Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 223, History Mystery Plot, Methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

19 November 2014, Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 223, History Mystery Plot, Methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

Announcement: My new novels should be available from any webseller or can be ordered from any brick and mortar bookstore.  Information can be found at www.ancientlight.com.  Check out my novels--I think you'll really enjoy them.

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

All novels have five discrete parts:
1.  The initial scene (the beginning)
2.  The rising action
3.  The climax
4.  The falling action
5.  The dénouement

The theme statement of my newest novel, Valeska, is this: An agent of the organization becomes involved with a vampire girl during a mission, she becomes dependent on the agent, and she is redeemed.

Here is my proposed cover for Valeska:

I decided on a white cover style.  You can see more at www.GoddessofDarkness.com.

Then came The Moon Stone.  Novels prior to The Moon Stone were all about character revelation.  The focus was on the people.  The mystery was the people.  Look at Oliver Twist or Jayne Eire.  The revelation and the revealed mystery was simply the people in the novel.  The authors had devised the concept of plot revelation, but in The Moon Stone, the revelation was an object and not necessarily the people.  Now, don't get me wrong, an important part of The Moon Stone was the revelation of the people, but this new type of novel brought into play a new idea--the idea of a mystery outside of human revelation. 

This is what mystery novels are--they are a revelation of an event or a thing rather than the revelation of a person.  All novels solve or resolve some kind of mystery, but a true mystery novel solves or resolves a problem based on a thing or an event (robbery, murder, secret, lost item).  The Moon Stone is considered the first "mystery" novel in English.  It would not be the last, by any means--the idea that an event or a thing could be revealed sparked the imagination of many writers and readers. 

Note, that there are other types of revelation or solutions.  The revelation of a character's life is the standard form a novel.  The revelation of an event or item is the standard form of a "mystery" novel.  We just defined two genre of writing.  There are other forms of revelation and each has its own genre.
             
More tomorrow.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com

Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 222, Mystery Plot, Methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

18 November 2014, Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 222, Mystery Plot, Methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

Announcement: My new novels should be available from any webseller or can be ordered from any brick and mortar bookstore.  Information can be found at www.ancientlight.com.  Check out my novels--I think you'll really enjoy them.

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

All novels have five discrete parts:
1.  The initial scene (the beginning)
2.  The rising action
3.  The climax
4.  The falling action
5.  The dénouement

The theme statement of my newest novel, Valeska, is this: An agent of the organization becomes involved with a vampire girl during a mission, she becomes dependent on the agent, and she is redeemed.

Here is my proposed cover for Valeska:

I decided on a white cover style.  You can see more at www.GoddessofDarkness.com.

Initially novels in English were written in a journalistic form.  They were in the first person, present tense, implying the past.  The point of the novel, at that time, was to convey a story in a long format.  The first novels in English were written by Daniel Defoe.  I hope you have read them all.  Novels changed rather quickly as the form and the format was developed and improved.  At first, the idea of the novelist was to tell the story of the life or an experience of a character--character revelation.  In other words, novels began with the idea of revealing the protagonist.  This was their initial form for a while.  Even later novels in English bear this stamp: Oliver Twist, David Copperfield, Vanity Fair, and all.  Many, if not most novels from the early period are all about character revelation and less about plot revelation.

Things began to change slightly in the Victorian Era.  The novelist already had the right idea, although character revelation was the focus, the novel needed plot revelation to build and resolve the storyline.  Novels took the form of the third person, past tense, implying the present (or near past).  Novels moved quickly from a journalistic form to a reporting type form.  They also began to take on the five discrete parts in the development of the plot.  This process was relatively fast because the novel went from about one hundred percent character revelation to a long form of the short story.  The short story form was developed, in English, about five hundred years before the novel.  The idea of the discrete parts of a story were not unusual to the early novelists.  The power of the novel was in the proper writing of these parts--however, the novel was still in development.
             
More tomorrow.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com

Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 221, Mystery Point of Proof and Other's Conversation, Methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

17 November 2014, Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 221, Mystery Point of Proof and Other's Conversation, Methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

Announcement: My new novels should be available from any webseller or can be ordered from any brick and mortar bookstore.  Information can be found at www.ancientlight.com.  Check out my novels--I think you'll really enjoy them.

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

All novels have five discrete parts:
1.  The initial scene (the beginning)
2.  The rising action
3.  The climax
4.  The falling action
5.  The dénouement

The theme statement of my newest novel, Valeska, is this: An agent of the organization becomes involved with a vampire girl during a mission, she becomes dependent on the agent, and she is redeemed.

Here is my proposed cover for Valeska:

I decided on a white cover style.  You can see more at www.GoddessofDarkness.com.

The purpose of a novel is to reveal the protagonist and usually the protagonist's helper, the author needs to place them in circumstance that allows them to reveal themselves.  The means can be conversation, exploration, discovery, other's conversation, confession, accidental discovery.

There are three ways to know truth: the scientific method, the historical-witness method, and logic. The three tests used for all documentary evidence in history are: the bibliographical test, the internal test, and the external test.  Let's see how we can use these tests. 

All novels to one degree or another are mystery novels.  We don't consider them or call them mysteries, and they are not necessarily part of the mystery genre, but consider the classics.  Where is Treasure Island without the hidden treasure, the mystery of the lost hidden treasure, the secret (mystery) of the pirates on board.  What about Robinson Caruso?  The entire novel is spend exploring the mysteries of the island, or The Swiss Family Robinson?  It is an exploration of mystery after mystery that culminates in a great secret girl hidden in boy's clothing climax.  Every novel has mystery within it, and every novel is the revelation of this mystery and the protagonist. 

Here's where I am transitioning.  Before, I was writing about the revelation of the protagonist--this is the entire point of any novel, but with the revelation of the protagonist is also the revelation of the plot and theme.  This revelation comes though the storyline.  The question is how should we reveal the plot and theme in the storyline?  This is a very important question.  The simple answer is through showing, but like the question of character revelation, this is requires a very complex answer.

The best way to approach this is through the eyes of history.  We'll look at the past means of plot and theme revelation.    
             
More tomorrow.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com

Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 220, Truth the Point of Proof and Other's Conversation, Methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

16 November 2014, Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 220, Truth the Point of Proof and Other's Conversation, Methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

Announcement: My new novels should be available from any webseller or can be ordered from any brick and mortar bookstore.  Information can be found at www.ancientlight.com.  Check out my novels--I think you'll really enjoy them.

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

All novels have five discrete parts:
1.  The initial scene (the beginning)
2.  The rising action
3.  The climax
4.  The falling action
5.  The dénouement

The theme statement of my newest novel, Valeska, is this: An agent of the organization becomes involved with a vampire girl during a mission, she becomes dependent on the agent, and she is redeemed.

Here is my proposed cover for Valeska:

I decided on a white cover style.  You can see more at www.GoddessofDarkness.com.

The purpose of a novel is to reveal the protagonist and usually the protagonist's helper, the author needs to place them in circumstance that allows them to reveal themselves.  The means can be conversation, exploration, discovery, other's conversation, confession, accidental discovery.

There are three ways to know truth: the scientific method, the historical-witness method, and logic. The three tests used for all documentary evidence in history are: the bibliographical test, the internal test, and the external test.  Let's see how we can use these tests. 

More to the point of proof and truth is what we see in mystery novels.  I assert that every novel should be filled with mystery--the biggest mystery is the revelation of the protagonist.  Even the plot of every novel is filled with mystery--what will happen next.  Our usual conception of a mystery novel is one where a detective (of some sort) investigates a crime (of some sort), and resolves the mystery through evidence and deductive or inductive reasoning.  Here, to a degree, is really the form of every novel--this is a mystery theme.  Most novels are not necessarily "mystery" novels, but every novel includes mystery, and I propose that the greater the mystery, the greater the power of the novel.

For example, Aksinya, I gave you this entire novel, so it is easy for me to use it as an example.  There is no mystery about why Aksinya called the demon in the first place, but there are mysteries throughout the novel.  The obvious question is who really is Aksinya and how did she get her powers.  The second is, what will the demon do, and within this context is how will the demon tempt Aksinya next.  The temptation by the demon is a recurring idea in the novel.  This is an important concept that the novel is built around, but the entertainment value is part of the mystery I'm writing about.  The anticipation of the reader is what this is all about.  In Aksinya, I give clues to each successive temptation--many of them come directly out of the mouth of the demon, but they are so unbelievable, Aksinya can't believe them.  For example, the young man, Ernst, who falls in love with Aksinya--was a setup by the demon.  Aksinya is tempted and takes Ernst's love hook line and sinker, but the mystery is about how the man knew about Aksinya and what it means.  We discover in the theme climax, that the demon set up Ernst as a temptation for Aksinya and Ernst and used Aksinya's lady-in-waiting to seduce Ernst and ruin the potential love and engagement.  All these are mysteries and secrets that are revealed through the plot of the novel.  Although Aksinya is not a classical "mystery" novel, it is full of mystery.  The elements to prove truth are used throughout to give strength to the novel and the mysteries.
             
More tomorrow.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com

Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 219, Truth the Point of Proof and Other's Conversation, Methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

15 November 2014, Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 219, Truth the Point of Proof and Other's Conversation, Methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

Announcement: My new novels should be available from any webseller or can be ordered from any brick and mortar bookstore.  Information can be found at www.ancientlight.com.  Check out my novels--I think you'll really enjoy them.

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

All novels have five discrete parts:
1.  The initial scene (the beginning)
2.  The rising action
3.  The climax
4.  The falling action
5.  The dénouement

The theme statement of my newest novel, Valeska, is this: An agent of the organization becomes involved with a vampire girl during a mission, she becomes dependent on the agent, and she is redeemed.

Here is my proposed cover for Valeska:

I decided on a white cover style.  You can see more at www.GoddessofDarkness.com.

The purpose of a novel is to reveal the protagonist and usually the protagonist's helper, the author needs to place them in circumstance that allows them to reveal themselves.  The means can be conversation, exploration, discovery, other's conversation, confession, accidental discovery.

There are three ways to know truth: the scientific method, the historical-witness method, and logic. The three tests used for all documentary evidence in history are: the bibliographical test, the internal test, and the external test.  Let's see how we can use these tests. 

The Scarlet Letter is a great example of what I'm talking about because most educated people have read it.  Let's turn to a more modern example, Dandelion Wine.  I've written before that this is likely the best current novel in the English language.  It is an example of a "story-style" novel writer, because it is obvious formed of short stories pieced together with a single theme.  The single theme is the changes in the twentieth century world.  In this novel, we are shown bits and pieces of the past and present and see how they relate to the now and the future.  Bradbury is very careful to keep the novel on a very tense footing that does not let the reader know explicitly the truth from the false.  I'd almost rather say the not truth or the not true.  Bradbury is trying to get something into the world of his writing that is much more powerful than the empirical, but he approaches it with empirical certainty.  For example, the time machine...is an old man who relates his knowledge and impressions of the past, but Bradbury never lets the reader off the hook.  The question is always: what is true.  The answer isn't given.  The truth isn't hidden in the events but in the words and the world. 

The machines give it away.  The happiness machine from Dandelion Wine is a device, but it brings not just happiness--what does it really bring?  The author never fully tells us.  The truth is not as important as the feelings and the family.  The green machine is an electric car.  It represents transportation, but causes its users pain, fear, and suffering.  How wonderful it is to live in an empirical world, surrounded by the spiritual...or not.  Just what is the creature that haunts Greenville?  What kind of truth can be found in an elixir of fresh mountain air that brings respite both physical and spiritual?  Bradbury produces magic without magic and sorcery without sorcery.  The edge between truth and not truth never lets on what is really true or really false.  This is the power of literature.
             
More tomorrow.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com

Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 218, still more the Point of Proof and Other's Conversation, Methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

14 November 2014, Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 218, still more the Point of Proof and Other's Conversation, Methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

Announcement: My new novels should be available from any webseller or can be ordered from any brick and mortar bookstore.  Information can be found at www.ancientlight.com.  Check out my novels--I think you'll really enjoy them.

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

All novels have five discrete parts:
1.  The initial scene (the beginning)
2.  The rising action
3.  The climax
4.  The falling action
5.  The dénouement

The theme statement of my newest novel, Valeska, is this: An agent of the organization becomes involved with a vampire girl during a mission, she becomes dependent on the agent, and she is redeemed.

Here is my proposed cover for Valeska:

I decided on a white cover style.  You can see more at www.GoddessofDarkness.com.

The purpose of a novel is to reveal the protagonist and usually the protagonist's helper, the author needs to place them in circumstance that allows them to reveal themselves.  The means can be conversation, exploration, discovery, other's conversation, confession, accidental discovery.

There are three ways to know truth: the scientific method, the historical-witness method, and logic. The three tests used for all documentary evidence in history are: the bibliographical test, the internal test, and the external test.  Let's see how we can use these tests. 

Let's look back at the first principles of what I've been writing about.  The first principle is that a novel is always the revelation of a protagonist and sometimes a protagonist's helper.  In the past, authors use omniscient voice or a God-like narration to reveal the basics of the protagonist, then they used showing methods.  In a modern novel, the author should only use showing methods to reveal the characters.  I mentioned the methods above as means of revelation and gave examples of how to use them.  One very critical aspect I wrote about was truth in a novel.  My point was to describe the tools that could be used to know truth and the tools to convey truth in your novels.  Those are the methods mentioned above. 

As a pivot, let's discuss again, the use of truth in a novel.  I have written before about secrets.  No novel is any good without secrets.  The major secret is the unrevealed part of the protagonist.  The other great secret is the plot itself.  The author teases these secrets to the forefront in a novel.  The trick is to enable the reader to know what is truth and what is false at the proper time in the novel.

Let's look at an example.  The Scarlet Letter is a novel that everyone should have read--if you haven't, get reading.  In this novel, the protagonist, Hester Prinn has a great secret.  It was a secret that confinement, punishment, interrogation, and shaming could not make her reveal.  It was the name of her lover--the man who fathered her child.  The author keeps this secret to the last.  The novel is a mystery as well as a tragic tale of honor and dishonor.  Throughout the novel, the author gives hints and drops crumbs for the reader.  An astute reader might figure out the secret on his own--or not.  The point is that the author is playing a game.  For the characters in the novel, it is a deadly game that means the end of their lives, professions, and peace.  It means the same for the community.  The author keeps this secret and lets it build until the conclusion when the lover confesses. 

What is important to note is the use of "truth" and falsehood by the author to build the suspense in the novel to its bitter end.
             
More tomorrow.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com

Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 217, more the Point of Proof and Other's Conversation, Methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

13 November 2014, Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 217, more the Point of Proof and Other's Conversation, Methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

Announcement: My new novels should be available from any webseller or can be ordered from any brick and mortar bookstore.  Information can be found at www.ancientlight.com.  Check out my novels--I think you'll really enjoy them.

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

All novels have five discrete parts:
1.  The initial scene (the beginning)
2.  The rising action
3.  The climax
4.  The falling action
5.  The dénouement

The theme statement of my newest novel, Valeska, is this: An agent of the organization becomes involved with a vampire girl during a mission, she becomes dependent on the agent, and she is redeemed.

Here is my proposed cover for Valeska:

I decided on a white cover style.  You can see more at www.GoddessofDarkness.com.

The purpose of a novel is to reveal the protagonist and usually the protagonist's helper, the author needs to place them in circumstance that allows them to reveal themselves.  The means can be conversation, exploration, discovery, other's conversation, confession, accidental discovery.

There are three ways to know truth: the scientific method, the historical-witness method, and logic. The three tests used for all documentary evidence in history are: the bibliographical test, the internal test, and the external test.  Let's see how we can use these tests. 

You use the three means to know truth to provide the proof text in your writing.  If you have a scientist using the scientific method to prove a point--there it is.  If you have an historian using the legal-historical method to prove a point--there it is.  If you use logic to draw the points together, you have won your readers--as long as your argument makes sense.  The is the entire point in providing you this information--this enables you to build truth for your writing and for your readers.

On the other hand, if you want to make some mischief--intentionally, you can misuse the same means to proof to distract your readers or to make a character's witness false.  So, if a scientist tries to use the scientific method on a non-repeating event, you just showed that scientist to be a fraud or a liar.  Likewise, if an historian tries to appeal to empiricism or the scientific method to prove a non-repeating event--you have declared the person to be a fake.  Your readers may or may not get the niceties of such careful declarations--you might need to show them.  They power in this is that you can do so.  I used this as a proof method in one of my very newest fun novels called Khione.  Khione uses the legal-historical method to prove something very specific in history.  I show the reader through conversation, emails, and notes about the legal-historical method and the logical conclusions from the professors and students.  That brings us to logic.

You may definitely have to note to your readers when the logic is off, but using poor logic or misunderstanding logic can be a wonderful way to point at a problem with a character.  Like I mentioned before, all this is to give confidence or lack of confidence to your readers about the truthfulness of information revealed concerning a protagonist.
             
More tomorrow.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com

Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 216, the Point of Proof and Other's Conversation, Methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

12 November 2014, Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 216, the Point of Proof and Other's Conversation, Methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

Announcement: My new novels should be available from any webseller or can be ordered from any brick and mortar bookstore.  Information can be found at www.ancientlight.com.  Check out my novels--I think you'll really enjoy them.

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

All novels have five discrete parts:
1.  The initial scene (the beginning)
2.  The rising action
3.  The climax
4.  The falling action
5.  The dénouement

The theme statement of my newest novel, Valeska, is this: An agent of the organization becomes involved with a vampire girl during a mission, she becomes dependent on the agent, and she is redeemed.

Here is my proposed cover for Valeska:

I decided on a white cover style.  You can see more at www.GoddessofDarkness.com.

The purpose of a novel is to reveal the protagonist and usually the protagonist's helper, the author needs to place them in circumstance that allows them to reveal themselves.  The means can be conversation, exploration, discovery, other's conversation, confession, accidental discovery.

There are three ways to know truth: the scientific method, the historical-witness method, and logic. The three tests used for all documentary evidence in history are: the bibliographical test, the internal test, and the external test.  Let's see how we can use these tests. 

My original point in discussing the means to know (or prove) truth was to show you how to provide credibility to those ideas you want to express as truth in your novels.  Likewise, if you wish to express an untruth, you can use the opposites to show untruth.  The supporting concept is "other's conversation," but any of the primary means of revelation will work.

Let's see how this works.  Speaking specifically about other's conversation as a revelation method.  If I am writing about a scientific subject, I could easily bring up a scientific method process or proof to make my point.  With a vampire as a protagonist, I could bring up in conversation the fact that when she was examined at a hospital, her blood was unusual.  A blood test would represent a sample compared to a standard.  The standard represents the use of the scientific method to develop a repeatable blood test for normal blood--it won't work properly on blood that isn't normal.

In this same example, the fact the vampire has unusually large incisors, a very low body temperature, an oddly pointed tongue, and perhaps some other strange characteristics would be the use of the legal-historical method to document unique characteristics. 

The discussion by the individuals in the conversation would then possibly use logic to define the being who was examined.  You can imagine the logical arguments presented to bring about some degree of understanding about the person who was examined.  There is also the ability to dissuade or misdirect the understanding of the observers (and readers) in a similar manner.
             
More tomorrow.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com

Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 215, more Proof Logic and Other's Conversation, Methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

11 November 2014, Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 215, more Proof Logic and Other's Conversation, Methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

Announcement: My new novels should be available from any webseller or can be ordered from any brick and mortar bookstore.  Information can be found at www.ancientlight.com.  Check out my novels--I think you'll really enjoy them.

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

All novels have five discrete parts:
1.  The initial scene (the beginning)
2.  The rising action
3.  The climax
4.  The falling action
5.  The dénouement

The theme statement of my newest novel, Valeska, is this: An agent of the organization becomes involved with a vampire girl during a mission, she becomes dependent on the agent, and she is redeemed.

Here is my proposed cover for Valeska:

I decided on a white cover style.  You can see more at www.GoddessofDarkness.com.

The purpose of a novel is to reveal the protagonist and usually the protagonist's helper, the author needs to place them in circumstance that allows them to reveal themselves.  The means can be conversation, exploration, discovery, other's conversation, confession, accidental discovery.

There are three ways to know truth: the scientific method, the historical-witness method, and logic. The three tests used for all documentary evidence in history are: the bibliographical test, the internal test, and the external test.  Let's see how we can use these tests. 

If you remember the mathematical proofs you had to do in geometry, you know how to develop a logical proof.  You start with definitions.  It looks like this:

1.  Define the terms
2.  State assumptions
3.  Produce proof
4.  Logical conclusion

I hope you realize that the major purpose of philosophy into the early 20th Century was to prove God.  Almost every proof was based on this as an argument.  The big problem is that you can't prove a true, you can only prove a not true.  If you remember your Geometry, you will remember this very important dictum--you can prove it in logic.  The proof of God was resolved with Kant.  Kant's proof of not true that proves the true of a God is perfect and has not been refuted.  This is one of the reasons modern philosophy gave up on the proof of God--it was proved (in favor of God).  In the other hand, modern philosophy has given up over 10,000 years of human thought to conclude (without proof) that God is dead--because they say so.

In any case, the major use of logic, beyond, and with mathematics was to prove sticky things that could not be directly measured in the physical world--like the existence of God.  The ultimate focus of this is the way to prove and know truth for yourself and in your novels. 

So, if you intend to prove a repeatable event in your novel--use the scientific method.  If you want to prove a non-repeatable event--use the legal-historical method.  If you are looking at mathematics, classic philosophy (as opposed to Greek philosophy), and ideas outside of the physical world--use logic.  You can additionally use logic for ideas within the physical world, but not provable by other means--for example, inductive and deductive reasoning (think Sherlock Holms) are both types of logic.  The key is the ability of the author to present truth to her readers in the most appropriate and correct fashion and to not use the wrong means (unless it is intentional).  We'll discuss this next.
             
More tomorrow.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com

Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 214, Proof Logic and Other's Conversation, Methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

10 November 2014, Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 214, Proof Logic and Other's Conversation, Methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

Announcement: My new novels should be available from any webseller or can be ordered from any brick and mortar bookstore.  Information can be found at www.ancientlight.com.  Check out my novels--I think you'll really enjoy them.

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

All novels have five discrete parts:
1.  The initial scene (the beginning)
2.  The rising action
3.  The climax
4.  The falling action
5.  The dénouement

The theme statement of my newest novel, Valeska, is this: An agent of the organization becomes involved with a vampire girl during a mission, she becomes dependent on the agent, and she is redeemed.

Here is my proposed cover for Valeska:

I decided on a white cover style.  You can see more at www.GoddessofDarkness.com.

The purpose of a novel is to reveal the protagonist and usually the protagonist's helper, the author needs to place them in circumstance that allows them to reveal themselves.  The means can be conversation, exploration, discovery, other's conversation, confession, accidental discovery.

There are three ways to know truth: the scientific method, the historical-witness method, and logic. The three tests used for all documentary evidence in history are: the bibliographical test, the internal test, and the external test.  Let's see how we can use these tests. 

If you remember the mathematical proofs you had to do in geometry, you know how to develop a logical proof.  You start with definitions.  It looks like this:

1.  Define the terms
2.  State assumptions
3.  Produce proof
4.  Logical conclusion

Logic, in the eyes of the Greeks was the only means to see past the physical world into the rest of the Philosophia.  The Philosophia includes: thoughts, mathematics, emotions, spiritual stuff, gods, God, spirits--anything that couldn't be empirically known in the physical world.  Before you discount the ideas of the Greeks, realize that there are things outside the physical world which are true and do exist: mathematics, thoughts, emotions, etc.  In the mind of the Greeks, the spiritual and the gods were on the same level as thoughts and emotions.  In fact, the Greeks called thoughts, psuche, autonomic breath (the unconscious breathing), because, in their world view, a person never stopped thinking.  They called the spirit, pneuma, the conscious breath, because free will was the spiritual conception of a person.  A human was sarx (flesh), psuche, and pneuma.  In general, this is the view of almost every non-atheist in the world.  If you are an atheist, logic can't hurt you, but if you are not an atheist logic can indeed be used to prove the spiritual.

Prove the spiritual--what do I mean by that?  We aren't talking about ghosts, but rather about things that exist but that can't be measured or proven empirically.  Everywhere you go, you hear people who aren't very well educated yammering about empirical proof.  Well, thoughts and emotions are not governed by empirical proof.  Workload is hard to measure too, but it doesn't mean it doesn't exist.  In general, empirical means you must use the scientific method to evaluate it.  I already showed that the scientific method can only work on repeatable events.  You need the legal-historical method to prove non-repeatable events.  And here is the rub, empiricism is nothing but rubbish without logic and mathematics, and logic and mathematics are especially about non-empirical events and solutions. 

The point logic is the premier tool in the evaluation of the world because it allows us to look deeper than the physical.  The logical proof is the context for the author in developing truth.  This is what we've been looking forward to in the first place.
             
More tomorrow.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com

Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 213, still more Thoughts and Emotions Logic and Other's Conversation, Methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

9 November 2014, Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 213, still more Thoughts and Emotions Logic and Other's Conversation, Methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

Announcement: My new novels should be available from any webseller or can be ordered from any brick and mortar bookstore.  Information can be found at www.ancientlight.com.  Check out my novels--I think you'll really enjoy them.

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

All novels have five discrete parts:
1.  The initial scene (the beginning)
2.  The rising action
3.  The climax
4.  The falling action
5.  The dénouement

The theme statement of my newest novel, Valeska, is this: An agent of the organization becomes involved with a vampire girl during a mission, she becomes dependent on the agent, and she is redeemed.

Here is my proposed cover for Valeska:

I decided on a white cover style.  You can see more at www.GoddessofDarkness.com.

The purpose of a novel is to reveal the protagonist and usually the protagonist's helper, the author needs to place them in circumstance that allows them to reveal themselves.  The means can be conversation, exploration, discovery, other's conversation, confession, accidental discovery.

There are three ways to know truth: the scientific method, the historical-witness method, and logic. The three tests used for all documentary evidence in history are: the bibliographical test, the internal test, and the external test.  Let's see how we can use these tests. 

If you remember the mathematical proofs you had to do in geometry, you know how to develop a logical proof.  You start with definitions.  It looks like this:

1.  Define the terms
2.  State assumptions
3.  Produce proof
4.  Logical conclusion

If you can determine what a person is thinking through their actions and response, then can you see other hidden things in the world?  The Greek answer is--yes.  They concluded that if you can use logic to see into the minds and motivations of people, then you could use logic to see into the hidden parts of the universe.  The Greek view of the world is a little different than our own.

Greeks started with the plenum of everything and within it placed the Kosmos.  The Kosmos was the created universe.  They weren't certain who or what created the universe, but the Kosmos was part of it.  Within the Kosmos was the Philosophia.  The Philosophia is a little different than our view of philosophy. Philosophy to the Greeks did not mean "love of knowledge."  It was something else.  Phileo is the love humans can have--the love of man.  Sophia is "what is knowable."  Philosophia is the bounded universe that humans can understand.  Within the Philosophia is the physical world.  Thus, in the Greek mind, the physical world can be understood with science (empiricism) and legal-historical methods, but everything outside of the physical world, but within Philosophia requires logic.  Thus, both their and our view of logic and philosophy. 

To the Greeks philosophy includes the study of the physical world, but it also includes the study of everything that humans can know.  Logic was required to exceed the bounds of the physical world's understanding.  Thus, the Greeks believed they could use logic to understand about the gods and then God.  They used logic to define gods and God.  They used logic to delve into the mysteries of the universe.  They used logic to develop mathematics--actually geometry.  Logic, in the eyes of the Greeks was the only means to see past the physical world into the rest of the Philosophia.  
             
More tomorrow.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com

Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 212, more Thoughts and Emotions Logic and Other's Conversation, Methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

8 November 2014, Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 212, more Thoughts and Emotions Logic and Other's Conversation, Methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

Announcement: My new novels should be available from any webseller or can be ordered from any brick and mortar bookstore.  Information can be found at www.ancientlight.com.  Check out my novels--I think you'll really enjoy them.

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

All novels have five discrete parts:
1.  The initial scene (the beginning)
2.  The rising action
3.  The climax
4.  The falling action
5.  The dénouement

The theme statement of my newest novel, Valeska, is this: An agent of the organization becomes involved with a vampire girl during a mission, she becomes dependent on the agent, and she is redeemed.

Here is my proposed cover for Valeska:

I decided on a white cover style.  You can see more at www.GoddessofDarkness.com.

The purpose of a novel is to reveal the protagonist and usually the protagonist's helper, the author needs to place them in circumstance that allows them to reveal themselves.  The means can be conversation, exploration, discovery, other's conversation, confession, accidental discovery.

There are three ways to know truth: the scientific method, the historical-witness method, and logic. The three tests used for all documentary evidence in history are: the bibliographical test, the internal test, and the external test.  Let's see how we can use these tests. 

If you remember the mathematical proofs you had to do in geometry, you know how to develop a logical proof.  You start with definitions.  It looks like this:

1.  Define the terms
2.  State assumptions
3.  Produce proof
4.  Logical conclusion

The ancient Greeks recognized that you can't ever know a person's truth thoughts or emotions.  Even if a person told you they were happy, they could be lying.  Even if a person told you they would do something, they could be lying.  The scientific method and the legal-historical method can't help us with thoughts and emotions.  You can't ever trust a person to accurately report what they are thinking or what they are feeling.  This was especially important in the culture of the ancient Greeks because they lived in a culture that encouraged ambivalence and hubris.  To the Greeks, knowing the truth was paramount, but their society was strongly based on not telling the absolute truth.  They believed that logic could give them insight into the thoughts and feelings of others.

You recognize that too--it is a concept I write about in this blog all the time.  When words, appearance,  and actions don't match, you recognize there is a problem between a person's thoughts and feelings and reality.  If a man says he loves you and then abuses you, you should recognize there is a disconnect between his thoughts and actions.  This is where the Greeks would bring logic into play.  First define the terms.  Unconditional love means placing the happiness and comfort of one before the other.  Abuse means saying untruthful things or using force to get your way.  Second, assumptions.  If the person being evaluated is usually truthful, you might assume they are telling the truth.  On the other hand, if the person is routinely untruthful, you might assume they are lying.  Third, produce the proof.  An easy one is this: the man says he has unconditional love, but when he comes home every night he beats me.  The logical conclusion is easy--the man is lying.  A harder one is this: the man says he has unconditional love for me, but he says unkind things to me.  What are the unkind things--do they constitute abuse?  For example, if the man says, I don't like your toga.  Is that abuse?  I think not--that is simply a comment that might be true.  On the other hand constant berating about something could constitute abuse--especially if it is not true.  The house is clean, but the man constantly harps on how unclean it is.  Conclusion--the man is lying.

The Greeks believed they could take any circumstance and though logical proof determine the truth or falsehood of the event.  There is much more to this.  
             
More tomorrow.

For more information, you can visit my author site http://www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites:
http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com

Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 211, Thoughts and Emotions Logic and Other's Conversation, Methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

7 November 2014, Writing Ideas - New Novel, part 211, Thoughts and Emotions Logic and Other's Conversation, Methods of Revelation How to Develop Storyline, Rising Action

Announcement: My new novels should be available from any webseller or can be ordered from any brick and mortar bookstore.  Information can be found at www.ancientlight.com.  Check out my novels--I think you'll really enjoy them.

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

The four plus one basic rules I employ when writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
5. Immerse yourself in the world of your writing.

All novels have five discrete parts:
1.  The initial scene (the beginning)
2.  The rising action
3.  The climax
4.  The falling action
5.  The dénouement

The theme statement of my newest novel, Valeska, is this: An agent of the organization becomes involved with a vampire girl during a mission, she becomes dependent on the agent, and she is redeemed.

Here is my proposed cover for Valeska:

I decided on a white cover style.  You can see more at www.GoddessofDarkness.com.

The purpose of a novel is to reveal the protagonist and usually the protagonist's helper, the author needs to place them in circumstance that allows them to reveal themselves.  The means can be conversation, exploration, discovery, other's conversation, confession, accidental discovery.

There are three ways to know truth: the scientific method, the historical-witness method, and logic. The three tests used for all documentary evidence in history are: the bibliographical test, the internal test, and the external test.  Let's see how we can use these tests. 

If you remember the mathematical proofs you had to do in geometry, you know how to develop a logical proof.  You start with definitions.  It looks like this:

1.  Define the terms
2.  State assumptions
3.  Produce proof
4.  Logical conclusion

Thoughts and emotions are part of the real world, but not part of the physical world.  No one can empirically know thoughts or emotions--yet.  Science is still working at trying to decode thoughts and emotions from the mind.  Will they succeed?  Who knows?  The ancients quickly grasped that you can't ever know another's thoughts or emotions.  The reason should be obvious.  Even if you tell me, you are sad.  How do I know you aren't lying to me.  If you tell me your thoughts, how do I know you are telling the truth.  All thoughts and emotions are hidden in the mind of the owner.  You might ask: are thoughts are emotions real?  The ancient Greeks concluded that thoughts were part of psuche (spirit) and emotions part of sarx (flesh).  They called emotions pathos (fate) and the thoughts a part of the human mind.  They also acknowledged the human pnuma (eternal spirit).  Their view of the human being was a little more complex than this, but this is good enough for our investigation.

The ancient Greeks noted that thoughts and emotions can't be known except through logic.  Thoughts, emotions, and the connection to the gods are hidden in the body.  They do not reside in the physical world.  They can only be approached through logic.  You might ask, how can we use logic to know thoughts and emotions?  Now is the time to get out your Socrates.  Socrates used dialog to tease out philosophical ideas (the connections to the gods and the world).  The Greeks thought that you could use logic (dialog--logical argument) to know thoughts, emotions, and philosophical ideas.  I am calling philosophical ideas the connection to the gods because the Greeks loosely conceived that the pneuma (eternal spirit) in a person could be understood in the same way emotions and thoughts could be understood.  Thus, Socrates' dialogs were used to understand through logic the connections of humans to the real world that could not be seen empirically (physically). 

To understand how this works, I'll describe how the Greeks thought you could know emotions and thoughts through logic.           
 
More tomorrow.

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http://www.aegyptnovel.com/
http://www.centurionnovel.com
http://www.thesecondmission.com/
http://www.theendofhonor.com/
http://www.thefoxshonor.com
http://www.aseasonofhonor.com