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This week: Delight In the Details Edited by: Shannon  
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Welcome to the Contests & Activities Newsletter. I am Shannon and today I'd like to talk about the meat and potatoes--the details that make one writer's work stand above another's. |
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Delight In the Details
But it was her eyes, wide apart, darkly translucent, like ale held to the light... (19).
It is writing like this that makes Truman Capote my favorite author. In Cold Blood is the most highlighted book on my bookshelf. It is groundbreaking, tragic and beautiful--and each time I read it I find something new to love. This is the affect we want to have on our readers!
Below are just a few of my favorites from the first 100 pages of the novel.
"Because he hates me," said Perry, whose voice was both gentle and prim--a voice that, though soft, manufactured each word exactly, ejected it like a smoke ring issuing from a parson's mouth (23).
He was a "joiner," a "born leader"; she was not and stopped attempting to be. And so, along paths bordered by tender regard, by total fidelity, they began to go their semi-separate ways--his a public route, a march of satisfying conquests, and hers a private one that eventually wound through hospital corridors (27).
Signs, their messages ignited by the car's headlights, flared up, flew by (53).
Nancy's bedroom was the smallest, most personal room in the house--girlish, and as frothy as a ballerina's tutu (55).
She is a gaunt, trouser-wearing, woolen-shirted, cowboy-booted, ginger-colored, ginger-tempered woman of unrevealed age ("That's for me to know, and you to guess") but promptly revealed opinions, most of which are announced in a voice of rooster-crow altitude and penetration (67).
Bobby began to cry. Larry lingered at the edge of the Teacherage yard, hunched against a tree. He couldn't remember ever seeing Bobby cry, and he didn't want to, so he lowered his eyes (73).
Except for taking off his boots, he had not troubled to undress. He had merely fallen face down across the bed, as though sleep were a weapon that had struck him from behind (73).
But Dick took it, even smiled--and his smile was a skillful proposition. Here, it said, wearing a kid grin, was a very personable character, clean-cut, affable, a fellow any man might trust to shave him (91).
His confidence was like a kite that needed reeling in. Nevertheless, Perry observed with some misgiving the symptoms of fury rearranging Dick's expression: jaw, lips, the whole face slackened; saliva bubbles appeared at the corners of his mouth (91).
The four coffins, which quite filled the small, flower-crowded parlor, were to be sealed at the funeral services--very understandably, for despite the care taken with the appearance of the victims, the effect achieved was disquieting. Nancy wore her dress of cherry-red velvet, her brother a bright plaid shirt; the parents were more sedately attired, Mr. Clutter in a navy-blue flannel, his wife in navy-blue crepe; and--and it was this, especially, that lent the scene an awful aura--the head of each was completely encased in cotton, a swollen cocoon twice the size of an ordinary blown-up balloon, and the cotton, because it had been sprayed with a glossy substance, twinkled like Christmas-tree snow (95).
What is it about these sentences, these paragraphs, that literally makes me gasp? Capote was a master; you will never read anyone quite like him. His writing makes me shake my head in awe and sigh in admiration. By reading the brief sentence about Nancy's bedroom we learn so much more about her than just what her room looks like; the woman in the next quote is so real to us we can actually see and hear her. And have you ever read a better description of what it's like to fall, face-first and exhausted, onto your bed? (Readers from across the nation and around the world stand and erupt into thunderous applause).
Capote's writing instantly brings vivid images to mind--a literary peep show played out in our mind's eye, entire scenes, days and weeks gone by that are as real to us as our own reflection--a veritable rollercoaster of textures and colors, scents and sounds.
If you want a lesson on how to write descriptively, read Capote. More specifically, read In Cold Blood with a highlighter nearby. You'll want to refer to your favorites often--whenever you need a refresher course.
Works Cited
Capote, Truman. In Cold Blood. New York: Random House, 1965. |
There are many contests and activities to choose from here on WDC. I've tried to include a wide variety here, so hopefully you'll find something to light a fire under your muse.
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And be sure to check out the comprehensive Contests and Activities listings. Each of the 125 items listed includes a short synopsis, providing you all the information you'll need to choose the contest or activity that's right for you.
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Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
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Feedback
The feedback below is in response to "Contests & Activities Newsletter (March 18, 2009)"
Milhaud - Tab B  says, "I loved this newsletter. Actually bringing a notebook with you helps you to focus on what's going on on the outside. Introverts end up having more fun because they don't focus on themselves." Exactly! I am actually very shy and get quite uncomfortable in social situations, so the notebook allows me to focus on others.
Rick H  says, "Thank you for Mardi-Gras Story! I had to work Fat Tuesday night but I got to go downtown to the Cactus Pengilly's, Hannah's and the Grove thanks to you. I 'pprecate it neighbor. Boise can be pretty special. Thanks." Hey, Thaylon!  How exciting to know a fellow Boisean read my NL! Maybe next time we can both enjoy the festivities. Thanks for the feedback!
Mara ♣ McBain  says, "Awesome newsletter, Shannon! I love to people watch, be it the grocery store, work, or stopped in traffic. Another thing I enjoy is watching for little quirks or signature moves of actors. Is there a certain smile that doesn't reach his eyes? Does your favorite actor smoke a cigar in multiple roles or 'spear his thick fingers through his graying hair' when he is frustrated? LOL Just the little things that help me humanize my characters. Thanks again for an inspiring topic!" Aw, thank you so much, Mara. I really do appreciate the support and encouragement.
Karen says, "How about some poetry contests in your list? We poets don't want to be left out! Love your New Orleans story!" You got it! This week I have devoted the entire NL to poetry contests. I hope you like it. 
Rixfarmgirl  says, "I enjoyed your newsletter and hope more people will step out of their comfort zones and discover more life." Thank you much, Rix! So glad you enjoyed it. |
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Contests & Activities: April 15, 2009 Issue [#2973]
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