better writing – Cynthia D. Griffin

better writing, experimental writing, Indie Author, learning about writing, poem

A Poem: Angel

Posted on December 12, 2020December 12, 2020 by Cynthia D. Griffin

Last year I wrote a poem for a friend for her poem project (to give her a little break). She has been writing a poem every single day for almost four years now. There were some days where she just wanted to quit, but she kept going. She had a determination to write a poem for a specific amount for time, and she was going to do it, no matter what.

I have been watching her progress over the years, and have deeply admired her staying power. I also love her use of words. The exactness of them. And her unfolding imagery is really quite wonderful. I also love that she writes poems in a wide range of ways, not just sticking to one or two specific formats.

Anyways, I stumbled across the poem I wrote for her recently, and thought I would share. I wasn’t really into writing poems when I wrote this. In fact, for years I shied away from poem writing afraid to give it a shot. But when I saw what Hannah was doing, she inspired me to give it a try.

Since writing that poem for her last summer, I have dabbled in writing poems off and on. I have found that I like the challenge of finding exact words to convey a meaning, and this practice has made me a stronger writer all around.

So here it is below.

Angel

I see you are having a bad day.

I see that frown.

I see those hunched shoulders.

Don’t snap at me. I didn’t do it.

I know this sucks.

I know you’re hurting.

Don’t you know? It’s going to get better.

Maybe not today.

Maybe not tomorrow,

But it will.

How do I know? You ask.

Because I’m your angel, Dear One.

And I’ll be right here,

Each step of the way.

You are not alone.

If you have the chance, check out Hannah Six’s #1462PoemsProject. She posts links of her poem project on multiple social media formats (Twitter and Instagram) are the ones I follow), but you can also go directly to her blog and see all her poems.

I hope you enjoy!

better writing, finding the right words, good writing, how to write, learning about writing, learning your writing style, The Writer's Toolbox, the writing process, thinking on writing, writing, writing advice, writing better

Common Phrases Used by Authors

Posted on March 30, 2015July 7, 2019 by Cynthia D. Griffin

Now this is an interesting little chart I stumbled upon as I browsed Facebook. This post from the Writer’s Circle. I often enjoy the posts this page puts up, but this one made me stop and think. And the question that popped in my brain was… What would be the most common phrases in my writing?

An argument could be made for the listed words and phrases as being too simplistic and possibly boring. But considering the intended audience (young adult), is that really a bad thing? And it opens the question… is simplistic writing possibly a better way to go? After all, these series are best sellers.

Continue reading “Common Phrases Used by Authors” →

better writing, character development, good writing, great writing, how to write, Johnathan Maberry, learning about writing, learning to write, The Writer's Toolbox, workshop, writing, writing advice, writing fight scenes, writing workshop

Fight Scenes Part 5: Psychological Warfare

Posted on November 14, 2014July 9, 2019 by Cynthia D. Griffin

Whew! We made it to number five! If you missed the other four parts of this fight scene series you can catch up Fight Scenes Part 1: An Introduction, Fight Scenes Part 2: Physical Differences, Fight Scenes Part 3: Hand to Hand Combat, and Fight Scenes Part 4: Weapons. Here is the last, but certainly not the least installment of the series. Check out how to get the upper hand with messing with people’s heads, or how a fight can mess with a your (main/other) characters head.

Something to remember... When you fail to do something in a fight, it can be a serious psychological blow.

The arrogance of power assumes they will always be successful and can’t be stopped. They also feel entitled to seize anything they can take.

Some psychological elements are…

Experience
Temperament
Desire/ intent
Mental state
Emotional state

Continue reading “Fight Scenes Part 5: Psychological Warfare” →

Fight Scenes Part 4: Weapons

Posted on November 10, 2014July 9, 2019 by Cynthia D. Griffin

Missed the fist three parts? Check out Fight Scenes Part 1: An Introduction, Fight Scenes Part 2: Physical Difference, and Fight Scenes Part 3: Hand to Hand Combat. Now let’s talk a little about weapons. These notes focus mostly on unconventional weapons or what Jonathan Maberry called natural weapons.

Weapons

The more a character knows how to use natural weapons the better he’ll be.

Types of Weapons…

Core Body Techniques
Surrogate Weapons
Actual Weapons

Continue reading “Fight Scenes Part 4: Weapons” →

character development, good writing, great writing, how to write, Johnathan Maberry, learning to write, The Writer's Toolbox, workshop, writing, writing advice, writing believable fiction, writing better, writing fight scenes

Fight Scenes Part 2: Physical Differences

Posted on October 27, 2014July 9, 2019 by Cynthia D. Griffin

Here is the second installment of my Fight Scene series based off notes from Jonathan Maberry’s fabulous class. If you haven’t already, check out Fight Scenes Part 1: An Introduction. So lets’ get started. This post will be dedicated to how physical differences in all parties involved can make a big difference in how a fight plays out.

Physical differences are a BIG deal…