What's the Word Wednesday? Imply - Infer

IMPLY
Verb

Strongly suggest the truth or existence of (something not expressly stated): "the report implies that two million jobs might be lost".

Synonyms: mean - hint -  suggest

INFER
Verb

Deduce or conclude (information) from evidence and reasoning rather than from explicit statements.

Synonyms: conclude - deduce

Sometimes we use the word imply when we mean infer. Write a story where one of your characters either imply or infer information.

For example:

Story can infer that Critique is hungry when she sees her sniffing her empty dish.

When Mrs. Wryter mentions how messy Storee's room is, she is implying that Storee  should put her things away.

What's the Word Wednesday - Block

 

The word "block" has many meanings.

Three of them are depicted above.

Write a story about a block.

 

 

Storee often takes Addie for a walk around the block.

When her baby cousin comes to visit she brings out her old blocks for him to play with.

 

Mr. Wryter is teaching her how to block a football pass.

Welcome Guest Blogger- Laurie J. Edwards

Laurie J. Edwards

As you can tell from this picture, I loved reading from a very early age. After I learned to read, I usually read 20 or 30 books a week. I never watched TV, and still don’t. I’d much rather curl up with a book. I often got in trouble in school for hiding books in my desk and reading while the teachers talked. In sixth grade, I had a wonderful teacher who said that I could read as much as I wanted during class. I got straight A’s that year even though I read all day long.

My reading slowed down when I started writing books of my own. Now my reading time has become my writing time. But I strongly believe that if you want to be a good writer, read as many books you can. Read for fun, but also look for classics so you can learn from the best authors.

When I first started, I wrote magazine articles. They taught me how to tell a good story in a small amount of space. If you like to write, try short stories. If they have similar theme—say, family stories or animal stories—they can be collected into a book.

If you like reading true stories, you might want to try writing nonfiction. I worked as a librarian, so I like to research. It’s important to get your facts correct if you’re writing nonfiction. I write a lot of nonfiction, and I learned that I should always find the most reliable sources. And I don’t just believe whatever I read. Sometimes authors get facts wrong. One good rule to follow is to find the same fact in at least three different places.

Be careful of Internet research, though. Anyone can put up a site and make it sound good. That doesn’t mean what they post is accurate. Look for sites that are put up by institutions such as hospitals or colleges. They are usually careful about the facts they publish.

One of my favorite books to research was Pirates Through the Ages, and I also liked writing a biography of Rihanna. I was excited when she friended me. The biggest book project I’ve done so far is the Encyclopedia of Native American Tribes. It has five volumes, so it took a lot of work and research.

But research isn’t only for nonfiction books. Even if you’re making up a story, it’s good to check your facts. If you write a story about a fire and you haven’t been in one yourself, talk to a firefighter to see what it’s like. What does it feel like, smell like? What things burn fastest? What’s left in the ashes? How long do firefighters stay at a fire after it’s put out? Details like those can make your story come to life.

Writing Prompt

Think of something you’ve always wished you could do or be. Maybe you’d like to be an NBA star, a ballerina, a spy, or a police officer. Or maybe your dream is totally different. Whatever it is, make up a story about someone who’s living the life you wish you could live. How did they get to be where they are?

Remember, in all stories, the main character needs a problem. What problems do you think this person might have had along the way? How did they overcome them? Give them some difficult obstacles to overcome with many setbacks along the way.

To make your story more realistic, do some research. Talk to someone who’s doing what you’d like to do. See what problems they had. If you’ve written about a sports figure, you might not be able to interview a pro. But perhaps you could talk to someone who plays on the high school team. Or read a biography of a person who’s done what you want to do. See if you can make your story more real and interesting by finding out details that everyone might not know.

You could even make up a story about you becoming that person. What problems would you have to overcome to do what they’re doing now? Or suppose the two of you switched bodies? What would life be like for each of you?

About the Author

A former teacher and children’s librarian, Laurie J. Edwards has more than 2000 magazine and educational articles in print. Her recent books include the 5-vol. UXL Encyclopedia of Native American Tribes (Gale, 2012), Pirates through the Ages (Cengage, 2011), and Rihanna (People in the News) (Lucent, 2009). Laurie also has stories in two anthologies, Summer Lovin’ and A Community of Writers. She is ghostwriting a young adult series set in the Wild West and is working on several books on cyberbullying. Please visit Laurie at her website at http://www.strikingly.com/lauriejedwards. She also has tips for writers at her blogs http://lje1.wordpress.com/ and http://downtownya.blogspot.com/.

 

 

 

Welcome Guest Blogger - Kathleen Chisholm McInerney

 

 

Kathleen Chisolm McInerney

 

Do you remember a favorite English Assignment you did when you were little?  The one paper, poem or story book written from your heart, from an experience you lived.  Some times an expression conveyed in the written word can celebrate heros who have triumphed over evil and “WON!” Other times an author might share a more vulnerable time.  A time when the author has experienced a great loss or a hardship that served to teach them a lesson about themselves and the World around them. Many years ago, when I was a Freshman at the University of Michigan, I wrote a Children’s book for an English Assignment. My little story was inspired by my “REAL LIFE HERO” my boyfriend Timothy John MacLean.

 

Tim was tragically killed in front of my dorm, hit by a car while crossing the street. Twenty-nine years later, I have taken that assignment and Published as well as Illustrated, Timothy’s Glove, ( Young Voices Foundation Gold Seal Award, Religion / Spiritual) a children’s picture book about a little boy named Timothy who shows up in Heaven on Opening Day as the relief Pitcher for the Saints against the Angels, with God as the Umpire. My book is an example of the power of prayer.  It was written from a place deep in my heart, a place that was broken and over time and with great faith in God healed. In sharing my story my prayer has been to “Open up a window to Heaven” for other kids who have loved and lost.  If I could help them visualize their loved on “playing in Heaven,” then maybe my book could heal.  To me that would be a Miracle!

 

As an Artist with a BFA in Design, I kept Tim’s memory alive in both writings and paintings. My manuscript was boxed and hidden away for decades.  Until my husband Jack found my story in the basement and brought it to my attention. I always prayed to follow God’s will in my life.  I felt a tug in my heart to finish my book with more faith and a full circle theme that all of our loved ones in Heaven have their hands on our shoulders inspiring us from above. With Jack’s love along with the love and support of our three boys, I had a built in cheering section that would not let me fail. They had more confidence in me than I had in myself.  I promise you, you will receive every word you need when you are writhing from that sacred place deep inside, each divine thought flowing freely.

 

Have you dreamed of sharing a story that could help someone else? 

All of you have the ability to use your creative talent to make a difference in the lives of others. I believe in the power of doing small things with great love. Every time you use your writing talent to bless others, you are creating miracles. Try to put your heart into what you do every day  and blessings will come your way.  The next time you pick up a pen for an assignment, I want you to remember, You never know if one day years later, you will Publish your “OWN” book, your own voice making a difference.  Most importantly quiet your head and your heart because that inner voice is God guiding you.  You and your “Young Voices,” have something to say and the World is listening! 

Click on the book cover to go to website

What's the Word Wedneday? Islet -Eyelet

Islet 

A very small island.

Eyelet

 

A small hole, usually round and finished along the

edge, as in cloth or leather for the passage of a lace

or cord

 

 

 

Write a story about an islet or an eyelet. Perhaps your character is stranded on an islet and

has to use the strings and eyelets from his or her shoes to make something.



 

www.storeewryter.com

 

 

Friday Inspiration - How bad Can You Be?

To keep readers revved up, make things worse for you main character, (preferably much worse) before things get better.

Outline of what will happen in your story. One way to do it is to think of your story as mountain, like this:

Beginning – Introduce your characters and the setting

*Start climbing – Something happens to your character to start the action.– a problem, a dramatic event, a mystery. 

* Introduce more than one problem.  Two or three work best to keep interest  growing.

Resolution – The problem(s) get resolved.

End – The threads of the story are tied up.

 

Welcome Guest Blogger! See Your Name Here.

Storee has no guest blogger signed up to post this week. She is using this space to invite authors, journalists, bloggers, and readers interested in encouraging young writers to contact her about doing a guest post.

Interested contributors are invited to submit a short piece on when and why they started writing.  They are also  requested to include a short bio and a writing prompt.Total word count should be 700-800 words.

In return Storee will post a link to your website, blog, books, etc.

Who is Storee Wryter?

Storee Wryter AKA Barbara Simpson Carducci

http://www.communityvoicemedia.com/bobbicarducci.html

www.youngvoicesfoundation.org

 

 

Storee Wryter is a character I created to represent me as a young writer. At that time there was no Internet and no way to connect with other kids who shared my love of writing stories and reading books.  Critique, Storee's cat, is there to represent Lincoln and Aloysius, two cats I had as pets growing up. ADDIE is not only based on a real therapy dog, she represents all the pet dogs children love and have loved throughout their life.  Two of my beloved dogs were Freckles and Cassius.

 

 

If you would like to appear as a guest on Storee's blog you may contact her via email at bcarducci@comcast.net

 





What's the Word Wednesday - Snow

Because it's snowing where I live and the schools are closed the word for today is snow.

Write a story that includes a snow scene, make it funny or scary, science fiction or true. have fun on this snowy day!

How people in other countries say snow. Do you have another word for snow? Post it here.

French: neige
Italian: neve
Spanish: nieve
Japanese: 雪 Yuki
Russion: sneg

Tuesday Tips -Write About You!

 

 

One of the things Storee loves most about family gatherings is all the wonderful stories that are shared around the table. Grandpa will tell his latest joke and everyone will laugh and groan at how corny he is. Then Aunt Lisa will turn to Uncle Tom and say, "Do you remember the time you laughed so hard milk came out of your nose?" Soon the whole family is having fun sharing stories. Even if you've heard them before you never tire of listing.

Spend a few minutes thinking about your family stories. Write one of them down. Try to write it as if you were reading it in a book. 
Storee Wryter sits in her favorite chair every evening and thinks about what she has done that day and uses her activities to get ideas for her next story. Try it and share your story here.

Friday Inspiration - Carving Your Story

"Carving a story is just the opposite of carving a turkey; cut away everything that isn't essential and keep the carcass."

Storee loves turkey and she loves to read. She also has a friend, Jim Calder, who is a Master Carver. She is getting a lot of ideas for future stories from today's inspiration.  Are you?

Write a story then set it aside for a while. Then edit it to cut away words and information that aren't needed to keep the story moving. 

Share your story here! Happy writing.


Links to Books of interest:
Thanks to Tank by Maureen Howard (A Great Turkey Story)
http://www.communityvoicemedia.com/thankstotank/index.htm

So You Thought You Couldn't Cut It, A Beginner's Guide to Wood Carving by Jim Calder and Jen Coate
http://www.communityvoicemedia.com/jimcaldercarvingbook.html

What's the Word Wednesday? That's Silly.

Some words sound silly. Here are three that made Storee laugh when she heard them the first time.

Diphthong
Quibble
Sluice

Before reading the definitions below can you guess what they mean?
Write a story using one or more of the words on the list.

diph·thong (d f thông , -th ng , d p -)

n.

A complex speech sound or glide that begins with one vowel and gradually changes to another vowel within the same syllable, as (oi) in boil

quib·ble (kw b l)

intr.v. quib·bled, quib·bling, quib·bles

1. To evade the truth or importance of an issue by raising trivial distinctions and objections.

2. To find fault or criticize for petty reasons; cavil.

n.

1. A petty distinction or an irrelevant objection.

2. Archaic A pun.

sluice (sl s)

n.

1.

a. An artificial channel for conducting water, with a valve or gate to regulate the flow: sluices connecting a reservoir with irrigated fields.

b. A valve or gate used in such a channel; a floodgate: open sluices to flood a dry dock. Also called sluice gate.

2. A body of water impounded behind a floodgate.

3. A sluiceway.

4. A long inclined trough, as for carrying logs or separating gold ore.

v. sluiced, sluic·ing, sluic·es

v.tr.

1. To flood or drench with or as if with a flow of released water.

2. To wash with water flowing in a sluice: sluicing sediment for gold.

3. To draw off or let out by a sluice: sluice floodwater.

4. To send (logs, for example) down a sluice.

v.intr.

To flow out from or as if from a sluice.

 

Storee's Tuesday Writing Tip

Where are we?

 

Where your story takes place is important.

Is it day or night? What’s the weather like? Is the action taking place inside or out? Are you in another land? On a different planet? Is it comfortable and familiar like your home or the barn where your favorite horse is kept?

How to describe a scene using Show vs. Tell

Tell: The house was dark and scary looking.

Show:  Nobody liked to walk past the house on Mulberry Street. The broken glass in the front windows glinted like tiger fangs in the dim streetlight. An eerie wind blew shreds of rotted curtains through the gaping holes. Blood-red threads of drapery waved an  invitation to anyone who happened by.  Come in, the sagging walls seemed to whisper. The party is about to begin….

Let’s practice: Write a paragraph or more describing a place you want to include in your story. Use words that create an image of the feeling you want the reader to understand without saying it.

 www.storeewryter.com

What's the Word Wednesday - Waffle (Sorry I'm Late)

Storee was so wrapped up in writing her next book What's the Word Wednesday slipped right by her. She invites you to share some waffles with her on this Thursday to make up for her tardiness.

This week's word is: Waffle

   

waffle (WAH fuhl) (noun)

1. A crisp cake with a pattern of deep squares on both sides that is made by cooking batter in a special device called a waffle iron: "Each member of the family had a waffle for breakfast this morning."

 

 

 

2. An informal British term meaning foolish or dull talk or writing that continues for a long time: "The speech was a load of waffle about politics."

 

 

 

waffle (WAH fuhl) (verb)

To be unable or unwilling to make a clear decision about what to do: "Every time Paul spoke, it was to waffle from one point of view to another one."

 

 

 

 

Having breakfast with some people is always interesting. So often someone will waffle back and forth between whether to have pancakes for breakfast or to have a waffle with syrup, while maintaining a dull waffle about the weather.

Write a story and include a waffle. Noun or Verb - the choice is yours.

Inspiration Friday - Stay Motivated

True?

 

You cannot decide once and for all to be a writer.

You must renew your commitment to writing every day.

 

What keeps you going?

What gets in your way?

Inspiration Friday!

Storee invites you to come by every  Friday to read one her favorite quotes on writing.  She invites you to share your favorite quotes on the blog as well.

In writing

(as in most endeavors)

there is always room for excellence.

 

From: The Writers Little Instruction Booklet - 385 Secrets for Writing Well & Getting Published

by Paul Raymond Martin

 

 

 

 

Welcome Guest Blogger - Writer Amy Morgan!

Amy Morgan

I started writing poems and short stories when I was ten years old. I’m not known by friends and family for being an outgoing or adventurous person.  In fact, I really like to keep to myself.  But that doesn’t mean that I don’t dream.  In fact, I think because I am kind of quiet, it makes my imagination that much more active.  And it’s one of the main reasons I love to write. 

When I started writing, some of my poems were a little sad and the short stories were about characters living adventures far different from my real life.  I didn’t share what I wrote then and one day my oldest sister found some of the pieces I’d written.  She didn’t like them and told me that it was okay to write, but that I should be writing “happier” stuff.  Unfortunately, that little bit of criticism stayed with me for a very long time and I didn’t start sharing my work with anyone for about twenty years! 

Writing is both a joy and hard work for me.  It doesn’t come easy but now I’ve come to really enjoy sharing what I write.  It’s satisfying to have someone read a piece and be touched by it.   They don’t have to like it, it’s just enough for them to feel something when they read it. 

I’ve written for about forty years now and only recently begun to call myself a “writer”.  That was a mistake but a good lesson learned.  Just writing something doesn’t make a person a writer.  Everyone has had school assignments to write a poem or story.  Most of us have been given the assignment to write an essay about “what I did over summer vacation”.  Those can all be great introductions to writing, but it’s when you write something because you WANT to or feel a NEED to that you are a writer.  It doesn’t matter if it happens when you’re 5 years old or 50 years old.  A writer is the person who goes back and does it again…and again…and again.  It doesn’t matter whether it’s a poem, a diary, a short story or a novel.   So now when people ask, I say I’ve been a writer since I was a young girl!

To me, the beauty of writing is being able to take any subject and make it my own.  Whenever I feel self-doubt about whether my writing is “good enough”, I think of the two most influential people in my life, my mom and my husband, Steve.  Steve’s been my biggest supporter and one of his favorite mantras comes from Yoda:  “Do or do not.  There is no try”.  Many years ago, my mom gave me a plaque with a quote by Henry Van Dyke that reads:  “Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.”   So that is what helps keep me going – first, to just do it. And second, to believe that I have talent within myself.  And I found out that’s enough! 

Writing prompt:

Who encourages your writing?  Do you encourage yourself?  We all have talent.  Find your song, your talent, by listening to that voice in your head, or that feeling in your heart.  Write about it.  Don’t worry if anyone will like it or not.  Don’t worry about whether you want to share it or not.  It’s enough that you want to write about it.  Do it. Do it today.  Do it for yourself.

About the Author:

Amy Morgan lives on Grand Island, a pork chop shaped island in the middle of the mighty Niagara River, about 10 miles north of Niagara Falls with her husband, Steve.  Around her non-writing full time day job she writes and follows two other passions, reading and cooking.  Her blog, My Writing Corner, is a place to share some of her writing and her writing process as well.  You can check out her published pieces and some of her favorite writing resources on her website, Amy Writes.  Her work has appeared online and in local venues as well as being a contributor in Chicken Soup for the Soul, finding my faith and a feature story for Cats & Kittens magazine. 

Links:

Amy Writes website

My Writing Corner blog