Alexander M. Zoltai's Blog, page 51
July 10, 2017
Free Online Poetry and Playwriting Course Begins July 17th !
This course runs from July 17, 2017 to September 5, 2017. [image error]
Here’s more from the Information Release I received:
“On July 17, 2017, the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa will open “Power of the Pen: Identities and Social Issues in Poetry and Plays”, a free massive open online course. This creative writing MOOC will focus on writing about identities, communities, and social issues in poetry and plays. There is no cost to enroll; registration is completely free for all part...
July 9, 2017
Read Two of Roz Morris’ Novels for Free ~ limited time offer…
I just received these words in my email from my favorite-blogger-to-Reblog, Roz Morris: [image error]
“Hello! Last month I promised you codes to try an exciting ebook subscription service – and they’ve just landed in my inbox! Bookmate specialises in fiction and has a hand-curated collection from the major imprints and also from indies like me. As you can see, they’ve made me a rather strange landing page …
“Anyway, it should be dead simple. Follow the link and if you’re asked for a code, it’s ROZMORRIS....
July 7, 2017
Fictional characters – a lesson from Seinfeld
Today’s re-blog is from Roz Morris — always good for a fresh approach in writing — with what she sums up as “equilibrium of irritation” & “push-pull accommodation” — fascinating…
Dave has recently been developing a sitcom, which has led to interesting conversations about the characteristics of the form. To get a feel for it, we have been watching Seinfeld– and especially the season where they write a TV show ‘about nothing’.
At the risk of sounding precious, this phrase ‘A sho...
July 6, 2017
Friday Story Bazaar ~ Tale Fifty-One
Story as Seed
by
Alexander M Zoltai
~~~~~~~~~
She was an aspiring writer…
“Aspiring” in its original sense, “to breathe on”…
There were the breaths of her poetry on her website; those of her essays in various magazines; and, some works where she was holding her breath—most dearly held was the novel, tentatively called, We All Fall Down….
It was to be a “moral tale”—ethical lessons taught through the lives of its characters.
She was hyper-aware of the supposed “sin” of “didactic writing”—“…wor...
Imaginary People and Their Imaginary Friends by Tania Unsworth
Today’s re-blog fascinated me — especially when the author says, “Do characters in books know they are only made-up?” :-)
I had a problem that only an imaginary friend could solve.
I wanted to write a story about a girl left all alone in a beautiful yet crumbling stately home. Born in one of its many rooms, she has never once set foot outside the grounds. The home (which happens to be called Brightwood Hall) is quite literally her whole world. Then a threatening stranger tur...
July 5, 2017
Stories That Change Lives
Back in 2014, I wrote a post called, Can Stories Change Society?
[image error]Image Courtesy of melodi2 ~ http://www.freeimages.com/photographer/melodi2-44775
Here’s an excerpt:
Most of us have read a story that’s changed us, in some way.
Often, these are news stories…
Sometimes, stories told by friends…
Even fictional stories have the power to induce lasting change in our lives…
In that post, I introduce you to an organization called Center for Story-Based Strategy.
Here’s something they say about them...
July 4, 2017
5 Signs a Character Might Die
I know first hand how independently minded characters can be, even with a plotting author…
Well, today’s re-blog shows a different side of this phenomenon — the Muse enforcing things that both the author and the character weren’t planning on…
Killing off characters is a facet of storytelling that writers look forward to with glee treat carefully. A character death can pack such an emotional punch, and a lot of the time we plan ahead exactly how, when, and where a given chara...
July 3, 2017
Improper Government Searching of Books?
I’ve written here before about attempts to control what we read in What’s To Be Done About Banned Books?
[image error]Image Courtesy of fcl1971 ~ http://www.freeimages.com/photographer/fcl1971-59759
Today’s post is related but different…
There’s a publication called The Bookseller.
They recently had an article called, Security staff begin checking books at US airports.
And, before I share excerpts, I’ll ask folks in countries besides the United States of America to share in the Comments anything happening...
July 2, 2017
Flash News — Special Amazon Deal on Important Book for Writers
I just received an email from a person who’s appeared in this blog many times, through re-blogs… [image error]
Roz Morris just sent me this message:
“Hello! This is a very quick email to let you know that Amazon has chosen Nail Your Novel for a special Kindle deal.
“Instead of the usual price of USD3.99 it’s now only USD1.99 (I think they add VAT so it’s actually a little over $2, but still quite a saving).
“I’ve no idea how long this offer lasts for, so grab it now!”
Yes ! If you’re a writer or want to...
July 1, 2017
To Be or Not To Be? Every. Single. Verb.
Today’s re-blog is an inspiring tale of bringing a “failed” story back to life…
By Rebecca Gummere
To clarify, I am not making an existential argument here. I am talking about the very survival of your darlings – those stories you pour yourself out for, at the keyboard or the typewriter. The ones you spill onto blue-lined notebook paper. You know, your heart on the page.
If your writing goes anything like mine, sometimes you create something that, no matter what you...
