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Dani J. Caile |
Every Saturday I hear that old Mickey Mouse Club jingle, Today we're going to have a special guest. This Saturday is no different as we welcome Dani J. Caile, author of Man by a Tree, The Bethlehem Fiasco, and The Rage of Atlantis. I came across Dani via Twitter where I have been able to meet and make some connections with some great writers and friends. After reading his post here be sure to pop by his blog and website to see more of his Quirky, Yet Sardonic writing. I think you'll enjoy what you see.
And now The Mess welcomes Dani J. Caile.
Elements feed you
Writing is a fantastic activity, there's
nothing better than seeing something appear on a page, something which wasn't
there a few minutes ago, something which makes you laugh, cry or even wonder.
Both the writer and reader can share these feelings in the words created. But
what happens when there is nothing to write about? What happens when you wish
to write but nothing comes out? When a writer has something to say but no 'vehicle' to say it with? Does a writer meander on meaninglessly until suddenly a spark
explodes on the page, 1000s of words spew forth until one perfect sentence
appears? I don't think so. I tried it, it was hell.
And now here is a new writing challenge
which I believe has the answer. Just recently, I participated in a writing
competition, the Iron Writer Challenge (http://theironwriter.com/2013/05/02/the-iron-writer-challenge-11/), where every week 4 authors 'fight it out'
and write 500 word stories using 4 elements, and have only 4 days to write
them. There are no prizes, only bragging rights if you win, and luckily I did
:-)
The great thing about this competition is
that it gives 4 unrelated elements to connect in a coherent story. It's not
asking 4 writers to hand in 4 completely unrelated 500 word stories, but it
actually gives the 'essence' of the writing, the elements. Unfortunately, there
is always the chance that the writer will only use these elements as mere decoration
on what they wish to write. In my honest opinion, those writers are missing the
point. These elements help a writer to learn more about their own writing
skills. My challenge's elements were a manhole cover, clogging shoes, a water
buffalo and the Edward Smith Papyrus. After researching all 4 elements, my mind
grabbed a direction, and all these elements linked into a short 'detective'
story. It took a while to research the papyrus and how to make it a plausible
part of the story, but that's the point of elements, they give a deeper
understanding of what a writer wishes to express. What seemed like 4
unconnected elements became the backbone of a 500 word story which I plan to
turn into a novel in the near future.
And turning to novels, a few months ago I found myself in the position of
having plenty of ideas, crazy dialogues and odd situations but nowhere to go
with it. After writing three books and a novelette, I still had a lot to say,
but I had no 'vehicle', no major elements. Before, I had used stories based
around the Grim Reaper to illuminate the shallowness of humankind, the figure
of Jesus to attack organised religions and Atlantis to illustrate the stupidity
of politics and terrorism, all in what I hope was a light, sardonic, and
entertaining way. But I was stuck. I had so many ideas with nowhere to go.

They also came to the conclusion that this
machine was given to the Israelites by 'others' not from this world.

So, I feel that as a writer it isn't what
you want to say that is difficult, it's how you get it across and through what.
The Iron Writer's Challenge is a fantastic example of how an idea can bring out
the best in writers, if they allow it to. Support the challenge, read it, vote
on it, and perhaps even write for it! It can only be good for you!
(by Dani J Caile)
* * * * *
Did you enjoy what you read? Leave me a comment and then join me at The Mess that Is Me on Facebook!
For Further Reading ~ The Mess Welcomes Tess Stenson
Thanks for visiting The Mess!
Thanks Robbie!
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, Dani! And thanks for being on The Mess!
Delete"Unfortunately, there is always the chance that the writer will only use these elements as mere decoration on what they wish to write. In my honest opinion, those writers are missing the point. These elements help a writer to learn more about their own writing skills...."
ReplyDeletePrecisely. The challenge is fun, but the more you take it seriously, the more you grow as a writer. I know of one person who takes the challenge every week, by herself, just to practice.
And the point is to grow...to be the best that we can be at what we do. Thanks for visiting and commenting!
DeleteWhat an interesting post! But I have a question... What do we need to do in order to participate in those challenges? I visited the site but I didn't find the info.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure. Hopefully, Dani will see this and fill you in :)
DeleteThanks for visiting!
Just e-mail Brian Rogers, you'll find his address on this page - http://theironwriter.com/ - and he'll give you a place in a Challenge. He's always looking for new writers.
DeleteI did Challenge 11 and I'm in No.15 too, coming this week.