Such an Old-Fashioned Word

August 27, 2017August 27, 2017 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 8 Comments

Homage

Aw, such an old-fashioned word. Homage – a noun; defined as – respect, honor, reverence, worship, admiration, esteem, adulation, tribute, acknowledgment, recognition, and accolade; memorial services are an example. It’s a word we rarely if ever hear in our daily conversation and certainly rarely see exercised, at least the way I remember.

When I was growing up, certain values and behaviors were expected. It was the norm to honor our elders, parents, teachers, police, fireman, pastors, and most especially our leaders.

Our parents taught us to respect the individuals serving in these roles for the extraordinary contribution each one made to make our lives better, be it a home, education, or nation where we could grow and prosper. Today, it would appear those receiving recognition are the least deserving.

Sadly, paying homage is not only an old-fashioned word but an antiquated practice trampled beneath the feet of political correctness; our loss for sure.

“The Greatest Homage We Can Pay Truth is to Use it.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson – Click to Tweet

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject. Join the conversation. Talk to me or tell me your story. I’m all ears.

A Record of Fond Memories

March 15, 2017August 14, 2017 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 2 Comments

Daily Post Prompt: Write a new post in response to today’s one-word prompt – Record.

What an interesting word. It’s a word we’ve heard a lot of lately and refers to a number of different things- a list of accomplishments, an account of specific occurrences, sports, safety, dental, medical, court, or criminal records.

However, when I saw this word, I thought of only one thing – a record. That thin, black, plastic disc which carried within its fine lines, the songs of my youth.

I can still remember going to the five and dime store, buying the latest hit single, racing home, and nearly wearing the thing out on mom’s prized stereo.

We were all in love with Elvis! CD‘s are convenient and more durable. But, there’s nothing like slipping a brand new vinyl record from its paper cover, placing it on the turntable, and dancing the afternoon with my sisters. Fond memories of a simpler time.

What about you? Remember vinyl records? Who was your favorite singer?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject. Join the conversation. Talk to me or tell me your story. I’m all ears.

How to Show Anger in Your Characters

June 2, 2016October 21, 2016 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 23 Comments

Daily Post Prompt: Angry

Anger – a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility. Usually consisting of a three-part reaction: negative thoughts, frustration, and acting out (screaming, shaking fist, or violence).

Whether it’s in the form of nasty tweets or highly-charged protests, the media and social networks are rampant with demonstrations of anger. And, although most people think anger is a negative and counterproductive emotion – it does have benefits worth noting.

Benefits of Anger to Individuals

It motivates us.
Makes us feel more confident.
Acknowledging anger helps lower stress and pain.
Expressing anger rather than bottling it up, benefits interpersonal relationships.
Provides insight if we’re open to looking inward.
Aids negotiations.

In life, anger isn’t always a bad thing. But, how do we use it in writing? Part of making our characters well-rounded and real, is capturing their emotions – including anger. Anger equals conflict and conflicts move the plot forward.

Reasons Characters get Angry:

Just like us, our characters get angry when they feel helpless, confused, frustrated, jealous, embarrassed, or hurt, to name a few. But, how do we show anger without being melodramatic? First of all, forget the clichés and don’t rely entirely on the actions of the character (remember show don’t tell).

We show anger in the way we speak, the tone of our voice, and body language. Below is a small sample of the ways you can show anger in your characters.

Angry Speech:

Stammer with rage
Taunt
Sputter
Scream
Speak in grudging tones
Sarcasm

Angry Tones of Voice:

Strained
rising an octave
Tinged with menace
Dripping with Spite
Cool, icy
Voice shaking

Facial Expressions:

Scorching look
Eyes narrowing with contempt
Withering stare
Regard bitterly
Warning look
Glower
Eyes that are cold
Nostrils flaring
jaw clenching
Eyebrows drawing together
Reddened face

Other Body Expressions:

Clenching fists
Stomping
Punching, kicking, throwing
Body tense
Veins visibly pulsing
Breathing deeply
Muscles quivering
Slamming doors, etc.

For more on how to write about anger, check out these resources:

Anger is one of those emotions that make us uncomfortable, but it is an essential component of who we are and thus your characters.

How do you show anger in your characters?

I’d love to hear your comments. Talk to me. Tell me your story and look for me on Facebook at SheilaMGood, Pinterest, Bloglovin, Twitter@sheilamgood, Contently, and Instagram.

Stick With Me

March 11, 2016October 21, 2016 / Sheila McIntrye Good, Author / 9 Comments

The Daily Prompt: Flow

Pexels.com

“What are you so hyped up about? It’s a vacation for God’s sake.”

“That’s not the point. I prefer we have a plan. You know, like where we’re going.”

He frowned at her and made a right turn onto the interstate. “Relax, it’ll be an adventure.”

“I kinda had visions of relaxing on the beach with a good book.”

“God, don’t be so boring,” he said, rolling his eyes.

“We’ve gone to the beach every year. You used to like it. Now, it’s boring?” Her voice raised an octave. “Am I boring too?”

He reached behind the seat and grabbed the map. “Look, I have it planned, well sort of. We’ll head up the coast and if we see something we like, we’ll stop for the day or two.”

“Day or two? And you’re certain accommodations will be available?”

“If not, we’ll move on.”

She groaned. “Wonderful, a vacation on the road.” She could already feel the twinge of her hips cramping in protest.

He reached for her hand. “Will you relax? I got this. It’s gonna be fun. We needed a break from all the routine. We were in a rut. I thought it was time to shake things up. Can’t you trust me? Just go with the flow?”

She looked at his boyish, smiling face. In all the years together, he’d never taken them down a wrong path. Yes, she trusted him with her life. She squeezed his hand and leaned over to kiss his cheek.

“Go with the flow. I’ve always wondered what that would feel like.”

He grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Just stick with me, babe; stick with me.”

I’d love to hear your comments. Talk to me. Tell me your story and look for me on Facebook at SheilaMGood, Pinterest, Bloglovin, Twitter@sheilagood, and Contently.