The Inquisitive Inkpot
Exploring Tales and the Art of Telling
Category: Perspectives
Triggered: the Power of Memory in Stories
Do you ever think about how much of our lives we spend reflecting? I don’t mean staring into a mirror. And I don’t necessarily mean long, soul-searching contemplations on our inner being. I simply mean pausing to acknowledge or recall the past and its… Continue Reading “Triggered: the Power of Memory in Stories”
What the Author Hoped You Wouldn’t Notice
It’s funny how much of an author’s character we read into his works. We’ve all done it, and often with good reason. Knowing Mark Twain believed in racial equality helps us understand The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn as a satire. Knowing Arthur Miller’s purpose… Continue Reading “What the Author Hoped You Wouldn’t Notice”
Sailing on Against All Obstacles: Lessons from a Historical Figure
“Only a weakling gives up when he’s becalmed! A strong man sails by ash breeze.” Admittedly a funny-sounding inspirational quote. What on earth is “sailing by ash breeze?” I wondered this when I first read the line in Carry on Mr. Bowditch— the true… Continue Reading “Sailing on Against All Obstacles: Lessons from a Historical Figure”
From Grilled Cheese to Paninis: a Literary Journey
Are stories with morals antiquated? I mean, think about it: when was the last time you read a story or watched a movie with a clear “moral” and didn’t inwardly yawn? But we’ve been born and raised on such stories. Everything from Beatrix Potter… Continue Reading “From Grilled Cheese to Paninis: a Literary Journey”
We are all Characters…
If someone were to write a book based on your life… what kind of character would you be? This is probably an odd question, but it occurred to me the other day after finishing a journal entry. I haven’t journaled regularly in a long… Continue Reading “We are all Characters…”
How to Cope with a Trope
Imagine you’re sitting on the edge of your seat, engrossed in a movie or show. The characters are unique, the plot is gripping, the tension is building, and then suddenly your worst subconscious fear comes true— It falls into a trope. NO! Where did… Continue Reading “How to Cope with a Trope”
What Makes the Cut?
We’ve all had that experience of watching one of our favorite books turned into a movie, and finding the movie version vastly disappointing. Hopefully you’ve also had the satisfaction of seeing a good film rendition of a favorite book, but it seems that experience… Continue Reading “What Makes the Cut?”
The Female Warrior: a Figment of the Modern Imagination?
Dodging past some battle-ready men, I glided into one of the lodges and threw the door shut behind me. Fairly ripping off my dress, I pulled on the men’s leggings and tunic that warriors wore, strapping the leather belt about my waist. For a… Continue Reading “The Female Warrior: a Figment of the Modern Imagination?”
It’s About Time!… Or is it?
“You don’t look like the rest,” Clare said, her eyes traveling over the scars on my skin. “I was a warrior,” I told her. “But I can tell you’re not from any clan at all.” She lowered her eyes and glanced at her sister… Continue Reading “It’s About Time!… Or is it?”
Says Who?
Her name was Clare. She came on a dark day when my body was still sore from its latest beating two nights ago. They brought her into camp with her sister, both of them quiet and skittish. When I first saw her I could… Continue Reading “Says Who?”
