Just Thinking

When I was younger, I used to love this Canadian show, "Instant Star" (by the creators of the epic "Degrassi" series). It was about a girl named Jude. And, like the title suggests, she became an instant star by winning the local Idol-like contest "Instant Star" at only fifteen years old.

In the first season, naturally, her music was more personal and from the heart. And I'll never forget one line of lyrics that remains in my head to this day (some six years later): "I'm only human and I've got something to say."

I'll never forget those words. If I had to sum up why I write, using someone else's words, those would be the words I would choose. I write, because I have something to say.

And that begs the question: why do you write? Have you ever even thought about it? The reason I ask is because I want to know, in words right out of everyone's mouth (or fingertips, as the case may be), why they write. Is it something you merely decided to do on a whim? Or is it something so integral to your life that you couldn't stop doing it, even if you wanted to?

Anyways, that was all I was thinking. At the moment, at least.

Who is your Agatha Christie?

Me? I constantly read Agatha Christie novels. My mother was who put me onto them. At first, my teachers were weary of it, as the books tend to be a bit advanced for a kid from Alabama. But, do you know what happened? My sixth grade teacher moved up to seventh grade, so I had her for reading that year again. When she tested my reading, after having read Ms. Christie's extraordinary collection of suspense for the past year, she was startled by something. I went from having a 9th grade reading level (considered slightly better than average for an 11-year-old) to having a college-age reading level. I had the highest score in the school.

So, what's my point in all of this? Though it may seem the contrary, it's not to brag. My point is that what we read growing up really shapes us. Not only does it expand our vocabularies, but it also serves to frame our tastes and our literary standards. And, if we're lucky, it feeds our passion to learn to be better writers.

I definitely count Agatha Christie among the authors who has made me a better writer. She's really high up there on that list. And I want you to think and tell me: who is your Agatha Christie? Who did you read growing up (or even as an adult) that made you become a better writer while they held you in thrall with their words?

Whoever that person is, it's time to revisit them. That's exactly what I've done. I just finished reading The Affair at Styles day before yesterday and now I'm about to finish The Secret Adversary. And, do you know what? I'm more in thrall now than I ever was before. I appreciate her writing so much more now than I did when I was younger; I had so much admiration for her then that I wouldn't have thought that possible, but there it is. To this day, her writing captivates me the way it has always done, and I'm in awe of that lady's accomplishments. Truly, she was a mind that I wish I had known; though she's long dead, her books survive and allow us to peep into her brain in a very entertaining way.

So, I ask you again, who is your Agatha Christie?

Pimp Post: A Cynic's Reading

Andrew of Musings and Mullings has started a new blog: A Cynic's Reading.

The main concept of the blog, as the way it was related to me, is that it's a new, fresh way to do book reviews. At A Cynic's Reading, you won't find long drawn out synopses that make you yawn. Instead, you'll get a quick "first impression" and an honest "final verdict" once Andrew is done reading the book.

His tastes are exceedingly varied. Already, even though the blog is new, I've found some great use in it. In this day in age, when one is busy, it's hard to branch out into reading something new when you aren't sure if you will like it. But, with the honesty of Andrew's new blog, I know exactly whether or not it will be my cuppa tea before I even bother going to the library/bookstore.

All that said, definitely check it out! I look forward to seeing his blog grow.

Cogito's Ten Rules of Writing

After many days of being very sick/ill and not posting, I bring to you a gift in list form:

1. Thou art a writer; thou shall write something every day (no matter what it is).

2. Thou shall not make thyself to be an idol (no matter how famous thou becomes).

3. Thou shall not commit plagiarism (for you will be laughed at and sued until eternity).

4. Treat writing as thy job, thy art, and thy passion; it is not your hobby, if you hope to succeed.

5. Read a good book now and again.

6. Cast out unworthy characters and raise up good characters, for thou art a writer and thus is thy duty.

7. Thou shall not be jealous of other writers; thou shall keep thy nose to the grind (and keep on truckin’).

8. Remember to take breaks when appropriate, lest thou might go insane otherwise.

9. Do unto your characters what they would do unto you – even your villains.

10. Thou must keep these rules in thy mind so that thou might refer to them later.

Cogito's First Discussion Post: Fan Fiction (Yay or Nay)

First of all, you might be wondering what a discussion post is. Basically, it's a post where I start a topic, such as the one I'm mentioning in this one, and you lot chime in with your commentary. We get a dialogue going on through comments and "discuss". Very simple concept, but it can be a lot of fun as long as we keep it civil and respect each others' opinions, no matter how much they might differ from our own.

Fan Fiction

Fan fiction is a pretty simple term that's used to describe fiction written by fans -- just like the name says. Fan fiction can be derived from not only books; but also movies, video games, and television.

Some writers feel honored by inspiring their fans to play with their characters, others simply tolerate it as a fact of life; and there are others still who actively campaign against it (though this is rare).

So, the question is...

Fan Fiction: yay or nay?

Where do you fall into the generalized spectrum? Would you feel violated if someone was so enthralled by your work that they wanted to write their own take? Or would you be tickled pink with pride?

Personally, I'd fall into the latter category. As long as they're not making money off of it or claiming it as their own (which is very taboo and illegal), then I would have no problem. In fact, I would probably read the fan fiction. Why? Because imitation is the sincerest form of flattery after all; not to mention, it's always funny to see how people think your story will turn out. Sometimes, they're right on the money; others, they've got no clue and they're as wrong as spandex pants on a hot summer's day.

So, what do the rest of you writers think? Is it an abomination or a celebration? You decide.

Superior Scribbler Award

Al at Publish or Perish has passed along to me the Superior Scribbler Award. This marks the first award that Cogito Ergo Scribit has recieved. Thanks Al!



Award:

The Super Scribbler

1. Each Superior Scribbler, must in turn, pass the Award on to 5 most-deserving bloggy buds. 2. Each Superior Scribbler must link to the author and name of the blog from whom he/she has received the Award. 3. Each Superior Scribbler must display the Award on his/her blog and link to this post which explains the Award. 4. Each blogger who wins the Award must visit this post and add his or her name to the Mr. Linky List at the Scholastic-Scribe's blog. That way, we'll be able to keep up-to-date on everyone who wins this prestigious Award! 5. Each Superior Scribbler must post these rules on his/her blog.

My nominations:

1. Brian at Oldman's Cantankerous Point of View

2. Andrew at Musings and Mullings

3. Rebecca Emrich at Living a Life of Writing

4. Hecate at Voice of the Crone

5. Graham Moody at Parallel Universe

Beating Writer's Block: Making Changes (and how to apply them)

As writers, we are innately prone to brain lock. Our brains just fizzle up and all of the sudden -- nothing. Not a word. No thought, no plot, no sound, no muse, no nerve impulses – nothing. Our brains refuse to make a connection to our fingertips and we fall prey to what is, naturally, our worst enemy: writer’s block.

Writer’s block is a scary thing. Writers depend on writing to make money. When we can no longer process words or write a single sentence, that’s an extremely scary ordeal. Writer’s block is the writer’s version of depression; in fact, many writers feel depressed when they experience it. They feel as though all of their creativity has died. But feel is the key word in that sentence. Their creativity is still there; it’s merely locked deep inside their cerebellum or something (I don’t really know – I’m not a brain surgeon).

Unlocking Your Brain

The simplest way to unlock your brain and beat writer’s block (with a shovel) is to make some changes. Changes are simple to make. Nobody stagnates; humans are constantly changing. The key is to know how/when/where/why to do it.

Knowing how to change might seem like an abstract concept, but it really isn’t. Whatever you’re doing right now, do the opposite. If you’re the type of writer who literally sits in front of the computer all the time, typing away, your brain is probably overworked. Back away slowly from the computer (pry your fingers form the keyboard if need be) and then run far, far away and head straight to the nearest television. Do NOT watch TV on your computer (sorry Hulu fans). Watch an actual TV. Don’t read, because that keeps your mind in the whole literary mode. Dumb yourself down and watch some good old-fashioned television.

Watch whatever you like – it doesn’t matter. Let what you are watching seep into your mind and consume it. Suffering from writer’s block is the only time when it’s excusable to become a zombie television-watcher. If you’re lucky, what you’re watching will inspire you. You can’t copy it, obviously; that would be plagiarism. But let what you’re seeing expand your mind. It’ll free you and relax you; when that happens, ideas will start to seep in. Write your ideas down, but don’t write the full-on story just let. Allow yourself to mull it over in your brain. If you’re so addicted to the idea that you can’t leave it alone, you’re ready to get back to the business of writing.

The Other Type of Writer

On the opposite end of the workaholic writer, we have the mellow one, the type of writer who piddles around the house all day making tea (or coffee) until finally, an idea strikes them and they write. Still, this type of writer can also suffer writer’s block. And still yet, this type of writer can also overcome it; however, the way they are most likely to overcome it is rather different from the former example.

The mellow type of writer who happens to be a writer’s block sufferer does best when they put their butt in gear and get to work. This type of writer is too relaxed and need’s a good kick in the pants to get their ideas rolling. A mellow writer needs to actively search for ideas to unlock their brain. They need to get online and look at pictures, videos, read fanfics even – anything that makes them think and sparks an idea.

The Main Point in Beating Writer’s Block

The best remedy for overcoming writer’s block is to get ideas flowing and get yourself into a state of mind where you are capable of writing them down coherently. Play around with each method, or you can even invent your own. Find out what works for you and you’ll be saying adios to writer’s block woe in no time.

Interview with Living a Life of Writing's Rebecca Emrich

Rebecca Emrich of Living a Life of Writing is a good friend of mine; she's also a talented writer and a phenomenal blogger. I asked her if it would be alright to conduct an interview with her, as I think writers can learn by her example; she kindly obliged bringing with her some valuable insights about her personal experiences in the world of writing.

C.E.: I know that you're an avid and dedicated writer, but you also have a blog dedicated to Transylvania. What was your inspiration for writing Things About Transylvania?

R.E.: I am writing a book on the effects of the Second World War on the people of Transylvania, and more specifically the Saxons of the land. When I would tell people this, I would be met with blank stares -- or worse still: is that where Dracula is from? ( For the record: no he's not; in fact [Dracula] doesn't exist, but a man like him by the name of Vlad Tepes was born there.)

C.E.: As any reader of Living a Life of Writing knows, you regularly update with unique, interesting, and intriguing posts and content. How do you do it? How do you manage to stay so motivated? What's your secret?

R.E.: Ha ha! Nothing really. When I first started, I didn't get many readers and that was hard. But I decided that I needed to write and this was a way to prove myself; in fact it was a comment that ended up on my blog -- [a] rather nasty [comment] I might add -- that made me decide to find a better way. I played around with it until I found what works for me and my readers. I do series, and I write them up ahead of time, revising depending on the comments made by people.

C.E.: It seems from reading your posts that you write with a mixture of experience, research, and an intense passion for writing. How do you manage your time so efficiently? And what inspires you most when you're writing new posts for your blogs?

R.E.: I write with a mix of "error" experience, as I call it, one that comes from making mistakes looking back and fixing them; but also looking at what works and not changing it. I love writing, and after a fashion, I am a people person and a teacher at heart; and if one person becomes a better writer because they read something from my blog -- that is great. I also want to be able to write a couple of novels. Needless to say, I have a routine that doesn't change much from day to day. A big time board [also] helps.

C.E.: I know that you're working on a nonfiction project. What can you tell us about that?

R.E.: See my answer [to the first question]. But it comes from a interest in history, and in writing [down] oral history. I have interviewed men from Transylvania who were a part of the Second World War, or [I have interviewed] their families if they are dead.

I am focusing on the Russian Front, an area of the war not spoken about here in North America. These men have a mix of fear and trepidation; [...] I'm not writing about the war per se, but the effect of the war on them (the people). There was an effect of lost land and life, but also of shame and defeat. The men are [of] German origin and are speaking out for the first time. This is the first in a series, as the next book focuses on the women.

C.E.: What's your favorite aspect of writing, and what's your favorite genre to write in?

R.E.: [...]My favorite aspect is -- believe it or not -- the editing; the [aspect of] getting something better than the first draft splat.

My two favorite genres historical fiction and fantasy.

C.E.: If you could live in any time period in history, when/where would you live and why?

R.E.: 1960s. I love the era, and it was, perhaps, the last time when people were a bit more innocent.

C.E.: What do you want the world to know about you?

R.E.: I love writing, and I have a passion for Motown.

C.E.: What's your best advice for someone who's just beginning to write?

R.E.: Write EVERY day for fifteen minutes -- if not more; but [definitely write] every day. Not on a blog, but on your book or article or whatever.

C.E.: What are your long term goals in writing?

R.E.: To publish several books in both fiction and non-fiction.

C.E.: Where do you see yourself in five years, professionally?

R.E.: Hm, good question! [I would like to see myself] have a million dollars from my books. But, most important, [I would like to] be respected by the writing community.

I really enjoyed interviewing Rebecca. I've been a loyal reader of her blogs for many moons now. From where I'm standing, Rebecca is a rising star. I can definitely see her going places. This is a writer to watch out for, folks.

Tick Tock

Writers are unique creatures. For some reason, nature has bestowed upon us the ability to scribble words on paper that make sense. More than that, we are given the ability to tell stories that make people think, feel, and just generally react.

We all write for different reasons; the most common, however, is that if we don't spit out what we've got to say, we feel as though we're suffocating.

So, my question is: what makes you, as a writer, tick? Why do you write what you write?

To answer my own question, I would say what I said a few sentences before this one: I just have to. Writing has always been such a big part of me, I'm compelled to do it. If I get a story idea, I write it down. I always love to explore new ideas, places, and people through my writing and it never gets dull (well, for me, at least).

So, what about the rest of you? What makes you tick?