Bill W

The dragon spider - look at that tail. Does it also breathe fire? Lovely ruby red/black color!

We read excerpts from many other novels as well, and actually, I enjoyed the learning part of high school and being involved in athletics, but some of the social issues weren't so great, like trying to hide being gay, especially in the locker room, or watching the big, brute jocks picking on the smaller or socially awkward students.

When I went to school, back in the Dark Ages, shortly after Shakespeare wrote his plays, we studied Julius Caesar in 9th grade, MacBeth in 10th grade, Romeo and Juliet in 11th grade, and Hamlet and King Lear in 12th grade. I also had to memorize Mark Antony's funeral oration from Julius Caesar. I've also visited The Shakespearian Festival in Stratford Connecticut, and I saw many Shakespearian plays when I spent a semester in England while in college. Other works we had to read in high school were Dickens' Great Expectations in 9th grade, Poe's Tell-Tale Heart in 10th grade, Hemmingway's The Old Man and the Sea in 11th, and Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights in 12th grade. I almost forgot, we also read William Golding;s Lord of the Flies in 12th grade as well. As far as modern plays, we read Thornton Wilder's Our Town in 9th grade, Tennessee Williams The Glass Menagerie in 10th grade, Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman in 11th grade, and Arthur Miller's The Crucible in 12th grade. We read several short stories in high school as well. At the time, we spent most of each year reading and discussing literature (stories and plays), rather than writing.

Actually, it reminds me more of Darth Vader, rather than the witch in The Wizard of Oz.

Belonging is a fundamental theme and driving force in storytelling, serving as a powerful, universal human motivator that helps characters, readers, and writers find meaning, connection, and identity. In literature, this theme often centers on the tension between exclusion and acceptance, as characters navigate their place in the world, family, or society. The importance of belonging in writing include: Character Motivation and Development: Belonging is a core human need, making it a powerful catalyst for character development. Characters often struggle with "belonging wounds" or the pursuit of finding their place, driving the narrative forward. Creating Empathy and Connection: Stories about belonging allow readers to see themselves reflected in characters, fostering a sense of being seen, understood, and less alone. This helps build an emotional bridge, making the story resonate on a personal level. Unpacking Complex Themes: A "belonging story" can challenge narratives of dehumanization and division by promoting an inclusive, "bigger we" that embraces diversity without requiring conformity. Understanding Social Dynamics: Stories can explore the "politics of belonging," helping audiences understand how people form, maintain, or lose their sense of fit within social, cultural, or familial structures. Healing and Transformation: Writing about belonging can act as a tool for personal transformation, allowing authors to turn "ghosts into elders" or, in other words, to process past experiences, embrace their identity, and find, as well as define, their own sense of home and community. For writers, finding a "community of belonging" through writing groups or networks is essential for overcoming the isolation of the craft, providing, and receiving constructive feedback, and gaining encouragement.

"Belonging" originates from the Middle English belongen (14th century), formed by the intensive prefix be- + longen ("to go along with", "relate to" or "be fitting"). It roots in Old English langian ("pertain to, suit"), which likely related to the root of long (adj.), suggesting items or people that go together or fit together. The word emerged with the sense of "be the property of" and "be a member of". It is related to Middle Dutch belanghen (to concern) and German belangen (to sue, concern). While it originally implied physical possession or fittingness, by the 18th/19th centuries, it encompassed social and emotional connection to a community. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the noun belonging was first used in the early 1600s (specifically 1607). Earlier usages of the word as an adjective date back to the Middle English period (1150–1500), with the earliest evidence found in 1483, in a translation by Williaj Caxton. The verb (belong) appeared between 1300–1350, and the noun (belongingness) first appeared in 1656.

The use of "expression" in story writing referring to both the author's voice (self-expression) and the description of the character emotions (facial expressions, body language, and tone). It is the mechanism that transforms a narrative from a dry report of events into a vivid, relatable experience. Here is a breakdown of how to use expression effectively in story writing: Describing Character Expression (Physicality): Instead of simply stating a character's emotion (e.g., "she was sad"), writers use physical expressions to show it, making the scene more immersive. Facial Expressions: Subtle movements like a creasing brow, flared nostrils, tightened jaw, or a forced smile can convey deep emotion. Body Language: Actions often speak louder than words—a character might shake their fist in anger, rub their hands together in anticipation, or avoid eye contact when lying. Avoiding Overuse: While useful, excessive description of facial expressions can become tedious. Experienced writers recommend using them sparingly, focusing instead on broader body language and subtext. Context over Description: Emotions are best conveyed through a mix of dialogue, action, and internal thoughts, rather than relying solely on facial descriptions. Expressive Writing (Authorial Voice & Style): This refers to using vivid, emotional language that connects directly with the reader. Sensory Details: Utilizing the five senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, taste) brings scenes to life. Metaphors and Similes: Comparing abstract emotions to concrete images (e.g., "her smile was like sunshine after rain") enhances emotional impact. Sentence Structure: Short, choppy sentences can convey anxiety or panic, while long, flowing sentences can express calm or nostalgia. Active Voice: Using strong verbs instead of adverbs (e.g., writing "she wailed" instead of "she cried loudly") makes the writing more immediate and impactful. The "Show, Don't Tell" Method: "Expression" is key to the fundamental rule of "show, don't tell." Tell: "He was furious." Show (Expression): "Veins throbbed in his neck as he slammed his fist on the table". Tips for Improving Expression: Focus on Subtext: Allow characters to express emotions through what they don't say, or through conflicting actions and words. |Use Specificity: Rather than "sad," use "despondent" or "heartbroken." Instead of "mad," use "seething". Practice Free Writing: To improve your own voice, try writing without worrying about grammar or structure to allow raw, honest emotions to flow onto the page. Using expression effectively ensures that the reader feels the story rather than just reading it.

Expression" originates from the early 15th century Middle English expressioun, derived from Late Latin expressionem ("a pressing out"), from Latin (exprimere - to press out). It stems from ex- ("out") and premere ("to press"). It literally meant squeezing out, later evolving to represent, describe, or manifest feelings in words or art by the mid-15th century. According to the Oxford English Diectionary (OED), the earliest known use of the noun "expression" in English dates to before 1425. It appears in the Middle English period (1150–1500) within the medical treatise Grande Chirurgie by Guy de Chauliac. Evolution of the meaning of expression: 15th Century: Primarily meant a "pressing out," "vividness," or "putting into words". 1620s: Began to mean "an action or creation that expresses feelings". 1774: Came to refer to the look of the face.

Identity is the core of storytelling, driving character motivation, plot, and emotional connection by exploring who characters are, how they see themselves, and how the world perceives them. It deepens narratives by establishing stakes, fostering empathy, and creating realistic conflict through personal, social, or, in fantasy, magical, defining traits. Importance of "identity" when writing stories: Drives Character Development: Identity dictates how a character reacts to events and evolves over the plot, making their journey believable. Creates Conflict and Stakes: When a character's sense of self is threatened or challenged, it creates intense, engaging drama. Establishes Authenticity: For the writer, tapping into their own identity ("writing DNA") creates a unique voice, while for characters, it ensures they feel like real, breathing people rather than plot devices. Enables Audience Connection: Readers connect with characters struggling to understand "who am I, really," making the story personally resonant. Shapes Narrative Perspectives: A character's identity—race, gender, background—influences how they navigate the world, forcing a "micro-analysis" of their experiences. Incorporating identity ensures the story is not just a series of actions, but a meaningful exploration of character growth.

"Identity" originates from the Medieval Latin idem ("the same") and Identitas ("sameness") via Middle French identité around the 16th century. The concept has moved from strictly meaning "absolute sameness" to encompass the "sameness with oneself" over time, and later, the unique characteristics that define a person or thing. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the earliest known use of the noun identity in English is from before 1460, found in the writings of Augustinian friar and poet Osbern Bokenham. The earlies form, idemptitie, was often used in relation to philosophical or theological debates.

In tribute to the Spring Equinox and Daylight Saving Time:

Thank you for the feedback, Paul. I'm glad you enjoyed this poem, since poetry really isn't my forte.

This poem is written in a unique style, so it might be best to read the note at the end of the poem first, to help you make sense of what the author is trying to convey. People who are constantly criticized, picked on, bullied, or belittled and made to feel that everyone dislikes or hates them for just being who they are are often hesitant, and possibly even afraid to leave their house each day. All they see are storm clouds on the horizon, problems waiting to happen, and people who are eager to denigrate them. A world filled with individuals waiting to judge them and challenge who they are and what they stand for. Maybe after reading this short poem you might be more empathetic of other people's feelings and less judgmental when interacting with them. An eye opening point of view.

A very short and intense description of one person's anxiety over being included in social functions. If you've never felt this way yourself, this poem will paint you a vivid picture of how people with this type of aversion feels when interacting with a large group.

This is a poem about a person with high energy and lofty dreams who soon finds his world suffocating and his life controlled by another. It dampens the first person's hopes and desires until it extinguishes the fire that once burned inside him. This poem could be about two lovers, one with an overbearing personality, but it could also be about a different type of relationship, possibly that of a child and a parent, but either way, the controlling person stifles the dreams and enthusiasm of the other one. Very powerful and very sad.

A sad poem that will touch your soul. A young boy always sought his father's love, but never felt it. His father has since died, but the boy didn't go to the funeral. Now, he is visiting his father's grave, but his only to honor his sister's request that he do so. At the gravesite, he bares his soul. Tragic, and you can feel the young boy's pain that will never cease.

Three powerful and deeply moving short poems about dealing with bullies. The first two poems are from the victim's viewpoint. The third shows belated regret over what he has caused.

A forceful and evocative short poem about forbidden love. The author loves two men and fears the consequences if she doesn't chose one, but she loves them both equally is torn between them. The poem is very well done and you can feel the author's anguish as she struggles with what she should do.

Embodied writing is the practice of rooting storytelling in physical sensations, emotions, and sensory details rather than relying solely on intellectual, plot-driven, or analytical thinking. It is crucial fpr creating immersive, emotionally resonant stories because it shifts writing from a "brain dump" into a "flow" state that feels alive and authentic. The importance of embodiment in writing stories include: Evokes Empathy through Sensory Detail: By focusing on the "finely textured experience of the body," writers can trigger a "sympathetic response" in readers, allowing them to feel the emotions rather than just reading about them. Enhances Character Depth and Believability: It allows writers to move beyond "cardboard cutouts" by getting inside the skin of their characters, focusing on their physical habits, reactions, and lived experiences (e.g., how a fearful character might cower or a tired one might drag their feet). Avoids Clichés and Enables "Show, Don't Tell": Embodied writing replaces overused descriptions (like "clenched fists") with specific, visceral, and personal physical sensations. It forces the writer to show the character's internal state through their interaction with the environment. Improves Emotional Accuracy: By tapping into their own bodily memories, authors can write more genuine, deeper emotional experiences. It helps in transforming difficult or subtle emotions into words that resonate. Connects to the "Flow" State: Rather than forcing a story through logical, "push" techniques, embodied writing allows the story to arise naturally, often leading to better, more inspired writing. Improves Pacing and Structure: By focusing on the "rhythms of the body," such as tension, relaxation, and anticipation, the writer can intuitively structure scenes in a way that keeps readers engaged. Overcomes Writer's Block: When stuck, shifting from "writing from the head" to "writing from the body" (such as by acting out a scene) can reveal what the character would naturally do next. Practical Examples of Embodied Writing: Reading aloud: A physical act that helps the writer feel the rhythm and emotional weight of the words. Using senses: Describing the taste, scent, or feeling of a scene rather than just visual details. Action-oriented prose: Focusing on verbs that describe physical motion (e.g., "she slumped" vs. "she was sad"). Acting out scenes: Physically acting out a scene to understand how a character moves, stands, or feels. Ultimately, embodied writing is about treating the body as an "instrument" that "plays" the reader's emotions.

Embodied derives from the verb embody (1540s), formed by adding the prefix em- ("in" or "into") to the word body. It signifies investing a soul, spirit, or abstract principle into a physical, animate form. The adjective form appeared in the mid-1600s, meaning to be rendered into a concrete, material existence. Historically it was used to focused on putting a soul or idea into a "material frame". The modern context refers to expressing, representing, or containing an idea, quality, or spirit within a physical form. The term essentially means giving a tangible "body" to something intangible. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the earliest known use of the adjective embodied (or imbodied) in English is from the mid-1600s, with the earliest specific evidence dating to 1652 in the writing of poet Edward Benlowes. The verb embody appeared slightly earlier, around the 1540s. The Verb embody was first recorded in 1548. The Noun embodiment was first recorded much later, in 1828. Variations in the spelling spelling as imbodied was common in early citations.

Thank you, d boggs, but I can't take all of the credit for the prank. It was a suggestion from one of my followers, although I can't recall which one, and I merely added a few embellishments. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Thank you, drs, for your feedback and confirmation that you thought the prank was appropriate. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter.

Thank you for sharing that information with me and the other readers, and I'm glad you were encourage to explore the history of CSU and Fort Collins in more depth. Yes, Pops has been around a really long time, Gramps not as long, and who knows how long they might be around, along with Pa, Devin, and Mac. Thank you for your feedback.

Cute, Lee, and I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter.

Yep, the prank worked out just as they planned and Louella will probably be hard pressed to recover her reputation and standing after word spreads about her "hallucination"! 😂 People are going to say things like, "she's either gone completely bonkers or she's going through the early stages of dementia." 🤪