The King's Advice

"Write with the door closed, rewrite with the door open. Your stuff starts out being just for you, in other words, but then it goes out. Once you know what the story is and get it right — as right as you can, anyway — it belongs to anyone who wants to read it. Or criticize it."-Stephen King

Creating character sketches for a story can be both interesting and difficult. After writing the first draft to my short story, White Shadows, it was suggested to me that I alter the speech of one or two of my characters. It was also recommended that the character sketches might be helpful. The first character I tackled wasn't difficult at all. I had him in the back of my mind more than the others. Now I've been working with the second character on and off for about the past two weeks. I am finding it more challenging. I am also finding that I could create any number of other short stories solely based on the characters bios. But at least, the suggestion, among others has been helpful in how I might improve or distinguish my characters.

"In truth, I’ve found that any day’s routine interruptions and distractions don’t much hurt a work in progress and may actually help it in some ways." -Stephen King

First off, I have noticed that my short story has taken much longer than I had planned. But I find this is probably beneficial as I want to make it the best it can be before I send it off to be rejected of accepted. And in the midst of all of that; I have definitely has my share of distractions while writing. King states that this can be helpful. Right now, I would have to agree. Each time I go back to my character sketches or perhaps the story itself, I am able to see what needs improved- add here, take away there, reword a little here....

"Talent renders the whole idea of rehearsal meaningless; when you find something at which you are talented, you do it (whatever it is) until your fingers bleed or your eyes are ready to fall out of your head. Even when no one is listening (or reading, or watching), every outing is a bravura performance, because you as the creator are happy. Perhaps even ecstatic." -Stephen King

I don't know that there is a more true statement than this when it comes to creativity. When I first started White Shadows, I was excited about the idea of writing a ghost story- even though- I had no idea how I would pull off a fictional piece. I have always written non-fiction. I thoroughly enjoy real stories. But I found that there are stories better told behind the mask of fake characters. I have had fun working on the piece and I have also gleaned in my share of frustrated "bleeding," so to speak. I understand, however, that King is also referring to the idea that some artists would prefer to accept their first draft. This, of course, is more harmful than helpful because, simply a craft cannot be perfected without a little trial an error.

"If you don't have the time to read, you don't have the time or the tools to write." -Stephen King

Bam. It should hit you like lightning! I thrive on books and reading because it is educating. I certainly come up with better ideas and more ways of writing creatively when I read someone else's works, not that you should plagerize. I believe this is essential to every person who wants to be a writer. I continue to learn the dos and don'ts of writing through each story- fiction or non- that I read. From the classics of liturature to biographies, to fantasy and screenwriting; every genre has a way of communicating that can be helpful for a writer to improve their skills in the craft. For White Shadows, the element of conversation is important. As read; I am able to discover what my characters want to say and how they want to say it. I know what rules I can break and which ones I shouldn't. Reading, imagination, and knowledge have given me many of the nuggets I need for the story.

If you have not picked up Stephen King's On Writing- you need to do so, today. The exerpts I've mentioned are only a taste of the meat in his book. Even if you are not into King's genre, you can still gain helpful tools on how to be a better writer and creative thinker. Of course, I am finding that while I have never been a fan of horror; several of the movies I enjoy are based on King's work. So at this point, I need to back read a few- The Secret Window, The Green Mile, and Shawshank Redemption should probably be on my list. As for writing, I'm sure the horrors of King's advice will shock mine into shape. (Cheesy, right?)

Project Homeless: Spare Change- an Older Story

Twenty Five years old. I could hardly bear it. There I was, walking downtown on a warm October's night and I saw her. She and several others were sitting in front of a jewelry store- smoking, drinking and asking everyone who walked by for spare change. Their appearances were rugged, as are most homeless, and their faces were sadly…content. The young woman who caught my eye, behind her rough and worn appearance, was beautiful. Her long, wavy brown hair was matted and her face was tatty, but her deep chocolate eyes were crying for help. I didn't have any pocket change that night, so instead I decided to sit on the ground with her and chat. Some of the others had been on the streets for years, another had recently released from jail and the young woman I took particular interest, had recently been evicted from her apartment.

As the various conversations broke throughout the group; I turned to Maria and asked her about her story. With tear-filled eyes and her chin quivering, she pulled out three wrinkled pictures. Each one was one of her children, she explained. The oldest was only four-years-old. About a year prior; her children were taken to a foster home. She admitted it was her own fault. She admitted it was because her addiction to drugs and alcohol.

Five years even before, Maria had married an older man who she often caught in one affair or another. She often walked in on him at the wrong time. She mentioned that once after and argument, in San Diego, California; he forced her and their three children out onto the streets and left them to survive for six weeks. He had been in and out of their lives as his leisure for the past five years. Sad for her oldest son, River, Maria told me that each time her husband left; River would cry over the fact that "daddy" had left again. The young boy could never understand. I was so heartbroken…

After her husband left the last time, several months prior to my meeting Maria, he was put into jail; on what accounts, she never said. What she did say was that her most recent news of him was his getting a 17 year-old-girl pregnant before going to jail.

Could this story get any worse? I thought. Unfortunately, it did.

Maria had a boyfriend, fresh out of a Community Corrections Facility. She had been so insecure in her marriage, she said, that she thought it best to fill the emptiness with another man, who never gave her that. Drunk and foolish, he beat her everyday and ended up back where he started: in prison for attempted murder, second degree.

I heard it in her voice. It was a desperate plea. She said she wanted to change. Maria had been in and out of Rehab programs for the past few years, but every single time, she retreated to drinking, heroine and morphine. She always justified her addictions; for Maria, they released her internal pain of losing her children to another family. She realized that her children probably wonder, often, if their parents even love them. She shared with me that the court allowed her to talk with the foster parents on a daily basis. She did and loved the foster mother. They encouraged her and were more than willing to help if and when they could. Maria knew her children prayed for her every night and she stated that she did not want to give up, but she admitted she just did not know how to keep going, especially now, since she was on the streets.....again....

I walked away that night, speechless and in tears. I did not know what to say. I didn’t know what to think. All I could do was pray through my sobs. I saw their pictures. I saw their beautiful faces and I saw the look of loneliness in their eyes. They may have been young. They may not have understood, but they saw it all... I did not see her again and may never see her again.

But if I could offer anything, I’m sure I would say, "I'm praying for you, Maria, please make it this time around. Your kids need you."

She was twenty-five years old. Oh Jesus....
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*This is a true story that happened me 21 October 2003. I have come to find that often the homeless are looking for our time, not just our money. They all have stories, just like we do...who are we not to listen?
**I am considering submitting this for further publishing.

Brains are Beautiful

I have read an article from Newsweek magazine about a group of girls who call themselves "Nerd Girls." I smiled when I read the article and even more when I watched a video about them. They pride themselves in pursuing technological careers while still wearing high heels and walking beautiful.

After a visit to the website, I am quite impressed with the self confidence these women exhibit. Each is a grad student or employee in the tech world- engineering, pharmaceuticals, aerospace etc. They hope they can inspire young women and girls to pride themselves on being smart. They also hope they can disband the stereotype of either "ugly-n-smart" or "sexy-n-stick to girly things." They embrace their femininity and they show the boys up. One girl stated, in the article, that just because she dressed to kill on Saturday didn't mean couldn't ace an engineering test on Monday.

They are comfortable in their skin and thrive on brains.

I would have to say that I take the Nerd Girl another step further. There is a generation of women who run the rough and rugged-earthy lifestyle. They read books, they like history, politics and take interest in social justice and the environment. And, damnit, we're sexy. We are the women that are pursuing business, the arts, the media and political status. These too, are often male-dominated professions. But these nerdy girls are ready to "...do it better and do it in heels."

Ambitious women, across the board, are persistent and strong and very often, not given the credit for their beauty. Conversely, beautiful women can often be mistaken as ditzy or dumb. These are the women that despise pretension and work hard for their rewards. But unfortunately, have often been subject to a stereotype that says it's "stupid" or bad to be a nerd (or geek). The young women that have initiated this movement have decided that they are proud of the title.

I know I am, are you?

Humanity or Insane Prince?

I am, once again, reading Hamlet; an astounding play about the distressed Prince of Denmark who learns that his father's sdeath was no accident.

"My father's brother, but no more like my father,

than I to Hercules. Within a month,

Ere yet the salt of most unrighteous tears

Had left the Flushing, in her galled eyes,

She married. O, most wicked speed, to post

With such dexterity to incestuous sheets!

It is not, nor it cannot come to good.

But break my heart, for I must hold my tongue."

Shakespeare brilliantly sets the stage with Hamlet noticing the oddity of his mother's marriage to his uncle so quickly after his father's death. His grief and his confusion are evident but he is stopped by the protocol of keeping his mouth shut, for now. He has no proof of foul play and of course, at this point; Hamlet is unaware that his father's ghost may have appeared to his friends.


While some might address Hamlet's character as crazed, or perhaps "gone mad for revenge," I find that the above text sets him up -simply to be a conflicted man. He faces a dilemma for which, presently, he has no solution.

He has been broken by the sheer discovery of his family circumstances. He is enraged at what he feels is a lack of respect on the part of his mother and uncle. And he is confused at what seems to be a mysterious death...that is, his father's. Hamlet's tone throughout the monologue is a process of understanding, an attempt to make sense of the situation.

The human mind, in the midst of difficulty will immediately over-analyze the circumstane, in an attempt to fix what is real verses what they think ought to be.

Among the 5 major stages of grief, accepted in modern psychology, anger ranks as one of the top emotions felt (Denial, Anger, Grieving, Bargining, Acceptance). For Hamlet, anger combined with grief, and drives him to an irrational choice.

But is he truly insane? Or is it, as noted, grief process and experience? Could he be afraid for his own fate?

I am only beginning. I am very interested in studying and reading through more of Hamlet's character- what spectators have said or say for his case and against it. For those of you who have read the play: What do you think?

Resting by Waves

I visited the ocean this past week. I am speechless. It was overwhelming. It was as if the waves invited me to be swallowed up. The rush of the water intrigued me. I was lost...in the sound, the sight, in the smell, of the sea. It was beautiful.

Project Homeless: Catching the Bug

I recently began sharing with you, my readers, the stories of the people I meet on the street. I have been calling it "Project Homeless," (My blog) but the truth is- this is not a new project, rather, it is simply the first time, in several years, I have had such an avenue to share the stories with you.

And ever so quickly- the idea has caught on.

Recently I met a new friend, Sarah Balter, who was interested in journalism and was curious about my experience. Through the course of several tangent discussions I began talking to her about my experience and my heart for the homeless people in America.

She got so excited, she went out, on her own, and spoke with people panhandling the streets. Sarah is now part of "Project Homeless." (Sarah's blog) I consider it a collaborative effort- and I hope that you, too, will be inspired.

Plugging In

I have had this blog for almost a year. And through my research, reading, writing and wondering...I wanted to put in a few things I think you should check out. I have a blog buddy who calls it "fortuitus bouncing," but I think I'll call it- "plugging in."

**Blogsphere: Both Tyler (Man of Depravity) and Amos (Movement, Movement) have shared their thoughts on the philisophical belief system of the U.S. Founding Fathers. Based on an article in the Los Angeles Times, the discussion on their blogs has certainly been an interesting one.

**Recommended Read: On the right hand side of my page is the top 13 books I think everyone should read. But the first, is John Bolin's "Life Unlimited." This book has been the single most influential and inspiring book of my life. Bolin explores the adventure and purpose for which we have been put on the earth to fulfill. He promotes the idea that we are the Hero of our own story and the King has our front and our back at every turn as long as we're focused on him. Bolin also dives into what it takes to live our lives outside the box, getting past the "hum-drum," as he would say. I recommend you read it with a notebook and a friend.


**In the City: Last week, while wondering through Little 5 Points, Atlanta, I met Bobby. He goes by the name Cipher Kenni and is a rap artist. He was making an attempt to sell his music on the street and shared some of it with me. He said that his goal is make music that promotes spirituality and truth. He hopes that his music will eventually help him support his wife and child, who are the most important to him. His music is written and self produced.

**Sites 4 Sore Eyes: As many of you have noticed, the first website/organization I promote is the UNHCR. This is a UN non-governmental organization (NGO) founded in 1950 and provides for the needs of displaced persons across the globe. They also aim to help protect and resolve refugee problems. They offer opportunities to volunteer as well as donate to their efforts, worldwide. I certainly have a passion for people who have been forced to leave their homes and often their families behind. These people are survivors. But the UNHCR has created a valuable service in getting food and care in places like China, Africa, and the Middle East just to name a few.


**In the City: Walking along the street this week; I also met John Naugle. He is the founder and director of a non-profit orginaztion in Atlanta called City of Peace. They promote non-violence, following the fashion of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Ghandi. Their goal is to promote and create awareness for peace efforts around the world.

**Finally? Me: Check out my developing photo skillz @ Untamed Focus!

Project Homeless: Surviving Buddies

For Don and his veteran friend; survival is a way of life. I first met the two men yesterday outside of a pizza parlor and a small coffee shop. Don walked around and played the harmonica for anyone who would listen, hoping to earn a little pocket change while his friend sat on top of a bucket selling random items with a sign that said: "I'm a veteran. Please help."

Don was all smiles and happy to play any tune you requested. He bounced his knee while he played and said he was just trying to survive the day. I did not catch the name of the other gentleman; his voice was low and scratched, but I did pick up that he's been in Georgia most of his life and that his father died when he was younger.

The two men see each other every day and were certainly empathetic to the other's needs. So after a few songs, and a good laugh: the boys had earned themselves a Coke! They were so happy to have something cold to drink- that Don play another tune on his harmonica and his friend saw my camera and asked if I was going to take their picture. I certainly hope, that on this day that we celebrate freedom, a day of joy, that someone else will be privileged enough to recieve their smiles.

Exposed

"In her book On Photography, Susan Sontag draws the comparison between the language of photography and the language of warfare. To get someone in range and shoot them could be said of using a gun or a camera. There is a violence about taking a photo."-Harry Rud

I believe my first reaction was a very thoughtful, "wow." Declaring violence at the snap of a button, the moment the flash sparks, is certainly a powerful statement and I wonder, how much truth is in it?

There is a cliche that says "a picture is worth a thousand words." When I look at a photograph; I find that my first instincts are to analyze it like a poem or an essay. I am wondering why the artist chose to take that picture. If it is an object or a place, what drew them there? Somewhere in my mind, I find myself developing a story or a theory about that place and its purpose. But if the photo showcases the human being- that analysis goes much deeper. Who are they? Did the artist know them? Did the person in the photo want their picture taken? It is the analysis of that one person...their emotions, their purpose, their destination. And the same goes for a group of people. I am critical of the photo- why is this person smiling or why are they not? What is the story behind them? Did they defy the odds or are they just existing in this life? Obviously it is an analysis of questions, concerns and a vaudeville of the human condition.

It has been thought, by some, that aboriginal tribes believed a picture steals the soul. Figuratively, it is an intriguing thought because for a split second, the snap of the camera is latching on to the essence of that person-and while you cannot know what is in their mind or heart, it is there. At the same time and quite unfortunately; all you see is the surface and all you can do is toggle with the colors, expressions and appearances.

So what is then, the comparison to "violence?" It seems to me that when you take that picture- you are taking that person's story, their life, with you. When you shoot a gun, you have taken that person's life. The difference? When you've shot them dead, you leave them there.

When a photo is taken, the life they exposed is no longer confined within their home, their mind or their heart- something about them is seen by the photographer and by the world. It is a moment the cannot get back. They can only continue.

Certainly my thoughts and theory on all of this is based on a single quote and I am interested in reading Sontag's book. While she was a controversial figure during the 1960s and 70s; I have no doubt that the explosive decades of war, political controversy and culture had great influence on her view.

But for now; what is your reaction?