Jan's Writing Basics #9--Writing on Topic

[glorybee]

Thanks, Ernie--

Just to be clear--you can mention the topic. Let's say the topic was "Fire" (the example I've been using recently). It'd be fine to say

I couldn't believe I'd accidentally set my forsythia bush on fire.

In fact, most weeks it's impossible not to mention the topic word in your entry in some way.

The thing that you shouldn't do is mention it AS A TOPIC. For example, this wouldn't work so well:

The topic of fire immediately takes me back to the burning forsythia bush in my back yard.

And this would be even worse:

For the Writing Challenge entry of "fire", I'd like to tell you about the time my forsythia burst into flames.

[eearth]

I understand, and thank you again. I like what you wrote about writing in the circle but out of the box. I will find it easy to write out of the box, but it will take some control to keep it in the circle. I have read and printed the 9 things the judges look for. And with the help of your lessons, I expect to improve my Writing Challenge entries. Enjoy your vacation. I have been enjoying Miami Beach for 30 years.

[AnneRene']

eearth...you adding Jan's class link in your posts is excellent!

[AnneRene']

Cat, thanks. I'm going through some junk right now, and kind words like yours are very soul-soothing.

Jan, I do hope your load is lessening and I will keep you lifted up in prayer until it's behind you.

I find your fortitude to continue "taking care of us" with your constructive nurturing, encouraging to say the least, while your going through your own trials.

As one of the newbies around here....would like to add my two cents about critique/comments. I have inadvertently offended a couple of people and have come to the conclusion that if people are serious about improving their writing, then they will pursue your classes, and be grateful for peoples willingness to help them and read their articles in the first place.

I just learned what "red ink" means, from Catrina and was thrilled. Thought it just meant not to be afraid of leaving a negative comment in the comment area.

Anyway, unless someone asks for "Red Ink"...I just look for the positive in their articles (to encourage them, until their hide toughens, so to speak, AND I know what I'm talking about.

As for me, I reeeeally do try to choose my words and leave truthful but kind comments, however and unfortunately, there are a few who do seem burned out and harsh with their critiques. I've never gotten one but have seen it on other articles.

Point is....pleeeeeeeease don't feel hindered on your valuable and honest comments because those who want to be better, savor your words of experience!

Oh, and don't give up on me with the commas....I am honestly working on devoting myself to more study.

[AnneRene']

Ooops....RE: Staying On Topic, reply.

I just can't write an article and pull it together unless I am able to find "something" I've experienced that is somehow related to the topic.

Sometimes what I find is pretty darn remote, but it fires up that connection inside of me, which propels me into the writing mode.

For example, this weeks challenge "The Manuscript". I had nothing and then more nothing, until I thought about tying into a "what if" scenario about something I had experienced.

[OKGuardianAngel]

Appreciate all the good advice about staying on topic. Is it possible to go with a too obscure view of a topic?

For example, back in the quarter with the colors, I wrote an entry for the topic, White, that both used the word as a descriptor of paint and snow, but also depicted the more slang/colloquial term, "white" - meaning someone who was upstanding and helpful. A comment from a Faithwriters regular told me that I needed to do more than just throw the term in there. I figured that either that person wasn't familiar with the slang/colloquial term, or I didn't make it obvious enough for the reader to connect it with that term.

Should we go with more common usages? Just wasn't sure about that one.... welcome your feedback.

[glorybee]

It is indeed possible to be too obscure on a topic; I've been guilty of it many times. It's that desire to be 'out of the box'--sometimes I'm so far out of the box that the box has been shipped off to another country.

I have more to say about that in this lesson.

[Eyrline]

I'm interested in Jan's Writing Basics Classes.

Eyrline
[email address edited by mod]

[glorybee]

eyrline, I'm sending the word doc to you, and I also encourage you to read through the lessons here on the forums as you find the time. Some of the best teaching here was done by people who contributed to the threads, not by my original lessons.

I also removed your email address, as roving spambots have been known to find emails posted online. It's best not to post it anywhere, even here on FaithWriters. For future notice, if you want to give someone your email address, you can safely disguise it from automated spammers by writing it like this: (this is mine)

jan_ackerson at yahoo dot com

with the word "at" and the word "dot" for those symbols, and extra spaces.

[honeyrock]

Hey, Jan: AAAAAh it feels so great to pull up the site and see lessons! I kinda stopped for awhile after not seeing any. I thought you had quit doing them!

After being on hiatus for awhile i submitted to this weeks challenge - a big achievement!

Anyway, here's a well deserved shout out to you: .

I have chosen to comment on coming up with topic material. One thing in my favor is that I never could stand using cliches or the expected I would rather startle and shock than remain within safe perimeters although it can be very very scary! I've literally missed submission deadlines for the challenge because I could not come up with something I at least considered unique enough.
One thing I learned in one of your posts was to write down five ideas of the topic then toss them away. That was great advice! I personally like the technique of playing on words, especially if the article is leaning more toward humor and dry wit,

Per the homework, my personal tip is: Kids say the craziest things, misinterpret sayings, slaughter "correct" grammer, come up with bizarre conclusions, twist facts and reality, and on top of it all are very outspoken. Listening in to their conversations and observing their antics can be a resource for great material and hilarious fun. I don't necessarily mean writing a story about a particular conversation or relating a kids cute remark . Rather, crafting a story inspired by their way of thinking, right or wrong. Does that make any sense?

[honeyrock]

Crud. Looks like I misread and this post is a couple of years old. Oh well, thank goodness these don't ever go out of style!