Mommy, Where Do Babies "Ideas" Come From? by Randy Ingermanson

Mommy, Where Do Babies "Ideas" Come From?

by Randy Ingermanson

Advanced Fiction Writing 

 

I used to think I wasn't very creative.  I used to even say it out loud. I have since learned that saying things like that qualifies as a Crime Against Humanity. There's probaby a Geneva Convention against it.

The reason is that this is the quintessential self-fulfilling prophecy.  Do you want to be uncreative, dull, and boring?  Then tell everyone you're uncreative, dull, and boring.  (Or tell everyone you're creative, entertaining, and fascinating.  You get the same great reaction either way.)

Frankly, if you have a pulse, you've got some level of creativity.  And if you're a novelist (or imagine you're a novelist) then you probably have a lot of creativity.

Bottom line:  Stop worrying about whether you ARE creative.  Start focusing on how to beef up what you've got.

I recently gave a talk on "Exercising Your Creativity" at a writer's conference. I based the talk on one of my favorite books on the subject, A Whack On The Side Of The Head, by Roger von Oech.  Here are three of the things I learned about being creative from this book:

A)  Sometimes there is more than one right answer.

I tried to convince my calculus teacher of this once, and didn't get very far. But real life doesn't have much to do with calculus.  In real life, there may very well be six or two hundred or a zillion right answers.

Example:  What is the "right" way to write this article?

There are plenty of right ways, and my way isn't necessarily the rightest.  It's just my way. So when you come up with a clever idea to solve a problem, don't stop! Ask yourself if you can come up with ten clever ways.  Or ten stupid ways.  But oops!  I'm infringing on the second principle I learned . . .

B)  Sometimes being "stupid" is smart.

People are so afraid of doing something stupid, they'll go along with the crowd. Even if that means getting caught up in Groupthink and doing something . . . stupid.

Guess what?  The crowd isn't always right, and sometimes what seems smart to everyone isn't smart at all.  There are any number of garage inventors who've built things that the experts said couldn't be done.  Am I right or am I right?

Kings used to have "court fools" whose job was to mock the group, including the king.  The purpose was to always have at least one voice that wasn't going with the crowd.  Do you have a devil's advocate who will argue with you about your ideas?  Maybe you should! Even if they're not very bright.  There's nothing like trying to explain physics to a barmaid to force you to use clear thinking.  And sometimes, the barmaid is right.

C)  What rule can you break?

Rules are good--usually.  But sometimes you can do something cool by breaking the rules. Ogden Nash used to do this with his poems by violating the rules of spelling to get something to rhyme.  As an example, look at the last two lines of his poem "The Panther":

     Better yet, if called by a panther . . . Don't anther!

It's a little silly, but that's the point.  As another example, look at this limerick that violates the "rules of limericks":

There was a young poet named Dan Whose poetry never would scan.

He said, "I try hard,
But I guess I'm no bard,
Because I always have to cram as many words into the last line as I possibly can."

Whoever wrote this limerick succeeded by breaking the rules in a beautiful self-referential way.

There's more, but I'd hate to steal all the thunder
from Roger von Oechs. I'll close by giving you a link to his book on Amazon.  It's a classic, and every time I read the thing, I somehow have a ton of creative ideas in the weeks that follow:
"A Whack on the Side of the Head: How You Can Be More Creative"

 

About The Author

Randy Ingermanson is a theoretical physicist and the award-winning author of six novels. He has taught at numerous writing conferences over the years and publishes the free monthly Advanced Fiction Writing E-zine.

 

 Randy Ingermanson Books at Amazon

 

More Advanced Fiction Writing

Overcoming the Fear of Not Being a Good Writer: Embracing Imperfection and Building Confidence

 

 by Olivia Salter

Learn how to overcome the fear of not being a good writer by understanding common writing fears, building confidence through regular practice, and seeking feedback from experienced writers.

Overview of Writing Anxiety

Writing anxiety can manifest in various forms, from the fear of judgment and criticism to feelings of imposter syndrome and rejection. These common fears can be daunting but are a natural part of the writing process. For instance, the fear of not being good enough is a prevalent concern that many writers grapple with, often hindering their creative expression and willingness to share their work with others. It's essential to recognize that these fears are shared by writers of all levels and can be overcome with persistence and self-belief.

Moreover, delving into the realm of psychological barriers, such as confirmation bias and cognitive dissonance, sheds light on how these factors impact the quality of writing outcomes. By acknowledging and addressing these barriers, writers can strive for more objective and authentic narratives. Confronting these fears and barriers head-on is the first step towards unlocking one's full potential as a writer. Remember, every successful writer has faced these challenges; it's how they navigate through them that sets them apart.

Common Writing Fears

As I stated above, many writers grapple with the fear of not being good enough, which often materializes as a fear of judgment, criticism, rejection, failure, imposter syndrome, perfectionism, self-doubt, and insecurity. These fears create psychological barriers that can lead to creative blocks and hinder the sharing of one's work with others. (I thought that statement needed to be reiterated.) For instance, the fear of criticism may prevent writers from expressing their authentic voice or exploring new ideas.

To combat these common writing fears, it is essential for writers to understand that facing these fears head-on is a crucial step towards growth and improvement. By acknowledging and addressing these fears, writers can gradually build confidence in their abilities and develop a more resilient mindset. For example, seeking feedback from experienced writers can provide valuable insights and constructive criticism that can help writers overcome self-doubt and refine their craft. Through consistent practice and a willingness to embrace imperfection, writers can navigate these fears and continue to evolve their writing skills over time.

Benefits of Writing Regularly

Engaging in regular writing practice not only hones your writing skills but also serves as a powerful tool to combat the fear of not being a good writer. When you commit to writing consistently, you open up avenues to explore your thoughts, emotions, and creativity, allowing you to express yourself more freely and authentically. For example, setting aside time each day to write, even if it's just for a few minutes, can gradually build your confidence and diminish the anxiety associated with not feeling good enough as a writer.

Moreover, the benefits of writing regularly extend beyond skill improvement. Embracing a consistent writing routine can lead to an overall enhancement in your mental well-being by providing a creative outlet for self-expression and reflection. As you nurture the habit of putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard on a regular basis, you are likely to notice a significant boost in your confidence levels, enabling you to tackle challenging writing tasks with more assurance and resilience. This dedication to the craft also fosters a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, reinforcing the idea that writing is a journey of growth and self-discovery.

 Tips for Overcoming Writing Fears

When facing the daunting task of putting words on paper, seeking feedback from seasoned writers can provide a fresh perspective and constructive criticism that can boost confidence and creativity. For instance, sharing your work with a writing group or mentor can offer insights that you might have overlooked, helping you grow as a writer and overcome self-doubt. By actively seeking feedback, writers can learn to embrace the iterative nature of the writing process, where each critique is an opportunity for improvement rather than a reflection of inadequacy.

Moreover, delving into past experiences and fears through writing can serve as a cathartic exercise that not only helps in understanding personal obstacles but also in finding the courage to confront and conquer them. For example, by articulating your fears on paper, you may discover that they hold less power over you than you initially thought, empowering you to move forward with your writing goals. Through this introspective practice, writers can transform their vulnerabilities into strengths and use them as fuel to propel their creativity and self-assurance.

Building Confidence as a Writer

Building confidence as a writer involves more than just putting words on paper; it's about believing in the value of your voice and ideas. One way to boost confidence is by setting small, achievable goals for your writing and celebrating each accomplishment, no matter how minor. For instance, completing a short story or receiving positive feedback on a blog post can reinforce your belief in your abilities and motivate you to keep writing.

Moreover, surrounding yourself with a supportive community of writers can significantly impact your confidence levels. Sharing your work with others who understand the challenges you face can provide valuable encouragement and constructive criticism. By engaging with fellow writers, attending writing workshops, or joining online writing groups, you can gain a sense of belonging and realize that you are not alone in your struggles. Remember, every writer, from beginners to bestsellers, has faced moments of self-doubt, but it's the resilience to keep moving forward that sets successful writers apart.

Conclusion: Overcoming Writing Anxiety

It's crucial to understand that the path to becoming a proficient writer is paved with continuous practice, self-reflection, and a willingness to improve over time. Every writer, regardless of their level of experience, faces moments of self-doubt and uncertainty. However, it's important to remind yourself that growth comes from embracing imperfection and learning from each piece of writing you create. For instance, famous authors like Ann Patchett and Ernest Hemingway have all encountered doubts about their writing abilities, but they persisted and grew through dedication and practice.

Seeking feedback from seasoned writers can provide invaluable insights into areas where you can enhance your writing. By actively seeking constructive criticism, you not only improve your skills but also bolster your confidence as a writer. Remember, even the most successful writers once started as novices. They honed their craft through perseverance, accepting feedback, and continuously challenging themselves to do better. So, view each writing obstacle as an opportunity for growth and a step forward in your writing journey.

Fiction Writing: Keep Readers Turning Pages by Olivia Salter

 

 Writing stories that hook your readers and keep them turning pages is a goal every aspiring author strives to achieve. The ability to captivate your audience from the first line and maintain their interest throughout the narrative is essential for a successful story. Whether you are writing a short story, a novel, or any other form of fiction, mastering the art of engaging storytelling techniques is key to holding your readers' attention.

Here are some strategies to help you write stories that hook your readers and keep them eagerly turning pages:

1. Start with a gripping opening:

The beginning of your story is crucial. You have a very limited opportunity to capture your readers' interest, so make the opening lines compelling. Start with action, mystery, conflict, or an intriguing question to hook your readers from the outset.

2. Create relatable and engaging characters:

Your characters are the heart of your story. Develop well-rounded characters that readers can connect with and care about. Give them unique personalities, motivations, and flaws to make them realistic and interesting.

3. Build tension and conflict:

Conflict is essential to keep your story moving forward and maintain your readers' interest. Introduce obstacles, challenges, and dilemmas that create tension and keep your characters and readers on edge.

4. Use vivid descriptions and sensory details:

Transport your readers into your story by painting vivid scenes with descriptive language and sensory details. Engage all five senses to create a rich and immersive reading experience.

5. Create a compelling plot:

Develop a plot that is engaging, unpredictable, and full of twists and turns. Keep your readers guessing and eager to find out what happens next.

6. Show, don't tell:

Instead of simply telling your readers what is happening, show it through actions, dialogue, and vivid descriptions. Let your readers experience the story alongside your characters.

7. Use pacing to your advantage:

Pace your story effectively by varying the speed of the narrative. Speed up during action-packed scenes and slow down during moments of reflection or introspection. This will help maintain your readers' interest and keep them engaged.

8. End chapters on a cliffhanger:

Leave your readers wanting more by ending chapters on a suspenseful note or a cliffhanger that compels them to turn the page and continue reading.

9. Create emotional resonance:

Make your readers feel something by incorporating emotional depth into your story. Develop themes that resonate with universal human experiences such as love, loss, betrayal, or redemption.

10. Revise and edit: 

Finally, polish your story through careful revision and editing. Eliminate any unnecessary or repetitive passages, tighten your prose, and ensure that your story flows smoothly from beginning to end.

In conclusion, writing stories that hook your readers and keep them turning pages requires a combination of engaging storytelling techniques, compelling characters, and a well-crafted plot. By incorporating these strategies into your writing process, you can create compelling narratives that captivate your audience and leave them eagerly anticipating what comes next.

 

 

Harnessing Yin and Yang: Using Opposing Forces in Fiction Writing

 

by Olivia Salter 

 

Thanks to Travis Knight, @TKComedy2013, for providing me the inspiration to write this article.

 

The yin and yang, paradoxically, hold the key to unraveling the truth in storytelling. It's the yin and yang that breathe life into the art of storytelling. Embracing both sides is what makes storytelling truly captivating.

 

Fiction writing, at its core, is about creating worlds and characters that are believable and engaging to readers. One powerful way to achieve this is by harnessing the concept of Yin and Yang, where opposing forces are used to create harmony and balance in a story.

 In fiction writing, the concept of Yin and Yang can be applied in various ways. For example, characters can embody opposing qualities, such as a protagonist who is both strong and vulnerable or an antagonist who is charming yet ruthless. By creating characters with conflicting traits, writers can add depth and complexity to their story, making it more compelling for readers.

 Another way to harness Yin and Yang in fiction writing is through the use of conflict. Conflict is essential for driving a story forward and keeping readers engaged. By introducing opposing forces, such as good vs. evil, love vs. hate, or order vs. chaos, writers can create tension and drama that propel the plot forward.

 Furthermore, the concept of Yin and Yang can also be applied to the structure of a story. By balancing moments of calm and chaos, light and dark, happiness and sorrow, writers can create a dynamic and emotionally resonant narrative that keeps readers invested until the very end.

 In conclusion, harnessing Yin and Yang in fiction writing can be a powerful tool for creating compelling and engaging stories. By incorporating opposing forces in characters, conflict, and structure, writers can achieve a sense of balance and harmony that enhances the overall quality of their work. So next time you sit down to write, consider the concept of Yin and Yang and how you can use it to strengthen your storytelling.

Writing Quote: The beautiful part of writing is that you don't have to get it right the first time, unlike, say, a brain surgeon. --Robert Cormier

 

 

The Writing Process: Embracing the Freedom to Revise and Refine

 

by Olivia Salter

 

 Writing is a powerful form of expression that allows individuals to convey their thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a creative and unique way. Unlike professions that require precision and accuracy, such as being a brain surgeon, writing offers the freedom to explore, experiment, and revise without the pressure of getting it right the first time.

Robert Cormier, an acclaimed author known for his thought-provoking young adult novels, perfectly captures the essence of writing with this quote. He highlights the beauty of the writing process, emphasizing that it is okay to make mistakes, take risks, and learn from failures. Unlike a brain surgeon, who must perform flawlessly in a high-stakes environment, writers have the luxury of crafting and perfecting their work over time.

The journey of writing is filled with twists and turns, challenges, and breakthroughs. It is a continuous process of discovery and growth where creativity thrives and possibilities are limitless. Writers have the power to create worlds, characters, and narratives that resonate with readers on a deep and meaningful level.

So, embrace the beauty of writing, knowing that you have the freedom to explore, experiment, and evolve. Don't be afraid to make mistakes or take risks, for it is through these experiences that true creativity emerges. And remember, just like a skilled surgeon hones their craft through practice and perseverance, writers can refine their skills and craft by embracing the beauty of imperfection.
 

Writing Quote: Don't say the old lady screamed. Bring her on and let her scream. --Mark Twain

 

 

Crafting Compelling Narratives: The Art of Pace and Prosody in Writing

 

by Olivia Salter

Mark Twain once famously said, "Don't say the old lady screamed. Bring her on and let her scream." This quote embodies the essence of good storytelling—showing rather than telling. It emphasizes the importance of immersing readers in the narrative, allowing them to experience the story firsthand.

In writing, pace and prosody play a crucial role in captivating the audience and drawing them further into the story. Pace refers to the speed at which events unfold in a narrative, while prosody involves the rhythm, stress, and intonation of language. By mastering these elements, writers can create a dynamic and engaging reading experience that resonates with their audience.

One way to enhance pace in writing is to vary the speed at which events are presented. Short, snappy sentences can quicken the tempo and create a sense of urgency, while longer, descriptive passages can slow things down, allowing readers to savor the moment. By carefully orchestrating the pace of a story, writers can build tension, evoke emotions, and keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Prosody, on the other hand, involves the musicality of language. Just as a skilled musician uses rhythm and melody to create a symphony, a writer can use prosody to infuse their words with emotion and drama. By paying attention to the flow of sentences, the cadence of dialogue, and the placement of pauses, writers can give their writing a natural, fluid quality that captures the reader's attention.

Ultimately, pace and prosody are tools that writers can use to craft a compelling and immersive narrative. By striking the right balance between the two, authors can create a story that not only entertains but also resonates with readers on a deeper level. So the next time you sit down to write, remember Mark Twain's advice: don't just tell your readers what happened; show them, and let the story unfold before their eyes. 

About the Author of the Quote

Samuel Langhorne Clemens (November 30, 1835 – April 21, 1910), known by the pen name Mark Twain, was an American writer, humorist, essayist, entrepreneur, publisher, and lecturer. He was praised as the "greatest humorist the United States has produced", and William Faulkner called him "the father of American literature". His novels include The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876) and its sequel, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (1884) with the latter often called the "Great American Novel". Twain also wrote A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court (1889) and Pudd'nhead Wilson (1894), and co-wrote The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today (1873) with Charles Dudley Warner. Wikipedia

Also see:

• Mark Twain at Amazon
• Writing Books Index

Fiction Writing: Point of View Basics by Olivia Salter

 Point of view is one of the most essential elements in the craft of fiction. It serves as the lens through which both storytellers and readers perceive the narrative world. By choosing a specific point of view, writers can determine how readers interact with the characters, plot, and themes of their stories. Point of view influences the way readers experience the story, enabling them to see, hear, feel, smell, and taste the events from particular conscious and sensory perspectives.

In contemporary fiction, the evolution of characters' perceptions often plays a central role in the narrative arc. The choice of point of view is crucial in shaping how readers connect with characters and their journeys of growth and change. The narrator's perspective influences the content of the story, guiding readers through the narrative landscape and shaping their understanding of the characters and events unfolding before them.

A key decision that writers must make is determining who will tell the story. The narrator can be a character within the story (first-person point of view), an outside observer with limited knowledge of the characters' thoughts and feelings (third-person limited point of view), or an all-knowing entity with insights into all characters and events (third-person omniscient point of view). Each perspective offers unique advantages and challenges, influencing the reader's immersion in the story and their emotional engagement with the characters. 

A first-person point of view allows readers to experience the story directly through the eyes of a specific character, creating an intimate and immediate connection with their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. This perspective can offer a deep insight into the protagonist's inner world, fostering empathy and understanding between readers and characters. However, it may limit readers' access to other characters' perspectives and the broader events of the story. 

A third-person point of view, whether limited or omniscient, offers a more expansive view of the narrative world, allowing readers to follow multiple characters and storylines simultaneously. This perspective can provide a comprehensive understanding of the story's complexities and nuances, offering readers a broader perspective on the characters and events. However, it may create emotional distance between readers and characters, reducing the immediacy and intimacy of the storytelling experience.

The choice of point of view is a powerful tool that writers can use to shape the reader's engagement with the story. By selecting the appropriate perspective, writers can enhance the emotional impact of their narratives, deepen readers' connections to the characters, and guide them through the intricate web of plot twists and revelations. Point of view is a fundamental element that writers must consider carefully, as it plays a vital role in shaping the content, structure, and impact of their fiction.