Writing Competition!

Posted: September 17, 2016

Great news!  Now you can be involved with the daily blog, In the Open.  You have the opportunity to have your story posted right here!

If you would like to enter the In the Open: writing competition, there are a couple guidelines that will have to be followed.

1.       Content must be modest enough for children to read.

2.       Word count must be between 1500-3000 words.

3.       A two-week period will be allotted for completion.

4.       Contestants must share the Suzanne Beck Facebook page.

Winner of the Competition will receive:

-          Dinner with Suzanne Beck (to discuss writing, reading, cinema, and the arts!) ***

-          Facebook recognition

-          Story posted on http://suzannebeckintheopen.blogspot.com/

If you have any questions about the competition please message me over Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/suzannebeckintheopen/

Email your short story to     suzannebeckintheopen@gmail.com

-Beck

*** If contestants live out side of Suzanne Beck's local reach a phone or skype call can be arranged!

Motivation

Posted: September 16, 2016

Today I received one of the top ranking birthday presents of my life, a Roget’s International Thesaurus, Seventh Edition.  It is by far the largest book I have been given, and a wonderful tool.  When my parents asked what I wanted, I suggest a thesaurus, thinking I would receive a typical alphabetical Webster edition.  No, they went all out.

This amazing tool, isn’t listed alphabetically at all!  In fact, it is divided into topics, which is very useful.  When I’m looking for a word, I often know the meaning of what I want, but cannot think of a word for it.  This will help immensely, because the ability, to narrow down the word to an exact section and pick out the exact word I was looking for, is beyond powerful.

Motivation is among several words I have scoped out.  I would like to dive a little bit into the word and how amazing it can impact our thoughts on our creations.  The Roget’s Thesaurus divides up a specific thought, for our use today, motivation is split up by nouns, verbs, and adjectives.  There are 31 entries listed, practically two pages.

Nouns such as reason, prompting, inducement, incitement, urging, pressure, and instigator are mentioned.  Verbs listed include provoke, prod, stir up, kindle, spark, encourage, prevail on, and charm.  Motivated, challenging, and enlivening are a few adjectives.

Location of Motivation

As creators of music, art, words, theatre, and so on, we need to sometimes pinpoint our motivation and hold on to it for dear life.  Motivation can be found anywhere.  My source is general from the people I surround myself with.  Some look within.  Thinking of the end results is also motivational.

The Passion Motivation Brings

Without motivation a special project that is on our minds, will general lose its momentum.  Motivation will bring a fire and excitement to keep it alive.  With the proper motivation for our work, we will be able to surprise even ourselves with the passion we put towards it.

Reason for Motivation

Our human nature causes us to become lazy or discourage very easily.  If you desire to run a marathon and begin training, soon the pressures will cause us to cave.  We need that motivation to keep going to the end.

You Can be a Motivation

We can motivate our children, spouses, friends, or fellow creators.  So often we need the push, and forget that others will need it too.  A simple phrase is all that is needed sometimes.  Other times, that person is desperate to have you accompany them the entire way.  If that is the case, we should be oblige them.  The support will always be returned when you begin your endeavors, plus you will feel motivated yourself to go on with your work.  It is always amazing how I always want to join the gym after watching a weight loss show.  I see the motivation given to the individual and I believe that if I go for it, the motivation will be there for me also.

Maintaining Motivation

Keeping with the weight loss theme, it is always amazing how in February dust begins to mount on our treadmills.  Motivation is always there, but like a beautiful garden, it needs to be cared for.  Gratitude for it should always be showered on the motivators in our lives.  If you seek your motivation, like me, from others, then you must thank them.  You must believe in what they say too.  If they say, ‘You can do it!’ then you can actually do it.  Believe them.  Motivation sought from your own self, is harder to care for, because willpower is so delicate.  If everyone else has let you down, and discouraged you, then seeking your own motivation is necessary.  Looking at daily inspirational quotes is a good start.  When looking at your future for motivation, you will have to keep a clear head.  Believe in yourself, that the end results will be exactly what you wanted.

I am so thankful to my parents as one of my great motivators.  They encourage and get very excited when I am excited.  Seek out your motivation, you will need it.  Be a motivation for others, and be thankful when you receive it.

-Beck

Order and Chaos

Posted: September 15, 2016  

              Order versus chaos frequently has been in my thoughts.   The belief that the universe is constructed in order, but requires chaos is one I hold strongly.  They bring with them a balance that grips the world together.  Without order, we could not understand chaos in contrast, and without chaos, order is irrelevant.  They are yin and yang.  One without the other is illogical.

                As an artist, and mind you, not a great one, I have a clear understanding on both the chaos and the order.  For example, the other night, while watching the Netflix special, Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, (a video blog on this will come later, once I have read the book!), I noticed that my floor, free from toys, was relatively clean.  My table, along with the kitchen sink, were empty.  Order reigned downstairs!  …except… my work desk.  Papers piled up, books one on top of another, pens all askew, showed that chaos had taken over my desk.

                My feelings on all this?  At peace.  Unlike my beloved character, Mr. Walter Sherman, I sometimes enjoy a little mess.  Any type of artist should firmly agree that they need a place or space to just throw everything down, chaotically.  The reason is our brains, left and right side.  Both sides need to be nourished and cared for.  My house is generally clean, and I can find the tools I need.  My spot for creativity is open for any kind of disorderly element that will boost my goals.

                Now I will direct our thoughts to life and the chaos and order that it brings.  While I am still “just a baby” as I am told often, my experiences have allowed me to see that life brings both order and chaos.  Sometimes everything plays out just right, and other times chaos has its way and life seems to fall apart.

                My feelings on all this? At peace.  Life would be so boring if we had no variety.  If everything was right all the time, where would the challenge be?  If there was no order, where would the rest and healing be?  Both sides need to be there.  We are designed to handle a lot, and grateful when we catch a break.

                Applying these simple thoughts of order and chaos to writing is very simple.  Consider a basic story plot.  You have the inciting moment, which is the start of conflict and chaos to the protagonist.  They must battle this problem.  They desire to have order again.  That is why stories are so important to us.  We can compare them to our own lives.  We can think about the main character and put ourselves in their shoes.  If no one could relate to Frodo Baggins, the readers (and viewers) would not continually come back time and time again.  Of course the adventure and setting makes the book more appealing, but without that initial connection to the little hobbit’s plight, no one would care.  We desire to see order set back in place for his little world.  We cheer and cry for him to get his burden up the mountain.

                So next time you are writing a story, painting, drawing, coming up with the next big idea, remember that chaos and order will be there.  I don’t believe that one is better than the other.  Both have pros and cons.  Allow them to guide you to the correct choices in your creation.  Don’t be afraid of a mess.  Don’t be afraid to have everything set just right. 

-beck

Review of "Hedges"

Posted: September 14, 2016

                Now that I have completed my short story, I would like to give a small review of it.  As the writer of this piece, I absolutely hate it.  While I am proud of certain parts, as a whole, I know for sure, that it is not my best work.  I consider it a fluff piece.  It is so fluffy and light, my displeased at the vibe it gives off.  I will probably not go back again to read it after this review, for I am that disappointed with it.

                If you have not read the short story, “Oh the Hedges”, you will probably want to read it before continuing with this post and the next.  It is ok if you don’t, but you might be confused at some of the references.

                To begin, the limited writing space that was available was very restricting.  I wanted the piece to be very short, as to not bore the reader.  So I decided to put it into five parts, each being roughly 500-700 words long.  For seasoned writers, they will testify that it doesn’t take much to get there.  I remember being in high school and dreading the 500 word essays.  Now, I feel I would beg the teacher for more work.  The limited space was an obstacle that changed the story from my original plot.

                I planned for Walter Sherman to go to jail.  I wanted a whole jail scene, with our star feeling unjustly treated, and possibly meeting some questionable characters.

Also I wanted to dive further into Mr. White’s life and family.  Two or three paragraphs seem to hardly do him justice.  But of course Mr. White was not the main character, but to our protagonist, he is the antagonist.

Secondly another restriction was writing as I go.  This was very difficult.  Each day I would add to the story, and publish it that day.  So I could not add anything to the first day, unless it was already preplanned in my head.  Unfortunately for any clever bit I might come up with to possibly tie into the end, would have to be left out, because I missed it from the beginning.

Writing as I go, was a very good exercise, and I encourage anyone who loves to write (and read) to practice this.  For more formal works, such as a novel or magazine publishing, I suggest preplanned work along with the ability to edit, add and cut from the piece.  Writing without the option of editing and proofreading showed me as a writer the importance of proofreading and editing, (I will be blogging about these two topics multiple times in the future.) so I will do it again to test myself.

In general, if I catch or someone alerts me of a spelling or grammar mistake after I publish I do have the option to update the post.  I will fix the problem right away because readers will discover how unprofessional you are, if they return to an article, and the problem hasn’t been fixed.  I recall the very first blog I wrote, chose instead of choose, in the first paragraph!  A mistake like that cannot be left unaddressed.

The last problem I found while writing “Oh the Hedges” was the limited time allotted.  I felt I made a huge mistake promising a five-day story (not already written) in five days.  It was very hard to complete while doing my other day to day activities.  Recalling on the very last day, rushing through without much thought, I wish I would have had a better ending.  The Casablanca reference is so lame.  The last line should have referenced the title and theme: Oh the Hedges.  But my exhaustion and limited time, cost me that line, that I will have to be content not to go back and change.

The time limit I was up against, showed me how much discipline is needed when writing.  Steven King writes for a minimum of two hours a day.  All writers should be practicing this way.  It is hard to find that kind of time.  I tell myself if I can’t find that time, then I have to make that time.  Surely the precious minutes lost on social media can be used for refining my writing skills.

In conclusion, I have found that the limited space, writing as I go, and limited time were very hard tests to push through.  They taught me some valuable lessons allowing me to improve on my writing.

Thank you for reading the very first short story I published online.  For the next short story that I create, I will apply the lessons I have learned and write something great and enjoyable.

-beck

"Oh the Hedges" - Part V

Posted: September 13, 2016

                Mr. Sherman was in utter shock at the whole situation.  He placed his beloved trimmer on the ground slowly, careful not to drop it.  He didn’t know quite what was going on and asked loudly, “What seems to be the problem, officer?”

                “Just place your hands on your head,” was the reply he heard.

                “But I haven’t done anything.”

                Mr. White, who was inside, came out his back door armed with his baseball bat ready to swing.  It took a moment for him to realize who was the cause of the uproar.  He suspiciously asked, “Mr. Sherman?  Is that you?”

                Unwillingly Walter answered, “Yeah, it’s me.”

                Confused, Mr. White looked at the old man, “What are you doing in my back yard?”

                Mr. White, a man in his early forties, happened to be working two jobs, one during the week, and a part time job on the weekends.  His family recently ran into hard times, and had no other choice.  His wife worked part time while little Tommy was in school.  The two were very busy, working, trying to get their lives back in order.  They simply didn’t have time or money to keep up with yardwork.  Here and there, they would mow the lawn or rake the leaves.  But when they did get the chance, they preferred to spend their time together.

                Walter did not want to answer his neighbor’s question, but with the policemen right in front of him, he had no choice.  He stated, “Well, Mr. White, I was just trimming your hedges.  They are such an awful sight.  I felt that I must take care of them.”

                This time Mrs. Sherman interjected, “Oh, Walter, what is the matter with you?”

                Walter looked over at his wife, wondering who’s side she was on.

                Despite Mr. White’s poor landscaping skills, he was as sharp as a tack.  He quickly understood the situation and was already figuring out a way to end it with the best possible outcome, for everyone.

                One of the police officers spoke up, “Sir, you can’t just trim hedges this late into the night, you have upset the whole neighborhood.”

                “No, no, officer, it is my fault,” Mr. White threw himself in front of Mr. Sherman.  “You see, I asked Mr. Sherman to help me out.  He always has such a great lawn.  I mean just look at it.  He deserves a prize, really.  No, it is my fault because I asked him to help me out.  He has that amazing hedge trimmer.  I mean look at this thing.”

                Mr. White picked up the trimmer, and showed it off.  Inside, Walter felt a little bit of pride, but some embarrassment.  He began to realize what he had done, and how absurd he had acted.  He also felt gratitude towards Mr. White.  Mr. White could press charges, but instead was covering for his mistakes.

                The younger man continued, “This is quite a trimmer.  And he is graciously using it on my horrible hedges.  It is my fault because I never told him what time was best, you know.”

                The police officers, rolled their eyes, gave a lecture about not making so much noise at night, and left.

                “Walter, what are you doing?  Oh, Mr. White, I am so sorry, for this.  We won’t bother you anymore.  Please, I have no idea what my husband was doing.  Oh, Walter, what were you thinking?  Are you trying to get yourself arrested?”  Betty went off.

                “Please, please, Mrs. Sherman.  I don’t mind.  I could use the help.  In fact, Mr. Sherman, I was possibly wondering if you wouldn’t mind showing me a few tips this weekend.  I have a day off, and you are the best at what you do.”

                With one tear welling up in his eye, Walter answered his new friend, “Young man, I do believe this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”

"Oh the Hedges" - Part IV

Posted: September 12, 2016

                Sunlight slipped slowly away from the two backyards as Walter sat on his back porch.  It would soon be dark, allowing him to begin his work.  He sipped his coffee as he waited.  The caffeine would be needed for a long night.  The strategy ready, now he only needed night’s cover.

                Betty opened the screen door just a crack and peeked out.  She asked her distracted husband, “Dear, it is getting late.  Are you coming to bed?”

                The questioned revived Walter from his thoughts.  Time for a quick lie.  He answered, “Oh go on ahead without me, darling.  I’ll come in after I finished my coffee.  Just go to sleep, I’ll shut off the lights and lock the door.”

                “Why are you drinking coffee before bed?”

                “Oh, oh, uh,” Walter stammered, “I guess.  I guess, because I like to feel a little kick before bed, you know.”

                Betty, too tired to deal with that answer, rolled her eyes, and decided to leave it for the morning.  She left her husband on the porch, not knowing the plot about to be unfurled.

                Now alone, Walter rose up from his chair with exceedingly impressive stealth for an old man and headed to his shed.  As he walked, he pulled the flashlight from his pocket to make it easier to see.  For only a minute he fumbled around with his keys until finding the correct one to unlock the doors.

                Once inside his base of operations, he located the trimmer.  Finally, my girl, we shall put right all that is wrong in the world, Walter thought as he filled the tank with gasoline.

                Quietly and unnoticed by anyone around, Walter crossed over into the other lawn towards the hedges that lined the back fence.  Walter thought maybe another night would be needed, but he would sacrifice all his time just to see it done.  Coming every night to see that the yard was taken care of never occurred to Walter until now.  He smiled as he thought of himself being a like the little elves that helped the cobbler.  What a service he could provide for his common man.  Maybe this was now his purpose in life.

                Walter yanked the rope to start the trimmer, and she started with a loud roar.  It was music to Walter’s ears.  Back and forth he swept the hedges to make the outcome smooth.  Walter’s heart felt such joy.

                Now it would be nice if the outcome for Walter was that of completing his task.  Life could go on merrily for everyone.  The Whites would have a clean yard and the Shermans would live in harmony once again with everyone on the block.  But this is not a fairy tale.

                Unbeknownst to Walter, for his ignorance and blindness to the situation, he failed to realize that his industrial grade hedge trimmer would wake everyone on the block.  Mrs. Sherman sat up straight in her bed.  Unsure what her husband was doing, she jumped out of bed and rushed to put on her robe and slippers to find out.

                As for the Mrs. White, who was quietly watching a movie with her husband and nine-year-old son, sprang to the window.  Without hesitation she dialed 911 on her cell phone and pleaded for help.  Some unknown stranger was in their backyard with a chainsaw, tearing up her yard.  Mr. White, ran to grab the baseball bat he kept under his bed.  As for little Tommy White, he rushed to stand behind his mother to keep safe as she peered out the window.  If only they were aware that it was only old Mr. Sherman their not so pleasant neighbor, but it was too late the police were called.

                By that time, Betty reached her husband and was yelling at him to stop the engine.  Walter heard nothing for the engine was too loud. 

                There happened to be a police patrol car on the street, making it’s rounds, that two police officers were on the scene immediately.  They shined their lights into the back yard, lighting up the criminals in the act.  Then and only then, did Walter stop the trimmer’s engine and look around to find his wife facing the light with her hands high in the air.  Shock all over her face.

                “Place your weapon on the ground, sir, and put your hands up!”

"Oh the Hedges" - Part III

Posted: September 10, 2016

                Walter Sherman started up his car and headed towards the edge of town.  He couldn’t help but smile to himself as he thought of his plans.  How beautiful the outcome in the end would be when finally, matching houses would reside next to each other in a perfect splendid order.  Once Sherman pulled into the parking lot and found a close spot, he entered the store with a merry whistle.

                This lawn and garden store being owned by a woman named Kelly, was called Kelly’s Lawn and Garden Center.  Kelly’s was Walter’s home away from home.  He had been up and down the aisles numerous times and he was quite familiar with where everything was located.  There was nothing particularly exciting about the store, but in Walter’s eyes, he beheld treasure every time he passed through the glass doors.

                Kelly was at the front registers helping customers and tending to business as usual when she watched Walter enter.  She greeted him with a smile, “Ah, Mr. Sherman!  Welcome back, what is my best customer needing today?”

                Walter’s eyes darkened at the question.  He motioned her over for a private conversation.  Without much hesitation Kelly joined him, wondering what he could be up to.

                “The hedges, Kelly, the hedges.”

                “Yes, your hedges?” Kelly responded in a normal speaking voice.

                “Shh, please, keep your voice down,” Walter whispered nervously as he looked around to check if others had heard.  He looked back at her, “No, no, not my hedges.  It doesn’t matter anyway.  I need to get them trimmed.  Do you understand?  I need to see what you have in the back.  I need the best.”

                With a confused expression, Kelly answered the older man, “Well, I don’t have any trimmers in the back, but you know all I have on trimmers are down aisle four.  If you are looking for the best, the Deluxe Hedge Trimmer 5000 by HedgeMaster is the best on my shelves.  It cost well over a hundred dollars though!  You aren’t using for industrial work, Mr. Sherman, so there is no reason for you buying it.  I would go with the smaller-”

                “Thank you, that is all, Kelly,” Walter stated as he walked away from her.

                He headed straight down aisle four.  Nothing could stand in his way.  There on the top shelf, sat the glistening Deluxe Hedge Trimmer 5000.  Dark angels seemed to sing as he beheld this inglorious prize.  He reached high above his head to take it from its resting place.  Now in his clutches, he pulled the heavy box close to his heart and then he began to snicker.  The snicker turned into a chuckle.  The chuckle became a laugh, and before long the laughter became an evil cackle that rang throughout the store.  Everyone that could hear it, shuttered at the sound, because they knew no good deed could come from it.

                One hundred dollars poorer, Mr. Sherman returned home, with part of his crew assembled.  Now he just needed a flashlight.