiVKRobuKkfQN_OQSCyDbFtXOnCpNKE82tmSbW_RRx2CNMU5hst2-lxHBEaF0NL-wSFoh7K3Y4h5efeNjzWFVEHj-IGfwdIsQOlpf/s320/fiction+writing+word+cloud.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
August. The summer is nearly over. Kids are going back to school. You now have some time on your hands. Okay, you still have a list of chores a mile long, but let's put writing at the top of the priority list, okay?<br />
<br />
I am going to challenge you with a writing prompt every day this month. Are you up for it? I hope so.<br />
<br />
The writing challenges will be about a variety of topics and hopefully cause you to dig into your writing toolbox to complete with emotional skill.<br />
<br />
Watch out, I just might throw in a fun one, well, just for fun!<br />
<br />
For the fifteenth challenge we're going to attempt to write a scene using no words to convey dialogue:<br />
<br />
<b>Here is your challenge:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><i>First, write a sentence or two describing the tension you intend to explore between your characters: What does each one want?</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>Using NO dialogue, in less than three hundred words, let the reader discover something about the relationship between two characters by where we find them, what they are doing, and how they interact with each other.</i></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Use this basic formula:</b><br />
Reveal character A in a <i><b>place</b></i> (setting) <i><b>doing</b></i> something (activity). Character B might already be in the scene, or B might enter. Either way, B has a strong need or want - an ISSUE he/she wants to address. B interrupts or engages A, who also has an objective - something he/she is trying to get done, and / or something he/she does or does not want to talk about. This clash of objectives is an important element in the scene.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>TIPS:</b><br />
<b>Focus on selecting and utilizing setting and activity so that your readers discover - because you show them, rather than tell them - something essential about at least one, if not both, of your characters.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>DO NOT USE DIALOGUE.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
This challenge requires you to have setting and action, not something your characters say, communicate to the reader.<br />
<br />
This might be frustrating, and give you all kinds of ideas about what you WILL have them say to each other when you have a chance.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>IMPORTANT: </b><br />
<b>Do not tell us what they would be saying. Part of the challenge is to explore how we communicate without words.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I hope you find this challenge enjoyable.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
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Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8264476258445283404.post-41624919915458910602016-08-14T01:00:00.000-04:002016-08-14T01:00:25.085-04:00August Writing Challenges: Day 14 - Your Life by the Numbers<div style="text-align: start;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwPjbUFdDVP_N6JoTXez2JEChVuTxWyzi8bnXM2qH-T4WArjBPlyqI_6vRXw9zvlihAWSG1hNS2iEGplN9LI3cBMxOs7-9qj61-92ovmQBGu7KlmQm0jk0Ba-r0cXwQcj6Rj7k_-kztMT/s1600/fiction+writing+word+cloud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwPjbUFdDVP_N6JoTXez2JEChVuTxWyzi8bnXM2qH-T4WArjBPlyqI_6vRXw9zvlihAWSG1hNS2iEGplN9LI3cBMxOs7-9qj61-92ovmQBGu7KlmQm0jk0Ba-r0cXwQcj6Rj7k_-kztMT/s320/fiction+writing+word+cloud.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">August. The summer is nearly over. Kids are going back to school. You now have some time on your hands. Okay, you still have a list of chores a mile long, but let's put writing at the top of the priority list, okay?</span></div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br />I am going to challenge you with a writing prompt every day this month. Are you up for it? I hope so.<br /><br />The writing challenges will be about a variety of topics and hopefully cause you to dig into your writing toolbox to complete with emotional skill.<br /><br />Watch out, I just might throw in a fun one, well, just for fun!<br /><br />For the fourteenth challenge we're going to dig into your past:<br /><br /><b>Here is your challenge:</b></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><i>Start your sentence with "It was a ..."</i></b></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><i>Now, pick a number between 1 and 10 and write it down so you don't forget it.</i></b></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><i>Look below at the list and find your number. This is the time of your life through which you will dig to find a story.</i></b></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; widows: auto;">
</div>
<ol style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<li><b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>While you were still in the womb (based on what family members have told you.)</i></b></li>
<li><b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>After your birth, but before your own memories kicked in (as told to you by family)</i></b></li>
<li><b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>When you were four years old.</i></b></li>
<li><b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>When you were five years old.</i></b></li>
<li><b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>When you were six years old.</i></b></li>
<li><b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>When you were seven years old.</i></b></li>
<li><b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>When you were eight years old.</i></b></li>
<li><b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>When you were nine years old.</i></b></li>
<li><b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>When you were ten years old.</i></b></li>
<li><b style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><i>When you were eleven years old.</i></b></li>
</ol>
<b><br /></b><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Now, write for ten minutes.</span><br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Try to find a story that sparks your interest and excitement.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>TIP:</b><b style="font-weight: normal;"> </b>Tell your story exactly as it happened, or use it as the basis for a piece of semi-autobiographical fiction. </span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Have fun with this challenge. It might even start some memory walks among other members of your family.</span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><br /></b></span></div>
Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8264476258445283404.post-18945487974152626632016-08-13T01:00:00.000-04:002016-08-13T01:00:47.031-04:00August Writing Challenges: Day 13 - Drama<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="clear: left; color: black; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_thtmpUm4PCPP9oTJq8kFnxTkaNukJt_sbZdxGTTiVKRobuKkfQN_OQSCyDbFtXOnCpNKE82tmSbW_RRx2CNMU5hst2-lxHBEaF0NL-wSFoh7K3Y4h5efeNjzWFVEHj-IGfwdIsQOlpf/s320/fiction+writing+word+cloud.jpg" width="320" /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">August. The summer is nearly over. Kids are going back to school. You now have some time on your hands. Okay, you still have a list of chores a mile long, but let's put writing at the top of the priority list, okay?</span></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br />I am going to challenge you with a writing prompt every day this month. Are you up for it? I hope so.<br /><br />The writing challenges will be about a variety of topics and hopefully cause you to dig into your writing toolbox to complete with emotional skill.<br /><br />Watch out, I just might throw in a fun one, well, just for fun!<br /><br />For the thirteenth challenge we're going to see how well you can describe drama:<br /><br /><b>Here is your challenge:</b></span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;">Drama:</span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16px;">Write about a time when you got stuck in between two parties fighting with each other. You can use your own experiences if you'd like to help give more personality to each character.</span></b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></b></i></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Next, write a letter, addressed to yourself, from the other person's perspective. In this letter, take on the voice of your adversary, as your adversary explains his/her perspective on why he/she was right and you were certainly in the wrong.</span></span></b></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div>
<b>NOTE</b>: This exercise is designed to give the writer practice at creating two characters that are coming to the battle with equal ammunition. It draws from the writer's personal history with conflict and tries to place the writer in the mind of the opponent.<br />
<br />
This exercise is a great way to practice writing from perspectives other than your own. It's also a good way to humanize antagonists.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
Enjoy!</div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "roboto" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
</div>
Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8264476258445283404.post-24821765502742363372016-08-12T01:00:00.000-04:002016-08-12T01:00:04.995-04:00August Writing Challenges: Day 12 - Senses and Color<div style="text-align: start;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_thtmpUm4PCPP9oTJq8kFnxTkaNukJt_sbZdxGTTiVKRobuKkfQN_OQSCyDbFtXOnCpNKE82tmSbW_RRx2CNMU5hst2-lxHBEaF0NL-wSFoh7K3Y4h5efeNjzWFVEHj-IGfwdIsQOlpf/s1600/fiction+writing+word+cloud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_thtmpUm4PCPP9oTJq8kFnxTkaNukJt_sbZdxGTTiVKRobuKkfQN_OQSCyDbFtXOnCpNKE82tmSbW_RRx2CNMU5hst2-lxHBEaF0NL-wSFoh7K3Y4h5efeNjzWFVEHj-IGfwdIsQOlpf/s320/fiction+writing+word+cloud.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); clear: left; color: black; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">August</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">The summer is nearly over. Kids are going back to school. You now have some time on your hands. Okay, you still have a list of chores a mile long, but let's put writing at the top of the priority list, okay?</span></div>
<br />
I am going to challenge you with a writing prompt every day this month. Are you up for it? I hope so.<br />
<br />
The writing challenges will be about a variety of topics and hopefully cause you to dig into your writing toolbox to complete with emotional skill.<br />
<br />
Watch out, I just might throw in a fun one, well, just for fun!<br />
<br />
For the twelfth challenge we're going to discover how our senses and color affect our writing.<br />
<br />
<b>Here is your challenge:</b><br />
<div>
<b><i>On your paper, draw a circle with five lines coming from it. Label each line with one of the five senses:</i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i> Sight</i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i> Hearing</i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i> Touch</i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i> Taste</i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i> Smell</i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i>Close your eyes and imagine what color is prominent in your mind. Let the color wash over you as you think about it in terms of each sense. </i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i>Fill the next ten minutes by writing down what comes to mind by this color, sense by sense. Some of the senses are more difficult than others, but making the extra effort will help you with being more specific in your future writing. </i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i>Once you've written for ten minutes, adding to each sense, pick a number between one and ten. Write it on your paper. </i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i>Check below and find your number. </i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i>1. Yellow</i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i>2. Black</i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i>3. White</i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i>4. Gold</i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i>5. Blue</i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i>6. Green</i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i>7. Brown</i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i>8. Pink</i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i>9. Purple</i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i>10. Orange</i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i>Now, go back and use the color that matched your number and write for another ten minutes how that color affects your senses. </i></b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>THINK ABOUT THIS: </b>Imagine the colorful people you have met in your life. Jot down notes about the way these people look, dress, act, talk, walk, and smell. This is a great way to work on character development and perhaps flesh out a character in need of a little more personality. It's fun to pick and choose from all the choices offered by people you know as you invent characters of your own. </div>
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<span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 26px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 18px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 26px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 18px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 26px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 18px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; 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font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 26px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 18px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 26px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 18px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; 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top: 18px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 26px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 18px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 26px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 18px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 26px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 18px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span>Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8264476258445283404.post-65756953244430012772016-08-11T10:25:00.002-04:002016-08-11T10:31:45.399-04:00August Writing Challenges: Day 11 - Who Are You?<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="clear: left; color: black; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_thtmpUm4PCPP9oTJq8kFnxTkaNukJt_sbZdxGTTiVKRobuKkfQN_OQSCyDbFtXOnCpNKE82tmSbW_RRx2CNMU5hst2-lxHBEaF0NL-wSFoh7K3Y4h5efeNjzWFVEHj-IGfwdIsQOlpf/s320/fiction+writing+word+cloud.jpg" width="320" /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">August. The summer is nearly over. Kids are going back to school. You now have some time on your hands. Okay, you still have a list of chores a mile long, but let's put writing at the top of the priority list, okay?</span></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br />I am going to challenge you with a writing prompt every day this month. Are you up for it? I hope so.<br /><br />The writing challenges will be about a variety of topics and hopefully cause you to dig into your writing toolbox to complete with emotional skill.<br /><br />Watch out, I just might throw in a fun one, well, just for fun!<br /><br />For the eleventh challenge we're going to have you throw yourself into a favorite character:<br /><br /><b>Here is your challenge:</b></span><br />
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<b><i>If you could be anyone else (fictional or non) for a day, who would it be and why? </i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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Be as detailed and imaginative as possible. Choose a fantasy character if you'd like. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Describe either in prose or dialogue who you are, who you meet throughout the day, where you go, what you do, and how you feel. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Enjoy!</div>
<div>
</div>
Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8264476258445283404.post-18129328236549329452016-08-10T01:00:00.000-04:002016-08-10T01:00:17.162-04:00August Writing Challenges: Day 10 - Avoiding Passive Voice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_thtmpUm4PCPP9oTJq8kFnxTkaNukJt_sbZdxGTTiVKRobuKkfQN_OQSCyDbFtXOnCpNKE82tmSbW_RRx2CNMU5hst2-lxHBEaF0NL-wSFoh7K3Y4h5efeNjzWFVEHj-IGfwdIsQOlpf/s1600/fiction+writing+word+cloud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_thtmpUm4PCPP9oTJq8kFnxTkaNukJt_sbZdxGTTiVKRobuKkfQN_OQSCyDbFtXOnCpNKE82tmSbW_RRx2CNMU5hst2-lxHBEaF0NL-wSFoh7K3Y4h5efeNjzWFVEHj-IGfwdIsQOlpf/s320/fiction+writing+word+cloud.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
August. The summer is nearly over. Kids are going back to school. You now have some time on your hands. Okay, you still have a list of chores a mile long, but let's put writing at the top of the priority list, okay?<br />
<br />
I am going to challenge you with a writing prompt every day this month. Are you up for it? I hope so.<br />
<br />
The writing challenges will be about a variety of topics and hopefully cause you to dig into your writing toolbox to complete with emotional skill.<br />
<br />
Watch out, I just might throw in a fun one, well, just for fun!<br />
<br />
For the tenth challenge we're going to learn how to avoid passive voice:<br />
<br />
Before we start on the challenge, let's have a short reminder about "passive voice."<br />
Passive Voice is a grammar term. It's a reading factor. In other words, it makes reading easier. Amateur writers horribly abuse passive voice. Corporate writers tend to use passive voice to excess, often to a level of 40% or higher. The passive sucks the life out of writing. So, be aware when using it. Clearly, any writer who uses the passive in 40% of his/her sentences isn't aware of it, right?<br />
<br />
That's where the definition comes in:<br />
<br />
Do you recall diagramming sentences in school? Oh, I can hear the groans all the way down in Florida!<br />
<br />
Subject | Verb | Object<br />
<br />
In this simple diagram of the active voice, the subject of the sentence goes ahead of the verb, or action word. The object of the sentence receives the action.<br />
<br />
For example, "Rhonda eats the alien."<br />
<br />
The subject of the sentence, <b><i>Rhonda</i></b>, acts, that is, she's the eater. The verb is <b><i>eats</i></b>. And, that makes <b><i>alien</i></b> the object. In this case, the direct object of the action, <b><i>eats</i></b>, acted out by <b><i>Rhonda</i></b>, the subject.<br />
<br />
<b>DIAGRAM:</b><br />
<br />
Rhonda | eats | alien<br />
<br />
<br />
To create a passive sentence we would do this:<br />
<br />
<i><b>The alien is eaten by Rhonda.</b></i><br />
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How? The subject of the sentence is acted upon.<br />
<br />
Got it? Okay, let's try some exercises.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Here is your challenge:</b><br />
<b><i>Write these sentences into the active voice:</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<ol>
<li><b><i>The battle was begun by the scouts blundering into each other in the night. But the war - the war was begun by politicians blundering in the light.</i></b></li>
<li><b><i>She was swept up in her own emotions, carried away by daydreams, buried in fantasy.</i></b></li>
<li><b><i>He was struck twice, first by fear, then by the realization that he loved her.</i></b></li>
</ol>
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><i>Next:</i></b><br />
<b><i>Now go back and re-evaluate each of your changes. Do you find at at lease one or two of the sample sentences read better in the passive, maybe even all three? Good. The point of this exercise is to assure you the passive is not always a bad thing. Don't let any writing how-to book tell you otherwise.</i></b><br />
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Passive Voice uses more words than active voice to express the same idea. Passive voice also softens the impact of your writing. You won't want to do that in tense action scenes because you won't grab the reader's attention. Passive voice is sometimes harder to read and more difficult to understand. And not just because it uses more words. In long sentences, you often have to reread parts to find the bottom line or search for the actor, if one even exists, it's at the tail end.<br />
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So, that's "passive" in a nutshell.<br />
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<b>QUICK NOTE: </b>Unless you are using the passive with a purpose, that is, to mellow out a passage, to avoid giving away a clue, or to slow down the pace of your novel, don't use it. Like most writing coaches, I urge you to use the active voice most of the time.<br />
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<b><br /></b>Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8264476258445283404.post-18275310445287158482016-08-09T01:00:00.000-04:002016-08-09T01:00:17.538-04:00August Writing Challenges: Day 9 - Dream-Catcher<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_thtmpUm4PCPP9oTJq8kFnxTkaNukJt_sbZdxGTTiVKRobuKkfQN_OQSCyDbFtXOnCpNKE82tmSbW_RRx2CNMU5hst2-lxHBEaF0NL-wSFoh7K3Y4h5efeNjzWFVEHj-IGfwdIsQOlpf/s1600/fiction+writing+word+cloud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_thtmpUm4PCPP9oTJq8kFnxTkaNukJt_sbZdxGTTiVKRobuKkfQN_OQSCyDbFtXOnCpNKE82tmSbW_RRx2CNMU5hst2-lxHBEaF0NL-wSFoh7K3Y4h5efeNjzWFVEHj-IGfwdIsQOlpf/s320/fiction+writing+word+cloud.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
August. The summer is nearly over. Kids are going back to school. You now have some time on your hands. Okay, you still have a list of chores a mile long, but let's put writing at the top of the priority list, okay?<br />
<br />
I am going to challenge you with a writing prompt every day this month. Are you up for it? I hope so.<br />
<br />
The writing challenges will be about a variety of topics and hopefully cause you to dig into your writing toolbox to complete with emotional skill.<br />
<br />
Watch out, I just might throw in a fun one, well, just for fun!<br />
<br />
For the ninth challenge we're going to reflect on a recent dream.<br />
<br />
<b>Here is your challenge:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSke-PWD0hh9FswZ3EU15XSKKi8LNnlIQHHrImV1JqBrA8v3OlLZER3JOfpFsfEKS3esj5HL-nOK8Sz_AxaPD4fa0EDkcD5CKBQpE-Q4R2sqfgtRcFxy-EbrTi-a9hpCaCsxY4urJHnJOP/s1600/dreamcatcher-1425119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSke-PWD0hh9FswZ3EU15XSKKi8LNnlIQHHrImV1JqBrA8v3OlLZER3JOfpFsfEKS3esj5HL-nOK8Sz_AxaPD4fa0EDkcD5CKBQpE-Q4R2sqfgtRcFxy-EbrTi-a9hpCaCsxY4urJHnJOP/s200/dreamcatcher-1425119.jpg" width="153" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;">Dream-catcher</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">: Write something inspired by a recent dream you had.</span></b></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b> Imagine a beautiful dream you had once. Now write a story surrounding that dream. Maybe the event takes place in that area, or perhaps that is the same dream of your character, and so on. Do you have recurring dreams? Can you recall them? Draw upon your feelings about the dream and if it motivates you, create a character living that dream. Be detailed with your description, characterization, where the character lives, how the character reacts in your dream and dialogue.</b></i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-style: italic;">Go all out. Embellish if it makes the story better. Use your imagination. </b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-style: italic;"><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-style: italic;"><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-style: italic;">TIP: </b>Dreams are<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">a series of thoughts, visions, or feelings that happen during sleep: an idea or vision that is created in your imagination and that is not real: something that you have wanted very much to do, be, or have for a long time.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Enjoy. I hope you realize you can recall more of your dreams than you thought.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8264476258445283404.post-38819216160157939222016-08-08T01:00:00.000-04:002016-08-10T14:24:57.352-04:00August Writing Challenges: Day 8 - Observation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_thtmpUm4PCPP9oTJq8kFnxTkaNukJt_sbZdxGTTiVKRobuKkfQN_OQSCyDbFtXOnCpNKE82tmSbW_RRx2CNMU5hst2-lxHBEaF0NL-wSFoh7K3Y4h5efeNjzWFVEHj-IGfwdIsQOlpf/s1600/fiction+writing+word+cloud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_thtmpUm4PCPP9oTJq8kFnxTkaNukJt_sbZdxGTTiVKRobuKkfQN_OQSCyDbFtXOnCpNKE82tmSbW_RRx2CNMU5hst2-lxHBEaF0NL-wSFoh7K3Y4h5efeNjzWFVEHj-IGfwdIsQOlpf/s320/fiction+writing+word+cloud.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
August. The summer is nearly over. Kids are going back to school. You now have some time on your hands. Okay, you still have a list of chores a mile long, but let's put writing at the top of the priority list, okay?<br>
<br>
I am going to challenge you with a writing prompt every day this month. Are you up for it? I hope so.<br>
<br>
The writing challenges will be about a variety of topics and hopefully cause you to dig into your writing toolbox to complete with emotional skill.<br>
<br>
Watch out, I just might throw in a fun one, well, just for fun!<br>
<br>
For the eighth challenge we're going to see observant we are with our surroundings:<br>
<br>
<b>Here is your challenge:</b><br>
<b><br></b>
<b><i>The first step is to notice your surroundings. Your home. Start there. What is in your room - apartment - house - tent - mobile home - ancestral mansion? Your abode? Your residence? Look around. Get a pencil and a piece of paper and go to work.</i></b><br>
<b><i><br></i></b>
<b><i>Make a complete list of the everyday, utilitarian stuff in your home. For example, your bed. Next to each item, rate its degree of necessity, meaning, to what extent could you live without it. This will start you on a path of attentiveness.</i></b><br>
<b><i><br></i></b>
<b><i>How many times a day do you walk by it, see it, hear it running? How aware you you of your surroundings?</i></b><br>
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<b><i>Once you've made a list of items in your hoe and rated their "essential-ness," widen the search. Observe other people's homes/work places. Look at homes on television and in movies. Write down what you see and remember. </i></b><br>
<b><i><br></i></b>
<b><i>Think about homes you encounter in books or short stories. What particulars are other writers including? Consider the characters in your own works. Even if you weren't planning on describing their homes in detail, try to flesh out their physical worlds. Do they have a four-slice toaster?</i></b><br>
<b><i><br></i></b>
<b><i>What about trends? Have you begun to notice similarities in the way in which people lay out their kitchens? Do most apartments have a television in the living room but not a bookshelf? Do more married people have pets? Is there more art on the walls in the homes of your single friends or married friends? </i></b><br>
<b><i><br></i></b>
<b><i>Look, see, observe, record. Write.</i></b><br>
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<b>IMPORTANT POINT: </b>As a writer, you will spend a lifetime sharpening your observational skills. The more you are aware of, the more you an write about: AWARE with your eyes, with your heart, your soul, your body. The world is out there for you to gather up and hold. You are on a lifetime mission. Your assignment is to LIVE AND OBSERVE. Your objective is to gain EXPERIENCE.<br>
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The end result? Hopefully, lots and lots and lots of wonderful stories.<br>
<b><br></b>Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8264476258445283404.post-44829247782910541972016-08-07T01:00:00.003-04:002016-08-07T01:00:04.359-04:00August Writing Challenges: Day 7 - Story From Image<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_thtmpUm4PCPP9oTJq8kFnxTkaNukJt_sbZdxGTTiVKRobuKkfQN_OQSCyDbFtXOnCpNKE82tmSbW_RRx2CNMU5hst2-lxHBEaF0NL-wSFoh7K3Y4h5efeNjzWFVEHj-IGfwdIsQOlpf/s1600/fiction+writing+word+cloud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_thtmpUm4PCPP9oTJq8kFnxTkaNukJt_sbZdxGTTiVKRobuKkfQN_OQSCyDbFtXOnCpNKE82tmSbW_RRx2CNMU5hst2-lxHBEaF0NL-wSFoh7K3Y4h5efeNjzWFVEHj-IGfwdIsQOlpf/s320/fiction+writing+word+cloud.jpg" width="320" /></a>August. The summer is nearly over. Kids are<br />
going back to school. You now have some time on your hands. Okay, you still have a list of chores a mile long, but let's put writing at the top of the priority list, okay?<br />
<br />
I am going to challenge you with a writing prompt every day this month. Are you up for it? I hope so.<br />
<br />
The writing challenges will be about a variety of topics and hopefully cause you to dig into your writing toolbox to complete with emotional skill.<br />
<br />
Watch out, I just might throw in a fun one, well, just for fun!<br />
<br />
For the seventh challenge we're going to see how well we can create a story from an image:<br />
<br />
<b>Here is your challenge:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><i>Find a visual image that makes you feel. Tape, staple, glue, paper clip, whatever, this image to the top of a piece of paper. Write, for thirty minutes, about what's going on with your connection of the image and yourself, and what is going on in the image. Tell a story. </i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<i><b>Answer these questions in your descriptive story </b><b>(If the image has people in it.)</b></i><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b><i>Who are they? </i></b></li>
<li><b><i>Where are they?</i></b></li>
<li><b><i>To whom do they belong?</i></b></li>
<li><b><i>What are they doing right then and why?</i></b></li>
<li><b><i>What will they be doing later?</i></b></li>
</ul>
<div>
<b><i>These are bare ideas. Think about some familiar images from our / your culture and try to concoct a narrative from them.</i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i>Tell a story. Let your imagination fly. Whatever you pick, you will be using your ability to pull a story from a frozen, static moment - kind of like a baker pulls a hot tasty baguette from a shapeless lump of dough.</i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i>This is an important writing challenge. I believe that the instant your characters and their destinies take shape on a page, they have life. They exist. And it is entirely up to you to make that world a valid place.</i></b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>IMPORTANT POINT: This is not to say that your fictional world is obliged to be a rational, realistic world. If that were a requisite for literature, then Alice would have have dropped down the White Rabbit's hole.</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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So, find a picture of something and write about it. Make up a story of what's going on in that moment in that world right then. Fill in with as much detail as you can.</div>
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I hope you enjoy this challenge. I enjoy visual journaling. It's like telling a story with only images and words cut from magazines or other papers. </div>
<div>
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<span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span>Vicki M. Taylorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12101858878856516622noreply@blogger.com0