Point of View

Writers hear point of view often, from workshops, magazines, books, and the Internet. Our job means for us to recall the point of view rules as we write.

Recently, I read an article in Writer's Digest on point of view by James V. Smith Jr. The article excerpted from Mr. Smith's book The Writer's Little Helper.

I thought I could learn nothing new on POV. Wrong. Mr. Smith does an excellent job in exploring the topic.

He starts by writing about understanding differences in POV, with advantages and disadvantages of each. There's first person, second person, and third person. Regarding third person, Mr. Smith explains third person unlimited omniscience. Then, he discusses third person omniscience.

What I plan to keep handy next to my computer? Mr. Smith's Quick Tip: Don't Let Your Authorial Voice Overshadow Your Character's Voice. Something I'm still struggling with, so very good job, sir.

Then, he goes on to say we can get really complex, with three or four times as many POV choices. For now, I'll stick with these basics and learn them well.

Thank you, Mr. Smith for a fine article and Writer's Digest for another great mini class on writing.

Until next time . . .

My Summer Reading Comes To A Close, And . . .

My summer reading is over. The bug to read a pile of books has wane and now it's time to read my magazine pile. And boy do I have a pile.

I subscribe to The Horn Book Magazine, Writer's Digest, and SCBWI Bulletin. I benefit as a writer and a person by reading these three periodicals. I also receive the Backwoods Home magazine for practical ideas for self-reliant living. I would be hard pressed to know which one of these magazines to drop if finances required.

As I read my backlogged pile of magazines, I realize once again, I have missed each magazine very much. But life does take over and sometimes reading materials must take a backseat. This usually happens during vegetable gardening and harvesting, which includes wood cutting season. This busy work can last several months so reading can slow down, because writing is my bigger priority. Even so, I don't plan to stop taking my magazines.

I hope I'm not the only person who is guilty of letting the magazine pile stack up. Surely someone out there suffers from the same ailment: living life!

Okay, maybe it's not an ailment, but life can get pretty dog gone hectic. Much is required of us human beings, and I wouldn't change that for all the world.

Click on the links above and see about starting your subscription to my favorite magazines.

Until next time . . . please don't negect your most important job: family.

Uncle Tom's Cabin

By far, "Uncle Tom's Cabin" captivated me more than most any book I've read to present. I can see why it sold in popularity during its time, second only to the Bible.

Harriet Beecher Stowe, the author, had a calling, and she responded with passion. Not only did the book speak to me of how men can enslave other men in brutality, but of what happens when a person is brave enough to write what they're passionate about.

Harriet took a great chance, and I am sure she was persecuted for having written and published "Uncle Tom's Cabin." I hope I'm not afraid to pursue what I believe I need to write and in all honesty.

"Uncle Tom's Cabin" is on my granddaughter's school reading list. Glad to know schools are still bringing this fine book out in the open.

If you haven't read "Uncle Tom's Cabin," I encourage you to take the time. I believe you'll be glad you did.

Until next time . . . Read, read, read . . . Write, write, write.

Of Homeschooling and Summer Reading of "Uncle Tom's Cabin"

Whew! That was a long, but rewarding month of homeschooling my granddaughter, Carley. She finished up a bit later than public school, and she did it with high marks. She even whipped pre-algebra (she claims her most difficult subject, but this ol' nana knows better) and got an A in that. She worked hard, and I am proud of her.

Since Carley has left, I needed to unwind. I dove into my summer reading. Why is it that summer reading means classic books to me, I don't know, but I am swept up in the world of "Uncle Tom's Cabin."

I think I may have started "Uncle Tom's Cabin" years ago, but did not finish it for lack of time. This go around, I'm reading this book through. I love Harriet Beecher Stowe's style very much and truly wish second person would come back into popularity. It feels like a diary to me, and I do enjoy the diary.

I really love that she has an unashamed Christian message about Jesus Christ. How refreshing! I do adore Uncle Tom and could only hope I gain the faith like this man before I leave this earth.

I applaud Harriet and hope every child and adult will take the time to read an amazing exposure of cruelty sprinkled with the forgiveness and love of our Lord and Saviour.

For web information on Harriet, visit here. I love her quote: "There is more done with pens than swords." So true.

Did you know that Harriet belonged to the Semi-Colon Club? Visiting the club inspired her to write.

Now if only I could stop reading long enough to catch up on my e-mails.

Until next time . . .

Confident Writer

Do you lack confidence in your writing? Home school a child and watch your lack turn into an “I can do this” attitude.

I’m fortunate to home school my granddaughter, Carley, for four weeks. I’m helping to end her sixth grade year, while she visits from another state. I was more than a bit intimidated to take on the responsibility to teach her. Since I never finished formal high school, but took the GED test, my lack of confidence held me back some what.

No longer.

My granddaughter taught me a bit of pre-algebra as I mentioned in the last post. That was a defining moment to undo another defining moment.

My first grade teacher told my mother about me, “Your daughter is friendly, but not real smart.”

That comment created a lack in me that I’ve stumbled over my entire life. Now, at age fifty-six, I see the world a little differently all because of a twelve-year girl. I truly see how powerful children are in our lives. And I understand more than before how important for us writers to write the very best articles and books for these smart individuals.

I’ve never doubted that a child could teach me about life. What I didn’t know was that I could go back to school under a child's knowledge. I’d say that is a neat experience.

Until next time . . . grab a child and allow them to teach you.