November 23, 2005 Drama NL

About This Newsletter:

It is our attitude at the beginning of a different undertaking which, more than anything else, will determine its outcome.
~William James

Life is a blend of laughter and tears, a combination of rain and sunshine.
~Norman Vincent Peale

Five "C's" of fiction: convincing characters caught in compelling conflict.
~Brandy Collins




Editorial:

My Thesaurus, My Friend

Many, many ages back, when I was in high school, my father gave me a thesaurus for my birthday. My thought was, "Gee Dad, what in the world were you thinking?"
Needless to say, I was less than thrilled. I wanted something cool, clothes or an album (remember those?), but this book was NOT on my list of must haves.

Years, and much reflection, later, it appears my dad had wonderful foresight. Who would have ever thought I'd take writing seriously? I guess my dad did.

I've yet to update my dinosaur of a "thesaur." One day, perhaps. Even though, I've found it to be a very valuable tool in my writer's tool chest.

Often writers look for different ways to say "said." It's been covered many times. How about something "moving?"

Do you "walk?" Sure, we all do. But do you also amble, ramble, stroll, saunter, tread, pace and hike?

How about "run?" Well, okay some of us, including me, don't do much running anymore...but our characters might. They might also scurry, hasten, continue and race.

So when we, as writers, are reaching for just the right word, pick up your book, tome, volume, manual, publication or compilation, otherwise known as thesaurus! It will make your work shine!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!!




Nikola




Editor's Picks:

While browsing our Newbies, I found some wonderful reading!

ID: 1029560 Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. by Not Available.

ID: 1029877   (Rated: 13+) Sam and Margarite  The year 1962. The place, Ralph, Alabama. Meet Sam and Margarite Warner. by Joanne

ID: 1033995 Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. by Not Available.

ID: 1033495   (Rated: 18+) One Word  Two girls, different times, similar stories. 1 word that changes their lives. by cherry

ID: 1031928 Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. by Not Available.

ID: 1031906   (Rated: E) Mere Oration Does Not Suitably Fit...  A compelling short about death. by Ronnie R.

Feedback:

From karabu : Interesting idea. I'm not sure it'll help me, but I'm game to give it a try and report back if it does. Can I call it my 'box of inspiration' or something instead of 'morgue'? - Yikes, that's a downer.


You can call it anything you like as long as it works for you!


From kelly1202: Great newsletter. I love the idea of a "morgue". I'm definitely going to start one of my own!


Thanks so much!


From Jax: Not here. : I loved the Writer's Morgue idea! What a wonderful way to brainstorm and catch up on your reading. Nice newsletter! You might wanna close your color tags though, hun.


Thanks sweetie!



From Demon Squirrel of Doom! : That was an awesome article, Nikola....I am going to work on my morgue tonight...when the moon is full...BWAAHAAHAA!!!!!


A woman after my own !


From MaryLou : a writer's morgue - that's an awesome idea, Nikola! I'm going to start one right away. Thanks bunches for such a brilliant tip!


Thanks Mary! I hope it comes in handy!


From W.D.Wilcox © ¿ Φ : Great newsletter, Nikola, and what a fantastic idea for storing things you want to write about. I'm getting me a refrigerator box!


Why is it I can actually picture that, Bill!


From lightandshadow: Personally I have a scrap book where I stick in cuttings. I find it really useful. I also have a special little book where I write down scraps of ideas, things that I notice about people and even lines that struck me from films, stories or poems. If I ever get stuck or lack inspiration I check in on these.


That's wonderful! It's great to have a place to go to when the need for inspiration strikes.


From Paige Turner : I love your suggestion for a Morgue. I have saved newspaper clippings for story ideas, but
I never even thought about saving pictures to use for other inspiration. (Not to mention how much neater and handier it would be to keep everything together like that!) Thanks!!


You're very welcome! Glad I could be of assistance.


From Matthew C. Loved the idea about the writer's morgue! I started cutting things out and
sticking them in a folder about a year ago and while I haven't had time to
write lately, I did get the opportunity to review the contents just the other
day. I was moving my daughter into another room (my old office room), so I had
stuff everywhere. I painted my daughter's new room, moved her stuff in, painted
the new office room and while moving my stuff in there, I ran across my
"clippings" folder. For ten minutes, I had a great time looking at the things
I'd gathered earlier. Hopefully soon I can actually sit down to write again.


It is fun to go through all the things you've saved, isn't it?



Thank you one and all for all the wonderful feedback! I'm so glad you enjoyed the newsletter.