Writing Ghost Stories
Consider Monsters are real, ghosts are real too. They live inside us, and sometimes, they win. – Stephen King, The Shining Several times a year, Succeed and Soar offers Wordsmith Stars, which provides insights and information for those write and enjoy reading. Each year, the Associated Writing Programs’ conference offers fantastic, carefully curated panels and workshops. Several years ago, I attended one titled, “Writing About Ghosts and The Undead.” Phantoms, ghouls and things that ‘go bump in the night’ had never been of interest until I learned they could be frightening in ways I hadn’t expected. Here are my notes about the ways spooks and spirits can be haunting: Writing about ghosts can be hopeful because the stories suggest that there is something more Ghosts are spirits without bodies. The zombie is a body without a spirit. [Can ghosts resume physical form? What happens if zombies receive souls?] The ghost can serve as a metaphor for loss [something lost] There are times when a loss haunts The death the ghost represents could be of an idea or culture These stories can present a crossroads, a choice of direction I did watch an episode of Ghosts, and found the show adorable. Plus, the programs provides a great example of how variety [different types of personalities] makes the character interactions more interesting. But I have not watched the show enough to understand the characters as metaphors. Perhaps, they’re merely entertainment. What do you think? I also hope you’re thinking of writing a ghost story. If so, here are six tips for writing modern ghost stories, which include deciding what your ghost looks like and what they can do. What fun! See more. Best of all, magazines exist that will pay for these stories. Here are ten. Worth considering are these words from Laurie Halse Anderson’s Wintergirls, “In one aspect, yes, I believe in ghosts, but we create them. We haunt ourselves.” Succeed and Soar! COMMENT. Shop Sandra’s Succeed & Soar Art on Shower Curtains As well as tote bags, tee shirts, journals, puzzles, phone cases, ornaments, face masks, towels, blankets, cups, pillows, greeting cards and more The high quality and unique Shower Curtains by Fine Art America: Are made of 100% polyester fabric Include 12 holes at top for ease in hanging Dimensions 71” wide, 74” tall Cost: $68 to $78 NOTE: Sometimes art size must be adjusted for whole image to fit. CUSTOMIZE. Use tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Over 60 background colors can be chosen [shades of yellows, blues, greens, grays and more]. Purchase this shower curtain View All Shower Curtains Shop All Art and Collections HERE. Thanks for your support!
Overcome Rejection 2nd of 2: Before
Consider It is impossible to discourage real writers. They don’t give a damn what you say. They’re going to write. – Sinclair Lewis Wordsmith Stars Overcoming Rejection Part 1 explored situations authors have faced with finished manuscripts, but having a story [or goal or idea or plan] refused after it’s developed is one thing. What about before starting? Psychology Today reported, The fear of rejection is one of our deepest human fears. Biologically wired with a longing to belong, we fear being seen in a critical way. We’re anxious about the prospect of being cut off, demeaned, or isolated. We fear being alone. We dread change. The depth and flavor of fear varies for each individual, although there are common elements at play. If we’re willing to look, what is our actual felt experience of rejection? What are we really afraid of? Read more Calm Sage offers these cures for fear of rejection, Engage in positive self talk Know that rejection does not define you Be kind to yourself More Nobel prize winning author Toni Morrison said, “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” The same for any, marvelous hope or dream. But if, for the moment, ambitions feel thwarted, here are resources that can fortify, Succeed and Soar has examined F.E.A.R. a few times, including the January 16, 2021 post “False Evidence Appearing Real” and the March 21, 2020 post, “Face Everything And Rise.” 7 Authors Speak of Rejection as an Enormous Part of Writers Lives 50 Iconic Writers Who were Repeatedly Rejected 10 Reasons Why Novels Are Rejected Serenity Prayer Succeed and Soar! Shop Sandra’s Art on Stickers As well as tote bags, tee shirts, journals, puzzles, phone cases, ornaments, face masks, towels, blankets, cups, pillows, shower curtains and more. The high quality and unique Onesies produced by Fine Art America: Vinyl in sizes: 2×2, 3×3, 4×4, 6×6 Kiss-cut w 1/8” border Available with transparent or white background Adhesive back clings to smooth surfaces, easy to remove Adhesive backing with plenty of stickiness Clings to any smooth surface yet easy to remove Priced from $3.50 to $9.20 CUSTOMIZE. Use tools with item to: Enlarge, reduce size of art Change placement of art and text Buy Stickers Here Shop All Art and Collections HERE. Thanks for your support!
Worth Living For
As long as there must be war, I ask and I must answer: Was I worth dying for? — Eleanor Roosevelt ThoughtCo says the human body is 65% oxygen, 18% carbon, 10% hydrogen and 3% nitrogen. Along with the calcium, phosphorous, rubidium, aluminum, arsenic, lithium and other elements, a person’s ingredients could be purchased for $1. When bodies are valued this way, George Carlin could believe, “War is rich old men protecting their wealth by sending lower and middle-class young men off to die.” What is war? Margaret Atwood said, “War is what happens when language fails.” Stephen King observed, “Fighting for peace, is like f***ing for chastity.” Bertrand Russell offered, “War does not determine who is right – only who is left.” More thoughts. What causes bloodshed? Leslie De Jong believes, “All war originates within as an internal conflict,” which Wellness Mind says can come from: discontent with what is [or is not] happening in someone’s life Intolerance Inability to forgive Low self esteem So, maybe, if battles inside leaders were settled, all that has to die for us are internal clashes. PsychCentral’s six steps include making time for ourselves and getting out into nature. LifeHack’s 40 ways to peace of mind list being kind, avoiding comparisons, getting enough sleep and frolic. BTW, DataGenetics believes the oxygen in human bodies is worth $9.83, the carbon eighteen cents. The 0.25% of us that is potassium is most valuable, $104. All told, they value a body at $160. What are you worth? Each November, readers are invited to support the effort and resources that produce Succeed and Soar. Keep this project going and growing. Invest Here. Thanks! Purchases of my art also help. Succeed and Soar‘s first Zoom Chat touched on the origins of the universe, why its beginnings from the explosion of a very tiny particle [the Big Bang] doesn’t make sense, Critical Race Theory’s Pittsburgh origin, how thought becomes physical matter and more. A fascinating and fun discussion. My goal is to build community that shares uplifting, enlightening conversations each first Thursday, 7pm Pittsburgh [Eastern US] time. Mark your calendar! This Ivan Doig novel tells of an eleven-year-old orphan who sets off for adventure instead of an orphanage. I was charmed by this story and felt hugged by the book.Charming, wise, and slyly funny, Last Bus to Wisdom is a last sweet gift from a writer whose books have bestowed untold pleasure on countless readers Book Browse Let’s discuss during December’s Succeed and Soar chat. Chicago Tribute Review Eleanor’s Wisdoms Succeed and Soar’s “Eleanor’s Insights” series is illustrated with photographs of ‘wild places.’ Art is available as prints, framed and on canvas as well as on journals, greeting cards, weekender bags, shower curtains, puzzles and much more. Shop Here