I'm in a mood right now.  Have you ever been there?  Of course, you have.  I'm in the mood to write. 

Every writer has benefitted from and been harmed by writing moods.  Sometimes I find that a mood takes me to places I've never been before in my writing.  Other times, writing in the midst of a mood can be disastrous.

Image by Ethan Hein, flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/ethanhein/3004519550/

Moods Curse Me

Often times a mood will generate an idea or a desire to express itself.  These moods seem to sweep me away.  I sit down to write, and what comes out?  Anger, bitterness, depression, hate, sadness. 

I thought that mood would spur me on to greatness, to touch the world with my keyboard.  Instead, all I found was my internals on display.  We all have read a poem that shocks us with the reality of disdain for life, and while we appreciate the candor, the author's moodiness is projected onto us, making our hearts heavy and our shoulders droopy.

Beware of the mood that drives you to write.  You may hurt your readers by transferring your negativity onto friends, family, or a Web stranger caught unawares.

Moods Bless Me

Other times a mood will motivate me to pour out my heart and mind in ways previously unimaginable.  The right mood has the power to take my writing to a place it has never been before.  Shades of sorrow or glimmers of gladness are sometimes just the right ingredients to spice up an article.

Like spices, moods can be sprinkled onto an already great idea, enhancing the flavor and benefitting the presentation of the meal.  Or a mood can carry the main course, and bring full satisfaction to the reader.

The write mood, expressed in the write way, at the write time will change the world - or at least one person who needs a special touch.  We all have read an unique article that expresses the perfect tone with a heavenly voice.

Watch for moods that will enable you to pioneer the publishing frontier.

Image by Intgr, Wikimedia Commons http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Mood_dice.svg

Discerning the Mood

As writers we need to discern our moods to know whether or not to follow the mood to the keyboard.  Here are a few guidelines:

• Can others relate to what I am feeling?
• Am I in control of my feelings as I write?
• Is the focus of this piece myself or my audience, or both?
• Can this emotion be expressed in words meaningful to another person?
• Do I want to help or harm someone with these words that are driven by this mood?

Writing makes writers feel better as we share a piece of ourselves.  We ought to make sure that we edit well if we think a particular mood has heavily influenced one of our pieces.  The mood may be mightier than the pen.

Image by diCkIE 2D, flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/dickie2d/2307866733/

The more we examine our moods the better writers we will become.  I would appreciate your feedback on this article, as I was feeling a bit moody when I wrote it.  Was this mood a blessing or a curse? 

You the reader will decide.  My mood is my mood.  Did it become your mood?  Did it benefit you?  Or did I write selfishly for myself?  Yes, you the reader will be blessed by my mood or you the reader will be cursed by my mood. 

The choice to write is mine but the reaction and responses are yours.

We’ve gotten family and friends and possibly have attained a status of a writer within ourselves. My friends here on Triond and elsewhere, it is website like this that give us not our dreams but the ability to seek our dreams out and have them fulfilled. To the creators of Triond, I thank you and to the many here, I respect you and admire you. In summary, Triond is not what it seems at all, it is better, it is more, it is the door to our writing home.

Friends and Fans

When I started writing for Triond, I didn't pay attention to adding friends or checking if somebody became a fan because I didn't know the process but when I started receiving messages from my inbox, it was like opening a treasure chest,I became a part of a new world where friendship blooms. My friends left messages in my inbox and comments on my articles which always made my day and brought big smiles on my face or even tears of joy and laughter .

Articles and others to be shared

What is amazing about Triond is that you can write articles which interest you.You can share things that you know about. You can upload audios, pictures and videos that you took.

Molding better writers

Like a potter, Triond can mold us to become better writers. I enjoy sharing my articles and learning from what I write. I also strive to improve whenever I write new ones.

Exploring new things

Whenever I have time, I try to explore because I learned things that I don't know about.I was inspired by poems , people,etc. and even learned some useful tips.It is also wonderful to know that if I left comments some of the other writers took the time to read my articles as well and even left comments.Returning the favor? Exactly, it's like you read my mind. ( The underlined phrase maybe familiar to those who watched, A walk to remember)So remember to leave a comment whenever you see an interesting article.

God bess us all!

What is a sequel? The sequel is the development that glues the scenes together. In a sequel the hero reacts to the previous scene, evaluates his position, commiserates with his sidekick and plans for the next scene. A sequel can (and in most cases, should) include action, but the action in the sequel doesn't directly move the plot.

Example: Suppose we are writing a novel about Fred the Corporate Man. Fred's goal is to be promoted (story question), but a nasty boss stands in the way (conflict). His storyline could look like this:

[SCENE] - Fred has a meeting with Mr. Scrooge. Scrooge assigns Fred the worst project in the company in the hopes that he will fail and be fired.

[SEQUEL] - Fred discusses this setback with Tom, his co-worker sidekick. Through his conversation with Tom, he plans to turn the disastrous project into a winner, leapfrogging his reputation over and past Mr. Scrooge and obtaining his goal of a promotion.

[SCENE] - The next day, Fred begins to assemble his project team. Mr. Scrooge interferes again by making Fred accept the worst performers in the company into his new project group.

[SEQUEL] - Fred goes home to his wife after a grueling 12 hour day. She comforts him and assures him that he can succeed.

In this way, each scene changes the status of the story goal, causing the hero to adjust his game plan and attitude toward the story situation. Scene and sequel work together to keep the story flowing toward a satisfying conclusion.

How does scene and sequel affect story? The length and frequency of scenes and sequels have a direct impact on both the speed and the tone of the story. Action and adventure stories tend to have long scenes and short sequels, making a fast plot. Romance and mainstream novels may have short scenes and long sequels, making the story more introspective and emotional. For example, in a romance novel the heroine may have a luncheon with her lover that lasts for only two or three pages, and then have a ten page sequel in which she reviews and analyzes everything that her lover said and did during the meal.

Should I plan scenes and sequels beforehand? If you are a plotter type of writer, scenes and sequels can be outlined beforehand, but it is not necessary. What is important is that you are able to recognize the scenes and sequels after you have produced your first full draft. By lengthening or shortening the scenes and sequels you can produce the desired effect and keep the plot moving smoothly.

Should scenes and sequels always be in order? Often you can juggle scenes and sequels to add mystery and suspense to your plot. Often you can open your story with a scene that leaves a lot of mystery, providing the accompanying sequel later. A prime example would be a murder mystery. Here we show the aftermath of the murder, deliberately leaving out the murder commission scene and the sequel that shows the motive and premeditation of the crime. The mystery writer gives the reader the story out of order to hide facts and add the mystery component. Here is another example:

Chronological Order

Scene 1: Bob has an affair with his secretary.

Sequel 1: He starts planning to leave his wife.

Scene 2: Bob's wife June finds out about his infidelity through a mutual friend.

Sequel 2: Unwilling to let Bob get away with this, June plans to leave Bob.

Scene 3: Bob decides to buy two tickets to Hawaii for his lover and himself.

Sequel 3: Bob discusses his plans with his lover.

Scene 4: June goes to the bank and empties out the bank accounts. She packs everything into a U-Haul truck and leaves town.

Scene 5: Bob tries to buy the plane tickets. His debit card is denied.

Scene 6: Bob finds out that June has taken all of the money and left.

Now, if we want to make this fairly straightforward plot a bit more interesting, we can move a few scenes and sequels out of order. Perhaps we will show Scene 1 and Sequel 1, skip to Scene 3 and Sequel 3, then move on to Scene 5. Like Bob, the reader won't see the surprise of the empty bank accounts coming. After Bob has had his shock, we the writer can go back and reveal Scene 2, Sequel 2 and Scene 4, allowing the reader to see exactly how Bob ended up in this unfortunate situation.

The Bottom Line: Understanding scene and sequel gives you an added amount of control over your story's pace and timing!

Before you write a story you always want to plan it out using a somebody-wanted-but-so-then chart as shown,:

(somebody)

April

(wanted)

to eat

(but)

the cafeteria was closed

(so)

she bought some

(then)

she was happy

or a web chart.

When you start to write, usually you want a sound affect. I would put the proper name but this type engine won't let me without telling me it's wrong. You do this in order to attract the attention of the reader. Sound affects, when used right will make a story easy to bear with. Even thought the better stories tend to have boring beginnings, it is always easier to simply put in a sound affect as shown in the following paragraph:

“FPPPPPPOOOOOO!” was the sound made as the balloon as it went across the room. Everyone stared at a medium-sized 15-year-old, Frank.

How does that sound for a story opening? Good? Then you might want to listen on because I have another tip. Er, actually I meant to type you might want to read on but c'mon and bear with me. The tip is, whenever you write, you never just say it. You have to describe the setting like shown:

The year is 6/32/42342432. This is a careful record of the alien invasion. Every detail of this story is accurate to the resources found in the Starpire national libraries. The setting was an immense, green farmland and on a dark, starry night. A strange glow appeared in the middle of the night over the farmlands. The object slowly got larger. After ten minutes, the object grew from one inch to a foot. A whole hour passed and the object came into view. By then, the glow had attracted a large crowd, taking up the whole farmland. The craft was a dark orange with a shape much like the body of a crab. The craft was about several meters in diameter now. Slowly, it passed the fifty-foot-mark and was the size of a small house. The craft seemed to grow legs from nowhere as it gently touched the ground.

Still like it? Well, you should do fine writing your book now then.

Triond has confessional writers, conversational storytellers, article writers that amuse and inform and sometimes astound us. We should not forget the Poets… (Maybe we do have them by the bucket load! but there are so many different types of poetry and the great thing about online publishing is there is room for all tastes and everyone, as far as I can see. Poetry should not and doesn’t belong to the snobbish ‘academic’ type. I remember being told a good poem is like a lovely juicy onion it has layers…A good poem has also got heart and honesty and I have read quite a few heartfelt poems on Triond.

So there are really excellent and ‘professional’ writers mingling with the maybe not so good or the ones that have room for improvement. (Personally I have tons of room for improvement)

I think that can only be a good thing for all of us. Some peoples ‘work that I try to follow gives me glimpses into their personality …and more even into their lives. I have even noticed how some peoples’ confidence has really grown and they have branched out to try different styles of writing that they probably at one time would not have thought of trying. I attribute this to the inspirational aspect of Triond. It is a place were ideas and feelings are expressed and shared. I can’t say that I am ever disappointed by peoples’ efforts. Some people may say that’s because I haven’t got any taste or that I don’t know very much about the creative process. I know this; it takes a brave person to put their work out into a public forum for others to read. There is always the concern or worry that people will not like anything that you do.

I am the sort of person that snatches moments to pop in and read the odd piece; I don’t always leave a comment maybe that is a failing in me that I need to work on. I read an article the other day by Will Gray and I found it upsetting to hear that someone had actually ‘shouted’ at him about his work because they did not like it. I know criticism can be a good thing if it is offered in a generous spirit and of a positive nature but negative criticism is most definitely of no use to anyone, not to the person making it, it just shows them to be nasty and not to the person receiving it.

I know this is just another one of my rants but I would like to say to Will take no heed to people like that they are not worth it! I know Triond is a very supportive community one that is in a sense a privilege to belong to because not only do I get the opportunity to enjoy other peoples’ creative endeavours but I also share my own.  Anyway I think that is enough ranting for one day. Good luck to all triond members with their writing. (See what you started in me Will?)

Poetry, in its traditional form, is not as popular or as important to people as it once was. People are more interested in reading short stories or novels because they are easier to understand and require much less literary depth and intelligence to understand. Often people find it hard to understand the common use of symbolism in a poem so they do not see the message the poet is trying to convey. Although poetry is common looked at as overrated and unimportant, it plays a major role in today's society. As stated in the previous essay, public speaking and music both rely on aspects of poetry to be successful and effective. Personally, I believe that poetry is still seen as important and even entertaining in the minds of intelligent people, but seeing as most members of our community don't hold up to these intellectual standards, it is overlooked and forgotten.

Walt Whitman once said, “IF you want me again look for me under your boot-soles.” This quote demonstrates Whitman's belief in his part in the existentialism of the world. My interpretation is that he believes that impact will leave a mark on the world that will help shape the future, and begin to make the world become what it will be.

On the other hand, Emily Dickinson said, “this is my letter to the world that never wrote to me”. This quote seems to show that Dickinson found the world unfair and harsh. Also it seems like she was waiting for something owed to her but it never came.

Now you must remember that there are many different styles of comedy. Like stand-up comedy, musical comedy, theatre and film, journalism, novels, and many, many more. The secret is to choose one style and stick with it through thick and thin. If you cant do that then I would suggest writing basic jokes. It's the easiest method and is quite full-filling once you've heard your friends laugh at it.

This article is going to be based on basic joke writing.

Basic joke writing: The Surprise joke

The Surprise Joke is the simplest way to make a joke. All you need to do is find a subject, exaggerate it in a funny way and you've made your first joke. The subject is not hard to find. All you need is to do is choose something that made you laugh today. For example. You know how little kids are always peeing in the pool. Well you could have a joke like this.

My kid was banned from the local leisure centre for peeing in the swimming pool. I told them lots of little boys wee in the swimming pools.

They said yes, but not off the high diving board.

Another is:

If you don't succeed at first maybe skydiving's not for you.

Hopefully you will now be able to brighten someone's unhappy life. Or get yourself booed off a stage, but anyway at least you tried comedy.

I am a case in point. Six years ago I suddenly lost someone very close to me in front of my eyes. I am a very “take charge” type of behavior style and a “fixer”, and for the first time in my life I couldn't do a thing. When it was over, there was no way for me to change it, to fix it, to make it different and better. I had to remember to breathe.

I went to grief therapy with a therapist who knew me well from a divorce and family issues. She told me to journal. She knew I was a writer at times, and suggested I start by listing all of the things I wanted to remember. Then she told me to take my emotions day by day and pour them into a journal.

Eight months later, I was able to accept a transfer with my firm and successfully move across the country. I wasn't healed. But the intensity of the pain and the impact of the loss were lessened enough that I could function at the level I was used to.

I journal at night. I close my day with thoughts on what I saw, what I felt, and what I hope it all means. I write down perspectives that I didn't see while things were going on. I write down ideas and things I want to act on. Most of the time, I can then go to sleep feeling as though I have spent a productive day, and that the next day will be at least as good.

Here are some of my insights on journaling:

1. Start small. You don't have to fill the page every day.
2. Journaling is private time, even if you do it on a crowded bus
3. You don't need a fancy journal. A notebook works just as well.
4. Journaling provides the “ah ha” moments of a day
5. Even on a bad day, journaling can make the day feel productive
6. You don't have to be a writer to journal. Even children can keep a journal.
7. Journaling doesn't have to all be done at one time. You can break up your entries as you have the time to devote to them.
8. You don't need a set amount of time to journal. Five minutes one day, an hour the next, no time the following is fine.
9. Journaling is an affirmation that you DO have a life
10. Journaling can make you feel good even in the worst of times

In reading "Jump on My Triond Band Wagon" by Glynis Smy, I thought it would be nice to write a tribute to the writers that I have recommended for the wagon ride. Glynis' idea is to expose as many new writers to our Triond's community as possible. It is an excellent idea, is it not?

Here is my idea: if you have nominated your new friends for the wagon ride, write about them, and bring them out for the rest of the community to meet them.

Why you should do it:

• Pay it forward! Someone else will do the same for you.
• Be a true friend by supporting them
• We are not in competition with each other
• We all want views for our work
• We all want recognition
• We all want to meet new friends

Meet Terri Lane

Terri has been on Triond for a while, and she has an impressive collection of poems, plus a variety of articles on different subjects. Check out her work, and meet a new friend.

Meet Karelee

I have just recently met Karelee through messaging on Triond. It is wonderful to meet new writers from all over world. Visit her profile, and you will find a wide range of articles, and poems to enjoy.

She is new to Triond, and we should welcome her to our community.

Meet Denny Lyon

Denny Lyon is a very talented young woman. Her creativities are amazing. She incorporates her own photos into her articles. It is very refreshing to see a different way of presenting an article.

She is a woman after my own heart since she believes in pay it forward also. It seems kindness is always returned double.

Honorable Mention Writers for Their Generosity

This article is not complete without mentioning the generosity of some writers, who have selflessly promoting my articles and others' on different social bookmarking sites. These writers are: Anne Lyken Garner, Chan Lee Peng, Alexa Gates and Lanne.

These writers and I are not exchanging submission to social bookmarking sites; we do it out of sheer enjoyment for the article, and practice the act of kindness. I believe in pay it forward, therefore, from time to time, I do submit articles/photos from new users also.

Claris Fernandez

Claris is very generous in supporting not only me, but to all of her friends. She has an impressive collection of poems, and fantastic management articles. Check them out!

Geri O'Hara

Geri has a generous soul, who was kind enough to pass on my article to her family, and submitted it to her Xomba's site. Whether I receive views or not, her act of kindness has touched me deeply!

Be a friend, and check out her work!

Now, jump on the band wagon, write about your recommended friends, introduce them to our community, and give them the recognition that they deserve. Always remember to be generous, pay it forward, and do a random act of kindness!