Thursday, June 28, 2012

The Effect of Deforestation

Deforestation is the process of converting forested lands into non-forest sites that are ideal for crop raising, urbanization and industrialization. Because deforestation is a serious concept, there are also serious effects to the surroundings.

Effects of deforestation can be classified and grouped into effects to biodiversity, environment and social settings. Because deforestation basically involves killing trees in forests, there are so many effects that can be enumerated as results of the activity.

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When forests are killed, nature basically requires people to renew the forest. Reforestation is one concept that is in the opposite direction as deforestation, but is proven to be a much harder effort than deforestation.

The Effect of Deforestation

So the rate of deforestation has not been offset by the rate of reforestation. Thus, the world is now in a troubled state when it comes to issues concerning the environment.

Pollution is rapidly growing along with population. Forests are greatly helping reduce the amount of pollutants in the air. So, the depletion of these groups of trees is greatly increasing the risk that carbon monoxide would reach the atmosphere and result in the depletion of the ozone layer, which in turn results to global warming.

Environment change

One major effect of deforestation is climate change. Changes to the surroundings done by deforestation work in many ways. One, there is abrupt change in temperatures in the nearby areas. Forests naturally cool down because they help retain moisture in the air.

Second is the long process of global climate change. As mentioned above, deforestation has been found to contribute to global warming or that process when climates around the world become warmer as more harmful rays of the sun comes in through the atmosphere.

The ozone layer is a mass of oxygen or O3 atoms that serves as shield in the atmosphere against the harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. Because ozone is made up of oxygen atoms, oxygen react with carbon monoxide. Such reaction would use up oxygen atoms.

It follows that when there are more carbon monoxide atoms going to the atmosphere, the volume of oxygen would decline. Such is the case of ozone depletion.

The third effect to the environment would be on the water table underneath the ground. Water table is the common source of natural drinking water by people living around forests.

Water table is replenishing. That means, the supply of water underground could also dry up if not replenished regularly. When there is rain, forests hold much of the rainfall to the soil through their roots.

Thus, water sinks in deeper to the ground, and eventually replenishing the supply of water in the water table. Now, imagine what happens when there is not enough forests anymore. Water from rain would simply flow through the soil surface and not be retained by the soil.

Or other than that, the water from rain would not stay in the soil longer, for the process of evaporation would immediately set in. Thus, the water table is not replenished, leading to drying up of wells.

Effect to biodiversity

Forests are natural habitats to many types of animals and organisms. That is why, when there is deforestation, many animals are left without shelters. Those that manage to go through the flat lands and residential sites are then killed by people.

Through the years, it is estimated that there are millions of plant and extinct animal species that have been wiped out because they have been deprived of home. Thus, biodiversity is significantly lowered because of the savage deforestation practices of some people.

Wildlife advocates have been constantly reminding that several wild animals left in the world could still be saved if deforested forests would only be reforested and the practice of slash and burn of forests would be totally abandoned.

Social effects of deforestation

Deforestation is hardly hitting the living conditions of indigenous people who consider forests as their primary habitats. Imagine how they are rendered homeless when forests are depleted. These natives would be forced to live elsewhere, and are usually left to becoming mendicants in rural and urban areas.

Overall, effects of deforestation cannot be offset by the contribution of the practice to development. While it is logical that progress is very much needed by mankind, it must also be noted that nature knows no defeat. Destruct it and it would certainly retaliate, one way or another.

The Effect of Deforestation

For more information now go to: [http://www.solutionstoearthdestruction.com/The-Effect-Of-Deforestation.html] [http://www.solutionstoearthdestruction.com/Benefit-Of-Deforestation.html]

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Friday, June 22, 2012

Fact Or Fiction - Can You Really Cure Yeast Infections Naturally?

How to cure a yeast infection? This is a question that is asked by many women all across the world. After all a yeast infection can make your life miserable because it has such negative symptoms as irritation, vaginal odor and respiratory problems.

These symptoms combined with many others can seriously damage your life and affect your relationships because you may feel embarrassed to tell even your closest friends about the nature of your issue or your intimate life might have gone downhill because of the sensitive nature of this problem.

Fiction

The reality is that many different types of cures exist that can cure a yeast infection and in this article I will outline a few of those cures and educate you on a natural one that provides you with safe, effective and long lasting results.

Fact Or Fiction - Can You Really Cure Yeast Infections Naturally?

One way to treat a yeast infection is using over the counter pharmaceuticals. These types of medications prove to relieve such minor symptoms such as redness and irritation but they do not address the root cause of the issue and thus only end up providing temporary results. Another reason these medications are not the best is that you will always have to keep buying them in order to gain those temporary feelings of relief.

Another natural method to cure a yeast infection would be to use Tea Tree Oil. This oil has an active ingredient that naturally fights off the yeast that is causing your infection. You can apply a small amount of tea tree oil while taking a bath for twenty minutes to see some fast acting and natural results.

Fact Or Fiction - Can You Really Cure Yeast Infections Naturally?

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Saturday, June 16, 2012

Fact vs Fiction - A Salt Water Pool Review

If you have been considering purchasing a new salt water pool or if you want to convert your existing chlorine system with a salt system, then you should consider a few common misconceptions. With the sudden popularity of these pools there are a lot of myths that have been propagated by owners and sellers alike.

No more worrying about pH levels.

Fiction

Keeping salt pools clear of germs and algae requires a balance of germ killing chemicals. Chlorine is the primary disinfectant used in a pool. Many homeowners though find that they are needing to add more chlorine to effectively kill germs. This can be attributed to high pH levels. A balanced pH and alkaline level is essential to maintaining optimum chlorination. Not only that but pH levels will also affect the comfort of swimmers. Levels about 7.8 could lead to eye and skin irritation. Most pool owners convert to salt water pools because they are told they are maintenance free. This is not true. Balanced water is essential and this requires frequent testing.

Fact vs Fiction - A Salt Water Pool Review

You can taste both the salt and the chlorine.

A properly maintained salt water pool has a salinity level around 10 per cent of water from the ocean. Most salt water pool owners can attest to the fact that the water in a salt water pool is very similar to that of water that has been softened. Soft water has a better feel and is less harsh on skin and clothing. Salt water pools with the proper level of salt will not have a noticeable difference in taste.

Salt water pools don't require maintenance.

New owners of salt water pools quickly discover that these systems do require maintenance. While you do not have to continually add chlorine as with standard pools you do need to maintain the chlorine generation cells. Most salt water pools use titanium plates that are electronically charged to turn salt water into chlorine. Calcium builds up in the 'cells' and must be cleaned. Failure to do so will result in reduced chlorine generation and your pool will no longer be able to fight off germs and algae. Maintaining proper salt levels will also shorten the life of the chlorine generation cells. So there are times when either water or additional salt will need to be added to the pool.

Salt water pools are cheaper then regular pools.

There is a lot of confusion on this point. So let's clear things up. The cost savings on one of these pools is based primarily on how long you own the pool and how well it is maintained. This is because salt pools are initially more expensive to install. Over a short period of time a standard chlorine system is cheaper. However continued operation costs over the next couple of years will begin to surpass that of a salt water pool. Chlorinated pools are constantly losing chlorine. Sunlight, splash outs and inclement weather are usually reducing the amount of chlorine requiring the use of chlorine pucks and pool shock systems. These can be expensive and dangerous to handle. There are other costs associated with salt water pools. Replacing pave stones, pump parts and chlorine generators can be expensive. In the end salt water pools aren't very cheap at all.

Fact vs Fiction - A Salt Water Pool Review

To see the problems with salt water pools, please visit us at ecosmarte.

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Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Communication Style Quiz

Try this fun self-quiz to find out your dominant Communication Style. Afterwards read about the different styles and reflect on how you can work with others of a different style. Choose the number of the statement that most closely resembles you:

1. At a large social gathering, you are most likely to:

Fiction

a. interact with many different people, strangers included.

Communication Style Quiz

b. talk one-on-one mostly with people you already know.

c. use the opportunity to make important contacts.

d. leave as soon as it is polite to do so.

2. When you first arrive at a meeting you are usually...

a. ...a bit late, and try to sneak in the back without being noticed.

b. ...purposely a bit late, you like to get there when things have started happening already.

c. ...arrive right on time and feel impatient if the meeting starts late.

d. ...arrive early so that you can be ready and organized when the meeting starts.

3. If you were famous in your field, which career would most suit you?

a. Movie star

b. Head of a company

c. Inventor

d. Humanitarian

4. What style of entertainment do you most enjoy watching?

a. Something warm and friendly.

b. Something quirky and intellectual.

c. Something political or satirical.

d. Something wild, outrageous and/or fun.

5. Of these four personality traits, you consider your strongest to be:

a. Compassion

b. Assertiveness

c. Imagination

d. Persistence

6. The statement that most closely describes you is:

a. Sensible and frugal.

b. Rational and quick-witted.

c. Sensitive and reliable.

d. Creative and fiery.

7. Which appeals to you the most?

a. Taking action on a calculated risk.

b. Creating harmonious human relationships.

c. Discovering the secret behind a complex mystery.

d. Going to an exciting social event.

8. Which rules you more?

a. Your heart

b. Your head

c. Your wallet

d. Your libido

9. New and non-routine interaction with others:

a. ...usually stimulates and energize you.

b. ...revitalizes you, if you have a special connection with someone in the process.

c. ...taxes your reserves, and you aren't afraid to let people know it.

d. ...taxes your reserves, so you quietly slip away when no one is watching.

10. When doing group projects, which part of the process is most important to you?

a. Creating relationships with people.

b. Sorting out who is playing what role in the project.

c. Organizing the way the project is done.

d. Making sure the process of doing it is fun and exciting.

11. If you suddenly have some spare time on a weekend, what you usually most WANT to do is:

a. ...contact several friends and see if there is something fun going on.

b. ...have some quality time with one or a just a few people.

c. ...get a number of important things done on your TO DO list.

d. ...focus your energy on one specific hobby or project.

12. You want to buy a special gift for a new friend that you don't know very well. You are most likely to:

a. Buy the first thing you see that you intuitively think they would like.

b. Carefully find just the right thing, after much comparison-shopping.

c. Buy the same special gift you always buy for special people.

d. Get someone else to buy the gift, or just give your friend some money.

13. Which description most fits you?

a. Hard working and ambitious

b. Animated and gregarious

c. Focused and efficient

d. Cooperative and gentle

14. Most of the time, when working, you prefer:

a. To do your job quietly on your own.

b. To be an integral part of a team working together.

c. To influence the team in new and creative directions

d. To be the leader and structure-maker for the team

15. When the phone rings do you

a. ...answer it immediately and talk at length.

b. ...look forward to the call, but wait a few rings before answering.

c. ...deal with whoever it is quickly and efficiently.

d. ...hope someone else will answer it.

16. Your favorite type of clothing to wear:

a Something comfortable, practical and low key.

b. A unique ensemble that makes a statement.

c. An expensive-looking power outfit.

d. Something easy-going and nice.

17. Which genre of fiction to you most prefer:

a. Mystery, documentary or science fiction

b. Feel-good story or romance

c. Epic, historical or action

d. Comedy, psychological thriller, glitzy

18. Which is more admirable:

a. The ability to organize and be methodical.

b. The ability to take charge in a chaotic situation.

c. The ability to motivate others to succeed.

d. The ability to make people feel comfortable and included.

19. In terms of comedy, I most closely identify with people who can:

a. ...tell a heartwarming, funny story.

b. ...tell a good joke.

c. ...create great characters through movement, voice, costume, etc.

d. ...tell a witty one-liner, pun, or wordplay.

20. If a conflict arises between a friend and I, my first reaction is to:

a. ...make sure they understand my position on things.

b. ...make sure the relationship doesn't get damaged.

c. ...avoid that person for a while.

d. ...find a compromise, where we both get at least part of what we want.

Communication Style Quiz - Answers

Circle the answers you chose. Then, count the number of A's, D's, N's, and C's you have at the bottom

1. a. D b. N c. A d. C
2. a. N b. D c. A d. C
3. a. D b. A c. C d. N
4. a. N b. C c. A d. D
5. a. N b. A c. D d. C
6. a. C b. A c. N d. D
7. a. A b. N c. C d. D
8. a. N b. C c. A d. D
9. a. D b. N c. A d. C
10. a. N b. A c. C d. N
11. a. D b. N c. D d. C
12. a. D b. N c. C d. A
13. a. A b. D c. C d. N
14. a. C b. N c. D d. A
15. a. D b. N c. A d. C
16. a. C b. D c. A d. N
17. a. C b. N c. A d. D
18. a. C b. A c. D d. N
19. a. N b. A c. D d. C
20. a. A b. N c. C d. D

Total A's _____

Total D's ______

Total N's ______

Total C's ______

Total should come to 20

Read on about the various Communication styles. Keep in mind, the descriptions that follow are extreme examples to illustrate how they differ. Most people are a combination of the four styles, and some people are so unique, they don't fit into any quadrant. Use the descriptions simply as a guideline to help you see how workplace communications can be greatly affected by an individual's style

Demonstrators

Demonstrators are people-oriented, fast-paced and enthusiastic. They usually have more open and casual body language. They tend to be animated and outgoing, and prefer an informal atmosphere. Demonstrators can be outrageous, spontaneous, excitable and sociable. They are ideas people who like to be in the limelight. If over-balanced in this style some weaknesses may show up such as being unreliable, self-centered, overly optimistic and indiscriminate.

How to recognize Demonstrators

They tend to:

o be somewhat disorganized

o have trouble being on time and keeping track of details

o wear bright colors

o sit in an open posture

o take the initiative in the conversation

o laugh easily and loudly

o are fun-loving

o like to talk about themselves

Types of professions where you find many Demonstrators

o Salesperson

o Trial Lawyer

o Entertainer

o Public Relations Officer

o Advertising Executive

o Social director

Famous people who are predominantly Demonstrators

Steve Martin

Carol Burnett

Robin Williams

Jim Carey

Lucille Ball

Jerry Lewis

Elvis Presley

Zig Ziglar

Pierre Trudeau

Marilyn Monroe

Charlie Chaplin

Assertors

Assertors are fast-paced and direct, like Demonstrators, but are more task-oriented, than people-oriented. They tend to be hard working, ambitious, leader types. They are good at making decisions quickly and efficiently. They are goal-oriented, assertive and confident. Assertors are the take-charge people who let nothing stop them. If over-balanced in this style some weaknesses may show up such as being too impatient, competitive and judgmental.

How to recognize Assertors

They tend to:

o like timeliness and efficiency

o look and appear powerful and formal

o sit in an erect posture

o be highly discriminating in many areas (people, opportunities, food, etc.)

o laugh less frequently than demonstrators, maintain a more serious demeanor

o take a leadership role in most situations

o ask pointed or challenging questions

o have strong opinions and creative ideas to share

Types of professions where you find many Assertors

o Corporate CEO

o Politician

o Stockbroker

o Lawyer

o Hard-driving newspaper reporter

o Independent consultant

o Drill sergeant

o Film/TV Director

o Entrepreneur

Famous people who are predominantly Assertors

Jonathan Winters

Bea Arthur

Joan Rivers

John Cleese

Muhammed Ali

Carroll O'Connor

Ed Asner

Clint Eastwood

Candace Bergen

George C. Scott

David Letterman

Margaret Thatcher

Contemplators

Contemplators are task-oriented like Assertors. However they are more indirect and slow-paced. Contemplators tend to be analytical, detail-oriented, thinker types. They are persistent, good problem solvers, and pride themselves on their orderliness and accuracy. Often seen alone, they tend to have quiet, low-key personalities. If over-balanced in this style some weaknesses may show up such as being too withdrawn, rigid, closed-minded, and overly pessimistic.

How to recognize Contemplators

They tend to:

o wear conservative, simple, functional clothing

o sit in a closed posture

o keep to themselves

o not initiate conversations, wait for you to do that

o take copious notes

o maintain meticulous organization

o stay serious, rarely laugh

o like to hear facts, figures, statistics and proof

Types of professions where you find many Contemplators

o Accountant

o Secretary

o Bookkeeper

o Repair person

o Engineer

o Draughtperson

o Electrician

o Plumber

o Jeweller

o Scientist

Famous people who are predominantly Contemplators

Albert Einstein

Rick Moranis

Steven Wright

Woody Allen

Leonard Nimoy

Paula Poundstone

Deepak Chopra

Victor Borge

Carl Sagan

Al Gore

Angela Lansbury

Narrators

Narrators are slow-paced and indirect like Contemplators, but they are more people-oriented like Demonstrators. They are warm, friendly, gentle and cooperative. They highly value relationships over goals. They are good at listening, have a sweet temperament, and tend to be open-minded. Most people find them to be loving, and emotionally intuitive. If over-balanced in this style it can show up as overly meek and easily sidetracked.

How to recognize Narrators

They tend to:

o come across as very accommodating and helpful

o wear casual, simple clothing, nothing too loud

o take the initiative to create relationships, like to both talk and listen

o have pictures of family on their desk

o laugh quietly and often (but sometimes they're laughing just to be polite)

o show gratitude easily

Types of professions where you find many Narrators

o Counselor

o Teacher

o Minister

o Human Resources Manager

o Nurse

o Social Worker

Famous people who are predominantly Narrators

Mary Tyler Moore

Bill Cosby

Jean Stapleton

John Candy

Mr. Rogers

Gilda Radner

Dan Ackroyd

Jack Canfield (Editor of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books)

Leo Buscaglia

Jimmy Carter

Barbara Walters

Bill Clinton

Florence Nightengale

Communication Style Quiz

Carla Rieger is an expert on creative people skills at work. If you want a motivational speaker, trainer, or leadership coach to help you stay on the creative edge, contact Carla Rieger.

Web site: http://www.carlarieger.com
Tel: 1-866-294-2988
Email carla@carlarieger.com

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Monday, June 11, 2012

Fact to Fiction: The Brutal Truth about the Practice of Stoning

“Like humans void of soul or mind, they jeered and yelled as they went about selecting their most jagged stones.” – David Hearne, excerpt from Hulagu's Web.

Stoning is a brutal and outdated practice that is kept alive only by Muslims under Sharia rule. Although it has been practiced since biblical times, every other culture has systematically ceased the practice in favor of more humane forms of punishment. The torturous sentence leaves the victim in agony. David Hearne, in his book Hulagu's Web, shows us how painful it can be. “Terror ripped through her mind…then suddenly the first stone smashed into her…” (Hulagu's Web, 64) The only solitude the punished has is that they will soon die.

Fiction

Stoning is typically a punishment for adultery, although it can also be use for cases of incest and other sexual or “moral” crimes. Typically, a stoning victim is first wrapped in cloth and buried up to the waist for men, or up to the chest for females. Then the crowd is to throw stones at the victim. However, it is very important that, “… no stone should be thrown that should kill with the first or second blow, or so small as a pebble to do no injury to the condemned.” (Hulagu's Web, 64) Stoning is a unique form of punishment in that there is no single executioner. The simplistic act of gathering the victim’s peers around him creates killers out of everyone.

Fact to Fiction: The Brutal Truth about the Practice of Stoning

Today, stoning is only practiced in Islamic culture in order to maintain the submission of its women and those in the lower cast. Only those impoverished or socially unimportant are punished by stoning. This barbaric act parallels those of the 4th century Theodosius who punished those who did not share his religious views. He ordered all non-Christian temples be destroyed and that all heathens be executed unless they convert. His decree now lives on in the hands of religious Islamic tyrants that now employ the brutal act of stoning. These acts of barbarism and violence far outweigh the moral transgression of those condemned.

Stoning has been in practice since biblical times. In the Old Testament, God is quoted as requiring stoning as a punishment for breaking one of the Ten Commandments, particularly for committing adultery. However, in the New Testament, Jesus is believed to have replaced that type of punishment for a more humane punishment. He is quoted as having challenged, “he that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” This is why stoning has slowly been replaced with punishments that require less involvement of ones peers.

As we realize the impact of such a brutal death, we realize that we have no right to take part in killing another when we too have sinned. This imparting of sin on all those who partake in it is the very reason most cultures have abandoned the practice.

We already see a disintegration of the practice of stoning in Islamic culture. Only those under Sharia rule still practice it. In this culture, there is no distinction between religious and governmental law. Religion is governmental law. More information on Islam and Sharia law can be found at http://answering-islam.org.uk/.

Among the countries that still practice stoning are Afghanistan, Iran, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and the United Arab Emirates. Other Islamic countries denounce the practice as inhumane and indicate that the Qur’an provides no grounds for such a vicious practice. Those who practice stoning claim that it is demanded by Islam and have gone so far as incorporating it into their countries penal codes.

From these deep rooted laws regarding stoning, there have been a few recent cases of global interest where stoning has been received as a punishment. In December 2004 a woman in Iran was scheduled to be stoned to death after spending five years in prison for committing adultery. She was one of over 100 to be stoned to death in Iran last year alone. In Nigeria, a woman was sentenced to stoning after giving birth to a baby more than nine months after divorcing. To her good fortune, this sentence was overturned. More instances of recent convictions resulting in stoning can be found at http://www.religioustolerance.org/isl_adul1.htm. With international efforts to stop stoning, the rulings are being overturned with more frequency, hopefully giving less credibility to Sharia law.

David Hearne shows us a heart-wrenching account of a stoning in his book Hulagu's Web. He shows us that not only does the victim suffer the agony of the stoning, but also her anguish is unfelt by the executioners who relish their license to kill. “A spray of blood and spit now accompanies her cries of pain…The gore pleased [him], and he gleefully watched the proceedings to ensure that no one used a stone of the wrong size.” (Hulagu's Web, 64-65) Through this account we can see that the emotional involvement of crowd creates the wrong message. Instead of invoking fear of being stoned themselves, the crowd comes to enjoy a good stoning and thrives off of it. In this fashion, stoning is no longer a form of punishment, rather a form of entertainment that breeds murderers out of ordinary people.

For those doing the stoning, it is a social event that becomes more of a religious sport than a true act of moral self-righteousness. An actual video of a stoning can be viewed at http://www.iran-e-azad.org/stoning/. The footage taken in Iran illustrates a party like atmosphere of those carrying out the execution. It is reminiscent of the family picnics at the old Wild West hangings or the popularity of people watching the slaughter of gladiators in early Rome.

Like other diabolical methods of torture, stoning has gone out of style as society realized that having others participate in the punishment of another, even a criminal, devalues life. Stoning also creates fear and terrorizes the minds of others. The Guillotine, whipping, pouring acid on someone or gouging their eyes out with iron have all been gleefully practiced over the ages by zealots. Regardless of the how brutal, none of these punishments have stood the test of time. Even those founded in the name of religion have died out because they are cruel and inhumane.

As these diabolical methods have failed, it is important to note one punishment continually in practice: Jail. Imprisonment has been a popular form of punishment because having “…her face pulverized by the stoning,” (Hulagu's Web, 64) seems a little extreme no matter what the crime. Even though so many cultures have migrated towards this type of punishment, it is hard for westerners to understand why Sharia Muslims still sanction a punishment this inhumane.

As stoning is done in the name of Allah, Hearne has his character yelling “God is great.” (Hulagu's Web, 63) The crowd is egged on even more as they become more involved with the stoning. Perhaps the worst part about stoning is that it brings ordinary God fearing people to actually fear life itself. They are put into a perpetual state of fear such as Hearne’s Senator Laforge who imagines her own stoning in a nightmare. (Hulagu's Web, 63) Unable to let the memory go, people in these countries under Sharia rule cower and are plagued with fear of their life ending in such a brutal manner.

Stoning is an act of insanity and must be stopped. That humans should gather around and throw stones with the intent to take another human life is a hideous thought. Though fiction, David Hearne’s book shows us that an individual can be gripped with fear over governmental prosecution. It is the passion shown in his book that gives us cause and hope for change in the world.

For more information on joining the international fight against stoning, visit the following links:

[http://www.stopstoningnow.com/]

[http://www.free-minds.org/stoning.htm]

Fact to Fiction: The Brutal Truth about the Practice of Stoning

After traveling to over 20 countries, Brooke Sikula has finally settled down in Ventura, CA. She enjoys quilting, home improvement projects and spending time with her husband and 1 year old son. Brooke has a B.A. in History and Spanish and currently works as a freelance writer.

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Monday, June 4, 2012

Creative Writing: How to Start Your Novel

When I was in the eleventh grade, I took a creative writing elective with one of the most brilliant teachers I've ever met. She was brutal, honest and highly creative; I don't know why she hadn't graduated to teaching college courses. In any event, she gave me the best writing advice I have ever gotten:

"The worst way to start your story is with a 'dark and stormy night'. It's been done. Other than that, the sky's the limit."

Fiction

I took her advice to heart, and the stories I wrote for her class had the most creative beginnings I've ever written.

Creative Writing: How to Start Your Novel

Most beginning (and even veteran) writers struggle with how to open their novels. Dialogue? Action? Witty prose? How you start your novel with decide how many people buy it off bookstore shelves. Captivating your reader should be the first priority, but how do you know if it's exciting enough?

How to Start Your Novel with Dialogue

I rarely start novels with dialogue, mostly because I can never think of anything important enough to say. However, sometimes dialogue is the best way to get your novel off to a running start. If your characters are in the middle of a fight or if there's something you want to get right out in the open, dialogue can thrust your reader right into the opening scene of the novel.

That said, you have to be careful. Resist the urge to start your novel with dialogue like, "How are you feeling today?" If you plan to open with dialogue, it must be intelligent and important and captivating.

My only real advice for starting your novel with dialogue is to have only one line of speech before you insert some explanations. Even if the characters are in the middle of a conversation, don't confuse your reader by failing to give details.

How to Start Your Novel with Action

Obviously, action is the most popular way to start a novel. It's exciting, intriguing, and it lures your readers into the story before they even know what hit them.

This is especially true with mystery and suspense stories. In those genres, readers expect to be hooked from the get-go, and they want to be shocked from paragraph one.

How to Start Your Novel with Prose

In this case, "prose" really refers to description. Some of the most powerful novels of all time have begun with languid and lyrical description:

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..."

- Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities

"A squat grey building of only thirty-four stories..."

- Aldous Huxley, Brave New World

Description is my favorite way to start a novel because it eases the reader into the storyline. There are no expectations, no assumptions; your reader becomes immersed in the fictional world that you have created, and at your own pace; no one else's.

The only problem with this method is that you must find a unique way to describe the opening scene. My advice is to think about the characters and the setting and to pick out a remote object on which to comment. This takes your reader from a very specified place - the object - and into a more complex scene - your opening. For example, one of the books that I ghosted several years ago began like this:

"In a room filled with beautiful antique furniture and ancient artifacts from Egypt and Rome, the digital clock radio stuck out like a sore thumb. It's flashing green digits called attention to the clock as if to say, I may be new, but I'm still important. It struck me as odd that someone as refined and as old-world as Cunningham Thompson III would rely on such a technological timepiece." By drawing your readers' attention to something mundane, they will be twice as captivated when you get on with the plot.

Creative Writing: How to Start Your Novel

Laura J. College is a professional ghostwriter with more than ten years' experience writing fiction and non-fiction manuscripts. Her work can be found all over the Internet, and she is currently accepting ghostwriting clients. Check out her website at [http://www.laurajcollege.com]

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Friday, June 1, 2012

Secrets to Writing a Sad Story

My dream, from the time I developed an obsession for writing stories, has been to write one that can make people cry. Well, my stories, I hear, have moved a goodly number of compassionate souls.

But really, what are the odds that stories can move a person to tears? Has the written word got such power? The answer is a resounding yes!

Fiction

Have you ever read a story of an individual who goes through so much adversity that you are touched to the point of shedding tears? Maybe not, but I am sure that you have read something that is so touching that you feel the tears squeezing to burst out...

Secrets to Writing a Sad Story

However, compared to television, the written word seems to pale in its power to move people's emotion. Television sends a flood of information to the viewer's eyes. Vivid images of the plight of the actors and their evident anguish flash before their eyes. If you have watched a sad movie, you will agree with me that the screen can easily move someone to tears. With mournful music playing in the back ground, even the most callous of souls are sent into sniffing.

Let us borrow one or two lessons from the movie industry and use that to write moving stories.

Firstly, television sends clear and vivid images of the plight of the actors. No one needs a special education to understand what he is seeing.

The same should be true of your writing if you want it to move people. Your writing should be clear and understandable to your target audience. Furthermore, use graphic language that creates vivid images in their minds. Help them visualize what the characters are going through and their feelings. Choose the right words. Your choice of words is, ultimately, what will determine whether your story will have an effect on your readers or not.

Secondly, the movies industry appeals to the compassion that is inherent in humans. All of us have a degree of compassion to those that we care for. So the movie industry moves to make the viewers develop a certain relationship with the actors, so that in the end, the viewer not only likes them but loves them. Therefore, she feels their pain and sorrow.

Employ the same in your stories. Make your readers develop a relationship with your characters. Let them identify with them. Make them love your characters. You'll do this more effectively if you develop your characters in such a way that your reader seems them as real people with real problems. In short, develop the human side of your characters.

It is important to make your character a compassionate person too. Very few people will feel anything for a villain-unless you develop his humans side; if you show that in some situations, he loses his hard, callous side and reveals real humane emotions. People tend to love a good person, and in time, they will feel for him. So if you are writing a sad story, don't make your main character a callous villain. When he suffers adversity, your reader will be like:

"He surely got what he deserved!"

Finally, the major trick of the movie industry: a twist in fate. You are there watching, and you are quite liking where everything is going, when BLAAAAAAM! Your favourite character experiences terrible misfortune, tragic loss, or even death. And since at this point you have developed feelings for the actor, you are moved to tears.

This you should do too in your story. Just at the point when everything is going fine and your reader is quite liking it, i.e. feeling the joy and happiness the character is feeling, BOOOM! tragic and heartrending misfortune attacks. At this point, since your reader has developed a relationship and hence affection for your character, she may be moved to tears....

I hope that the lessons we have learned from the movie industry will help you write better sad stories. I can't wait to read them and be moved to tears!

Hey, happy writing!

Secrets to Writing a Sad Story

Michael Sinkolongo

http://www.writing-lovers.com

Visit my site above for great and exceptional articles on fiction and non fiction writing

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