Janet Cameron

Go Your Own Way if you Dare. Photo by Janet Cameron Both conventional and inventive narratives play a part in the health of culture and society.  But conventions and inventions have entirely different functions in our society and in our writing. Conventions Conventions are elements that are familiar with both the creator and his/her audience beforehand. These consist of: Favourite plots Generally accepted ideas Stereotyped characters Popular linguistic devices Common metaphors Conventions serve their own particular functions, for example, the sharing of meanings and images allows a continuity of values. These are essential in maintaining cultural stability. Conventions are also important to an individual' s sense of security, helping to avoid identity crises, tension and maybe even mental breakdown. Inventions Inventions, on the other hand, challenge our understanding by confronting us with new perceptions of meaning that we may...

Publi Domain Italo Calvino (1923-1985) was born in Cuba and grew up in San Remo, Italy. He fought for the Italian Resistance in WW2 from 1943-1945. In " Right and Wrong Political Uses of Literature ," Calvino begins by describing the difficulties for writers in being heard, since even the most sensational and explosive writing can fail to impact on readers, "All is as nothing, like the sound of the wind." Words pose no danger to writer or reader, and those of the poet or writer tend to be swallowed up - unless and until the work is persecuted. When this happens, the true power of literature is disclosed, a challenge to authority. The persecution of literature has a knock-on effect. Whenever writers are persecuted, there must already be restraints on discussion and political thought. Fiction and poetry can fulfil the important role of giving a voice to those deprived on one. Two Wrong Ways of Thinking About the Use of Politics in Literature Calvino pos...

Inspiration comes from many sources. Photo (c) Janet Cameron According to The Talmud, "a quotation at the right moment is like bread to the famished."  Quotations from ancient to modern writers and thinkers can help to provide a fresh angle on what makes writing truly memorable.  In gathering these small gems of wisdom, it's refreshing to see how people have struggled with the same writing dilemmas since long before Christ, and have, for the most part, arrived at similar realisations. Sometimes subtle, sometimes brutally honest, sharp or incisive, there will be something here for all writers who need that extra jolt of inspiration. Characterisation Creating wonderful, three-dimensional characters is one of the first priorities for the new writer because, unless we can relate to them in their struggles, their story will not grip our imagination. The importance of warm, lively, real characters has been endorsed by many writers. The two quoted below created so...