I finished this a while ago, but it's very fitting at this time of year. This passage actually made me cry, so I thought I'd put it up here. It also makes you think about all the stuff that everyone is out buying in a shopping panic. Enjoy!
From Mr Edwards meets Santa Claus in Little House on the Prairie, by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Something was shining bright in the top of Laura's stocking. She squealed and jumped out of bed. So did Mary, but Laura beat her to the fireplace. And the shining thing was a glittering new tin cup.
Mary had one exactly like it.
These new tin cups were their very own. Now they each had a cup to drink out of. Laura jumped up and down and shouted and laughed, but Mary stood still and looked with shining eyes at her own tin cup.
Then they plunged their hands into the stockings again. And they pulled out two long, long sticks of candy. It was peppermint candy, striped red and white. They looked and looked at that beautiful candy, and Laura licked her stick, just one lick. But Mary was not so greedy. She didn't take even one lick of her stick.
Those stockings weren't empty yet. Mary and Laura pulled out two small packages. They unwrapped them, and each found a little heart-shaped cake. Over their delicate brown tops was sprinkled white sugar. The sparkling grains lay like tiny drifts of snow. And the inside of that little cake was white!
It had been made of pure white flour, and sweetened with white sugar.
Laura and Mary never would have looked in their stockings again. The cups and the cakes and the candy were almost too much. They were too happy to speak. But Ma asked if they were sure the stockings were empty.
Then they put their arms down inside them, to make sure.
And in the very toe of each stocking was a shining bright, new penny!
They had never even thought of such a thing as having a penny. Think of having a whole penny for your very own. Think of having a cup and a cake and a stick of candy and a penny.
There had never been such a Christmas.
Tuesday, 17 December 2013
Saturday, 7 December 2013
Young Adult-ness
I've just read Divergent - a book I actually saw the film trailer for a couple of weeks ago. I bought it for a long train journey, and quite enjoyed it; although it's not particularly well written, it's got some interesting ideas.
People are divided into five factions, based on their personality traits. There are those who value honesty most of all, then courage, intelligence, kindness, and selflessness. But some don't fit into these categories so neatly, and that's where the fun starts.
It got me thinking about which faction I would be in, if I lived in that world, and maybe even more difficult to decide, which one I think has its priorities right. Of course they're all good traits and I aspire to have them all, but where would I actually fit?
I like to think it would be Dauntless - the faction that honours courage above all else. The one I would like to be more like is probably Amity (kindness) or Abnegation (selflessness). The book itself has an interesting perspective on this; that in many cases, selflessness and courage are nearly interchangeable. We can be at our bravest when we are thinking of others and not ourselves. Forgetting the self can help us to act, even when we are scared.
People are divided into five factions, based on their personality traits. There are those who value honesty most of all, then courage, intelligence, kindness, and selflessness. But some don't fit into these categories so neatly, and that's where the fun starts.
It got me thinking about which faction I would be in, if I lived in that world, and maybe even more difficult to decide, which one I think has its priorities right. Of course they're all good traits and I aspire to have them all, but where would I actually fit?
I like to think it would be Dauntless - the faction that honours courage above all else. The one I would like to be more like is probably Amity (kindness) or Abnegation (selflessness). The book itself has an interesting perspective on this; that in many cases, selflessness and courage are nearly interchangeable. We can be at our bravest when we are thinking of others and not ourselves. Forgetting the self can help us to act, even when we are scared.
Wednesday, 4 December 2013
1,2,3 write!
A little while ago, Lift (a fantastic new app which helps people to build habits and hold themselves accountable for whatever they choose to commit to) asked me to create a writing coaching plan.
It's a 30-day plan; sign up and you'll get a new tip each day, based on things that have helped me get down to writing, even when I don't particularly want to, or when I don't know what to say. The tips are simple and (hopefully) fun - I'd love you all to have a look and tell me what you think. It's the first time I've ever written anything like this, but I really enjoyed it.
You can find the plan here.
I've also been tweeting a bit about my plan; if you like it, please sign up and/or share it yourselves. Happy writing!
It's a 30-day plan; sign up and you'll get a new tip each day, based on things that have helped me get down to writing, even when I don't particularly want to, or when I don't know what to say. The tips are simple and (hopefully) fun - I'd love you all to have a look and tell me what you think. It's the first time I've ever written anything like this, but I really enjoyed it.
You can find the plan here.
I've also been tweeting a bit about my plan; if you like it, please sign up and/or share it yourselves. Happy writing!
Tuesday, 26 November 2013
Giving Iain Banks another chance
Time for a post about reading, after all these writing ones.
I hated The Wasp Factory. I mean, really hated it. So much so that I never even finished the book. I think I got up to the last or second last chapter and realised I was having a properly horrible time.
But I know Banks is well renowned as a fantastic writer. And he's also written a lot of sci-fi.
So I decided to give him another chance with one of his Culture novels: The Player of Games. My first thoughts were not very positive: the beginning, as with most 'hard' sci-fi (I hate that term though), is full of obscure invented words and concepts that you have to try and decipher, or ignore. It seemed very much like these things were there just for show - I've created this new world, so I can put whatever I want into it. Of course any alien world is going to be very different from ours, but it was just uncomfortable as a reader.
That first part of the book was not particularly enthralling. It did get a lot better once Gurgeh gets on the voyage to the Empire; there was finally a purpose to the story. Descriptions of the different world, and the games he plays, are a lot more interesting and I read the second half of the book pretty quickly.
Unfortunately, I didn't like the ending much either.
It feels like something exciting and unexpected is going to happen - it does, but it's very difficult to tell what's actually happening, or why. As the book gets closer to the end, I liked the main character less and less. Not being allowed to see much of his thought process, particularly about some of the most important things he has found out, was frustrating. By the time of the final battle, I didn't even care if he was going to die.
The twist was also unfulfilling.
It's not great news, as second chances go. I liked some of the ideas enough, and the writing, to think I might try another Culture novel. But only 'might'.
I hated The Wasp Factory. I mean, really hated it. So much so that I never even finished the book. I think I got up to the last or second last chapter and realised I was having a properly horrible time.
But I know Banks is well renowned as a fantastic writer. And he's also written a lot of sci-fi.
So I decided to give him another chance with one of his Culture novels: The Player of Games. My first thoughts were not very positive: the beginning, as with most 'hard' sci-fi (I hate that term though), is full of obscure invented words and concepts that you have to try and decipher, or ignore. It seemed very much like these things were there just for show - I've created this new world, so I can put whatever I want into it. Of course any alien world is going to be very different from ours, but it was just uncomfortable as a reader.
That first part of the book was not particularly enthralling. It did get a lot better once Gurgeh gets on the voyage to the Empire; there was finally a purpose to the story. Descriptions of the different world, and the games he plays, are a lot more interesting and I read the second half of the book pretty quickly.
Unfortunately, I didn't like the ending much either.
It feels like something exciting and unexpected is going to happen - it does, but it's very difficult to tell what's actually happening, or why. As the book gets closer to the end, I liked the main character less and less. Not being allowed to see much of his thought process, particularly about some of the most important things he has found out, was frustrating. By the time of the final battle, I didn't even care if he was going to die.
The twist was also unfulfilling.
It's not great news, as second chances go. I liked some of the ideas enough, and the writing, to think I might try another Culture novel. But only 'might'.
Friday, 22 November 2013
Day 22
Another NaNo post. There's just over a week to go, and it's getting really good. Sitting down to commit a couple of thousand words to the page is easier and easier - I watch my word count less like a hawk as I write, and the actual words seem better, the story more cohesive.
Making the time to write each day, and the space, and the concentration; I hope these are things I can carry through after this month is finished.
Most of all, I can't wait to actually read what I've written. So far, I've only allowed myself to look back at the last sentence or so to check my place. I wonder what it's like. I hope it (more or less) makes sense.
I've started getting nervous about all the people I said could read it once it's done. Before I began, the book was an abstract thing, and I had no emotional investment in it, no reason to say no. Now I am protective. I want the chance to edit it a bit, improve it.
In the past week or so I've started reading again, looking to authors I haven't read much of for inspiration. I've noticed that there's probably a lack of description in my story. Maybe that's a good thing, that I've got enough to say on plot and dialogue. But it'll need adding.
The pep talks from NaNoWriMo have been particularly useful, and the forums are equal parts comforting and hilarious. It's a lovely community of writers; a very supportive environment for first-time novelists.
Here's a confession: I didn't think I'd actually be able to do it.
Now, I know I will. I'm just over 10,000 words shy of the 50,000 pass mark and there's still enough time to write the extra scenes I'll need to finish the book. I have a better idea of how much I can write in an hour, in half an hour. I know without a doubt that I need, at the very least, a basic plan to write a book. My list of scenes has been the best thing to keep me writing each day, even if I don't feel particularly inspired at the time.
Just over a week to go.
Making the time to write each day, and the space, and the concentration; I hope these are things I can carry through after this month is finished.
Most of all, I can't wait to actually read what I've written. So far, I've only allowed myself to look back at the last sentence or so to check my place. I wonder what it's like. I hope it (more or less) makes sense.
I've started getting nervous about all the people I said could read it once it's done. Before I began, the book was an abstract thing, and I had no emotional investment in it, no reason to say no. Now I am protective. I want the chance to edit it a bit, improve it.
In the past week or so I've started reading again, looking to authors I haven't read much of for inspiration. I've noticed that there's probably a lack of description in my story. Maybe that's a good thing, that I've got enough to say on plot and dialogue. But it'll need adding.
The pep talks from NaNoWriMo have been particularly useful, and the forums are equal parts comforting and hilarious. It's a lovely community of writers; a very supportive environment for first-time novelists.
Here's a confession: I didn't think I'd actually be able to do it.
Now, I know I will. I'm just over 10,000 words shy of the 50,000 pass mark and there's still enough time to write the extra scenes I'll need to finish the book. I have a better idea of how much I can write in an hour, in half an hour. I know without a doubt that I need, at the very least, a basic plan to write a book. My list of scenes has been the best thing to keep me writing each day, even if I don't feel particularly inspired at the time.
Just over a week to go.
Thursday, 14 November 2013
642 things to write about
Write a short story that is set in Argentina in 1932, in which a teacup plays a crucial role.
The wind is blowing through the door, rattling the china. Maria's hand shakes as she pours the tea, trying not to make eye contact with either of the men.
Sharp suits and sharper scars, they scowl across at each other, palms flat on their knees. The waitress backs away and for a heartbeat nobody moves. The blue pattern on their cups is chipped, and the white paper tablecloth is stained.
A knife rests next to each man's boot, another dozen unseen around his person. As if on cue, the men get to their feet; slowly, deliberately. Their faces are completely immobile.
In the back, the waitress wishes she could quiet her breathing and become as forgettable as possible. The door creaks in the wind, and outside a coyote starts to howl.
"We can come to an arrangement," the older man says, his voice steady. His friend shakes his head, his movements cutting the air like a shark.
A Spanish broadcast comes on the radio, breaking the silence.
"We can pay. Just a little more -" the first man starts. He never finishes the sentence.
The other man pulls his knife out of his chest, wiping the blood away on his shirt.
A police officer charges into the door as the body becomes a corpse and takes out his baton, eyes wild. But the assailant fires a shot at his teacup and shards of pottery and scalding liquid burst into the officer's eyes as he makes his escape.
The wind is blowing through the door, rattling the china. Maria's hand shakes as she pours the tea, trying not to make eye contact with either of the men.
Sharp suits and sharper scars, they scowl across at each other, palms flat on their knees. The waitress backs away and for a heartbeat nobody moves. The blue pattern on their cups is chipped, and the white paper tablecloth is stained.
A knife rests next to each man's boot, another dozen unseen around his person. As if on cue, the men get to their feet; slowly, deliberately. Their faces are completely immobile.
In the back, the waitress wishes she could quiet her breathing and become as forgettable as possible. The door creaks in the wind, and outside a coyote starts to howl.
"We can come to an arrangement," the older man says, his voice steady. His friend shakes his head, his movements cutting the air like a shark.
A Spanish broadcast comes on the radio, breaking the silence.
"We can pay. Just a little more -" the first man starts. He never finishes the sentence.
The other man pulls his knife out of his chest, wiping the blood away on his shirt.
A police officer charges into the door as the body becomes a corpse and takes out his baton, eyes wild. But the assailant fires a shot at his teacup and shards of pottery and scalding liquid burst into the officer's eyes as he makes his escape.
Thursday, 7 November 2013
Seven days down
So, it's seven days in to NaNoWriMo - how's it going?
Fortunately, it's been easier than I expected. 50,000 words sounds overwhelming, but 1,677 words a day is not actually that bad.
It also isn't taking me as long as I planned to meet the word count target each day. Since I completely cleared my schedule out before November started, that leaves me with the lovely sensation of having extra time on my hands. Keeping on track now feels comfortable and manageable.
Now I just need to use that time to work on improving my plot and sub-plots, to really get to know my characters, instead of just saying "I'm done!" after a few hours each day.
A lot of this comes from my number one revelation (and probably something I already knew) - that I cannot work without a plan. I only managed one day of 'pantsing' before I admitted this and drafted out an outline. Now I'm working from a list of scenes. I can add to or modify the list, but that's my basic structure.
The more I write, the more I want to write. At just over 10,000 words, it's become the most I've ever written on a single project. That in itself is a success. I'm seeing inspiration everywhere and my desire to write is extending to other projects - ones I probably don't have time for but am really excited about working on.
One big, exciting thing: I'm going to Glasgow for a weekend - the city where my story is based. This is where my romantic side shows up: the idea of walking around the same places my characters live in, seeing the same buildings they see and hearing the same accent, fills me with joy. The long train ride is also perfect for getting in some extra writing.
A note for NaNo critics: you're basically missing the point. It is a month of fun, experimentation and feeling free enough to try to create something substantial.
Hopefully the rest of the month will go as smoothly; I'm trying to gradually increase the amount I write each day. More soon.
Fortunately, it's been easier than I expected. 50,000 words sounds overwhelming, but 1,677 words a day is not actually that bad.
It also isn't taking me as long as I planned to meet the word count target each day. Since I completely cleared my schedule out before November started, that leaves me with the lovely sensation of having extra time on my hands. Keeping on track now feels comfortable and manageable.
Now I just need to use that time to work on improving my plot and sub-plots, to really get to know my characters, instead of just saying "I'm done!" after a few hours each day.
A lot of this comes from my number one revelation (and probably something I already knew) - that I cannot work without a plan. I only managed one day of 'pantsing' before I admitted this and drafted out an outline. Now I'm working from a list of scenes. I can add to or modify the list, but that's my basic structure.
The more I write, the more I want to write. At just over 10,000 words, it's become the most I've ever written on a single project. That in itself is a success. I'm seeing inspiration everywhere and my desire to write is extending to other projects - ones I probably don't have time for but am really excited about working on.
One big, exciting thing: I'm going to Glasgow for a weekend - the city where my story is based. This is where my romantic side shows up: the idea of walking around the same places my characters live in, seeing the same buildings they see and hearing the same accent, fills me with joy. The long train ride is also perfect for getting in some extra writing.
A note for NaNo critics: you're basically missing the point. It is a month of fun, experimentation and feeling free enough to try to create something substantial.
Hopefully the rest of the month will go as smoothly; I'm trying to gradually increase the amount I write each day. More soon.
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