Storming Prompt: Dec 2016

I'm sorry I'm so delayed this month. Hopefully this will get some thoughts flowing! :D
Merry Christmas!!

1. YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A WRITER TO PARTICIPATE! 

2.View/Read/Listen to the prompt with a mind primed to explore the possibilities! 

3. You don't have to answer all of the questions I pose. They are there merely to aid your mind in taking imaginative flight. 

4. Share what ideas you gained in the comments. This could include a bit of dialogue, a general scene sketch, a plot problem, character names and place, or even the 'history' of a prompt. (But, if the idea you create happens to be so great, you might want to save it for a future date!)

5. Read and perhaps add to the other replies and answers submitted. (Recommended not required)

Why would this be a blue Christmas for a character? Do they even like the song? Are they poking fun at it?

Yours truly,

Cordy

P.S. This version of Blue Christmas always makes me giggle. I can't take it seriously. (In fact, any version of this song is just--funny for me.)

Spare Me: Authority Check

Powerful people are impressive to me, but those who are powerful and wise--they are faves. When you think about this in the sense of an authority check, you might understand what I love about the idea.

Characters that are powerful are not always wise with their skills or abilities. Therefore, when you find a character that takes command of a situation because they know they can, you have a critical character in the making. A character that knows and acts on their purpose with authority (*throws fist on desk*, *now rubbing wrist to ease pain*) is a must for every story and genre! A few examples will explain this principle further.

**Proceed with caution as spoilers are involved here.**

On a simple scale, Lady Harriet from Wives and Daughters used her influence to save the reputation of Molly Gibson. She knew the influence she had in her community and she used it to her best advantage to help a member of the community over which she had some stewardship.

Moving right along to Cinderella. When the step-mother is exerting her last effort to prevent Cinderella's happy ending, the Captain is there to check her. As an officer of the king, he has that right of authority and wields it well. (Love, LOve, LOVE!)

Next, we have Aragorn. When he accepts the mantle of King of Gondor he engages the power of Sauron and is able to command the Palantir. He also takes a more commanding role when it comes to the last battles of the story.

And lastly, we have Aslan. He is known as gentle and kind but we also know that "he is not a tame lion." (Sorry I simply can't detail all of Aslan's moments. So, choose a favorite and go with that.)

Have I missed any of your favorite Authority Check scenes?

Yours truly,
Cordy

Spare Me: Unexpected Allies

This is probably one of my favorite principles. Nothing can give me the chills and thrills like an unexpected ally. Let me 'splain. ;)

1) If it's truly unexpected, it will be a needed surprise for your readers. In my humble opinion, any opportunity to surprise your readers should be taken. (Unless that means a death scene.)

2) It can be the means of adding complexity to a character that was once thought of as a straight enemy. Just for fun, consider a story you have then take a character that might not be a reader's favorite and have them change "sides". See what happens. You will probably find some serious changes will need to be made to allow for this situation.

3) Essentially, it is a fairly easy way to add layers and depth to a story because let's face it, when the odds are against you, as they are in most stories, the arrival of unexpected assistance it always an encouraging booster!

Now for my selected examples:

**Always proceed with caution when it comes to spoilers**

Snape from Harry Potter
I would argue that Snape is the most complex character that Rowling created in her Harry Potter Series. We are never completely sure of where he stands until it becomes important. There were multiple occasions where his mettle was tested and he had the surest heart of the series, and no one really knows it until it's too late.

Darth Vader from Star Wars
I have grown up with the scene of Darth Vader saving his son. The scene builds and builds. The Emperor is secure in his power and is sure of Vader's loyalty. But even as we listen to Luke suffer in the cruel situation the focus is on Vader. And it amazes me that even behind a mask you can grasp his struggle while watching his son's torture. Finally, he does destroy the Emperor to save his son.

And anyone who knows me from blogging knows I couldn't forget a certain group of timely rescuers...

The Eagles of Middle Earth
You never know when they will show up, but you know that when they do, the battle is won!

Who are some of your favorite unexpected allies?

Yours truly,
Cordy

Spare Me: Hero Flaws

The very name--Box Hill--sends shudders down my spine. (I'm not exaggerating.) No, it's not the name of a haunted house or even the location of some traumatic battle (at least not that I'm aware of). Instead, it's the place where a beloved character takes a terrible character-building tumble. This scene is detrimental to the character Emma Woodhouse known in Jane Austen's Emma. (I'm sorry for those of you who don't know of this scene, I'll encourage you to leave the internet this moment and go find a copy of Emma and read it through.)

Meanwhile, Austen sketched a scene that so thoroughly harms her main character you are left feeling like you were slapped in the face and your heartstrings are in tatters. Not that the character was acting out of character, we had seen throughout the book there was a sharp side to Emma, but flaunting that side on Box Hill and making it the center of both the reader and the other character's attention you are struck by embarrassment, and pain by the reading of it.

Creating true character flaws are difficult, but necessary and making sure your character remains in and true to character in the process is an even harder task. What is so off balance in the stories of today is usually, character flaws that are represented in stories are entirely out of character and only leave your reader frustrated. So, character flaws are key! Therefore, know your character well so you will be better prepared to give them the realistic flaws they require. A few more examples for you.

Jo March
Is considered one of the most relatable characters in literature. Her flaws are scattered throughout Little Women in many forms and varying degrees of severity making her easily relatable. She is consistently Jo.

Adam Pontipee
Adam Pontipee, from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, is another example of a character that you know has a misguided side to him. In marrying Millie he was only seeking a maid for his way of life. But once Millie starts to influence the home, you see that there might be hope for Adam. That is until Millie overhears him giving advice to Gideon on the porch. Then, your heart breaks along with Millie's when Adam proves he hasn't changed at all. Thank goodness the man redeems himself later in the story.

Who are some of your favorite flawed heroes?

Yours truly,
Cordy

Storming Prompt: Nov 2016

Storming Rules:

1. YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A WRITER TO PARTICIPATE! 

2.View/Read/Listen to the prompt with a mind primed to explore the possibilities! 

3. You don't have to answer all of the questions I pose. They are there merely to aid your mind in taking imaginative flight. 

4. Share what ideas you gained in the comments. This could include a bit of dialogue, a general scene sketch, a plot problem, character names and place, or even the 'history' of a prompt. (But, if the idea you create happens to be so great, you might want to save it for a future date!)

5. Read and perhaps add to the other replies and answers submitted. (Recommended not required)

Yours truly,

Cordy

Introducing-- Spare Me!

I can't tell you how many pins I've seen that link to articles that will educate you on the finer points of killing your characters and making it affect your readers in style. Interestingly enough, there is a classic comparison for this principle found in the Anne of Green Gables books. (Unfortunately, I can't remember which book this scene comes from. Rae, maybe you can help me! :)) Anne and her friends have formed a story club and Montgomery actually makes fun of her own character. When Diana runs out of ideas for her characters, she kills them off, leaving all her stories in disarray. In short, Montgomery represented this principle as lazy writing and taking the easy way out. Nowadays, it's a stroke of genius to have the strength to kill your characters off. Well, I'm here to kill the cliche and spare your characters. Introducing my Spare Me series. I'm going to become the voice of your characters begging for their lives. ;D With this series I'll be illustrating other scenes that engage your emotions; as that seems to be the intent of death scenes in stories today. I'll be kicking it off this November as they are posts I can schedule while I'm participating in NaNoWriMo.
In the meantime...

What are some of your favorite emotional scenes that don't include death? 

Yours truly,
Cordy

P.S. One day, I will get around to doing a detailed post where I will rant about the killing in media today. Until then-- STOP IT!! :P

Writing 101: Eyes, Eye Contact



There, I made your day already, right? ;D

I have this thing for eyes. (Thing, really, Cordy? You're supposed to be a writer, giving advice even, and the best thing you can say is 'thing'. Well, this is going well.) *sigh* Okay, because of this obsession of mine, one of the first things I notice about a person will be their eyes. And I'm not talkin' eye color. In fact, I couldn't tell you the eye color of some of my friends and family. The color is rarely what I'm noticing.

Eyes are fascinating because they are, truly, the window into your soul. Your eyes will say 5,000 things before you can say a single word. Eyes will betray both your humor as well as your pain. One of the hardest parts of your body to control is your eyes and eye contact leaves you open and vulnerable.

Personally, I will not look you in the eye while I'm talking and that's for two reasons. One, if I'm looking you in the eye, I can't keep my train of thought because I'm assessing yours. I have a hard time listening to people when they talk and remembering stories they told me because if I was watching them, I will remember their emotions, not the story details. Two, I don't want you reading my eyes. That's the simple truth. In fact, most in-person conversations that take place between me and someone else will happen with little to no eye contact on my part.

Now, with those bits of information, I just want to sum up the moral of the post. Have eye contact in your stories. Instead of adding another bit of dialogue, think of what could be told in eye contact. What could be explained in that moment of studying silence? Find the vulnerability and reveal the fear and truth in your character by forcing them to make and keep eye contact. Sooo, just a random little something for you to keep in mind while you're weaving your tales.

Now, *claps hands together* for the dessert of the post...

I have a few examples of this principle for you.

Kit and Cinderella:

This scene is a marvelous example! Thank. You. Disney!
Kit and Cinderella have just met on the dance floor. After exchanged greetings, of sorts, they are just staring at one another. Kit begins to ask for a dance and is left speechless looking at the beauty before him. He fumbles but literally can't keep his eyes off her and therefore can't focus on his own request. (And who can blame him? Happiness is radiating off her like light from a mirror!) What's so excellent in the scene, besides the stuttering, is he's not looking at the stunning dress he's completely captivated by her eyes. It is a beautiful moment! Love!!

Another small example comes from another Disney film. (Would Cordy have a blog without Disney? Hmm.) Anyway, a small detail from Beauty and the Beast. After the Beast's transformation into Adam, Belle only recognizes him because of his eyes.

And lastly, Darcy first starts to admire Elizabeth because of her fine eyes. (And he notices when they are brightened by exercise.)

Cheerio!
Cordy

Storming Prompt: Oct 2016

Alright, in the rush that was creating this blog, I feel like I didn't do justice to my thoughts. And that, is an obnoxious feeling. So I'm here for round two, and hopefully I'll get around to redoing my introductory page as well. (Which I did!) Anyway, here goes a better explanation of what these prompts are meant to be.

When I was first considering writing seriously, I was intrigued by prompts. But in truth I would just read them through and move on. When I actually started to let my mind explore the thought for a minute I was actually taken off guard by what my mind could do with the prompt. Now, getting ideas from prompts is good writing exercise for me. I've even outlined some stories because of them. But that's not all. I love to see different opinions that branch off the same idea. So choosing these prompts each month and reading what entries come in will expand my own imagination. (And maybe even yours too.)

Now, I want to present a newish set of rules--

1. YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A WRITER TO PARTICIPATE! 

2.View/Read/Listen to the prompt with a mind primed to explore the possibilities! 

3. You don't have to answer all of the questions I pose. They are there merely to aid your mind in taking imaginative flight. 

4. Share what ideas you gained in the comments. This could include a bit of dialogue, a general scene sketch, a plot problem, character names and place, or even the 'history' of a prompt. (But, if the idea you create happens to be so great, you might want to save it for a future date!)

5. Read and perhaps add to the other replies and answers submitted. (Recommended not required)

Well, after all that to do, I'll share the prompt now--

I'm not a huge Halloween girl, however, I did try and choose some kind of prompt that could go along with the slightly spooky feel that comes with October. (But then again, it can do something totally different as well!)

What's happened in this greenhouse? Is/was it a greenhouse? Is it known locally? Who previously owned it? Who owns it now? Where is it? Why is attention being drawn to it now?

Yours truly,

Cordy

Authors To Read If You're A Writer

As I started applying myself in my writing I've discovered how my reading experience has changed. It's become something of an occupational hazard and makes for a strange situation as I critique books that, as they're already published, are already many steps ahead of me. However, I'm not always critiquing. Today, I just want to share two authors whose work I appreciate and may be unknown to you. Not only do I like the stories, I can appreciate the writing and they have helped me with my own works in progress.

Firstly, Gloria Whelan.

My first Whelan I ever read was Listening for Lions when I was maybe nine. (Are you sure you weren't eight or ten, Cordy? :P) I have read many of her books since then and I'm currently suffering because I mistakenly became involved in a trilogy of hers that I'm not sure she's going to complete. (She's 92 and she was last published in 2014.) Anyway, Whelan is skilled in the art of the small, yet fitting, description. She is one of my favorites for painting a scene quickly and expertly. One of my favorite lines of hers reads as follows:

"Just then, the moon rose, throwing a handful of gold coins in a path across the sea." ~Small Acts of Amazing Courage

Isn't that lovely?  Simple but a perfectly captured scene in only one sentence. Just don't read Small Acts of Amazing Courage because...it's part of the doomed trilogy I spoke of. :'/

Secondly, Eloise Javis McGraw.
I have only read two or three of her books but I am already impressed with the flow of her stories. There is a very clean feel to her books. McGraw can leave you hanging and suspicious without leaving you feeling frustrated and bored because of it. But most importantly her characters live and breath in the mind's eye. For example:

“He grinned down at Mara, and her retort died on her lips. As he turned to murmur something to Nekonkh, she struggled to regain her composure. What was it about his smile? Its warmth? Its sudden intimacy? It rushed to the head like strong wine." ~Mara, Daughter of the Nile

"It's sudden intimacy"--giving a smile something of an emotion rather than a texture; e.g. soft, rugged, smooth, you are instantly in the mind of this young woman unexpectedly attracted to this individual.

Well, that has to be all for today. Have you read any books from the authors I mentioned?

Yours truly,
Cordy

Storming Prompts: Sept 2016

Alright then, let's start this blog off with a bang, eh? So, here is the first writing exercise I have prepared for you. The rules are simple, flexible, and open to interpretation. Here is how this is going to work. Each month, I'm going to try and post some kind of writing prompt, be it picture, text, quote, music, etc. it will be your job to brainstorm in the next ten minutes (adjust time as needed) on this prompt. Names, places, quirks, facts, problems, dialogue, etc. Whatever you come up with you will then add to the comments section. It will be open for that month. (And beyond because I'm not going to stop you from commenting. That would be silly.) So I'll make a little set of rules I'll attach to each post.

1. Read/view the prompt
2. Brainstorm (if possible), at least ten minutes to gain names, facts, places, and scenarios from the story
3. Add your thoughts to the comment section
4. Read the other comment entries

Sorry, there are no prizes, only a good brainstorm session to get you into the mindset of 'everything is a prompt'.

ALSO, YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A WRITER TO PARTICIPATE! All that is required is a little bit of faith, trust, and pixie dust, of imagination!

September Prompt:

Who's the couple? What about the friends? Where are they? What's the 'S' on the sweatshirt stand for? Dog's name? Why are they dancing in a kitchen? What kind of music could be playing?

Yours truly,
Cordy

Uh, Welcome :D

To Isengard. Oh my, no!

Welcome to The Sensible Pen. Most of you will be here because you know me from my personal blog, Write on, Cordy. When I first designed and thought of blogging, I thought I was going to use that blog to discuss/share writing tips and tricks that I had picked up. Right :/, for those of you who are readers of my blog you will know that I don't really discuss my writing and I haven't shared tips. It's more a blog where I write my thought from different sectors of my brain. Never fear, (or perhaps you should...caution advised), The Sensible Pen is here. I'm not sure how I'm going to do writing for two blogs but I really do need a writing blog. Not to share my writing (truly sorry to disappoint many of you), but a place to hold writing exercises as well as discuss writing in theory.

This blog isn't going to be used as frequently as my personal blog. It will be used in an as needed way.

I hope you will join me as a fumbling writer attempts to share the few tips (or more opinions) she knows and has up her sleeve.

Yours truly,
Cordy

P.S. Because of what I'm planning to do here, I may not have time to answer all the comments that come in. It could quickly become overwhelming--stay tuned to learn more. Meanwhile, please understand and know that while I am reading them all, I'm not always going to respond.