Whilst in our local book shop purchasing a few Christmas presents last year I decided to treat myself to a book on the craft of writing. The book I chose was Your Creative Writing Masterclass by Jurgen Wolff.
Now for me the sign on a good non-fiction book is the number of pieces of paper slipped between the pages. By the time I'd finished reading this book it had a large number. One highlights Chapter 24; It's in the details. Two of the questions posed in this section resonated with me:
- Have you appealed to a variety of senses, described not only what things look like but also how they sound, smell and taste?
- Have you selected details beyond the obvious?
These two questions urged me into action. I decided to use one of the many diaries I'd received as a gift as an observation diary. Basically my aim is to observe something 'beyond the obvious' every day for the next year and record it. So far I've managed to achieve this goal. Here are just a few of my observations:
Now the snow has fully melted the mud is back. Listening to the squash, squelch, slurp of the mud I have to decide. Do I let the inner child enjoy the sensation and the sounds? Or do I let the inner adult force me to walk along the very edges where the ground is drier and safer?
Piles of brown leaves, huddled around a tree trunk still lie in the shade. Most of the hard frost from the night before has gone but it still outlines their veins.
A large flock of pigeons cover a field, all busy scratching for food. I'm reminded, for some reason of a dot-to-dot page. I wondered what picture would emerge if I joined those dots.
The above isn't fantastically written. However if I'd not forced myself to notice and write them down, they'd be forgotten and I'd never have the chance to include in future stories.
Another plus is that in the short time I've been keeping this diary it's already given me two new ideas for picture book stories.
To finish this post I'd like to offer the above as a tip. So if you have a diary hidden away unloved, dust it off and create your own observation diary.
Lynne Garner
Recently I treated myself to 'Your Creative Writing Masterclass' by Jurgen Wolff. A section of the book discusses what drives a person and makes them act as they do, important when trying to create believable characters.
As part of this discussion the author discusses Abraham Maslow (1st April 1908 - 8th June 1970)and his hierarchy of needs. This is often shown as a pyramid made up of five sections. Each of these sections link to the stages of growth in a human and what they seek/need at each level. Maslow believed that the lower levels must be fulfilled for a person to be able to concern themselves with the higher levels. These five levels are:
Level one:
This consists of the basic needs to survive including: food, water, shelter, sex and sleep.
Level two:
This is the security of the individual, the family and the home. In today's modern world this could include: a safe home and environment, the need for a secure job and the knowledge that close family will be 'looked after' should something happen to us (life insurance).
Level three:
Covers the need and desire for love and belonging. This includes the love of a spouse/partner and family plus good relationships with friends and perhaps even belonging to a group.
Level four:
Once a person feels the needs of the previous three levels have been fulfilled they can start to concern themselves with self-esteem: how others view them, they receive respect from others, they respect themselves and have a sense of worth.
Level five:
In this top layer a person can begin to express themselves creatively, consider their spiritual needs, focus on their morals beliefs and express them in what they say and how they act.
Being introduced to this theory has already helped me with a story I'm in the process of planning. I've placed my lead character in level one for the first chapter, so he has a longer climb to reach level five (where I need him to be by the middle of the story).
Now I'd like to ask: what have you learnt recently that has helped you with your writing?
Lynne Garner
Anyone who knows me will know I have a passion for British wildlife and one species in particular, the hedgehog. When I'm not teaching, writing, walking the dog, doing the housework etc. I work as part of a small voluntary group called
Herts Hogline. This group rescues sick, injured and orphaned hedgehogs. It also aims to educate anyone who wishes to help support their local hedgehog population.
One of my tasks is to use my writing skills to:
- Write up-dates for our Facebook page
- Create posts for our blog: The Hedgehog Shed
- Craft tweets for our twitter account: follow us @hertshogline
- Draft features for magazines and local parish newsletters
What do I get out of this?
Well I'll be honest I'm being very selfish.
Firstly it makes me feel good. I'm putting back; I'm taking part in the 'big community' and helping support a species that is very dear to me.
Secondly, like any athlete a writer has to practice, practice and practice a little more. Writers have to flex that writing muscle and hone their writing skills. So all this writing ensures my writing muscle gets lots of extra exercise.
I view this as a win-win situation. I help them by spreading the word about their work and in the process I'm hoping to become a better writer.
So if you have a passion why not help a small local voluntary organisation by using your writing skills. You never know it may just help you to become a better writer to.
Lynne Garner
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That is a brilliant idea! I am starting one today, even though it's nearly the end of Feb!
ditto!Thanks for sharing Lynne. I am just off for a walk so will begin.
I think that the use of 'details beyond the obvious' is the essence of great poetry too! Thank you for making me think and feel creative on a cold Saturday morning.
Great idea, Lynne. Digging out that spare diary now.
All those passing thoughts and observations, that at the time you are so sure you will remember, but so quickly disappear like melting snow!
"Details beyond the obvious" - that is a really useful phrase - thank you!
Good idea, Lynne!