Writing Prompts & Hints

by Peggy Blann Phifer @pegphifer

As I sat at my computer yesterday afternoon, staring at the last lines of my current WIP (work in progress) trying to figure out where I wanted to go next, I happened to glance to the left of my desk where I have some of my oft-used writing 'how-to' books and spotted the book (pictured below).

Note: As far as I can tell, this book is out of print, but it seems to be available through other sellers, if you want to check it out.

Writer's Digest Books ©2002, ISBN: 1-58297-142-0

I thumbed through the first few pages, looking for inspiration. While the pages are not numbered, about 20 pages in, I found one I'd highlighted and it caught my attention again. On that page, the author, Monica Wood, wrote about a smallish spiral notebook with lined pages she called her 'word notebook.' In that little notebook she kept lists of words. Not phrases, not quotations, just . . . words.

She wrote that that notebook accompanied her while reading, and whenever she stumbled upon a word she liked, she'd write/add it to the notebook. She also keeps that notebook beside her while writing. "I use it on days when words come hard," she wrote. "Some days I check that notebook for a zesty word that can replace a dull one."

I remembered being intrigued by that idea and acting on it, so I went in search of the notebook I'd started at that time. I found it, though it is a bit battered, it's pages stained about two-thirds of the way up from a day when one of my cats had jumped up on my desk and knocked over a full cup of hot coffee. 

Sigh.

But the word list I'd started was still readable, and I want to share some of them with you.

• engender
• ingraining
• fractious
• egress
• denouement
• thwart
• declarative
• puny
• imbue
• penurious
• saturnine

There are quite a few more on my list, but I think that's enough for starters. Aren't they great?

So, having re-discovered this neat idea, I will now have a new, blank notebook with me as I read, and keep that list of new words I've found beside me as I write.

Now here's a challenge: We're only nine days into a brand new year. What if you were to adopt this idea for yourselves and start your own list of words?

Are you with me?

Would love to have you join the conversation in the comment section!

TWEETABLE:

Use words to spark your writing creativity http://bit.ly/2isyQQz @pegphifer #writing #ideas - (Click to Tweet)

Imagination Cultivation

Every writer, whether writing fiction, non-fiction or poetry, needs a pretty active imagination. Most of us always find ourselves observing something, or someone, and wondering what is going on behind the scene. Don't you?

Long ago and far away–when I was working in the "9 to 5" world in Las Vegas–my evening commute home was between 4:00-5:00 pm, depending on when I left the office. One particular traffic stop was the intersection of Flamingo Ave. and "The Strip" - that is, Las Vegas Blvd. South. This is one of the busiest intersections of the entire "Strip" and the traffic light was red a bit longer than normal - whatever normal is. Mind you, this was before they constructed the walkways that go over the street, so the pedestrians crossed in front of us stopped at the light.

My imagination went into over-drive as I watched people from all over the world cross in front of me. Six to eight people deep, crowded heel-to-toe as they made their way to the other corner. Some moved leisurely, some were in a hurry; some talked to companions, others were alone; some had cameras and would stop, willy-nilly, in the middle of the crosswalk to snap a picture; others were busy talking into their cell phones, gesticulating as they walked, oblivious to anyone or anything around them.

What a rich source of ideas and 'what-if's' this mass of humanity presented. Where were they from? Were they happy? What was their home-life like? What was that blonde gal saying to her companion? Did they have children? Oh, some obviously did, as they pushed strollers and carried toddlers on their shoulders.

Not all were tourists. Some were there on business, others for one of the hundreds of conventions held in Vegas annually. Some were, undoubtedly, locals doing some shopping, or going to one of the many restaurants or shows in the hotels along this famous road.

Yes, people-watching is one of the richest sources for generating ideas and jogging the ol' imagination into gear. It is also great fun.

But, there are other things to help the writer's imagination along:

1. Spend some time outdoors, communing with God. Just sit quietly and listen, feel, smell, sense what surrounds you.

2. Read. Read. Read. Get the best books written in the genre you wish to pursue, or get how-to books about your particular writing interest. Read a variety of other types of books, not just your own genre. Nothing stimulates the imagination like a good book, well written, regardless of genre. Read the classics.

3. Take time to just think. Concentrate on your inner thoughts. Make the time each day to do this
.
4. Listen to random conversations around you. The couple in the booth behind you at the restaurant
. The kids on the seat behind you on the plane. You may not hear the entire conversation, and what you do hear might not make a lot of sense, but this will give you a feel for the dialog, mannerisms, vocabulary that is being used.

5. Work to keep your motivation high. When things begin to wane, go out and get some fresh air, gather some fresh impressions, and then get back to work.

6. Hang on to your sense of humor! Don't allow frustration to rob you of that keen appreciation of the absurd and ridiculous. Laughter is, after all, the best medicine of all.

What about you? Writer or otherwise, what triggers your mind’s imagination?

Dialogue Techniques, with Leann Betts

My sincere apologies to Leann, and to my readers. This article was supposed to have appeared on Wednesday…but I totally spaced it. Partly due to computer issues, but that’s another story.

Anyway, please welcome Leann Betts as she shares:


Let’s Talk -- Dialogue techniques, By Leeann Betts

Dialogue breaks up the narrative, the exposition, the description. Dialogue is a great place to show conflict, set up foreshadowing, and fill in backstory.

Let’s take a look at each of these purposes for dialogue.

1. Show conflict: we don’t need fight scenes to show that two characters are at odds with each other. We can also do that through dialogue, both verbal and internal. Here’s an example:

Sally paused in the doorway. “Oh, Bob, I didn’t expect to see you here. How are you doing?”

Bob glanced up from his newspaper then returned to his crossword puzzle. “And why shouldn’t I be here?”

“I thought you were out of town this week.”

He peered at her over the top of his glasses. “Did you have something special planned while I was away?”

In this example, neither one answers the other’s question directly. Both seem suspicious of the other. Bob’s rude treatment by continuing his puzzle and then looking at her over his glasses implies something is going on, but their words could stand alone and you’d know there was some tension between these two characters.

Let’s use internal dialogue to show conflict:

Sally paused in the doorway. “Oh, Bob, I didn’t expect to see you here. How are you doing?”

She already knew the answer wouldn’t be good. Why do I even bother?

Bob glanced up from his newspaper then returned to his crossword puzzle. “And why shouldn’t I be here?”

“I thought you were out of town this week.” That’s what he’d said yesterday. Not that she could ever trust him to be honest with her.

He peered at her over the top of his glasses. “Did you have something special planned while I was away?”

In this example, we see the exact same dialogue, but now we hear a little from Sally. She sounds weary of the conflict, whatever it is, and she doesn’t trust Bob.

2. Set up foreshadowing: foreshadowing is the technique of alerting the characters and the reader that something is going to happen, or might happen.

Marcus slumped in his chair. “I knew this day would come. And I knew I wouldn’t be ready for it.”

“Don’t be such a prognosticator.” His wife rubbed his shoulders. “Sometimes I think you’re the Grinch in disguise.”

He glanced at the empty mantel. “The kids are going to hate me.”

“And why should they do that?”

He buried his face in his hands. “I feel like I’ve stolen their Christmas.”

We see here that although his wife doesn’t realize it, he feels like he is the Grinch who stole Christmas. Using this dialogue builds the tension in the scene until we get to the reveal.

3. Fill in backstory through dialogue, but never use “as you know” or over-explain the situation. The reader will get it.

Maggie sat. “What aren’t you telling me?”

How was he going to explain without telling her his entire life story? Again. “I went to see at eleven.”

She nodded. “I know.”

He leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees. “What you don’t know is that I died that same year.”

She gasped.

“And I was reborn.”

“How?”

“I recreated myself.” He sat back. “Our lives are based on a lie. And someone besides me knows the truth. Which means we’re in danger.”

In this example, he starts with one thing she already knows, then progresses rapidly into six facts she didn’t know: he died, he was reborn, he took on a false identity, he isn’t who she thinks he is (their lives are a fabrication), somebody else has found out, and they are in danger.

Hopefully you’ve seen some new ways to use dialogue in your writing. It doesn’t matter what genre you write, these techniques will enliven your dialogue and keep your readers turning pages.

Author Bio:

Leeann Betts pens contemporary mysteries and suspense in Denver, Colorado, while her real-life persona, Donna Schlachter, writes historical suspense. When they aren’t writing about dead bodies, you can find them at www.AllBettsAreOff.wordpress.com or www.HiStoryThruTheAges.wordpress.com. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter. Leeann has book 1 in a mystery series out, No Accounting for Murder. Donna has a short story collection, Second Chances and Second Cups. Together they penned Nuggets of Writing Gold, chock full of articles and essays on the craft of writing. Their books are available at Amazon and Smashwords.

• Donna: https://www.facebook.com/donna.schlachter?fref=ts


• Leeann: www.facebook.com/leeann.betts.1

Thank you so much, Leann! I have to say I learned a few things from this article.

[bctt tweet="Learn new #dialogue techniques in your writing with Leann Betts @bettsleann on #whispersinpurple."]

5 Tricks for Finding Time to Write–Ralene Burke on Writing Talk Tuesday

5 Tricks for Finding Time to Write

These days, writers are busy people. Not only are we expected to, you know, brainstorm and write and edit, but we’re also expected to do social media and marketing and networking. To top that off, our families expect that we will participate in daily activities like cleaning, meals, and talking/sharing. Other people expect us to be involved in church and the community. Those of us who tend to run on the edge even throw in crazy stuff like jobs or homeschooling.

Wait—what are we supposed to be doing again?

As one of the crazies involved in all of the above, I can relate to losing myself, my priorities, and my direction. In fact, I’ve been so confused and lost that I freeze and block out the world, veggin’ in front of the TV as I shut it all out.

The good news is this: there is hope.

Here are 5 ways to help us all find more time to do what we were called to do—write.

1. Pray. This is my most important suggestion when trying to figure out ANYTHING in our lives. If anyone knows our path best—and the right path at that—it’s God. Why wouldn’t we seek His leading? Pray, and listen. Listen to what the Holy Spirit lays on your heart. The Holy Spirit will reveal where things are going wrong in your life and what you need to do to fix it.

2. Set priorities. During the time of prayer, ask God to show you what your priorities should be. Sometimes our priorities change based on the season of our lives. Sometimes we put emphasis on the wrong priorities, letting society or well-meaning family and friends influence what we should be doing. Get your priorities straight!

3. Set goals. Now that you have priorities, use those to form goals for yourself. These goals will not just be in writing, but in all areas of your life. Take what is important to you and set goals to make those a reality.

4. Create a unique-to-you schedule! This is key. Take your priorities and goals and evaluate what you’re doing in your life. Do all the activities, all the chores, all the extras line up with your new priorities and goals? If not, get rid of them. Free up your time for what’s really important. Take the time to fill in a schedule with your top priorities first, and then fill in as you are able AROUND those. If you try to fit in your priorities around your schedule, you’ll always be stressed and unsatisfied.

5. The FlyLady says you can do anything for 15 minutes—and I agree. If your writing goals seem to outweigh your available time or the season in your life, find ways to put in a few minutes here and there.

• a. Get up 15 minutes earlier (go to bed 15 minutes later).


• b. Use the 15 minutes while the kids are finishing up breakfast/lunch/dinner.


• c. Use your breaks at work.


• d. Set the kids up with a quick activity.


• e. Take an extra 15 minutes in the car when you get home to jot down ideas/write a scene.

These are just a few ways to find time in our busy schedules for writing. “If it’s important, you’ll find a way. If it’s not, you’ll find an excuse.” (Author Unknown) Take the time for the priorities that are most important—and only God can tell you what those are. Live IN the lift that you’re supposed to be in.

What are ways you work in some extra writing time? Does your family help you find the time?

Don’t forget to join the conversation in the comments section below!

[bctt tweet="5 Tricks for Finding Time to Write w/Ralene Burke @RaleneB on Whispers in Purple Blog"]

About the Author:

Whether she's wielding a fantasy writer's pen, a freelance editor's sword, or a social media wand, Ralene Burke always has her head in some dreamer's world. And her goal is to make it SHINE! She spins fantastical tales to encourage people to SHINE BEYOND. She has worked for a variety of groups/companies, including Realm Makers, The Christian PEN, Kentucky Christian Writers Conference, and as an editor for a number of freelance clients.

Her first novel, Bellanok, is being published as a 5-part serial starting in October 2015! Bellanok is a haven for myths and legends . . . until a demon finds a way in.
When her head's not in the publishing world, Ralene is wife to a veteran and homeschooling mama to their three kids. Her Pinterest board would have you believe she is a master chef, excellent seamstress, and all around crafty diva. If she only had the time . . .

You can also find her on her website, Facebook, and Twitter.

What’s in a Name? Part I

“That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet.”

William Shakespeare (1564-1616)
Romeo and Juliet (II.ii.43-44)

In the seemingly never-ending process of cleaning out old files, I came across and old article, with the same title, I wrote for Northwest Christian Author, a publication of the Northwestern Christian Writers Association which appeared in their 2001 November/December issue.

Of course, there my cleaning-out venture came to a halt as I read through it again, after almost 14 years.

I’ve updated the article a great deal and, with your indulgence, I’m sharing it here. Of course I had to find a purple rose!

Shakespeare had it right. But, suppose you’d never seen or heard of a rose, or smelled its heady fragrance, and someone pointed to it a said it was Skunk Cabbage, or Stinkweed. Would you be willing to bury your nose into its petals and discover that intoxicating scent?

Names are important, not only in naming babies , but giving our story characters the right name is extremely important. We have to get the right one to make them believable. And the name must match our characters' basic makeup, behaviors, personalities characteristics, and so forth.

Character naming is a craft by itself. For example, you want to portray an honest person? Frank or Mary Candhor. Clever? Wiley. Courageous? Daniel Lyons. Insightful? Hawkeye Pierce. <Grin>

Choose a name with the right sound. Say it aloud. Many times the way a name strikes the ear will be a better choice than its meaning. Take Bond and Scaramanga. Any doubt as to who’s the bad guy? Next, make sure the name is easy to pronounce out loud. Some readers will just skim over a name like Pryzloskivitch, but others–like me–want to know how to say it. Yes, I’m aware there a many differing opinions on this. That’s just my opinion. And there are exceptions. Ethnic names, for example. You have to be true to your story and setting. In that case, you might want to find a way, perhaps through dialog, to let the reader ‘see’ how it’s pronounced. Then again, if you’re writing War and Peace, or Dr. Zhivago, unpronounceable names come with the character of the story. I’ve read both and I had to take the time to study the gender nomenclature.

As a writer, the task of naming the ‘child’ you have created is far more laborious than it would be for the ‘normal’ parent.

I’ve devoted a lot of time in studying names, their meanings, and am almost obsessive in naming my characters.

Come back next week, Wednesday, for more on this naming game.

Now, I have a question for you–IF you’re a writer . . . how do YOU go about naming YOUR characters? C’mon, join the conversation!

TWEETABLES: [bctt tweet="As a #writer, how do you choose the names of your characters? Join the #conversation, click the link. Looking forward to your answers."]

Where do writers get their ideas?

I was privileged to be asked to write a guest blog post on my publisher’s blog. It is up now for your reading pleasure. My post answers the question above: Where do writers get their ideas?

Here’s the first two paragraphs:

“This is one of the most often asked questions writers get. And the answers can be as varied as there are writers. But the overall core answers are usually a combination of WATCH, LOOK & LISTEN!
I’m not going to shoot you a whole long list of ways to gather ideas. If you’ve ever asked this question, you’ve heard them all. You can go to Google and search for writing prompts and find 12-million sites!”

(I’m just sayin’…the article contains some of MY favorite, fun, was to glean writing ideas.)

You can read the rest at: Helping Hands Press: WATCH, LOOK & LISTEN-Peggy Blann Phifer

I’d love it if you’d click on the link to read the rest of my article, and would be even more grateful if you’d leave a comment. Thanks!