A THICK SKIN

 

 

Hi Everyone:

I don’t think of myself as an insensitive boob, at least, I hope I’m not one and most of the time I think I come off as being levelheaded and sensible. However, when it comes to my writing, I try to be thick skinned.

Few people like criticism, but for a writer, it is as necessary for growth as rain is for flowers. I well recall how after attending meetings of a critique group in the first year of my endeavors, I returned home feeling like a whipped dog. I’d seethe with rage, thinking that my critics had failed to understand my work, had not comprehended what I was trying to accomplish. As time passed, it occurred to me that maybe they were right. Perhaps some of my writing wasn’t clear, or maybe I wasn’t moving my story forward.

 I began to understand that the criticism had not been aimed at me, but at my work. I learned to appreciate the suggestions my fellow writers offered; after all, each critic represented a potential reader. I jotted down their suggestions as fast as I could so that later I’d be able to carefully consider them.

 Did I accept every suggestion—no, after all, I’m still the author, it’s up to me to decide which ideas are right for the work at issue. However, I must admit that I found most, probably 90% , worth adopting because they improved my material.

Over the years, I’ve had an opportunity to observe other writers. Most who attend literary meetings crave suggestions that foster growth. A few are so defensive, or arrogant that they are doomed to stagnate. It is likely that their only rationale for joining a literary group is to hear the plaudits. Sometimes I think that critique groups should advertise: WANTED—THICK-SKINNED AUTHORS.

 

Speaking of critiques, you’ll soon get your chance because in the very near future I plan to post right here, one of my latest novels.  In late March 2011, I began the outline for RAPE. The novel was not completed until August 25, 2012. No publisher has seen it yet. I plan to post one new chapter every couple of weeks in serial form in hopes that my readers will offer their suggestions as to how the work might be improved. (AND IT’S FREE)

In the interim, don’t forget to check my website: joshswritingroom.com.  There you can find info about the author and about the novels that have been published electronically. You can also find a short story to read. (AND IT’S FREE .) The current selection is from that master storyteller, Frank Lohan. It's one of my favorites. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

Plot vs. Theme

 

Hi Everyone:

Recently, a reader asked, “What’s the difference between theme and plot?”

In my opinion, good literature usually contains an over-arching theme or rationale, the basis for the story; whereas the plot is the action, a series of conflicts and resolutions that over the course of the story proves or disproves the over-arching theme.

For example, the theme of my novel, Alex—Peanut Butter—And Me, is that sometimes, the most insignificant act inflicts the gravest wound. The story revolves around the struggles of its main character to overcome the chasm between himself and the 20-year old, intellectually challenged son of his deceased wife’s first marriage.

In my novel, Palm Beach Style, the theme is “Be careful of what you really want, because you just might get it.” The plot concerns a spoiled rich woman, who sets out to prove that she is smarter than her detective lover by committing the perfect crime.

In Stein on Writing, the author points out, “The most interesting stories involve characters who want something badly.

In Kafka’s The Trial, Joseph K. wants to know why he is being arrested, why he is being tried, what he is guilty of.                

In Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, the central character constructs his life with the sole object of reuniting with Daisy, the woman he loves.

In Flaubert’s Madame Bovary, Emma Bovary, her head full of romantic notions, wants to escape the dreariness of her husband and her life.”

Stein points out: “The essence of dramatic conflict lies in the clash of wants.”

Here are examples of common themes:

·        The old ways are best

·        The new ways are better

·        The Champion never gives up

·        Faith will see you through

·        Father knows best

·        Crime does not pay

·        Honesty is the best policy

·        It pays to be frugal

·        As the twig is bent, so groes the tree

·        Technology will save us

·        Technology robs us of our humanity

·        Put duty before pleasure

·        A small slight has huge repercussions

·        Man is the captain of his soul, master of his fate

·        A fool can get away with anything

·        Winning is all that matters

·        Success has a thousand fathers, failure is a bastard

 

I am pleased to provide another short story, titled The Fence. Writing this one made me conscious of the joy one must feel when conquering Mount Everest.

When I began writing, I was only sure of three things:

1.     The antagonist’s name.

2.     That he was overweight.

3.     He was a Fence and planned jewel heists.

 I hope you experience as much pleasure from reading The Fence as I derived from writing it. It is available at my website:  joshswritingroom.com  Just click on the Short Story tab. You won’t make me angry if you also check out my novels.