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Category Archives: Trends in books
The Language Quandary
Recently, I was reading a novel in which a doctor spoke English with a lovely French accent. At least that is what the author told me. Her dialogue was written in normal, modern, American English which I could read … Continue reading
Imitative Arts
When studying theories of creativity, I encountered R.J. Sternberg’s idea that “Creative individuals, by their nature, tend to defy the crowd. They resist merely thinking or doing what others are thinking or doing.” This idea resonated with me but often does … Continue reading
Posted in Creativity, Ideas for writing, Trends in books, Writing trends
Tagged AI art, AI writing, Creativity decline
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False Starting Advice
Sometimes, the worst advice to give a new writer is that there are rules to writing and the new writer must master these. Especially before attempting to break any of them. Not all writers are created equally. And, even seasoned … Continue reading
Adventures in Forbidden POVs
Currently I am reading a novella by Virginia Woolf called To the Lighthouse. It intrigues me because it broaches the problem of flat female characters found in many early twentieth century novels. Woolf reveals what’s going on in their heads. … Continue reading
Ending the Never Ending Story
When a new idea for a book grabs me, I dwell on it for a few days, or maybe a week or two in my spare time as work on the kind of writing that makes money (technical training). However, … Continue reading
The Pleasure of Rereading Books
As a child I used to read Black Beauty repeatedly. This book sat open on my lap when I was supposed to be taking a nap with my head on the desk in first and second grade. Each time I … Continue reading
A Likable Villain?
Authors sometimes seek villains that their audience can identify with because they want the readers invested in the villain. This helps to propel a person to finish a book if they really don’t know what is going to happen to … Continue reading
Posted in Characters, Creativity, Literary devices, Literature, Trends in books, Writing trends
Tagged sympathetic villain
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How Does Literacy Change Books?
The title may seem like a curious question. However, I wanted to trace how the increasing percentage of people who could read changes the publishing business. Do the types of books favored by the public change as a population becomes … Continue reading
Posted in Literature, Trends in books, Writer's resource, Writing trends
Tagged Literacy
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Who’s the Real Villain?
As a legend Robin Hood represents the kind of principled nonconformist on which many heroes are based. We love to read about people who confront government wrong-doing even in a criminal manner as he did. But, if a similar character … Continue reading
Posted in Characters, Literature, Story structure, Trends in books, Writing trends
Tagged fairy tale, gray hero, legend, principal nonconformist, superhero
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When Do the Ghosts Show Up?
According to my friends I read depressing books, such as Cry the Beloved Country and Crime and Punishment, and actually enjoy them. What kind of books do I avoid reading because I find them depressing while others seem to relish … Continue reading
Posted in Characters, Creativity, Literature, Psychology, Trends in books, Writer's resource
Tagged edgar allen poe, fictional monsters, Henry James, horror
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