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.

Wiley Wednesday

Writer Zen Garden Posted on by
The more I get into writing, the more I find my skill lacking. It’s ironic considering I agreed to write something meant to help others. Then again, perhaps part of being human is learning together.

All I really feel qualified to say today is that if you want to write, don’t stop doing it. And whatever you do, write what you love.

This is echoed at the end of an article by Josh Lanyon that I find worthy of sharing. It’s regarding m/m writing and whether such authors should try to find a mainstream publisher. That said, the website does showcase gay male sexuality, so please be warned.

If you don’t mind some male nudity and are inclined to read Mr. Lanyon’s enlightening opinion, please click here: 

Reviews by Jesse Wave

Dead Battery

Writer Zen Garden Posted on by
Sitting in a rainstorm with a dead car battery, I can’t help comparing this situation to my writing. For various reasons, work stress among them, I feel too drained by day’s end to write. It’s like my characters have abandoned me.

However, I’m not calling it quits. I knew what number to call for help today, so there is surely some key to storytelling locked inside me. First, I need to sit down and make the effort to write whether I feel like it or not. Taking that step is one hundred percent more likely to produce words on the page than not trying.

Perhaps I’ll start now while waiting for my savior with the jumper cables.

Then again, I have my “Artist’s Way” book by Julian Cameron. It’s designed to enable higher creativity without forcing oneself.

Rather than speaking of a drained battery, Ms. Cameron would probably tell me that I need to fill my creative well. There are many fun ways to do that. This week five of “The Artist’s Way” advises collecting images of postponed pleasures and desires. I think it’s time to go through a gardening catalog. Then I can head over to a garden center when the weather warms and put my artist’s eye toward shaping my yard into some fresh new visualization.

Weekly artist’s dates, times spent all by myself doing something fun, are another big tool from Julia Cameron’s arsenal. The visit to said garden center would make a great date even before time to plant.

What about you? Is it time to charge that battery or fill your well? What interesting venture might aid you in the goal?