by Naomi L. | November 17, 2014 | Blog, Word of the Week |
Word: vapid
Pronunciation: VA-pid
Part of Speech: adjective
Definition: offering nothing that is stimulating or challenging
Source: Oxford Dictionaries
Do you often find yourself searching for just the right word to describe an incredibly dull person or an uninspiring work of art? If so, then today’s Word of the Week may serve you well. Sometimes it’s handy to know a word that precisely defines something too bland for your taste. I know I’ve found myself searching for that right word many times before…
Something or someone regarded as “vapid” lacks anything stimulating or challenging. This adjective arose in the mid 17th century and was originally used in references to drinks that were lacking in flavor, such as wine. The word comes from the Latin adjective vapidus, which means “flat”.
Having not yet used it too often myself, there isn’t much else I can say about the word “vapid”. In fact, I’m sure the first time I read it, I assumed it had some connection to the word “vapor”. As artists – that is, people with acute senses to our crafts of choice – we are bound to encounter more than our fair share of unimaginative work and/or individuals. If you choose to write about boring characters or you just like to point out the trite in real life, this is a good adjective to keep on your list. What’s important is not to make your own writing “vapid”!
What are your thoughts on this word? Any suggestions for future “Word of the Week” featured words?
by Naomi L. | November 14, 2014 | Flash Fiction, J.C. Wolfe's Writing |
(What If? Exercise: Read the description here.)
I thought that spot in the sky was a star.
It didn’t occur to me that stars don’t waver.
We screamed as the bright lights blinded us.
I tried to run with everyone else.
But they had come for me.
The ground beneath me vanished.
No way out now.
Only one way.
Their way.
Up.
This piece is based on What If? Exercise 93: “Ten to One”. The exercise is to write a 55-word story in which the first sentence has ten words, the second has nine, etc., until the last sentence has only one word. The objective is to show that precision and thrift in writing can produce surprisingly powerful results. I hope you enjoy what I’ve written. Thanks for reading!
Back to the story
by Naomi L. | November 12, 2014 | Blog, Creative Writing, What If? Writing Prompts |
Continuing on this month’s streak, here’s a new set of “What If?” Writing Prompts for you. To shake things up a bit, this week’s post is centered around a general theme that I love: animals! See what you can do with these ideas, and feel free to add more of your own! Have fun!
What if… your pet(s) could talk for a day?
What if… you had the ability to shapeshift into any animal form?
What if… you could travel through a fantasy world with a single animal companion?
What if… you lived in a place that was widely inhabited by animals… but you were the only human?
What if… all animals were highly intelligent, and you had the power to read their thoughts?
Good luck writing stories about our animal friends!
If you have any “What If?” writing prompt suggestions (for any theme), please feel free to share them in the comments below. Ideas I like may be featured in future “What If?” posts, with full credit and a link to your blog (if you have one)! Also, if you’ve written a piece based on an idea you’ve found here, be sure to link back to the respective “What If?” post. I would love to see what you’ve done with the prompt! Thank you!
by Naomi L. | November 10, 2014 | Blog, Word of the Week |
Word: neophyte
Pronunciation: NEE-ə-fyt
Part of Speech: noun
Definition: a person who is new to a subject, skill or belief
Source: Oxford Dictionaries
Here’s another interesting word that I’d definitely like to try using more often. I’m actually surprised at myself for not having written about the word “neophyte” sooner, since it did come up in my vocabulary study prep material over a year ago. It would even have been a great choice for one of my first vocabulary posts, since it technically applied to me when I started blogging.
A “neophyte” is someone who is new to a particular subject or activity. The word traces back to the Greek adjective neophutos, meaning “newly planted”. This adjective is comprised of two roots: the adjective neos “new” and the noun phuton “plant”.
Note that “neophyte” may be considered a heavier word to some for its religious sub-definitions, as it also means “new convert” or “a novice in a religious order”, especially in Christianity. This sense of the word evidently arose when St. Paul (1 Tim 3:6) first used it to refer to newly converted Christians. For a more literal definition, “neophyte” can also be used in Biology to refer to a plant species recently introduced to an area. There are several ways to use the word “neophyte”, so whether you write religious fiction or simply like to point out the “newbies” among your characters, this is a great word to keep on your list. Just take care not to come off as a stereotypical “neophyte” writer!
What are your thoughts on this word? Any suggestions for future “Word of the Week” featured words?
by Naomi L. | November 7, 2014 | J.C. Wolfe's Writing, Poetry |
Do you remember me?
How much can you now see?
Are all your memories there,
Wherever you may be?
I wanted to believe
That you would never leave,
That we’d never see the day
When we would have to grieve.
Yet I saw how much they’d strain.
I knew you were in pain,
That all their love and care
Would only be in vain.
Could you recognize
The sadness in our eyes?
How every name you’d say
Would come as a surprise?
I’m sure you always knew
The people there for you.
Your memory was strong
As your love for us was true.
And now that you are gone,
Somehow we must move on.
The pain had gone too long,
But the peace has finally won.
So please remember me
Wherever you may be.
Look down on me with grace
And see my smiling face
To know at last you’re free.
In loving memory of my grandfather, who lived his last years with Alzheimer’s before he passed away. I love you, Grandpa! I hope you remember us where you are now. We’ll certainly always remember you.
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