Scribblings on Whatever

Are You POV-Biased?

6/28/2023

Several social media posts recently have caught my attention from people who are dismissive of first-person narratives, unless, of course, the book is an autobiography or a memoir. One person wrote I have trouble getting into first-person present tense stories. Each one so far feels like they chose 1st person present in order to immerse the reader but it's so cheap. 3rd person limited past tense all the way for me. Another asked, Am I the only person who despises first-person narratives?

It’s sometimes difficult to determine if it’s the first-person point of view or the use of present tense that distresses some readers. I, of course, have my own opinion about the use of first person and present tense. Instead of dismissing them in general, I base my opinion on the individual books. Writing in first person as well as writing in present tense can be tricky. Some books I’ve read succeed. Others don’t.

There are many more highly successful books in first person than you may think. In my research on this subject, I encountered an article by Diane Callahan that covers the topic much better that I could. If this is something about which you’re interested in learning more, click on The Complete Guide to Writing Fiction in First Person at this link: https://medium.com/swlh/the-complete-guide-to-writing-fiction-in-first-person-d1aedc104cab

Whether you're a reader or a writer, do you have a bias?

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When the Walls Come Tumbling Down

6/21/2023

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When The Walls Come Tumbling Down is a touching, page-turning novel of triumph over fears and sorrows. As it unfolds, it reminds us that when a crack appears in our walls and widens, something new has a chance to appear.

Two generations apart, Ashley Stanford and Claire Montoya have very little in common until their universes collide. Each has built walls in their life to survive. Ashley, however, has a head start of nearly six decades over Claire as a brick mason of the psyche. Tragedy has brought them together.

For well over a decade, Ashley has been the caregiver for her husband, who now lives in a nursing home. Trying to rediscover her life, she meets Claire, who is homeless and being stalked by a local drug dealer for reporting him to the police. Ashley takes her in and soon discovers there is much more to her story than she could have imagined.

After committing to helping Claire, Ashley is faced with her husband’s passing. To help her occupy her mind in her grief, Ashley joins Claire on a journey that could turn both their lives upside down forever.

Here’s a review from a faithful fan:

There are so many different levels to this novel. First, we experience the emotions and responsibilities that arise for Ashley as a caregiver who must relinquish her loved one to the care of others.

Second, the inner turmoil of Ashley’s past and her current situation into which she has been thrown gives us an appreciation for the walls we often build.

Third, when Ashley meets Claire Montoya, a young girl with walls of her own and a secretive past who needs help in more ways than even Ashley can imagine, their lives become intricately intertwined.

I love the friendships that are formed throughout this book and how many lives are forever changed. It impressed me that you are never too old to start new beginnings and find that inner strength you never knew you had to start that next chapter in your life. Mrs. Williamsen has once again combined mystery, suspense, caring, and humor to make for a great read. Definitely another page turner! ~ S. Giarratana

By Dannye Williamsen
Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/When-Walls-Come-Tumbling-Down/dp/B08LNJL1PH
Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/When-Walls-Come-Tumbling-Down-ebook/dp/B08LPX4GP3

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The Power of the Written Word

6/14/2023

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Why do we write? Is it for fame and fortune? Not if we’re realistic. Most of us write because we have a story to tell and a desire to tell it. We either want to write for and communicate with others or take a more personal approach and reflect on our experiences to learn from them.

Writing for others can take many paths. Whether it’s an out-of-this-world fantasy or an inspirational tale of overcoming the odds, we benefit physically, mentally, emotionally, and psychologically from the act of transforming our thoughts into words.

Writing helps one relax and unwind, easing pressure and stress. Transforming thoughts to words also works as an outlet for an active imagination. Sitting comfortably in your favorite spot tuning out the world while tuning in to your inner thoughts liberates your mind, allowing it to weave disconnected ideas into one chapter after another. As the tale grows, the satisfaction, confidence, and faith in your success far outweigh any self‑doubts holding you back. In other words, it makes you feel good.

Writing can help you share important information to others who may need it. It may start as only a collection of your personal feelings but becomes much more as you journal your experiences while dealing with a difficult situation. Re-reading your words helps you objectively view the positive aspects of the ordeal as well as the negative. You see that you overcame obstacles and achieved more than you thought, and you realize, Hey! I did it! Then you may want to share with others.

Writing may be a form of therapy. A psychology professor conducted an informal study where he asked students to write about the biggest trauma of their lives. At the same time, a control group wrote about neutral topics. He followed both groups for six months and found that during that time the students who wrote about the traumatic events made fewer trips to the doctor than the control group. Coincidence?

Do readers benefit from the written word? Of course they do! Getting lost in an imaginary world transports a bored child to a deserted island where he searches for a pirate’s lost treasure or accidentally bounces too high on the trampoline launching him into outer space. A child can also have a learning adventure exploring the depths of the ocean looking for deep-sea creatures that glow in the dark.

It’s not just kids who benefit from escaping the realities of life. Grown-ups need their “away from it all” time as well. There’s no better way to step into someone else’s shoes and experience the unbearable heat, the terrible thirst, the fear, and the loneliness assaulting an escaped

heroine as she desperately continues her dangerous trek through a dense jungle. Adults can learn as well. Name a place you’d love to visit but know you never will. Grab a book; it’ll take you there!

Believe in the Power of the Written Word.

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How Will You Spend Your Summer Vacation?

6/7/2023

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If you’re like me, you’re thinking, huh, what vacation?

When I was a kid, my parents took me and my brother on some wonderful excursions. Not every year, but as often as they could. One year we went to Disneyland and up the west coast. In other years we went to the Grand Canyon, DisneyWorld, Washington, DC, the Bahamas, and even Hawaii.

At the time, I never appreciated the effort it took to treat us to such fabulous adventures, but now I understand the expense and struggle they underwent to make us happy. That was love!

My husband and I traveled quite a few miles too. It was usually for a specific reason– pilot examiner training in Oklahoma, a possible move to another state, or weekend motorcycle rallies. However, we did goof every once in a while and had some pleasurable two-wheeled rides through the mountains of Virginia. I will always treasure those pleasant memories.

Reminiscing reminded me it’s been a while since I had a vacation. So, during the next week or so, I plan on taking a day off and spending it at the Lumber River State Park with my dog, Tiger. It’ll be sort of a one-day working vacation. We’ll spend the cooler morning hours exploring the local landscape noting how many bumble bees join us in investigating the native vegetation. I’ll record how many we see, catch, photograph, and identify for the Xerces Society’s Bumble Bee Atlas. It’ll be fun, and we’ll be doing something beneficial. And Tiger will get a kick out of watching me run around trying to capture the little buzzing things with a net. A picnic lunch will follow our adventure, and then maybe we’ll chill out for a couple of hours under a shade tree next to the river.

Nowadays, that’s the closest I’ll get to taking a vacation. But then again, what’s wrong with my little mini-getaway? Why should I have to travel somewhere far away in order to have a relaxing time? Actually, I think spending a day with my trusty four-legged companion at a quiet, peaceful nearby park is much better than going to the beach surrounded by hundreds, if not thousands, of tourists.

I’m not one for anything elaborate. I prefer to make my holiday simple and inexpensive. I can have fun doing anything I want or do nothing at all. It doesn’t take anything fancy, just me and my furry friend doing something we enjoy.

In Patchy and Calico’s Summer Vacation, I guess I subconsciously used that philosophy in the stories I made up for the two friends during their summer vacation. They spend a day at the beach, go camping, and visit a circus – typical summer activities. But, of course, Patchy’s curiosity turns everything inside out. His quest for adventure results in all kinds of trouble for the mischievous duo as they come nose to claw with a fiddler crab, meet an unfriendly bear, and accidentally join the circus.

You’ll have to read the stories to find out how they get out of the sticky situations. Their misadventures will bring a smile to your face and entertain the young ones while everyone’s sitting around a campfire. Just make sure there aren’t any hungry bears hanging around looking for a lost dog and cat.

Get your copy of Patchy and Calico’s Summer Vacation

Book two in the Patchwork Dog and Calico Cat series

Print - https://www.amazon.com/Patchy-Calicos-Summer-Vacation-Patchwork/dp/1479125962/

Kindle - (Free on Kindle Unlimited) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008UDGKWG/

Universal link - http://viewbook.at/pandcsummervacation

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Are You POV-Biased?

When the Walls Come Tumbling Down

The Power of the Written Word

How Will You Spend Your Summer Vacation?

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