Hiatus

Well my dear writers and readers...

I'm going on a little hiatus.. so I can gather up more content for you lovely guys out there!

Check out my personal blog: visualizedreality.blogspot.com for my own pieces of writing as well as other things!

See you soon

x

Friday Flicks: The Real

I've indulged in this talk show since it managed to reach the UK!

I love it... each host is diverse in their own way, with their own experiences to share and their personalities. Who would of thought Tamar Braxton, Adrienne Bailon, Tamera Mowry Housley, Jeannie Mai (Never heard of her until this show, but love her!) and Loni Love would all be such a perfect formula for a talk show?

It's just great.

What do you think about The Real?

Comment time: So many killings?

I don't know about you.. but I have been reading far too many news stories of people dying, accidents and whole nine.

The newspaper has become especially grim over the past couple of weeks and I believe it is a call for concern.

Have you heard the story about the young pregnant lady in Peckham who got kicked in the stomach deliberately and lost her baby? What about the shooting in one of the American churches? What about the story about a cyclist being hit by truck a couple of days ago? Oh how about the 25 year old boy who beheaded his Grandmother?

I mean.. what is going on here? Have you noticed throughout the year.. there are particular times where there is a good week or a good couple of days where all you see are killings/suicides/deaths?

Doesn't this worry you?
Doesn't it make you think about your own life?
Doesn't it make you feel a little more cautious when you are out there in the world?

It just reminds me how precious life actually is.

#34 It's ok to not like your work

And this is what it feels like when you've written your first draft.. you read through it.. and you literally don't like ANYTHING. 

It's ok.

You'll live.

#33 Don't Censor yourself

As you are in your draft stages of your story, novel, novella, poem-- whatever it maybe, do you find that you end up 'editing' yourself as you are writing?

Stop.

Don't do it! Well at least, not in the drafting stages! The first drafts, second drafts.. third drafts.. and yeah.. however many drafts, these are the raw stages of your creation.. and the last thing you want to do is censor it and possibly limit its effect.

If you want your character to be a sweary character.. let them! When you get to your final stages, that's when you tweak (almost wanted to say twerk..!) everything and make it all polished and nice.
Obviously, you still need a purpose to why you have put particular things in your story.. but let everything flow out before you censor, delete, edit, whatever it is you find yourself doing!

I find that I end up editing myself in my raw stages.. and then I end up doing it throughout and it doesn't really help me to flow like I should.

I find it a little stifling.. but it's something that I'm learning not to do right at the beginning; and wait to do it a little later down the line.

Have you noticed yourself doing this? What are your thoughts on it? Does it help you? Does it hinder your 'flow'?

Talk to me people!!!

#32 Visualize

As a writer.. do you tend to visualize each scene as you're writing it?

The way that your character speaks; the way their lips curl when saying the words...
The expression that's on their face...
How they move...
The area they are at the time-- what's there? Is it a desolate area? Is the weather cold? Hot? Is it a busy area with noise from multitudes of people?
The way their houses look...

I think visualizing your story and how you want it to be is such a great tool and is SO effective when describing things, and implementing that 'Show don't tell' rule!

Because if you can't imagine what's going on in your story, how do you think any other reader that embarks on your story will? And even if they do imagine it, will they be able to grasp the reason to what is happening in your particular scene? Unless you are the kind of writer that likes for your readers to have their own revelations, instead of seeing exactly what you want them to see (We have that capability as writers!)

But yes. I love to visualize. It gets me motivated. It gets me excited. At some points I can't wait to see what happens next--yet I am the one that's creating the story! Sounds crazy, huh? Well it happens! And it's a good feeling when that happens.. because you are your own critic; but if you find yourself getting caught up in your own creation-- chances are your readers will too!

Try this scene to visualize:

A couple are arguing in their bedroom; they have been together for just over a year. They are a young couple. mid 20's. The woman is a little taller than the man; the woman is the one who is upset. She is shouting. Tears are flowing from her face. She is wondering why he's changed-- why he doesn't come home for days-- why in bed he seems distant. The man isn't as emotional, and he interrupts each time the woman tries to make a statement. The argument gets too much-- and he slaps her.

You can gather what's probably going on here.. but more importantly, can you SEE it? Can you see the anger in the woman's face? The tears? Can you feel the tension between them? Can you see how their bodies are? Can you see the bedroom?

I believe we all do this as writers.. but it's best to sometimes take a scene out of your story and visualize it.. see if you can see it all-- and then describe it.

Trust me. It's so effective and so fun to do.

Friday Flicks: 'Humans'

I know it's not a movie; but I found this new series SO cool!

I am NOT usually a sci-fi fan, but this show has already got me hooked. It started on Sunday last week and it's really interesting.

The first episode showed us a little back story of a particular group of 'Synths' that seemed to be on the run-- and three of them were captured.

We then find that they are bought by families to be helper robots.

I don't want to give away too much.. but it was on Channel 4, so you can easily catch up on 4OD online!

But yeah.. I wanted to watch it because of all of the creepy adverts I was seeing about it-- and it seems pretty interesting.

Every Sunday at 9pm on Channel 4! 

#31 Pinterest

I'm sure you guys have heard of an App called 'Pinterest'?

Does the icon ring any bells?

Well.. I believe this app is an IMMENSE tool for writing inspiration.

As the world is becoming more and more technologically intelligent, we as writers also need to get with the times!

Obviously.. there are some old habits that we can't kick.. like writing out your draft on paper or in your various notebooks (I still do that..)

But.. have you ever used pictures as a tool for writing inspiration? I've created a 'Writing inspiration' board on my Pinterest, and I have some pictures on there and associated them with particular themes, so if I ever feel a little less motivated or don't have inspiration, I go there and I immediately get ideas-- I think with associating the pictures with themes, it helped me to be able to form a little story in my head-- I'm a very visual person.. and as long as I can see something.. I immediately get inspired.. and I can already start picturing scenes in my head.

I believe we all have smart phones... so download the app 'Pinterest' and see how you get on.

If you want to follow me on there, just pop a comment in the box and we can be Pinterest buddies!

If you don't have a smartphone, you can do it online.

We can never stop having sources for writing inspiration!

Comment Time- Rachel Dolezal & Being 'Transracial'

So... this 'comment time' had to be a little earlier this week because.. well!

I was on my Instagram last weekend.. just scrolling through my timeline.. and I see all of these '#askrachel' memes all over the place:

And I was like.. what is going on? And then when I googled '#askrachel' my brain was refreshed. So this woman has been posing as black, but she was 'outed' by her parents that she is indeed, white.

Now.. I really have no clue how to react to this. Should I be offended? Should I be humored by it? I'm really just on the fence-- I really suspect it's some kind of ploy with underlying racism. But I'm not offended nor upset about it.. I'm more concerned with the woman at hand.

Was there something that happened to her when she was younger that has caused her to be 'Transracial' (That term makes me cringe a little..)

Or has she had something traumatic happen to her to deny her God given race?

I know we all poke fun at the story, (with the thousands of memes on Instagram/facebook) but what was the purpose of the story coming out now? And then being compared to Bruce/Caitlyn Jenner's story?

I mean, in this video she is clearly asked if she is African American.. and she cannot answer.

I really don't know.. the story makes me wonder.

Thoughts anybody?

#30 Be Real

In life, (admit it...) there are times where we need to put on such a facade when we enter into particular places-- when we go to our workplaces we have to wear a smile for 8 hours, because no one needs to know that our house is falling apart behind closed doors. And quite frankly, no one really needs to know because it's not their business to know!

But when it comes to writing.. it is the place where we can pour out our hearts and our souls to so many people that we may, or may not meet.. but the main point is that we were REAL in telling that story. We were able to depict that EXACT emotion.. that scenario that is in the story, we were able to write it as if we are writing someone's life.

It may sound crazy what I'm saying.. but I believe when we write.. we write what people are afraid to say.. what they are afraid to feel, what they are afraid to accept. This is the essence of writing.. of telling the UNTOLD story. We all have so many things we keep inside due to the fear of someone spreading what we have said, exaggerating it, gossiping about it.. but when we write, there is that anonymity.. of being able to CREATE a world in which we can control what's happening, and we can decide what to write about, what to display, what to share with the person that is reading. Yes, what we are writing is fictional, but there must be an element that the reader is able to relate to; and if you're writing non fiction.. well!!

I believe when we are real, when we are raw, there is a feeling that the reader gets: 'This is speaking to me' or 'Oh my God, this is exactly what I am going through!' and I believe that gives the reader that much hope, that much reassurance that they will see the end of what they are going through, and that they are not alone in whatever situation they have had to bear. The words we decide to use, they all are part of the equation-- to communicate that story that person was afraid to open their mouth and say.

Writing is power-- and when it is used in the right way, it can most certainly change lives for the better.

#29 Spelling

Happpppyyyy Monday!

A lot of people that know me, KNOW I am the spelling fiend.. the spelling police.. etc..

It's only because it is very important to know the correct spelling of words! And fortunately, and unfortunately for me I've lived in two completely different areas of the world where the spelling varies.. so that is the only thing that can catch me out.

Otherwise.. spelling is my thing.

And to you my dear writers and readers out there in the world wide web.. what words catch you out when writing that story-- or even reading a story? Are there words that you tend to mix up when writing your first or second drafts of stories and such?

Well... I want to tell you the words that I have to kind of go, 'No that's not how you spell it' before I correctly spell the words..

'Humour' (In the states-- where I used to live, they spell it like this: 'Humor'..)

I get the 'there's' mixed up when I'm writing my raw drafts.

'Necessity' 

'Necessary'

Those are my most common words that stop me in my tracks. (From the top of my head)

And it's normal-- sometimes we have our moments where the spelling doesn't flow or we second guess ourselves-- that's why we have our trusty dictionaries and thesaurus'

Obviously we know the meanings of them and where we need to place them.. it's just the spelling that tends to leave us for a brief moment!

But yes, what are your words that you tend to second guess or misspell?

:)

Friday Flicks: The other Woman

I watched this film last weekend and I did kind of know what to expect.. but at the same time I did enjoy it and laughed my head off!

So it's pretty much this: Woman sleeps with man, man is married, woman that slept with man finds out.. and they team up for revenge.

But then they both find out that the man 'cheated' on them with a third woman.. and they all team up as a trio and plan on how to bring him down.

We later find out that the man has a sex problem.. he can't resist a woman.. but claims he loves his wife.. etc.

I won't reveal what they do-- but is more than hilarious and the guy definitely got what he deserved!

The movie has a very simple plot, but I find that is a formula for a good film.

Very lighthearted-- these 3 ladies form a great friendship out of an awkward situation, and you see that they all really needed each other and supported each other into entering a healthy relationship, and valuing their self worth.

Out of 10 I would give it an 8-- it's one of those predictable films, but it's very entertaining to watch and it does warm the heart.

Comment Time: Viral video: Black Teen attacked by Police man

I have seen the most atrocious thing this week: A police officer-- Not in this country-- in America, attacking a black teen and some others at a pool party.

Lets take race out of it for a second: How would you feel if you were just having a casual party with some friends and all of a sudden you're pinned down by a police man for no apparent reason?

Well. That's exactly what happened. In every news report I see... the words 'Black' 'Teen' 'Police' are plastered all over the article.

That's not even my point.

It's not as if the teenagers in the video were drunk and disorderly, or causing a raucous.. they were just having a good time and got RANDOMLY assaulted by a police officer (Oh, the irony)

What is happening right now?

Seriously?

It infuriates me not only because innocent young people were hurt, but it was-- and this is where race needs to come in-- young black teens. They weren't fighting.. they weren't doing anything to cause a fuss.

And according to this most recent article; they ARE saying that the attack was racially motivated.

Either way, it's crude, unfair and downright grotesque. There was no need for it. I mean, did the police officer just see a group of black people, assume they were going to be violent and decided to take it upon himself to be violent also?

I mean. Come on. We have enough stereotypes as it is; and to be quite frank, he was mistaken. Big time.

And now 'coincidentally' the police officer has now resigned...
Mmhmm.

But I have question.. isn't the police's duty to 'Protect and serve'? What he did was neither...


#rantover

#28 'I've tried everything, nothing's coming...'

Have you ever said this to yourself, or to a fellow writer colleague?

It's not unusual... but it's so easy to not write anything for months when you've convinced yourself that 'Nothing is coming'

I guess you could say that this is another form of Writer's block.. but think about it deeply.. have you REALLY tried everything?
Or is it just the case of.. 'It's not coming. I give up.?'

No, no, no!

Go on Twitter. Google random words. Read up on old stories you have written.

There are so many ways to ignite that writing flame. I find looking at photography sometimes sparks the ol creative writing juices.

If you're a little tech savvy, make a Pinterest-- it's a great tool for some inspiration.


If you're sitting there mentally thinking 'I don't know what to write!'

Get up. Get up now.

:)

#27 CV for the Creative Writer, Aspiring Writer.. etc

Have you ever written a CV with just your writing accomplishments or jobs?

If you want to look for a writing job just for a little extra cash, or if it is your passion to do, I have a couple of easy steps to make the writing process a little easier to bare.

It's pretty much like a regular CV or Resume, the same structure etc.. but you list chronologically the jobs you did, the subject matter of what you wrote, and any other details, for example if it was an interview.. etc.

So lets get to the steps:

Step 1: Be specific. Instead of putting something like 'Wrote for 'title of magazine'.. as much as the magazine maybe prestigious, you always need to write what you did. So you can put that you wrote for the magazine-- what kind of piece was it? Did it involve interviewing a particular person? What was the topic on? Was it a regular column? Was it a feature? A lot of writing establishments are more focused on what you write as well as how you write-- every place has a particular niche that they fall into and if they see you write what they like, they will most definitely take you on board.

Step 2: Short and sweet. As much as you applying for a writer's job.. people that look over CV's never READ it.. they SCAN it. So.. it goes for anyone applying for their job with a CV.

So what do you need to do? 

Use the magical bullet points. If you write in paragraphs.. unless you have a little grace and the person that is looking over it actually is considerate and reads it... your CV will be overlooked.

As much as it will be short.. let it be short and punchy. So instead of writing 'I did an interview with so so concerning pasta bakes'

You can write 'Interviewed award winning chef... about pasta bakes' 

Do you kind of get where I'm coming from? 

Maximum 3 bullet points unless you've done a lot and make sure it is catchy and relevant to what you want to apply for.

You have to really sell yourself, and you will be noticed.

Step 3: Keep your Portfolio updated. I once applied for magazine writer position and they asked me to bring my portfolio of writing--- I didn't really think that they would need a portfolio, but luckily, I do have my trusty folder of all of my articles and things that I have written over the years-- but when going to an interview, It's always good to  go with your most recent pieces, because it reflects your current writing style, etc. You never know when they can ask, so if you have yet to update your portfolio.. do it now!


3 Short and simple steps-- I hope this has helped a budding writer who is frantically applying for writer jobs-- do not worry I'm not far from you!

x

#26 When in Doubt...

Whenever you are in doubt of finding an idea or plot for a story-- use yourself and your own experiences.

I know this is probably what you all do anyway-- but it doesn't have to be a major experience or life threatening thing that's happened to you or someone that you know. it can be as intricate as a very memorable kiss, to something as huge as... (Fill in the gap.. lol)

But just something to get the ball rolling, you know?
You don't need to write EXACTLY how it happened-- especially if it involves someone else.. they may not want to be exposed like that.
That is where the creativity of it all comes in.. and you create another story out of your real life experience.

I find it a lot of fun to make up another story but use bits and pieces of my own real life experience to where I see fit.

Just one of the fun things about being a writer I suppose!

And obviously having different forms of stories to write these stories in(will get into those soon!) also make it fun..,

So chop chop! Get to thinking.. get to writing!

Friday Flicks: Spiderman Trilogy Vs The Amazing Spiderman

VS

**Spoilers imminent** (But I believe by now you have seen Spider-Man I hope!)

The Spider-mans have been showing on Television a lot of recent..
I am SUCH a marvel superhero nerd, and I am a huge fan of the Spider-man trilogy (When Tobey Maguire was Spider-man) and the 3 spider-man's were amazing.. I loved each one of them-- they captured the essence of MJ and Peter's relationship so well-- you know Peter being in love with her since they were young-- MJ being 'the girl next door'.. *dreamy sigh*
The first Spider-man was of course becoming familiar with the story of how Spider-man became Spider-man, as well as his first villian, The Green Goblin, who comes to being through a scientific experiment gone wrong (Like how all villians are created..) who is Harry's (Played by James Franco) who is 'Peter Parker's' best friend father.
The movie ends with him (Harry's Father who is the green goblin) dying.
As well as Peter's Uncle, dying.

The second Spider-man is the best one in my opinion.. Mary Jane and Peter are happily together, in love.. everything-- Mary Jane knows that Peter is Spider-man... Harry finds out that it was Peter (Spider-man) who 'killed' (Harry does get told, even though Peter also said it, how his father actually dies) his father and begins to seek revenge.. (continues into the third Spider-man) and another new villian is on the horizon, 'Doctor Octopus' again created by an experiment gone wrong...
As well as Harry picking up where his dad left off... (The Green Goblin.. ahem)

The Third Spider-man introduces a new black suited Spider-man (Venom) which can be seen as the 'bad' Spider-man-- some weird matter from space lands on earth and is attracted to anger and aggression.. and it has parasitic behaviour... so once attached to its 'host' it's very hard for them to come out-- but I won't spoil this one. Harry and Peter reconcile their friendship... Peter and Mary Jane enter a rocky patch in their relationship..(in more ways than one..)
Peter comes into competition with another photographer in town..
Yet another villian on the horizon, 'Sandman' who we later find out that he was the one that killed Peter's uncle...
Harry dies in this Spider-man and it STILL gets me every time.

Right

'The Amazing Spiderman' came after a 5 year gap after Spider-man 3. A new 'Peter Parker' a new 'Mary Jane Watson' a new 'Harry'.. I believe this movie did not meet up to my expectations of Spider-man and I believe it did not do Spider-man any justice.
The movie felt half-assed, and the actors for me didn't do justice to the characters.

I don't know.. maybe because my loyalty lies with Tobey forever being Spider-man and Red haired Kirsten Dunst as Mary Jane.,..
But no. The Amazing Spider-man does not get my vote.

#25 Punctuation Power

Right.
We are getting into the technicalities.. the nitty gritty!

So. I believe we are fully aware at how much of an effect punctuation has on writing, and overall response from the reader.

Would you like to read something that is so cool and so amazing and so wonderful I really want to tell you but I don't know when I can stop!

Did you see that? Didn't you find it annoying that there was no pause or break? If you didn't notice I even capitalized my 'I', because internally I have put a full stop after wonderful-- that would have been a run on sentence but at least you were able to catch a breath!

But obviously the purpose of punctuation is for a particular effect.

"No." and "No!" are two completely different expressions. The first no with a full stop is more a statement, whereas the second no is an exclamation. All I did was change the type of punctuation I used and it made the word completely different!

This seems extremely basic, but it is good to just know HOW much of an effect punctuation can have on your chosen piece of writing. That is why it is always so so SO important to know exactly why you are using a particular form of punctuation, and why you want that kind of effect. Something that I learned on my Creative Writing course always echoes in my mind when I write, and that is 'Make sure you have a reason for everything on the page'
You are the one creating, so you must know where and why you are placing your words as well as your punctuation.

We tend to overlook punctuation but it does serve its purpose-- and when used accordingly, your readers will enjoy everything you write.

Try it out.

Comment Time: 'Facebook to Ban Religious Posts and Memes'

Yeah.

I'm not very happy at this moment in time. Why did I see this ridiculous post about Facebook banning religious posts and memes?
Where they are going to pretty much ban all religious groups made on Facebook; will not permit religious status updates or pictures. And they are even going to filter out words like 'Jesus' 'Church' 'Prayer' and 'God' WHAT?

First of all.. for this country, the United Kingdom, don't you know that this is actually a Christian country? It's supposed to be, anyway.
But, it's not as if religious people are bible bashing every user on the social network-- all they are doing is posting what is important to them.

So you want to ban religious posts but still allow people to disgrace themselves by uploading naked vidoes of themselves and other people?
How does that make any sense?
You'd prefer for someone to be exposed in a negative light rather than to say something encouraging or uplifting to thousands of people via the internet?

I think this is beyond ridiculous and the plea came from Athiesm groups. I have nothing against Athiests.. but don't they too also believe in something? There is no one in this world that doesn't believe in something-- if it's not God, it could be the 'Universe' or 'Mother Nature' or the 'Stars' whatever it is, you believe in it, so why take away someone's freedom of writing in who they believe in? Or sharing in who they believe in?

Completely unfair and goes against having Freedom of Speech.

*sigh*

#24 Voice

When you're reading either an article or a story, do you manage to hear a 'voice'? I'm not talking about voices.. none of us are going insane.. but when we write something, we want a particular 'voice' to come across to our readers-- whether it would be a humorous voice, a sarcastic voice, a serious voice with humorous undertones; are you writing in a first person voice? Second? Third? depending on what you are writing.. if you are able to grasp for that 'voice' to be heard by your reader, you are well on your way to creating a journey for your reader.

Now I believe we are all aware of the First, Second and Third person voice-- and if you need a refresher:

First person: "I would have loved for her to fall flat on her face" 

The main pronoun here is 'I' making it very personal-- and the plural form is 'We.'

Second person: 'You would never expect to hear that kind of language out of his mouth...'

This voice is used to address the reader-- it helps the reader to become a little more involved in the story-- you know.. kind of make them feel like they are part of what's going on.

Third Person: "He needed to speak to her. He needed to see her, to touch her, to smell her."

This is THE most common voice used with fiction writing and it just.. works

So you see that? Voice is definitely one of the key components to get your story across and get it across clearly and concisely.

Depending on what kind of story your writing and what the plot holds, the voice should accompany it accordingly-- and trust me, you'll know right off the bat what voice to use once you start writing.

That one I cannot advise you.. after all--- we can create our own worlds!

#23 Inspiration: You don't know who needs your words

Facebook has a little feature where you can write 'notes'.. I use it every so often to write encouraging posts.. or sometimes just to write bits of my stories or a whole story-- just because.

After a while I get a little discouraged because I feel as if no one is reading it.. there's no comments.. sometimes there are 'likes'.. sometimes no 'likes' at all, and it happens almost everyday.
One person that I know came and said to me 'Your notes, I read them a lot and they are really good'

I was shocked.

I honestly felt like no one was reading them. I felt like I was just wasting my time.. wasting my words.. wasting my energy.. not knowing that there is someone who is actually reading them and is affected by them.

Your words you write are powerful.. powerful enough to emit emotion, powerful enough to change someone's mind. Wherever you are writing.. if you write articles, if you have your own blog, whatever it is... someone is reading them. They may not comment, they may not 'like' it, but they are reading it everyday-- and your words are making an impact.
This is why we need to use our words in a positive way.. an influential way-- because I keep saying it, we can change the world.

Don't stop writing-- definitely discouragement will come.. you wanna feel like giving up, and you'll start to think that there is no point.. you are mistaken.. there is a point.

Keep writing and keep letting those words flow.

x

Friday Flicks: The Wolf of Wallstreet

Goodness gracious me!

I know I'm way behind on the film side of things.. but I watched this film a couple of days ago on Sky and boy I was more than entertained!

Leonardo Dicaprio of course was the main man in this film, as well as he also being the most hilarious narrator that I have ever heard. He played the character of 'Jordan Belfort', who becomes a very successful broker in the stock market, as well as battling his excessive drug addiction and sex escapades, he has it made.. until (I don't want to give it away) something happens...

If I say anymore I'll give the rest of the story away-- if you have seen it.. then you know what happens.

But Leonardo never fails to please with his superb acting (I'm a fan), very humorous in this film, with a touch of heart, the film is a great watch.

If you don't mind a little colourful language and imagery (orgies and snorting of coke lines) then you are in for a treat.

Haha.

I have this movie Sky+'ed so I'm definitely gonna watch it again.

Comment time: Raven Symone and The View

I love Raven Baxter! I mean.. Symone, Raven Symone!
And for about a week or so I have been seeing a plethora of news headlines with her name plastered all over it-- primarily about the comments that she makes while being on American Day time talk show, 'The View'
I wrote a little bit of my opinion on my Glipho page; and I want to expand a little here.

Now.

What is such the big deal with comments from Raven? I understand that she had a couple of hiccups recently with the whole 'I'm from every continent in Africa except for one... etc' comment... and the 'I'm not an African American.. I am an American' but you know what.. everyone has their own opinion, so why can't Raven also have her own?
No opinion is wrong, that is why it is an opinion and everyone is entitled to one.

As for Raven on The View.. I am more than ecstatic for her. I believe she is a great role model-- been around on TV since 'The Cosby Show' and nothing but good has been seen from her. She has blossomed into a beautiful young lady and she is back in the media swing with also being in EMPIRE! And her and Jussie Smollett are so cute, I  follow them both on Insta and they are so awesome together, they have beautiful auras and they are just plain ol good peoples!

I always hate to see people and their negative comments, but again, they are also entitled to their own opinion.
One thing that did annoy me though was the whole infatuation with Raven's sexuality  I mean... can't a person be who they are? Why are you so hung up on if she's straight, bisexual-- whatever? You will STILL watch her on TV... you will still google search her.. you will still forever have her name in her mouth.. at the end of  the day she is doing her thing.

*snaps fingers.* Ya Nashteee!

But yeah, love ya Raven!
x
#commenttime

#22 Types of writers

I primarily know (most) of the ins and outs of writing, when it comes to stories and articles (I'm still learning everyday though!)

And it has come to my attention that there are a variety of writers who have different writing habits and attitudes when it comes to the written word, whether it be via a laptop, mobile phone, or the old school way of the trusty pen and notebook.
Here are the Top 5 that I have come to witness (just a little bit of fun):

1) The organized writer

The writer that just has it all together; they have everything set in place, their characters, their plot, they have done all of their character profiles; and they plan how many words a day they are going to write. AND their desk looks something like this picture. I may be exaggerating a little, but the latter is all true. And that's not a bad thing, there are writers who do all well and good with doing everything to the 'T'!

2)The hopeful writer

That writer that doesn't necessarily go by the book, but just writes... and writes.. and hopes that it will all work out in the end. I would have to say I think to a certain extent we're all a little bit of the 'hopeful writer', but this writer just writes.. no necessarily plan, but they have the main idea and focus of the story and runs with it.

3) The OCD writer

Not as full on as this.. but the writer that self edits as they are writing.. (and it's only the FIRST draft).

The writer that doesn't like the way the sentence sounds (as they are typing it) and completely re-edits. And re-edits. And re-edits, and by the time they have got to a point, they find that they still haven't got where they wanted to be.

We all do it at some point in our writer journeys. Eventually, it will subside a little.. that's why we have so many drafts..

4) The 'I-want-to-find-another-word-to-say-this' writer

I'm so guilty of this--- you quickly go to google and look for another way to say 'scared' or another way to say 'happy' because after a while when you read your story and you see too much of the same word, it looks too repetitive, so spice it up with synonyms!

5) The old school writer

Whether we are in the new age of computers.. or we enter another new age where computers are even obsolete.. there are a group of writers that will stick it ol' school.. the pen and notebook kind of way. I find it therapeutic to do this.. it's like I'm pouring myself through my pen onto the page... 

Yeah.. I'm old school like that.

So!

Which one can you categorize yourself in?

#21 Collaboration

Have you ever thought of teaming up with someone and writing together?

It's good for motivation, it's good for inspiration, and it's hella good practice, I tell ya!

I was able to have this experience at University.. but since then I haven't really found the 'right' group of people.
It's best to collaborate with people who have the same type of interest as you-- it doesn't really matter the type of format, as long as the are is similar, there will be some kind of flow.

Just how song writers and producers collaborate.. they collaborate with particular people because they 'get them', or they believe that if they come together they will be able to create something amazing.

Same case with writers! Or, if one writes, and one proofreads, it's all the same-- as long as you have a little team or a network of collaboratives, I don't see why it would be hard to create anything!

There is something called 'Collaborative Fiction' where you can both write parts of a story-- I've done that before and it is absolute fun. These are all different ways of not just keeping the motivation going, but to be able to work differently and to be exposed to different techniques.

I know there are some writers that are just well and good working by themselves; but once in a while it is good to come out of that shell and meet other writers, and put your heads together!

It's great fun.

#20 Dialogue

I believe all writers know about Dialogue and its purpose.

If not, all dialogue is, is a conversation between two or more people. How it is written on the page will look something like this:

"I don't like the way you said that to me, at all!" She exclaimed

The basics you need to know are the speech marks that are at the beginning and at the end of the statements; and one thing you also need to be aware of is at the end 'She exclaimed' or 'She yelled', you don't always need to put that at the end; but when we first learn about writing we are introduced to this.

But this is why we also have these: '! ?' They cause us to know if it's something that is said with expression or if it is a question-- you can always add 'She exclaimed' but sometimes it can get very repetitve, especially when it's between 2 people. If it's only one person, it's not as bad.

Anywho!
Enough of the technicalities, what I really wanted to grip my teeth into is the overall effect and purpose of what dialogue brings to the story.

Dialogue brings life to the characters and the overall narrative-- it gives you more of a clearer vision of how the characters are-- it adds to the whole 3D effect of these people we have created out of our own imaginations!
It gives you a clearer idea of personalities and character traits, and it makes us as the reader to relate to them more while we are reading.

I believe dialogue is a key trait in a story and without it, it would be a little boring-- whether it is a little or a lot of dialogue, it makes the narrative 'come alive', and it breaks away from the overall 'narrative voice'.

You can write a story just in dialogue. The dialogue alone will tell the narrative and you as the reader are a little more interactive, having to kind of grab onto what's going on, Dialogue is as much as a narrative than us summarizing and describing back story. Yes.
Ernest Hemingway's 'Hills like White Elephants' is a perfect example!

Check it out. How will you implement dialogue in your stories..?

Friday Flicks: Being Mary Jane

YES!

So.... this is another one of my guilty pleasures during the week.

I love it. I love Gabrielle Union. I love the show-- I personally can relate to it and it's just.. great.

Unfortunately.. it's nearing its end,(not the entire show, but its second season!) but the story is basically about Mary Jane Paul.. a successful business woman-- a news anchor to be specific.. she practically has it all... but really all she wants is a relationship.. and a family.

A lot of the show revolved around her and David.. a 'ship' (I call it a ship.. there were no relations involved, unless you count all of their sexual encounters) who she did love, but he is married.
Mary Jane just wants a man who will love her, and will want a family with her.. minus all of the drama.
As well as so many other things that are around her.. her friends.. her somewhat dysfunctional family..

It's a great watch, and for an hour too-- whoo chile! My Monday nights are all well and good!

#19 More inspiration

'Darling, I'm a writer-- I use troubles as an inspiration. So go ahead- have a try'

I saw this quote on Tumblr last night and OH MY GOD. In just a sentence describes the nature of writers.
We use what we go through as inspiration.
We use what we go through to capture that real and raw emotion.
We use what we go through to teach.

I screengrabbed that tumblr post and put it on my instagram, hashtagged it '#writers' because I really believe this to be true.

What do you use as your inspiration? What can you take from your life, your experiences, or even from other people's experiences that you have had the opportunity to listen to?
I believe as writers, we have a duty to uphold to write about the truth in its most rawest form--words are powerful and as much as we think that they do not have an effect on us, they do, and what we hear or say end up manifesting themselves at some point in our lives.

We as writers use our words positively to get across all of the tribulations and troubles in life, and to make it known that there are happy endings, and that there are times where life will take its toll-- we portray both sides of the spectrum-- we capture those 'kodak' moments in life, and we capture the times in life that we don't want to think about, but we need to acknowledge that it does happen and it strengthens us as human beings.

Our words impact.
Our words CHANGE LIVES.

Darling-- we are writers, and we can change the world.

And for a little humour to end this post...

x

#18 The story is never finished

One of my little sisters, (She isn't my biological; but she might as well be)
asked me about a story she is writing.. she said 'The story's finished, but I don't know what else to add'

I replied to her 'Are you sure the story is finished.. there is always something else to add'

And truly, there was-- she added more to the story!

What am I trying to say here... we as writers-- what we write never really has an ending-- but we need to gather to some type of conclusion otherwise the story will drag.
But all of the stories that you have written, can you tell me that they are COMPLETELY finished? That you're not able to expand on at least one thing in that story?

For some.. I know your answer is yes.. you know why? Because you've written it in that way. But for me I can definitely say no. There are so many other stories  that can come out of the stories I've written.

But then it's also good to keep your readers on their toes.. which is why sequels and prequels are absolute GOLD.
Especially when they are good... (I was going to reference something but my lips are sealed.. :|)

I recently had a look at my old notebooks and their are tons of unfinished stories...
I challenge you to dip back in your old books and see if you can revive any old stories you have written.

You never know!

#17 Motivation: The Past can be used as writing inspiration

It's good to dip into the past-- for a positive effect.

By no means should you ever go to your past and pick out a negative memory, unless it will be used in a positive way. Your past shouldn't haunt you, it should rather push you to do even better-- and motivate you to do more.

As writers generally.. we need to be brave.. we need to be courageous-- because we may be compelled to write something so dark and grim, but in the end it may liberate someone else; and that is the purpose to why we write.. we say the unsaid!

I learned from one of my tutors at my university that there are sometimes you have to dig deep and go to the places that you don't really want to go.. those dark places that we have suppressed and pushed to the back of our minds.

That is where the truth is, and that is what we write.

So my dear writer. Try this. 

Take a moment and dig deep to that memory, or that time that was dark in your life-- it can be uncomfortable.. and it can be scary.. trust me, but what you will get out of it will be nothing more than a masterpiece.

#16 Don't let the passion die

The moment you write because of income-- that's when the real love for writing fades. Ever since I was 12-- I've always wanted to be a writer and it has never left.

Yes... sometimes you can get discouraged.. lose motivation.. and even want to stop. 

But it never did. And that's how I knew that it was something that I love to do.

Anything that you love to do-- just do it. If money happens to step into the picture, thank God for it because it is more than a bonus.

But think to yourself, why do you write?

Do you love the feel of release after?

Do you love to create characters that you know and believe people that read it will relate to?

Do you love to create stories that are so close to life and you know that people will be impacted by it?

Do you love to create futuristic or new worlds for children or adults to escape in?

Whatever the reason maybe, once that reason is in you, don't let it go. 

There is a reason why you are writing, and there are people out there that need to read it.

There is something special in that story of yours that needs to be seen by at least one person. 

If the passion does die, reflect back to why you started to write in the first place. Of course life and others things may become a bit challenging and cause you to pause from it for a time, but by no means do not lose that passion-- that love that you have.

Friday Flicks: Pitch Perfect 2!

I forgot to start this last week...

Friday Flicks!

Ok.. well I haven't seen this movie yet.. but I've seen the first one and the first one was AWESOME!

This was one of the best moments in the first one:


But anyway! I'm hoping it will be much better than the first one! I have faith it will be good.

Woo!

Comment Time: E4 'Jane the Virgin'

Has anyone started to watch this show?

I really like it-- it's a little quirky in some aspects-- but it's good.
I'm only in the third episode.. and I don't really want to reveal what's happened already..

But overall it is a good show.. the premise is basically this girl, Jane, is a virgin, and she accidentally gets inseminated with someone elses sperm at the doctor's...
...and yeah... I don't want to say too much!

All the episodes are on youtube...

Tune in!

#15 Stationery

Hi, my name is Diana and I am a Stationery addict! *waves*

I will admit it so proudly because I AM A WRITER!

I love books.
I love pens
I love PRETTY diaries
I love bookmarks
I love pencils
I love SMOOTH writing pens (Aw, watch out now i'm getting specific!)

You get the point though, right?

When I'm writing on the page, I love to use pens that flow with my thoughts-- I know that sounds so artsy-- but I know what I'm saying!

There is a particular feel with certain pens that when you write on the page, it feels a bit gravely.. and sometimes it's so smooth that you don't want the flow of writing to stop. Depending on my mood.. I don't mind a clicky pen.. or just a normal pen with a lid...

Are you with me?

There's particular books that I like.. I prefer books that don't have spirals for my diary and my 'ideas' book- I'd prefer to just have a leather bound book with that little ribbon in the middle to mark where I am... and that elastic band that keeps it closed and secured-- something like this:

I hope I haven't lost you!

I get so excited when I get stationery... it kind of gives me a little push to write. I don't know about you my dear writers.. but I love my stationery!

Are there any particulars that you can't do without? What kinds of pens, or books do you prefer?

I believe it does contribute to the whole writing experience.

#14 It's not stealing if you make it your own...

Well.. nothing is new in this world-- everything that we have seen being done has been reused and recycled (see the tad bit of wordiness there, lol) into something else, but it's never the same to how it was.

That's what we need to do as writers.. we come up with so many ideas; and a lot of them have already been done, and been acclaimed for their good works, etc.. so HOW are you going to make it work? What spin are you going to put on it?

You see, anyone can sing Beyonce's 'Pretty Hurts' or Stevie Wonder's 'Isn't she lovely?' but there is a WAY they sing it, to make it their own.. (I know.. I watch too much X Factor/American Idol) there is a uniquness in the person that is singing the song that makes it different to anyone else that will sing it.

The millions of articles we read; do you not think the ideas that were pitched have been done before? But there is a different angle they are coming from, or a particular perspective they want to show that maybe wasn't shown the first time it has been pitched.

Do you get it?

So don't be discouraged if your story idea has already been done, because it is more than likely that most ideas you get have been done but dig a little deeper and come with it from a completely different direction-- write it-- and make sure you get people to read it to help you spot what maybe you could spot (4 eyes are better than 2 I always say!)

But yes, Oh no no.. us writers don't steal.. we just make it our own :)

#13 Wordiness (Fluff writing)

I was THE serial fluff (wordy) writer in my earlier writing days; if you have a look at the image below, the first sentence would be something I would regularly write; now as I read it, I want to rip my hair out! Writing is forever a learning process!


Wordiness or fluff my dear writers is another fault we tend to make, (usually in our first couple of drafts) because we want to make our writing sound very descriptive, or we want to showcase our vocabulary; whatever the case maybe the more clearer a sentence is, the more the reader will be engrossed in everything else. Depending on what you are writing, you can use the most simplest words to get your meaning across to the reader; and that doesn't make you any less of an intellectual person. Vocabulary is very good-- yes, but it has to be used in moderation, and there must be a purpose to why you are!

Remember the 'Show don't tell' rule? It applies very well and it is absolute KEY to eliminating wordiness in your stories-- and in your general writing.

Instead of writing something like:

"Jennifer walked slowly down the hill, tears flowing from her cheeks; forming small wet spots on her long pencil skirt; she didn't know what she wanted to do or where she was going."

You can write this:

"Jennifer walked slowly; tears flowing down her cheeks, dropping on to her long pencil skirt. Where she was going, she didn't know."

Can you see the difference?

You don't have to be overly descriptive, and overly foretelling; sometimes leave the imagination to the reader-- UNLESS there is a reason to it. For example, I took out the 'down the hill' part, I found it irrelevant; unless something is going to happen on the hill, or the hill has some type of significance, then by all means, keep that in, otherwise take it out. Wordiness can also be a way of 'filling in the gap' because we don't know what else to write-- if that's the case, read back at what you have already written and make another connection-- it's better to write one or two good sentences, than to write a paragraph of fluff!

The whole point of the sentence is to alert the reader that something has upset  'Jennifer' and has caused her to wander to the point that she doesn't even know where she will end up.
I've showed  that she is upset by mentioning 'tears' but not actually stating that 'she is upset'

Unless you have a purpose to your overuse of words (Your character is a serial wordy speaker.. etc ) or you want to show that a character is nervous or anxious-- because as human beings when we get frazzled, anxious, nervous. etc we tend to speak more than we normally do, right? Wordiness in itself is a tool, but it can be abused sometimes! But all in all, always stick to the 'show don't tell' rule, it's very enjoying to read, and to also be the creator of it is that much more fun.

#12 Share your work

As a young writer at the time (When I was like 16) I absolutely DETESTED showing my working or sharing my work with other people. My writing was for me and nobody else-- I didn't want anyone to criticize or say they 'didn't like' my work.

Pretty immature huh?

After a couple of years, and on top of that my Creative Writing course I went on at Uni-- that changed as quick as dropping a hot potato.

You see.. the beauty of sharing work, exchanging it, showing it to people is that you can get a response and know if your writing is liked by other people besides yourself.

Don't get me wrong, I know there's a lot of people that have no shame in sharing their work-- in fact they LOVE it-- I was just the emo writer that just wanted books and books of unedited writing stored up in my room.

Not anymore. lol.

But really, it gives you a boost because not only do you get criticism, (not always constructive, mind you..) you get a fresh perspective, because we can read our writing a million times and not see anything wrong with it after 1,000 edits-- so to get the opportunity for someone else to look over it, or just to read it is a blessing.

You can receive good advice, especially if you have writer friends in your circle, or if you're connected to people who have been published or are established writers..

Really, it's all to your benefit-- if you don't share your work, you don't grow as a writer; you won't learn anything new, and it may cause you to be stagnant.

Exchange your work with friends, colleagues people you KNOW that will help you to become better.

#11 For the everyday writer

Happy Thursday all!

Now.. what I mean by the 'everyday' writer is someone who writes everyday, but it's nothing specific-- it could just be about their day, or their thoughts, or future plans, goals, whatever it maybe.

The only thing I have to say about that is to KEEP WRITING!

And also, to keep everything organized and separate, get a book for each thing you want to write about.

So for example, if you want to write about.. your day, or you want to rant; get a book for 'thought's or keep a diary. (I know people nowadays don't 'keep' diaries.. but for the people that do..)

If you want to write about daily/monthly/yearly goals, have a book just set for that.

So whenever you want to refer back to it, you know where to look and you aren't frantically flicking through pages of every book you have to look for it!

It's much easier, and make sure you keep them all in one designated place!


Just a small tip.

#10 For the Poetry Writer: Finding your type

I'm not a poetry writer, but I've had the pleasure of learning a little about some different types of poems and how to construct them.

Haiku
Free Verse
Shakespearean

Those are some I've actually been able to write during my time on my Creative Writing course as well as in my spare time.

I absolutely LOVE Haiku poetry.. the beauty in how just a small amount of words can create such a burst of imagery and emotion:

The blowing of the wind

The tickle of spring in my nose

Purple petals fall

This was one I wrote out of leisure.. I'm no expert, but I just love how much imagery this created in my head!

Anyway! Enough about me and my poetic endeavours; you my dear poet, are you struggling to find your type?

Do you like writing freely?

Do you like writing with a specific constraint?

Are you more of a rhymer?

Or one that likes to create imagery.. the type to escape?

You could even be all four of these and more; but there is a plethora of different formats of what you could write..

Based on how you like to write.. no harm in doing a search..

And most of all.. keep writing!

:)

#9 For the Story Writer: Character Profiles

In my last post I briefly mentioned about 'Character Profiles', (in the past) I was a writer that didn't bother to do this. I just wrote the story, and as I went along I created more and more stuff about the character(s), but I quickly realized that no one could relate to my character because they seemed a little two dimensional.. or there was an 'uncanny' likeness to me, (which is what I DON'T want!)

But something that I came to learn at my Creative Writing course at Uni (Yep.. I'm cool like that!) is a very useful tool called a 'Character Profile' and it looks something like this:

I believe we all have come into contact with something like this in our lives-- it's just something to make up the parts of a character that can make them seem 'real' so to speak. So their:

 -Name

-Age

-Gender

-dislikes

-Likes

 -nationality

-Their appearance

-Any other specifics like if they have children or a job, siblings etc

Some writers go as far as even attaching a picture that is closely related to their description.

Because in creating this, it determines how much a reader can relate to them, how likeable they will be etc, and it makes it easier for you as the author to be able to specify particular aspects of your story in accordance to one or more of your characters.

Character profiles are more associated with Novels, seeing as you have enough room to expand and allow for your character to be known by the reader.

It's a good tool none the less, though. See how you like it, test it out.

:)