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Sunday, October 9, 2011
The Salisbury Scarecrows
These were some of the wonderful scarecrows in competition this year in Salisbury, CT. From Elvis and Michael Jackson to a group "gone fishing" to the last picture of little scarecrows trick or treating to the circus ones including an elephant, lion in a cage, a strong man, a clown juggling, a circus train and ring master, the creativity ran wild. We enjoyed walking up and down the street marveling at the clever imaginations. It was a beautiful ride up there and a enjoyable stroll. We might just add this to our Columbus Day weekend agenda every year.
Salsibury on a Sunday
We have our own little traditions that we stick to for Columbus Day weekend. We always go to the Riverton Fair and Granville Harvest days. This year we learned that Salisbury, CT also has some festivities happening during this weekend, so we decided to take the ride up there to see what it was all about.
As we walked along the quaint main street, we found the WWI Memorial where my husband pointed out his father's name. We enjoyed a muffin and delicious cookie from a bakery. We were intrigued by the book stalls that the church uses to sell used books.
Along our walk we were entertained by the various scarecrows that people created in competition with one another. The next post will include pictures of some of them.
My husband suggested I take a picture of the house with the flag. It was such a unique structure. The part in back connects to another building just like this one in the front, except behind the pillars is a brick fireplace.
As we walked along the quaint main street, we found the WWI Memorial where my husband pointed out his father's name. We enjoyed a muffin and delicious cookie from a bakery. We were intrigued by the book stalls that the church uses to sell used books.
Along our walk we were entertained by the various scarecrows that people created in competition with one another. The next post will include pictures of some of them.
My husband suggested I take a picture of the house with the flag. It was such a unique structure. The part in back connects to another building just like this one in the front, except behind the pillars is a brick fireplace.
Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy
These are shots of an juggler/comedian we saw perform at the Big E this year. He calls himself, "Hilby the Skinny German Juggle Boy". Besides being a talented juggler, he provided us with plenty of laughs with his jokes delivered with a German accent. These pictures show how entertaining he was juggling various different items at once. He quite enjoyed him.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Monday, September 5, 2011
Relating
I've been watching some of the many 9/11 documentaries on TV. They all pull at the heart strings--stories of courage, stories of loved ones lost, so many stories of so many lives. We will never know all of the personal effects of 9/11 on people. I feel a need to remember the tenth anniversary of the tragedy.
Our town sold luminaries that we have purchased to put out at the end of our driveway the evening of the 11th. We will do that. During the day, if the weather is good, our American flag will be waving, as it usually is. I am hoping to be at a church service that honors that day in memory. Other than that, I'm not sure what I can do. We have been to the Sherwood Island State Park in Connecticut to see our memorial to the 149 Connecticut people who died. I know it will be crowded, if it is able to be opened after the effects of hurricane Irene. I would reserve that right to those who lost loved ones on that day.
As I was watching an interview with former Governor Rowland a couple of days ago, he said some words that stuck with me. I don't have the direct quote, but he said on that day we were vividly reminded that every day we walk out the door may be the last time that we see our family or friends. He said it served as a reminder as to what is important in life, "Faith, family and friends". That sums it all up.
Life is busy and I know we won't be able to be with our family and friends on that day. The important thing is that we know we love and care for each other. Feeling that I had to do something, I am focusing this month (as I may not finish by Sunday) on writing to my family and friends who are not on facebook or email. Facebook and email friends are certainly not any less, but I am in contact with them more. For the others I am going to hand write a personal letter. I am not going to say anything about 9/11 or even anything very deep. It will be just a handwritten note to say, "I am thinking of you." Life here on earth is all about the relationships. That is the word I would use if asked to describe life in one word, relationships. It is how we relate to those we love and those who are hard to love, those we chose to be with and those we chose not to include in our lives. It's memories of those who are gone and the relationships we had with them.
It is also our relationship with God. Evidence of Him is in the beauty of the rivers and mountains and the oceans around us. He is in the innocence of a new born baby or in the faithfulness of a dog. His Spirit is in the kind actions of others when we are in need. Our lives should be based on our faith. We each know how we believe. I also know that although I have the faith, I have failed in that relationship. It is one thing to believe that God exists; it is another to build a relationship. Prayer is easy--that is my letter to God and He gets those all the time...especially the ones I send up express mail, the urgent ones that I want taken care of immediately--in my time, not his. He also gets the routine ones, like paying bills, "lead me through this day, bless my family, etc." And he gets the thank you notes, "thank you for your blessings." He also gets apologies for my wrong doings.
The other part of that relationship is listening to His direction, especially in the Bible. I'll admit that in that part of the relationship I have failed in. I have let the busy-ness of life take over. Life is too busy and I can't change that. It is overwhelming to claim that I will read a book a week or even a chapter a day. Yes, I could read that much, but reading and digesting are two different things. I do realize that I have let life here push me around and dictate my direction. I have to go to work every day and other commitments, but there are other parts of life that are made up of conscious choices of time and efforts and money.
So, in my effort to focus on the relationships of life this month, I will read the Bible with no commitments as to how many chapters by a certain date. It will be quality not quantity. The final aspect of that is to act upon my faith.That is why I chose to title this blog with a verb, "Relating". I feel writing the letters is one way. There are other ways to help people to reflect God's love and I hope to continue to be open to see when needs exist and to act upon that and to be an encouragement to others.
I hope the anniversary of 9/11 will somehow motivate you to do something too. Just as New Year's eve, we make resolutions to change our lives, I think 9/11 should be remembered by making resolutions to help others, a reminder that life is too short and focus needs to be on what is important--faith, family and friends--relationships.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16
Our town sold luminaries that we have purchased to put out at the end of our driveway the evening of the 11th. We will do that. During the day, if the weather is good, our American flag will be waving, as it usually is. I am hoping to be at a church service that honors that day in memory. Other than that, I'm not sure what I can do. We have been to the Sherwood Island State Park in Connecticut to see our memorial to the 149 Connecticut people who died. I know it will be crowded, if it is able to be opened after the effects of hurricane Irene. I would reserve that right to those who lost loved ones on that day.
As I was watching an interview with former Governor Rowland a couple of days ago, he said some words that stuck with me. I don't have the direct quote, but he said on that day we were vividly reminded that every day we walk out the door may be the last time that we see our family or friends. He said it served as a reminder as to what is important in life, "Faith, family and friends". That sums it all up.
Life is busy and I know we won't be able to be with our family and friends on that day. The important thing is that we know we love and care for each other. Feeling that I had to do something, I am focusing this month (as I may not finish by Sunday) on writing to my family and friends who are not on facebook or email. Facebook and email friends are certainly not any less, but I am in contact with them more. For the others I am going to hand write a personal letter. I am not going to say anything about 9/11 or even anything very deep. It will be just a handwritten note to say, "I am thinking of you." Life here on earth is all about the relationships. That is the word I would use if asked to describe life in one word, relationships. It is how we relate to those we love and those who are hard to love, those we chose to be with and those we chose not to include in our lives. It's memories of those who are gone and the relationships we had with them.
It is also our relationship with God. Evidence of Him is in the beauty of the rivers and mountains and the oceans around us. He is in the innocence of a new born baby or in the faithfulness of a dog. His Spirit is in the kind actions of others when we are in need. Our lives should be based on our faith. We each know how we believe. I also know that although I have the faith, I have failed in that relationship. It is one thing to believe that God exists; it is another to build a relationship. Prayer is easy--that is my letter to God and He gets those all the time...especially the ones I send up express mail, the urgent ones that I want taken care of immediately--in my time, not his. He also gets the routine ones, like paying bills, "lead me through this day, bless my family, etc." And he gets the thank you notes, "thank you for your blessings." He also gets apologies for my wrong doings.
The other part of that relationship is listening to His direction, especially in the Bible. I'll admit that in that part of the relationship I have failed in. I have let the busy-ness of life take over. Life is too busy and I can't change that. It is overwhelming to claim that I will read a book a week or even a chapter a day. Yes, I could read that much, but reading and digesting are two different things. I do realize that I have let life here push me around and dictate my direction. I have to go to work every day and other commitments, but there are other parts of life that are made up of conscious choices of time and efforts and money.
So, in my effort to focus on the relationships of life this month, I will read the Bible with no commitments as to how many chapters by a certain date. It will be quality not quantity. The final aspect of that is to act upon my faith.That is why I chose to title this blog with a verb, "Relating". I feel writing the letters is one way. There are other ways to help people to reflect God's love and I hope to continue to be open to see when needs exist and to act upon that and to be an encouragement to others.
I hope the anniversary of 9/11 will somehow motivate you to do something too. Just as New Year's eve, we make resolutions to change our lives, I think 9/11 should be remembered by making resolutions to help others, a reminder that life is too short and focus needs to be on what is important--faith, family and friends--relationships.
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Contemporary Versus Traditional Christian Music
Last year George and I attended a different church every week. We experienced numerous different styles of worship and he and I each have our own preferences. We agree on most issues, but I have come to like many of the contemporary songs whereas he prefers the traditional.
The church we chose to attend this year uses just traditional. Now I have to say there are many traditional songs that I love--"Blessed Assurance", "In the Garden", "The Old Rugged Cross" and many more. Then there are the ones that are impossible to follow the tune, the words are archaic and the meaning is unclear.
We have attended week after week and I have not felt "in tune" with the worship songs often, as not many of my favorites are chosen. It was a few weeks ago when we were singing some ancient song that I whispered to George, "Look around. See how many people are NOT singing." The few that were seemed to be just mouthing the words. Is this worship?
Now, I have respect for this church and I know that finding the perfect church is impossible. I also know that it is not proper to go to a church and try to change it to your liking and that is why I have not said anything.
This particular Sunday, the Pastor (as if he had heard my whisper to George a few weeks ago) preached on Habakkuk 3:19c "For the choir director, on my stringed instruments." He said that music is a vehicle. It should be honoring, dignified and submissive to God. He quoted Colossians 3:16 saying that it should be encouraging and lifting up the word, praising God. I agree.
He said too often Contemporary Christian music focuses on self. He said that it becomes about the performer. That being said, it is true. We have seen that happen. Perhaps because the music is more of the worldly nature being contemporary-style, this is a temptation. I do not fault the music.
Let me do a comparison. From the 1800's: "Ride on! Ride on in majesty! Hark! All the tribes hosanna cry; O Saviour meek, pursue Thy road With palms and scattered garments strowed." In comparison: "Majesty, worship His Majesty Unto Jesus, be all glory, Power and praise. Majesty, Kingdom authority Flow from His throne, Unto his own, His anthem raise. So exalt, lift up on high The Name of Jesus, Magnify, come glorify, Christ Jesus the King, Majesty, worship His Majesty, Jesus who died, now glorified,King of all Kings."
The latter was contemporary. Just reading those words, what is self-centered about that? It is nothing but beautiful, pure praise and honor to God. So many contemporary hymns are personal--"I love you Lord", "I Exalt thee", "Father, I Adore you". Isn't worship supposed to be personal?
Many contemporary songs either take a direct quote from Bible verses or are based on them, ie: "As the Deer Panteth for the Water" (Psalm 42) or "Shout to the Lord" (Psalm 98).
I find it interesting that some of the same churches that have approved later versions of the Bible, New King James, NIV, Good News, cannot embrace the modern music.
The Pastor today mentioned the importance of tradition--that our children and our children's children would have the same songs. If not, each generation would be learning new songs of their own. I don't mind keeping with some tradition. I agree that there are some treasures in some of the old standards that should be kept alive. However, there are some really beautiful and heartfelt new songs. Also, who is to say what is the cut off date? I see songs in the hymnals that go back from 1700's to 1800's and possibly some early 1900's. At what date is the line drawn in the sand and we cannot cross?
This church has decided to use the word "sins" instead of "debts" or "trespasses" in the Lord's Prayer. I think this is a great thing. It is more relevant to our understandings today. It is contemporary.
The Pastor said to feel free to sing these contemporary songs at home, in the car or elsewhere, but that they did not belong in the worship service. He said that Satan is a great musician too and that music for music's sake is idolatry. I understand what he is saying. There are those (and I dare to say this is even true of some traditional church music performers) who enjoy "performing" the songs for church. It does not necessarily take drums, guitars and keyboards to be "performing", a traditional choir can be doing the same thing without any instruments at all and it doesn't take just "evil" contemporary songs. I dare be bold enough to say that in some places I've been that even the people leading the prayers are "performing" the prayers. I feel badly for saying that, but that is how some people come across.
This has not been to tear down any church that chooses only to use traditional music. I don't believe that Traditional vs Contemporary is Good vs Evil, it is just different. I do believe that Contemporary songs can be presented in such a way that they are not about the person(s)leading the song. I do believe that this music is often easier to understand and a good magnet for younger Christians or new Christians just as NIV is easier to understand than King James.
What it comes down to for me, is do I understand what the song is saying? Can I sing the words and mean them? Are they glorifying God? Are they heart felt? Isn't it as simple as that?
Make a Joyful Noise unto the Lord!
The church we chose to attend this year uses just traditional. Now I have to say there are many traditional songs that I love--"Blessed Assurance", "In the Garden", "The Old Rugged Cross" and many more. Then there are the ones that are impossible to follow the tune, the words are archaic and the meaning is unclear.
We have attended week after week and I have not felt "in tune" with the worship songs often, as not many of my favorites are chosen. It was a few weeks ago when we were singing some ancient song that I whispered to George, "Look around. See how many people are NOT singing." The few that were seemed to be just mouthing the words. Is this worship?
Now, I have respect for this church and I know that finding the perfect church is impossible. I also know that it is not proper to go to a church and try to change it to your liking and that is why I have not said anything.
This particular Sunday, the Pastor (as if he had heard my whisper to George a few weeks ago) preached on Habakkuk 3:19c "For the choir director, on my stringed instruments." He said that music is a vehicle. It should be honoring, dignified and submissive to God. He quoted Colossians 3:16 saying that it should be encouraging and lifting up the word, praising God. I agree.
He said too often Contemporary Christian music focuses on self. He said that it becomes about the performer. That being said, it is true. We have seen that happen. Perhaps because the music is more of the worldly nature being contemporary-style, this is a temptation. I do not fault the music.
Let me do a comparison. From the 1800's: "Ride on! Ride on in majesty! Hark! All the tribes hosanna cry; O Saviour meek, pursue Thy road With palms and scattered garments strowed." In comparison: "Majesty, worship His Majesty Unto Jesus, be all glory, Power and praise. Majesty, Kingdom authority Flow from His throne, Unto his own, His anthem raise. So exalt, lift up on high The Name of Jesus, Magnify, come glorify, Christ Jesus the King, Majesty, worship His Majesty, Jesus who died, now glorified,King of all Kings."
The latter was contemporary. Just reading those words, what is self-centered about that? It is nothing but beautiful, pure praise and honor to God. So many contemporary hymns are personal--"I love you Lord", "I Exalt thee", "Father, I Adore you". Isn't worship supposed to be personal?
Many contemporary songs either take a direct quote from Bible verses or are based on them, ie: "As the Deer Panteth for the Water" (Psalm 42) or "Shout to the Lord" (Psalm 98).
I find it interesting that some of the same churches that have approved later versions of the Bible, New King James, NIV, Good News, cannot embrace the modern music.
The Pastor today mentioned the importance of tradition--that our children and our children's children would have the same songs. If not, each generation would be learning new songs of their own. I don't mind keeping with some tradition. I agree that there are some treasures in some of the old standards that should be kept alive. However, there are some really beautiful and heartfelt new songs. Also, who is to say what is the cut off date? I see songs in the hymnals that go back from 1700's to 1800's and possibly some early 1900's. At what date is the line drawn in the sand and we cannot cross?
This church has decided to use the word "sins" instead of "debts" or "trespasses" in the Lord's Prayer. I think this is a great thing. It is more relevant to our understandings today. It is contemporary.
The Pastor said to feel free to sing these contemporary songs at home, in the car or elsewhere, but that they did not belong in the worship service. He said that Satan is a great musician too and that music for music's sake is idolatry. I understand what he is saying. There are those (and I dare to say this is even true of some traditional church music performers) who enjoy "performing" the songs for church. It does not necessarily take drums, guitars and keyboards to be "performing", a traditional choir can be doing the same thing without any instruments at all and it doesn't take just "evil" contemporary songs. I dare be bold enough to say that in some places I've been that even the people leading the prayers are "performing" the prayers. I feel badly for saying that, but that is how some people come across.
This has not been to tear down any church that chooses only to use traditional music. I don't believe that Traditional vs Contemporary is Good vs Evil, it is just different. I do believe that Contemporary songs can be presented in such a way that they are not about the person(s)leading the song. I do believe that this music is often easier to understand and a good magnet for younger Christians or new Christians just as NIV is easier to understand than King James.
What it comes down to for me, is do I understand what the song is saying? Can I sing the words and mean them? Are they glorifying God? Are they heart felt? Isn't it as simple as that?
Make a Joyful Noise unto the Lord!
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Diversion on a Saturday morning
The day started out with plans of its own unbeknown to me. The first thing I needed to do was to help my husband pick up a chair somewhere. As we were walking out the door, I grabbed the weekly newspaper to read in the car.
We had gone about a mile when I asked him, "What's today?" He replied it was Augsut 6th, to which I replied, "Shoot!"
The paper had an article stating that the former head writer of All My Children and other soap operas was going to be giving a workshop on the Art of Storytelling in Colebrook 10-12.
I was thinking maybe I could go late. My loving husband suggested we turn around and get two cars so after we were done loading the chair into the truck, that I could go on my way. And so I did although I had planned on a shower after the chair moving and now there was no time for that.
Now this is going to jump from topic to topic...
The Rock School House
First, the venue was the Rock School house in Colebrook. This historic building will be part of a restoration project in the future. A variety of old wooden desks became the audience's seats. Some were definitely too small for adults. I did not find mine uncomfortable, surprisingly.
The windows were propped open with wooden sticks and despite the heat and humidity I felt when we were moving the chair, it was a comfortable temperature with a slight breeze coming through the windows in this unusual setting for a speaker.
Soap Opera Writing
I wanted to hear Megan McTavish speak because I like to write and because I've been watching All My Children since 1979 thanks to my daughter's feeding schedule as a baby. I always vowed I would never watch a soap opera, but...As Megan noted, in reality, much of the night time shows now are soap operas for example: Dallas, Twin Peaks, Grey's Anatomy, Hill Street Blues. She feels they caused the death of the day time soap.
I was interested to learn the way they write. Megan was responsible as head writer to first come up with the idea, do a little writing and then present it to the group of breakdown writers. They would work on it and present it to the network. After that it went back to the dialogue writers and then on to production. (This is what my notes tell me and I'm pretty sure that I have it all correct). Despite what people think, it is not all glamor and fun.
I asked her if she ever felt disappointed after seeing something that she had written in its final performance. She described that the writers would take their lunch at 1pm and watch All My Children as it was being aired. She explained one particular disappointment with a couple (Tad & Dixie) that had been on again and off again for years and the viewers just wanted them together. They wrote the wonderful wedding scene and as they watched it unfold on the TV, they sat there with mouths opened. Instead of the romantic vows which they had written, the cameras moved to a couple of other characters and there was a fantasy vampire scene. Evidently the producers thought a wedding was too boring and had the scene changed..the viewers thought otherwise and let them know it. When you string on the viewers for so long, they want to see it. She didn't name names but said there were times that the actors disappointed her. Sometimes they didn't say the lines as written.
Much of the workshop was talking about writing. I will now touch on my notes from that. Those who don't write, can stop here.
Megan's Story Telling Secrets
Number one thing is to care about the characters. Make them living, breathing and realistic. Have a connection with them. The reader is investing in the story. Make the journey worthwhile. It takes time to make a reader care. Don't just declare a fact, dramatize it by events.
Suspense is a key factor too. She quoted her mentor, creator of All My Children, Agnes Nixon, "Make 'em laugh, Make 'em cry, Make 'em WAIT!" She says there should be twists and turns. You lose people with straight lines.
There should be a big pay off. Don't drag someone along the journey without a good pay off. When writing, don't limit yourself. Do mind surfing...explore many different options but not critically or you may lose the creativity. Anything is possible, you just have to figure out how to get the reader there.
Make your story relate-able. You need smaller pay offs along the way to keep them interested. The more they want something, the longer you can make them wait. How big is the "rooting value". How much do they care?
A "rooting value" has to be built. Keep them tuned in with twists and turns--pay offs along the way. If you think something can't work, think how you can make it work. Build your investment. Decide your own "rooting value."
Megan suggested seeing the characters in your head. Notice people in real life. Your character is a stranger to the audience. What do you want them to know about them?
She said to Start Strong. If you get stuck, walk away for a bit or do a "side thing"--write a different chapter or just write a paragraph about one of the characters.
Are you "in it" or "watching it"? The writer and reader should be involved. Another quote by Agnes Nixon, "If you cry when you write it, they will cry when they read it."
One point she wanted to impress was, "Give yourself permission not to write in ink." You can always change it. Get the ideas down and then worry about it.
So, that is how I spent my Saturday morning. I felt like it was an impromptu come as you are party that you drop everything to go to. I'm glad I had this Saturday off from work and my husband's quick thinking of how to get me there. I am very glad that I got the opportunity to listen to Megan McTavish. She is a very interesting and entertaining presenter. I look forward to possible other workshops that she might offer.
We had gone about a mile when I asked him, "What's today?" He replied it was Augsut 6th, to which I replied, "Shoot!"
The paper had an article stating that the former head writer of All My Children and other soap operas was going to be giving a workshop on the Art of Storytelling in Colebrook 10-12.
I was thinking maybe I could go late. My loving husband suggested we turn around and get two cars so after we were done loading the chair into the truck, that I could go on my way. And so I did although I had planned on a shower after the chair moving and now there was no time for that.
Now this is going to jump from topic to topic...
The Rock School House
First, the venue was the Rock School house in Colebrook. This historic building will be part of a restoration project in the future. A variety of old wooden desks became the audience's seats. Some were definitely too small for adults. I did not find mine uncomfortable, surprisingly.
The windows were propped open with wooden sticks and despite the heat and humidity I felt when we were moving the chair, it was a comfortable temperature with a slight breeze coming through the windows in this unusual setting for a speaker.
Soap Opera Writing
I wanted to hear Megan McTavish speak because I like to write and because I've been watching All My Children since 1979 thanks to my daughter's feeding schedule as a baby. I always vowed I would never watch a soap opera, but...As Megan noted, in reality, much of the night time shows now are soap operas for example: Dallas, Twin Peaks, Grey's Anatomy, Hill Street Blues. She feels they caused the death of the day time soap.
I was interested to learn the way they write. Megan was responsible as head writer to first come up with the idea, do a little writing and then present it to the group of breakdown writers. They would work on it and present it to the network. After that it went back to the dialogue writers and then on to production. (This is what my notes tell me and I'm pretty sure that I have it all correct). Despite what people think, it is not all glamor and fun.
I asked her if she ever felt disappointed after seeing something that she had written in its final performance. She described that the writers would take their lunch at 1pm and watch All My Children as it was being aired. She explained one particular disappointment with a couple (Tad & Dixie) that had been on again and off again for years and the viewers just wanted them together. They wrote the wonderful wedding scene and as they watched it unfold on the TV, they sat there with mouths opened. Instead of the romantic vows which they had written, the cameras moved to a couple of other characters and there was a fantasy vampire scene. Evidently the producers thought a wedding was too boring and had the scene changed..the viewers thought otherwise and let them know it. When you string on the viewers for so long, they want to see it. She didn't name names but said there were times that the actors disappointed her. Sometimes they didn't say the lines as written.
Much of the workshop was talking about writing. I will now touch on my notes from that. Those who don't write, can stop here.
Megan's Story Telling Secrets
Number one thing is to care about the characters. Make them living, breathing and realistic. Have a connection with them. The reader is investing in the story. Make the journey worthwhile. It takes time to make a reader care. Don't just declare a fact, dramatize it by events.
Suspense is a key factor too. She quoted her mentor, creator of All My Children, Agnes Nixon, "Make 'em laugh, Make 'em cry, Make 'em WAIT!" She says there should be twists and turns. You lose people with straight lines.
There should be a big pay off. Don't drag someone along the journey without a good pay off. When writing, don't limit yourself. Do mind surfing...explore many different options but not critically or you may lose the creativity. Anything is possible, you just have to figure out how to get the reader there.
Make your story relate-able. You need smaller pay offs along the way to keep them interested. The more they want something, the longer you can make them wait. How big is the "rooting value". How much do they care?
A "rooting value" has to be built. Keep them tuned in with twists and turns--pay offs along the way. If you think something can't work, think how you can make it work. Build your investment. Decide your own "rooting value."
Megan suggested seeing the characters in your head. Notice people in real life. Your character is a stranger to the audience. What do you want them to know about them?
She said to Start Strong. If you get stuck, walk away for a bit or do a "side thing"--write a different chapter or just write a paragraph about one of the characters.
Are you "in it" or "watching it"? The writer and reader should be involved. Another quote by Agnes Nixon, "If you cry when you write it, they will cry when they read it."
One point she wanted to impress was, "Give yourself permission not to write in ink." You can always change it. Get the ideas down and then worry about it.
So, that is how I spent my Saturday morning. I felt like it was an impromptu come as you are party that you drop everything to go to. I'm glad I had this Saturday off from work and my husband's quick thinking of how to get me there. I am very glad that I got the opportunity to listen to Megan McTavish. She is a very interesting and entertaining presenter. I look forward to possible other workshops that she might offer.
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