tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post1082393077784358563..comments2024-01-05T09:23:57.540-05:00Comments on Mr. Grudge: Writing Home: Using One's Home Town for SettingMichael J. Kannengieserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02260343556851550757noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-6916405169295770682008-07-08T16:29:00.000-04:002008-07-08T16:29:00.000-04:00Hi J. Sherer,"My brother, who writes Living Infini...Hi J. Sherer,<BR/><BR/><I>"My brother, who writes Living Infinitely is also part of the Society of Midnight Wanderers. It's cool to see you guys putting out good work. I am not part of the society, but would be interested in joining."</I><BR/><BR/>We'd love to have you aboard. There's a link on my front page here called "Click here to send me an e-mail." Drop me a qucik line and I'll confer with my partner and we'll get you going. <BR/><BR/>Yes, characters do have an authenticity in their native surroundings, and portraying such real charcters happens when one writes about a setting he/she is familiar with. Thnaks for your comment, it is appreciated. -Mike.Michael J. Kannengieserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02260343556851550757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-37882017988880422752008-07-02T00:15:00.000-04:002008-07-02T00:15:00.000-04:00Great post, Mr. Grudge. I think you're right on, c...Great post, Mr. Grudge. I think you're right on, characters have integrity and authenticity when they're familiar (I wrote a similar post a couple months ago).<BR/><BR/>I'm glad I stumbled onto your blog! My brother, who writes <I>Living Infinitely</I> is also part of the Society of Midnight Wanderers. It's cool to see you guys putting out good work. I am not part of the society, but would be interested in joining. If you get a chance stop by my blog (http://constructingstories.blogspot.com). Thanks for your post!J Shererhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07445215846016333736noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-64608301255053296302008-03-24T16:47:00.000-04:002008-03-24T16:47:00.000-04:00Hi Anna."Mike you said, 'Take that step, Anna, wri...Hi Anna.<BR/><I>"Mike you said, 'Take that step, Anna, write' - Mike I will, after all it is fun. Thanks again, Anna :)"</I><BR/><BR/>You're very welcome, Anna.Michael J. Kannengieserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02260343556851550757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-58711101873020620222008-03-21T22:23:00.000-04:002008-03-21T22:23:00.000-04:00Mike you said, 'Take that step, Anna, write' - Mik...Mike you said, 'Take that step, Anna, write' - Mike I will, after all it is fun. Thanks again, Anna :)myonlyphotohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07324578791902437827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-15662223520152148112008-03-21T16:41:00.000-04:002008-03-21T16:41:00.000-04:00Hello Tomas,"Your article have taught me how my em...Hello Tomas,<BR/><I>"Your article have taught me how my emotions could become the pictorial to all - the key is the setting."</I><BR/><BR/>Thank you for this helpful point. The closer one is to the setting, in this case one's home town, the more emotion one can attach to their writing. Thank you for a thoughtful contribution here, Tomas, and thank you for reading my article. -MikeMichael J. Kannengieserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02260343556851550757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-77559082982389658002008-03-21T16:35:00.000-04:002008-03-21T16:35:00.000-04:00Hi Jack,"...and I got 142copies into public and co...Hi Jack,<BR/><I>"...and I got 142copies into public and college libraries there."</I><BR/><BR/>That's a great point about the libraries. Congratulations on your success there. I have many friends who are librarians, and they stated that if (by some miracle) I ever do get published, they will lobby for their library directors to purchase my books. At this point, that's like saying I hope to get into Heaven when I die. Thanks Jack. -MikeMichael J. Kannengieserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02260343556851550757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-79604847823630558852008-03-20T09:08:00.000-04:002008-03-20T09:08:00.000-04:00Dear Mr. Grudge. Thank you for the wonderful shari...Dear Mr. Grudge. <BR/>Thank you for the wonderful sharing. While reading your article on how to write, I was reminded of the need to make the captivating activity of the writing the understandable to the readers too. <BR/>Your article have taught me how my emotions could become the pictorial to all - the key is the setting<BR/>Thank you.TOMAShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16226497003658176393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-58159526791979010722008-03-19T03:03:00.000-04:002008-03-19T03:03:00.000-04:00Good marketing payoff, too, for home-setting writi...Good marketing payoff, too, for home-setting writing, Mike. Two years ago, over a 3-month period, my novel, Six Hours Past Thursday, got hot in the Chicago area--the familiar haunts that formed the setting for the book--and I got 142copies into public and college libraries there.Jack Paynehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02838385417692720281noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-39898955579919662282008-03-18T10:46:00.000-04:002008-03-18T10:46:00.000-04:00Hi Anna,"Mike, I am not a writer, I can only click...Hi Anna,<BR/><BR/><I>"Mike, I am not a writer, I can only click the camera, but if I hang out enough here I can pick up some good ideas."</I><BR/><BR/>You are a writer when you refer to yourself as one and practice the craft as if your life depends upon you being successful. But then, writers never truly are satisified with their work, are they? Take that step, Anna, write. -Mike.Michael J. Kannengieserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02260343556851550757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-60437623800448407892008-03-15T20:18:00.000-04:002008-03-15T20:18:00.000-04:00Yes they do have Internet in Russia, lol. Russia m...Yes they do have Internet in Russia, lol. Russia may be interesting setting for your novel. However, I want to come back and comment on your post. It is really informative, and I tell you not only can write novels but to teach how to write them. I picked up some good ideas. Sometimes I find myself thinking about writing something, and it always comes back to the surroundings I grew up with, and may be travelled places. I read once a novel, and I remember author had preface where he stated how much investigation was done to all the places mentioned. Mike, I am not a writer, I can only click the camera, but if I hang out enough here I can pick up some good ideas. Thanks for sharing, and hope you will be back soon to blogsphere, and don't work too hard. Sorry for late comment...Anna :)myonlyphotohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07324578791902437827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-18860901586403739182008-03-13T12:12:00.000-04:002008-03-13T12:12:00.000-04:00Hi Scout,"I have written just one novel and a few ...Hi Scout,<BR/><BR/><I>"I have written just one novel and a few few short stories..."</I><BR/><BR/>Writing <I>one</I> novel and even <I>one</I> short story is a <B>huge accomplishment</B>. Most people do not even read let alone write. I work in a college and you'd be surprised at the faculty, educated people, who send e-mails, memos, and other communications which are illegible. <I>You wrote a novel?</I> Be proud, consider it a worthy accomplishment, and continue to write your stories based on your home town. It will not be like <I>Peyton Place</I> as it comes from you, and your literary voice is unique. Thank you very much for reading my post and for leaving a comment. -Mike.Michael J. Kannengieserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02260343556851550757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-54367968735039107312008-03-12T14:00:00.000-04:002008-03-12T14:00:00.000-04:00Hi Maureen,"That was my question; would you not be...Hi Maureen,<BR/><I>"That was my question; would you not be worried about repercussions if you used actual names of streets, local shops and the like?"</I><BR/><BR/>Yes, I definitely change certain street names and use phony businesses to avod conflict. I wouldn't want curiosity seekers raoming my neighborhood looking for my house. Thanks for te excellent point. -Mike.Michael J. Kannengieserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02260343556851550757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-34481155121343807232008-03-12T11:30:00.000-04:002008-03-12T11:30:00.000-04:00I have written just one novel and a few few short ...I have written just one novel and a few few short stories, and I use my small town and its surroundings as the backdrop in every case. It's full of color and potential, and it's what I know. My fear in developing characters is ending up with something like Payton Place. I guess using reality as a background and being<BR/>imaginative with the rest is the key.Scouthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06209638721810105979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-50509061139997645402008-03-10T18:56:00.000-04:002008-03-10T18:56:00.000-04:00That was my question; would you not be worried abo...That was my question; would you not be worried about repercussions if you used actual names of streets, local shops and the like? I guess it would be dependant upon the type of story. Wouldn't it?<BR/><BR/>But I love the idea of writing what you know; and the way some people actually travel to the locales in which their story lies. That would be wonderful.Maureenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01797167028822330935noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-3390386301624791262008-03-10T16:30:00.000-04:002008-03-10T16:30:00.000-04:00Hi Nancy,You raise and interesting question. In pr...Hi Nancy,<BR/>You raise and interesting question. In practice, I can and do change certain street or business names to avoid revealing too much about myself, or calling attention to anyone living at that address. I use the overall neighborhood, it's scenery, and the landscape. in my latest story, I will detail main roads, but I placed my characters in a fictional store (for a scene invloving a shooting) which in real life does not exist and is actually a vacant lot. The technique I describe here is to use familiar territory to avoide time traps, i.e. <I>"it takes longer than ten minutes to get from the Triborough Bridge to the southern State Parkway,"</I> and to describe details about an area which make it more enticing to a reader because the knowledge a resident has of an area is more intimate. One may be aware of the Empire State Building in Manahattan, but fewer people are aware of the shops and restaurants nearby. use your town, or any are you are familiar with for a story's backdrop because it is an easy venue to place your protaganist and the supporting cast for your story. But, be wise in revealing too many details which can trouble someone actually living at an address, or be an actual business. The idea in this story is an example of my technique, and is only a suggestion. Thanks for stopping by and reading my article. Have a great day.Michael J. Kannengieserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02260343556851550757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-36368173173499815302008-03-10T16:10:00.000-04:002008-03-10T16:10:00.000-04:00Great advice. Can I ask though, would you make up ...Great advice. Can I ask though, would you make up a fictional street name, or would you be accurate right down to that detail? I want to plot out a murder mystery, but I am worried about being too precise about where it happens (in case the owner of the place gets upset!). Have you experienced this before? How would you handle it?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-10210918035523739042008-03-10T10:44:00.000-04:002008-03-10T10:44:00.000-04:00Hi footiam,"Even if you use your hometown as a set...Hi footiam,<BR/><I>"Even if you use your hometown as a setting, sometimes certain things need to be explained if you are targeting a wider audience."</I><BR/>You're abslolutely correct fooitam, but the point of this piece is to use an authorative voice to create a setting for one's story, and the place where you live is familiar. You have to still explain culture, dialect, etc, but then you'd be authoratative on the matter. Thanks, footiam. -Mike.Michael J. Kannengieserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02260343556851550757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-53103613028451146492008-03-10T10:42:00.000-04:002008-03-10T10:42:00.000-04:00Hi Kristyn,"I've never done this because I live in...Hi Kristyn,<BR/><I>"I've never done this because I live in a tiny little town in central Texas, where nothing at all happens, and it happens frequently."</I><BR/>There's a lot to write about in a town where nothing happens. That means you have a clean slate to start with. Hmmmm? <B>Nothing</B> happens? -Mike.Michael J. Kannengieserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02260343556851550757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-80988999124843995422008-03-10T10:40:00.000-04:002008-03-10T10:40:00.000-04:00Hi Bob,I apologize for not getting over to your bl...Hi Bob,<BR/>I apologize for not getting over to your blog...or anyone else's for that matter, for the last two weeks or so. I have been so busy with my real job, as opposed to writing which I the profession I'd love to have, that i have had no time to blog. Plus, I have a few people in my life called "family" I have to pay attention to. Thanks again, Bob. -Mike.Michael J. Kannengieserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02260343556851550757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-91207781049934457112008-03-10T10:38:00.000-04:002008-03-10T10:38:00.000-04:00Hi Swubird,"I did write a piece about the assassin...Hi Swubird,<BR/><I>"I did write a piece about the assassination of Lincoln one time, and that required a lot of research. I wanted the scenes to be real, so I actually traveled to DC and walked the streets where my story took place."</I><BR/><BR/>I'd love to read your piece on Lincoln. It must be faqcinating. As far as reading any book on my work, I'll send you the hundreds of rejection letters first. Then we can talk about reading my aging, yellowing, manuscripts. Thanks, Swubird. -Mike.Michael J. Kannengieserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02260343556851550757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-8089013255713533332008-03-10T10:36:00.000-04:002008-03-10T10:36:00.000-04:00Hi Winter,"The Bar Story is set in a fictional sub...Hi Winter,<BR/><BR/><I>"The Bar Story is set in a fictional suburb of Paris along the Marne River, where all the people are Immortals."</I><BR/><BR/>I need to head over to the bar and check out the immortals. As far as hating your home town...use that angst for a great story! Thanks for the comment Winter. I have been so busy lately, I haven't had time to blog. I appreciate you coming by and reading my articles. have a great week. -Mike.Michael J. Kannengieserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02260343556851550757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-35561741923995052352008-03-10T10:34:00.000-04:002008-03-10T10:34:00.000-04:00Hi Mike,Wecome to "Creative Writing for Novices," ...Hi Mike,<BR/>Wecome to "Creative Writing for Novices," (ENG102A200704). I employed this technique later in my writing life after I had characters travel back in time and after I flung another one into the frothy, belching, cesspool-like bowels of Hell. It would have been easier if I stuck with keeping my protaganist close to home so I could work on strengthening my prose and not research the past or creating a whole world. Some can do this with ease; but, we all have our own styles. Thanks for the comment, Mike1. I appreciate it. -Mike (M2).Michael J. Kannengieserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02260343556851550757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-46545839408450903862008-03-10T10:30:00.000-04:002008-03-10T10:30:00.000-04:00Hi JJ,Thanks for suggesting Steven Pressfield. I t...Hi JJ,<BR/>Thanks for suggesting Steven Pressfield. I that type of story, especially if the author gets it right. For new writers, my technique here can work as it maks it easier for the author to concentrate more on the story and less on research. When an area is bnatural to the writer, the story retains authenticity. Thnaks for the comment and i loo forward to reading more of you fine blog. -Mike.Michael J. Kannengieserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02260343556851550757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-22771564177880819452008-03-10T10:27:00.000-04:002008-03-10T10:27:00.000-04:00Hi Rotus!Thnaks for the tag. I'll get to it by the...Hi Rotus!<BR/>Thnaks for the tag. I'll get to it by the end of the week. It's great to have you stop by. Check back for my response to your meme. Thnaks again. -Mike.Michael J. Kannengieserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02260343556851550757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-37712075429989012252008-03-10T03:49:00.000-04:002008-03-10T03:49:00.000-04:00Even if you use your hometown as a setting, someti...Even if you use your hometown as a setting, sometimes certain things need to be explained if you are targeting a wider audience. I suppose readers from Asia, proficient in English and always fed on a diet of books and TV programmes in English would not have a problem reading a book from America or Britain. I wouldn't be surprised if say, a westerner have a problem understanding a book set in an unknown place in Asia for example, especially when there is a disparity in culture.footiamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02882823642995543374noreply@blogger.com