Development - yet more on The Languages of Creativity

16 September 2012, Development - yet more on The Languages of Creativity

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/.

Here are my rules of writing:

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

Creativity is work and not an act of divine providence, random fate, or abstract accident. Creativity is hard work that is equal to the effort expended on it. If you wish to write (or be creative in any way): study, put lots of effort into it, and work hard at it.

The question then is how do you work at creativity? I think there are three parts to creativity: inherent creativity, learned creativity, and fostered creativity.

Embedded in the following questions is the way to learn creativity. Basically, to learn creativity, you must practice being creative. Without the spark of inherent creativity, this will be impossible, but if you have any touch of creativity, doing the above will bring out your creativity.

1. Do you like art (1)?
2. Have you created quality art (3)?
3. Do you like music (1)? (all kinds not just one type or another)
4. Have you written any music (3)?
5. Have you written any lyrics (3)?
6. Do you play any instrument (2)?
7. Do you like to sing (1)?
8. Do you sing in parts (2)?
9. Do you like to read (1)?
10. Do you like to write (2)?
11. Have you written any poetry (3)?
12. Have you written any stories (3)?
13. Have you written a novel (4)?
14. Have you written a book (4)?
15. Do you get great ideas (2)?
16. Have you ever successfully implemented your great idea (3)?
17. Do you like plays, musicals, opera, or ballet (1)?
18. Have you acted in a play, musical, opera, or ballet (2)?
19. Have you written a play, musical, opera, or ballet (4)?

What is appropriate writing? What is appropriate study? What is appropriate life and experiences? The answer to these questions provides the focus to learn creativity.  I've been pursuing "music" as a means to learn creativity.  I wrote that if you like music, you will study music.  If you study music, you will learn the language of music.  If you learn the language of music, you will want to practice music (sing or play an instrument).  I must also add to the point of practicing music.  In my own experience, learning to play one instrument leads to another and another.  For example, my parents required their children to learn piano.  I was a creative child (most children are).  I wanted to learn to plan piano.  Playing piano taught me the language of music.  When the opportunity to play in the school band came up, I volunteered.  I wanted to play another instrument.  I continued in piano and took up the Clarinet.  I bought and learned to play a soprano recorder which added another instrument to my repertoire.  I added a tenor recorder to the mix.  In high school, I took my father's $5 guitar and taught myself to play.  I also learned to play the organ.  I am not a virtuoso in any of these instruments, but I can play them well enough to perform.

The point is simple--if you like music, you will desire to learn to use music creatively.  The use of music means playing and singing it... not just listening to it.  There is another step in the process of creativity in music.  I'll discuss that tomorrow. 

I'll write more about how to spend your time in developing creativity tomorrow.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques. To what extent do you outline the historic context, culture, mannerism, speech, dress and thought process of the main characters, in a historic novel...in order to maintain integrity, and gradually (help) reveal attributes of a character in the story, or otherwise clarify the plot, scene, transition, tension or resolution?

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonorhttp://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - more on The Languages of Creativity

15 September 2012, Development - more on The Languages of Creativity

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/.

Here are my rules of writing:

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

Creativity is work and not an act of divine providence, random fate, or abstract accident. Creativity is hard work that is equal to the effort expended on it. If you wish to write (or be creative in any way): study, put lots of effort into it, and work hard at it.

The question then is how do you work at creativity? I think there are three parts to creativity: inherent creativity, learned creativity, and fostered creativity.

Embedded in the following questions is the way to learn creativity. Basically, to learn creativity, you must practice being creative. Without the spark of inherent creativity, this will be impossible, but if you have any touch of creativity, doing the above will bring out your creativity.

1. Do you like art (1)?
2. Have you created quality art (3)?
3. Do you like music (1)? (all kinds not just one type or another)
4. Have you written any music (3)?
5. Have you written any lyrics (3)?
6. Do you play any instrument (2)?
7. Do you like to sing (1)?
8. Do you sing in parts (2)?
9. Do you like to read (1)?
10. Do you like to write (2)?
11. Have you written any poetry (3)?
12. Have you written any stories (3)?
13. Have you written a novel (4)?
14. Have you written a book (4)?
15. Do you get great ideas (2)?
16. Have you ever successfully implemented your great idea (3)?
17. Do you like plays, musicals, opera, or ballet (1)?
18. Have you acted in a play, musical, opera, or ballet (2)?
19. Have you written a play, musical, opera, or ballet (4)?

What is appropriate writing? What is appropriate study? What is appropriate life and experiences? The answer to these questions provides the focus to learn creativity.  If you know the language of music, that is "how to read notes" and "how to read music," you will want to make music.  We have moved from the liking to the studying to the learning to the doing.  Of course if you like something you will invest the time in that thing and learn it--right?  If you like to ski, you usually aren't content in just watching skiing--you want to go ski. Likewise, with creative things--if you like them, you will study them, learn about them, and want to do them.

The step in music that is doing is singing or playing an instrument.  I hope your parents made you learn an instrument.  My parents did.  I made my children learn and study an instrument.  I saw this as a means to learn creativity, and I wanted my children to have a chance at creativity.  Music is one of the best means to produce creativity.  The reason is the creativity in music is direct and humans seem to be easily attracted to it.  When you hear a song you like, you want to sing it, you want to play it--at least a creative person does.

You have learned the language of music and you have learned to sing and/or play that music you like so well.  There is much more to the creativity available in music.  We'll discuss it tomorrow.

I'll write more about how to spend your time in developing creativity tomorrow.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques. To what extent do you outline the historic context, culture, mannerism, speech, dress and thought process of the main characters, in a historic novel...in order to maintain integrity, and gradually (help) reveal attributes of a character in the story, or otherwise clarify the plot, scene, transition, tension or resolution?

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonorhttp://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - The Languages of Creativity

14 September 2012, Development - The Languages of Creativity

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/.

Here are my rules of writing:

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

Creativity is work and not an act of divine providence, random fate, or abstract accident. Creativity is hard work that is equal to the effort expended on it. If you wish to write (or be creative in any way): study, put lots of effort into it, and work hard at it.

The question then is how do you work at creativity? I think there are three parts to creativity: inherent creativity, learned creativity, and fostered creativity.

Embedded in the following questions is the way to learn creativity. Basically, to learn creativity, you must practice being creative. Without the spark of inherent creativity, this will be impossible, but if you have any touch of creativity, doing the above will bring out your creativity.

1. Do you like art (1)?
2. Have you created quality art (3)?
3. Do you like music (1)? (all kinds not just one type or another)
4. Have you written any music (3)?
5. Have you written any lyrics (3)?
6. Do you play any instrument (2)?
7. Do you like to sing (1)?
8. Do you sing in parts (2)?
9. Do you like to read (1)?
10. Do you like to write (2)?
11. Have you written any poetry (3)?
12. Have you written any stories (3)?
13. Have you written a novel (4)?
14. Have you written a book (4)?
15. Do you get great ideas (2)?
16. Have you ever successfully implemented your great idea (3)?
17. Do you like plays, musicals, opera, or ballet (1)?
18. Have you acted in a play, musical, opera, or ballet (2)?
19. Have you written a play, musical, opera, or ballet (4)?

What is appropriate writing? What is appropriate study? What is appropriate life and experiences? The answer to these questions provides the focus to learn creativity.  I'm looking at music and I made the point that if you really like music, you will want to study it.  Study it means to really use your intellect to understand it.  That means you study the history of music, the composers of music, the details or music.  I'm not certain how I can make this more clear.  A person who is really interested in music will invest enormous amounts of time in its study.

So I can write with great accuracy that if you "like" music, you will pursue the creative.  Now, there is a next step for the truly creative soul--this is the point entire.  If you "like" music to the degree I've described it, and you have studied it; the next step is to make it yourself.

Singing is most common.  If you have studied music, you will have learned the language of music--that means you can read music.  Here is the real test.  If someone says they love France, but they don't know the language, you'd look at them a little funny... how can a person love France if they can't communicate in French?  Likewise, if someone says they love astrophysics but can't do the math in astrophysics or don't understand the basics of orbital mechanics, you'd conclude that they really don't like astrophysics.  A person who really likes music has studied and knows the language of music.

As I wrote before, knowing the language of a thing (culture) allows you to study and immerse yourself in that thing (culture).  Don't you remember?  If you "like" music, you will study music, which means you will learn the language of music, which means...more tomorrow.

I'll write more about how to spend your time in developing creativity tomorrow.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques. To what extent do you outline the historic context, culture, mannerism, speech, dress and thought process of the main characters, in a historic novel...in order to maintain integrity, and gradually (help) reveal attributes of a character in the story, or otherwise clarify the plot, scene, transition, tension or resolution?

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonorhttp://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - more How to Learn Creativity

13 September 2012, Development - more How to Learn Creativity

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/.

Here are my rules of writing:

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

Creativity is work and not an act of divine providence, random fate, or abstract accident. Creativity is hard work that is equal to the effort expended on it. If you wish to write (or be creative in any way): study, put lots of effort into it, and work hard at it.

The question then is how do you work at creativity? I think there are three parts to creativity: inherent creativity, learned creativity, and fostered creativity.

Embedded in the following questions is the way to learn creativity. Basically, to learn creativity, you must practice being creative. Without the spark of inherent creativity, this will be impossible, but if you have any touch of creativity, doing the above will bring out your creativity.

1. Do you like art (1)?
2. Have you created quality art (3)?
3. Do you like music (1)? (all kinds not just one type or another)
4. Have you written any music (3)?
5. Have you written any lyrics (3)?
6. Do you play any instrument (2)?
7. Do you like to sing (1)?
8. Do you sing in parts (2)?
9. Do you like to read (1)?
10. Do you like to write (2)?
11. Have you written any poetry (3)?
12. Have you written any stories (3)?
13. Have you written a novel (4)?
14. Have you written a book (4)?
15. Do you get great ideas (2)?
16. Have you ever successfully implemented your great idea (3)?
17. Do you like plays, musicals, opera, or ballet (1)?
18. Have you acted in a play, musical, opera, or ballet (2)?
19. Have you written a play, musical, opera, or ballet (4)?

What is appropriate writing? What is appropriate study? What is appropriate life and experiences?  The answer to these questions provides the focus to learn creativity.  Back to the example of music.  One of the questions is whether you like music.  Liking music isn't just listening to music.  A person who really likes music wants to study music.  The appropriate study of music means research into the history of the music, study of the forms of the music, and exploration of divergent forms of the music.  If you really like something, you become an expert in it--or at least creative people do.

Can you really call yourself a person who likes something if you don't know anything about it or if you aren't interested enough to study it.  In the modern world, the idea of peripheral experience and knowledge is common, but that isn't what liking and learning is all about.  So let's go with this idea.  If you really like something, you will study it, and the type of study I described is "appropriate" study.

Now, if you really like music, you will want to do ti yourself.  Even if you "sing like a crow" the true musiophile will want to experience the music by producing it yourself.  This is appropriate experience--more on that tomorrow.
I'll write more about how to spend your time in developing creativity tomorrow.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques. To what extent do you outline the historic context, culture, mannerism, speech, dress and thought process of the main characters, in a historic novel...in order to maintain integrity, and gradually (help) reveal attributes of a character in the story, or otherwise clarify the plot, scene, transition, tension or resolution?

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonorhttp://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - How to Learn Creativity

12 September 2012, Development - How to Learn Creativity

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/.

Here are my rules of writing:

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

Creativity is work and not an act of divine providence, random fate, or abstract accident. Creativity is hard work that is equal to the effort expended on it. If you wish to write (or be creative in any way): study, put lots of effort into it, and work hard at it.

The question then is how do you work at creativity? I think there are three parts to creativity: inherent creativity, learned creativity, and fostered creativity.

Embedded in the following questions is the way to learn creativity. Basically, to learn creativity, you must practice being creative. Without the spark of inherent creativity, this will be impossible, but if you have any touch of creativity, doing the above will bring out your creativity.

1. Do you like art (1)?
2. Have you created quality art (3)?
3. Do you like music (1)? (all kinds not just one type or another)
4. Have you written any music (3)?
5. Have you written any lyrics (3)?
6. Do you play any instrument (2)?
7. Do you like to sing (1)?
8. Do you sing in parts (2)?
9. Do you like to read (1)?
10. Do you like to write (2)?
11. Have you written any poetry (3)?
12. Have you written any stories (3)?
13. Have you written a novel (4)?
14. Have you written a book (4)?
15. Do you get great ideas (2)?
16. Have you ever successfully implemented your great idea (3)?
17. Do you like plays, musicals, opera, or ballet (1)?
18. Have you acted in a play, musical, opera, or ballet (2)?
19. Have you written a play, musical, opera, or ballet (4)?

The question then is to learn creativity what is appropriate writing?  What is appropriate study?  What is appropriate life and experiences?  Contrary to what you might have heard, living in a drug induced haze of sex drugs and rock and roll will not produce a great writer.  Just studying to earn your degree or meet some requirement isn't sufficient study.  Just writing one million words isn't enough writing.

The appropriate is encapsulated in the questions above (the ones I had on my creativity test).  The appropriateness of the study, life experience, and writing experience is noted by the number at the end (the ones used for scoring).  What I'm telling you is this.  It is a positive thing for your creativity if you like music.  A creative person can't just listen to music.  A creative person will want to play or sing along.  A creative person will want to duplicate and improve the music she has heard.  A creative person will want to make up new lyrics or write their own music.  These are both indicators of creativity and opportunities for learning creativity.

So look at the experiences in the questions. 

I'll write more about how to spend your time in developing creativity tomorrow.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques. To what extent do you outline the historic context, culture, mannerism, speech, dress and thought process of the main characters, in a historic novel...in order to maintain integrity, and gradually (help) reveal attributes of a character in the story, or otherwise clarify the plot, scene, transition, tension or resolution?

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonorhttp://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - and even yet more Learning Creativity

11 September 2012, Development - and even yet more Learning Creativity

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/.

Here are my rules of writing:

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

Creativity is work and not an act of divine providence, random fate, or abstract accident. Creativity is hard work that is equal to the effort expended on it. If you wish to write (or be creative in any way): study, put lots of effort into it, and work hard at it.

The question then is how do you work at creativity? I think there are three parts to creativity: inherent creativity, learned creativity, and fostered creativity.

Embedded in the following questions is the way to learn creativity. Basically, to learn creativity, you must practice being creative. Without the spark of inherent creativity, this will be impossible, but if you have any touch of creativity, doing the above will bring out your creativity.

1. Do you like art (1)?
2. Have you created quality art (3)?
3. Do you like music (1)? (all kinds not just one type or another)
4. Have you written any music (3)?
5. Have you written any lyrics (3)?
6. Do you play any instrument (2)?
7. Do you like to sing (1)?
8. Do you sing in parts (2)?
9. Do you like to read (1)?
10. Do you like to write (2)?
11. Have you written any poetry (3)?
12. Have you written any stories (3)?
13. Have you written a novel (4)?
14. Have you written a book (4)?
15. Do you get great ideas (2)?
16. Have you ever successfully implemented your great idea (3)?
17. Do you like plays, musicals, opera, or ballet (1)?
18. Have you acted in a play, musical, opera, or ballet (2)?
19. Have you written a play, musical, opera, or ballet (4)?

I wrote before that for a writer to write about anything, they must have knowledge about their subject.  I wrote that a writer of historical fiction should spend years in study.  The author of cultural fiction (including historical fiction) should spend years in cultural study and immersion.  A science fiction author must study science.  If you think this is trivial learning, you are fooling yourself. 

The author of normal literary fiction needs to spend time alive.  Jack Vance makes a constant theme of life experience that drives creative or artistic experience.  I take it that Jack Vance is writing about life.  If you have read the writing of earnest young writers, you know most of the time, their writing skills are poor, but their subjects and treatment of their topics is naive.  Not only is it naive, it usually is not very creative.  What turns earnest young writers into skilled authors?  Usually, lots of writing (1 million words worth), lots of appropriate living and experiences, and lots of appropriate study.

Note, I used the word "appropriate" more than once.  I could have added a few more appropriates.  What you study, what you write, what you live and experience are all critical to learning creativity and becoming a skillful and creative writer.

I'll write more about how to spend your time in developing creativity tomorrow.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques. To what extent do you outline the historic context, culture, mannerism, speech, dress and thought process of the main characters, in a historic novel...in order to maintain integrity, and gradually (help) reveal attributes of a character in the story, or otherwise clarify the plot, scene, transition, tension or resolution?

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonorhttp://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - and yet more Learning Creativity

10 September 2012, Development - and yet more Learning Creativity

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/.

Here are my rules of writing:

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

Creativity is work and not an act of divine providence, random fate, or abstract accident. Creativity is hard work that is equal to the effort expended on it. If you wish to write (or be creative in any way): study, put lots of effort into it, and work hard at it.

The question then is how do you work at creativity? I think there are three parts to creativity: inherent creativity, learned creativity, and fostered creativity.

Embedded in the following questions is the way to learn creativity. Basically, to learn creativity, you must practice being creative. Without the spark of inherent creativity, this will be impossible, but if you have any touch of creativity, doing the above will bring out your creativity.

1. Do you like art (1)?
2. Have you created quality art (3)?
3. Do you like music (1)? (all kinds not just one type or another)
4. Have you written any music (3)?
5. Have you written any lyrics (3)?
6. Do you play any instrument (2)?
7. Do you like to sing (1)?
8. Do you sing in parts (2)?
9. Do you like to read (1)?
10. Do you like to write (2)?
11. Have you written any poetry (3)?
12. Have you written any stories (3)?
13. Have you written a novel (4)?
14. Have you written a book (4)?
15. Do you get great ideas (2)?
16. Have you ever successfully implemented your great idea (3)?
17. Do you like plays, musicals, opera, or ballet (1)?
18. Have you acted in a play, musical, opera, or ballet (2)?
19. Have you written a play, musical, opera, or ballet (4)?

I don't think that just writing will make you a creative person.  If you look at the lives of successful writers, you will find that they were successful and many times very special people.  Very rarely will you find a writer whose life has been unexciting or undistinguished.  For a well known author, in comparison to their popularity to their writing, their life might seem undistinguished, but authors are generally known for their travels and experiences. 

For example, look at Ernest Hemingway.  He was a great traveler and roust-about.  He participated as an ambulance driver in WWI.  Oddly enough, many great writers from Hemingway's period participated in WWI as ambulance drivers or medics.  Shakespeare was an actor as well as a producer.  His travels might not have taken him from Britain, but his creativity was evident outside of writing.  Ayn Rand escaped from the USSR and travelled widely.  She entertained and was entertained by many important people.  George Orwell actually lived some of the life he describes in his novel Down and Out in London and Paris.  He likewise was well traveled.

And here is some very important information for writing and creativity.  Although we are discussing creativity, most authors are well travelled and experienced in many cultures. Many are conversant and comfortable in an aristocratic drawing room or at a state dinner.  I have also spent a lot of time traveling and at parties of all levels.  My experience allows me to write authoritatively about such events and many other situations.  Creativity is a skill with a basis.  
I'll write more about how to spend your time in developing creativity tomorrow.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques. To what extent do you outline the historic context, culture, mannerism, speech, dress and thought process of the main characters, in a historic novel...in order to maintain integrity, and gradually (help) reveal attributes of a character in the story, or otherwise clarify the plot, scene, transition, tension or resolution?

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonorhttp://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - yet more Learning Creativity

9 September 2012, Development - yet more Learning Creativity

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/.

Here are my rules of writing:

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

Creativity is work and not an act of divine providence, random fate, or abstract accident. Creativity is hard work that is equal to the effort expended on it. If you wish to write (or be creative in any way): study, put lots of effort into it, and work hard at it.

The question then is how do you work at creativity? I think there are three parts to creativity: inherent creativity, learned creativity, and fostered creativity.

So, if you are willing to put the effort into learning to be creative, then you are almost half way there.  I'm not talking about the minimal effort many people think is sufficient for learning.  I'm talking about the full effort. 

A couple of days ago, I put a short test on this blog.  These were the questions.

1. Do you like art (1)?
2. Have you created quality art (3)?
3. Do you like music (1)? (all kinds not just one type or another)
4. Have you written any music (3)?
5. Have you written any lyrics (3)?
6. Do you play any instrument (2)?
7. Do you like to sing (1)?
8. Do you sing in parts (2)?
9. Do you like to read (1)?
10. Do you like to write (2)?
11. Have you written any poetry (3)?
12. Have you written any stories (3)?
13. Have you written a novel (4)?
14. Have you written a book (4)?
15. Do you get great ideas (2)?
16. Have you ever successfully implemented your great idea (3)?
17.  Do you like plays, musicals, opera, or ballet (1)?
18.  Have you acted in a play, musical, opera, or ballet (2)?
19.  Have you written a play, musical, opera, or ballet (4)?

Embedded in these questions is the way to learn creativity.  Basically, to learn creativity, you must practice being creative.  Without the spark of inherent creativity, this will be impossible, but if you have any touch of creativity, doing the above will bring out your creativity. 

Here is what you do.  If you like art, then you must begin to create art.  Take a self assessment of your artist skills and then use them.  You don't have to expect to be a van Gogh in a day.  If you want to become a skillful artist (notice, I didn't write a creative artist), you need to put in the equivalency of about 10,000 to 15,000 hours (that's about 1 million words of writing for an author--just so you know).  If you just want to learn more creativity through art, the action of creating art will begin to activate your creativity.

More to the point, we as writers want to improve our creativity in writing.  I could tell you that writing 1 million words will make you a creative writer--that would be a lie.  Writing 1 million words will make you a skillful writer--likely skillful enough to be a professional.  Writing 1 million words won't necessarily make you a writer who can create great works.  To become creative requires those 10,000 to 15,000 hours in creative endeavours.  A writer might be able to spend all 10,000 to 15,000 hours in writing and become creative, but I doubt it.  The reason a person is creative isn't because they sit in a quite room and write.  A person is creative because they interact with the world and with others in a meaningful and purposeful way.    

I'll write more about how to spend your time in developing creativity tomorrow.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques. To what extent do you outline the historic context, culture, mannerism, speech, dress and thought process of the main characters, in a historic novel...in order to maintain integrity, and gradually (help) reveal attributes of a character in the story, or otherwise clarify the plot, scene, transition, tension or resolution?

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonorhttp://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - more Learning Creativity

8 September 2012, Development - more Learning Creativity

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/.

Here are my rules of writing:

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

Creativity is work and not an act of divine providence, random fate, or abstract accident. Creativity is hard work that is equal to the effort expended on it. If you wish to write (or be creative in any way): study, put lots of effort into it, and work hard at it.

The question then is how do you work at creativity? I think there are three parts to creativity: inherent creativity, learned creativity, and fostered creativity.

Anecdotally, I showed that creativity can be learned--note, I didn't say it could be taught.  I'm not certain you can really teach anyone anything.  In my experience learning is a one hundred percent individual and one way thing.  That is, the receiver must be willing to learn and receive to get anything out of teaching.  The best teacher in the world can be teaching with the best skills in the world to an unreceptive mind and no learning will take place.  On the other hand, a person who wants to learn can learn anywhere from anyone...and a great teacher can learn from students (not usually the subject matter at hand).

If you want to improve your creativity, you must learn and no one can teach you.  That is, you must be open and receptive to improving your creativity.  I can outline some means to improve your creativity, but unless you actually take advantage of my recommendations, they will be worthless to you.

I should write this in bold letters, but I won't: to learn creativity, you must be willing to put in an enormous amount of effort.  I could equally write, to learn to be a great writer, you must be willing to put in an enormous amount of effort.  This is what I write all the time, you must write at least one million words to become a good writer.  All that stuff you wrote in college and school really doesn't add up to much.  You need to write about eight to ten novels (books) or 100 to 200 long short stories.  Then your writing skills might begin to approach acceptability.  Creativity takes an equal investment, and there are few shortcuts.

I'll write more about creativity tomorrow.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques. To what extent do you outline the historic context, culture, mannerism, speech, dress and thought process of the main characters, in a historic novel...in order to maintain integrity, and gradually (help) reveal attributes of a character in the story, or otherwise clarify the plot, scene, transition, tension or resolution?

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonorhttp://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - Learning Creativity

7 September 2012, Development - Learning Creativity

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/.

Here are my rules of writing:

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

Creativity is work and not an act of divine providence, random fate, or abstract accident. Creativity is hard work that is equal to the effort expended on it. If you wish to write (or be creative in any way): study, put lots of effort into it, and work hard at it.

The question then is how do you work at creativity? I think there are three parts to creativity: inherent creativity, learned creativity, and fostered creativity.

Creativity is as much about knowledge and learning as it is about inherent capability.  I have met many Oxford trained gentlemen from the earlier generations of educated Britons.  These men all were articulate, erudite, and entertaining.  They all spoke with an Oxford accent as well.  They all came from relatively different walks in life.  They were all of different status--at least when they were young.  They were all generally engineers and test pilots (my profession).  What made them a cut above most of their compatriots in terms of their speaking skills?

Let me describe their speaking skills--that's my point, after all.  When they spoke, they did so with absolute confidence and comfort that both appealed to their audience and begged you to listen.  Their topics were well chosen and appropriately covered.  What made their presentations unique was their humor and their presentation.  They could entertain a crowd for an hour without the need of pictures, slides, or any other props.  Their presentations were always peppered with off the cuff statements and jokes.  Literally their prepared notes and their "off the cuff" statements were completely creative, and among this group and those educated at this time, they were all creative in this fashion.

Now, we know from research that test pilots are left brained/right brain balanced people.  There are a couple of studies on this.  We should expect the creative gene to be housed in such individuals, but they also possess the math and critical logic skills part as well.  All test pilots don't share these creative speaking skills; therefore, one might logically conclude that these skills can be taught and the curriculum of Oxford trained these men in their creative skills.
I'll write about that tomorrow.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques. To what extent do you outline the historic context, culture, mannerism, speech, dress and thought process of the main characters, in a historic novel...in order to maintain integrity, and gradually (help) reveal attributes of a character in the story, or otherwise clarify the plot, scene, transition, tension or resolution?

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonorhttp://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - Creativity Improvement

6 September 2012, Development - Creativity Improvement

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/.

Here are my rules of writing:

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

Creativity is work and not an act of divine providence, random fate, or abstract accident. Creativity is hard work that is equal to the effort expended on it. If you wish to write (or be creative in any way): study, put lots of effort into it, and work hard at it.

The question then is how do you work at creativity? I think there are three parts to creativity: inherent creativity, learned creativity, and fostered creativity.

Did you take my short test?  Where's your creativity?  There is still hope if you don't seem to have any creative gene.  The problem is that you will have to work harder than anyone else.  The business of writing doesn't play favorites.  Publishing can--especially if your parents are editors.  But then you just look like a fool when your poorly written novel is made into print.  It's worse if a movie studio produces your poorly written novel.  Okay, you laugh all the way to the bank, but that still doesn't make up for lowering your pants and displaying to the world...forever (it's in print)...how bad a writer you are.

So, creativity (as well as writing skills) are important things for a writer.  Most of us need the creativity to make up for the fact we might not have parents in the publishing business.  Plus, who does your homework?

Creativity, if you want to write, you likely have the gene.  What can you do to improve the creativity you have, and how can you bring it out?

I posited that the next two parts of creativity are learned and fostered.  Learning creativity has much to do with increasing what you have.  Fostered creativity has to do with bringing out new and great ideas. 

I'll write about that tomorrow.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques. To what extent do you outline the historic context, culture, mannerism, speech, dress and thought process of the main characters, in a historic novel...in order to maintain integrity, and gradually (help) reveal attributes of a character in the story, or otherwise clarify the plot, scene, transition, tension or resolution?

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonorhttp://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - Creativity Test

5 September 2012, Development - Creativity Test

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/.

Here are my rules of writing:

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

Creativity is work and not an act of divine providence, random fate, or abstract accident. Creativity is hard work that is equal to the effort expended on it. If you wish to write (or be creative in any way): study, put lots of effort into it, and work hard at it.

The question then is how do you work at creativity? I think there are three parts to creativity: inherent creativity, learned creativity, and fostered creativity.

As I wrote yesterday, if you have a desire to be creative, you likely have some inherent creativity.  The question is how much and how to improve what you have.  In case you want to check on your level of creativity, I proffer the following short test.  Answer the questions and add the number as your score for each question you answer with a yes.

1.  Do you like art (1)?
2.  Have you created quality art (3)?
3.  Do you like music (1)?  (all kinds not just one type or another)
4.  Have you written any music (3)?
5.  Have you written any lyrics (3)?
6.  Do you play any instrument (2)?
7.  Do you like to sing (1)?
8.  Do you sing in parts (2)?
9.  Do you like to read (1)?
10.  Do you like to write (2)?
11.  Have you written any poetry (3)?
12.  Have you written any stories (3)?
13.  Have you written a novel (4)?
14.  Have you written a book (4)?
15.  Do you get great ideas (2)?
16.  Have you ever successfully implemented your great idea (3)?

I think I covered the gamut of basic creativity here.  If your points add up to greater than 15, you are definitely blessed with creativity.  If you have less than 10 points, there is still hope, but you need to work very hard at creativity.  If you get less than 5 points, well, there is always hope, but why are you even trying?

The reality is these questions represent the reaction of the human desire to create.  If you have the desire to create, you will try to create something.  Without this basic desire, you will have problems being creative.

I'll write about that tomorrow.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques. To what extent do you outline the historic context, culture, mannerism, speech, dress and thought process of the main characters, in a historic novel...in order to maintain integrity, and gradually (help) reveal attributes of a character in the story, or otherwise clarify the plot, scene, transition, tension or resolution?

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonorhttp://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - Creativity

4 September 2012, Development -  Creativity

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/.

Here are my rules of writing:

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

Creativity is work and not an act of divine providence, random fate, or abstract accident. Creativity is hard work that is equal to the effort expended on it.  If you wish to write (or be creative in any way): study, put lots of effort into it, and work hard at it. 

The question then is how do you work at creativity?  I think there are three parts to creativity: inherent creativity, learned creativity, and fostered creativity. 

Inherent creativity is what you were born with.  I think this is very simple.  Part of creativity is the mental makeup of the mind, just as athletic skills are the physical makeup of the body.  Some people have an advantage physically because they received the right genes and physical makeup.  Just as some people didn't, or worse, some people are physically or mentally handicapped from birth, some people just never received the creative spark.  Fortunately, I rarely find people who want to be creative who do not have the basic skills to be creative.  That is, if a person wishes to be creative, that usually indicates they have the mental skills to be creative.

Let's continue the example of an athlete.  Many athletes don't have the physical skills and ability to be Olympic contenders or professionals, but they still have athletic skills.  The most average human can apply learned and fostered athleticism to improve and succeed where others fail.  Athletics isn't the most perfect example because those without the advantage of high genetic perfection (for physical skills) will likely not be able to compete at a very high level.  Mental skills and capability can be improved to a much greater degree than physical skills.

Creativity has a component that is inherent, but if you desire to be creative--that means you likely already have the spark and capability.  The problem then is fostering the capability.  That's where fostered and learned creativity come into play.  More tomorrow.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques. To what extent do you outline the historic context, culture, mannerism, speech, dress and thought process of the main characters, in a historic novel...in order to maintain integrity, and gradually (help) reveal attributes of a character in the story, or otherwise clarify the plot, scene, transition, tension or resolution?

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonorhttp://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - Rules of Writing, Creativity

3 September 2012, Development - Rules of Writing, Creativity

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/.

Here are my rules of writing:

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

I'm always astounded when someone mentions writer's block.  I don't think I've ever had a writer's block.  To me, all writing is like writing a technical report.  If you have the data, and you know your subject, you just write.  This is also true when using scene outlines.  Since there is always an input and an output, you know your plot.  If you have developed characters, you know their storylines.  With all this information, the process of writing is just putting the pieces together.

Now, I will agree with those who say their writing is better at some times rather than others.  This is why I love revision.  For me, the hardest work is getting the words on a page.  The work of editing and revision is pleasurable and easy.  Writing is hard work, but creativity is part of the makeup of a writer.  I'm certain there are a few writers out there with only one or two plots inside them, but I've found the opposite.  I've found that creative people have all kinds of stories and plots in their minds, they just need to take the time and effort to get them out.

I find both creativity and writing to be cathartic.  You fill your brain with all kinds of good information and ideas and eventually it all pours out on a piece of paper.  I keep a notebook by my bed to record ideas.  I record ideas in my computer notes.  These random and worthwhile ideas come almost unpredictably; however, most of my best ideas and creativity comes from in depth study and serious writing.

Ah, there is the point.  Creativity is work and not an act of divine providence, random fate, or abstract accident.  Creativity is hard work that is equal to the effort expended on it. 

So, if you wish to write (or be creative in any way): study, put lots of effort into it, and work hard at it.  More, tomorrow.

There is much more to writing without confusing your readers. I'll write about that tomorrow. The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques. To what extent do you outline the historic context, culture, mannerism, speech, dress and thought process of the main characters, in a historic novel...in order to maintain integrity, and gradually (help) reveal attributes of a character in the story, or otherwise clarify the plot, scene, transition, tension or resolution?

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonorhttp://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - Rules of Writing, yet more Experimental Scene Outlines

2 September 2012, Development - Rules of Writing, yet more Experimental Scene Outlines

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/.

Here are my rules of writing:

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

All language is symbols. Therefore it shouldn't surprise you that your writing should include higher level symbols. What are higher level symbols? I mentioned before the cross as a symbol. The cross is a higher level symbol--a symbol that doesn't depend on language. Symbols can be ready made or author made symbols. Some symbols are a mix.

Here is the list for the use of storylines. In other words, whose storyline should you chose to follow in the plot:
1. Protagonist - presumed
2. Tension
3. Revelation
4. Antagonist or protagonist's helper

The presumption is that you will write your scenes with the protagonist's storyline as the primary intersection with the plot. At some points you might want to write a scene that does not include the protagonist's storyline. The question is then, when should you consider these different storylines.

The experimental shared scene in my novels, The End of Honor and The Fox's Honor is a great example of the use of storylines to drive the plot. Each character in the scene has their own storyline. The predominate storyline is the basis for any plot. In The End of Honor, the predominate storyline is that of the protagonist, John-Mark. In The Fox's Honor, the predominate storyline is that of the protagonist, Devon Rathenberg. The storylines drive the plot, but the shared scene is literally a scene shared by these two men. The fact that they are both protagonists of their respective novels brings into focus everything I wrote about storyline and plot. This kind of makes this experimental scene seem to be not very experimental at all.

This is the plan from the beginning; I want my readers to read both books. Although they are a series, they are independent novel. I want them to note the shared scene, and I want them to see how this very important turning point in both novels greatly affects these two men and their futures. One goes on to strategic victory and personal defeat--the other to personal and corporate victory. The decisions of these men lead them along different and independent storylines, which leads to different and independent plots, which gives theme that are similar, but with critical differences.

I'll tie this into some of the subjects below, tomorrow.

There is much more to writing without confusing your readers. I'll write about that tomorrow. The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques. To what extent do you outline the historic context, culture, mannerism, speech, dress and thought process of the main characters, in a historic novel...in order to maintain integrity, and gradually (help) reveal attributes of a character in the story, or otherwise clarify the plot, scene, transition, tension or resolution?

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonorhttp://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - Rules of Writing, even more Experimental Scene Outlines

1 September 2012, Development - Rules of Writing, even more Experimental Scene Outlines

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/.

Here are my rules of writing:

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

All language is symbols. Therefore it shouldn't surprise you that your writing should include higher level symbols. What are higher level symbols? I mentioned before the cross as a symbol. The cross is a higher level symbol--a symbol that doesn't depend on language. Symbols can be ready made or author made symbols. Some symbols are a mix.

Here is the list for the use of storylines. In other words, whose storyline should you chose to follow in the plot:
1. Protagonist - presumed
2. Tension
3. Revelation
4. Antagonist or protagonist's helper

The presumption is that you will write your scenes with the protagonist's storyline as the primary intersection with the plot. At some points you might want to write a scene that does not include the protagonist's storyline. The question is then, when should you consider these different storylines.

I'm describing the experimental shared scene in my novels from The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox. In The End of Honor Prince John-Mark is the protagonist, and in The Fox's Honor Prince Devon Rathenberg is the protagonist. The shared scene is the scene where the rebellious houses of the Landsritter have decided to attack the forces of the loyal houses. In the scene prior, Devon Rathenberg, who was thought to be dead, returns to the rebellious houses and is coerced to become their leader and prince reagent. Prince John-Mark must step down as the leader and the prince regent for this to happen. The scenes leading up to the shared scene are not the same, one is from the PoV (Point of View) of John-Mark and the other is from the PoV of Devon.

This is the point. The storylines and PoV of the input scenes are different. It should go without saying that the output of the shared scene is the same, but the storylines and PoV of the scene following the shared scene are different. In The End of Honor, the protagonist, John-Mark provides the PoV and the storyline while in The Fox's Honor, Devon Rathenberg, the protagonist, provides the PoV and the storyline.

In fact, the succeeding scene in The End of Honor is of John-Mark with the fleet planning the attack on the loyalist houses. The succeeding scene in The Fox's Honor is of Devon Rathenberg planning how to rescue his wife and his county. I just gave you an enormous hint as to the themes of both books. In The End of Honor, the theme is about people whose honor leads them to make bad decisions that results in the loss of everything they hold dear--yet they are willing to uphold honor even if it destroys everything they love. In The Fox's Honor, the characters still hold to the same honor, but are willing to give up their lives for what they hold dear. The themes are different, the novels both share the same scene, but the results of that scene lead the two protagonists down entirely different paths.

This is the beauty of using storylines to drive the plot and uphold the theme, I'll explain further tomorrow.

There is much more to writing without confusing your readers. I'll write about that tomorrow. The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques. To what extent do you outline the historic context, culture, mannerism, speech, dress and thought process of the main characters, in a historic novel...in order to maintain integrity, and gradually (help) reveal attributes of a character in the story, or otherwise clarify the plot, scene, transition, tension or resolution?

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonorhttp://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - Rules of Writing, more Experimental Scene Outlines

31 August 2012, Development - Rules of Writing, more Experimental Scene Outlines

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/.

Here are my rules of writing:

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

All language is symbols. Therefore it shouldn't surprise you that your writing should include higher level symbols. What are higher level symbols? I mentioned before the cross as a symbol. The cross is a higher level symbol--a symbol that doesn't depend on language. Symbols can be ready made or author made symbols. Some symbols are a mix.

Here is the list for the use of storylines. In other words, whose storyline should you chose to follow in the plot:
1. Protagonist - presumed
2. Tension
3. Revelation
4. Antagonist or protagonist's helper

The presumption is that you will write your scenes with the protagonist's storyline as the primary intersection with the plot. At some points you might want to write a scene that does not include the protagonist's storyline. The question is then, when should you consider these different storylines.

The truly experimental nature of the first two novels in The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox is the use of a shared set of scenes. The End of Honor and The Fox's Honor both share a scene. This scene is a critical one to each novel. It is not the climax of either novel, but it is the scene that leads to the climax of both. You can understand how experimental this is if you consider the nature of a scene outline. The inputs and outputs of the scenes led to a shared scene. In other words, a scene outline is so versatile that multiple plots can be generated with similar (or dissimilar) inputs and outputs. This should be expected--no two writers will write the same scene even with the same inputs and outputs.

Let me describe this scene and its ramifications a little and how the inputs and outputs can be the same. I think this understanding will show how other storylines interweave in the plot especially with a scene outline.

The protagonist of The End of Honor is Prince John-Mark. The protagonist of The Fox's Honor is Prince Devon Rathenberg. By the way, John-Mark is the Dragon, and Devon is the Fox. Both characters are in the books, but they are the protagonists of the respective books. The shared scene is the scene where the rebellious houses of the Landsritter have decided to attack the forces of the loyal houses. In the scene prior, Devon Rathenberg, who was thought to be dead, returns to the rebellious houses and is coerced to become their leader and prince reagent. Prince John-Mark must step down as the leader and the prince regent for this to happen. The scenes leading up to the shared scene are not the same, one is from the PoV (Point of View) of John-Mark and the other is from the PoV of Devon.

This is the entire point of the use of storylines to drive the plot, I'll explain further tomorrow.

There is much more to writing without confusing your readers. I'll write about that tomorrow. The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques. To what extent do you outline the historic context, culture, mannerism, speech, dress and thought process of the main characters, in a historic novel...in order to maintain integrity, and gradually (help) reveal attributes of a character in the story, or otherwise clarify the plot, scene, transition, tension or resolution?

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonorhttp://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.