Two Ghosts

Marvin (1938 -2020) and Theobald (1929-2017) hover, their backs appearing to rest against their tombstones in the dark of a starlit night.  Marvin sits rather sprightly with both knees up, pretending to smoke an imaginary cigarette.  Theobald (Theo to his friends), takes a more despondent posture, sprawling with legs akimbo, arms lying open-palmed by his sides.  They argue….

Dialogue, Characters, Setting, Action

Let’s say that the above series (dialogue, characters, setting, action) is today’s plan for beginning a scene you want to write.

Let’s say the scene is about a grandmother and her 10-year-old grandson going to a go-cart track to have some fun.  Yes, they’re both going to drive a cart.

How would you begin that scene with the goal of making your readers want to keep reading?

Tip:  Avoid stereotypes.

Another Tip:  Surprise us!

Write Local

So often writers have a yearning for the big time. We want to sell thousands of books a year or be on the New York Times bestseller list. It’s a lovely thought and shared by many.

I’d like to propose an alternative goal: think local. Consider going to a writing workshop and reading something you’ve written on the spot, inspired by a presenter brought in to help you focus on some aspect of writing well. You’re in a room with maybe 10 other people, and only half of them read what they’ve written in the 15 minutes allotted. Be one of them.

There you are, reading what you’ve written and gleaning nods and smiles from strangers. This actually may be the glory you’ve been looking for. You’ll find yourself filled with excitement, pride, and joy as you read what just came out of you. it’s intimate. it’s personal. It’s local.

The idea of thinking and writing for your own local community can deliver the reward you have been seeking without too much time spent on the business end of marketing, publishing, and selling. It doesn’t have to be a reading done at a writing conference.

–Write a small zine and share it in surprising places. There are instructions on how to turn an 8-1/2 x 11 inch page into a small six page zine that you can find on YouTube.

–Consider hosting a “Poetry While You Wait” booth at a local festival, or if poetry isn’t your thing, make it a half page of free writing for the person standing in front of you. Natalie Goldberg did it, and found it a meaningful way to connect with people. Let people pay whatever they want, making it less of a commercial venture.

–Work with your local school as a mentor to a student or students who are eager to practice their writing.

All these extra efforts will teach you about words, improving your own skill while delivering the reward of having your own work appreciated. Write local. Why not start here? Post a short piece of your own, and I’ll gladly share comments so you will know that your words have been read. Try it!