Peg Herring's Blog, page 53
January 14, 2010
Speaking Tudor - Unknown
(Recap) Amazing News! Modern science has developed the ability to bring people from the past to our time. It's a huge secret, of course, but I have discovered the method and brought four characters from HER HIGHNESS' FIRST MURDER to 2010. In the coming weeks, you'll hear what they have to say about our time, their time, the best of times, and the worst of times.
"I find your time interesting, particularly in language. What a lot of it you use! Words to me should be weighed and chosen carefully, but in 2010, everyone speaks, writes, and even 'tweets' with very little thought. When one reads what some vomit onto this thing you call the Internet, one wonders. Is there no such thing as proper English these days? Even your newscasters have declining abilities, it seems, those at the top being tolerably conversant with their mother tongue but some below them lacking even a basic knowledge of syntax and usage.
If I were to stay here for any length of time, which I do not plan to do, I would make it my mission to point out such faults. How can a person think adequately if he cannot put his words into comprehensible expression?"
"I find your time interesting, particularly in language. What a lot of it you use! Words to me should be weighed and chosen carefully, but in 2010, everyone speaks, writes, and even 'tweets' with very little thought. When one reads what some vomit onto this thing you call the Internet, one wonders. Is there no such thing as proper English these days? Even your newscasters have declining abilities, it seems, those at the top being tolerably conversant with their mother tongue but some below them lacking even a basic knowledge of syntax and usage.
If I were to stay here for any length of time, which I do not plan to do, I would make it my mission to point out such faults. How can a person think adequately if he cannot put his words into comprehensible expression?"
January 13, 2010
Speaking Tudor - Hugh
(Recap) Amazing News! Modern science has developed the ability to bring people from the past to our time. It's a huge secret, of course, but I have discovered the method and brought four characters from HER HIGHNESS' FIRST MURDER to 2010. In the coming weeks, you'll hear what they have to say about our time, their time, the best of times, and the worst of times.
Hugh Bellows here. I serve His Majesty, Henry Eight, and I will say from the start that your time is not for me. Folk today are soft and there is no clear sense of right and wrong. At the risk of offending, I will explain. At least a man is free to speak his mind in 2010 and will not be branded for it.
You have made an industry of dealing with criminals: police forces, attorneys, judges, courts, parole officers, bailbondsmen, social workers, and many more. Even your entertainment device, the t-and-v, is besotted with why criminals do what they do and what happens to them "in the system". You watch a killer do terrible things and applaud his cleverness even as you look forward to his arrest. And then what? Often they are locked away, which is good, but why are they not put to death in some public event, to serve as an example for others?
I believe that this fascination with crime began with the making and selling of books. Before men could read, they listened to their sovereign, who told them what the law would be. When books and papers and such became plentiful throughout the land, men began to think they could decide for themselves what a law should be. Now the law is a stew of all men's views and opinions, and as such, its purpose is blunted.
I say let your leader, the one you call President, say who will live and who will die. He will make mistakes, to be sure, but many men make many mistakes, or fail to act altogether. Which is worse?
Hugh Bellows here. I serve His Majesty, Henry Eight, and I will say from the start that your time is not for me. Folk today are soft and there is no clear sense of right and wrong. At the risk of offending, I will explain. At least a man is free to speak his mind in 2010 and will not be branded for it.
You have made an industry of dealing with criminals: police forces, attorneys, judges, courts, parole officers, bailbondsmen, social workers, and many more. Even your entertainment device, the t-and-v, is besotted with why criminals do what they do and what happens to them "in the system". You watch a killer do terrible things and applaud his cleverness even as you look forward to his arrest. And then what? Often they are locked away, which is good, but why are they not put to death in some public event, to serve as an example for others?
I believe that this fascination with crime began with the making and selling of books. Before men could read, they listened to their sovereign, who told them what the law would be. When books and papers and such became plentiful throughout the land, men began to think they could decide for themselves what a law should be. Now the law is a stew of all men's views and opinions, and as such, its purpose is blunted.
I say let your leader, the one you call President, say who will live and who will die. He will make mistakes, to be sure, but many men make many mistakes, or fail to act altogether. Which is worse?
January 12, 2010
Speaking Tudor - Hannah
(Recap) Amazing News! Modern science has developed the ability to bring people from the past to our time. It's a huge secret, of course, but I have discovered the method and brought four characters from HER HIGHNESS' FIRST MURDER to 2010. In the coming weeks, you'll hear what they have to say about our time, their time, the best of times, and the worst of times.
(New post) "I am Hannah, and I work at Hampstead Castle, where the Princess Elizabeth has been staying. I suppose that is why I was brought to your time, but it is not for the likes of me, I must say.
"I am an orphan, sent to Hampstead to make my way in the world. There I learned how to work hard, for Hampstead is a constant trial to its inhabitants. Built long ago, it has no modern comforts, certainly nothing like the homes of today. Still, it is better than the place I come from, a foundling home overcrowded and grim. In truth, Hampstead is grim, but it is not crowded, and there are folk there I have come to know and like.
"When Her Highness was sent to us, we were all very excited. I was nervous at first, but she is not so frightening when one gets to know her. Not that I claim close acquaintance, of course. I know my place. Still, she speaks when we meet on the stairs, and she once took me with her to carry her things home from a shop, and that day it was almost like we were friends, for we laughed at the antics of the street vendors and she asked my opinion on which ribbon best matched her new skirt.
"Now that we are here, in the year 2010, she bids me to be strong and not cower at motorized traffic and the constant din of electonic devices. "They are still people, Hannah," she says. "No matter their wondrous machines and their learned ways." I try to keep it in mind, but I am not used to it. I'm told that here I am as good as anyone else, that there is no servant class. People serve others everywhere I look, but it is apparently different these days. I'm not sure how. I will ask Simon Maldon to explain it. He is common, like me, but ever so much wiser."
(New post) "I am Hannah, and I work at Hampstead Castle, where the Princess Elizabeth has been staying. I suppose that is why I was brought to your time, but it is not for the likes of me, I must say.
"I am an orphan, sent to Hampstead to make my way in the world. There I learned how to work hard, for Hampstead is a constant trial to its inhabitants. Built long ago, it has no modern comforts, certainly nothing like the homes of today. Still, it is better than the place I come from, a foundling home overcrowded and grim. In truth, Hampstead is grim, but it is not crowded, and there are folk there I have come to know and like.
"When Her Highness was sent to us, we were all very excited. I was nervous at first, but she is not so frightening when one gets to know her. Not that I claim close acquaintance, of course. I know my place. Still, she speaks when we meet on the stairs, and she once took me with her to carry her things home from a shop, and that day it was almost like we were friends, for we laughed at the antics of the street vendors and she asked my opinion on which ribbon best matched her new skirt.
"Now that we are here, in the year 2010, she bids me to be strong and not cower at motorized traffic and the constant din of electonic devices. "They are still people, Hannah," she says. "No matter their wondrous machines and their learned ways." I try to keep it in mind, but I am not used to it. I'm told that here I am as good as anyone else, that there is no servant class. People serve others everywhere I look, but it is apparently different these days. I'm not sure how. I will ask Simon Maldon to explain it. He is common, like me, but ever so much wiser."
January 11, 2010
Speaking Tudor
Amazing News! Modern science has developed the ability to bring people from the past to our time. It's a huge secret, of course, but I have discovered the method and brought four characters from HER HIGHNESS' FIRST MURDER to 2010. In the coming weeks, you'll hear what they have to say about our time, their time, the best of times, and the worst of times.
First to speak is Simon Maldon, apprentice and part-time sleuth for Elizabeth Tudor.
"I am Simon, and there is so much to say about your time that I cannot think where to begin. So much wonder! So much that I would never have believed possible! Yet there are things that trouble me, too. I will write on both as things progress.
"For today, let me tell you of a wonder I enjoy very much: the shower. At first I was reluctant to try it. The little cage seemed confining, and the idea of taking off all my clothing was odd. But once I was assured that I would be alone and that the cage opens easily from the inside, I agreed to try it. What a wonderful feeling! Water of whatever temperature one likes cascades down, washing away dirt and even easing aches and pains.
"I confess that I smell like a woman right now, for the hair-cleaning stuff I was given is quite flowery. Still, it is a wonder to feel so refreshed. I'm not sure I like the feel of 'blue jeans', but the shirt I now wear is quite soft and comfortable. However, I think I will not be allowed to keep it, for it has someone else's name emblazoned on it, someone named Izod. He sounds like a wizard to me, so I will be careful to return it in good condition."
Order HER HIGHNESS' FIRST MURDER on amazon or from any bookseller. [image error]Her Highness' First Murder
First to speak is Simon Maldon, apprentice and part-time sleuth for Elizabeth Tudor.
"I am Simon, and there is so much to say about your time that I cannot think where to begin. So much wonder! So much that I would never have believed possible! Yet there are things that trouble me, too. I will write on both as things progress.
"For today, let me tell you of a wonder I enjoy very much: the shower. At first I was reluctant to try it. The little cage seemed confining, and the idea of taking off all my clothing was odd. But once I was assured that I would be alone and that the cage opens easily from the inside, I agreed to try it. What a wonderful feeling! Water of whatever temperature one likes cascades down, washing away dirt and even easing aches and pains.
"I confess that I smell like a woman right now, for the hair-cleaning stuff I was given is quite flowery. Still, it is a wonder to feel so refreshed. I'm not sure I like the feel of 'blue jeans', but the shirt I now wear is quite soft and comfortable. However, I think I will not be allowed to keep it, for it has someone else's name emblazoned on it, someone named Izod. He sounds like a wizard to me, so I will be careful to return it in good condition."
Order HER HIGHNESS' FIRST MURDER on amazon or from any bookseller. [image error]Her Highness' First Murder
January 7, 2010
Talking About Books
Met a friend for lunch yesterday for the express pleasure of talking about books, publishing, authors, reading, and writing. Some of you might have regular contact with others in the biz, but living in rural northern Michigan limits my opportunitites, and I'm lucky if I get to speak to someone who really knows the stresses of publishing once a month. I'm sure I bore my friends silly with talk of edits and pub dates, and many of them struggle to keep up with the argot.
But lunches with those as crazed as I am on the subject are days to be savored. Topics are visited and revisited: what is it that's wrong with that cozy? What was Author X thinking when she wrote that one? Will Author Y's new stand-alone be well received, and how did he get his publisher to agree to that new direction?
Others might wonder (I'm sure the waitress did when we hit the third hour) what is so fascinating. But we know. We know.
But lunches with those as crazed as I am on the subject are days to be savored. Topics are visited and revisited: what is it that's wrong with that cozy? What was Author X thinking when she wrote that one? Will Author Y's new stand-alone be well received, and how did he get his publisher to agree to that new direction?
Others might wonder (I'm sure the waitress did when we hit the third hour) what is so fascinating. But we know. We know.
January 6, 2010
Speaking and Listening
Here's what I observed over thirty years of teaching communication. It's important for today's author to be a good speaker, because we must present well before agents, editors, and audiences of potential readers. While I would hate to think we compete with each other, we are compared to other writers as we sit on panels, in pitch sessions, and so on. Many times I've bought books based on the impression a speaker made on me at a convention. Nevada Barr springs to mind; she has such a presence on stage that I wanted to read what she'd written, and it worked. Other times it doesn't turn out quite so well, but the impression an author made during a presentation had an influence, even if I only bought one book.
Listening, too, is critical for authors, and we often neglect that skill. Missing the nuances of tone and expression, sometimes even missing the words themselves, is common, especially when the listener's situation is fraught with nervousness. What exactly did that agent say? Was I too busy thinking of how to appear clever that I missed the hint of truth behind the polite phrasing? It can even be more specific: Did the agent say to send three chapters and a five-page synopsis or five chapters and a three-page synopsis?
So as writers, we have to sigh and admit that improving the other communication segments is almost as critical to our success as becoming better writers. We have to speak well and appear confident as we do. We have to listen well and sift through the chaff of all we hear in a day, finding the kernels of truth that we seek.
The last word on speaking and listening? After thirty year of observation, that one's easy: PRACTICE.
Listening, too, is critical for authors, and we often neglect that skill. Missing the nuances of tone and expression, sometimes even missing the words themselves, is common, especially when the listener's situation is fraught with nervousness. What exactly did that agent say? Was I too busy thinking of how to appear clever that I missed the hint of truth behind the polite phrasing? It can even be more specific: Did the agent say to send three chapters and a five-page synopsis or five chapters and a three-page synopsis?
So as writers, we have to sigh and admit that improving the other communication segments is almost as critical to our success as becoming better writers. We have to speak well and appear confident as we do. We have to listen well and sift through the chaff of all we hear in a day, finding the kernels of truth that we seek.
The last word on speaking and listening? After thirty year of observation, that one's easy: PRACTICE.
January 4, 2010
Playing God
I received several comments on a recently published work because it in some ways parallels events in my life. The comments center on the idea that if a certain person of my acquaintance comes up missing, I would have to be suspected, given the plot of the story.
Yup.
Life is unfair, unbalanced, and unjust. People we all know should be punished aren't. Writers have the luxury of deciding whether justice will reign and how it will happen. And we don't even have to give DNA samples afterward.
Yup.
Life is unfair, unbalanced, and unjust. People we all know should be punished aren't. Writers have the luxury of deciding whether justice will reign and how it will happen. And we don't even have to give DNA samples afterward.
December 25, 2009
Five Gold Rings: You Win
The last one is easy: relax and enjoy the day!
If you've followed instructions, you looked at your future, your past, your present, and your personality. (BTW:The 20 "I am" statements tend to start with stuff that anyone could have revealed about you, move to deeper stuff, and end with stuff you're afraid is true.) Now you should be ready to look forward with a realistic image of what you are and what you want.
If you've followed instructions, you looked at your future, your past, your present, and your personality. (BTW:The 20 "I am" statements tend to start with stuff that anyone could have revealed about you, move to deeper stuff, and end with stuff you're afraid is true.) Now you should be ready to look forward with a realistic image of what you are and what you want.
December 24, 2009
Gold Ring Assignments: Getting Harder
Today's challenge isn't a question; it's a job.
List twenty statements about yourself that begin with "I am..."
Do it all in one sitting and don't let yourself stop until you've got twenty. (These probably should not be shared.)
List twenty statements about yourself that begin with "I am..."
Do it all in one sitting and don't let yourself stop until you've got twenty. (These probably should not be shared.)
December 23, 2009
Question 3 for Gold Rings
What one thing could you do today to make yourself a better person?
This one reminds me of the prayer somebody told me about: "Lord, you know I've been really good today. I haven't slandered anyone with gossip or been grumpy or hard to get along with. I haven't even given anyone a dirty look. My thoughts have been kind and my attitude toward my fellow human beings is positive and forgiving.
"But it's almost 6:00 a.m. and I have to get out of bed now, so I'll need your help with the rest of the day!"
This one reminds me of the prayer somebody told me about: "Lord, you know I've been really good today. I haven't slandered anyone with gossip or been grumpy or hard to get along with. I haven't even given anyone a dirty look. My thoughts have been kind and my attitude toward my fellow human beings is positive and forgiving.
"But it's almost 6:00 a.m. and I have to get out of bed now, so I'll need your help with the rest of the day!"
