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Our exploited word for the season is ‘actually’. Have you noticed how often it comes up in conversation? I was guilty of abusing this word and if you listen carefully to the news, soapies or even movies you’ll hear it with a growing irritation. Perhaps I shouldn’t have mentioned it! However, before we allow the word to file an official ‘abuse complaint’, let’s take a closer look.
According to a few dictionaries they state that ‘actually’ is an adverb. It means ‘as an actual fact; really. It also acts as a sentence modifier such as, ‘Actually, he went down the hall.’ It is also used as a parenthetic filler, ‘I’m right, actually.’ Using it in this format allows us to emphasize. The very purpose of an adverb is to act as a modifier to an adjective ‘powerfully rich’, a verb ‘quietly sniggered’, a whole sentence (use your own imagination here) or another adverb ‘I’ll be upstairs shortly’.
To note, often a noun is used with adjectival force. As a modifier it can add something more to a sentence, ‘a leather purse’. In the case of the word ‘actually’ we have to ask if it really adds something to what we are saying. In light of how many times it is used I’d say not. Sadly today, it is abused. Other words have the right to be used as adverbs. Words such as ‘seriously’, ‘easily’ or ‘very’ are a few that come to mind. Do we have a problem in the twenty first century where we feel like no one is listening to us? Are we sick and tired of being ignored? Actually, that could well be the case. We feel that our voices are ignored and so we use ‘actually’ to emphasize.
If you haven’t done so already have a browse through the internet and research sites that offer advice on writing and publishing. There are quite a few good ones and a few dubious ones. My advice is to read through the material on each site and choose segments that work for you. There are many people who love to write. They range from the ‘doodler’ to the ‘dedicated’. I would suggest that if you are a first time writer (according to Lone Creature that is writing for something other than work or school) then start with the things you know and with a genre you enjoy. Don’t be afraid to pick apart a published book and examine chapters, paragraphs, sentences and phrases. Find out why they work, or why they don’t.
LC
This article was written as a part of my Master of Arts (Writing). It is dedicated to my mother, Evelyn. This is a story about her journey from Germany to Australia from the perspective of time.
I hope you enjoy,
Barcode 1409107
Having the heart of a lion doesn’t mean you have to be ferocious, although there is a time and place even for that, and if you study lions you’ll discover they live in accord with the world around them. Lions live within a certain territory; they protect their young and other members of the pride; they play; they fight when it’s necessary; and they know their place in the world. As a writer you will experience a series of challenges that will range from time constraints to negative comments. Lone Creature encourages you to follow your dreams to the best of your ability or to the situation you are in. Risks must be weighed up and considered carefully. For those who have family responsibilities and work then time will be the worst enemy. Writers who fall into this category often rise early in the morning to steal a few precious minutes to write; they give up their lunch break; they write late into the night; or they write whenever they can. Some lucky writers can spend their days with pen in hand (or keyboard under hands) and create all day long. Whatever your situation, keep to a regular routine and observe the world around you.
Affordance
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Affordance
http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/affordance
http://www.jnd.org/dn.mss/affordances_and_design.html
After you’ve tried those three links then try using the word in a sentence…
A writer might use it this way: A blank page affords writing on.
Remember, the relationship is between the world and animal/person. It doesn’t have to be seen etc.
The affordance of this object was unknown to me. I stared at it hoping it would somehow reveal itself to me. My hand intuitively went towards the object. It afforded turning but having triggered a trap in this dig before I was reluctant to touch it at all. Perhaps I was supposed to pull it, push it or shift its position. I gritted my teeth and placed my fingers upon it. It opened like a flower, shot out a dart into my palm, and trapped my hand. Damn it. Its affordance was now clear.
W.A.R.M.
Writers, Artists, Readers and Marauders
Welcome to the first issue of Oriri. The word oriri, to rise, comes from Latin origo beginning, birth. It is to rise above the negative and look to a bright future.
W.A.R.M. Earthlings, an offshoot of Lone Creature, will endeavour to encourage writers to keep trying and to learn to write for enjoyment. It is my hope to form a solid community of WARM and to direct those lost and forlorn souls drifting within a deep sea of trials. And if you don’t fit into WAR then, by all means, maraud…(ask permission first :p)
There is a saying that writing a book is ten percent inspiration and ninety percent perspiration. I have found this to be so true and I daresay many do not appreciate the work behind the ‘finished product’. As a writer you can help yourself by taking some classes or reading up on plot and character development, how to pace your story, how to write a good climax and realistic dialogue and how to overcome those moments when you find yourself struggling. Regardless of your task ahead dedicate a little time everyday to your goal, be passionate and don’t be disheartened by criticism or skepticism.
