Allison Symes's Blog, page 11
October 28, 2023
Anthologies and Collections
I’ve had the lovely news this week that another story of mine is out in the latest anthology by Bridge House Publishing called Gifted. My story in there is called Desperately Seeking Talent.
I often submit work for anthologies and it has been a great joy many of my stories have appeared in these over the years.
But I love reading anthologies and collections as well as contributing to them. I love discovering the different styles of the writers.
I was one of the winners of the Waterloo Arts Festival Writing Competition where the writers had to write to 1000 words all on the same theme. Fifteen different writers came up with fifteen varying stories and it was amazing to see the creativity here and a joy to be part of it.
Reading anthologies and collections is also a great way to discover writers new to you. Why not use what you like about their short form work to check out their longer stories and books?
I see books like this as “mixed assortments” of stories. What is there not to like about that?
I also read these books in between novels as I like to mix up reading the long form with the short form. There is so much to enjoy about both kinds of writing and I want to make sure I get plenty of reading done in both forms.
I often submit work for anthologies and it has been a great joy many of my stories have appeared in these over the years.
But I love reading anthologies and collections as well as contributing to them. I love discovering the different styles of the writers.
I was one of the winners of the Waterloo Arts Festival Writing Competition where the writers had to write to 1000 words all on the same theme. Fifteen different writers came up with fifteen varying stories and it was amazing to see the creativity here and a joy to be part of it.
Reading anthologies and collections is also a great way to discover writers new to you. Why not use what you like about their short form work to check out their longer stories and books?
I see books like this as “mixed assortments” of stories. What is there not to like about that?
I also read these books in between novels as I like to mix up reading the long form with the short form. There is so much to enjoy about both kinds of writing and I want to make sure I get plenty of reading done in both forms.
October 21, 2023
Favourite Character Types
Stories are all about the characters for me. I like a good plot but if the characters don’t do anything for me, I won’t read on. I need to understand where the characters are coming from, even if I disagree with them.
But if they don’t make me feel something, for me there is no point to the story. Going on from that led me to think about favourite character types. I have some and these are:-
1. The underdog fighting back against the odds. Ranges from Cinderella to action heroes, this type!
2. Righters of wrongs. It’s why I am fond of crime novels. Favourite Poirot for me is Murder on the Orient Express. Favourite Marple for me is Nemesis. There is no question with either of these two that the murderer will get away with it. I like this a lot. I would also argue Elizabeth Bennet counts in this category when she puts down Lady Catherine de Bourgh!
3. The surprise character. This is where someone shows unexpected qualities or without whom the lead character could not succeed in their task. Sam Gamgee from The Lord of the Rings is a great example of this given he shows unexpected courage.
4. The rough diamond character. Sam Vimes from the Discworld series is a prime example of this kind. Despite being a Duke, he’s never going to speak politely, he will fight crime and win. He is the type you want on your side in a fight! Sam Vimes is a cross between a righter of wrong and a rough diamond. Many characters can be more than one type.
Whatever the character type though, I do know I have to be gripped by them and I have to understand them for that to be able to happen.
But if they don’t make me feel something, for me there is no point to the story. Going on from that led me to think about favourite character types. I have some and these are:-
1. The underdog fighting back against the odds. Ranges from Cinderella to action heroes, this type!
2. Righters of wrongs. It’s why I am fond of crime novels. Favourite Poirot for me is Murder on the Orient Express. Favourite Marple for me is Nemesis. There is no question with either of these two that the murderer will get away with it. I like this a lot. I would also argue Elizabeth Bennet counts in this category when she puts down Lady Catherine de Bourgh!
3. The surprise character. This is where someone shows unexpected qualities or without whom the lead character could not succeed in their task. Sam Gamgee from The Lord of the Rings is a great example of this given he shows unexpected courage.
4. The rough diamond character. Sam Vimes from the Discworld series is a prime example of this kind. Despite being a Duke, he’s never going to speak politely, he will fight crime and win. He is the type you want on your side in a fight! Sam Vimes is a cross between a righter of wrong and a rough diamond. Many characters can be more than one type.
Whatever the character type though, I do know I have to be gripped by them and I have to understand them for that to be able to happen.
October 14, 2023
Kindle
My favourite book format is the paperback but must admit you can't beat the Kindle for when going on holiday. No more worries about how many books I can take with me. Also takes less room in the suitcase.
I recently finished Churchill's Wizards on Kindle. Great read. Interesting look at trickery used against Nazi Germany.
Books like this (and non-fiction generally) often work brilliantly as ebooks, thanks to indexes acting as hyperlinks, making looking something up a doddle.
I also like being able to adjust fonts and font sizes and display on ebooks. What I need to remember to do when at home is mix up my reading to include the Kindle more so I don't just use it when away.
I recently finished Churchill's Wizards on Kindle. Great read. Interesting look at trickery used against Nazi Germany.
Books like this (and non-fiction generally) often work brilliantly as ebooks, thanks to indexes acting as hyperlinks, making looking something up a doddle.
I also like being able to adjust fonts and font sizes and display on ebooks. What I need to remember to do when at home is mix up my reading to include the Kindle more so I don't just use it when away.
October 7, 2023
Writing Guides
Most writers, including me, have a number of writing guides collected over many years.
The need for guides changes through a writer's career. I started with the beginner guides and, much later, went to marketing and publishing books.
What I was after (and still am) is clear information presented in an entertaining way. I find I recall things better if I like what I've read. Also guides should be encouraging, otherwise why read on?
My favourite writing guide is On Writing by Stephen King. I am also fond of the Wannabe Writer guides written by the much missed Jane Wenham-Jones.
A good test of a guide is its readability (and re-readability).
Which guides have you found useful?
The need for guides changes through a writer's career. I started with the beginner guides and, much later, went to marketing and publishing books.
What I was after (and still am) is clear information presented in an entertaining way. I find I recall things better if I like what I've read. Also guides should be encouraging, otherwise why read on?
My favourite writing guide is On Writing by Stephen King. I am also fond of the Wannabe Writer guides written by the much missed Jane Wenham-Jones.
A good test of a guide is its readability (and re-readability).
Which guides have you found useful?
September 30, 2023
Books as Presents
I’ve long loved receiving books as presents. Next best thing is receiving book tokens so I can go out and buy my own books later.
And I love giving books too. If I’ve loved a book, I can think of nothing more lovely than sharing that experience with a friend by getting them to read the book too.
Paperbacks and audio books are by far the easiest formats to go for and I must admit I love seeing book shaped presents under the Christmas tree.
Okay, you can’t really disguise them but why would you want to? The anticipation of discovering what book has been bought for you is great. Don’t want anything spoiling that.
Matching up books with friends is a fun game too (and a nice one). Putting potential book lists together is also a pleasurable task and I will be starting mine soon for the Christmas season.
Readers and writers are the easiest people in the world to buy presents for - we always want books. Well done, us!
As for books I’ve received, all are treasured. People have chosen well for me and I appreciate that.
And I love giving books too. If I’ve loved a book, I can think of nothing more lovely than sharing that experience with a friend by getting them to read the book too.
Paperbacks and audio books are by far the easiest formats to go for and I must admit I love seeing book shaped presents under the Christmas tree.
Okay, you can’t really disguise them but why would you want to? The anticipation of discovering what book has been bought for you is great. Don’t want anything spoiling that.
Matching up books with friends is a fun game too (and a nice one). Putting potential book lists together is also a pleasurable task and I will be starting mine soon for the Christmas season.
Readers and writers are the easiest people in the world to buy presents for - we always want books. Well done, us!
As for books I’ve received, all are treasured. People have chosen well for me and I appreciate that.
September 23, 2023
Young Adult Books
Just to show how old I am, Young Adult books weren’t really a thing as I grew up. Honest.
There were children’s books. Then you went straight into adult fiction. I would’ve loved the YA category when I was growing up.
Mind you, I’ve made up for this since. I have read YA books and loved them. Some of the children’s books I read at the time (or could have read if I had got around to it then!) may well count as YA now. Where would you put Watership Down or The Hobbit for example?
So I think having this category is a great idea. It makes sense to have a natural progression from younger age range books to YA to adult and, as I say, I still like reading YA books now and again.
Great books can always be re-read. The Tiffany Aching books from Terry Pratchett’s Discworld would count as YA. I’ve read them as part of the overall Discworld canon and while I will always prefer characters like Sam Vimes, I did enjoy these books too. Certainly wasn’t going to let my ripe age stop me reading them!
There were children’s books. Then you went straight into adult fiction. I would’ve loved the YA category when I was growing up.
Mind you, I’ve made up for this since. I have read YA books and loved them. Some of the children’s books I read at the time (or could have read if I had got around to it then!) may well count as YA now. Where would you put Watership Down or The Hobbit for example?
So I think having this category is a great idea. It makes sense to have a natural progression from younger age range books to YA to adult and, as I say, I still like reading YA books now and again.
Great books can always be re-read. The Tiffany Aching books from Terry Pratchett’s Discworld would count as YA. I’ve read them as part of the overall Discworld canon and while I will always prefer characters like Sam Vimes, I did enjoy these books too. Certainly wasn’t going to let my ripe age stop me reading them!
September 16, 2023
Early Books
Do you recall the early books which were used to introduce you to the joys of reading?
I have some memories of the Janet and John books but I was much happier when I was able to choose books of my own to read.
I am pleased that now there is far more variety with books designed to encourage the reluctant readers. In my school days, there wasn’t much at all. There was less sympathy too for those who found reading difficult. Some things have got much better.
What amuses me somewhat is when I was bringing up my own child the Spot the dog books were popular. I am sure they still are and we liked them too along with books such as the fabulous The Gruffalo and We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. These things will be timeless.
These days, said child as an adult loves reading political history. It is hard to imagine a greater contrast in types of book enjoyed!
What matters then is encouraging that love of reading as early as possible, to have help where reading is difficult (there is a book type out there for everyone to love and enjoy, honest, and there is help available for the difficulties), and to nourish the love of stories.
Early books matter. I couldn’t write one myself but I admire those who can. Those writers are building the foundations for a lifetime of happy reading which is such a worthwhile thing to do.
I have some memories of the Janet and John books but I was much happier when I was able to choose books of my own to read.
I am pleased that now there is far more variety with books designed to encourage the reluctant readers. In my school days, there wasn’t much at all. There was less sympathy too for those who found reading difficult. Some things have got much better.
What amuses me somewhat is when I was bringing up my own child the Spot the dog books were popular. I am sure they still are and we liked them too along with books such as the fabulous The Gruffalo and We’re Going on a Bear Hunt. These things will be timeless.
These days, said child as an adult loves reading political history. It is hard to imagine a greater contrast in types of book enjoyed!
What matters then is encouraging that love of reading as early as possible, to have help where reading is difficult (there is a book type out there for everyone to love and enjoy, honest, and there is help available for the difficulties), and to nourish the love of stories.
Early books matter. I couldn’t write one myself but I admire those who can. Those writers are building the foundations for a lifetime of happy reading which is such a worthwhile thing to do.
September 9, 2023
Writing and Reading - The Inseparable Joys
I have long felt writers have two joys in life - writing and reading.
Most writers are inspired to write because of the books they have loved reading. Ideas for stories have sparked from what we have read and you develop this urge to write your own.
Sometimes that urge can come from reading a “duff” book and wanting to do better. Better though is when an inspried story encourages you to write.
My first venture into print was with a reworked fairytale told from the viewpoint of Cinderella’s youngest step-sister. That came out in Alternative Renditions (Bridge House Publishing) in 2009 - my story in there is A Helping Hand.
But without the original faurytale I loved (and still do), I couldn’t have written my tale. We do stand on the shoulders of giants here. We build on what has gone before. And that means we have to read more. Don’t have a problem with that!
What I have found in recent years is that inspiration for stories can come from something I’ve read in non-fiction too. I have welcomed that development as I love reading fiction and non-fiction.
Most writers are inspired to write because of the books they have loved reading. Ideas for stories have sparked from what we have read and you develop this urge to write your own.
Sometimes that urge can come from reading a “duff” book and wanting to do better. Better though is when an inspried story encourages you to write.
My first venture into print was with a reworked fairytale told from the viewpoint of Cinderella’s youngest step-sister. That came out in Alternative Renditions (Bridge House Publishing) in 2009 - my story in there is A Helping Hand.
But without the original faurytale I loved (and still do), I couldn’t have written my tale. We do stand on the shoulders of giants here. We build on what has gone before. And that means we have to read more. Don’t have a problem with that!
What I have found in recent years is that inspiration for stories can come from something I’ve read in non-fiction too. I have welcomed that development as I love reading fiction and non-fiction.
September 2, 2023
Promoting Books
As a writer as well as reader, I have a vested interest in promoting books. Obviously I would like to promote my own but I like to promote books by other writers I’ve loved reading too. Why?
Because I have an even bigger vested interest in sharing the joys of reading with others. Why?
Well, it is the way to encourage book reading, book buying, use of the libraries and so on - all good things.
Reading is good for us. It entertains, it informs, it helps us escape for a while. It deepens our vocabulary. It helps us puzzle things out. Don’t you try to guess the ending for a crime story ahead of reading that ending? I do all the time.
Sometimes I do guess the killer correctly, sometimes I don’t but I have had a fabulous time in guessing and I always like it when an author manages to wrong foot me too. I go back through the book then to try and spot the clues I missed first go around.
Every writer’s most difficult task is in getting that initial spark of interest in their work. We need to encourage people to read, to see the point of reading, whether they then go on to read our work or others. Ideally they’d do both of course!
And I am conscious there are other forms of entertainment. We have to make the case for books, I think, as being a fabulous use of anyone’s time.
Because I have an even bigger vested interest in sharing the joys of reading with others. Why?
Well, it is the way to encourage book reading, book buying, use of the libraries and so on - all good things.
Reading is good for us. It entertains, it informs, it helps us escape for a while. It deepens our vocabulary. It helps us puzzle things out. Don’t you try to guess the ending for a crime story ahead of reading that ending? I do all the time.
Sometimes I do guess the killer correctly, sometimes I don’t but I have had a fabulous time in guessing and I always like it when an author manages to wrong foot me too. I go back through the book then to try and spot the clues I missed first go around.
Every writer’s most difficult task is in getting that initial spark of interest in their work. We need to encourage people to read, to see the point of reading, whether they then go on to read our work or others. Ideally they’d do both of course!
And I am conscious there are other forms of entertainment. We have to make the case for books, I think, as being a fabulous use of anyone’s time.
August 26, 2023
Fiction - An Acrostic
F = Fabulous characters in a range of settings, past and present and future, in this world and others.
I = Imagination, inventiveness, images created - all gripping stuff.
C = Characters who live on in your memory long after you have read their tales.
T = Truth is often stranger than fiction but the latter can show truths in a way straight reporting cannot and in a more palatable way too.
I = I can get to imagine what I would do if I was in the characters’ shoes - fiction is great for encouraging empathy.
O = On this world, over it, off this world altogether - fiction can take you anywhere.
N = New books, old books, bought books, borrowed books, audio books, ebooks, collections - treasure them all!
I = Imagination, inventiveness, images created - all gripping stuff.
C = Characters who live on in your memory long after you have read their tales.
T = Truth is often stranger than fiction but the latter can show truths in a way straight reporting cannot and in a more palatable way too.
I = I can get to imagine what I would do if I was in the characters’ shoes - fiction is great for encouraging empathy.
O = On this world, over it, off this world altogether - fiction can take you anywhere.
N = New books, old books, bought books, borrowed books, audio books, ebooks, collections - treasure them all!
