Tag: writing

Fostering Camaraderie in Writer’s Group for Collective Growth

A rising tide lifts all ships… JFK

Lately, thoughts of group activities and why I commit so much time and effort to them have rattled my mind about when I should be planning my next trip to Venus. (sci-fi joke)

The Pareto Principle is endemic to almost every group of people.

As the saying goes, “There is no I in ‘team,’” which couldn’t be more accurate. Let’s explore the beauty of collaboration, the strength in unity, and the satisfaction of achieving common goals together.

Often, we find that 20% of the team does 80% of the work. Why is that?

Understanding the 80/20 Rule in Team Productivity

The majority of my career was spent in a managerial role. Leading the troops, if you can call it that, was a mere blip in my life. Even though I left the corporate world, I continue to apply many of those skills.

My latest endeavor to stay occupied involves leading a writing group, where I immerse myself in the sights and sounds of passionate discussions about storytelling techniques. Part of that process involves motivating others to step forward and assume responsibility for a project that benefits the entire group. Throughout my life, I’ve discovered that the 80/20 rule holds true in almost every aspect of life, without fail. In any group, you can find individuals who take charge and others who prefer to follow. Leaders are proactive and take charge, while followers are more inclined to assist if given specific instructions; otherwise, they delegate tasks to others.

The phenomenon known as the 80/20 rule, or the Pareto Principle, suggests that roughly 20% of the workforce is responsible for accomplishing 80% of the work.

This concept has intrigued researchers and managers alike, leading to a deeper exploration of its implications. The 80/20 rule underscores the fact that a minority of individuals within an organization possess the ability to consistently produce a majority of the results.

So, why does 20% of the team do 80% of the work?

The Pareto Principle can be applied to team productivity, and it highlights several key factors contributing to this distribution of productivity:

The 80/20 rule in team productivity reflects the unequal distribution of impact and contributions within a workforce. It underscores the importance of recognizing and leveraging the strengths of high-performing individuals while providing support and resources to facilitate the growth and development of all team members.

But what about non work environments? What about Church or Club activities? How do you get the group to stop focusing on the ‘I’ and back on the team?

Encouraging Contribution in a Team Environment

In a team environment where the Pareto Principle seems to dominate, breaking the mold and fostering contributions from all team members is crucial for achieving a balanced and productive workforce. Here are some strategies to encourage everyone to contribute:

1. Create a Holistic Environment:

Focus on reducing time spent on non-value-adding activities and use free time for team building, skill development, and employee engagement. This can help in creating a work environment where team members feel valued, have fun with their colleagues, and continuously learn to achieve personal and organizational goals

2. Emphasize Team Building and Skill Development:

Allocate time for activities that promote team bonding, skill enhancement, and personal development. This can help in creating a positive and engaging work environment where everyone feels motivated to contribute

3. Encourage Collaboration and Fair Delegation:

Encourage collaboration on high-priority tasks and ensure fair delegation of responsibilities. When team members feel that their contributions are valued and that they are responsible for significant tasks, they are more likely to actively participate and contribute to the team’s success

4. Focus on High-Impact Tasks:

Identify tasks that will significantly impact the project and delegate these high-impact tasks to the team. This approach ensures that each team member is contributing to the most critical aspects of the project, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility

5. Foster a Collaborative Environment:

Create an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute and where their contributions are recognized and appreciated. This can help break the mold of the 80/20 rule and promote a culture of equal participation and contribution.

What does this have to do with a writer’s group, you might ask?

Working for the group’s greater good means putting the team’s success above personal gain. It’s about recognizing that our collective efforts can achieve far more than anyone can accomplish alone. When we unite as a cohesive unit, we unleash a powerful force that can drive positive change and make a real difference in the world.

So, why is this concept so important? Let’s start by acknowledging that no one person has all the answers or possesses every skill needed to tackle complex challenges. By pooling our diverse talents, perspectives, and experiences, we can leverage our collective wisdom to overcome obstacles and innovate in ways we never could.

Moreover, working for the greater good fosters a culture of trust, support, and mutual respect within a team. When members feel valued and heard, they become more willing to contribute their best work and go the extra mile for the team’s success.

This sense of camaraderie creates a positive and motivating environment where everyone thrives.

Another undeniable benefit of prioritizing the group’s welfare is the ripple effect it creates.

When teams align their efforts toward a common purpose, they become a force to be reckoned with. They can inspire others, drive positive community change, and influence significant societal shifts. The impact of collective action is undeniable and often far-reaching.

Now, let’s talk about how we can embody this principle in our everyday lives, whether at work, in our communities, or within our families. It starts with embracing open communication, active listening, and a willingness to compromise.

When one group stands out, other groups with similar aspirations gravitate toward a group that is positive and doing something as a group and not for what they personally can gain from belonging to the group.

It’s perfectly acceptable to benefit from the other members’ abundance of diverse talents and skills. When the opportunity arises, remember to share your own skills and talents.

If we examine this scenario from the perspective of a writer’s group, how do we meticulously ready the ship for the incoming tide?

Creating a sense of camaraderie within writers’ groups is essential for nurturing a supportive and inspiring environment. Here are some strategies to enhance camaraderie within the group:

1. Shared Writing Goals and Encouragement:

Establish shared writing goals and encourage each member to support and motivate one another in achieving these goals. Setting and reaching writing milestones together can foster a sense of camaraderie and collective achievement

2. Collaborative Learning and Discussions:

Organize discussions on various aspects of writing, such as studying different genres, sharing writing prompts, and exploring writing techniques. This collaborative learning approach can help members study different aspects of the writing craft and engage in meaningful discussions

3. Supportive Feedback Sessions:

Create a space for members to share their work and receive constructive feedback from their peers. Constructive criticism and encouragement can strengthen the bond among members and create a supportive atmosphere for growth and improvement

4. Mentorship and Buddy System:

Implement a mentorship or buddy system within the group, where experienced members can guide and support newer or less experienced writers. This can help foster a sense of connection and support among members, especially those who may feel isolated in their writing journey.

5. Emotional Support and Networking:

Provide emotional support and networking opportunities within the group. Writers often look to their groups for emotional support, motivation, and networking, especially during the isolating writing process. Creating a space for members to share their challenges and successes can strengthen the sense of camaraderie

6. Inclusive and Engaging Activities:

Organize inclusive and engaging activities, such as writing sprints, brainstorming sessions, or critique groups. These activities can unite members, encourage collaboration, and provide opportunities for shared learning and growth.

One troubling aspect I observe in the writer’s community is that some individuals, upon achieving publication, conclude that there is no further benefit to remaining in the group.

When writers achieve their goal of getting published and consider leaving the group, there are compelling arguments for convincing them to stay and become mentors to other writers who are still striving to achieve their own publishing goals.

1. Paying It Forward:

Encouraging successful writers to stay and mentor others allows them to pay forward the support and guidance they received on their journey. By sharing their experiences and insights, they can help aspiring writers navigate the challenges of the publishing world and provide valuable mentorship.

2. Building a Supportive Community:

Emphasizing the importance of maintaining a supportive community can motivate successful writers to stay and contribute to the growth and success of the group. Their mentorship can create a nurturing environment where writers at different stages of their careers can learn from each other and thrive collectively.

3. Legacy and Impact:

Highlighting the potential impact of their mentorship on the next generation of writers can inspire successful authors to stay engaged. By becoming mentors, they can leave a lasting legacy and positively influence the development of emerging talent, contributing to the overall growth of the writing community.

4. Personal Growth and Fulfillment:

Emphasizing the personal fulfillment and growth that comes from mentoring others can be a compelling argument. Serving as a mentor allows successful writers to refine their skills, gain fresh perspectives, and experience the satisfaction of guiding others toward their goals.

5. Strengthening the Group’s Reputation:

Illustrating how their continued involvement as mentors can enhance the group’s reputation and attract new talent. Their mentorship can elevate the group’s standing within the writing community and create a culture of continuous learning and support.

Leading by example was a key strategy to successfully manage people professionally. Sticking around to lead similarly allows a published author to continue making a positive impact in the writing community and contribute to the growth and development of future authors.

Leading by example as a writer is a powerful way to inspire, guide, and influence others within the writing community. Here’s a perspective on the importance and impact of leading by example as a writer:

1. Demonstrating Dedication and Discipline:

Leading by example involves demonstrating dedication and discipline in one’s writing practice. By consistently showing up to write, meeting deadlines, and pursuing improvement, writers can inspire others to prioritize their craft and approach their work with commitment.

2. Modeling Professionalism and Ethics:

Writers who lead by example uphold professional standards and ethical conduct in their writing endeavors. This includes respecting copyrights, maintaining integrity in their work, engaging in fair and honest practices, and setting a positive example for others.

3. Embracing Growth and Adaptability:

Leading by example involves embracing a growth mindset and a willingness to adapt. Writers who openly share their learning experiences, setbacks, and triumphs demonstrate the importance of continuous growth and inspire others to evolve in their writing journeys.

4. Advocating for Inclusivity and Support:

Writers who lead by example champion inclusivity, support, and diversity within the writing community. By actively promoting an inclusive environment and supporting emerging voices, they encourage others to do the same, fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual respect.

5. Sharing Knowledge and Mentorship:

Leading by example as a writer involves sharing knowledge and mentoring those earlier in their writing careers. By guiding and supporting others, writers can inspire a new generation of talent and contribute to the overall growth and vibrancy of the writing community.

6. Striving for Excellence and Authenticity:

Writers who lead by example strive for excellence and authenticity in their work. By setting high standards and staying true to their unique voice, they inspire others to pursue their best work and embrace their individuality as writers.

Taking on the mindset of a newcomer to writing, I wanted to analyze everything I had typed. What could drive someone to fiercely protect their words, safeguarding them like a child protects their diary?

Emotional attachment, responsibility for authenticity, and the desire for creative autonomy are the foundations of the fierce drive to protect one’s words. By exhibiting this protective instinct, the writer demonstrates their unwavering commitment to preserving the authenticity and desired effect of their work. This ensures that it is shared and comprehended in a manner that stays true to their creative vision and individual experiences.

Throughout the years, I have conversed with numerous aspiring writers who were hesitant to share their writing.

Besides what we can offer them, how might a writer’s group engender their trust?

Encouraging fledgling writers to share within the writer’s group to ascertain their needs and provide assistance can be achieved through fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

1. Create a Welcoming Atmosphere:

Emphasize the importance of creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere within the group. Encourage open communication and assure fledgling writers that their contributions are valued and respected

2. Establish Regular Meetings and Activities:

Organize regular meetings and activities facilitating sharing and collaboration, such as writing sprints, brainstorming sessions, and critique groups. These structured activities can allow fledgling writers to engage with the group and seek assistance.

3. Emphasize the Benefits of Sharing:

Highlight the benefits of sharing within the group, such as receiving constructive feedback, gaining diverse perspectives, and finding support from fellow writers. Communicate how sharing can lead to personal and professional growth.

4. Lead by Example:

Encourage established writers within the group to lead by example and share their work or experiences. This can set a precedent for fledgling writers and demonstrate the value of sharing within the group

5. Provide Constructive Feedback Guidelines:

Establish guidelines for providing constructive feedback that emphasizes respect, encouragement, and helpful critique. Assure fledgling writers that the group aims to provide a supportive environment for growth and improvement.

6. Foster Personal Connections:

Encourage personal connections and camaraderie within the group. Emphasize the value of building relationships with fellow writers, which can create a sense of trust and comfort in sharing one’s work and seeking assistance.

Fledgling writers can benefit significantly from seeking out a group of like-minded individuals for several compelling reasons:

1. Support and Encouragement:

Joining a group of like-minded individuals provides fledgling writers with a supportive community to share their experiences, seek advice, and receive encouragement. This support network can be invaluable in navigating the challenges of the writing journey and staying motivated.

2. Learning and Growth:

Interacting with other writers with similar interests and aspirations can foster a culture of continuous learning and growth. Writers groups often provide opportunities for skill development, feedback, and exposure to diverse perspectives, which can contribute to improving one’s craft.

3. Networking and Collaboration:

Being part of a writer’s group allows fledgling writers to network with peers, potential mentors, and industry professionals. Collaborative opportunities within the group can lead to valuable connections, partnerships, and exposure to new writing opportunities.

4. Accountability and Discipline:

Engaging with like-minded individuals can create a sense of accountability and discipline in one’s writing practice. Group dynamics often encourage members to set and meet writing goals, stay consistent in their efforts, and take their writing aspirations seriously.

5. Emotional and Creative Inspiration:

Connecting with like-minded individuals can provide emotional support and creative inspiration. Sharing experiences, challenges, and successes with others who understand the writing process can boost morale, spark new ideas, and reignite passion for writing.

Comments are welcome.

If you want to join a Writer’s Group that offers hybrid meetings where you can participate from anywhere in the world with a Zoom link, please contact me. You’ll have the opportunity to connect with a fantastic community of spirited writers who share a passion for writing.

A Tribute to Miss Thunberg. Apprehended in the pursuit of different windmills.

In search of monsters…

In an age where the winds of change blew with an unwavering fervor,

A young and determined damsel lived, her spirit as unyielding as steel.

With locks shining like the sun’s golden rays and eyes as deep and endless as the sea.

Setting sail upon the azure waves, she felt the salty mist on her face, her spirit ignited with a courageous mission.

“Forsooth!” she cried, her voice echoing through the air with a clarity that couldn’t be ignored.

“I long for the passion of protest, where voices crescendo, and hearts ignite with purpose.

At the point where the ocean meets the sky, the seagulls soar freely.

I shall find my brethren in arms, their resolute voices echoing in the air.”

Her sturdy galleon gracefully glided across the sparkling brine.

As she searched for the clarion call, her ears strained to catch even the faintest whisper of the divine.

Through raging storms and tranquil seas, she sailed tirelessly day and night.

In relentless pursuit of a cause most just, they were determined to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

And behold! Where the sea and future intertwine on the horizon, a gentle breeze carried the scent of salt and adventure.

Her eyes caught sight of a defiant throng, united in their unwavering resolve.

With banners held high and stanch spirits, they defiantly stood their ground against the relentless tide.

And with open arms, they warmly embraced her, inviting her to stand by their side.

Once a sailor of the vast ocean, the young lady now found herself amidst the honking horns and busy streets.

She found her protest, her voice, her unwavering pride, echoing through the crowd.

The fellowship of the brave filled her heart with joy, as she eagerly embraced the adventure ahead.

In the chorus of the just, her voice resonated with strength and conviction.

Even if she blindly hitched her ride to fiction.

Like the fading glow of twilight, the luster of renown slowly diminished.

Our intrepid lady found herself amidst a breathtaking new landscape, stretching as far as the eye could see.

The air was filled with the passionate cries of a fervent throng of souls.

They chanted rebellion enthusiastically, their voices echoing with passion for any cause, regardless of what it was.

“Here, here!” they shouted, their voices filled with an electrifying energy that could light up the skies.

“Let your voice resonate, fair maiden, as your spirited echoes reverberate!”

Filled with fiery passion and unbridled energy, she fearlessly pursued her dreams.

She joined the chorus of dissent, passionately advocating for her own cause.

For it didn’t matter the flag they carried or the beliefs they upheld,

The unity of voices echoed through the air, carrying with it a sense of purpose and determination.

Amidst the camaraderie of the crowd, her voice gained momentum and commanded attention.

A piercing cry for justice reverberated across the globe, as the world faced its most dire hour.

Her cries echoed, carrying the weight of the news of a world in chaos. The sky, once a solid canopy, now shattered and raining down fragments of blue. The earth, once a gentle orb, now stretched out before her as a vast, flat expanse where the edges seemed to meet the abyss.

In the shadow of the devil’s decree, a cause most foul and dire, the air grew heavy with a sense of impending doom.

Our maiden found herself surrounded by a raging inferno, the crackling flames dancing dangerously close.

To the world, she was the crier of wolves, whose haunting howls echoed through the night.

Nevertheless, there was a part of her that craved to be acknowledged from a fresh perspective.

Instead of tilting at windmills our maiden wanted more of them. The world’s capacity for CO2 had reached its limit, not even the emissions of a single cow could be tolerated. They had to be eliminated, or else humanity faced certain doom.

Our maiden, devoid of any scientific or mathematical knowledge, continued on her path with fervent outbursts, as if she had been bestowed a divine mission by the Goddess of the cosmos. Or so she believed.

With every cry she raised, the haunting howl of a wolf echoed closer.

As the moonlight illuminated its bared fangs, its intentions became unmistakably clear.

Fearless and determined, the maiden ignored the facts and embraced the lie..

“Behold!” she proclaimed, as the beast loomed to devour,

“I am more than just a crier, I possess a greater power.

To stand and face the darkness, to challenge the night’s devour,

I am the maiden of the hour, in this, my final bower.”

And so the tale is woven, of a maiden so brave and true,

Who cried wolf not in jest, but as a call to arms anew.

In the pages of Cervantes, her story finds its due,

A lesson of analphabetism, for me, and for you.

In the tapestry of time, where stories and images intertwine,

The maiden’s visage joins the gallery of those who once did shine.

Captured in a moment, her image eternally cast,

With those who wore disgrace as a badge, their ignorance is vast.

Pride they took in folly, a mantle they bore with ease,

Unaware that history’s pages would judge as they please.

Yet, in the relentless march of days, memories fade to dust,

And the foolishness of yesteryears is lost in time’s robust.

For when the next tirade ascends, with its clamorous sound,

The past’s disgraced figures are but shadows on the ground.

Their tales, once written with the ink of infamy and scorn,

Are eclipsed by the present’s uproar, as new sagas are born.

So let the maiden’s story be a whisper in the gale,

A lesson that in the end, even the loudest voices pale.

And though her image lingers, with others in disgrace,

‘Tis the future’s cry that echoes, in this ever-changing space.

In days of yore, when the quill was mightier than the sword,

And parchment bore the weight of words untold,

The scribes, with hands both steady and assured,

Wrote tales of the past, both brazen and bold.

“There is a reason,” they’d whisper, their voices low,

“For which we inscribe these chronicles of yesteryear.

To remember and reflect, to learn and to know,

The deeds of the past, both far and near.”

For in the annals of history, truth finds its stage,

And lessons of old are passed from age to age.

The triumphs and trials, the joy and the sorrow,

Are captured in ink, for today and tomorrow.

So let us thank the scribes, those keepers of time,

For their tales of the past, in prose and in rhyme.

For through their words, we travel to days long gone,

And the wisdom of the ages is forever drawn.

I love Miguel de Cervantes. This blog is me paying homage to him and serves as a warning to those who might follow in the path of this arrogant young fool. The pen is mightier than the sword, and scribes such as yours truly will make sure your mark in history is indelible.

Society could experience substantial enhancements if individuals directed their efforts toward studying history rather than expending energy on imagined adversaries. It would be beneficial for parents to ensure that they read Henny Penny to their children multiple times during their bedtime routine.

-Best

Scott

Hamarama © 2022

Carpe Diem

That title won’t mean much to most of my friends, colleagues, or folks who stumble across this post.

It will, however, mean much to those who know what it is.

The cliff note version is straightforward. Amateur radio operators have been around since Tesla and Marconi discovered ways to transmit and receive noise. They didn’t call them that in those days, but I would argue they were two of the first. If you think about it, they were doing what we do today.

No FCC or regulatory board was selling them permission to transmit a signal. No Japanese or Chinese companies were marketing expensive radios or other products, gadgets, etc. There was only raw determination, a pioneering spirit, and scientific discovery.

When I got into the hobby, I built my first transmitter out of TV parts. That might sound impressive, and it was for a ten-year-old, but I built it from a schematic created by an engineer.

We stand on the shoulders of giants.

Many of those giants, in my world, were the attendees at an event called Hamarama. A convention of folks organized by caring individuals for those like-minded is impressive.

Unlike most conventions for different hobbies, ham radio conventions and activities have ‘non-pecuniary’ as the cornerstone of their existence. Their motive is not for profit.

Most have a servant’s heart.

When there is bad weather, and your TV personality reflects his brilliance by what the ‘storm chasers or spotters’ are seeing, those people are genuine heroes. They are ham radio folks performing volunteer service that is risky and costly. They do this to keep you safe. And still, the FCC charges them for the right to have a license to use that same radio. Something is very wrong with our system of government.

Think about that as you try to relate your hobby to this one.

Contrast this hobby with the hobby of writing as an example. I can speak to this as I am a writer and author and out to change how writers think of themselves.

Conventions for writers are ridiculously expensive. Maybe someone can tell me or justify why someone should spend $500 on a ticket to hear these authors. They do public speaking to promote their brand.

I know many of the authors that would speak at this event. The draw for the writers is simple, access to an agent. Whoopie.

I realize that the description is vague, but the conventions for radio operators have the same programs, speakers, and alike that assist those who want to learn more about their craft. A ticket to Hamarama in Ardmore, Oklahoma, is $8, $10 at the door. That money goes back to the convention center rented for the event.

The speakers at writer’s events do it for notoriety, and they have pecuniary interests. They want to sell their books.

I have slogged through the trenches of both hobbies. Being an autodidact, striving for perfection is my way of life.

Marconi, Tesla, and Mark Twain were autodidacts. You could add Bill Gates to the list.

During my last trip to Ardmore, I realized that many of those people I looked forward to seeing were no longer with us.

Time is precious and fleeting. Don’t let it slip away from you.

Carpe Diem

-Best

Writers Block

As a writer, I follow many, talk with several; and listen a lot.

There are those who feel that they must complete 5 pages a day. There are those that don’t.

If you are passionate about it; writing 15 a day or more could be a piece of cake, or a bloody nightmare.

You simply cannot force creativity….

I have crawled out of bed at 3 AM and worked till well past noon the next day, as I was inspired. I have also stopped, and not touched the keyboard when nothing was happening.

There is a flow to the creative process and “external shit” can mess with that flow.

Maybe you don’t feel good, maybe the neighbor or spouse or sibling pissed you off…

Writing and painting to me are one in the same…I am an artist; I paint with oils…I can paint from my head, or from a model, or from a picture…it depends what I am going for.

I can also paint with words. In many cases I am much better with words than oils. My paintings have sold in many different countries, and yet I aspire to invoke emotions through language. Many artist do it through painting, or music, and that is all great and good. While I too play instruments; that is not my passion… I love music but telling a story…Ah…That excites me….!

Tonight I had a block…The story stood still and I sat here… I looked at the words and my characters were frozen. A fluid story stopped … as my creative process stopped….

I walked away…took a long shower and in that shower the next chapter sprang to life as the water danced off my hands and arms and…the rest of me….

Sometimes you simply have to wash the block away…..

Five pages a day….no…..I could force it but it would suck, and be badly created, and poorly read and most probably deleted the next day when I reread it….

You simply cannot force creativity….

-Best

Creative writing II or Happy Place!

So, I get this email regarding “good writing”….

It would seem that many of you liked it but, some “at least one” took issue with the example of the bathroom… 🙂

To me that example was perfect in that you have all heard this before or maybe said it, “Find a bathroom that looks clean.” This is said as you are motoring down the road at some speed at or slightly above posted limits! That phrase or statement always made me chuckle as in, “how the hell do I know if the bathroom will be acceptable to your standards from this distance at this speed?

If you are guilty of this statement, I promise I am not picking on you… I actually know what you mean; as men sometimes must sit too…..

I don’t understand however; why some will not lift the seat to pee and instead, pee all over the seat and leave! It is my fervent wish that all who did or do that have to clean someone else’s pee off of the seat, so they can sit and relieve themselves.

Anyway, enough on my bathroom story.

Creative writing is definitely an art form as I have spoken about in the last post on writing.

I mentioned my happy place.

Before I write, I sometimes will find my happy place, and ponder on it for a while.

My Happy Place

Under a huge tree, up on a hill overlooking the countryside, the sun has risen enough to warm the tall grasses and dry the morning dew that dampened my feet a short while ago as I wondered up the hill to greet the sun from its slumber. The sky is now a cerulean blue, after shifting from its former oranges and yellows; sporting a few wispy clouds, lazily floating by. A slight breeze caresses my face and carries with it the scent of salt water, from the beach down the hill.

In the distance, there are a few people setting up their blankets and umbrellas, as they prepare to spend the day collecting shells, digging their toes into the sand, and watching the seabirds call out to the wind, in eager anticipation of their next meal.

My morning watching the sunrise has ended, I too seek the company of strangers, as well as the feel of the sand between my toes; and the warm water circling between my legs and eventually immersing my body in its warm embrace.

I watch from a distance the young families building sand castles with their children, remembering with fondness the days of doing the same with mine. The sand sticks to my feet up to my ankles as I sit on my lounge, peering into the distant waves as they meet the sky.

A shriek from a young child brings me back to the here and now, as a small crab scuttle’s by the imaginary moat; protecting the castle against all invaders. While the white winged dragons in the sky see the invader as lunch; they too are afraid to get too close to the giants wearing pink frilly armor. They seem interested in the morsel as well. The dragons call out to the giants but to no avail, the invader of the castle has been captured and placed into a small vessel, held by the giants for examination. The giants speak in a language that only they can understand, as it is full of squeals and single syllable utterances that the taller giants seem to understand.

The dragons return to the skies, looking for less protected invaders. The giants quiet down from the excitement. My thoughts once more return to the waves, the clouds dancing above us in a slow waltz, while a ballerina does a slow pirouette in front the spot light, which immediately cools my skin and brings me once again to the here and now.

Looking around, I see more families and others like myself who are there to simply enjoy the beach. Some come as couples and others by themselves, and of course there are those with stories in paper format to lose their selves into, while allowing the sun to warm parts of them that rarely is seen by the sun, much less others.

Very soon, their openness comforts me, as my attention turns back to act II: the ballerina morphs into a butterfly! The other dancers on stage also morph into dogs, and rabbits, and even a shark! The audience calls out to them, as they too perform amazing acts of aerobatics, not be outdone by the vaporous ghost of the sky.

The spotlight is now bright upon me, and the others who have joined me. The smell of coconuts and other potions punctuates the fluidity of my thoughts. I decide to lay on my tummy and allow the sun to tan my back for a while, as I drift off into a deep slumber, with the sounds of the ocean, the birds and the children to lull me into another world, where my thoughts are not constrained by anything physical. The sounds actually guide my imagination to other worlds, occasionally bringing me back to this one, as I take stock of my own lotions, and my growing desire for food as somebody has decided to light a grill.

I too must return to the real world, and it is this grill and the thought of a sizzling parcel of meat that drives me to sober from my thoughts, wipe the now dried sand from my feet, and leave this paradise for other adventures, in other realities.

May you too find your happy place, and revere in its existence. When in the real world your happy place is always there, look for it. It might be in the small flowers attached to tiniest of plants, or simply above you; inviting you to take part as they too dance and entertain.

-Best

Good Writing

There are too many books that I have trudged through in my life to tolerate bad writing. Too many good books exist and let’s face it, how many books does one have time to read in the very short time that we have here?

As a writer, I craft the story much like so many other writers in that there are twist and turns, and I try to throw predictability out the window. One of my friends compared my “style” to Stephen King! I am not sure that is a good thing but, it is what it is.

I try not to worry with technicalities as I write. Those will get sorted out in the editing phase.

When I write a story, it is as if someone somewhere out in the “ethos” is dictating it to me. As I write, I too am enthralled with the story. The story takes on a life of its own and therefor interruptions cannot be tolerated.

When I craft the words, I am painting a picture. As an artist I know all too well what has to go into a painting to make it interesting so, when I paint with words, I too know how to create a picture that will form in the readers head.

From the dead flies in the windowsill, the flickering fluorescent light that comes to life with a snapping buzzing sound, and the smell of an un-flushed toilette; you suddenly remember each and every “not clean” bathroom that you have been forced to use, at some time in your life.

Even my beloved muse, a Russian Blue who has yet to learn the meaning of “no,” has to leave as he too disturbs the process, by trying to chase the words as they trudge across the screen.

One of my writer friends goes off to remote cabins and waits for “the mood” to strike, and then sleep will not get into her way, as the thought process gels, the pages turn into marching characters and symbols that systematically stop and start as the process of transformation of thought to text, occurs.

Many of you here who follow me are writers, and it is to you who I am addressing the following.

We share a common bond and while we don’t personally “know” one another, we do know each other through this medium.

“If you want to get to know someone, you read their book.”

While the story may be as fictional as “Never-Never Land,” it is also, to many of us, our “happy place.”

Character development is a struggle for me. As a man I can develop the female character and paint a nice picture. Realistically, I have developed her from what I “see” and know of women. Doing so for the male character is somewhat of a challenge as I don’t look at men, as women do. I can however; capture the logic and thought processes of men much easier, as I am one. The emotional side of the female is a stretch for me.

There are all kinds of readers out there, so character development should be such that whoever is reading your words, should be able to “know” your character.

As a writer, I feel a personal loss when I “kill off” a character. As a reader, I feel that same loss when the book is over.

Currently, I am working on a trilogy and it is because the story material is that entertaining to me, that I could not end it with one book. The characters have taken a life unto their own; and I suspect most of the writers out there know exactly what I am talking about.

Writing cannot be forced.

Mechanically you can write and if you remember your English class’s where that was the case, the stories that you wrote were for the purpose of dissecting your usage of nouns and verbs and punctuation, not for creativity. Sentence structure was so damned important!

Screw the rules!

Weaving a tapestry of intersecting thoughts, while making it all grammatically correct is to me a true Rembrandt. I don’t think being a grammatical and creative savant, is something that you can simply ask of someone, who does not share the passion of writing.

Painting is much the same way. When painting, I am lost in the painting. Each and every brush stroke has to be perfect. The smaller the painting; the more flawless the brush stroke must be.

Write to please yourself. Making it grammatically acceptable is something that can be accomplished after the creative process is done.

Painting and writing is “me time.”

Sometimes, I feel a little selfish when I carve out “me time.”

As an artist, you will not get rich by your efforts, unless of course you are doing it for some large publication and it is mechanical. One of my Artist friends has her work re-produced on greeting cards, puzzles, and other things that people purchase in gift shops around the world. Every so often a check will appear for a few hundred dollars. She has no way of knowing how many actual unites were actually sold however.

I have also concluded that many feel that if they can just finish their book, they will get rich. Too many out there “self-publish” and the only people making money “for the most part” are the folks who offer that service.

Lastly, and why I write this is; “write to please yourself.”

If your end goal is money, your writing will be forced and not genuine. Much like doing a story for some professor to “grade.”

Immersion into the story, taking time to reflect, re-read and edit, and re-read again for the flow of the words is tantamount to making the story your own.

I will offer one free tip on the editing process for you, a trick that I figured out.

There are “services” that will edit your manuscript for you for who even knows how much money.

Purchase the latest version of Dragon Naturally Speaking with the text to speech option.

One paragraph at a time: have it read it, to you.

Go and edit that paragraph until it sounds right and then go onto the next. When reading your own writing your mind tends to skip over the “you” instead of the “your” or the “the the” mistake that I see too often. When writing, your words are punctuated with gaps as the thought process starts and stops. That is when the “the the’s” occur or other anomalies that your professor in college would have a hay day with their “Fucking Red Pen or F.R.P.!” Of course, there were no computers in my day so possibly, this process would be easier.

I don’t mean to belittle writing classes. Don’t get me wrong. Finding a professor that is passionate about their job, and what they are doing is a true goldmine. Finding someone that will constructively criticize your work and offer suggestions is great. Finding folks who are genuine, and are there without the need to equivocate for their personal aggrandizement is a definite plus.

There are writing “clubs” where others will read your works or have you read excerpts to the others in the group and they all cumulatively have something to offer. There may be a pearl of wisdom that you can take away, even if you simply listen to their work and what the others have to say. I have seen some however; who are so haughty, that just about anything that they said was dismissed without taking the time to weigh it on its merits. It was almost as if they were there to build themselves up, at your expense.

-Best

Staylor at Guard-protect.com

WWW.guard-protect.com

A disaster is one “Event away,” are you prepared?