Development - and more Unique Theme Ideas

10 October 2012, Development - and more Unique Theme Ideas

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.

When you think of theme, think of all the great novels prior to the last half of the twentieth century.  I know of a couple of golden age cataclysm novels, but at the time they were avaunt guard.  They were new ideas for the new century.  The idea of the end of the world is an overworked theme. 

Instead of "end of the world" or "the greatest human catastrophe" or "the worst human event," think of human interaction.  In my mind, a great love story is more poignant than any world threatening theme.  I want to see and feel real human thoughts and interaction.  I want to see new human ideas explored and brought to the forefront. 

In my mind, the purpose of great literature is first to entertain and second, to put up a mirror to human thoughts and ideas to show them to the reader.  I want to read about human predicaments.  I would like to say, I want to read about real human predicaments, but think about Aksinya.  In that novel, there are real human events that are brought to the forefront by a demon.  That is just what I mean by the use of a theme to bring out human ideas. 

Even science fiction themes can provide a reflection of human thoughts.  Look at my Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox novels.  In these novels, the science fiction brings human reality to the forefront.  The theme is human honor.  The mode of revelation is science fiction.

In building your themes use real human interaction and emotions.  Build your themes on human interaction and not on grandiose but unlikely events.
Once you have a theme, you need to begin to visualize your plot, stabilize your theme, and focus your characters. More tomorrow.

I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

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.

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.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - more Unique Theme Ideas

9 October 2012, Development - more Unique Theme Ideas

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.

A unique theme doesn't mean a silly theme.  Bathos simply won't do.  I have to admit, I've seen more silly plots than silly themes.  Usually silly plots mean almost no theme or a mixed up theme.

How can you tell that you have a silly plot or theme?  I really haven't touched on plots much lately--I'm slowly moving there.  So a silly theme is characterized by...  I'm not sure how we can characterize a bad theme.  I've looked at overused themes in the past.  I consider some themes trite and not worth writing about.  I do think that themes that focus on human interaction during real human events or subtle interjections of the fantastic make the most powerful themes (and plots).  What does this mean?

Themes that rely on any cataclysm that means the end of the world: a meteor hits the earth, the moon hits the earth, a nuclear war, a robot war, a plague, a anything that means the end of the earth.  These are just overused themes.  Just because an author uses one doesn't mean they are silly or have no hope of success, but they are self limiting, and I got tired of reading them when I was in the sixth grade. I don't want to write about them.

The most powerful themes, in my mind, are those that take human normalcy and make it different.  I point to the Bronte Sisters as an example.  In their novels, the themes are about normal humans who have normal but exaggerated flaws.  Those flaws and their interaction in the normal world create the beautiful power within those novels.  This is an example of a theme that focuses on human interaction and real human events.

An example of a novel with a theme that focuses on human interaction with a subtle interjection of the fantastic is Aksinya.  In Aksinya, the demon and the sorcery of Aksinya are the subtle interjections in the theme.  These interjections focus the interactions of all the characters.  There is no cataclysmic tragedy of the end of the world--there is the cataclysmic tragedy of the end of an individual(s) hope.

This is my basic point about a good theme vs. a poor theme.  A good theme is about human interaction and the forces that propel it are internal and basically historical and cultural.  A poor theme uses forces external to human interaction and the forces that propel it are external and not historical or cultural.  I'll explain more tomorrow.

Once you have a theme, you need to begin to visualize your plot, stabilize your theme, and focus your characters. More tomorrow.

I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

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.

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.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - Unique Theme Ideas

8 October 2012, Development - Unique Theme Ideas

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.

Developing ideas isn't as difficult as many people imagine.  Just think of all the really stupid books out there.  In fact, if you try to encapsulate some of the most profound works, they can sound kind of silly.  As novels and themes become more complex, this is what you might expect.

Themes and literature are becoming more complex.  This is sometimes difficult to fully comprehend.  We read a really great author, like Shakespeare or Charles Dickens, and we can't imagine works of greater quality or skill.  The reality is that Shakespeare and Charles Dickens were both amazing authors because of their use of symbols, culture, and language.  Many critics have complained that Shakespeare, especially, used and reused basic themes and plots.  Basic themes and plots in the hands of a master produce outstanding literature.

Today, even if you are a master writer, you won't be able to sell that kind of stuff.  Themes today need a touch of the unique.  This is why I attempt to be unique in my themes and plots.  This really takes creativity.  Still, themes and plots are definitely becoming more and more complex.  You should expect this, literature has become more complex.  The use of symbols, culture, and language by authors has stagnated and in many cases degenerated, but the complexity of ideas and literature has grown--it will continue to grow, that is increase in complexity.

To develop a theme, take a simple theme idea (look at Shakespeare for ideas) and make it more complex.  Make it unique.  Add fantasy and science fiction.  Turn a basic idea into a fantastic idea.  This is creativity and this will produce something worth writing.

Once you have a theme, you need to begin to visualize your plot, stabilize your theme, and focus your characters. More tomorrow.

I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

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.

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.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - Theme Ideas

7 October 2012, Development - Theme Ideas

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 really don't think ideas or themes are that big of a deal--what I mean is the average creative person should have about one a day (or more)...I do.  I don't get one novel length creative idea a day, but I'm not working at it--I have enough to write.  When I sit down to write this blog every day, I don't spend a lot of time agonizing over what I will write--I write.  I start with a basic idea of what I want to write about, then I put something on paper--er, the aether. 

Ideas come to me all the time--the trick is to harness them.  You harness good ideas through writing. 

I gave you some basics of themes and generally how to concoct them.  This is the basic starting point of any novel.  Even if a writer doesn't think they are writing to a theme, they are--they just don't realize what they are doing.  Everyone starts with a theme.  This is the basic concept of the novel.  As I've shown, a theme doesn't have to be a high and mighty idea.  A theme can be as simple as boy meets girl and then something happens.

I already wrote about my unpublished novel, Dana-ana.  This is a novel characteristic of my style.  The basic theme is this: boy meets strange and bullied girl, boy's family takes in strange girl, strange girl exhibits odd Anglo-Saxon characteristics, boy falls in love with strange girl, strange girl proves to be more than anyone expected, boy is separated from strange girl through his mistrust and the actions of the strange girl's enemies, the strange girl is willing to give her life for the boy, and finally, the strange girl is redeemed and reunited with the boy.  This is a unique and very complex novel, but the theme can be outlined very simply.  It can be simplified even more to this: an Anglo-Saxon maiden in the modern world.

Dana-ana is about as complex a novel as Aksinya.  The point is that the theme of Aksinya can be simplified very radically.  The simplest description of the theme might be: a girl conjures a demon and is eventually redeemed.  A more descriptive statement would be: a Russian girl conjures a demon to save her family, the family dies and the girl is tempted by the demon, the demon entices the girl to use sorcery, the demon entices the girl to affiance a young man, the girl's lady-in-waiting seduces the girl's fiance, the girl is prosecuted by the church for sorcery, the girl is redeemed by the willingness to give her life for another.  Very simple sounding, but the novel itself is very complex.

My point is this: again, don't sweet this stuff too much.  I know you have a story you want to write.  The trick is to identify the theme and get writing.  

Once you have a theme, you need to begin to visualize your plot, stabilize your theme, and focus your characters. More tomorrow.

I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

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.

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.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - Ideas

6 October 2012, Development - Ideas

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 think people sweat about ideas too much.  Just look at some of the great prolific writers--such as ERB (Edgar Rice Burroughs).  He tended to reuse and overuse themes, but hey, he wrote a whole lot of great stuff.  Tarzan is so great that it hasn't been made into a correct (in any sense) movie ever.  John Carter is so great, it took Disney over 70 years to really screw it up.

Look at the basic themes in Tarzan and John Carter.  The theme of Tarzan is that a man of nobility is a man of nobility no matter where he is born or to whom.  This theme plays out in various ways in the many other Tarzan novels.  It is a classical Romantic theme and Tarzan is a classic romantic character.

The theme of John Carter is similar.  It is that a man of nobility is a man of nobility no matter the circumstances or the civilization.  Many of ERB's lesser known novels use a similar or a varied theme.  For example, The Mucker is a novel whose theme is about a man whose nobility is brought out by the civilizing power of a woman.  Just look at how simple, but powerful these themes are.

ERB did no preaching in his novels--he intended them to be fun to read and just entertaining novels.  They are still entertaining to adults and teens today because their themes are inherently true.  Not necessarily provably true, but inherently true.  You might ask--what do you mean by that statement?  ERB's themes are timeless because they are what humans hope to be true about human beings and the world.  Everyone wants to believe there are ethical and noble people out there--Romantic themes or ideas capture this desire and these characters.  It is likely that few people or no people are really like this, but that doesn't mean they are not a human ideal and writing about imagined human ideals is always popular.

My point is this--don't over-think your ideas.  Grab one and go for it.  You might imagine the theme you create is silly or not worthy--try it out for a while and see.  I'll point back to the current novel I am writing: boy rescues a feral girl (who happens to be a demigod) after an accident, the girl falls in love, the girl wins the boy. The setting is Boston. This is a very unique theme, especially the demigod aspect.  This is a characteristic of my writing.  I've studied Greek, Anglo-Saxon, and Egyptian myths, and I've used these elements in my novels as themes.  Pick an idea, build a theme, then write about it.

Once you have a theme, you need to begin to visualize your plot, stabilize your theme, and focus your characters. More tomorrow.

I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

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.

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.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - Theme

5 October 2012, Development - Theme

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 hope you are writing, and you have some kind of daily, weekly, and yearly goal for your writing.  If you are writing, the next step is relatively simple.  First you need an idea--I wrote about this yesterday.  The idea is the creative part.  Once you have an idea, you can begin a novel.  I really can't help you much more than I have with building an idea.  Don't copy.  Don't write knockoffs.  Don't steal material. 

Using similar themes is okay.  Using the same environment or settings (unless they are real) is wrong.  On the other hand, you can take a classical or historical setting, place a similar theme within it, and create an entirely unique novel. 

Take the theme of boy meets girl, falls in love, and wins her love.  This theme has been done a million times.  You can modify this theme in all kinds of ways to produce a relatively unique novel.  For example, vampire girl meets boy or vampire boy meets girl--whoops, that's been done.  How about demon boy meets girl or monster boy meets girl or poor boy meets girl.  Take any modified theme for now and place it in a setting. 

Let's say we have as a theme: army boy meets Kurdish girl, falls in love, and wins her love.  Choose as a setting Turkey or Iraq.  Are you seeing how this works?  How about the theme of my newest novel: boy rescues a feral girl (who happens to be a demigod) after an accident, the girl falls in love, the girl wins the boy.  The setting is Boston. I like unique and odd themes.

Once you have a theme, you need to begin to visualize your plot, stabilize your theme, and focus your characters. More tomorrow.

I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

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.

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.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - Ideas

4 October 2012, Development - Ideas

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.

You have a concrete goal--write 1,500 words a week.  This isn't that difficult of a goal.  If you keep it up, you will have a completed novel in one year.  That's a perfect goal for any writer.  If you really do wish to write, you need to put your time where your desires are.  Without sweat equity (investment) you can't become a writer of any skill. 

I've written over and over, if you wish to write well, you need to have written at least one million words.  This goal is the start toward your one million words.

The next question is what should you write?  This is where all that creative stuff I was writing about comes into play.  If you are creative, I know you have a couple of novel ideas noted somewhere.  If you you don't--what are you thinking?  If you want to be a novelist, you need to have some novel length ideas--start thinking.  If you really don't have any, now is the time to immerse yourself in all the filling kinds of pastimes with the goal to produce a creative idea.  If you can't do that--you might want to give up on the idea of becoming an author. 

I know, if you are reading this, you likely have some great ideas for books.  Now is the time to make those ideas real.  You need to begin to visualize your plot, stabilize your theme, and focus your characters.  More tomorrow.
I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

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.

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.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - Incremental Goals

3 October 2012, Development - Incremental Goals

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.

Start writing.  That is number one.  If you don't start you can never succeed at writing.  If you remember, I've written that you must write about one million words before you have enough skill to write well--so start writing.

The second goal is like unto the first--what do you want to accomplish?  What are your goals.  If you want to be a novelist, you need to start writing novel-length works.  If you want to write short stories, you need to write those.  The point is to define your goals.  Once you define your goals, you can begin to achieve them.  I know a lot about short stories, and I've written them, but they aren't my thing.  You will learn some good ideas to help your writing, but I focus mainly on novel length works.  I do write short pieces,... mainly essays and autobiographical shorts about flying, but my love is the novel.

Let's say your goal is to write novels.  That's a great goal.  Now you have to set incremental steps (goals) to achieve that major goal.  The goal is to write a novel.  If you want to write a novel, you have to write.  When I began to write, it took me about a year to write a novel (I can write one in about a month now).  Let's set a year to write your novel.  For a first novel, a good word count is about 75,000.  That is a goal.  With 52 weeks in a year, you need to write about 1,500 words a week to finish a 75,000 word novel.  1,500 words is nothing.  You can write 1,500 words in your sleep.

Here are your incremental goals: write 1,500 words per week (that includes all rewrites) and write every day.  If you set aside an hour or two a day to write, you will easily achieve 1,500 words a week, and I guarantee that those 1,500 words will be pretty good ones.  You aren't limited to 1,500 words per week--that's just your goal. With these goals, you can write a novel.

I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

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.

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.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - Goals

2 October 2012, Development - Goals

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.

You have to have a general idea of your goal.  My goal was always to write a novel--I've written 21 novels plus a bunch of starts.  I'm on 22 and 23, but progressing slowly.  Of course my goals were not just to write a novel, but to be a published author--I have six books in print.  My goals didn't stop there; I want to continue to have my novels published--I have two novels on contract.  I have further goals--I'd like to see all my novels published, and I'd like to write a lot more novels.

If you want to accomplish anything in life, you must have goals.  If you want to be an author, you need to define your goals.  The goals above a pretty good, but if you are just starting to write, I think you should refine them.  Here is the first goal I'd suggest.

1.  Begin to write.  I speak to wanna-be authors all the time.  The difference between a wanna-be and an "is" is the doing.  If you want to be a writer, you must write.  This means you must begin and begin now.  No excuses--just do it.  Let's dive deeper into this.  You need to start writing, and you need to do it regularly.  I personally don't need a schedule for writing, but if you are the kind of person who needs a schedule to achieve something, then make a schedule.  Schedule your writing and start.  You might as well start right now--that is the minute you finish reading this blog.  The starting is critical.

This is just like an exercise program--only better.  People who stick to their exercise program will always see the benefits of that program.  People who start a writing program will always see the benefits of that program.  I don't mean to say you will become a great author, but until you actually start, there is no hope you will become a great author.  Let's put it this way--if you start to write, there is a chance you will become a great author.  If you don't start to write, you can never become any kind of author.  Start writing.

I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

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.

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.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - Applying Creativity

1 October 2012, Development - Applying 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 spent a long time on the basics of historical study, the plot and theme, symbols, characters, and then creativity (not quite in that order).  What I'd like to do now is apply these within development to show how to create.  What we'll do is gather the tools and devices I've put together and weave them into writing.  I'll give some suggested exercises to help develop the tools and to provide examples of their use.

I'll use my rules of writing to tie the parts together and give examples from Akisnya.  Gather together your historical notes, your cultural notes, your plot ideas, your character ideas, your primary symbols, and your ideas about theme.  What we'll do with them is to turn them into a creative whole.  Note the questions below.  These are questions I'll try to answer with this approach to creativity.  The point will be to recreate or create a creative moment for the purpose of the development of writing.  Through this approach, we will see how to invent ideas and how to put those ideas on paper.

I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

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.

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.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - Symbolism Question #5

30 September 2012, Development - Symbolism Question #5

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 going to answer the following reader questions in the next few days. These questions have to do with symbols. I've listed the entire question set in blue, and I'll answer in black.

1. Is symbolism primarily (vs only) intended to enhance theme?

Answered 26 September

2. Is symbolism more (or less) effective than allusion?

Answered 27 September

3. Do you have more detailed guidelines for it's employment and effectiveness?

Answered 28 September.

4. Is symbolism considered a "text-linking" literary device, or not?

Answered 29 September.

I'll continue to answer the following questions tomorrow.

To elaborate: Readers vary greatly in their recognition of symbolism, allusion, etc.. So the success of using symbolism as a literary device, like an allusion, depends largely on the audience "getting" it. The more obscure, the less they will be understood. With that in mind, do you carefully consider your audience vs yourself, or somewhere in between. .If the former, do you predominately use basic (higher level) symbols, over and over to reinforce the theme, or use a family of related symbols, each w/ finer granularity, or a bit more nuanced than earlier symbols? If the latter, I fear, it will become a private (symbolic) language of the writer and a very few, buried in the story, not enhancing the theme much. Any feedback appreciated!

This is a wonderful question because it goes directly back to the concept of levels.  In the most basic sense, the primary levels of a children's book are plot and theme.  You can write a book at this level, but it really won't be very satisfying or literary.  The plot must always be obvious.  The theme must always be discernible.  Everything else is gravy.  So get this point very clearly--as long as your readers can understand the plot and discern the theme, all the other levels are freebies. 

Shakespeare is filled with level on level on level.  The plot is obvious and the theme is discernible--all the multifarious levels are there to delight the reader (observer) and thwart the student.  No one complains about the deep and multiple levels in Shakespeare's writing (except students of literature who are supposed to tease them out).  Everyone (other than the students) just enjoy the many levels and the depth of the writing. 

The question wondered if the symbols could become a "private symbolic language."  This is impossible if the writer is using classical cultural symbols and allusions.  For example, if an author used popular fiction (as opposed to classical fiction) and commercials for her allusions, she would write something that might appeal to a few people for a couple of years, but that would be meaningless as literature.

To create, use, and modify symbols, an author must choose symbols (allusions) that are classically cultural and well understood to the classically educated.  It doesn't matter if 90 percent of the readers don't get an allusion to Shakespeare or Milton--the educated reader will get it and the allusion itself makes it timeless.

So remember this: plot must be obvious and theme must be discernible.  Everything else is gravy.

I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

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.

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 - Symbolism Question #4

29 September 2012, Development - Symbolism Question #4

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 going to answer the following reader questions in the next few days. These questions have to do with symbols. I've listed the entire question set in blue, and I'll answer in black.

1. Is symbolism primarily (vs only) intended to enhance theme?

Answered 26 September

2. Is symbolism more (or less) effective than allusion?

Answered 27 September

3. Do you have more detailed guidelines for it's employment and effectiveness?

Answered 28 September.

4. Is symbolism considered a "text-linking" literary device, or not?

"Text-linking" means that one text turns on the context of an entirely different text.  In this regard, allusion is a "text-linking" device.  When an author makes an allusion, the allusion automatically conjures the entire context of the alluded text.  This makes the current text and the alluded text within a similar context.  Note that this is only applicable to literary texts.  An allusion to a painting would not be "text-linked."   I do not necessarily like the term "text-linked" because an allusion and other potential "text-linked" literary devices are not limited to text.  I would prefer the term "context-linked."  This would include art, architecture, places, symbols, etc. within the idea of a "text-linked" literary device. 

So, in the purest sense symbolism could be "text-linked" if the symbol is literary.  For example, a Vampire is a literary symbol (they don't exist in real life and although they do have folklore antecedents, Bram Stoker defined the literary idea of a vampire).  This symbol could be "text-linked."  A cross is both a literary and a physical symbol.  An author must be careful to delineate which and what symbol she is writing about. 

Symbols are always "context-linked" literary devices, they are not necessarily "text-linked" literary devices.

Let's go into "context-linking" a little.  All authors should realize this--in fact all readers should realize this.  Allow me to use a very important concept called Rabbinic Context.  All the Old Testament, Apocryphal, Talmudic, and the New Testament documents are considered to be written under the idea of Rabbinic Context.  This means that when you read a reference to a statement in one document, the context is the entirety of the context of the statement.  Therefore, when you read a quote from a Psalm in the NT, the context is the entire Psalm and not just the singular verse (verses, chapters, punctuation, word separation, etc. were all added to the Hebrew and Greek much later anyway).  This is called Rabbinic Context.  This is also something that many readers of the mentioned documents miss.

Symbols in literature are all context linked.  This means that when you read about a symbol (allusion for example), the entire context of the symbol (allusion) is intended (or should be intended) by the author.  For example, if I write an allusion (symbol) to Oliver Twist, I am using the entire context of the novel.  I can also specify a specific point or aspect of Oliver Twist--Bill Sikes for example and bring into light an entirely different context.

This is the caution as well as the point of symbols.  They can clarify or they can create intentional ambiguity.  An author must realize exactly the context of the symbol and how it will and can be perceived in his writing.  

I'll continue to answer the following questions tomorrow.

To elaborate: Readers vary greatly in their recognition of symbolism, allusion, etc.. So the success of using symbolism as a literary device, like an allusion, depends largely on the audience "getting" it. The more obscure, the less they will be understood. With that in mind, do you carefully consider your audience vs yourself, or somewhere in between. .If the former, do you predominately use basic (higher level) symbols, over and over to reinforce the theme, or use a family of related symbols, each w/ finer granularity, or a bit more nuanced than earlier symbols? If the latter, I fear, it will become a private (symbolic) language of the writer and a very few, buried in the story, not enhancing the theme much. Any feedback appreciated!

I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

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.

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 - Symbolism Question #3

28 September 2012, Development - Symbolism Question #3

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 going to answer the following reader questions in the next few days. These questions have to do with symbols. I've listed the entire question set in blue, and I'll answer in black.

1. Is symbolism primarily (vs only) intended to enhance theme?

Answered 26 September

2. Is symbolism more (or less) effective than allusion?

Answered 27 September
3. Do you have more detailed guidelines for it's employment and effectiveness? 
I'm writing about figures of speech in my blog at www.novelscene.wordpress.com.  What is significant about figures of speech is that we almost always use figures of speech in our writing and speaking--we just don't realize that is what we are doing.  By the way, the last sentence was a figure of speech.  The second statement clarifies the first. 

Just as figures of speech are ubiquitous in English so are and should be symbols in both speaking and writing.  Part of the problem is education and part is cultural ignorance.  For example, the number of times I hear someone say "pun not intended" when they make a pun disgusts me.  Puns are wonderful symbols and figures of speech.  If a person isn't willing to acknowledge the intentional or unintentional use of a pun, then they certainly aren't willing to acknowledge the use of a symbol--yet, they use symbols all the time.

As I wrote, all language use is symbols--they language stands in place of the things it describes.  Further, as I wrote, without a written language, you can't think or write about non-physical things such as "love" or "wisdom" or "intellect" or "peace" or the list goes on and on and on.  Unless you have a written language, you can't imagine such things.  You can only imagine those nouns that are physically real or verbs that have obvious actions.  In this sense, all complex language use becomes symbols.  It should not be a leap for the author to use more complex symbols.

As to guidelines.  It is likely possible that someone could overdo symbols.  They must be used cautiously, subtly, and pervasively.  I put up the novel I provided on this blog, Aksinya, as an example of the use of symbols in a literary work.  If you go back through the commentary, you will see where I highlighted many of the symbols--and still you can find more and more and more.  They pervade the novel.  They infuse the writing.  They are the novel.  (another figure of speech). 

I use and I would advise you use symbols extensively through any literary fiction or essay.  They provide entertainment, and they add power to the writing.  They are also one of the singular methods to get to the theme in any complex writing--that's another answer.

I'll continue to answer the following questions tomorrow.

4. Is symbolism considered a "text-linking" literary device, or not?
I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

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 - Symbolism Question #2

27 September 2012, Development - Symbolism Question #2

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 going to answer the following reader questions in the next few days. These questions have to do with symbols. I've listed the entire question set in blue, and I'll answer in black.

1. Is symbolism primarily (vs only) intended to enhance theme?

Answered 26 September

2. Is symbolism more (or less) effective than allusion?
An allusion is a figure of speech.  Figures of speech are a subset of symbolism.  A figure of speech is a type of symbol.

Let's look at the definition of a symbol:

1. Something that represents something else by association, resemblance, or convention, especially a material object used to represent something invisible. See Synonyms at sign.

The concept in art relating to symbols is symbolism. Its definition follows:

1. The practice of representing things by means of symbols or of attributing symbolic meanings or significance to objects, events, or relationships.

Lets look at language as a symbol. Authors use language as the paintbrush of their art. Language itself is a symbol and is used to form symbols. One of the chief uses of language is called figures of speech. Here is the definition of a figure of speech:

A figure of speech is the use of a word or words diverging from its usual meaning. It can also be a special repetition, arrangement or omission of words with literal meaning, or a phrase with a specialized meaning not based on the literal meaning of the words in it, as in idiom, metaphor, simile, hyperbole, or personification. Figures of speech often provide emphasis, freshness of expression, or clarity. However, clarity may also suffer from their use, as any figure of speech introduces an ambiguity between literal and figurative interpretation. A figure of speech is sometimes called a rhetorical figure or a locution.

An allusion is a figure of speech that makes a reference to, or representation of, people, places, events, literary work, myths, or works of art, either directly or by implication. M. H. Abrams defined allusion as "a brief reference, explicit or indirect, to a person, place or event, or to another literary work or passage".  It is left to the reader or hearer to make the connection (Fowler); where the connection is detailed in depth by the author, it is preferable to call it "a reference".  In the arts, a literary allusion puts the alluded text in a new context under which it assumes new meanings and denotations. It is not possible to predetermine the nature of all the new meanings and intertexual patterns that an allusion will generate. Literary allusion is closely related to parody and pastiche, which are also "text-linking" literary devices.

In a freer informal definition, allusion is a passing or casual reference, an incidental mention of something, either directly or by implication: In the stock market he met his Waterloo.
The exact answer to the question is that they are the same, but I get the point of the question.  It is this:  is a symbol more effective than a symbol that points to a symbol.  An allusion is a symbol that points to a source for that symbol.  The logical answer is that a bare symbol is more effective than a symbol of a symbol.  Logic doesn't always hold sway in art.  Many times a pure symbol can be more effective because it conjures a picture that is unmistakable.  On the other hand an allusion can produce an even more powerful picture.  For example, the symbol of the cross is an unmistakable image.  The allusion "Surely this must be the/a son of God." is a powerful image on its own.  Or, the image of the soldiers gambling for the cloak of Christ.  Or, the image of the women at the empty tomb.  Allusions are powerful because they incorporate entire stories in a single picture, statement, etc.  Naked symbols, in this sense, are powerful because they do the same.  An author chooses carefully the appropriate symbols (including allusions) to use to clarify or to produce ambiguity.

I'll continue to answer the following questions tomorrow.

3. Do you have more detailed guidelines for it's employment & effectiveness?

4. Is symbolism considered a "text-linking" literary device, or not?

I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

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 - Symbolism Questions

26 September 2012, Development - Symbolism Questions

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 going to answer the following reader questions in the next few days.  These questions have to do with symbols.  I've listed the entire question set in blue, and I'll answer in black.

1. Is symbolism primarily (vs only) intended to enhance theme? 

Symbolism is wholly incorporated in all writing.  There are two basic levels in all writing: plot and theme.  Symbolism works on both these levels (but realize, there can be additional levels beyond plot and theme).  Plot and theme are the basic levels of symbolism.  For example, I can write about a character:  The lady was tall and slender.  She stood with half her face enveloped in shadow.  The tattered sleeves of her red dress were visible as she raised her hands slightly--to gesture...to catch the passerby's attention.  The half of her face that was visible bore the remnants of beauty, but at the edge of the shadows, the lip of a chancre and a scar were visible.  

In this example, there is no indication of theme, but we have extensive symbolism in the description.  From the example, you can guess the lady is slender because she is malnourished.  The red dress could indicate she is a prostitute (no indications of time here).  The tattered sleeves shows she is poor and has likely one dress (this one).  She raises her hands to gain a potential customer's attention.  She is likely older, but that isn't clear--she was once beautiful.  The chancre indicates a venereal disease (likely syphilis) and the scar that she has been infected more than once.  

Here, in this example is enough symbolism to build many levels in the plot without a single touch on a theme.  To set the theme in place, we would need to connect the woman or the symbols cohesively to some overall point.  We have many choices.  We could use as a theme: poverty, squalor, ruined life, prostitution, redemption, degradation, and all.  There are many choices.

I'll continue to answer the following questions tomorrow. 
2. Is symbolism more (or less) effective than allusion?
3. Do you have more detailed guidelines for it's employment & effectiveness?
4. Is symb...olism considered a "text-linking" literary device, or not?

To elaborate: Readers vary greatly in their recognition of symbolism, allusion, etc.. So the success of using symbolism as a literary device, like an allusion, depends largely on the audience "getting" it. The more obscure, the less they will be understood. With that in mind, do you carefully consider your auidence vs yourself, or somewhere in between. .If the former, do you predominately use basic (higher level) symbols, over and over to reinforce the theme, or use a family of related symbols, each w/ finer granularity, or a bit more nuanced than earlier symbols? If the latter, I fear, it will become a private (symbolic) language of the writer and a very few, buried in the story, not enhancing the theme much. Any feedback appreciated! 
I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

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 - Writing Creativity

25 September 2012, Development - 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.

We have been through the basics of creativity.  Now I want to get into the use of creativity.  I've been here before, but repetition is always good for learning, and I will approach the subject from another viewpoint.

I hope that everyone who read this can say they have some degree of creativity.  I also hope you are seeking to learn and foster the creativity you have.  The art of writing has everything to do with creativity.  Creativity is the beginning of all art and especially of writing.  The question is again, how to harness the creativity you have to create.

If you noticed, one of the "filling" methods was reading.  If you wish to write, you must read.  You must read everything you can get your hands on.  Reading is critical.  It first helps you to learn creativity and it second, helps fill up your creative reservoir.  Reading provides much much more for the writer.

I suspect that no one desires to write fiction who doesn't love to read fiction and who doesn't become immersed in fiction.  I love to read good fiction.  That's why I had the desire to write.  My love of fiction gave me a desire to create novels like but better than those I read.  I wanted to produce writing that people would love to read.  This is the basis for creativity and for all writing.

I'll move on to basic writing exercises, 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 - Conclusions Creativity

24 September 2012, Development - Conclusions 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'm going to take down the list tomorrow, so you better get it today.  I've explained that there are three aspects to creativity: inherent (you are born with it), learned (you learn it), and fostered (you encourage it).  What this all boils down to is a very simple truism: creative people work hard to be creative.  Creativity isn't simply about being born creative.  Creativity is about taking the skills you have and learning and fostering them. 

I suspect this is true for every single worthwhile thing in human history.  That is, skills are dependent on some degree of inherent ability, followed by learning that makes the skills real, followed by fostering and encouraging those skills.  I guess I should add a fourth aspect--practice.  For example, if you want to be a creative writer, you learn to write, you foster writing, and you practice writing (you write).

The actual writing is an important point because it has to do with learning, fostering, and the overall creative process.  The point is this: don't waste your time--ever.  Make sure everything you do promotes learning, fostering, and practice.  Perhaps the most important thing you will do today is to give up unworthwhile pursuits.  Do it and do it quickly.  Spend you time in pursuits that will lead to a better and more capable you.

I'll move on to basic writing exercises, 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/.