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What is the Gist of Your Story? #16
When it comes to America’s involvement in the Vietnam War, many excruciating stories have emerged about the long, costly and contentious conflict that played out against the backdrop of the Cold War...
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What is the Gist of Your Story? #17
A sound premise and compelling themes are undoubtedly the hallmarks of great writing. In another addition to the SERIES on literary themes and premise, I’d like you to join me in welcoming Sonia Marsh....
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The Gist of a Great Blog Series
First of all, please accept my apology for nearly a month-long blogging hiatus due to our annual vacation. It was a welcome break after a harsh winter and a hectic year so far; and I got to indulge in...
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Goal-setting in Creative Writing
Goals require ACTION We all aspire to being successful, or dream about one day coming into some kind of abundance, or hope to enjoy good health in our old age, or wish the world could be at peace. But...
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Goal-setting in Creative Writing: Tip #1
ECOLOGY Ecology has been defined as the study of interrelationships between an organism and its particular habitat, like an individual being a member of society or a sport club. The principles of...
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Goal-setting in Creative Writing: Tip #2
NEGATIONS Negation is a complex linguistic phenomenon that is present in all human languages. It is a statement that might subconsciously appear affirmative on the surface yet is negative by default...
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Goal-setting in Creative Writing: Tip #3
SENSORY EVIDENCE Sensory perception refers to the level of awareness we bring to our external and internal worlds. In addition to our eyes, ears, skins, noses and tongues acting as filters for a range...
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Goal-setting in Creative Writing: Tip #4
CONTROL You are the only one who can be certain what is working in your life and what is not. Being in control of your life means taking responsibility for directing your behavior in any given...
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Goal-setting in Creative Writing: Tip #5
*POSITIVE INTENTION An important NLP coaching principle relating to the management of change states that all behavior serves a positive purpose, even behavior that’s ostensibly ‘negative.’ For...
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Goal-setting in Creative Writing: Tip #6
CONTEXT Not all action is appropriate under all circumstances, and not all outcomes are wanted in all contexts. When you set a goal, be aware of how the expected change might fit, or conflict with, a...
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Magic Realism vs. Magical Realms #1
Definition The term ‘magic realism’ came into being by way of Germany’s post-Expressionist painters using peculiar techniques for depicting the ordinary world as if seen through a mysterious lens. The...
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Magic Realism vs. Magical Realms #2
Background Literary magic realism originated in Latin America when writers traveling to Europe were exposed to the art movement of the time in cultural hubs like Paris and Berlin. The term seems to...
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Magic Realism vs. Magical Realms #3
Characteristics The ‘magic’ in magic realism is brought about by the narrator shifting his here-and-now perspective to represent the unconscious. In doing so, he effortlessly morphs the story to depict...
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Magic Realism vs. Magical Realms #4
Comparisons Magic realism is not ONE thing to ALL writers or readers—rather, think about it as some type of writing that’s determined by a narrator’s leaning toward the Latin American, European or...
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Magic Realism vs. Magical Realms #5
Debate As always, when ‘critics’ enter the literary arena, contention follows. There seems to be as much of a war of words on what is magic realism? as on where/how did it originate? According to the...
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Magic Realism vs. Magical Realms #6
Summary An easy and clear distinction between magic realism and fantasy, or science fiction, is that MR is about revealing and exploring character by weaving the story through two worlds—reality and...
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Literary Opportunities: January 2014
Another new year, another fresh start. My resolution is to bring greater awareness to healthy living, nurture my friendships, and pursue inspiring activities. I wish you a creative 2014. This year, my...
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Literary Opportunities: February 2014
This year, my main focus will be the completion of my creative writing guide. From a blogging perspective, I will continue to offer peer support by sharing resources and insights that relate to change,...
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Release Your Inner Writer
Having grown up in Africa, it’s no surprise that magic realism is by far my favorite literary genre. I am always exploring books, blogs, and writers who share my fascination with the ‘mysterious’ stuff...
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Literary Opportunities: March 2014
Despite a new, and very unexpected, full-time position as Marketing Communication Specialist at a big corporate, my main focus this year will be the completion of my creative writing guide. From a...
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