Allison Symes's Blog, page 40
May 7, 2018
What Is The Best Thing About Stories?
What would you say was the best thing about stories? The happy ever after/for now ending? The twist? The engaging characters?
Any decent story, to my mind, has to have at least some of those elements but, for me, the best stories reveal something about human nature that, for whatever reason, has not occurred to me before.
A good story will show you something about yourself and challenge you to think about whether you would have done what Character X did or not. A good story also shows consequences from action and, sometimes, inaction. You should be asking yourself what would I have done had I been the character in this story?
Do you find yourself a bit less quick to condemn when doing this? Putting yourself in the shoes of characters, whether you write them or not, can be enlightening.
I also love it when justice is seen to be done where the story calls for it given we all know that so often doesn't happen in life. This is one reason for the continuing huge popularity of fairytales.
And you can't beat pure escapism as one of the great joys of story reading and writing. So whatever the best thing for stories is for you, enjoy it all!
Any decent story, to my mind, has to have at least some of those elements but, for me, the best stories reveal something about human nature that, for whatever reason, has not occurred to me before.
A good story will show you something about yourself and challenge you to think about whether you would have done what Character X did or not. A good story also shows consequences from action and, sometimes, inaction. You should be asking yourself what would I have done had I been the character in this story?
Do you find yourself a bit less quick to condemn when doing this? Putting yourself in the shoes of characters, whether you write them or not, can be enlightening.
I also love it when justice is seen to be done where the story calls for it given we all know that so often doesn't happen in life. This is one reason for the continuing huge popularity of fairytales.
And you can't beat pure escapism as one of the great joys of story reading and writing. So whatever the best thing for stories is for you, enjoy it all!
May 2, 2018
One Book To Rule Them All?
A good writing diet includes plenty of reading, in and out of the genre you focus on, and should include non-fiction too.
Why? Because ideas for stories spark from all over the place and by reading widely, you are effectively casting your net further. You are giving yourself more opportunities to be inspired. What's not to like about that?
It is also a good idea to read contemporary as well as classic fiction. Again you are mixing up your reading and, especially if you're a writer seeking publication, it does make enormous sense to support the industry you are trying to join by reading some of the books that come out of it!
I also think it a good idea to mix things up still further when reading fiction by reading novels, short stories, flash fiction, and poetry. I love reading things I know I couldn't write myself because the joy of being creative in writing is enjoying the creativity of others. After all, what inspired you to write? Almost certainly something you've read.
So happy reading!
Why? Because ideas for stories spark from all over the place and by reading widely, you are effectively casting your net further. You are giving yourself more opportunities to be inspired. What's not to like about that?
It is also a good idea to read contemporary as well as classic fiction. Again you are mixing up your reading and, especially if you're a writer seeking publication, it does make enormous sense to support the industry you are trying to join by reading some of the books that come out of it!
I also think it a good idea to mix things up still further when reading fiction by reading novels, short stories, flash fiction, and poetry. I love reading things I know I couldn't write myself because the joy of being creative in writing is enjoying the creativity of others. After all, what inspired you to write? Almost certainly something you've read.
So happy reading!
April 26, 2018
What Childhood Book had the impact on you?
I sometimes review local theatre productions and a recent one was called Five Go Mad for Shakespeare. Good fun, and I enjoyed the references to Enid Blyton's adventure series, and to the Bard too.
I used to collect the Famous Five series as the local newsagent stocked them. (Those really were the days... the newsagent's shop was big compared to the ones I come across now. Its book section was reasonably generous in size).
I loved reading the Five's adventures and I think those books, plus the fairytale collections I had (and still have!), are the fiction volumes that have had the most affect on me. Of course, the moment I'd got my hands on the latest Five adventure, I had to read it as soon as possible. I don't remember reading them in one sitting but I know I would've been ready for when the next book was due in the newsagent's!
So what childhood books have had the most impact on you? Have you re-read them since then?
I used to collect the Famous Five series as the local newsagent stocked them. (Those really were the days... the newsagent's shop was big compared to the ones I come across now. Its book section was reasonably generous in size).
I loved reading the Five's adventures and I think those books, plus the fairytale collections I had (and still have!), are the fiction volumes that have had the most affect on me. Of course, the moment I'd got my hands on the latest Five adventure, I had to read it as soon as possible. I don't remember reading them in one sitting but I know I would've been ready for when the next book was due in the newsagent's!
So what childhood books have had the most impact on you? Have you re-read them since then?
April 20, 2018
Ten Favourite Things about Reading
1. Books can take you into worlds beyond anything we know here. This is especially true for science fiction and fantasy.
2. Books can shed light on history both in non-fiction accounts and historical novels. The latter also has the advantage of being able to show what a historical figure could've been like as an individual, based on what is known about them. The author is not saying they are definitely like this, just that they could've been.
3. Reading a book encourages you to keep reading others. Not only is this relaxing, this improves your own appreciation of the written word by reading different authors and types of book.
4. You learn so much about characterisation by reading widely, in and out of your own genre.
5. Reading across non-fiction and fiction will help feed your own imagination. What can you do in your stories the authors you've read have not etc? (Also different writers have sparks for story ideas from varying sources. Where you get your sparks from will almost inevitably not be the same as where I get mine. At best there MIGHT be some overlap but we are all inspired by different genres and styles, What we do with what inspires us is unique to us too).
6. If you want to try out an author new to you, but are not sure about committing to the cost of a hardback etc, you can always borrow from the libraries and support them while you indulge in a good read!
7. Short story collections, including flash fiction, are increasingly popular so if the thought of a full length novel is not for you at this stage, why not try shorter fiction? There is something out there that will suit you! I love the fact there is a book out (and usually several) for anyone and everyone.
8. I suppose I am particularly conscious of this being a woman, but literacy is not something that has always been available to so many of us. So therefore I want to make the most of being able to read and write. There is a whole world of stories out there to explore.
9. Especially reading non-fiction, you can increase your own education significantly. Above all, it should be fun to find out things you didn't know.
10. Last but not least, as a writer, by reading as well you are supporting the industry you hope to join or have become part of. Whether you are self or traditionally published, I can't help but feel this is a good thing to do. I also can't see how you can write without reading well. You have to know what you like and dislike to come up with your own stories and how can you do that, other than by reading?
Comments welcome!
2. Books can shed light on history both in non-fiction accounts and historical novels. The latter also has the advantage of being able to show what a historical figure could've been like as an individual, based on what is known about them. The author is not saying they are definitely like this, just that they could've been.
3. Reading a book encourages you to keep reading others. Not only is this relaxing, this improves your own appreciation of the written word by reading different authors and types of book.
4. You learn so much about characterisation by reading widely, in and out of your own genre.
5. Reading across non-fiction and fiction will help feed your own imagination. What can you do in your stories the authors you've read have not etc? (Also different writers have sparks for story ideas from varying sources. Where you get your sparks from will almost inevitably not be the same as where I get mine. At best there MIGHT be some overlap but we are all inspired by different genres and styles, What we do with what inspires us is unique to us too).
6. If you want to try out an author new to you, but are not sure about committing to the cost of a hardback etc, you can always borrow from the libraries and support them while you indulge in a good read!
7. Short story collections, including flash fiction, are increasingly popular so if the thought of a full length novel is not for you at this stage, why not try shorter fiction? There is something out there that will suit you! I love the fact there is a book out (and usually several) for anyone and everyone.
8. I suppose I am particularly conscious of this being a woman, but literacy is not something that has always been available to so many of us. So therefore I want to make the most of being able to read and write. There is a whole world of stories out there to explore.
9. Especially reading non-fiction, you can increase your own education significantly. Above all, it should be fun to find out things you didn't know.
10. Last but not least, as a writer, by reading as well you are supporting the industry you hope to join or have become part of. Whether you are self or traditionally published, I can't help but feel this is a good thing to do. I also can't see how you can write without reading well. You have to know what you like and dislike to come up with your own stories and how can you do that, other than by reading?
Comments welcome!
April 14, 2018
What to tell your readers?
I write flash fiction so my first priority is to tell an entertaining story yet keep the word count down.
One great way of doing this is to give the reader the information what they need to know, but no more than that. They are the ones who put two and two together. For example in one of my stories I mention the name of the spacecraft the alien narrator flies. It is all you need to know to get the gist of the story.
Great books across the genres have been doing this for years, long before flash came on to the scene (though I think flash, as a format, is the "flagbearer" for this now).
I love Agatha Christie, as I've mentioned before, for the puzzle element to her stories. I like authors who give me space to work things out (and later in the story I find out whether I was right with my conclusions or not). I also think those books are more memorable because you and me, as readers, are taking an active part in those books as we read them.
I also like P.G. Wodehouse for the details he seemingly without effort puts into his story. He sometimes refers to the meals being offered. I think that's a great way to draw people into the story, it also gives an idea of the wealth and status of the characters.
One great way of doing this is to give the reader the information what they need to know, but no more than that. They are the ones who put two and two together. For example in one of my stories I mention the name of the spacecraft the alien narrator flies. It is all you need to know to get the gist of the story.
Great books across the genres have been doing this for years, long before flash came on to the scene (though I think flash, as a format, is the "flagbearer" for this now).
I love Agatha Christie, as I've mentioned before, for the puzzle element to her stories. I like authors who give me space to work things out (and later in the story I find out whether I was right with my conclusions or not). I also think those books are more memorable because you and me, as readers, are taking an active part in those books as we read them.
I also like P.G. Wodehouse for the details he seemingly without effort puts into his story. He sometimes refers to the meals being offered. I think that's a great way to draw people into the story, it also gives an idea of the wealth and status of the characters.
April 8, 2018
Favourite Reading Places
I'm a bit of a traditionalist in that my favourite place to read is in bed shortly before I head off to the land of Nod.
However, the Kindle has widened my choices of location when it comes to reading. I sometimes read from it on a train trip (unless I'm too busy writing something via my phone). I always read from it when I'm travelling up to Scotland for my annual holiday.
One of my favourite things about e-reading is I no longer have to worry about how many books I can take with me when I'm away. I can have loads! I do find I want to get back to paperbacks when I've "feasted" on the Kindle for a bit though. Not that this is a bad thing!
I must admit I do hope we get some good weather in the UK soon. It would be nice to be out in the garden again, with book or Kindle in hand, and a glass of something nice close by. I suspect I may have to wait to August for that!
However, the Kindle has widened my choices of location when it comes to reading. I sometimes read from it on a train trip (unless I'm too busy writing something via my phone). I always read from it when I'm travelling up to Scotland for my annual holiday.
One of my favourite things about e-reading is I no longer have to worry about how many books I can take with me when I'm away. I can have loads! I do find I want to get back to paperbacks when I've "feasted" on the Kindle for a bit though. Not that this is a bad thing!
I must admit I do hope we get some good weather in the UK soon. It would be nice to be out in the garden again, with book or Kindle in hand, and a glass of something nice close by. I suspect I may have to wait to August for that!
Favourite Reading Places
I'm a bit of a traditionalist in that my favourite place to read is in bed shortly before I head off to the land of Nod.
However, the Kindle has widened my choices of location when it comes to reading. I sometimes read from it on a train trip (unless I'm too busy writing something via my phone). I always read from it when I'm travelling up to Scotland for my annual holiday.
One of my favourite things about e-reading is I no longer have to worry about how many books I can take with me when I'm away. I can have loads! I do find I want to get back to paperbacks when I've "feasted" on the Kindle for a bit though. Not that this is a bad thing!
I must admit I do hope we get some good weather in the UK soon. It would be nice to be out in the garden again, with book or Kindle in hand, and a glass of something nice close by. I suspect I may have to wait to August for that!
However, the Kindle has widened my choices of location when it comes to reading. I sometimes read from it on a train trip (unless I'm too busy writing something via my phone). I always read from it when I'm travelling up to Scotland for my annual holiday.
One of my favourite things about e-reading is I no longer have to worry about how many books I can take with me when I'm away. I can have loads! I do find I want to get back to paperbacks when I've "feasted" on the Kindle for a bit though. Not that this is a bad thing!
I must admit I do hope we get some good weather in the UK soon. It would be nice to be out in the garden again, with book or Kindle in hand, and a glass of something nice close by. I suspect I may have to wait to August for that!
April 2, 2018
Music and Stories
I love listening to classical music as I write my flash fiction. So what has this got to do with books and stories generally?
Firstly, I find classical music relaxes me and so I write more easily. Secondly a great piece of music can help you envisage the world you create. If it is vivid for you, as it should be, it will be vivid for your reader.
Reading, however, whether it is my work or not, is carried out in silence. I don't want music distracting me. Besides, my main reading time is just before I sleep! Definitely not time for something like the 1812 Overture (much as I love that!).
Music can convey so much. There have been some truly amazing film scores which can enhance the original story. I'm particularly thinking of the score for The Lord of the Rings trilogy here. Fabulous and fantastic story. The music for the film version reflected those aspects well, I thought.
Sometimes I can hear a piece of music and it will make me immediately think of a story. I hear Danse Macabre by Saint Saens and think of the stories in my From Light to Dark and Back Again as this great piece was used for my book trailer. I hear a Bond theme and I think of the film first but without the books by Fleming in the first place, there would be no movies.
It is quite nice to think that a creative work such a book leads to a film and in turn leads to wonderful music being created for that. What can the stories we read and write to lead to ultimately, I wonder? Well, it should be fun trying to find out!
Firstly, I find classical music relaxes me and so I write more easily. Secondly a great piece of music can help you envisage the world you create. If it is vivid for you, as it should be, it will be vivid for your reader.
Reading, however, whether it is my work or not, is carried out in silence. I don't want music distracting me. Besides, my main reading time is just before I sleep! Definitely not time for something like the 1812 Overture (much as I love that!).
Music can convey so much. There have been some truly amazing film scores which can enhance the original story. I'm particularly thinking of the score for The Lord of the Rings trilogy here. Fabulous and fantastic story. The music for the film version reflected those aspects well, I thought.
Sometimes I can hear a piece of music and it will make me immediately think of a story. I hear Danse Macabre by Saint Saens and think of the stories in my From Light to Dark and Back Again as this great piece was used for my book trailer. I hear a Bond theme and I think of the film first but without the books by Fleming in the first place, there would be no movies.
It is quite nice to think that a creative work such a book leads to a film and in turn leads to wonderful music being created for that. What can the stories we read and write to lead to ultimately, I wonder? Well, it should be fun trying to find out!
March 27, 2018
Top Five Favourite Books
What are your top five favourite books? They can be any genre, non-fiction or otherwise etc.
So often my favourite books do depend on my mood. If I want humorous fiction, I will read that. If I want crime, I will turn to that genre.
But I think for me the five that stand out overall are:-
1. The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey. This book is one of the few novels to ever change my mind about a historical character, in this case Richard III.
2. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkein. The sheer scale of Tolkein's imagination is amazing and you won't get a better good-v-evil battle in fiction, I think. Loved the film version too.
3. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. This was my first introduction to the use of irony in fiction and Elizabeth Bennett has long been one of my favourite heroines.
4. Men at Arms by Terry Pratchett. It was hard to pick just one Discworld novel but I plumped for this one as, for me, it is where Sam Vimes really takes off as a character.
5. The Best of P.G. Wodehouse Am I cheating here by going for a best of collection? Maybe! But I'm not sorry. This wonderful book shows off PGW's fabulous array of characters.
So what would your choices be? Do you think they would change, say, annually, or be permanent selections?
So often my favourite books do depend on my mood. If I want humorous fiction, I will read that. If I want crime, I will turn to that genre.
But I think for me the five that stand out overall are:-
1. The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey. This book is one of the few novels to ever change my mind about a historical character, in this case Richard III.
2. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkein. The sheer scale of Tolkein's imagination is amazing and you won't get a better good-v-evil battle in fiction, I think. Loved the film version too.
3. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. This was my first introduction to the use of irony in fiction and Elizabeth Bennett has long been one of my favourite heroines.
4. Men at Arms by Terry Pratchett. It was hard to pick just one Discworld novel but I plumped for this one as, for me, it is where Sam Vimes really takes off as a character.
5. The Best of P.G. Wodehouse Am I cheating here by going for a best of collection? Maybe! But I'm not sorry. This wonderful book shows off PGW's fabulous array of characters.
So what would your choices be? Do you think they would change, say, annually, or be permanent selections?
March 21, 2018
Does Book Format Matter?
Are you someone who only reads "proper" paperback books or are you a full convert to e-books?
I cross the divide. I love paperbacks, they're a great format, but I have found e-books to be brilliant too. They've also saved me a major packing dilemma for when I'm away at writing conferences or on holiday. No more worrying about how many books I can take. Thanks to the Kindle, I can take as many as I like! I only wish it could give me more reading time but devices have their limitations!
But there are certain books I can only envisage reading in paperback - Terry Pratchett's Discworld series with their wonderful covers for a start.
My main reading session is just before I sleep and I read paperbacks and from the Kindle then. I relish both! I do like the bookmark function and find that useful. I am forever losing "real" bookmarks from my paperbacks. Mind you, I often lose pens too. Hmm... doesn't sound fab from a writer, does it?
I've not really tried e-magazines yet though I suspect that will be the next big area I'll explore.
So what do you prefer? Do you think one genre works better in one format and, if so, which and why?
In the meantime, happy reading, no matter what format you're using!
I cross the divide. I love paperbacks, they're a great format, but I have found e-books to be brilliant too. They've also saved me a major packing dilemma for when I'm away at writing conferences or on holiday. No more worrying about how many books I can take. Thanks to the Kindle, I can take as many as I like! I only wish it could give me more reading time but devices have their limitations!
But there are certain books I can only envisage reading in paperback - Terry Pratchett's Discworld series with their wonderful covers for a start.
My main reading session is just before I sleep and I read paperbacks and from the Kindle then. I relish both! I do like the bookmark function and find that useful. I am forever losing "real" bookmarks from my paperbacks. Mind you, I often lose pens too. Hmm... doesn't sound fab from a writer, does it?
I've not really tried e-magazines yet though I suspect that will be the next big area I'll explore.
So what do you prefer? Do you think one genre works better in one format and, if so, which and why?
In the meantime, happy reading, no matter what format you're using!
