Tag: books

Writing Prompt: Unstrung Words

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1337677_two_flower_urns_on_a_wall_I recently re-read The Unstrung Harp by Edward Gorey; it’s a quirky and delightful little book about the process of writing and publishing a novel. Near the end of the book, the protagonist, Mr. Earbrass, has finally seen his latest book in print and is drained. He stands on his terrace and random words flow through his head — some quite esoteric but others rather inspiring. So I thought it might be fun to use Mr. Earbrass’s eclectic musings to inspire other writers this week. Pick three to five of the following words and use them in a story, scene or poem.

“ANGUISH TURNIPS CONJUNCTIONS ILLNESS DEFEAT STRING PARTIES NO PARTIES URNS DESUETUDE DISAFFECTION CLAWS LOSS TREBIZOND NAPKINS SHAME STONES DISTANCE FEVER ANTIPODES MUSH GLACIERS INCOHERENCE LABELS MIASMA AMPUTATION TIDES DECEIT MOURNING ELSEWARDS” (from The Unstrung Harp by Edward Gorey, copyright 1953, copyright renewed 1981)

Writing Prompt: Quotable Quotes

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This week, I’m looking to some of my favorite authors for inspiration. Here’s some interesting quotes to jump-start your creativity and get you writing your own story.

“‘Life is wasted on the living.'” Douglas Adams, The Restaurant at the End of the Universe

“‘Don’t put your trust in revolutions. They always come around again. That’s why they’re called revolutions. People die, and nothing changes.'” Terry Pratchett, Night Watch

“It was irritating to have one’s physical shortcomings pointed out quite so plainly twice in one evening…” Tom Holt, Expecting Someone Taller

“‘You bastard!’ This burst out of me before I could stop it. I regretted it at once, but it was too late.” Steven Brust, Taltos

Thorny sequels

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Today, I discovered something new, thanks to Amazon and its friendly suggestions. Amazon knows that I own the DVD of Elizabeth Gaskell’s North & South, and since I have the original novel on my wish list, Amazon decided that maybe I’d like to read a sequel or two. I was aware that people had written unauthorized sequels to many classic novels — Pride and Prejudice comes to mind first, though I’m sure there are endless others. But I was still surprised to find that there were at least six different North & South sequels in the Kindle store.

I put several on my list of items to consider, but I couldn’t help having mixed feelings. I know that if I were a descendent of Gaskell, I wouldn’t be very happy about enterprising strangers appropriating the story my ancestor had devoted so much time to create. But I am excited by the prospect of seeing the story continued — so much so that I’m almost certainly going to invest some time and a few dollars in at least one e-book.

Does anyone else have opinions on breathing new life into another author’s material? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.

Why buy?

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A few moments ago, I caught myself feeling a familiar niggle: I looked at the Amazon.com shortcut on my toolbar and thought, I want to buy something.

This thought appears at least once a week, usually when I’m frustrated with work. When I succumb to the urge, I’ll order a book, a DVD or food (tea or energy bars). I used to give in more often, but I’ve gained some control by recognizing the urge for what it is: a desire to escape, to read, to watch a good show, or eat something yummy — in short, to enjoy my time rather than just enduring it.

I have plenty of books. In fact, I have a good selection of unread books, at least 6 or 8 that I recall. But even if I didn’t have a fair number of shiny new books sitting around, I have a few dozen books and audio books that I thoroughly enjoyed and would like to experience again. And I’ve got more or less the same situation with DVDs; there’s a whole queue full of movies I want to see on Netflix Instant and a box full of DVDs sitting under the desk. I have more diversions than I could enjoy in a month of vacation. I don’t need more.

So why buy?

I guess part of it is that buzz of acquisition that gets shopaholics into so much trouble. It feels good to click that BUY NOW button, to have the means and the power to get something new. But the joy of having something new wears off fast, and then you’re left with the guilt of having paid for something you aren’t using.

These days, I try to be more careful before I hit that button, to weigh my motives before I buy. Most of us don’t need more things; we’re trying to satisfy some other need, something that’s more elusive. So I challenge you to think twice the next time a whim strikes you to get another album, DVD, book, or game, and ask yourself what you’re really after — before you click BUY.