Traditions
These are the common threads that bind us. In an open society there is a wide spectrum. In a xenophobic society it is narrow. Holidays are traditions, a shared moment to recognize collectively and bond. During the holiday season we all have different traditions, varying greatly even within one faith.
Traditions are used to adhere seemingly disparate groups of people. While cobbling together the wide flung German states in the 19th century the oral tradition of tales such as those by the Brothers Grimm were used to explain to people whom had no concept of nationalism that they were one people. Their shared thoughts and beliefs were expressed through their storytelling.
While writing, do you imbue your story with traditions? If so are they divisive or an element that brings characters together bridging the gap? Traditions as they mature develop a symbolism. How much does symbolism affect your writing? Is it a conscious effort?
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Comments: 379
I like to put symbolism into my writing, and hope it has a positrive affect. In so much as it being a conscious effort? I think it' can be a conscious effort. However, it's more magical when it happens innately...
I have discovered that while the belt that runs the she-bang of my car is fine, the 'tenser' which is a little bitty thing, is not. Guess which costs more to replace...
Tradition is a central theme for my current WIP. In fact, Grimm's is a key prop throughout the story.
For me, symbolism isn't laid in on purpose. If I spot something after the first draft, then I might go back and emphasize it.
So Jules, you've re-named, or added to my persona, heh? Rebellious? Me? Gosh you've only known me a short time and already you pick up on those hidden things. The insurgency of Sia, Sia the insurgent...my mom would agree with you and also agree with it being the 'evil' twin side of me, lololol!
Inspector Cluseau? The Pink Panther? God I loved those movies they were such great satire.
It is a layer of craft on my list to starting practicing with. From what I've read my approach will probably be to go over the first draft and look for common threads/symbolism that I can enhance or build on.
OK, off to the gym. Stop talking until I get back.
Julie, sweet-pea, I hope the tea has done it's magic and you have some vim to go with your vinegar this morning. :
Housekeeper: You've ruined that piano!
Clouseau: What is the price of one piano, compared to the terrible crime that has been committed here
Housekeeper: But that's a priceless Steinway!
Clouseau: Nyot Anymeur.
No, my dog doesn't bite?
Snarling and a chomp.
I thought you said your dog doesn't bite?!
That's not my dog.
Now, wasn't that better than being golf-balled?
I guess I'd better go take a cold shower now. (I hope my wife never sees these Wombat threads!)
They're mandatory for everyone else, but a vehicle carrying 66 of our young isn't required by law to have them. On a cruddy weather day. Can you tell I'm stressing? I just can't believe the buses get away with not having them. Disaster waiting to happen, I tell ya.
Thanks for that! ;)
Sia - loved the scene you quoted.
Dave!!! Oh, Daaaave!
Now back to our newly scheduled golf lessons...
Gotta say I'm not a golf person. Tennis! How does it go, something about a good walk being ruined ;)
I think most writers subconsciously incorporate symbolism because it is ingrained in our collective unconscious and we don't notice it. I am keenly aware of symbolism, not surprising considering the art history and it often bleeds into my work. Sometimes I notice it after the fact and play off it, sometimes I intentionally weave it.
As many of you do, I tend to see symbolism after the fact. It does fall flat for most when you try to inject it.
Dave and Julie, full explanations coming to your email.
I'm home already. Barely made a dent in my mountain of paper-grading. Tomorrow is officially "Grading Day" at the college, so I don't feel too guilty.
We had the seatbelt in busses discussion during lunch at work the other day. They were all griping that it would be hard to make the kids wear their seatbelt, and they'd have to monintor, yada yada yada. They should at LEAST be available to students who want to wear them. I remember when my son rode the bus (didn't happen often - field trips, for example), he would WANT a seatbelt. Said he felt unsafe in the bus.
That sounded kinda grouchy. Sorry! Didn't mean it to.
FCC Round 2
FCC Scores - Round 2
FCC Scores - Round 1
Not bad, eh?
School bus safety: I knew someone whose son died when his wrestling team's "commuter van" style bus (no seat belts) slid off the road. When the school couldn't promise to replace the old van with a safer vehicle, the dad filed a wrongful death suit for the cost of a safe, modern van, which he then purchased and presented to the school in his son's memory.
Rand, never doubted your accuracy. You are the number's master.
*snork* Steve
:-)
No one rides in any of my vehicles if they won't wear a seatbelt. Non-Negotiable.
I cast a spell for Dale and Ann and it worked!!! First time ever. Great work guys. Auguri!! Bravi!!
And Todd, Cant wait to see what Junior does next.
Sylvia I hope your car repairs aren't to horrible. We've got some pot holes around here which have swallowed entire cars, my husband found one with the Bronco.. we got him, kids and Bronco out. He did it on purpose and then said the kids made him. Wing brow.
Seat belts in buses. If the driver can make a load of five year olds sit, seat belts aren't a stretch.
Rand Rocks!
Stephen..shake my head.
Symbolism? I don't know. I love it in other work, but I don't know if I've managed to do well with it. Like Jamie I have themes, but that really isn't the same.
OK, that's all I had time for. No golf lessons (although Dave, you should try writing a sensitive scene!), no pool lessons (I'm staying out of the long line).
And MacCoffman, can you roll your rrrr's? That's an important skill.
Two Birds One Stone - Ann
The Hard Bounce - Todd
Char - Dale
The Medicine People - Laz
Did I miss anyone? If I missed you please let me know. I'm updating the goings on list.
Is Code Orange over? Dec 11th comes to mind, but I can remember if that was end of entries or contest.
Big Hug.. decompress and enjoy the holidays.. Wombat nano in January.
Code Orange voting ends the 15th. Winner announced the 31st. So if you haven't voted yet, I'd appreciate your "10" on my entry. Some other wombats are entered too.
Having Fun to Cope with College
Symbolism...I'm not so sure. I definitely have recurring elements and I've made use of seemingly random bits for that purpose.
Does a Beanie squid count?
Just a quickee before I go from work to my lunchtime yoga class (and boy, do I need it!). I'm with Jamie re: symbolism and my writing. I don't mind it in other people's work if it's not heavy-handed, but it's never been something I look for in a book.
Okay, yoga time...
When does voting end for this round of FCC? And are they then going to 5 finalists like in FCR?
JK Rowling
Paul - cheesesteakes are the nectar of the gods in this part of the country. And we make the best!
Steve - cymbalism - ROTFLMAO
Sia - car repairs at Christmas = UGH - just like my almost-bursting water heater that had to be replaced right before we left for Thanksgiving. The bill just arrived...
Wow Steve, you can write!! I mean really. Who would a thunk it. Any news from the agent? I gotta get this book.
Thanks, Julie.
Really a great read (since I'm supposed to be interacting with the kids...). I love what you did with the prologue. And Hector's "in" to Tabatha's dream. Great, great job.
Has she submitted it anywhere yet? This should get bought quickly.
Ironic touch: when our high school athletes played in cities clear across the state (a three hour drive), some wealthy boosters had been renting a luxury coach to use in place of the mandated school bus. Apparently this was a violation of some rule, but I'm not sure how it was resolved. The parents wanted their kids to be able to sleep on the way back, since they wouldn't get home after games until 2 a.m. or so.
Lisa: So you're only sorry that JC isn't on the list? Not June and I? Are we second-rate Wombats or what? (Snicker. Maybe you can come up with a respectable save on that one.)
I have had a busy morning and afternoon giving golf lessons. Who knew it could be so ... rewarding? But, help me out with something? Does it really seem right that I should have to pay the students?
Dale, glad to see Char made it into round 2. A healthy wisdom of wombats in this round - go, go, go!
JK- Athletics being more important than academics? That NEVER happens around here. *laughing at my sarcasm until I throw up
June, congrats for putting your work out there. Your attitude was excellent and this experience should help your writing, just as FC1 and FCR helped many of the other wombats (including moi).