Search Results for: intertext

Like That – Open Book Blog Hop #333

July 11, 2022 By Captain Maiel

♦Welcome to another edition of the Open Book Blog Hop!♦

Topic #333
Write about a metaphor you used in one of your books.
What does it represent?

Welcome back to another Open Book Blog Hop! The authors included in this ongoing series wish to thank you for your reads. Even more so, we appreciate that you share our writings with friends. If you’re new to the series, welcome aboard. The authors engage and impress weekly. Prepare to become a regular reader.

Metaphor (n.) a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable. (Oxford Dictionary)

Modern theory poses that all language is, in essence, metaphor. I think this is why I wince when I get asked questions about metaphors. Well–that and it seems to be the go-to device literarily speaking. Their dull-overuse has diminished their appeal.

My problem with metaphor is when an author overindulges in the use of the device, especially on worn paths. I know you saw what I just did there. This was the point. Simultaneously defining metaphor and showing the cliché aspect of them is important to the discussion.

Now that you’re anchored by that example, you’ll be ready to recognize these in all their hackneyed deliveries or genius glory. That said, don’t be too hard on authors. When you think they’ve made the mistake of using a too-well-worn metaphor, keep in mind that the intertext may be precisely what was sought. Like Freud is attributed with saying, “sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.” Sometimes an author uses a tired out metaphor because it delivers the precise implications and emotions necessary in the moment. Your groan and eye roll can very much be planned!

Authors can misgauge the usage, too. That’s more of what I’m speaking out against. How so? While the use of a tired metaphor is meticulously planned it can still fall as flat as whipped cream dropped on the kitchen floor. It’s like a joke that relies on the audience being not only in on the intertext but in the mood for it. The formula relies on timing and other variables that aren’t so easily predicted. In other words, blind spots can make your joke flop.

Metaphors can be found throughout my work wherever you look, because I believe, like current theorists do, anything can be viewed as a metaphor. Take the Atlantic Ocean in OP-DEC, for instance. A reader may see the boundless unknown that surrounds Reiniger. While he stands there before Claire, there is much beneath, behind, and in front of him that is unknown. Water, likewise, has long been thought of as symbolic of emotion. Claire wrestles in this scene with deep and long held histories. Those histories churn and flow with the potential of sinking her at any moment.

In light of these ideas, the scene above becomes that much deeper, just like the sea itself. All of it being seen by the reader depends on each readers intertexts. Some will read right past that, while others find even more treasure buried in the pages–nesting dolls, Easter eggs… Scene as metaphor and so on can be quite powerful to expressing gads of meaning efficiently.

If you seek something that has pages and pages of such treasure, I heartily recommend the Trailokya Trilogy. A student of semiotics, intertexts, and such theories, would have years of work to unpack. Mythology is a rich field of metaphor and related language systems. I’ve written on that topic quite a few times before, so I won’t belabor the topic here.

An example of the work done in the trilogy can lead one on quite the treasure hunt! Let me mention the meaning of the moon and wolves, the color blue in armor, a race of transdimensional aliens who inspired tales of gods, or even character names. Everything harkens back to other texts. Meanings ripple and intersect. The trilogy will sufficiently entertain those who just seek a wild ride, but will also deliver again and again as layers are peeled back to reveal the treasures the text contains in the way of meaning making (semiotics).

Metaphors can be simplistic or complex. They can be tired or innovative. Regardless, they cannot be avoided. They’re a treasure box loaded up and waiting for the reader to unlock them. I recommend taking more time with a text to unpack the inferences and intertexts. This way, you may discover that the usage was far more clever than at first attributed. Moreover, think of the meanings that just expanded the reading experience. They can be mind-blowing, even if they are old ones.

Check out the other author answers via their links below. Whether you’re a reader or a writer, you will definitely learn something and deepen the experiences you have with the art form.

Names Are Everything – Open Book Blog Hop #325

May 16, 2022 By Captain Maiel

♦Welcome to another edition of the Open Book Blog Hop!♦

Topic #325
How do you come up with the names for your characters?

Names are Everything. I emphasize this because it is so true it often is taken for granted in literary studies as well as by casual readers. Part of that is name meanings can be a bit of a trope-y device. Meaning, that it’s a well-duh, yeah kind of convention in writing. This said, not every writer even considers the meaning or nuances a name can provide a character. Most just like a name and go with it. The name can sometimes provide lucky happenstance when the meaning and the character personality, or the book theme, coincide. However, this shouldn’t just be left to chance. Being a great writer means having depth and writing with thoroughness of intention.

Some critics may feel that that giving characters meaningful names is unsophisticated and a waste of time. Those folks probably don’t appreciate the Easter eggs that filmmakers, comic book artists, game makers, etc. put into their work either. It takes some effort to unpack the intertexts. If you aren’t in the know, they’ll fly right over your head. So, therefore, they want things short and simple.

There’s sense in this argument as far as audience attention spans can be short, and the market is demanding hyper simple and short works to consume, which can also easily be adapted for other media without much effort. Easter eggs like names can bog that process down by making a book denser–more to explain to the reader, or which to allude.

To that, I say, not all books are for all people. Not all art will make meaning for all people. The Easter eggs are meant for a subset who like such brain puzzles, those who are in on the fandoms targeted, and literary enthusiasts who are always looking for more. Names being full of meaning provide a treasure to readers who like to go back and read books over again. The richness of this simple bonus can provide so much in the end.

So, how do I go about finding names? That depends on the type of work I am undertaking. A number of factors come into play: era/time period, setting, location, gender, and personality to name the main directives (mark that down historical fiction writers because boy does it matter). You’re not going to name a Greek Philosopher of the classical age Bob. And, please don’t trust baby name sites all the way. They provide a lot of information, but Hunter wasn’t a first name used in 16th century Europe (or anywhere). It was a surname attached to vocation.

You can really ruin your work by not taking care with names. As stated above, using names out of time would be tragic. You have a lot more leeway with fantasy and science fiction, but high fantasy likes to reflect the Middle Ages. You know what else can ruin your work via names? Choosing made up fantasy names that don’t make use of the linguistic conventions that would inform your world. For instance, Tolkien used a Finnish dialect for his elves. The Riders of Rohan had Norse elements. The Hobbits were as British as their creator.

Image by suju-foto on Pixabay. A neast in the green grass full of painted and designed easter eggs in brilliant colors. — Image by suju-foto from Pixabay

I’ve been there, trying to come up with a name for an elf and jotting down something like Starla. However, my character isn’t an 1980s stripper from a largely isolated, small town. It’s cute and all, but it doesn’t really fit, and it creates a strain on taking your writing seriously. Ever pick up a book and the main character has a name that your ten-year-old would give their fairy doll? Let’s move away from that and toward something that will have your readers still reading and not rolling their eyes, asking themselves why they’re bothering.

To help, you’ll want to think about what culture(s) are inspiring your world. In my case, the duta are inspired by Hebrew and Hindu mythological figures and culture (including language). My research delved into old texts like the Key of Solomon and the German project that is working on Sanskrit. Then, I determined what each guardian’s role and order was to be. And, then, I had to flesh out those orders with a bit more detail to find out what would be my conventions for them.

If you think that’s too much to undertake, that’s totally up to you as a writer, but I will always follow this process, because it feels more authentic and serious to me and my process. Of course, I also get to learn a lot about history, mythology, and culture in the process. Learning is a bonus, and the greatest part of that bonus is passing that information to others.

I do use baby name resources, too. Vetting that information across several sources is a must, as I mentioned above, because it can be very wrong! Information existing on the internet is not proof that it’s fact. For instance, if they have it defined on one site in a particular way, this doesn’t mean that is the correct origin, usage, and meaning of the name. You’ll want to seek that consensus.

Other things to look for: Names that were once surnames (like our friend Hunter), have found common usage as first names in today’s cultures. Ethnic names for those groups torn from their ancestry are more recent and the reconstruction of their meanings are ongoing. Those you use could lack the historical context sought. You’ll need to consult someone who can answer those questions.

Lastly, if you’re writing something that is culturally sensitive and you’re seeking meanings, it is a wise idea to use a sensitivity consultant to help you reach your goals, especially when you come from a dominant gender/ethnicity. Not only could you look foolish, but you could harm your career and those you intend to support. Yes, they cost money, but money well-invested (if you really care as an ally and want to continue as a writer).

Names do truly matter. Putting in the effort will help your writing sparkle. Trust me when I say that your readers can tell if you’ve cut corners. If you cut corners here, where else aren’t you giving your time? Although you might feel that names aren’t so important as plotting flawlessly and editing strongly, a poorly chosen name can take your credibility down several notches, even if the critics feel it is a simplistic device and raise their noses to it. They’ll be first in line to mock your Starla the minute you name her.

Let’s look at some of the ladies from my work…

Emily:
Origin: The Latin name Aemilia became Emilia in Italian, and Emily in English. Emily Conrad is of British European descent. “The name Emily is derived from the Roman family name Aemilius. The Aemilius family was a prominent and powerful family in ancient Rome. The name may come from the Latin word aemulus meaning “rival,” or the Greek term aimylos meaning “wily” or “persuasive.”

Popular writers of the period: Emily Dickinson and Emily Brontë — think about Stuart’s desire for his daughter and Hettie to be well-read…

Claire:
Origin: Clair/Claire is a French adjective meaning “clear,” “light,” or “bright.” It can also be a noun meaning “light,” as in the phrase “clair de lune” (“light of the moon”).

Ranked 167 in 1922. Has attachment to wealthy/powerful families in it’s origins. The name meaning ties in with the idea of clarity. Claire definitely exhibits clairvoyance when it comes to Carsten!

Maiel

Origin: Hebrew – Key of Solomon – name of member of the host. There are multiple reasons that I chose this name including that I dreamed it and then found it in the Key linked to an important family number and my zodiac sign, which also corresponds to twins. Have I mentioned that these dreams are more than vivid?

I hope that this exhibits the importance and depth of what a name can mean within a book. Although some find it mundane, I find it to be a treasure box just waiting for readers to open up and find all the loot inside. That discovery can be thrilling for them as well as you!

Be sure to click through the links below to see how the other authors handle their naming conventions.

Let Your Cover Be Your Guide – Open Book Blog Hop #319

April 4, 2022 By Captain Maiel

♦Welcome to another edition of the Open Book Blog Hop!♦

Topic #319
Let’s discuss: “Let’s face it, books are judged by their covers.” —Whitney Hill

100%. This is fact. The saying about a cover doesn’t apply to actual books, in reality. The colloquialism is more about being fair to others. You shouldn’t view a person as incapable because they appear frail, or because of something you visually judge them to lack–such as assuming they’re ignorant because the way they dress looks shabby.

The Importance of a Good Book Cover — The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

While every author cannot afford a stellar designer to create a blockbuster poster of a cover, they can take the time and care to do the best that they can with what they have. For instance, the covers of a great many books in the mainstream of high end publishing utilize simple covers. They’re a title, name, a wisely chosen main color, and perhaps a simple design pertaining to something within the book.

The main thing that you’re going to want to use to sell your book from the cover is the blurb. Just like screenplay pitching, it’s what will make or break your sale. Entire art forms dedicate to the practice, which melds the worlds of advertising and creative writing. Not every author is good at this. So few are VERY good at this. The blurb will take multiple revisions and a lot of feedback from readers.

The worst part is, being so close to the book itself, and author really isn’t great at this part. The larger houses, in fact, don’t always give an author a choice in the matter. If they get options, they’re must choose from a limited set of drafts. I always thought that was terrible. My book, my choice, right? It really should be, but when you realize that the publishing company is a business and they care about sales not art, you’ll understand where they’re coming from. Signing with them means signing away a lot of your freedoms around the art you produce.

There’s something to say about the wisdom of corporation behind its sales. They know what will make money. They’ve been around that course a few times. Respect that, even when you dislike the lack of control. As stated above, there is an entire art, but there is also an entire science to it: psychology.

Ever wonder why some ad campaigns flounder while campaigns that make you scratch your head succeed? Examine the psychology of behavior. Studies were run to the point of exhaustion on color preference, font, and even word usage. This is why I chose to study intertext in my graduate courses. You might be surprised how that applies! It teaches you how to see the crossroads of meaning found in not only images, but words.

The psychology of the sale is something a lot of artists struggle with because they don’t get the usage of signs to provoke attachment in others. That’s not what we’re doing. In fact, we may feel that is antithesis of art. Coca-Cola Co. and other popular brand ads, however, are very much viewed as art!

The most successful books expressed their potential value to readers and thus they got read! Of course they backed up that pitch, too. The story contained inside delivered on the pitch. Don’t devalue the art of the pitch if you intend to sell your books successfully. If you don’t naturally attract others at every turn, you’re going to need to put in the effort on the back end of understanding how to create attraction.

So while in theory the idea that judging a book by its cover is unfair, keep in mind that the cover is part of the sales pitch. If you don’t want to take part in that, then don’t sell book. Not everyone will agree with me and they don’t have to–but lagging sales do have an answer!

Hop through the other responses from our other authors by clicking on their links below…

May I Quote You – Open Book Blog Hop #264

March 8, 2021 By Captain Maiel

♦Welcome to another edition of the Open Book Blog Hop!♦

Topic #264
How often do you overhear an awesome one-liner or witty comeback, and tell yourself you need to write that down to use for one of your characters?

Welcome back to another Open Book Blog Hop! The authors included in this ongoing series wish to thank you for your reads. We appreciate, even more so, when you share our writings with your friends. If you’re new to the series, welcome aboard. The authors engage and impress weekly. Prepare to become a regular reader.

A great quote does not come out of thin air. Intertexts and life experience often frame excellent expression. People who are word artists know how to cleverly express ideas. That doesn’t mean that they always know the words to say for everything. Sometimes, quoting someone else is much better.

Writers, for instance, take a lot of time to rework their words so they have the right–well, everything. Part of learning to write creatively is learning to pay attention and listen up. Not only is some form of research necessary in every project, but the skill to turn a clever phrase is imperative. So, writers can definitely appreciate a great line!

Our ears are always open to soak up information, including excellent turns of phrases. I find a great line inspiring. However, I avoid reusing it. Why? Because of plagiarism and copyright issues.

As an author, I hang out with a lot of other writers. I absorb a lot of media. Yet, I find myself, at this stage of writing, only seeking to write my own stories, not reworking those of other writers. If hired to adapt a novel to the screen, that would be different. My own publications, though, will remain as original as possible. I write in my own voice. This is not only satisfying, but will keep you from being sued for infringement.

A Writer’s Guide to Fair Use and Permissions + Sample Permissions Letter
“Whenever you decide to directly quote, excerpt, or reproduce someone else’s work in your own—whether that’s a book, blog, magazine article, or something else—you have to consider, for each use, whether or not it’s necessary to seek explicit, legal permission from the work’s creator or owner.”

Although I might hear a great line, I feel that is the property of the speaker (or writer). That said, I feel inspired by great lines. This feeds my creative muse. Thus, I often get new ideas that branch from the original, and not always in obvious ways.

A writer should always use their own words. This is writing all those research papers in college is actually useful. You learn your voice and how to use it effectively while getting critiqued by an expert. This is actually a pretty priceless opportunity.

So what do you do if you do hear a great line that would work great for your book? Make sure you get permission to use it. First and foremost, you have to protect yourself and your integrity as a writer. It may sound like foolishness, but if you’ve been around as long as I have been, you’ll know that people come back at you with some very strange accusations from time to time. If they can prove that line was theirs, and you don’t have it in writing that you could use it, you could owe them restitution. That’s the long and short of it.

chalk board with know the rules written large

To avoid uncomfortable situations, make sure that you have proper permission to use a line. If a line is common, you obviously do not need to do this. If you know the person very well, you’ll know if having permission in writing is necessary or not, but I err on the side of caution.

This is the same reason that I don’t read and critique anyone’s work. Friends have asked, and I have gently turned them down. Unless the work is published, I am not reading it. This isn’t about not wanting to read the work. Supporting friends is important to me. However, as a published author, it’s not ethical for me to do so. Many lawsuits have been levied on thin accusations of infringement and plagiarism. This is can quickly ruin a writer’s reputation, even if they’re found not guilty. As someone with plenty of bills already, restitution payments would financially ruin me. Thus, I protect myself.

If you think a friend would never turn around and sue, then you’ve not been in the business long enough. Sadly, this happens too frequently. Many managers and agents would advise you the same as I did above. Always protect yourself. A true friend will understand, and this protects them, too.

Most certainly, writers will be inspired by real people in their lives. Thus, they will often write things the way this person would say them. Sometimes, they’ll use direct quotes. Does this fall into plagiarism or infringement? This question is likely why you’d think what I previously said is over the top.

You need to understand the nuance here. If you quote from other artists, you run a risk of getting called on infringement. Quoting your great uncle Doug, it’s not likely a problem at all. When you over hear a conversation at a restaurant, no one will remember you were there, and they will likely not remember the things they even said in your presence. It’s not covered by copyright, unless they’re quoting someone’s work (which might be the case, so be certain). If you If you’re quoting a peer or friend, be mindful. Some may be flattered, others upset, and some may cause you problems.

Using common sense (even though its not that common) is a decent guideline. Just stop and think. You know your situation best. Ask yourself: can I say it better? Can I say something similar that hits better for my work? Will this person ever read my work? Does use of this line pose a risk to my reputation?

In the end, I credit the mentorship I’ve had the luxury of experiencing with teaching me to seek my own words. There is no one who can say what you need to be said better than you. Have confidence in your skill. If you don’t, gain the confidence. Be the wordsmith. That’s what writing is all about. Make yourself proud!

Click on the links below to see what they other authors have to say about this topic…

Snow Day Zo – Part 3

March 5, 2021 By Captain Maiel

At last! Here is part 3 of the series. I promise it will not disappoint. A quick side note, the series is traditionally drawn and then formatted in digital to go online. You’ll have to forgive the color issues and page folds. The sketch pad is tough to photograph and then crop with my current equipment. I do my level best to get it sorted in photoshop.

Anyway… Zo is stoked to bring you the final installment of the Winter 2021 Series. It was well worth the wait to see how this fiasco ends for our friends. By now, if you don’t know what movie this references, click this link to be let in on the intertext.

Excuse me now, I go in search of a new toy tricycle for Alex. As you’ll see below, Zo has caused a bit of an issue on that front. Enjoy the hilarity! (Once more: this is also a reminder that Zo isn’t for kids. There will be colorful language ahead.)