with John W. Howell
Today’s view shows the fact that weekends are beginning to wind down. All the schools in Texas will be in session starting Monday so not too many families will be able to get away from school activities to go to the beach. As you can see the winds are relatively calm and the seas as well. You can see the yellow flowers to the left and a few on the right. The morning glories have all but disappeared.
Last week’s photo.
Nice to have the RV on the road. Have a great week!
Stream of Consciousness Saturday has come around again. This week’s prompt is “mind” and can be used in any context according to the dungeon master advice of Linda Hill. If you would like to join in please visit Linda’s site. http://lindaghill.com/2015/08/21/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-august-2215/
Mind by John W. Howell © 2015
“Say what?”
“I said it looks like you’ve lost your mind.”
“Why on Earth would you say such a thing?”
“Look at you. Your shirt and pants are on backwards and you have no shoes.”
“Did it ever occur to you that I have dressed like this on purpose?”
“No. I also don’t get how you managed to button that shirt.”
“Well I did it on purpose. I’m trying to demonstrate how some of us don’t know if we are coming or going.”
“Who are you demonstrating this idea to?”
“See there you go ending the sentence with a preposition.”
“Okay let me rephrase my question Mr. Grammar. Who are you demonstrating the idea to you idiot?”
“Not who but how many.”
“Okay. How many?”
“Just one.”
“Okay, I’ll bite. Who is the one?”
“You know him.”
“Yeah, who is it.”
“Look in this mirror.”
“Have you lost your mind?”
“This is what we call a circular situation.”
“I give up.”
“Well do you?”
“Do I what?”
“Know if you’re coming or going?”
“Please shoot me.”
“Which way?”
“Huh?”
“Coming or going?”
Another work week in the history book (almost). Friday feels so good and we can take a little time to give ourselves a bit of a break over the weekend. At least those of us who have a paycheck issued by the company can take a break from that process. if we write and work for a paycheck the break then becomes more time to write. Although we can’t completely fall into a state of relaxation, at least the tasks are different from each other. If you enjoy writing then the break from a job is an opportunity to do what you enjoy. (Of course, you know all about this write on my free time stuff.)
Today’s JohnKu is about doing what you enjoy when you have an opportunity.
Enjoy by John W. Howell ©2015
When the Man’s time’s done,
Pleasurable jobs can work…
To satisfy more.
Today I am happy to host an interview on Rave Waves BlogTalk Radio/Spotlight Honors with Rachel Pruchno the author of Surrounded By Madness: A Memoir of Mental Illness and Family Secrets. Tune in at 11:00 CDT today. Here is the link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ravereviewsbookclub/2015/08/20/rrbc-rave-waves-blog-talk-radio-spotlight-honors-with-guest-rachel-pruchno-1 You can also go to Twitter #RRBCSpotlightHonors and be part of the show with questions for Rachel. Click live after the hashtag. You can also visit Rachel on Facebook and on twitter @RachelPruchno
Rachel Pruchno is Director of Research at the New Jersey Institute for Successful Aging and Endowed Chair, Professor of Medicine at Rowan University’s School of Osteopathic Medicine. She earned her Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies at Penn State University. Dr. Pruchno has been the Principal Investigator on numerous research grants funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Institute of Aging, the National Institute of Nursing Research, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, the Retirement Research Foundation, and the Cleveland Foundation. For more than 3 decades, Dr. Pruchno’s research has focused on issues regarding mental health and families. She has published more than 70 peer-reviewed articles in scientific journals, 10 invited book chapters, and an edited book. She has served as Editor-in-Chief of The Gerontologist, a leading scientific journal, since 2011. In March 2014, Dr. Pruchno published her book, “Surrounded By Madness: A Memoir of Mental Illness and Family Secrets.”
Book Blurb:
“What was the likelihood my adopted daughter would have my father’s hazel eyes and my mother’s mental illness?”
In this fiercely candid memoir, Dr. Pruchno, a scientist widely acclaimed for her research on mental illness and families, shows how mental illness threatened to destroy her own family. Not once, but twice.
As a child, she didn’t understand her mother’s episodes of crippling sadness or whirlwind activity. As a mother, she feared her daughter Sophie would follow in the footsteps of the grandmother Sophie never knew.
Unraveling the mysteries of her mother’s and daughter’s illnesses, Pruchno fought to preserve her marriage and protect her son. But it was not until she came to terms with her own secrets that she truly understood the destructive and pervasive effects mental illness has on families.
Surrounded by Madness is transforming. It will empower families to stop hiding and start talking when mental illness strikes.
Wednesday story time again. Last week we left Charlotte talking to Bob, who still seems to think she is his mother. They got into a discussion about the word that Robert (for you late comers Robert is another personality of Bob’s) called him. Bob didn’t want to say the word but described it as a modern word for what Oedipus did back in Homers time. We need to get back there before Charlotte implodes.
“So why do you think Robert called you that word.”
“I think he knows deep down that some of my problems stem from an Oedipus complex.”
“Did you sleep with your mother?”
“No. Not that I remember anyway. I think it’s a more latent desire.”
“Ew. Bob. You are conscious of this desire?”
“I don’t think so, but something gives me a hint now and then.”
“What do you mean something?”
“I can’t explain it. It is a feeling kinda like a dream feeling.”
“Let me talk to Robert.”
“Hello, Charlotte. It’s me, Robert.”
“Okay, Robert what the hell are you doing?”
“Doing? Whatever do you mean?”
“You are planting some evil thought in Bob’s mind, and you know it.”
“Oh, you mean the sleeping with mommy stuff?”
“Exactly. That stuff.”
“I’m just playing with him. He’s such a wimp. He believes anything I tell him.”
“I’m going to ask you a question, and I want the truth. Agreed?”
“Sure. I mean agreed.”
“Did you sleep with Bob’s mother?”
“Er. Depends on what you mean by sleep?”
“Oh my gosh.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t get all twisted. Yes, I slept with her but that is what we did went to sleep.”
“Tell me more.”
“She came home one night. I think Bob and I were about nineteen or so. She was drunk out of her mind. We were in bed and she just pushed into the bed.”
“What did she do?”
“Aw, nothing. She told us she loved us and wanted a kiss. I immediately took cover. Bob gave her a kiss.”
“What kind of kiss?”
“A little peck on the cheek. My god, you have a dirty mind.”
“I didn’t say anything. I just asked what kind of kiss?”
“Well, Bob gave her this little peck. He is such a wimp. I jumped in and planted a real kiss on her drunken ass. Well, I mean on her lips.”
“Then what happened?”
“Ah, she kinda made a grab for me but passed out.”
“So you wanted to do more?”
“What the hell is it to you? You come around here making trouble. You’ve got Bob upset and now accuse me of something terrible with my mother. You need to take it back.”
“Robert you are hurting my arm. Please let go.”
“Sure mommy. I’ll let go. After you give me what you owe me.”
“Bob please help me.”
“Charlotte I feel so weak. Robert won’t let me out.”
“Oh, my gosh.”
I am pleased to welcome S M Spencer to Fiction Favorites today. She is the author of Destiny, which is book one of the Absent Shadows Trilogy and she is on a 4 Wills Publishing Absent Shadows Tour. Welcome to Fiction Favorites,
Hello, and thanks for stopping by on my blog tour! I would like to thank John for having me here, and also 4Wills Publishing for organizing this tour for me. To see all the stops on the tour, check out their website:
www.4willspublishing.wordpress.com/upcoming-events/
HOW I CHOOSE POINT OF VIEW
A lot has been written about the various POV options, as well as the pros and cons of each. I’ve Googled the topic, read articles and a multitude of chapters in editing books and even so I find some of the discussions can get rather confusing. So, how do I go about choosing between the various POV options? Well, let me start with a simple definition and then I’ll tell you how I do it.
Works of fiction are narrated by a person (or sometimes an animal) that is telling the story. Point of view (“POV”) is, put simply, the perspective from which that narrator speaks.
So, who is the narrator of any given story? Is it a single character from within the story, or is the story told by more than one character? Or is the narrator not part of the story at all? Is the story to be told by an omniscient being with knowledge and understanding of all the characters? The decision as to who the narrator is determines whether there is a single viewpoint or a dual, multiple or omniscient viewpoint. The type of narrator can be first person (“I”) or third person (“he” or “she”).
So, armed with a definition, how did I choose? I put on my reader hat and thought about what books I’ve really enjoyed as a reader, and then I went back and had a look at how those books were written.
Take the Janet Evanovich books for example. Stephanie Plum is a sassy bounty hunter who I found it incredibly likable. These books are written in first person single viewpoint, giving us narrative like this snippet from Two for the Dough: “It was late October, and Trenton was enjoying the death throes of Indian summer. Ranger and I were squatting behind a hydrangea bush at the corner of Paterson and Wycliff, and we weren’t enjoying Indian summer, each other’s company, or much of anything else.” And it’s not just me that finds the character Stephanie Plum works well—the twenty-second installment of the series, Tricky Twenty-Two, is due for release later this year.
Another style of first person, first person present, is gaining popularity and can be found in books such as Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games. That book starts off with this: “When I wake up, the other side of the bed is cold. My fingers stretch out, seeking Prim’s warmth but finding only the rough canvas cover of the mattress.” Everything that happens is happening right now—in the present—as the story is being told. I’ve read a few books written in this fashion, and while I find that the writing can seem somewhat abrupt initially, if the story is good enough I do settle into the style. However, I suspect it must take a great deal of concentration to consistently write in this style without slipping up.
I found a really interesting example of the use of first person in a book called Mudbound, by Hillary Jordan. In this story, there are several narrators, and each is written in the first person. Each chapter is clearly marked with the name of the protagonist whose voice we are hearing. The story progresses smoothly, changing between the six main characters without a hitch. This style provides incredible insight into each of the main characters, allowing the reader to really identify with each character. I would love to write a book using this method at some stage when I have the right story for it.
If you don’t want to write in first person, as in “I”, then there is third person. Narrated by “he” or “she” and considerable use of the character’s name, third person can have single, dual or multiple viewpoints. Third person dual viewpoint is often used for contemporary romance books as it allows for a much greater development of the hero. This provides greater insight into the feelings and motivations of both characters, not just the female protagonist.
Third person, multiple viewpoints is the technique used in Robin Cook’s Harmful Intent, an intense medical thriller. The story switched between the various characters flawlessly, providing the reader with insight into the motivation and personality of all the key characters—the good guys, the bad guys and the ones you aren’t sure about until the end. The POV changes weren’t always in new chapters either, but they were clearly identified by spacing, and use of the characters names in the course of the narration.
So, having said all that, how do I choose the POV for a particular story?
I answer the following questions. Is it best for the story to unfold through the eyes of one main character, knowing that the reader will only know what this main character knows? Or will the story work better if told from two or more viewpoints? Then I decide whether I would prefer to write in first person or third person. Again, going back over books I’ve read and liked helped with both decisions.
Another key factor for me in determining the POV to use is to keep the reader’s best interests in mind. It is crucial that the reader never be in doubt as to who is telling the story.
In writing the Absent Shadows trilogy, I chose a single point of view, being that of the main character, Lili. This was her story, told from her perspective entirely. As many of the other characters in the story were not human, I felt it best for the reader to see them as Lili saw them rather than to delve too deeply into their thoughts, desires, and motivations.
However, I am employing other POV’s with my current works in progress. One is a contemporary romance and is written in third person dual viewpoint. The other, which I am still struggling to categorise, is currently being written in third person with multiple viewpoints.
My advice to others would be to read articles and books to expand your knowledge but above all, keep it simple, and trust your instincts.
S M Spencer’s first series is called Absent Shadows Trilogy. To find out more about the series, and obtain free samples of each of the books, visit Amazon:
You can also follow her on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/SMSpencer.writer for advice about upcoming promotions as well as updates on the books she’s currently working on.
Her twitter handle is @SMSpencerAuthor
About the Author:
S M Spencer was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area of California. As a young teenager, she was introduced to the world of romantic suspense through the works of authors such as Daphne du Maurier and Mary Stewart. These books stirred in her a passion that would last a lifetime: to become a writer.Feeling the need to experience life before embarking on a writing career, Ms. Spencer completed a business degree. Her career eventually landed her in Melbourne, Australia, where she has lived ever since.
SM Spencer now writes from her home in a semi-rural part of Australia, where she lives with her husband, horses, cats, and dogs.
Destiny Excerpt:
Sometimes, when something bad happens, time seems to slow to a crawl.
Like that time, I was running to visit my friend who lived down the street. I was only about ten at the time, but it seemed like it was yesterday. I remember exactly how it felt as I ran down that street toward her house. And how, when I was only part way there, I stepped on an acorn and my foot rolled out from under me. As I fell, the pavement got closer and closer to my face—in horrible slow-motion. I hit the ground with my hands stretched out in front of me, scraping the skin off both palms. They barely bled but man they hurt like crazy.
Yes, I could replay that memory like a slow-motion movie in my head even now—years later.
But this … well, this wasn’t like that.
What happened next was like a series of still photos. Tom flew out of the bedroom in a blur, but stopped just long enough for the image of his face to be burnt into my mind. His eyes were no longer soft brown, but were instead a glowing red, and his normally tanned complexion was now pallid grey. But what really stood out was the blood that ran down from the corner of his mouth.
Then I heard Sam’s voice—loud and harsh. ‘Go!’
Tom was gone and I heard the door slam.
I closed my eyes for no more than a long blink—it couldn’t have been more than a second—but when I opened them, Sam was in the bedroom, bending over Claire. Was he doing something to her neck? She was so still.
I ran to the doorway but stopped short of going in. I couldn’t draw a breath to scream or talk. I just stood there, frozen.
Keith Channing has a prompt each week he calls Kreative Kue. He posts a picture and has these instructions. “ Using this photo as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr.” Here is the link to his post http://channing.info/wp/2015/08/17/kreative-kue-38-2/
This week’s photo.
The Agent by John W. Howell © 2015
“I’m telling you I know this area, and you can find a reasonably priced home. All you have to do is keep looking.”
“Well, you’re my real estate agent. Why don’t you show me some things?”
“That’s why we’re here.”
“In a shopping center in front of a barber shop.”
“Now you have to keep an open mind.”
“Open mind about what?”
“About living in a barber shop.”
“You have to be kidding me.”
“Are you allergic to hair?”
“That’s not the point. Why do you think I should live in a barber shop?”
“Well for one thing this is Florida, and your budget is pretty small. Besides I think I can get the owner to knock off some of the rent if you agree to sweep up at night.”
“This is ridiculous. Where do you live if I may ask?”
“You’re in my house.”
“This van?”
“Well, it’s better than a barbershop. I even have a pet whatchamacallit bird out for a walk right now.”
“I need a new agent.”
“No, you need a ton more money.”
This list was inspired by hearing many things said in an out loud voice that would have been better kept to the inside. Hope you like it.
Top Ten Things to Never Ever Say Out Loud
10 Never say out loud, “When is your baby due?” If you do, at best the person will give you a time of expected delivery but a frown for asking a personal question. At worst, you will be apologetic for making the assumption of motherhood when, in fact, the person has a different condition that the non-recognition of same requires numerous hits about your head and body. (And you thought that umbrella was on account of the rain forecast)
9 Never say out loud, “Do you smell something?” If you do, at best those around you will wrinkle their nose and assume you are an animal. At worst, big Brutus who is behind you will think you are making fun of the fact that he works on an oil rig that will become apparent to you on your way to the ER. (Brutus has some sensitivity about smelling like oil although he has not mastered the art of bathing)
8 Never say out loud, “It’s my turn.” If you do, at best you will have someone choosing to disagree. At worst, the crowd behind you in line will sense the insecurity of such a statement and push forward in an attempt to eliminate your position in line. (You should not say it even if the clerk asks “Who’s next?”)
7 Never say out loud, “My you have a healthy appetite” If you do, at best you will call attention to the fact that the person ate quite a bit. At worst, you will demonstrate your lack of social grace and someone might hand you a well-deserved knuckle sandwich. (Which will be 100% fat-free.)
6 Never say out loud, “Is that appropriate wear for a date?” If you do, at best you might be responsible for the opening salvo of a great teen war. At worst, you might be told that what is worn is no body’s business and what are you going to do about it. (The next move and ultimate fault for the episode is yours.)
5 Never say out loud, “You out of razors?” If you do, at best there will be some additional comment about you not liking a particular look. At worst, you will come to understand that razor use is now part of certain banned behaviors of a back to nature group. (That you had no idea existed before now.)
4 Never say out loud, “I hear you’re in Weight Watchers.” If you do, at best you can expect an unwelcome comment about your weight. At worst, you could be on the receiving end on an invitation to engage in an unnatural act with yourself. (And we are not talking about spanking.)
3 Never say out loud, “Did you have a choice of color?” If you do, at best the subject of your humor will not laugh with you. At worst, you might be on the receiving end of some very critical comments about your lavender colored Ford Focus. (And you know you had a choice.)
2 Never say out loud, “Your children are certainly a handful aren’t they?” If you do, at best you will have precipitated a great test of will on the part of the parent. At worst, you will understand what it is like to pick on a baby bear cub. (Running up a tree is probably the best solution.)
1 Never say out loud. “You don’t eat meat. What’s wrong with you?” If you do, at best those who don’t eat meat will avoid you like the plague. At worst, several members of the Professional Vegan Wrestler Society will provide a free message, and you will agree there is nothing wrong with people who choose to avoid eating meat. (Admit it you never felt so relaxed and possibly so paralyzed.)
Now we are talking. This week’s shot finally captured the elusive RV camping site. This one is fairly typical. You have your three pick-up trucks, a tent for the young-uns, and the palatial RV for the oldsters. The generator (that you can’t hear) sound is picked up by the Gulf breezes and carries right into one’s ear way back off the beach. The water is calm and you can also see the yellow and white flowers. The two on foot are neighbors going down to the beach to secure a spot before the next RV pulls in. It is a beautiful day.
Last week’s photo.
It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday again. This week we have a new badge which was established by pitting several bloggers against each other in mortal combat. It was agreed in advance the last one standing would establish the badge for the rest. Since all manners of contests cause me to break out in a rash I did not participate. I do think all the competitors did an excellent job. Special congratulations to Hope Floats for the winning design.
This week’s prompt is “ay.” We are to use a word that ends in ay. If you would like to participate go to Linda Hill’s blog and read about the rules. Here is the link. http://lindaghill.com/2015/08/14/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-august-1515/ My interpretation follows.
Say What? By John W. Howell © 2015
“So tell me again what the guy said to you.”
“He said, ‘Aye matey, you’ll make a fine seaman.’”
“Give me a little more context here. Why would he say that?”
“Well, I asked if he was looking for employees.”
“Employees? On a ship?”
“He was standing on the corner. He had a parrot on his shoulder, and one leg was wooden. He was holding a sign that read Crew members needed. Good, pay.”
“And you decided to talk to him?”
“Aye. I mean yes. I asked him what would be the duties of a crew member.”
“This is getting worse. What did he say?”
“He mentioned manning the sails, swabbing the deck, and boarding other ships.”
“Boarding other ships? The person was a pirate?”
“Nay me hardy. The person was a sea, captain.”
“Nay? Are you nuts? You have a job and a good home.”
“That’s today. What about the future?”
“What possible future could there be in the pirate business?”
“He offered me an eighth split.”
“Split of what.”
“The bounty. You know gold, silver, and jewels.”
“Have you been watching Pirates of the Caribbean again?”
“You gave it to me for my birthday.”
“Yes, I know. I didn’t think it would be a gateway to your delusions.”
“I don’t have a delusion. In fact I gotta go I’m due at the gangway in a half hour.”
“I think I need a jug of Chardonnay.”
