Combining Gestures And Dialogue In Writing
A while ago I took a close look at how writers craft body language beats in dialogue scenes. This is a difficult skill for various reasons: Many gestures are common and we do them over and over (e.g. She nodded, he smiled.) Writers tend to have our own go-to body language tics which need to […]
We Didn’t by Stuart Dybek Short Story Analysis
“We Didn’t” is a short story by American writer Stuart Dybek, included in The Best American Short Stories 1994. A man addresses his first love. With the insight that comes from middle-age, the narrator feels sad about the tragicomic incident that that led to their breakup.
Charles by Shirley Jackson Short Story Analysis
“Charles” is a very short story by Shirley Jackson, first published in 1948. Told in first person from a mother’s point of view, this is the story of a little boy who starts school and immediately transforms from a little boy into a smart-mouthed brat. He talks constantly about a boy called Charles who gets up to all sorts of mischief.
The Falls by George Saunders Short Story Analysis
“The Falls” (1996) is a short story by American writer George Saunders. Two men walk along a river and face a moral dilemma. Should one risk one’s own life in the hope of saving two drowning girls?
Street Corners In Art And Illustration
Here are some paintings of street corners, as well as some experimentation with AI art generation.
The Ways Of Ghosts (An Arrest) by Ambrose Bierce Short Story Analysis
“The Ways Of Ghosts”, also called “An Arrest”, is a very short ghost story by American writer Ambrose Bierce, first published in October 1905. Perfect for a 1905 Hallowe’en?
Alleyways And Other Spaces Between Buildings
WHAT IS AN ALLEYWAY? A narrow space between or behind buildings, often used as a passageway. Oftentimes the owner of the strip of land is unclear. They tend to be left off official maps. Alleyways (alleys) are liminal, in-between spaces. Alleyways are both ‘territory’ and ‘network’. Territory: A space where various facets of social life…
Motorcycles In Art And Illustration
Motorbikes and motorcycles through the ages
A Case of Eavesdropping by Algernon Blackwood Short Story Analysis
A Case of Eavesdropping” is a ghost story by Algernon Blackwood first published in December 1900 in Pall Mall Magazine.
There Will Come Soft Rains by Ray Bradbury Short Story Analysis
“There Will Come Soft Rains” (1950) is a short story by American author Ray Bradbury. I thought I’d better read it because August 4 2026 is looking nearer and nearer, and I’d like to know what to expect in four years’ time.
Ridley Scott’s Alien (1979) Film Analysis
Alien is a 1979 film directed by Ridley Scott. The story was created by Ronald Shusett, also known for Total Recall. The screenplay is by Dan O’Bannon, also known for The Return of the Living Dead.
A Father To Be by Saul Bellow Short Story Analysis
Are you thinking of writing a story about a kid who leaves the house and rides the bus to school, all the while observing other passengers and gazing out the window? Or a story about a woman who buys frozen pizza at the supermarket, complains about the roast beef then observes characters in the car park before peacing out to the radio? A parking warden who eats a sandwich in the town square before seeing shapes in the clouds? If these quiet stories are your jam, Saul Bellow wrote the mentor text for you.
