S.I. Hayes's Blog: A Writer mind, More or less...For Reviews and News., page 3
July 22, 2012
When the story take on a mind of its own. Also known as Ahhh too much in the head and not enough time!!
Ever sit down to work on a piece of your fiction with a definitive Beginning...Middle...and End in place? It is a rarity, I know, but it does sometimes happen. So I have the whole of the work all nice and neat in my head and have been banging out the pages on and off for the past couple months, admittedly more off than on, but it is there. More or less, in this case more, rather than less.
I started this venture telling myself that it was going to be a short story. Just a little companion Prequel to my Debut Novel, "In Dreams The Road Unavoidable". 
. Shameless plug, but hey that's what the add book button is there for...Right? I planned on running its debut as a freebie to anyone who purchases the first novel during its release time. Good idea, no? I figure it'll bolster sales, and help me get some more traffic, Win:Win.
Any how, back to my tangent, so I've got a solid story line down, show the reader where my Heroine came from, what made her the annoying little bitch she is, and I say that with all the love in my twisted little heart. She has a rich back story, and I wanted to explore it for my readers. Any and everything that I write, every character I have ever created, has a reason, rhyme and method to their madness, or lack there of for some. Not every character can be epic, if they all were, then it would get rather boring after awhile, not only for my readers, but also for me!!
But Amara? She was created for this purpose, to make you question why, who, when did she get so...Jaded. Over 17,000 words in and I'm not at my half way point yet. I actually stopped working, to write this in hopes that it will help me to figure out what happens when the work take on a life of its own. I've gone off the rails (insert Ozzy reference)in some places, and now I have to reign it all in or I'll never make my personal deadline, three weeks from now.She has places to see, people to bond with, and a year of time to fill.In novel form there would be lots of fun and bantry dialogue, my usual flourishing of description, and heavy character development. I am slamming my head trying to figure out how I used to be able to bang out whole tales in just 10 or 12 pages back in High School. Then I remember that I always wrote double what the teacher designated as the minimum and I start smacking my head again. I wish I had taken better care of those old works, maybe they could remind me of how I did it....
July 15, 2012
"The Gatekeepers"
So I was going through my e-mail and one of my newsletters had this link to an article from The Guardian, a UK e-zine of sorts, written by YA/Children's Book Author James Dawson.
It questions the use of profanity in Young Adult literature, and explains the How and Why it is not used. The meat of it gives me this Blog title and is a follows;
"...but it was at this stage "the gatekeepers" were first mentioned. Booksellers, book groups, librarians and bookshop buyers form this steely line of defence. They are arguably the most powerful link in the publishing chain. These are the people who decide whether or not to sell your product. Without them, a book, especially a book by a debut author, is relegated to the internet and warehouse shelves thus limiting the potential contacts a reader can make with the book in the real world."
How do you as a reader, or a writer feel about the labeling of books based on age group much like films? Does it seem fair that a book which uses profanity and or sex has to be labeled 17+? But a film that shows a woman's bare breast may skirt by with PG13? One would think that seeing is the greater of two evils.
Promiscuity doesn't actually run a rampant as we are lead to believe if seeing as most studies show that for (Us Heathens)in the USA the average teen loses his or her virginity between 17&19 years of age, but in most public schools they begin sex education in the 6Th grade, so by age twelve any kid that goes to a public school has seen at least one set, albeit diagram, of the opposite sex in all it's *Ahem.. Glory.
They say that since parents are the real money behind younger readers, that these guidelines are in placed so that the "Good Parents" can monitor what their kids are reading. I guess these people forget that the Library exists. I was in the second grade when I read Bram Stoker's Dracula for the first time, most would say that was WAY TOO MUCH, I mean the sisters..eating babies?? Wow, but if it had not been for that book, and Anne Rices Vampire Chronicles, I would never have had the courage to really write anything. I got my passion for words from the work that I was in other's opinion too young for. I was actually suspended in the 8Th grade for reading Anne Rice's "Memnoch The Devil", being accused of Devil Worship! All because my elders didn't understand that just because the book had the word DEVIL on it didn't mean it was a manual for conjuring the Dark Lord. That book was in my High School Library. HAha. Anyhow, I think that censoring for books has more to do with people aka."parents" thinking that they can shield their children from a world that one way or another they will learn about. Let's face it, most kids have ideas about love and sex long before they hear about it in sex ed. Barbie had Ken for a REASON!! She didn't get knocked up on her own! Though that would be funny.. Barbie as Mary. As for Language, kids know it, adults use it, I had a mouth like a sailor by the time I was 5, then again my dad was a cab driving fisherman and my Mom a waitress in Bridgeport. Stereo Type.. Probably, but also very true, environment will, and does make for an interesting combination of situations, and it takes nature and nurture a long time to make an adult well rounded. But literature is here as a tool, to inform, entertain, to help, to show the side of man that we as "civilized folk" like to pretend we don't actually have.
It must be that the majority believes reading material is like food, "We are, what we eat." Well if that is the case, then 31, million people (50 shades books sold world wide since march)in this world are in fact sexual deviants.
Could be true, but mostly it is simply that people, and that includes young adults, will always be curious about the "naughty bits", perhaps if there were less stigma, less taboo, we as writers could have more freedom. It wouldn't make it any less entertaining, the truth of a subject is still good if it is a well told truth.
Personally all of my work is 17+ because I choose not to censor my thoughts, my writing is a force, and I write what comes to me, no matter how it comes, if it is profane, so be it, it is profane for a reason. We Are As A Society Profane... Things are stigmatized because someone, some where had a pleasurable reaction and then felt dirty for it. Instinct is a powerful animal, and will always find a way. The fact is that a person will read what interests them, it is a purely subjective drive. A more mature mind will flock to more mature matter, I know I did, I know some of my peers did. If something is written that is beyond the scope of a person's understanding, they Will stop reading it, I think that this is true of anyone, no matter the age and "The Gatekeepers" well they can keep on keepin' on, the harder they push right, I as a writer will push left.
This is the original article by James Dawson.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/childrens-b...
It questions the use of profanity in Young Adult literature, and explains the How and Why it is not used. The meat of it gives me this Blog title and is a follows;
"...but it was at this stage "the gatekeepers" were first mentioned. Booksellers, book groups, librarians and bookshop buyers form this steely line of defence. They are arguably the most powerful link in the publishing chain. These are the people who decide whether or not to sell your product. Without them, a book, especially a book by a debut author, is relegated to the internet and warehouse shelves thus limiting the potential contacts a reader can make with the book in the real world."
How do you as a reader, or a writer feel about the labeling of books based on age group much like films? Does it seem fair that a book which uses profanity and or sex has to be labeled 17+? But a film that shows a woman's bare breast may skirt by with PG13? One would think that seeing is the greater of two evils.
Promiscuity doesn't actually run a rampant as we are lead to believe if seeing as most studies show that for (Us Heathens)in the USA the average teen loses his or her virginity between 17&19 years of age, but in most public schools they begin sex education in the 6Th grade, so by age twelve any kid that goes to a public school has seen at least one set, albeit diagram, of the opposite sex in all it's *Ahem.. Glory.
They say that since parents are the real money behind younger readers, that these guidelines are in placed so that the "Good Parents" can monitor what their kids are reading. I guess these people forget that the Library exists. I was in the second grade when I read Bram Stoker's Dracula for the first time, most would say that was WAY TOO MUCH, I mean the sisters..eating babies?? Wow, but if it had not been for that book, and Anne Rices Vampire Chronicles, I would never have had the courage to really write anything. I got my passion for words from the work that I was in other's opinion too young for. I was actually suspended in the 8Th grade for reading Anne Rice's "Memnoch The Devil", being accused of Devil Worship! All because my elders didn't understand that just because the book had the word DEVIL on it didn't mean it was a manual for conjuring the Dark Lord. That book was in my High School Library. HAha. Anyhow, I think that censoring for books has more to do with people aka."parents" thinking that they can shield their children from a world that one way or another they will learn about. Let's face it, most kids have ideas about love and sex long before they hear about it in sex ed. Barbie had Ken for a REASON!! She didn't get knocked up on her own! Though that would be funny.. Barbie as Mary. As for Language, kids know it, adults use it, I had a mouth like a sailor by the time I was 5, then again my dad was a cab driving fisherman and my Mom a waitress in Bridgeport. Stereo Type.. Probably, but also very true, environment will, and does make for an interesting combination of situations, and it takes nature and nurture a long time to make an adult well rounded. But literature is here as a tool, to inform, entertain, to help, to show the side of man that we as "civilized folk" like to pretend we don't actually have.
It must be that the majority believes reading material is like food, "We are, what we eat." Well if that is the case, then 31, million people (50 shades books sold world wide since march)in this world are in fact sexual deviants.
Could be true, but mostly it is simply that people, and that includes young adults, will always be curious about the "naughty bits", perhaps if there were less stigma, less taboo, we as writers could have more freedom. It wouldn't make it any less entertaining, the truth of a subject is still good if it is a well told truth.
Personally all of my work is 17+ because I choose not to censor my thoughts, my writing is a force, and I write what comes to me, no matter how it comes, if it is profane, so be it, it is profane for a reason. We Are As A Society Profane... Things are stigmatized because someone, some where had a pleasurable reaction and then felt dirty for it. Instinct is a powerful animal, and will always find a way. The fact is that a person will read what interests them, it is a purely subjective drive. A more mature mind will flock to more mature matter, I know I did, I know some of my peers did. If something is written that is beyond the scope of a person's understanding, they Will stop reading it, I think that this is true of anyone, no matter the age and "The Gatekeepers" well they can keep on keepin' on, the harder they push right, I as a writer will push left.
This is the original article by James Dawson.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/childrens-b...
July 12, 2012
It comes in like the tide.
A little back story.
I'm not exactly the most religious of people, if asked my Beliefs, I say that I am a "Tree Hugging Dirt Worshiper", Pagan, or witch. I do not "do" curses, I am often not particularly, "up" on what phase the moon is in, nor do I notice when Mercury goes into Retrograde. My Mother is a far, far, greater Witch than I.
I am an Eclectic, I believe we should respect one another, and this planet that nourishes us. I do not apologize for speaking my brand of truth, nor do I expect others to full understand it. When I write I do so for me, if I didn't I would never sleep. The words would just keep bouncing around in my head. When it comes to "Poetry" I have no standard, and you will notice that my topic may change right in the middle or may seem to make no sense at all. If you asked me what I was thinking when I wrote this? I couldn't tell you, what inspires me varies, it could be a lyrical quotation, or a commercial, to Quote Anne Rice, "there is not much in this world that doesn't hold some fascination." But in the end it is personal, it is ramble, and it is always me.
From the Pulpit
The preacher stands and shakes his fists.
Calling out to "God", to show them the way.
"Hallelujah!" He screams from under the tent. This man of God, who hides his intent.
Traveling on his bus, from town to town, his money bags down to the ground.
The Almighty Dollar his driving force.
Under his roof the people pray,that through his words they'll find a way.
As he speaks, they all sing his praise, placing dollars in the trays.
A girl sits in the front row: and as the plate comes she passes it by.
He's watched them all give to his cause, except this girl holding her cross.
He calls out for their aid; his eyes meet hers, and then turn away.
His words mean nothing,his hearts gone astray.
She stands on her own and turns away.
"Sister!" He calls; "do you not hear the word?
God wants you here! Do Not Turn! This is His House! Why do you leave?
His love is in here, it is in me!"
She hears his words, but continues her course.
"Brothers! Sisters! She knows not her way! Sad, so sad, she leaves us today."
She turns on a dime and faces the crowd.
"I have my way, Sir; it is you all who are lost."
Gasps and prayers fill the room.
As the breeze flows through her gown.
"I have listened to you, and waited for your signs, and all I've learned is to bide my time.
For your word is nothing but, the words of a man, whose lost his touch.
You speak of God and all his works,
but it's merely to fund your little church.
The church of man is not the Key; for God is more than what you see.
He is not what you believe; people look for what you need.
We fight and Kill in the name of God!
You speak of others, not knowing who they are!
You all cry there is only one true faith. That only your way, your faith,
Will damn or save a soul.
Who are we to say such things? Who has the right to control our minds?
Our hearts? Or our very souls?
Why Sir, is your way to pray right?
Why not the Buddhist Chant or the Wiccan Rite?"
Who are we all to say that their Gods are not valid or true?"
They have their faiths, like all of you."
"You speak from a wicked tongue, Child!" He calls out now.
"I am sorry for you, having lost your sense, for it is in the Lords' Good Book, and he shows the way.
From these things, those thoughts, which enslave your mind?"
"I too am sorry, Sir, for you stand at your Pulpit, and I at mine.
But I have the love of the world here inside.
So keep your words and this place, for today is a day I will not waste.
The power of divinity has moved my feet. I feel it around me as we speak.
For men like you, wish to keep us weak,
But if I need answers. It is I who must seek.”
I'm not exactly the most religious of people, if asked my Beliefs, I say that I am a "Tree Hugging Dirt Worshiper", Pagan, or witch. I do not "do" curses, I am often not particularly, "up" on what phase the moon is in, nor do I notice when Mercury goes into Retrograde. My Mother is a far, far, greater Witch than I.
I am an Eclectic, I believe we should respect one another, and this planet that nourishes us. I do not apologize for speaking my brand of truth, nor do I expect others to full understand it. When I write I do so for me, if I didn't I would never sleep. The words would just keep bouncing around in my head. When it comes to "Poetry" I have no standard, and you will notice that my topic may change right in the middle or may seem to make no sense at all. If you asked me what I was thinking when I wrote this? I couldn't tell you, what inspires me varies, it could be a lyrical quotation, or a commercial, to Quote Anne Rice, "there is not much in this world that doesn't hold some fascination." But in the end it is personal, it is ramble, and it is always me.
From the Pulpit
The preacher stands and shakes his fists.
Calling out to "God", to show them the way.
"Hallelujah!" He screams from under the tent. This man of God, who hides his intent.
Traveling on his bus, from town to town, his money bags down to the ground.
The Almighty Dollar his driving force.
Under his roof the people pray,that through his words they'll find a way.
As he speaks, they all sing his praise, placing dollars in the trays.
A girl sits in the front row: and as the plate comes she passes it by.
He's watched them all give to his cause, except this girl holding her cross.
He calls out for their aid; his eyes meet hers, and then turn away.
His words mean nothing,his hearts gone astray.
She stands on her own and turns away.
"Sister!" He calls; "do you not hear the word?
God wants you here! Do Not Turn! This is His House! Why do you leave?
His love is in here, it is in me!"
She hears his words, but continues her course.
"Brothers! Sisters! She knows not her way! Sad, so sad, she leaves us today."
She turns on a dime and faces the crowd.
"I have my way, Sir; it is you all who are lost."
Gasps and prayers fill the room.
As the breeze flows through her gown.
"I have listened to you, and waited for your signs, and all I've learned is to bide my time.
For your word is nothing but, the words of a man, whose lost his touch.
You speak of God and all his works,
but it's merely to fund your little church.
The church of man is not the Key; for God is more than what you see.
He is not what you believe; people look for what you need.
We fight and Kill in the name of God!
You speak of others, not knowing who they are!
You all cry there is only one true faith. That only your way, your faith,
Will damn or save a soul.
Who are we to say such things? Who has the right to control our minds?
Our hearts? Or our very souls?
Why Sir, is your way to pray right?
Why not the Buddhist Chant or the Wiccan Rite?"
Who are we all to say that their Gods are not valid or true?"
They have their faiths, like all of you."
"You speak from a wicked tongue, Child!" He calls out now.
"I am sorry for you, having lost your sense, for it is in the Lords' Good Book, and he shows the way.
From these things, those thoughts, which enslave your mind?"
"I too am sorry, Sir, for you stand at your Pulpit, and I at mine.
But I have the love of the world here inside.
So keep your words and this place, for today is a day I will not waste.
The power of divinity has moved my feet. I feel it around me as we speak.
For men like you, wish to keep us weak,
But if I need answers. It is I who must seek.”
Forever Relevant...
"A Pagan Glance"
Fire, sight, touch, and taste.
Heat consuming everything, destroying and creating all at once.
I see colours all around each of you. I feel your force, pushing against my sanity.
Beads of sweat upon my lips, salty and warm, broken by your fingertips.
Filled with a Passion I cannot express. I turn my back; I can not take much more of this.
Wanting, Needing, More.
Rage and addiction move us on our course. Reminding us who we are, over and over again.
Earthbound we must live by rules. To keep our feet "On the ground" we must dismiss what we do not see.
Ah, but if you could see the wonders beyond the veil.
What a sight you would behold!
The world is different there, she’s as she could be, green and healthy, full of wondrous light.
Protected and nourished by her Godly consort. He shines down and breathes life into all things.
Fire, sight, touch, and taste.
Heat consuming everything, destroying and creating all at once.
I see colours all around each of you. I feel your force, pushing against my sanity.
Beads of sweat upon my lips, salty and warm, broken by your fingertips.
Filled with a Passion I cannot express. I turn my back; I can not take much more of this.
Wanting, Needing, More.
Rage and addiction move us on our course. Reminding us who we are, over and over again.
Earthbound we must live by rules. To keep our feet "On the ground" we must dismiss what we do not see.
Ah, but if you could see the wonders beyond the veil.
What a sight you would behold!
The world is different there, she’s as she could be, green and healthy, full of wondrous light.
Protected and nourished by her Godly consort. He shines down and breathes life into all things.
A Writer mind, More or less...For Reviews and News.
This blog is intended to give me an outlet to showcase whatever I have kicking around in my head. Old poetry, new novel ideas, and anything else that happens to cross the cavernous gulfs of my often f
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