Wiley Wednesday – Having an Artsy Attitude

Writer Zen Garden Posted on by
I’m not sure if this fits the definition of a Wiley for this fine Wednesday, but I ran into something I simply had to share. You could most definitely say it fits with the Artist’s Way teachings of Julia Cameron, at any rate.

While reading a magazine the other day, I found an interesting interview with a comic book artist. This man admits to sometimes not being able to make a living with his art, at time forced to work a factory job. All the same, he doesn’t regret his choice.

And he didn’t exactly get encouragement, either. His parents, unsupportive to epic proportions, actually demanded he earn an engineering degree.

What really caught my attention was something specific that happened during his school days. A teacher, whom he defends, actually tore up one of his drawings! Apparently, this man considered the work to have been a waste of time despite the care put into the effort. I really felt for that young artist, who happened to have been proud of his achievement.

However, rather than expressing any bitterness, our hero accepts each pitfall as a step to his ultimate dream. I don’t know about you, but I find immense encouragement from that.

Whatever your medium of choice, I wish you happy creating!

Point of View

Writer Zen Garden Posted on by
I am in the midst of reading Ann Somerville’s “Games & Consequences” and it brings up for me an interesting question. First, an explanation.

The story is a sequel of sorts, following the tale “Remastering Jerna”. Set in a unique world with interesting alterations from our own, the tale is told from the perspective of Jerna, a wrongly accused man. I greatly enjoyed that read, and looked forward to the next.

“Games & Consequences” is good, too. I’m not disappointed. However, the changed perspective (now from Jerna’s male lover) brings up the question as to what readers prefer. Do most folks prefer that the author stick with one character’s point of view?

Knowing there are many schools of thought, I’d be curious to know your opinion.

The Words Unspoken

Writer Zen Garden Posted on by
After a busy day early this week, I came home and just wanted to rest my brain. For me that usually means watching something rather than reading or writing. The video of choice that night was Mansfield Park.
I know that people often have strong opinions about the 1999 movie version of Mansfield Park. In truth, I am inclined to agree that it does not qualify as a very faithful adaptation of Jane Austen’s book, but that does not prevent me from enjoying it for what it is. Fanny and Edward in the carriage headed back to Mansfield Park is one of my absolute favorite romantic scenes in any movie. It really gets to me, the idea that these two understand each other so perfectly that words are not necessary.
Remembering the scene as I was writing and editing this week really made me think about the difference between a movie and a written story.

A lot is conveyed by facial expression and body language in a movie, even when there are no spoken lines in a scene. Readers do not have that luxury. The images the story creates for them are based entirely upon the words on the page.
So, how do we as writers create these images? We are all familiar with the idea that we must “show, not tell,” so we can’t just spell it out directly. Well crafted dialog certainly can set the tone of a scene and give us some insight into the characters, too.
But what about when your characters are not speaking, at least not in words? How do you make the “speaking glance” your characters exchange actually speak to your readers?
The answer to that question is one I still struggle with at times. Body language, facial expression, internal monologue – there are any number of tools a writer can use. But how much of each, and when? Each story, each set of characters are different, so there is no one-size-fits-all rule to apply.
I guess my point here really is to remind us that our characters’ silence can, and should, speak just as loudly as their words. Use all the tools at your disposal to show their thoughts and emotions, and your characters will be that much more rounded and vivid to your readers.
And, if you can, give a movie that just happens to be called Mansfield Park a chance.

“In Your Eyes” by Adelle Laudan

Writer Zen Garden Posted on by
Here’s a description of “In Your Eyes” from Amazon: Lizzy would give it all back just to hear her mother’s voice one more time… the house, the furniture…even the money. Regardless, her heartless stepfather is determined to take what he feels is rightfully his. Handyman Adam Woodward rides into Lizzy’s life and vows to keep her safe, but is it enough to stop the cold, callous determination of Ben Stokes?

Adelle Laudan instantly pulled this reader into her story of innocence endangered. Ms. Laudan’s unique style lets you see through the characters’ eyes while showing them from the outside at the same time. There is never any doubt as to whom you’re seeing among the story’s distinct personalities. I rooted from page one for the sweet heroine. Introduction to her secret admirer gave immediate hope for a happily-ever-after.

Honestly, picking up the title after breakfast one lazy weekend morning, I didn’t put it down until finished! It’s the perfect length for an afternoon beach read or guilty escapism from chores. While you should know not to expect steamy smut, pick up “In Your Eyes” for a taste of tender romance. You won’t regret it.