… and here’s what I found.
This was an experiment – commenting on my post from yesterday, my friend Marina suggested that querying Google for “things that chicks dig” is another bad way of gaining inroads into the female psyche.
But you know me: I had to try anyway.
So I tried.
The image above was among the first five results provided by Google.
We’ll leave the discussion and writing assignment as summer homework for the students…
This photo is part of a set published in 1950 by Life Magazine about an enterprising gentleman planning to turn old Catalina seaplanes into “flying yacht”.
You find more about the project (and more photos) here.
There’s this folk tale, which is quite popular.
It tells of writing as a toilsome activity, built on pain and suffering.
Putting words on the page, we are told, is soul-draining and cruel.
And yet, ah, what can a poor artist do, when his muse, or daemon, or whatchamacallit, pushes them forward mercilessly?
And of course this is just so much rubbish, of the kind usually used by posers trying to get a free pass by playing the always popular part of the tormented artist.
On the other hand, there is a bad side to writing.
And I don’t mean the aching hands and the bad hours, the meager returns and the leery attitude of those that have “a serious job” like, for instance, gerbil farming. Continue reading
Considering that sword & sandal is the flavor of the week on Karavansara, these fine ladies might be of inspiration for writers out there.
Ah, decisions, decisions…
What is better?
a . a very powerful finale that provides a huge hook for other stories, but requires heavy reliance on deus ex machina, somewhat disempowering the main character?
or
b . a smaller-scale finale without too many whistles and bells, but featuring an action-packed set piece (or two!), showcasing all the best qualities of the main character, providing ample opportunities for all-out heroics?
Yes, I know, I know…
Silly question.
I do prefer the second, too.
And this means rewriting about 3000 words of my story.
And yet, this is the debut of the character – if I can’t give her the best, even the great hooks and thingies will feel lame in the end.
As a writer, I’m fully in the service of my heroes, and heroines.
It is my responsibility to help them look their best.
So ok, time to do some heavy editing.
No, call it rewriting…
And yes, this is still a problem with the Atlantean sword of power we discussed yesterday.
If only could I find a way to eat the cake and have it…
ADDENDUM: found it!
OK, so I’m revising my new story, and I’m discussing some story writing essentials with my friends online.
It’s good having someone to compare notes with, to discuss the finer points of the writing art.
Like…
Q: How can I have a 90lbs woman kill a 75ft-high iron monster in a satisfactory, credible way?
A: Easy. You get her an Atlantean sword of power descending from the skies, sheathed in lightning. That’s the way you do it.
And indeed, everything’s better with an Atlantean sword, only… Continue reading
Photo credited to Steve McCurry
Karavansara 