Banned Books Week September 27–October 4, 2008

I believe I’ve mentioned a time or two about how I can’t stand censorship in any form. Stories not only entertain but share a glimpse into the era they were written. A great story challenges the way we view our world. For good or bad, we see insight into human nature--and sometimes, yes--the ugly side of it. To try to silence the storyteller is outrageous to me.

The top five stories in 2007:

1) “And Tango Makes Three,” by Justin Richardson/Peter ParnellReasons: Anti-Ethnic, Sexism, Homosexuality, Anti-Family, Religious Viewpoint, Unsuited to Age Group

2) The Chocolate War,” by Robert CormierReasons: Sexually Explicit, Offensive Language, Violence

3) “Olive’s Ocean,” by Kevin HenkesReasons: Sexually Explicit and Offensive Language

4) “The Golden Compass,” by Philip PullmanReasons: Religious Viewpoint

5) “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” by Mark TwainReasons: Racism

And here is the link to the ALA Celebrating the Freedom to Read to find out more about the authors and books.

On world building

So there I was. Surrounded by five thousand muses--and all I had was an empty coffee cup.

And what are they clamoring for? A real world to play in.

I do tend to do a lot of world building. Yeah, at times it gets a little tedious and time consuming. If time is an issue I move faster. Honest, I do. But if I have the time why not use it? Last week I did splurge and spent a day looking at plants. (See, isn’t writing exciting?) A few folks would say such in depth world building is unnecessary, but you never know when it might come handy. I’ve had some world building lead to great plot twists. So for me, I have to have the bulk--not all--but the core of the world building in place before I sit down to plot.

The reason I say ‘not all’ is because you never know what might happen as you’re writing and something comes up.

Does it mean I’ve found the perfect way to world build to enrich the story?

Oh hell no.

I have to be reminded from time to time to show the world building because I tend to hide stuff. Okay, not hide but I take stuff out because I worry I’m going to bore folks with an info dump. Please note, omitting crucial details is an especially bad idea if you want to write SF. Yup, I’ve done that.

Right now I use a series of questions from Zette’s Two year novel course. Plus I use Holly Lisle’s course to look at conflict in the world building. This is the first time I’m using Holly’s technique and so far I like it. It’s definitely a thought provoking way of looking at things.

How do you all world build? Do you have a link to a favorite world building site? A book you use? Don’t be shy. Tell all.

Muse

Anyone ever stop and think about their muse? Seriously, do we all have them?

I would say mine took on the persona of the main character of each story I wrote. Why yes, it can get pretty crowded in my mind at times. But lately my “muse” has taken on the persona of a dead guy. Flirty—but very much dead.

Heh. What does that say about how my mind works?

I have a friend whose muse doesn’t talk to her at all now. Instead her imaginary conduit dances and cuts her toenails. I’ve tried talking my friend into listening to the music of the prancing, toenail clipping story warden but so far no luck.

Another friend’s muse works overtime and sort of reminds me the EverReady bunny. You know, the cute pink bunny with the drum. I would imagine it does have its downfall because there’s only so much time in the day for her to write. Though I have to say my friend does give it a valiant try.

What about you all? Does your imagination have a persona? Maybe an animal guide? Ah, come on. It’s time to share.