Saturday, 30 July 2016

Secret Writng Techniques by Deborah Owen, CEO Creative Writing Institute

Secret Writing Techniques
Polysyndeton
by Deborah Owen, CEO

 


Re-blog from DeborahOwen@CWinst.com. Deborah Owen is my mentor and the CEO of Creative Writing Institute where I teach the Writing For Children course.


Last week we talked about asyndeton – a method of listing items without using a conjunction for the purpose of showing more by saying less – and the week before was onomotoepia.

Today we will study polysyndeton, which is diametrically opposed to asyndeton. Polysyndeton is the repeated use of conjunctions for the purpose of intensifying the scene, building the excitement and indicating (like asyndeton) an endless and innumerable list.

Our thanks to Word Magic for Writers by Cindy Rogers for this example. This quote comes from Charlotte’s Web where a rat is telling Wilbur the pig, in no uncertain terms, what he expects.

“Struggle if you must,” said Templeton, “but kindly remember that I’m hiding down here in this crate and I don’t want to be stepped on, or kicked in the face, or pummeled, or crushed in any way, or squashed, or buffeted about, or bruised, or lacerated or scarred, or biffed.”

Do you think Templeton made himself clear? And how did he do that? He drove the point home by using the repetitious ‘or.’ You will find a lot of this in children’s books. If you will listen to children talk, they use a lot of polysndeton when they talk:

“Mommy, I want ice cream, and chocolate, and nuts, and whipped cream.”

Do you see how these examples build the scene by intensifying repetition? This is a simple technique, but don't discount its importance.

P.S. Did you notice this example uses antiquated language? Writing styles are always morphing and wise is the writer who morphs with them. Today's writer would have written "Templeton said" instead of "said Templeton."


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Friday, 8 July 2016

Book Review, Lovable Lobo - Lobo Goes to The Galapagos

Lovable Lobo - Lobo Goes To The Galapagos

Author And Illustrator: C.L. Murphy

Publisher: Peanut Butter Prose (August 22, 2014)
  • Publication Date: August 22, 2014
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B00MSUCZR6

Synopsis: Lobo returns in this adventure, sweeter and a bit salty this time. This lil' wolf pup finds that there's nothing like a little sea air to bring out the best in him and his unlikely tag-alongs. Take a trip to the Galapagos with Lobo and his right-hand raven, Roxy, as they help an injured, new feathered friend return home. Lobo faces some fears and witnesses the joy that comes from helping others in this "birds of a different feather DO flock together" tale.

What I Thought: I love Lobo, the wolf pup, and his sidekick, Roxy, the raven, in all their adventures.  This story a fun adventure as Lobo and Roxy are up for the task of helping out a new-found friend in need, and along the way, finding more new friends. The story is well written with some humor added in for good measure. The illustrations are fantastic. C. L. Murphy has created an excellent series with Lobo. Highly recommended.


About C.L. Murphy

C.L. Murphy is a tamer of fictitious wild animals. As the author and illustrator of the children's picture book series THE ADVENTURES OF LOVABLE LOBO, she spends her days managing her overactive imagination. The main character in the series was inspired by a lovable wolf that she raised for over 14 years. She's been a member of SCBWI since 2012. She lives amongst the wildlife in a real enchanted forest with her husband. They have two wildly perfect or perfectly wild sons, depending on the day, and a menagerie of other untamed animals.

Find the Book on Amazon and  Goodreads


For more information about Diane Mae Robinson and her dragon books for children, visit the author's website at: http://www.dragonsbook.com