Content is what matters to me... although grammar and appearance will make your published work more appealing.
When I started writing six years ago, I had no idea how to punctuate dialogue. I couldn't have told you the difference between first, second, and third person. Oxford comma? What's that?
I was not a good student of the English language in school.
I think if you are passionate about telling stories, the grammar will fall into place as you go along and do the work... at least that's been my experience. I still make all kinds of mistakes I suspect, but I'm not going to let that stop me.
Way to go Cal! While you read body language, I read hat language. I figured broadening Tex’s hat brim was the change. Then Cal followed with her comment on Tex not slouching in to protect his heart!
A lifetime ago when I was studying to become a clinical psychologist, I was co-therapist with an older woman who counseled couples (in group sessions lasting 10 weeks) deciding whether to divorce or try anew. After a session one evening, Jackie asked if I noticed the one husband with arms tightly folded across his chest and face thrust forward? Of course I said “No.” She added, “That’s what I call the DeFuniak Springs Syndrome. Arms guarding the heart but the head and face thrust forward in an “I dare you” gesture.”
I think Jackie was from that area in the Florida panhandle, and I’m now married to a woman who grew up in DeFuniak Springs. Today I can say that syndrome is not endemic to DeFuniak Springs. I believe there’s no shortage of fear in lots of men’s being. Economic worries, threats to their identities as breadwinners as women play ever greater roles in our country, and changing definitions of what being a man (binary language) entails.
Imagine: arms wide open and face alight with a loving smile? That could create swifter passage of Thought Clouds to hasten the Sun’s arrival? Seems Tex is headed in a good direction.
As one of our readers shares with his Quest participants often… I had been lying to myself for so many years. I really can draw!
Your comment immediately brought to mind Frederik Backman’s novel — A Man Called Ove. It is only after Ove’s wife dies that he is coaxed into opening his heart by a determined young neighbor.
Backman approaches all of his characters with incredible empathy and understanding. There were many reasons Ove lived much of his life as a grumpy man… his environment held certain expectations of him. It wasn’t until a key that fit his lock appeared with persistence to open him that everything shifted. He couldn’t hide behind his wife anymore.
I see “texture” too! 😊❤️💜💚😎
Yes! The little things can make a profound shift. I’m observing in the work of others that shading plays a huge part… I will investigate further. 😃
You are getting really good at your drawing.
Thanks Pennie! Nobody is more surprised than me.😂
I feel inspired by your newsletter here on Substack. I take much joy in watching others experiment with their creativity!
https://penniersn.substack.com/p/the-beast-at-flag-beach?r=17kzw6&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Thank you. I'm very nervous though when I write because I grew up not being very good with grammar and such.
Content is what matters to me... although grammar and appearance will make your published work more appealing.
When I started writing six years ago, I had no idea how to punctuate dialogue. I couldn't have told you the difference between first, second, and third person. Oxford comma? What's that?
I was not a good student of the English language in school.
I think if you are passionate about telling stories, the grammar will fall into place as you go along and do the work... at least that's been my experience. I still make all kinds of mistakes I suspect, but I'm not going to let that stop me.
I hope the same for you!
Way to go Cal! While you read body language, I read hat language. I figured broadening Tex’s hat brim was the change. Then Cal followed with her comment on Tex not slouching in to protect his heart!
A lifetime ago when I was studying to become a clinical psychologist, I was co-therapist with an older woman who counseled couples (in group sessions lasting 10 weeks) deciding whether to divorce or try anew. After a session one evening, Jackie asked if I noticed the one husband with arms tightly folded across his chest and face thrust forward? Of course I said “No.” She added, “That’s what I call the DeFuniak Springs Syndrome. Arms guarding the heart but the head and face thrust forward in an “I dare you” gesture.”
I think Jackie was from that area in the Florida panhandle, and I’m now married to a woman who grew up in DeFuniak Springs. Today I can say that syndrome is not endemic to DeFuniak Springs. I believe there’s no shortage of fear in lots of men’s being. Economic worries, threats to their identities as breadwinners as women play ever greater roles in our country, and changing definitions of what being a man (binary language) entails.
Imagine: arms wide open and face alight with a loving smile? That could create swifter passage of Thought Clouds to hasten the Sun’s arrival? Seems Tex is headed in a good direction.
Oh yes! The hat, too!😃
As one of our readers shares with his Quest participants often… I had been lying to myself for so many years. I really can draw!
Your comment immediately brought to mind Frederik Backman’s novel — A Man Called Ove. It is only after Ove’s wife dies that he is coaxed into opening his heart by a determined young neighbor.
Backman approaches all of his characters with incredible empathy and understanding. There were many reasons Ove lived much of his life as a grumpy man… his environment held certain expectations of him. It wasn’t until a key that fit his lock appeared with persistence to open him that everything shifted. He couldn’t hide behind his wife anymore.
Tex and Ove… catching the wind!