Words & Deeds

April 6, 2017

A Writing Activity for Music and Poetry

This exercise is great for demonstrating how so much of a song’s power and meaning come from how the music and lyrics work together (I may refer to lyrics as poetry and vice versa). Technically, it’s only a writing activity for music and poetry if you do both parts; however, even the first part alone is worth the doing. Both because of...

Categories Inspiration/Literary Device Exercises/Poetry/Writing Prompts Comment: 1

April 4, 2017

Ending the Either Or Problem with a Third Choice

The either or mentality is a bit like a famous Robert Brown poem – you have two clear options, and you pick one (well-traveled or not). Which means that ending the either or problem with a third choice has a couple inherent problems. Namely, it can be difficult to do while keeping two clearly defined options. After all, if there...

Categories Characterization, Plot, & Setting Comment: 1

March 30, 2017

A Great Tone Example That’s Funny, Too

From middle schoolers to adults, people have trouble with tone. Especially telling tone from mood. Well, here is a great tone example that’ll not only help you better understand tone but also make you laugh (what a deal!). But, first off, a bit about tone. What Is Tone? Tone – the attitude of a piece (usually the author or narrator’s attitude...

Categories Humor & Wordplay/Literary Devices & Writing Techniques Comments: 0

March 28, 2017

Why Do I Like the Trolls Movie? [Warning: Spoilers]

This is a serious question. I saw the Trolls movie a week or two ago, and I keep getting the urge to watch it again – one problem: I have no idea why! I’ve been asking myself all week, “Why do I like the Trolls movie?” And I don’t know the answer. I DON’T KNOW. (It’s sooo weird.) If you’re...

Categories Characterization, Plot, & Setting/Reviews & Recommended Reading Comments: 2

March 23, 2017

6 Word Short Story Writing Prompt Challenge

Can you express a story in 6 words? Or less? If you’ve practiced and mastered writing 50 word short stories like “They Call Him the Philosopher,” you might be ready for the 6 word short story writing prompt challenge. An Advanced Writing Prompt: The Challenge of the Six Word Short Story Pregaming the 6 Word Short Story *cough* I mean, “prepping...

Categories Challenging Exercises/Writing Prompts Comments: 0

March 21, 2017

10 Fun Made-up Words from Movies, Books, and Musicals

Hurray for neologisms! (and neologists!) These fun made-up words from movies, books, and musicals will keep you smiling – especially when you start throwing them around in conversation! 10 Neologisms (Fun Made-up Words)  1. Thneed Picking a single neologism from Dr. Seuss books is quite a challenge. His amusing, rhythmic stories rely on fun made-up words more than perhaps any other author’s works...

Categories Humor & Wordplay/Quotes, Words, & Phrases Comment: 1

March 17, 2017

A Little Irish Craic: Happy Saint Patrick’s Day

Slainte!

Categories General Thoughts & Updates Comments: 0

March 16, 2017

The Only Thing Necessary for the Triumph of Evil Is That Good Men Do Nothing

It’s a very powerful, motivating statement: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” In a speech, it would get a strong response from the audience. Because it feels true. It is not, however, the best advice for plotting a novel. Is the Only Thing Necessary for the Triumph of Evil That Good Men Do...

Categories Quotes, Words, & Phrases Comments: 0

March 14, 2017

Spelling as a Frame Story: The Alphabet of Death

Spelling as a frame story? The alphabet of death? What on Earth is this twytte talking about?* Frame stories. Sort of. A little. Maybe. Tbh, this article is focused more on a particular type of frame story, which may not even totally qualify as a frame story (I don’t know. You tell me.). But before we get to that, I guess...

Categories Humor & Wordplay/Literary Devices & Writing Techniques Comment: 1

March 9, 2017

What Is DISC and Why Should I Use It for Characterization

If there’s one thing people like to do, it’s categorize types of people. Myers-Briggs, a Jung Typology Test, combinations of the two, other variations – there are tons of options. So the short answer to “What is DISC?” is that it’s another of those personality tests. Why should I use it for characterization? It’s simple. No, seriously, it’s simple – DISC...

Categories Characterization, Plot, & Setting/Videos Comments: 0