Short Stories – Page 65

A couple of days ago, I constructed a new section in my website, titled: Tea, Breaks, and Inspiration, which at first glance might cause the casual observer to question the relevance to writing or art.

Gaining inspiration in a castle, high above the Mosel River - Cochem, Germany — Gaining inspiration in Reichsburg Castle, high above the Mosel River – Cochem, Germany

Whilst out and about, whether on a shopping trip, a day away, or on holiday; I always carry a notebook and pen. Yes, always. Some passages in my novels and short stories were born during a tea or coffee break, either when out for the day, or on holiday.

A camera is useful, especially if on your phone, as I’ve discovered since buying my first Smartphone a few weeks ago. I have also been known to use a digital voice recorder. Having said that; I’m still convinced that nothing works quite as well as a few well-chosen words in a notebook.

You can be imaginative, or you can use Google and Wikipedia, but nothing captures the atmosphere, architecture, and general feel of a museum or other location, quite like the written word, dealt with, right there on the scene. On the odd occasion, I’ve been visiting a city and stopped for a few minutes, to write down what I see. People, vehicles, buildings, and the occasional snippet of conversation can be noted.

When I’m sitting with my tea or coffee in front of me … and piece of cake of course, I look at my brief notes, and top them up with a little information. I believe ‘real’ research gives creative writing an authority, and that can only come from the confidence of the writer.

http://www.tom-benson.co.uk/tea-breaks-and-inspiration/

What are you waiting for? Get your notebook, and go out for a while.

Since stepping down from management in October 2012, I have come to enjoy my days at work much more, but then it’s only natural, since I’m doing a three-day-week now, and it’s stress-free.

If I’m on a break while at work, I will invariably still produce a passage for my current story, which I then type later in the day. I take pride in my handwriting, so apart from the ‘creative’ writing side of it; I actually enjoy handwriting.

Working in a stationery store means that customers regularly ask to try out pens, or wish to compare one with another. Some customers have been so ashamed of their own handwriting that they prefer somebody else to test the pen. Whenever I’m asked to do this, I always write a word or two, because it’s the only way to appreciate the line produced by the pen.

Following many short conversations with customers, I’ve decided to go ahead with the idea of producing a step-by-step, handwriting tutorial on my website. It will deal with the basics, like; types of pen, holding a pen properly, tips on handwriting, and how to produce a neat and legible style.

If your curiosity should get the better of you, please click along to my site and check out the idea. As with all my blog posts and work on my website, I appreciate feedback. Tomorrow I will be setting out how to write the first few lower case letters, and I’ll be using a simplified Copperplate style.

http://www.tom-benson.co.uk/