Stuart Aken's Blog, page 233

Do You Employ Redundancy? #7

The last of these ventures into the land of redundant words, repetitions and silly syntax. If you’ve travelled with me, you should know what to do with Fowler’s Modern English Usage!
Absolutely guaranteed: Any guarantee that isn’t absolute (as it should be) isn’t worth the paper that describes it.
Advance warning: Warnings, by their nature, occur before an event; qualifying them with ‘advance’ is superfluous. A warning issued after the event is pointless.
At the present time: ‘At present’ means now. Enough said.
Merge together: If you merge things, you bring them together. You can’t merge apart.
Completely finished: Something finished is complete, that’s what ‘finished’ means. And I’m finished with this definition.
During the course of: ‘During’ means ‘throughout the duration or course of’. Let’s cut out the inessential.
Free gift: A gift is, or should be, free. Though I accept that some gifts are given more freely than others. But marketers can usually be relied upon to distort all language to their advantage.
Written down: If you’ve written it, you’ve taken it down. You no more need write it down than up, unless, of course, you’re using the expression in the accountants’ manner.

Final rant in this series. But there’ll be other series! I’m looking at the very frequent use of ‘very’, very soon.Related articles Do You Employ Redundancy? #2 Do You Employ Redundancy? #6 Do You Employ Redundancy? #5

Exploring Character and Place in A Seared Sky #4

Ylcrat
A tiny island, Ylcrat sits precariously in the middle of the Shylnah Sea. Precariously? Its volcanic cone is active and destructive. Difficult to land here, due to its geography, and the islanders have a reputation for cannibalism. Merchants and the wider world think of the population as backward and uncivilised and give the island a wide birth. Anyone venturing here has to have a pressing reason. So what takes our intrepid voyagers this way?
The cone lies at the northeastern end, and rumbles moodily most of the time. But, occasionally, larger explosions rock the island. No time to be a stranger here.
The men don’t work, but play at hunting, though their games rarely provide any meat. The women are slaves in all senses of the word, providing food, sex, entertainment and shelter for the men. With no permanent relationships, resulting children are raised communally by the women.
The people are ruled by a magical man whose origin, length of life and even appearance are all hidden. He has a mystic hold over the women, allowing him to control them; though he, uniquely, doesn’t abuse them sexually.
Where the islanders originated, how they came to the island, and how long they’ve lived here are all factors lost in the annals of time.

Here we first encounter a remarkable young woman. Myllthlan, as she will come to be known, plays a critical part in the adventure. But to tell you more would expose too much of the tale. You’ll have to read the book to find what she does.
The 4th in a series of pieces on characters and places featured in Joinings: A Seared Sky. This background information, isn’t covered in the book, but should enhance the reading experience. For some of my people, there’ll be a character drawing, supplied by Alice Taylor, maybe a video interview, and accompanying script. I may do short pieces of fiction, deepening knowledge of certain minor characters as well.
For the places, I may use sections of the map, to indicate location, along with a description of the place, as I see it, and, where appropriate, links with characters. Perhaps I’ll indicate the way of life there with a short anecdote or story. I won’t reveal any of the main story, either as already published or as written in the series, merely enhance readers’ enjoyment of the trilogy by providing more information. I hope this gives pleasure to those who’ve bought the book and, perhaps, persuades others to take that step.
Pronunciation hints:Ylcrat = ill – kratMyllthlan = milth – lanShylnah = shill - narNames are pronounced phonetically. But this is my take on them; how I hear them in my head. You may pronounce them as you wish; reading is, after all, active rather than passive.Related articles Exploring Character and Place in A Seared Sky #3

Do You Employ Redundancy? #6

Yet another adventure in the land of redundant words, repetitions and guilty grammar. If you’re doing this, you should try a serious session with Fowler’s Modern English Usage!
Actual experience: An experience is something that happened. It can only be ‘actual’, unless, of course, it’s vicarious. But there’s no reason you should admit to that is there?
Advance reservations: Reservations are, by their nature, actions that occur before the event, so cut the ‘advance’, please: it’s superfluous.
Meet together: A group, whether it consists of people or things, is a coming together. I can’t imagine a situation, other than ‘virtual’ in which you could meet apart.
Completely opposite: Something opposite isn't always diametrically opposed, but the modifier is nevertheless extraneous.
Consensus of opinion: Consensus is agreement, though not necessarily about an opinion. So ‘consensus of opinion’ isn’t entirely redundant, but the qualifier is generally unnecessary.
Few in number: Few refers to a number. Using ‘number’ here is simple repetition.
Ten p.m. in the evening: The abbreviations p.m. identifies the time of day. You don’t need ‘in the evening’. Use one or the other, not both.
Possibly might: Might suggests possibility. Unless you’re using it for effect, cut the ‘might’ or the ‘possibly’.
Added bonus: A bonus is something added. In the case of a banker, it’s also undeserved, but that’s a different issue.

One more rant done with. But there will be another!Related articles Do You Employ Redundancy? #5 Do You Employ Redundancy? #1 Do You Employ Redundancy? #4

Writers Reveal

I’m pleased to be part of a blog-hop centring on four questions that reveal part of my writing life. Thanks to Linda Acaster, also from the Hornsea Writers group, for the hand-on.
1) What are you working on?
The short answer is ‘Too much!’. I’m approaching the end of a marathon penultimate edit of book 3 (around 200k words) of my epic fantasy trilogy, A Seared Sky, book 1 of which, Joinings , was published by Fantastic Books Publishing at the end of March. I’m finalising research for a sci-fi novelette. Producing posts for my blog relating to A Seared Sky, to enhance readers’ experience. Writing short stories. Participating in various online forums with Goodreads, LinkedIn and Facebook.
2) What is happening around you while you write?
Ah, now that’s where I’m fortunate. My daughter’s away from home on her third year at university, at the moment. She’ll be home at the end of the month, so I’ll no doubt be involved with her various ‘Dad…?’ demands then. My wife, who acts as one of my beta readers, is applying a fine-tooth comb to each chapter as I print it off. In the background, my iMac is playing a selection from 1414 tracks on iTunes; a mix of pop, rock, jazz and classical. I find the music has the effect of excluding other sounds. Outside my window, across the drive, the neighbour’s hedge peeks over our wooden fence and occasionally hosts songbirds. Recently, as a way of holding back the deterioration of my aging body fit, I’ve taken to setting my audio alarm (I use the Howler Timer) for an hour at a time and I then get up and use a skipping rope for a few minutes (I was once a boxer, so I know the value of skipping as an aerobic exercise). Floor to ceiling behind me and above my desk, shelves groan with books. Next to the window is a map for A Seared Sky, so I can check on locations as I edit. And my desk is scattered with odd notes and Post-its bearing scribbles I’ve recorded whilst engaged in some otherwise uninterruptable task.
3) Explain your research routine
Routine? Now there’s an interesting idea. I write as a pantster. My research takes the same sort of route. In other words, I discover I need to know something, so I see what I can find out about it. No plan, no programme, no set routine at all. At present, I’m gathering information for a sci-fi novelette, so I’m viewing certain TV programmes, reading snippets from reference books, visiting various websites. All the information is placed in a file on the computer, to be dredged as and when required as I write the story. I’ve done the character sketches already and the basis of the story lurks somewhere within the tangle of my subconscious mind, to ooze out once I start dedicating time to the creation.
4) Which comes first plot strand, character, or...?

Character. Actually, that’s not strictly true.  Usually, what happens is that an idea strikes me. It can stem from something someone says, an item in the news, another story I’m reading (or writing), or may simply pop out of thin air when I’m out walking with my wife. I keep notebooks, and a voice recorder, for such moments of inspiration. I allow the idea to simmer within the warm juices of my brain (it’s mostly water in there) until it demands special notice. It’s then that I develop character sketches for what I believe will be the main players. Once at that stage, I begin the creation of the story. I don’t plot. But I have a sort of skeletal diagram in my head of the story, and I generally have a fairly good idea of where the story ends (that’s not to say the characters won’t rebel and send it to another destination entirely, of course!). The rest just happens as I sit at the keyboard.  I never edit a word until the story is complete. Of course, this means that the editing process is lengthy and detailed. But that’s how I write. I’ve tried other methods and none of them works for me.
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PennyGrubb is a crime-writing academic who cures by day and kills by night. Her fourth novel, Where There's Smoke, is due out in paperback later this year. Penny is following me on this trail, her post appears 16th May; click here to reach it.

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Exploring Character and Place in A Seared Sky #3

The 3rd in a series of pieces on characters and places featured in Joinings: A Seared Sky. This is background information, not covered in the book, but intended to enhance the reading experience. For some of my people, there’ll be a character drawing, supplied by Alice Taylor, maybe a video interview, and accompanying script. I may do short pieces of fiction, deepening knowledge of certain minor characters as well.For the places, I’ll use sections of the map, to indicate location, along with a description of the place, as I see it, and, where appropriate, linking it with characters. Perhaps indicate life there with a short anecdote or story. I won’t reveal any of the story, either as already published or as written into the series, merely enhance readers’ enjoyment of the trilogy by providing more information. I hope this gives pleasure to those who’ve bought the book and, perhaps, persuades others to take that step.
Pronunciation hints:Shaulah – shaw-lahOkkyntalah – ock-in-tar-lahTumalind – tum-a-lindCharacter’s names are pronounced phonetically.My take on the names; how I hear them in my head. You may pronounce them any way you wish; reading is, after all, an active rather than a passive occupation.
Here’s a short piece about the only named animal character in the series.
Shaulah, a hunting dog:
Okkyntalah, a major player through the series, is a hunter by trade. He raised his hunting dog, Shaulah, from a pup, taken from the litter of a farming neighbour. Dogs are not common on the island of Muhnilahm, generally used either as hunting companions or by farmers eager to keep marauding beasts away from their stock. Pet animals are not part of the custom or tradition of the islanders.Shaulah is as much at home in water as on land. Obedient, loyal and devoted to her master, she makes an ideal companion. From his point of view, the fact that she also adores his beloved, Tumalind, is a bonus.She lives outside. A working companion and beneficial tool of Okkyntalah’s occupation, Shaulah’s part in the tale is surprisingly important. She is intelligent, trustworthy and silent unless required to alert her master to danger.She appears fairly early in the narrative and you can follow her progress through the story as she travels with her master on his quest.Related articles Exploring Character and Place: #1

Pecha Kucha & English Language Teaching, by Thomas Jerome Baker, Reviewed

An odd choice of book for a non-specialist and a fiction writer, perhaps. But, this work has something to offer to more than the teachers of English who are its intended readership.
Pecha Kucha, for those unfamiliar with the technique, is a patented form of Powerpoint presentation. It was developed in Japan and has rapidly spread over the globe as a means of getting information out to many different types of people. In this book, the method is discussed as it applies to the teaching of English as a foreign language. But the principles and advantages of the technique seem applicable to many other fields.
I read this in the hope that it might give me insights into the making of promotional material for my books. I’ve long considered making videos to market my work, but the process has always seemed too complex and time consuming. However, this method, using software with which I’m at least slightly familiar, shows promise. I’ve no doubt that it will require some learning, patience and application from me, but I also have little doubt that it will help me produce short videos that will be effective and interesting. In fact, I’ve already started on that process, inspired by accounts detailed in this book.
The author, who works in Chile as a TEFL teacher, illustrates the ebook with many samples of the Pecha Kucha technique in use. He suggests it as an effective way of engaging with students and enthusing them to the topic. There’s humour here, as a well as expertise. And the candid style of writing makes the book accessible to all.
If you’re a teacher, or if you’re looking for ways to enhance your book marketing, you’ll find this an instructive and inspiring work. I recommend it.
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Do You Employ Redundancy? #5

One more venture into the land of unwarranted words, repetitions and sinful syntax. If you’re a guilty party, you’re sentence is a series of serious sessions studying Fowler’s Modern English Usage!
Advance planning: Planning, by its very nature nature, is done in advance, otherwise it’s not planning, is it? Keep ‘advance’ for your language studies.
Filled to capacity: If you fill something, you do so to capacity. No need for both words to describe this.
Join together: You know, you can’t ‘join apart’, you can, in fact, only join things, people etc., in a manner that brings them together. ‘Together’ isn’t needed.
New beginning: Something begins when it’s new. ‘New’ is superfluous.
Completely filled: See above. Something that’s filled is thoroughly so. Whilst you need a modifier if something is only partially filled, you don’t need it when the deed is completed.
Forever and ever: A dubious duplication encouraged by some fairy tales and, unbelievably, the Lord’s Prayer! If it’s forever, it can’t be for any longer, so the second ‘ever’ is redundant.
Same identical: Something that is the same is identical. Enough said.
Therapeutic treatment: Off you go to the therapist for treatment. If it isn’t therapeutic, you aren’t getting your money’s worth, are you?
Unintended mistake: A mistake is an error, a slip-up, an accident. By its nature such a thing is not intended.
Absolutely sure: Sure about something? Then you have no doubt. Certainty (or being sure) is an absolute state, so ‘absolute’ is superfluous.  

Yet another rant done with. But there will be more!Related articles Do You Employ Redundancy? #1 Do You Employ Redundancy? #4 Do You Employ Redundancy? #2

The Rattle Bag, Ed. by Seamus Heaney & Ted Hughes, Reviewed.

Poetry in anthology form is always subject to criticism by readers who feel aggrieved at the works excluded. Even at 475 pages, this work necessarily omits some well-known works and even some respected poets. But it gives a flavour of the genre as it’s developed over the centuries.
The editors arranged the verses alphabetically so that an air of randomness pervades the volume. There’s no attempt at thematic or topical arrangement. Surprise is the intention: the joy of stumbling on work new to the reader.
Much here is familiar, popular, or representative. But there are also extracts of less well-known pieces, examples of lesser poets, forgotten wordsmiths, and those whose words were originally expressed in foreign tongues.
Is it balanced? I’m no expert: I took up a book, which has been on my shelves since its issue in 1987, simply because I’ve recently become interested in expressing myself in poetry. This was an exercise in discovering what’s possible in the form, an enquiry into what works, and what doesn’t. And, under such scrutiny, it’s natural that my assessment will be deeply personal.
My conclusion? Poetry can be anything, from the formal rhymes of schemes devised to test the poet’s skill, to prose chopped arbitrarily into sections that look somehow appropriate on the printed page. It can voice attitude, wonder, despair, or any of the emotions known to man. And it’s noticeable that it is men who are most represented here; the women characterized by a token scattering of the famous.
I confess, there were works here that I hardly started; their opening lines so obscure or lacking personal connection that I declined to sample them further. There were others that I read more than once, their accessibility or emotional impact such that they made contact with the human experience of this reader.

For lovers of poetry, this volume is either a collection of works already known or a showcase of the craft. But for those seeking insight into a world new to them, those dipping the toe or testing the flavour, it’s an interesting adventure. If, like me, you’re curious about the making of a poem, the structure of a verse, the range of topic or theme applicable, then this will answer some of your questions, and I recommend it.Related articles a quiet whiskey for seamus heaney Posthumously, Heaney tells of Royal meetings Seamus Heaney, Nobel Prize winning poet, dies in hospital aged 74

Recording Writers’ Ideas on the Hoof.

ideas (Photo credit: Sean MacEntee)We all do it, or, at least intend to: record those random ideas that come at unexpected moments. I have Moleskine notebooks, each with its dedicated pen, in all rooms of the home so I can jot down those elusive thoughts before they escape. And, when I’m on a walk, I take a voice recorder with me to speak those ideas: a retirement present from my brother.Today, whilst out with my wife, for a pleasant walk in the local countryside, I was struck by one of those thoughts that encapsulates an idea. I dug the recorder out of my pocket and switched it on. Nothing. The batteries had drained!Disaster. I tried the usual trick of repeating the idea several times. But, in reality, I knew other things would overwrite the thought long before I reached home and had a chance to record it.Then, a moment of inspiration: I was carrying my mobile phone (something I don’t always do). It has no voice recording facility, but we have an answer machine on the home phone. So I rang home and spoke my idea to the machine. Back home, I listened and wrote down the idea.Simple.
There’s always a way, if you’re willing to think laterally, eh?Related articles The Moleskine Store!

Do You Employ Redundancy? #4

Another adventure in the land of unwanted words, repetitions and gory grammar. If you’re guilty, the sentence is a serious session absorbing Fowler’s Modern English Usage!
Absolutely essential: Something essential is necessary. ‘Absolutely’ is an unnecessary appendage; cut it out.
Advance notice: Notices, by their nature, proclaim a future event. Once the event is done with, they become redundant, rather like the use of ‘advance’ here.
Ask a question: If you pose a question, you are seeking an answer. You can ask, or you can question; to do both is a tautology. Please chose one.
Collaborate together: Collaboration requires connection with others. You can’t collaborate alone.
False pretence: Pretence is deception; it’s already false.
Foreign imports: Imports originate in another country; their foreign nature is therefore implicit. Don’t make them feel unwelcome by repeating the fact, eh?
Protest against: Protest is opposition: simple as that, really.
Suddenly exploded: Ain’t no such animal as a slow explosion. It can’t be any more immediate than it is.
For a number of days: ‘Days’ is a plural. You can’t have 1 days, so, if you’re spending days, there must be more than one. Okay?
As for example: ‘As’ implies an example is provided; use ‘as’ or ‘for example’ or ‘e.g.’, but not together, please.

One more rant done with. But there will be more!Related articles Do You Employ Redundancy? #1 Do You Employ Redundancy? #2 Do You Employ Redundancy? #3