Author: Meg

Easily amused, never bored and constantly distracted. My creative pursuits include writing, drawing, painting and photography.

The Way You Move…

~ Meg ~ 17 Comments

Adventures in fiction writing.

There are many descriptors that a writer can use to convey the physical act of walking. For example:

  • Walk
  • Run
  • Pace
  • Shuffle
  • Amble
  • Trudge
  • Hurry
  • Scurry
  • Sidle
  • Tip toe
  • Stomp
  • Trot
  • Hike
  • Meander
  • Stroll

You get the idea… However, one of the mistakes I made in my early fiction pieces –fortunately one that I caught before publishing– is to over-describe a character’s movements within a scene. Let’s suppose we are writing a scene in which a couple at home is having a conversation, while cooking together in the kitchen.

Joni walked to the refrigerator and gathered all the ingredients for the salad. Then she walked to the counter and set them in front of Graham before hurrying back to the stove to stir the soup.

That’s just two sentences, but imagine that going on throughout a 300 page novel! Every time a character makes a move, the writer doesn’t need to describe it.

Joni gathered the salad ingredients from the refrigerator and set them in front of Graham, then returned to the stove to stir the soup.

The use of a variety of descriptors for movement helps us to visualize the scene. it is part of the concept of ‘show don’t tell’ in writing. Some scenes will require a lot of movement –a fight scene, or a foot chase, for example. A heated discussion might have a character agitated and pacing or wildly gesturing. In those instances, a detailed description of their moves would be appropriate. But in a routine setting like the one above, the reader doesn’t need to see every little move a character makes.

Happy writing and productive editing!

(Header image courtesy stpaul.gov Google images)

A Virtual Hug For a Friend!

~ Meg ~ 28 Comments

My girlfriend Sandra at “What Sandra Thinks” is going through some tough times and her friends here on WordPress want to show her some love. Thanks to Cyranny at “Cyranny’s Cove” who came up with some questions for those of us who are closest to her. I loved the idea and readily agreed. If you follow the link to Cyranny’s blog, you find links to the other posts for Sandra. I’m thinking of this as a great big virtual hug for my friend:

How did you discover Sandra’s blog? And how long have you been following her?

Sandra and I met during WordPress’ Blogging 101 back in 2015. These free ‘classes’ were sponsored by WP to help new bloggers set up and get the most out of their sites. The group we were in was extremely social and many friendships were formed in the commons — the site which we were all encouraged to visit so as to give feedback to one another as we learned how to use our brand new blogs. She and I hit it off right away!

What do you enjoy the most about “What Sandra Thinks”?

I enjoy Sandra’s writing style – she writes like authors I like to read and I hope this doesn’t sound pompous, but I think she writes similarly to me. Reading a writer with whom you have much in common is helpful. She writes natural, flawless dialogue. Her timing is impeccable. In other words, she has the awareness in her storytelling of just where to leave the reader wanting more. When she shares things about real life and her struggles, she’s honest and though my heart always aches, and I wish I could fix things for her, that ability to evoke strong empathy in the reader is also the mark of an amazing writer. Even through her pain, she still manages to be funny and refreshingly irreverent, too.

What do you like the most about Sandra herself?

Sandra is a good friend. I’ve always wished we lived in closer proximity, because I’m sure we’d be friends in real life, too. She’s honest and doesn’t pretend to be something she isn’t. Now… that being said, I wish that Sandra could see herself the way we see her! If she could just get a boost of confidence somehow!

What would be one of your favorite posts from Sandra?

I am totally loving her current series: Dear Diary. But one of my very favorite stories of hers is the Secret Admirer begun in 2015. I think that story could be (should be) published! (Might be a little short for a novel but still!)

What would you tell Sandra, if you two were talking over a cup of coffee?

Oh man… lots of stuff. I’ve always felt a kinship with Sandra because we have the same types of issues —not to the same levels, but I feel like we understand how the other feels. And we could talk about writing. I think it would be fun to brainstorm with Sandra over story ideas! Sandra can write the romance and I will add the mystery.

What do you wish for Sandra, in the future?

Ideally? I want her to win the lottery so money will never be an issue or alternatively I want a big time producer to discover her blog and buy the rights to turn her stories into films. I want Alex O’Loughlin to sweep her off her feet… (sorry Mr. Sandra)

Ok, realistically… I want her kids to grow up knowing how much their mom loves them and that even though it doesn’t feel like it now, school doesn’t last forever and mean kids will not always be part of their lives. I also hope they will make good decisions that bring them success and happiness in their future, because that would mean the world to Sandra, too. I want her health care professionals to find a permanent solution to her back pain. I would love for her to find a part time job that she loves, which also  gives her a schedule that works for her kids. In whatever form it takes, I just wish for Sandra to find happiness and know that she is loved.

Meg Sorick

Diverse Verse – Poetry For a Cause

~ Meg ~ 23 Comments

Sometime last year (memory not what it used to be…) poet Richard Archer asked for submissions to what would become a third volume of verse from poets across the globe to benefit Cancer Research, UK. I offered my favorite poem: Just Burn and was delighted to be accepted for the publication. Please consider buying this marvelous collection and supporting a most worthy cause! Purchase the book here.

My contribution: Just Burn

Why do I write in the light,
When the dark is so intoxicating?
Just to keep up appearances?
Do I continue to smile though I’m dying?
How do I find my voice?
Amidst a cacophony of screaming?
I don’t want your self help diatribe.
I don’t want your power of positive thinking.

I can’t hear myself think,
Let alone pen a work of distinction.
I need a strong, stiff drink,
But that’s only self medication.
And what’s it all mean anyway?
When nothing’s going to give satisfaction?
Just a book full of ink spots,
That sits on a shelf gathering desolation.

How do I come to grips,
With my own profound unhappiness?
I’m nothing but thunderstorms and anger.
Keep your sunshine and sweetness.
I have no more words of encouragement.
It’s cruelty, competition, unfairness.
The theme for the day is belligerence.
It’s outworking displays it’s aggressiveness.

So save your kindly comments,
And your gestures of reverent concern.
For into the fires of failure,
I let the manuscripts burn.
Lick the curling hundreds of pages,
Kindle the books, at each turn,
Throw gas on the conflagration,
And I’m gone nevermore to return…