Tag: writing

Ten Interesting Phrasal Verbs With ‘Play’

Published on by B SudharsanLeave a comment

ENGLISH LESSON

Did you know a good dictionary will give you close to forty meanings of the word ‘play’? Yes, you read that right! You might also find it interesting to note that this cool word is actually derived from the Dutch word ‘plien’, which means ‘to leap for joy’ or ‘to rejoice’. Nevertheless, we do not think we would be wrong if we said you would have used this word in more than one way while indulging in generic conversations.

A couple of examples here may help you grasp some meanings of the word ‘play’. In the sentence, ‘I am playing chess with my sister,’ the word ‘play’ (used in its ‘ing’ form) functions as a transitive verb with the noun ‘chess’ being its direct object; but in the sentence, ‘We watched a short play in the theatre last night’, the word ‘play’ functions as a noun and the direct object of the verb ‘watched’. The verb ‘play’ can also mean ‘to perform’ as one can say something like, ‘It was Arnold Schwarzenegger who played the lead role in this movie.’ Also, I am sure you would have asked someone to play music for you. Or heard someone play the guitar. Phew… That is a lot of meanings already!

In this post, however, I am going to be listing ten interesting phrasal verbs with the word ‘play’. So if you are ready, let us go!

Phrasal Verb #1

play about/around

Meanings: (i) to act weirdly or stupidly (ii) to have one or more extramarital affairs

Example sentences:

  • Will you stop playing about (acting stupidly) and start focussing on the job at hand?
  • I surmised Smita’s husband was playing about (having extramarital affairs) when I saw him first, for as soon as I had a word with him, I figured out he was great at womanising.

Phrasal Verb #2

play about/around with (something)

Meaning: to consider different ways of doing a particular thing or trying different things before finally choosing one

Example sentences:

  • I am playing about with all the sparkle pens that I have as I am finding it difficult to figure out which of those will look great on this coloured sheet of paper.
  • The producer thinks you ought to play about with some ideas before shooting the next scene. He is definitely not happy with the previous shoot.

Phrasal Verb #3

play along

Meaning: to do what someone likes or pretend to agree with someone to avoid making the person angry or upset

Example sentences:

  • I think he is just playing along with all of us since he wants to find out what our next step of action is going to be.
  • He was shocked when he found out that he had been played along by the only person whom he considered his best friend.

Phrasal Verb #4

play (something) back or play back (something)

Meaning: to listen to recordings or watch videos that have just been recorded

Example sentences:

  • Could you record our conversation and play it back while typing out the mail so you do not miss anything important?
  • He played back the videos we made, and I realised right off the bat that something was amiss.

Note: The word ‘playback’, however, can function as both a noun and an adjective. A playback singer, for example, is a singer who performs backstage. Here, ‘playback’ functions as an adjective for the noun ‘singer’. Similarly, one can say, ‘The playback of the videos they recorded was awesome, so I didn’t have to spend much time working on it.’ Here, ‘playback’ is a noun as it refers to the action of playing back video recordings to monitor their quality.

Phrasal Verb #5

play off against

Meaning: to encourage two people or groups to fight each other in the hope of gaining some advantage

Example sentences:

  • I have had a bad opinion of her hitherto. Jacob had been playing us off against each other, but I am glad I have finally understood his evil intentions.
  • Do not try to play me off against my mother. She is the only person that I trust.

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Phrasal Verb #6

play on/upon

Meanings: (i) (Sports) Used to order the players to continue playing, especially after someone breaking the rules or suffering an injury (ii) to continue playing a musical instrument

Example sentences:

  • We were flabbergasted to see the umpire asking us to play on despite the wicket-keeper getting badly injured.
  • It was interesting to note that the band played on enthusiastically for almost an hour after it began raining.

Phrasal Verb #7

be played out (never active):

Meaning: to take place, happen, or unfold

Example sentences:

  • The way everything finally played out was embarrassing, to say the least.
  • Given the current situation, their wedding was played out without much pomp and splendour.

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Phrasal Verb #8

play out something or play something out

Meanings: (i) to pretend that a situation is real when in fact it is not (ii) (Sports) to play a match until the very end (iii) to exhaust

Example sentences:

  • Contrary to what you think, all is well between them. You have only been playing all those fights out unnecessarily.
  • When I asked him to play out the game of chess, he refused and walked away without saying a word.
  • His strenCTh played out very fast, and I managed to defeat him easily in the second and third rounds.

Phrasal Verb #9

play on/upon

Meaning: to manipulate a person to get them to do what you want or to use their fears or inhibitions to get them to do a task you want to be done

Example sentences:

  • Do you not think guys who market such products play on the fears of their prospective clients?
  • She has played on your weaknesses for far too long, and it is high time you ended your relationship with her.

Phrasal Verb #10

play down something or play something down

Meaning: to try to convince people that something is not that important or that it may not really happen

Example sentences:

  • When the COVID-19 case fatality rate seemed to be declining in India, I felt the Indian media were playing down the health risks posed by the Coronavirus.
  • He played down the environmental hazards that may be caused by the setting up of a nuclear power plant in that region.

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‘Write for the Joy of Creation’

Published on by B SudharsanLeave a comment

INTERVIEW

Author Seth Voorhees lives in the Black Hills of South Dakota, where he attended Black Hills State University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Psychology. His mornings, we are told, start with prayer, meditation, and a gratitude list. Then he lets out the family rabbit, Snowball, and feeds him. He writes and edits and writes and edits more until he has to leave for work. After work, he might go to the gym, meet with friends, or run errands, or, well, possibly all three. Then, he is back home to be with his family. The evening might have a movie or a puzzle in store for him, and it is usually followed by reading before bed. The only real change, however, happens during football season.

Having drawn on his experience in adolescent education and mental health to shape his stories, the quadragenarian, who also works as an evidence-based curriculum facilitator and staff trainer for partner sites and wishes to learn Lakota and Spanish, describes himself as a writer of dark fiction. In an exclusive interaction with B Sudharsan, the editor-in-chief of Literary Harbinger, the writer, who lives with his partner and stepdaughter, speaks about his four published books, the works in progress, his belief in the importance of having hobbies, and why he would like to see what he calls the ‘outrage culture’ eliminated. Excerpts from the edited interview:

SPECIAL TO LITERARY HARBINGER

B Sudharsan: It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr Voorhees. Thank you for agreeing to do this interview. As someone with four published books to his name, let me start by asking you a very straightforward question: When and how did it all begin? When exactly did you start writing?

Seth Voorhees: I first started when I was in middle school. That was the time I was obsessed with the Goosebumps series. I actually worked on stories and ideas for my own inspired versions. I wrote my first novel when I was nineteen, during my senior year of high school. Eventually, college and other interests took hold, and I put writing down as a serious endeavour for a while. In 2016, I picked it back up at the age of thirty-one, when I was struck by an idea inspired by the television show The Walking Dead. That idea turned into my second published novel, Immune: Rise of the Inflicted.

Where Conflict Shapes a New World

B Sudharsan: That sounds inspiring, to say the least. Immune: Rise of the Inflicted does have rave reviews. So, congratulations to you on that! Could you shed more light on this novel and discuss your other works as well?

Seth Voorhees: Sure. I have four published works. All are available online, on Amazon, or at your favourite bookstore. I always recommend Barnes & Noble. Immune: Rise of the Inflicted is a pandemic narrative that explores how the pandemic reshapes society. As sides form, a new class structure emerges, and conflict erupts between the Immune, those immune to the virus, and the Inflicted, who survive the virus’s harsh trials. Both sides try to rebuild society, and their conflict shapes a new world. As I have already stated, it is inspired by The Walking Dead. I have also taken inspiration from the experience of the swine flu scare.

The Interim is a horror novel about the small South Dakota town of Copper, which, for two weeks in October, is haunted by Leopold, a seemingly invincible, diabolical monster. It is a different coming-of-age story in which the town’s youth tire of this yearly ritual. This one is inspired by Ray Bradbury’s Something Wicked This Way Comes.’

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Mystery, Dystopia, and All That Jazz

Mid-Glow, on the other hand, is set in the 1940s, around Pearl Harbor, and inspired by the allure of the 1930s bank robber. This version follows a group of bank robbers who are extorted by the very person they have been robbing. Forced to complete taboo tasks, they become part of a larger mystery.

And last but not least, Question 17 is another dystopian novel. Set forty years after Earth won a war against alien invaders, the story unfolds in a futuristic world. The main character, Cory, a brilliant student, lands an internship at a secretive government facility and becomes entangled in its secrets.

‘I Am the Free-Flowing Type’

B Sudharsan: Thank you very much for sharing your inspirations. Now that we understand you not only derive inspiration from books and TV shows but also real-life experiences, might I venture to ask whether you already have the plot and characters mapped out in your mind before you work on a story, or does the story unfold as you write?

Seth Voorhees: I was told there are two types of authors. The plotter—they get everything structured, outlined, and figured out before they start. Then there is the pantser—they write unencumbered and free-flowing. I am the free-flowing type, meaning I do not have an outline or structure. I always start with a nugget of inspiration from a book, show, movie, news article, or something I observe in real life. It starts with a scene, and then I drop the character into it. From there, it goes.

If what I have written is engaging and keeps me interested, the idea of what happens next will come to me later in the day; if it does not, the story was not meant to be. I never know what the finished product is until the end. Now, I will take notes here and there and maybe get inspiration for the next several chapters.

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‘I Write First Thing in the Morning’

B Sudharsan: I love that. If I were to write a novel now, I would definitely be pantsing! How about the authors you read? Any favourites?

Seth Voorhees: Yes, when I was younger, it was Stephen King and R L Stine. But currently, my favourite authors are Darcey Coates, Jennifer McMahon, and Catriona Ward. Their characters are always well written, and their stories are never boring; they are filled with suspense and have great plots.

B Sudharsan: I cannot agree more, Mr Voorhees! I am given to understand you work a full-time job. So, our readers would like to know when you generally write. Do you tend to follow a fixed schedule? Or… do you write whenever you feel inspired?

Seth Voorhees: I write first thing in the morning, with a cup of coffee, in my office. Sometimes I have music, depending on my mood. The music is typically instrumental jazz or classical. The morning is when my imagination is at its best.

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‘You Need to Learn From Failure’

B Sudharsan: How do you balance writing with other responsibilities? Could you also share your hobbies and interests apart from writing?

Seth Voorhees: My other interests include fishing, reading, walking, doing puzzles, watching football during the season, and spending time with family. Of course, my job as an evidence-based curriculum facilitator and coordinator for adolescents and their sites’ staff is also a priority. I do not know if anyone can truly balance it all. I think you take it one day at a time. On some days, you have to neglect one to focus more on another, and then you make up for it on a different day.

B Sudharsan: Tell me about it. How about your works in progress though?

Seth Voorhees: I currently have several projects underway, and all I can say now is that they are all in the horror genre.

B Sudharsan: I love the suspense you are creating! (smiles) Now that you have published four books, it does make sense for me to ask you what you would like to tell budding authors, especially those who lose motivation when a few of their works do not perform well.

Seth Voorhees: I should say, write for the joy of creation. Failure, though, is part of the process, and you need to learn from it and apply what you have learned to your next projects.

On Importance of Having Hobbies

B Sudharsan: And if there is one thing you would like to change in this world, what would it be?

Seth Voorhees: The one thing I would change is to eliminate what I see as an ‘outrage culture’. I feel a lot of people look for things to be mad about, to complain about, and to be outraged by, and they are too sensitive. We have reached a point where if someone disagrees with you, we look upon them as an enemy, and we have to hate each other. I think we need to be more accepting, more mature, and more open-minded.

B Sudharsan: Thank you very much for your honest insights and for taking our questions. Wishing you all the very best in each of your future undertakings!

Seth Voorhees: It has been a pleasure! And before I leave, I would like to say something I strongly believe in, and that is the importance of having hobbies. I think all authors should have them. For me, at least, much of the inspiration for ‘what happens next’ or for a new story often comes when I am engaged in those activities. The two most important ones are walking and fishing.

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I feel a lot of people look for things to be mad about, to complain about, and to be outraged by, and they are too sensitive. We have reached a point where if someone disagrees with you, we look upon them as an enemy, and we have to hate each other. I think we need to be more accepting, more mature, and more open-minded.

~ SETH VOORHEES

ENGAGE WITH LH | Click on the cover image of the book you wish to read and buy yourself a copy right off the bat!

The Man Is Dead

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POEM

Occasion solemn,
The music tiresome;
Assembly sodden,
A spooky cooee.

A man, young, desi,
With covered breast says:
Am dead can you see?
My soul is soaring!

None hear him speaking;
Some chatter, cry, talk.
Many go mocking
The life he had led.

Abound accounts fed
To damage might his.
They’re tales that now tread
Amid yarns spun well.

But what’s heard most well:
Unholy sad knell.

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A Poignant Tale of Love, Loss, Hope, Reunion, and More

Published on by Stavyah VatsarahLeave a comment

BOOK REVIEW

Book: Pretty Flamingo
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Author: Perry Martin
Rating: 5/5
Reviewer: Stavyah Vatsarah

Love. Hate. Betrayal. Romance. Horror. Hope. Separation. Reunion. Perry Martin’s debut novel, Pretty Flamingo, promises all of this and much more. It is a sublime tale that oscillates primarily between two time periods and two places: the late 1960s set in Brisbane, Australia, and the early 2000s largely set in California, the US. A poignant story of loss and separation, the novel does its best to address a metaphysical question you may have given a thought: Is it possible that we have ever lived before?

An Emotional Ride

As a reviewer, I am pretty darn sure the book will make you laugh and cry at the same time, surprise you with its wondrous twists, and possibly ensure you brood over questions that you might have considered way too philosophical hitherto. And even as it may cause you to shed tears of joy and sadness, it will most likely touch a part of your soul left untouched, thereby kindling a new magical spark. But does the book promise a happy end? Well, you will have to read the book to find that out!

Reading Pretty Flamingo, I found myself crying, shocked at the way certain events unfolded, and pleasantly surprised by the way the author ended it. It gave me what I needed – a break from the real world. I also found the plot resonating with me because I staunchly believe in the afterlife and the fact that the souls often assume a form based on the good and bad karma accumulated over thousands and millions of births. Nevertheless, I liked the way the author decided to build the main narrative around just two characters, detailing the time they spend together, the bond they share, and the uncanny activities they indulge in.

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Heavily Influenced by Music

It is also worth mentioning that the story wonderfully goes back and forth, expounding the ‘forgotten’ days of the main character named David Perry and the life he is leading at present. The narrative is heavily influenced by music, leaving us convinced that the author, being a musician himself, does enjoy everything musical.

The main part of the story, anyhow, details David’s efforts to recover lost memories from a certain period during his teens. How does he come to forget such a significant part of his life? What happened back then?

My Take

I strongly suggest that every avid reader give Pretty Flamingo a read, for it will take you on a tootle that you may have never taken before, the return journey being as mystical as the initial one, if not more. 

Perry Martin, I believe, is set to emerge as an author who will be read by millions in the near future. His is a style that resonates with readers who love simplicity, who like commonly used words being given a new meaning, and who wish to escape the real world with the sole intention of returning to it with something intriguing. So read Pretty Flamingo, for I know it will not disappoint you, and after you finish, you will only plausibly find yourself evolved, metamorphosed, and… experienced.

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‘Kindness Is a Commodity That Pays Forward in Massive Dividends’

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Counselling therapist and author Eric Fisher reflects on his lifelong love for writing, the healing power of storytelling, and why discipline and kindness matter

INTERVIEW

Eric Fisher may be a counselling therapist, but the art of writing has fascinated him from a tender age. Speaking with Literary Harbinger in an exclusive interaction, the quadragenarian, who resides in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, says he began writing in his preteens. ‘I started by writing short stories and also creating comics using only pencils, featuring characters from the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise,’ he says, adding, ‘I also wrote poems when I was younger. I do not write as many short stories, poems, or create comic books now as I did in my younger years, yet I do look back fondly at those creative conduits and the creative process behind each.’

Writing with Purpose

Fisher began writing screenplays around the age of 15 (yes, you read that right!), pursuing that creative medium well into his late twenties before it fizzled out in recent years. He says he does not write as many screenplays now as he did in the past. ‘That seems to happen with some pursuits in our lives; they rise in importance and then seem less important as time goes on,’ he explains, adding, ‘For many, they find the hobby they enjoy and remain consistent with it, whether that is woodworking, model ship building, crafting, or painting portraits. I think that is awesome, and for the last few years, what I have been able to remain consistent with is writing non-fiction, specifically in the self-help improvement subgenre.’

Fisher’s first book is titled The Martial Art of Recovery: Self-Mastery Practices to Subdue Addiction and Achieve Mental Wellness, and his second is titled Buried Alive: Four Ways to Free Yourself from the Dirt. ‘First off, please let me share that I am a mental health clinician and have been in the field for over 16 years,’ the author, who holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counselling, tells us. His first book, he lets on, came into being as he tried to connect his knowledge of recovery from substance use and process behaviours such as gambling with his previous experience in a hobby or sport. ‘That happened to be martial arts, American Kenpo in particular.’

Finding Hope Through Adversity

The Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) and Counselling Therapist (CT), we learn, began figuring out metaphorical ways, using wordplay, to bring martial arts concepts and techniques to life in the context of mental wellness and recovery. ‘The intersection of martial arts with recovery was cultivated across about 14 months of writing the book. I discuss holistic ways to find wellness and defend against self-sabotage from substances, behaviours, or toxic relationships. Ways to practically apply the material are also given,’ shares Fisher, who is also basic-trained in EMDR and a Master Practitioner of ART, two psychotherapies often used in the treatment of trauma.

Be that as it may, his second book, Buried Alive, came into being because he wanted to connect certain self-help concepts with a major incident that happened in his life. The incident involved his father being accidentally buried alive while digging for Native American artefacts beneath an overhang in the woods of rural Tennessee.

‘In 2005, I video interviewed the three men involved in the near-fatal incident. I transcribed the interviews as best as I could. No AI was used!’ he says. ‘I was able to shed light on ways to be resilient even when dirt in our lives wants to keep us buried. Whether that is depression, shame, guilt, regret, grief, anxiety, or substance use, I show four ways to unearth ourselves from the dirt: the importance of community and connection, the importance of different types of balance in our lives, the CIA acronym (curiosity, introspection, and agency), and a mysterious concept that begins with “W” that will make sense when you go through the section,’ he explains.

Mediocre books sometimes become New York Times bestsellers. Discipline will outweigh the importance of motivation. As long as you have discipline—which shows you enjoy the process, focus on the present moment, and practise self-validation—you will always be on the winning team.

~ ERIC FISHER

Trusting the Creative Process

Fisher’s latest book, entitled Listening On Repeat, details his experiences as a seasoned mental health therapist. ‘Primarily my mistakes and learnings along the way, along with some self-help suggestions for particular challenges, such as impostor syndrome,’ he says.

Up until this point, Fisher has written non-fiction books, and the chapter placements were figured out for each of them. ‘The subsections within the chapters may emerge as I write and are not always planned,’ the author states, adding that one of his upcoming books will be outside the realm of non-fiction. ‘So, it will be interesting to see how I develop the plot points, characters, etc.,’ he says. ‘For that book, I am using a previously written, unproduced screenplay as the blueprint, which already has a beginning, midpoint, and ending. I will flesh out the content for the book, and with that, there will not be much planning, and I will see what comes up spontaneously as I get into the flow of the portion I am writing about. I do not think that either viewpoint reigns supreme!’

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Writing on His Own Terms

An avid reader, Fisher appreciates Gabor Maté for his intriguing approaches to mental health and the way he views each person through a case-by-case lens, avoiding pigeonholing people into broad generalisations. ‘I also like how Bessel van der Kolk shows the importance of sharing that the body indeed keeps the score with trauma, and he does a fantastic job illustrating how the body is impacted and continues to be affected by traumatic experiences. His amount of research on the hugely complex topic of trauma is amazing,’ he says, letting on that he is currently reading Gideon’s Spies: The Secret History of the Mossad. ‘The amount of research its writer, Gordon Thomas, has done is exceptional,’ he says.

On being asked whether becoming an author was a conscious decision, Fisher, who tends to write when inspired, with little to no planning, while ensuring that the chosen approach does not betray his intentions, says he finds the question interesting. ‘I would have to say that yes, it was, yet the creative directions zigzagged in multiple ways before I wrote my first official book, whether that was writing and drawing amateur comic books, poems, screenplays, or short stories. I had always had the idea in the back of my mind of authoring a book, and that finally came to fruition a few years ago,’ he tells us.

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Showcasing Experiences as a Therapist

But how does he juggle writing and other responsibilities? ‘Mindfulness plays a key role in balancing writing with other responsibilities, including work, family, and recreational activities,’ Fisher declares. He says that time management, which he believes aligns with mindfulness, also greatly aids in maintaining that balance. ‘I know how much time I have for a certain activity, the space in between appointments, and how much writing I can get done before the next scheduled item. Sometimes setting an alarm on my smartwatch for activities helps me stay within the allotted time.’

Giving us a glimpse of his upcoming third book, Fisher, who is also fond of hiking on local and not-so-local trails, biking in local parks, watching films and TV shows, playing board games, travelling to new destinations, and trying exotic foods, lets on, ‘It is non-fiction, autobiographical, with some self-help elements. A type of memoir.’

He continues, ‘The book showcases my experiences as a therapist and what I have learned along the way. Currently in first-draft mode, it is based on a screenplay I wrote years ago. If I had to make a comparison mashup, I would say the book will be Michael Crichton’s Timeline meets Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ, with action and sci-fi elements.’

Nonetheless, at this time, Fisher does not really plan to become a full-time author. ‘I do not feel that is my pathway at this time, but hey, if that does come to pass, I will not be annoyed or disappointed!’ he says.

‘Discipline Will Outweigh the Importance of Motivation’

As the conversation continues, we ask him whether there is anything he would like to tell budding authors whose works may not do well, and his response comes quickly. ‘Been there. Done that,’ he smiles.

‘I would tell an author that if they judge their merit based on the number of books they sell, they will always come up short. Many amazing books do not receive the recognition or monetary success they rightfully deserve. Mediocre books sometimes become New York Times bestsellers. Discipline will outweigh the importance of motivation. As long as you have discipline—which shows you enjoy the process, focus on the present moment, and practise self-validation—you will always be on the winning team. On a more practical side, be curious about why your book did not perform well. Perhaps marketing is something that you need to learn more about. Above all, market yourself, and the books will follow,’ he shares. But he does not end there. ‘All the best to the aspiring writers out there!’ he exclaims.

Final Thoughts

Last but not least, we venture to ask him whether there is anything at all that he would like to change in this world, and he tells us that he would like to change the lack of kindness. ‘There is not much effort involved in being kind to another person, regardless of whether they agree with my beliefs and opinions. Kindness is a commodity that pays forward in massive dividends. Being kind can brighten someone’s day without me even knowing it,’ he says.

‘Kindness considers my attitude, motivations, and behaviours. I may help someone be a little kinder to themselves by treating them with kindness. There is a lot of hate and violence in the world, and I feel that kindness could significantly improve how we interact on individual, group, and societal levels. Kindness will most likely be one of the many things we leave behind for others to remember us by,’ he shares, ending the interaction on a thoughtful note.

I may help someone be a little kinder to themselves by treating them with kindness. There is a lot of hate and violence in the world, and I feel that kindness could significantly improve how we interact on individual, group, and societal levels. Kindness will most likely be one of the many things we leave behind for others to remember us by.

~ ERIC FISHER

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She Felt Like ‘An Alien Dropped onto This Planet Without a Script’

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A diagnosis of autism and ADHD gave J M Shaw something she had spent a lifetime searching for: clarity

INTERVIEW

J M Shaw has been writing for most of her life. ‘What began as a childhood hobby evolved into a passion that, at times, borders on obsession,’ she says. ‘My collection of early works has filled journals and hard drives, all shaped by my personal observations and imagination,’ she adds. Everything, nonetheless, changed in 2019 when the writer was diagnosed with autism and ADHD. After a lifetime of confusion during which she felt like ‘an alien dropped onto this planet without a script’, she finally had some clarity. ‘It was then that I understood that my intense focus, emotional depth, and ability to live inside fictional worlds were not flaws but gifts of a neurodivergent mind. In many ways, my fantasy series mirrors my own arc: navigating society through the lens of autism, embracing my differences, and discovering where I belong.’

Building Worlds of Magic and Belonging

The resident of southern Alberta, Canada, says that although her novels are filled with fantasy and adventure, at their heart, they explore learning to trust, making difficult choices, accepting who you are, and finding a sense of belonging.

‘The Ascension, for instance, is a dark fantasy adventure centred on Callum Walker, a young man with magical abilities who is thrust into a deadly conflict involving arcane masters and a hidden realm of magic,’ she explains. ‘As enemies close in from every side, Callum must either accept his fate and use his power to save the secret realm, or walk away, saving himself while condemning an entire world to destruction.’

The Convergence continues Callum’s story as he seeks peace but is drawn back into the magical realm, where ‘an ancient evil is stirring’, forcing him to confront betrayal, loss, and impossible dangers. In The Fractured Veil, the barrier between humanity and the magical realm is damaged, leaving Callum determined to set things right, while Forsaken Souls follows Callum and Jax Foster as they travel deeper into the magical realm.

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Writing Without a Rigid Blueprint

Asked whether she is a pantser or a plotter, Shaw says she usually knows where a novel begins and ends, and roughly how to get there. ‘The rest is undecided,’ she reveals. ‘Beyond this loose plan, I usually have an overarching theme woven into my novels, typically in the form of a question. In fact, my Callum Walker series was prompted after asking myself, “What if fairy tales were more than stories, and monsters were flesh and blood?”‘

She adds that every story is built around an emotional core. ‘The overall tone of my fantasy adventure reflects our deeply human desire for acceptance and belonging, as expressed through Callum’s longing for friendship, family connections, and a place to call home. This process allows me the freedom to let my creative juices flow, and at times, the story feels as if it is writing itself while I am just along for the ride.’

ALSO READ | How Maria Jane Found Her Voice Through Fiction

Finding the Courage to Publish

Although she had written for most of her life, Shaw admits she was never brave enough to share her stories. ‘After being diagnosed with autism and ADHD in 2019, I wondered if writing was my special interest. My diagnosis gave me the courage to send my rough manuscript for The Ascension to an editor. To my relief, my editor saw potential in my story and encouraged me to publish.’

A wife and mother of two busy boys, Shaw says balancing family life and writing means making use of quiet moments. ‘Often, that means writing for only a few minutes at a time, but progress is still progress,’ she tells us.

The author is currently writing the fifth novel in the Callum Walker series. ‘The stakes are higher, and Callum is facing decisions that could change everything,’ she states. Alongside it, she is working on a dystopian novel blending elements of Robin Hood, Romeo and Juliet, and The Hunger Games, which she describes as gritty, emotionally charged, and exploring what happens when rebellion clashes with loyalty and love.

ALSO READ | ‘Don’t Write for Other People’

‘You Will Never Know Unless You Dare to Try’

For aspiring authors, Shaw has a simple message. ‘Not every story will succeed, but that does not mean they are worthless. Everything we write allows us to hone our skills and teaches us something about ourselves.’

She regrets only one thing. ‘I kept my work hidden for years… It was not until I finally published my first novel that I discovered my work had merit… As I look back, I regret only one thing: not sharing my work years sooner. It just goes to show that you will never know how far you can go or who you will reach unless you dare to try.’

Asked what she would change about the world, Shaw answers without hesitation: ‘The lack of understanding people often have toward those who think or experience life differently. As someone with autism and ADHD, I have seen firsthand how harmful assumptions can be when people are unwilling to listen or learn. I believe the world would be a much kinder place if more people approached one another with open-mindedness, empathy, and a genuine desire to understand perspectives beyond their own.’

DO READ | ‘There Can Never Be Too Many Stories in the World’

As I look back, I regret only one thing: not sharing my work years sooner. It just goes to show that you will never know how far you can go or who you will reach unless you dare to try.

~ J M Shaw

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After a Lifetime of Facts, He Chose Fiction

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Having spent decades as an academic writer, Trevor W Harrison has returned to fiction and poetry, proving that creativity never retires

INTERVIEW

Trevor W Harrison wrote extensively as a teenager, focusing mainly on short stories and poetry. ‘I used to keep fulsome diaries whenever I travelled in my twenties. I later became a successful academic writer,’ he begins, speaking with Literary Harbinger in an exclusive interaction. ‘Now, in retirement, I have returned to other forms of writing—short stories and poetry once more—bringing with me the experiences that I gained through creative fiction,’ adds the 73-year-old writer, who holds a PhD in Sociology.

With another book due to be released shortly, Harrison now has fifteen books to his name. ‘Since retiring in 2023, I have written a book of memoirs and two poetry books. Next month, a memoir about travelling the Hippie Trail in the 1970s will be published by Athabasca University Press. Its title is Safarnameh: A Traveller’s Journey Along the Hippie Trail,’ he says.

‘I Find Inspiration in Doing Fairly Mundane Things’

As someone who prefers to give his characters room to breathe, Harrison admits that his recent creative works have evolved organically rather than according to a rigid plan. ‘My earliest influences were Hemingway, for his stripped-down writing; Kafka, for his unusual take on modernity; Orwell, for his insistence on truth; and Vonnegut, for his offbeat view of life—a rather mixed bag, to be sure. Most recently, I have been reading Ian McEwan because of the way he makes the commonplace seem uncommon,’ he tells us.

When asked whether he follows a fixed writing schedule, Harrison, who lives in Lethbridge, Canada, says that he does not. ‘I find inspiration while exercising or doing fairly mundane things. Whenever those moments arrive, I either rush to my study or hold on tightly to the ideas until I can write them down. Driving in the car is another opportunity during which my brain floats free and becomes creative,’ he explains.

ALSO READ | ‘There Can Never Be Too Many Stories in the World’

A Life Beyond the Page

Although Harrison eventually became an author, it was never something he consciously planned for in his life’s trajectory. ‘I simply couldn’t imagine doing anything else,’ he says, revealing that writing was less a career choice than an inevitable calling.

When he is not writing, Harrison enjoys travelling extensively and making time to stay physically active by working out at the gym three or four times a week. ‘I listen to music and give guest lectures on various topics, including politics, social issues, and writing. But I also enjoy doing mundane things around the house or outdoors because they provide me with the best opportunities to think,’ he lets us know.

ALSO READ | ‘Don’t Write for Other People’

‘The Point of Life Is Life’

At present, Harrison is working on a collection of fictional short stories, which he describes as a welcome challenge. ‘This is a bit of a stretch for me, but I’m enjoying it, and I think it is going well,’ he says.

When asked what advice he would offer aspiring writers, Harrison emphasises the importance of living fully as well as writing consistently. ‘Keep trying, but perhaps also take a break from writing. Good writing is what comes out of having a full and interesting life. Sitting in a room and thinking, “I must write [something],” is pointless. The point of life is life. Writing is an adjunct to this,’ shares Harrison, who also enjoys meeting fellow authors and appearing on podcasts.

Finally, when asked what he would change if he had the power, Harrison does not hesitate. ‘I would strip away the power that intellectual, financial, and political oligarchs wield to exploit people and suppress their individual creativity,’ he declares, signing off on a powerful note.

DO READ | ‘Writing Beyond Retirement’

Keep trying, but perhaps also take a break from writing. Good writing is what comes out of having a full and interesting life. Sitting in a room and thinking, “I must write [something],” is pointless. The point of life is life. Writing is an adjunct to this.

~ TREVOR W HARRISON

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How to Write a Villanelle?

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ALL ABOUT POETRY

Villanelles, also known as villanesques, have always fascinated us, and we’re pretty sure they always will. But what exactly is a villanelle? What qualifies a poem as a villanelle? And is it easy to write one? In this post, we’ll answer these questions and explore one of poetry’s most intriguing fixed verse forms.

Understanding the Term ‘Villanelle’

The English word villanelle is derived from the Italian villanella, meaning a rustic song or dance. In turn, villanella comes from villano, meaning a peasant. Originally, villanelles were imitations of peasant songs and did not follow any fixed poetic structure. Although the form was first developed by French poets and balladeers, most villanelles written today are in English. A villanelle is one of the best-known examples of fixed-verse poetry, the opposite of free verse.

Nineteen Lines, No Fixed Meter

Now that we know where the word villanelle comes from, let’s look at its defining characteristics. A villanelle is a short poem consisting of 19 lines. While these lines are generally concise, there is no prescribed length for each one. Likewise, there are no rules governing the number of syllables per line.

Although modern villanelles do not require a fixed meter, many nineteenth-century examples were written in trimeter. That said, tetrameter and pentameter have also been used successfully.

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Form and Refrains

As we’ve seen, a villanelle consists of 19 lines arranged into six stanzas. The first five stanzas are tercets (three lines each), while the final stanza is a quatrain (four lines).

The hallmark of a villanelle is its use of repetition. The first line of the opening tercet is repeated as the final line of the second and fourth tercets and as the penultimate line of the concluding quatrain. Likewise, the third line of the opening tercet reappears as the final line of the third and fifth tercets before concluding the poem as the final line of the quatrain. Minor variations are acceptable, but the repeated lines should remain recognisably the same.

In other words, every villanelle contains two refrains. It may sound like a lot of rules—and it is—but these very constraints are what give the form its distinctive musicality and emotional power.

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Rhyme Scheme

Writing a villanelle is no easy feat. In addition to its strict pattern of repeated lines, it follows a tightly controlled rhyme scheme. Only two rhyme sounds are used throughout the poem. Each tercet follows the ABA rhyme scheme, while the concluding quatrain follows ABAA.

The rhyme-and-refrain pattern may be represented as follows:

A¹bA² / abA¹ / abA² / abA¹ / abA² / abA¹A²

Here, A and B represent the rhyme sounds, while A¹ and A² denote the two refrains. Both refrains rhyme with the A sound.

Summary

A villanelle is a carefully structured poem that:

  • does not necessarily follow a fixed meter
  • consists of 19 lines
  • contains two refrains and two rhyme sounds
  • follows the ABA rhyme scheme throughout, ending with ABAA in the quatrain
  • comprises five tercets followed by one quatrain

Must-Read Villanelles

If you’d like to explore the form further, here are a few classic villanelles:

ALSO READ | Ten Idioms Used in Daily Conversations

‘There Can Never Be Too Many Stories in the World’

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From sharing stories with family and friends to becoming a published author, Diann Floyd Boehm reflects on her literary journey and enduring belief in the power of storytelling

INTERVIEW

Author, educator, and speaker Diann Floyd Boehm began writing about twenty years ago while teaching computer classes. ‘At the time, I was not submitting my work for publication; I simply shared my stories with family and friends to gather their thoughts and feedback,’ she says, speaking with Literary Harbinger in an exclusive interaction. What began as a personal creative pursuit gradually developed into a publishing career that has seen her work with both hybrid and traditional publishers and produce books that are aimed at young readers.

From Storyteller to Published Author

Looking back on her publishing journey, Boehm describes the transition from unpublished storyteller to published author as a long one. ‘It is a story that could easily fill a book of its own,’ the writer jokes. ‘To keep it brief, I chose the hybrid publishing route, and through OC Publishing in Canada, I was able to hold my first published book in my hands.’

Boehm says that Anne O’Connell, the owner of OC Publishing, played an important role in that journey. ‘She not only believed in my stories but also guided me through the publishing world with generosity and insight. I truly would not be where I am today without her mentorship,’ she shares. Over time, the writer expanded her publishing experience and developed close professional associations with both OC Publishing and Plum Creek Press.

Boomer’s Latest Adventure

Boehm’s latest book, Boomer Hears the Forest: The Curious Bunny Book II, is scheduled for release on August 4. Introducing the book’s central character, she says, ‘Boomer is an inquisitive little bunny who loves discovering new things.’

‘In this story, he sets out to explore the many sounds of the forest, inviting young readers to experience curiosity and wonder alongside him,’ she adds. The forthcoming title follows the curious bunny as he explores the natural world and encounters the sounds that fill the forest around him.

A Creative Process That Evolves Naturally

Discussing her approach to writing, Boehm, who is based in Texas and whose academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science in Education from George Mason University, a Kindergarten Endorsement from the University of Texas at Austin, and a distance learning certificate from Texas A&M University, describes herself as a pantser. ‘I begin with an idea and allow the story to unfold naturally as I write,’ she explains.

‘Once the first draft is complete, I begin shaping the story until it is finished. You would call this the time I organised the story,’ she tells us. Rather than working from a rigid outline, she allows the narrative to develop before refining and organising it through revision.

Books That Left a Lasting Impression

Asked whether there are authors from whom she draws inspiration, Boehm says she does not follow any one writer. Instead, she is drawn to stories aligned with her current interests.

‘I enjoy both contemporary works and classics. Two that come to mind are The Far Pavilions and Beautiful Joe, each of which left a lasting impression on me,’ she shares. Boehm, who has also studied Spanish, French, and German, continues to read widely across a variety of literary traditions.

A Conscious Decision to Become an Author

Although storytelling has always been part of her life, Boehm says becoming an author was a deliberate decision. ‘There came a point when I made the conscious decision to put my stories into print,’ she says.

‘If you had asked me in high school whether I would become an author, I likely would have laughed. My teachers might have noted my creativity as well as my need to improve my grammar. I like to think they would be proud of the journey I have taken since then,’ she shares.

New Projects on the Horizon

Boehm says she enjoys writing during the quiet hours of the morning with birds cooing and singing in the background. She also notes that she tends to write when inspiration strikes and remains immersed in a project until it is complete. When she is not writing, she pursues a variety of creative and outdoor activities.

‘I enjoy singing, gardening, quilting, and sewing. I also like to travel with my husband, and when we can, we do some white-water rafting,’ she says. ‘I have gone rappelling, spelunking, and I have travelled by dogsled and snowmobile in the Arctic. These experiences free my mind, and before I know it, more stories are bubbling up, ready to come to life.’

Boehm currently has several projects underway, including a book for tween readers. ‘I am also revising two previously published works for future re-release,’ she reveals. ‘Besides Boomer Hears the Forest: The Curious Bunny Book II, I have another book titled Humphrey the Camel, which is scheduled for release later this year,’ she lets on. The projects add to a growing body of work that continues to span different themes and age groups.

Perspective on Writing and the World

Offering advice to aspiring authors, Boehm emphasises the importance of focusing on the stories themselves. ‘Not every author will become a bestseller or achieve financial success, and that is perfectly all right. What truly matters are the stories you have to share. There will always be readers who connect with your words and find meaning in them. Write for fulfilment. Write to give something of yourself to others. When you focus on that purpose, the motivation to continue becomes much stronger.’

She continues, ‘If you have a story within you and dream of becoming an author, I encourage you to pursue it. There can never be too many stories in the world, and there will always be someone who needs to hear yours.’

Asked what she would change in the world if given the opportunity, Boehm points to a single aspiration. ‘I would like to usher in an era of peace; it is disheartening to see how often conflict has shaped human history,’ she says. The desire for a more peaceful world is the change that Boehm identifies when reflecting on broader global concerns. With that thought, the author signs off, bringing to a close a conversation that touched upon her writing journey, creative process, forthcoming books, and advice for aspiring writers.

If you have a story within you and dream of becoming an author, I encourage you to pursue it. There can never be too many stories in the world, and there will always be someone who needs to hear yours.

~ DIANN FLOYD BOEHM

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Seagulls, Ships, and the Sun

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POEM

A seagull he was then,
Soaring up in the clear sky.
His mates frolicking with him,
Looked at two ships nigh.

The Sun was shining when
To those ships he said buh-bye.
He saw them part their ways;
And just let out a sigh.

Passed away minutes ten,
Things went high and dry.
Water was all around though;
Sheer emptiness came by.

Clouds gathered again,
The Sun kept shining high.
Men went missing soon;
No idea how and why.

The ships now without men
Seemed eerie and awry.
The seagull soon heard a wren,
A wren that let out a cry.

A warrior who practised Zen,
Knew a tale hangs thereby.
So he took some coloured pens,
Drew this image after a try.

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