They're real to me!

I am an avid believer in the fantastic, the impossible, and the unimaginable.

   Sometimes people try to tell me that the things of fantasy and magic - the things on the screens and in the books - are not real and they don't matter. "It's not real!" my mother tells me. It doesn't matter because it's not real life.

   Don't matter? Are you kidding me? I could write an essay on why they matter!

   So here I am. Blogging about it. Not that anyone will read this or pay attention, but it makes me feel better.

   WHY do Fantasy, Sci-Fi and the unrealistic matter?

   Let me tell you. Fantastic things are what keep creativity and imagination alive, for one. They inspire hope - hope in magic, in love, in the impossible and the beautiful. They are the creation, the very essence of human nature; they speak to the greater part of the soul. Symbolically, hypothetically, and emotionally.

   A fantastic struggle for love, in which the lovers are separated by unrealistic circumstances (Twilight, Vampire Diaries, Doctor Who) embodies the idea that love conquers all, that everyone can find love. Everyone thinks at one point or another that they'll never find someone who loves them back. The impossibility of finding someone so compatible and perfect for them is simply 'unrealistic,' 'impossible.' When you watch or read a love story, witnessing the impossible circumstances by which the lovers are separated, but you just know they're going to end up together (because that's the POINT. THEY HAVE TO!), it gives you hope that your standards aren't too high - you'll find someone perfect for you. 

   Magic? Why magic? Magic, symbolically, represents different aspects of human nature and gifts that others possess. Hypothetically, of course. I'll use my own series as an example, and I'll try not to be confusing. I have five Classes of the supernaturally Gifted. One of those classes is Enchanters. Enchanters can manipulate human nature: emotionally and physically. I have one character who is the most emotional character (probably of ever) in the entire series. He's damaged, understandably so, and bottles up his emotions, which is why he's such a potent Enchanter. You see, Enchanters tap into a person's individual traits and emotions to persuade, Charm or Influence their behavior. This character uses his bottled up emotions to further Influence his victims; his emotions are so potent that he can literally control anyone he wants, exuding his Influence in an Aura-like way - wrapping the emotion around them, like physical ribbons. Enchanting someone is sort of like hypnotizing them (sometimes) except they are completely aware of what they're doing and find it completely rational (if the Enchanter does it right). 

   That was a bit of a rant, but you get what I'm trying to say, right? Enchanters embody the emotion of human nature - we are, as a rule, very emotional creatures. Emotion drives everything we do. Basically, symbolically, magic can represent humanity. It conveys the meaning, the importance of aspects of humanity in such a way as could never be explained in words. It's more of a feeling that comes with the symbolism, like and aura.

   Sci-Fi often embodies the social issues of the human world (trust me, I took a class on Sci-Fi - terrific class. I learned more in there than I ever did in English). Most Science Fiction story plots are molded around a current social issue. Take... oh, The Day the Earth Stood Still or Invasion of the Body Snatchers (both of which I've seen several times). They're basically statements about McCarthyism, back in the '50s (if you know your history, you'll understand). Science Fiction is a way of 'sugar coating' a social issue, making it more terrifying (if definitely hits home) but symbolically correct. A more modern example would be Surrogates - fantastic film, watch it - in which everyone has a robot ('Surrogate') they control as 'them,' going around the world in that and experiencing life as a robot rather than in their physical form. I mean, we already do that today, in a way: Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, etc. 'Social' media, and all that. 

   So that's my explanation as to why the fantastic and the impossible are important.

   Sometimes, they seem more realistic than real life, don't they? The human aspect - the characters. They're relatable! We understand them. They're just like us, making dummy mistakes, just like us. They're human. So are we. We can't help it. The fantastic is more believable than the realistic, ay? Beautiful. Humans. I love 'em.
   So that, mother, is why the fantastic is important. They're real to me, okay?!

-Anevay

Long time no blog!

I only got back on here because I created a CBS The Mentalist Jisbon (Jane and Lisbon) blog... heh... anyway, time for - not a prompt this time - but something helpful for writers. This is an emotion wheel. I have lots of different 'helpers' I can post on here, but this one is extremely useful. At the root are six main emotions, from which branch other emotions/actions caused by the emotions. Helpful for characterization! How does a given character react when one of the emotions? Everyone reacts differently! Try it!
-Anevay

Writer's... Block. Fix=Fantasy Prompt!

Something terrible has happened.
     Yes, I have writers block.
     Gasp! Horrible, isn't it? It's seriously annoying. It's like I can't motivate myself to write when I want/need to! I've just realized that it's been going on for a while. Gah. So dumb. Well, let's do a prompt on my favorite genre: fantasy! I'll try this one with you. Maybe it will help. Hopefully.
     Alright, prompt is this.
     Use this idea and any object in the picture: You sit up surrounded by running, screaming warriors, covered in dirt, dust and something else and holding something sharp. You can't remember how you got there. All you know is, you're in trouble.

    Put any spin on it you want, change the weapons however you want -- I have no idea if they're from a game or whatever, I just found them on Google, don't belong to me, obviously -- make those weapons have any powers you desire and make your story.
     Stumped? Don't be. Your character has amnesia, wakes up on a battle ground with a weapon and has to defend themselves. They're probably amateur at it, or maybe they remember their skills or their hands and body do. They could have flashbacks as they fight, making them clumsier, or they could go through the whole battle having no idea what they're fighting for and find out later, maybe almost kill a friend or two by accident -- thus making a point for the rest of the story. Who doesn't love a good amnesia story? Heck, at this point, you don't even know they're past! You come up with it as you go!
     Yep, I definitely like this one.
     Get writing and good luck!
-Anevay

Fountain pens

Gasp, you're right, there are pictures of fountain pens! Very perceptive. I was just paroozing Google and stumbled on fountain pens. I love fountain pens -- they write so beautiful it makes me jealous.
     I know what you're thinking: Anevay, you and your stupid vague prompts... but trust me, this one has ideas hidden in there, just like all my others.
    For example: who's pen is it? What is used to write? Something sinister, graceful, beautiful, hurtful, kind, thoughtful? Does it do anything special? Is the ink different? What's inside the pen? Does this pen have a particular history? How old is it? Where did it come from or WHO did it come from? (And there are plenty of fountain pens in the world -- just look on Google).
     There are endless possibilities in any picture. You just have to know where to look.
-Anevay

Analyzing another Writer's work

Alright, this is mostly because I'm obsessed, but hey, why not? As a writer, you should always examine other writers work too, correct? To better improve yourself and see what they do? Ah, that's just my excuse.
     In order from most favorite to least favorite (currently), here are my favorite series ever (and this was really hard to compose):

-Ranger's Apprentice by John Flanagan
-The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson
-Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
-The Beyonders by Brandon Mull

-Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
-Brotherband Chronicles by John Flanagan
-Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
-The Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan
-The 39 Clues (by multiple authors, started by Rick Riordan)
-The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan
-Sammy Keyes by Wendelyn Vandraanan
    And I'm sure there are TONS of others, but these are my ABSOLUTE favorites of every series I've ever read. Currently, my biggest obsession is The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson, but we'll start with John Flanagan, since he's right at the top of my favorite author's list along with J.K. Rowling, Brandon Sanderson, Brandon Mull and Rick Riordan.

So, here are my words of praise for John: an incredible writer! Gives just enough detail without overdoing it. He has incredible character development, battle scene descriptions, and drama balanced with the cheese and intensity. He grabs you with both plot and characters, which I find extremely important. You've got to have a balance, and John definitely has it. He's realistic and dramatic without going overboard.

    And, since I admire her greatly, we'll talk next about J.K. Rowling; author of the Harry Potter series. Rowling has created a incredible world that all readers can enjoy. She eases you in to the story by easing Harry into it with you. Perhaps the most incredible thing about Rowling's writing are her connections. It's amazing! Everything in the books happens for a reason--there isn't one important detail, in all the times that I've read them, that hasn't come back in and connected perfectly into the story line. Each person dies for a specific reason, and each object/detail/plot expectations is brought it in at the right moments and in the right way. Nothing is wrong or rushed. She executes her plot beautifully, and I admire and envy her for it.

     Next on my list is Brandon Sanderson! Oh, Stormfather, you have no idea how much I'm obsessed with his writing. While his books are generally very long, he does character development incredibly. Each character has a background that you can see in their personality, that differs and makes them unique, and that he tells beautifully. His connects are flawless, too, as far as I can tell (I'm on my second way through The Way of Kings). His landscape descriptions bring the place into mind, which is important in a fantasy world where you create everything. Another prominent thing I've noticed about his writing is that he's very realistic: he doesn't over-dramatize things like a lot of writers do--storms, I do it too. It's an excellent acquired skill that has brought his books to life. He tells his world like it's real, and makes you believe it is too.

Ah, here we are with Brandon Mull! I'm in love with his writing,too. He is so talented. He too has an amazing world of fantasy that captures you. His writing has a great flow to it. Nothing feels out of place. And look, he also has awesome character development. I'm always finding myself in love with the characters he creates. He can make characters you love and characters you hate, along with an amazing story line and creative, one of a king fantasy world. Not only that, but he has a beautiful grasp on reality. He writes realistically with emotions, differing his characters and making them stand out. I also love his writing style!

Last but not least, I'll touch on Rick Riordan. I love the way he has taken the loved series Percy Jackson, with it's Greek mythology based story line. He has the basics of the gods and the mythology, but he brings in his own details and gives the gods personalities. He makes Percy likeable, and has each character stand out. He, like J.K. Rowling, eases you into another world as he eases Percy in with you, making it feel better to read. And in the end, holy Zeus, you love Percy! You even love some of the bad guys. I also love the idea he has with his main series: Percy Jackson, Heroes of Olympus, Kane Chronicles--they're all based on a certain type of mythology. Greek and then Egyptian, two that are completely different, and yet he also has them connect. I love it. He's a great writer.

     So, if you'll notice from the descriptions above, they all involve character development and descriptions, flowing writing, balance, realistic, likeable, intense. There are many aspects to writing, and those authors mentioned above, I feel, have mastered many of those techniques. Many of which I someday hope to master as well and join them on that list.
     Examining and analyzing another writers work always helps, even if you don't think they're very good. Sometimes that helps you realize what you're doing good. And so, I salute those writer's above and say huzzah to them and their work.

Aw, and there's me! YES, YES, YES!

-Anevay

Trees, trees, and more trees...

Yes, there are a lot of pictures of trees. I bet you know what today's prompt is about, don't you?
     I know what you're thinking: WHY a TREE?
     Yeah, well, what happened around that tree? What memories were made there? Did someone get hurt there? Is there a specific person remembered by that tree? What's IN the tree? What is it made of? What does it look like? Who was the first one to find that tree? WHERE is the tree? What's around the tree? What secrets does it have, if any? Why, exactly, are you writing about that specific tree?
     There are so many possibilities with this prompt. I was amazed at how many possibilities there are. The characters that tree helped shape, the memories it made, the people and things it's seen, the years... there are endless possibilities! That's why I posted several pictures, just to give you some ideas.
     That's about all I've got today. Now, it's time to separate the fanfiction portion of my writing brain from the MY writing brain... now I've got a block. Lovely. Well, here we go again...
     Good luck!
-Anevay

Dialogue

Dialogue, dialogue... some struggle with it, some excel with it. So this week, see what you can do with dialogue. Try writing a story that has nothing but dialogue to explain the situation. It's good practice to get you thinking of what people would say. Make it realistic and fun, or whatever you would like.
     So how about a quick lesson on dialogue? When some one is speaking put "quotations" or 'single apostraphies' on either side of what they are saying (depending on your country, region, blah, blah, etc). Include an exclamation mark (!), a question mark (?), or period (.) inside of them, not outside--I would think this was obvious for writers. If you're a writer, you're most likely a reader and therefore should study the books you read and the way they write.
     Anyway, that's all I've got today. So have some fun with dialogue, don't be a hypocrite, and read!
Here's a powerpoint I used to teach a Creative Writing class of 7th and 8th graders. Good fun.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Qc3J6gXjwu6bHRqqQ_WoTZSQUIvMtQX132xVIw3taoA/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000

-Anevay