Write what you know

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I think it's fair to say that anyone who has ever had the slightest interest in writing, has been given the advice of only writing what you know. What does that truly mean? I prefer fiction, particularly fantasy and science fiction, and there is no way anyone could have personal knowledge of dragons or space battles or magic rings. So, why is the advice given? Does it mean you can't imagine and still write?

Nonsense.

The point being made is not to guess about things that are easily disproven. For instance, Tom Clancy's first novel, "The Hunt for Red October," is fiction. However, it is based on a real incident, using known technology, and with known rules. Tom Clancy spent a lot of time researching, so he could create a believable fiction story. Apparently it was so accurate that the FBI paid him a visit. So, no, Tom Clancy didn't know about submarines at the start--he was an insurance salesman--but he studied and learned. Then, he wrote about what he knew. The story is then very believable and the audience immediately trusts the author and delves into the book.

Advice is given for a variety of reasons, but I think the most common is out of true concern and best wishes. It's up to you to decide about accepting it or not. Another piece of advice is, "rules are made to be broken." When it comes to creating stories, do whatever works. "Fake it until you make it," is another chunk of advice I especially love. If you have a strong desire, you can find what you need to make your story work, even if you don't know all of it right now. Besides, even if you try and fail, you have at least tried. Perhaps the next time will work out better.

- M

Snow and Ice

I've often spoken about my love of snow. It's powdery, fluffy, sparkling, enchanting and magical stuff. However, like so many other things, there's an evil side of it ... ice. Yeesh, ice is only good on banquet tables when it's carved into a swan, or floating in your favorite beverage in little cubes. Ice is heavy, so it knocks down power poles, and ice is tough to scratch off your vehicle windows--so fools only scrape a small window to see through as they drive. Worst of all, ice is slippery. I've fallen on ice, slid on ice (while walking or driving), and gotten hurt on ice (again, while walking or driving). Ice is a nasty bit of work.


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These two items do fit very nicely among the many things that it's pleasant to see but not interact with. Look out your window and see your shrubbery frozen by ice and you may smile quite a lot. However, look out another window and see your car covered with ice and you won't smile at all. I can only imagine the consternation a city manager must deal with when reports of massive ice storms ruins their day (though I live in a typically warm state, so maybe I'm overthinking this issue). Somehow, I can't imagine anyone clapping upon hearing that an ice storm is imminent.

Weather is a topic of discussion wherever you live, and since it constantly changes we many times point to it for examples of certain people. Lightning quick. Stormy personality. Sunny disposition. Gloomy. Overcast. There are a thousand descriptions tied specifically to the weather. Why? Easy, because we all understand general weather. Using weather to describe things is a powerful method to capture the imagination, and draw out emotion.

So, have you heard anyone say they love ice? Can't say I have, but it sure is pretty cut into a swan...

- M

Peace in the midst of torment.

Recent movies, such as "Unbroken," "Race," and "Still Alice" demonstrate people finding hope and peace despite their circumstances. There are as many stories about hardships as there are people, yet we can always find inspiration in them. Why do we look? It's an easy question to answer. We want to know that others have made it through terrible times and come out okay at the other end. Difficult times are hard enough, and adding the feeling of being totally alone in the experience makes it almost unbearable. Isn't it incredible how relieved you feel when you discover someone else has undergone the same trials?

There are many times we look for encouragement, and it's not always when times are tough. Maybe it's looking for a soul mate, or striving for business success, and perhaps those things are doing okay but not as well as you'd like. Whatever the cause, we want to know things will work out for the best. It's hideously difficult being the only one having a nasty time of life. Even if it's only a story, it's good to have company.

Yes, you can indeed find peace, no matter what's going on. But, peace is often hard won. The movies I mentioned are very difficult, and I'm sure you'll cry a lot watching them. Yet, they are true stories (even if they have been fictionalized). The old saying of, "It's all in your perspective," is a realistic viewpoint. Heroism isn't far removed from finding peace in your situation. It's in that moment when you decide you will survive or go in the ground. Life is worth the fight, and I bet we'll all agree that it's a whole lot better to live in peace.

- M

Why do we sometimes label characters as "deep" and "complex" and not others?

Carl Spitzweg's "The Bookworm"

I've noticed a trend in storytelling of providing extensive history and backstory for fantasy and science fiction worlds. The question is: how much is needed? One of my favorite characters in all stories is "Luke Skywalker." Ask yourself how much we know about this farm boy? Well, nothing beyond a vague reference to a father Obi Wan knew (and that Luke is a good pilot). Yet, the audience has no trouble at all with accepting Luke for what he is. The fact that there's no history and backstory doesn't matter, because we understand what Luke's goals and motivations are.

Some fiction worlds are vast, such as Tolkien's "Middle Earth," Martin's "Westeros", and Niven's "Known Space." Each of these universes have huge histories and that backstory impacts the stories. While such massive history is undeniably interesting, does it automatically grant complex and deep characters? Nope. I've found that these terms are a bit ... misguided. How do you quantify such a determination? You really can't. In my thinking, these terms are gauges of the strength of our connection to the characters. If that connection is strong, then we tend to think the characters deep and vibrant. If we don't care, then what does it matter if they have extensive backstories? Do we know what the character's goals are and why they want them?

New writers are often told to give their characters a quirk and a physical description. Why? Well, the audience needs something to remind them of the important people--pick well and those quirks can become the only history you need. Think of "Indiana Jones" ... did you immediately remember how he pulled his gun and shot the sword fighter? Funny thing, that scene was improvised--an extensive sword fight was to ensue, but the director loved the improv and so history was made. On the opposite end, we have "Charles Foster Kane" from "Citizen Kane" and we literally see his entire life, and the effect is immense--the movie often considered the greatest movie ever made--and it's because the audience knows all about him.

My point is not to discourage histories and backstory, only to caution that like any big undertaking you need to have a reason for what you do. If it adds value to the story, then go for it, but don't do so simply because it's expected.

- M

Eyeglass cleaners are a sign of an advanced civilization

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I wear eyeglasses, and I frequently need to clean them. There are plenty of methods available: bottom of your shirt, facial tissue, lint-free cleaning clothes, solution-soaked wipes, spray solutions, and the good-ole spit and polish. What matters is that whatever you use, your glasses need to wind up clean. The trouble I've found is that there's usually a sheen of oil on the inside and only a good cleaner will take it away.

 

The wonders of civilization are numerous. We normally point to the major things, like electricity and so on, but I think it's the little conveniences that are the true wonders. I wonder how long we'd live without can openers, or cigarette lighters (mainly for their fire starting ability), and even something as simple as comfortable shoes. Have you ever considered just how much of our daily lives are thanks to cheap plastics? What about drinkable water? And, what about that chair you're sitting on?

 

I'm trying to point out that we take a lot of things for granted. It's easy to think that all these conveniences will always be there, no matter what. But, things aren't like this everywhere. Many places don't even have clean water from a tap, or electricity, or proper sanitation. There are incredible people and organizations who's sole purpose in life is to bring these modern things to the people without them. That's pretty amazing.

 

So, yes, eyeglass cleaner is incredible and I won't take it for granted ... I promise.

 

- M

Taking down memories

It's time to take down our Christmas tree. Sigh. It's a testimony to the power of symbols that a decorated fake tree can mean so very much. There's quite a few ornaments we've collected through the years, and it's neat to see them out once a year. We place our memories for all to see, and for us to enjoy. In what other ways do we do the same thing? Pictures? Paintings? Stories? Keepsakes?

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We spend a big part of our lives on memories. To my mind they're one of the few things we can take with us anywhere. And, when our personal memories jump the tracks, we have baubles and photos to guide us back. So, are we afraid to lose them? No, we want to share. I've often spoken about our human desires for connections between each other. Physical memories are another way of creating those connections. I have a memory box on my desk, which has all kinds of little things with huge memories attached to them. I can easily talk for a long time about every object inside my little box, and often enjoy simply reminiscing.

 

So, yes, I'll pack up our tree and store it until the end of the year. Then, we'll put it back up and hang the ornaments and relive a few welcome memories. It's a tradition, but it's also fun. True, there are memories I don't want to relive, but hopefully those are few and far between. I pray that you all have plenty of good memories and happy thoughts. And may you all have a wonderful year.

 

- M

Welcome to the year 2017 ...

A new year is upon us! Already. Now. Traditionally, it's a time to scrape yourself off the pavement of life and bounce back with new vigor and purpose. It's a fresh start. Everybody likes new beginnings, when you can forget the past and look to a bright new future. Sure, we've all made mistakes, but why dwell on them? Forge a new path and find yourself a new star!

 

Platitudes aside, it's great to make plans and set goals. I heartily encourage doing so. Without having something to aim at, how do you know when you've hit it? But, do make realistic goals (though, don't let anyone tell you that your goal is impossible if you truly believe it is achievable) like being the first person to swim in the Sun ... *grin*.

 

Of course, there's no reason we must wait until the beginning of a new year to make such changes and goals, but we do tend to do it that way. Oh well. I hope and pray it's a great year. Maybe this is the year we get flying cars, or quantum computers, and maybe we'll finally send people to Mars! Ah, such hopes are everlasting.

 

- M