What’s Up Wednesday
This week’s YA Highway Road Trip Wednesday topic is one I don’t have much to say about (nor is it one I can write a piece of flash fiction for… well, I probably could, but it would be a little odd, and don’t you think you’ve had enough flash fiction from me for a while?!) Anyhooo, all that said, this week I’m participating in Jaime Morrow and Erin Funk‘s bloghop called “What’s Up Wednesday.” As with a lot of clever ideas, the point of this meme is simple: What’s up? What’s going on in your life right now, O Writer/Reader? There are four headings, and here’s my take on those very headings as of right now:
What I’m Reading
I just finished reading A CLOCKWORK ORANGE, which was recommended to my by Emma, Anna, and my brother Ian, in response to my quest for a novel in which the MC utilizes non-English vocabulary. My preference was for a book where the MC is an alien, but this was close enough. While the book was quite brutally violent, the use of language was very creative. The non-English terms could, for the most part, be understood from their context, but more than this, they really contributed to the voice of the narrator. This is exactly the kind of thing I was looking for to help me with my WIP, where the narrator is a teenage alien girl, so thanks guys!
What I’m Writing
This blog post. Har har. Okay, seriously, I’ve been waiting to finish A CLOCKWORK ORANGE before getting back into edits on my WIP, hoping that it will help me nail the voice of my narrator. Since I’ve just finished the book, I’m back into the WIP… and it’s going to be a lot of work to get this into shape. But hopefully worth it.
What Inspires Me Right Now
Clearly, A CLOCKWORK ORANGE is inspiring me now, but that’s because I went to that book for help, and I think I’ve found encouragement there for my MC’s voice. No, she’s not going to be calling her friends “droogs,” but the way Burgess incorporates nadsat so that you can still follow the gist of what’s being said shows me it can be done.
What Else I’ve Been Up To
Finishing the A-to-Z Blogging Challenge (and writing six pieces of flash fiction in the process) was an achievement, I think. I also got around to reading CARRIE by Stephen King, which I had been meaning to do for a while. As you well know, I’m not a horror fan, but King is a master at the writing craft, so I have an odd kind of curiosity about his books. This was his first, so it’s especially interesting to see how good he was to begin with. King’s style is very “down-to-earth” and he doesn’t blush at using coarse language or from throwing in sex (or sexually explicit) scenes, so it’s certainly not for kids. Nevertheless, his writing is compelling, and there’s not nearly as much “horror” violence as you might expect (I think in my Goodreads review I said the violence was more “horrible” than “horror”). Not at all flawless, but better than the movie (I think). Oh, and Doctor Who. I’m enjoying New Series 7 very much. I’ll be posting reviews of this year’s episodes in the near future.
What’s up with you? Join in the bloghop at Jaime’s blog!
Voice can be such a tough thing to nail down. I can only imagine how much more difficult that would be when you’re writing a teen alien! From the sounds of it, you found a good source for inspiration. I’ve never read CLOCKWORK ORANGE. Maybe I’ll check it out sometime. Good luck with your edits! 🙂
Thanks, Jaime! Not just a teen alien, but a female teen alien. I imagine A CLOCKWORK ORANGE is one of those books not everyone will like. The narrator has a very casual attitude about the evil he does, which is quite disturbing. But I was reading it mainly for voice, and I got that in spades.
I tried reading “A Clockwork Orange” in high school (one of those books that I had on my voluntary TBR list because it was a classic), but I barely got beyond the first chapter. I’m not a big fan of the violence depicted, and regardless of how fascinating the language was, I just couldn’t get through it. It sounds like it gave you some good background for your WIP, though. Good luck!
I totally understand, Rae. The violence *is* disturbing, even if Burgess is trying to make a moral point with it. If someone’s looking for a book with a very distinctive voice, and that uses language in a unique way to achieve that voice, I would cautiously recommend it. Otherwise, give it a miss. 🙂
I’ve never read A Clockwork Orange but I’ve seen the film. A tad disturbing so I don’t think I could read the novel. 🙂
I loved Carrie. It is more horrible than horror, not just in the violence but in all the things Carrie has experienced that leads to that infamous prom.
Can’t wait for your Dr Who reviews!
Interestingly, the movie is based on the US edition, which lacked the final chapter of the book (it has been re-instated in later editions). And in that last chapter we find Alex achieving naturally what science failed to achieve. I’ll say no more than that. 🙂
I reviewed CARRIE a little more fully on Goodreads, but suffice to say I don’t know that it’s the best of King’s that I’ve read thus far. However, it was good.
I’m glad at least one person will be reading my Who reviews! I’d write them anyway, but still… 😀
Like you, I’m not a horror fan. The only King I’ve read (other than ON WRITING) is 11/22/63–which I loved. He is an excellent writer and storyteller. It makes me wish that horror were my thing, so I could read more of his work!
I have THE DEAD ZONE on my re-read list, and as I recall, that was more a thriller than a horror novel. Stephen King has made his name in horror, but he really is a genre to himself. Unfortunately, the “horror” label has stuck to him, so unless it’s obvious from the title or the cover blurb you really have to read the book to know where it fits (e.g., ‘SALEM’S LOT is a vampire story–probably horror, ya think? 🙂 ). I plan to read more King, so check my Goodreads reviews. I always give ratings and reasons for the rating–that might help you.
I was just reading that thinking, ooh I like that book, and then I realised I was the ‘Anna’ who recommended it. It takes a while for things to be processed! Did you enjoy it, or were you simply reading it as a research piece? Also, I am looking forward to the promised Doctor Who posts. This new series is heaps better than the last couple of series’.
I didn’t know much about A CLOCKWORK ORANGE when you, Emma, and Ian recommended it, so I read it more for voice/language ideas than anything else. I didn’t enjoy it in the same way I would enjoy a Cadbury’s Fruit & Nut, but I did enjoy it from the perspective that it helped me think about how I might approach my MC’s alien voice. It’s a well-written book, and I like the audacity of it. Burgess wrote the book he wanted to write, exactly the way he wanted to write it. It’s not comfortable reading at all, but I appreciate the way he made it work.
Yay! Another reader for my Who Reviews!! They don’t tend to be the more popular of my posts, but I consider them a labor of love. And I’m always grateful when fellow Whovians read and add their thoughts. So much to discuss!!!
So glad to read that you too refer to other writers for help. I find it just gives me more courage, or gives me more tools, to take leaps and be confident that what I am writing will muck itself out.
Courage and tools–yes, that’s definitely what I got from A CLOCKWORK ORANGE. To see how someone else can make something I’m trying to achieve work is very helpful.
Thanks for the “like” Rebekah! 😀
I once tried reading A CLOCKWORK ORANGE and didn’t get very far. The concept sounded interesting, but I remember the style didn’t appeal to me. That being said, my approach to reading and my tastes have changed in recent years, so maybe sometime I’ll have to give it another try. Glad to hear you found inspiration in it though!
A CLOCKWORK ORANGE isn’t a book I would recommend to everyone. Its style is very unusual, and, as I said, the MC’s worldview and actions are quite disturbing. That said, it did give me voice ideas, and overall its a bold and thought-provoking book.
I’m enjoying Dr Who this season, I really like Clara and I loved the Diana Rigg episode – she was fabulous!
Good Luck with your WIP and nailing that voice!
Last Saturday’s was good. Yes, this season is turning out quite well–appropriately for the 50th anniversary year! And I have high hopes for Neil Gaiman’s Cyberman story this Saturday. 🙂
Thanks, Alexa!
Wow! You have been busy! Good luck with the WIP!
I try to keep occupied, Alison. 🙂 Thank you!
Isn’t it great when you find the perfect inspiration for something you’ve been trying so hard to work through? And then it’s like you can’t be stopped as you just write and write and write! Awesome you had such a great recommendation from your friends and that it was the perfect fit. Best of luck in capturing exactly what you were looking for!
And I’d say your April was pretty dang busy! I didn’t do the A-Z challenge this year, but I did it last year and know exactly how tough it can be! Plus, six pieces of flash fiction? Yikes, that’s crazy busy!
Best of luck with your WiP!
The A-to-Z was a lot of fun, too, Erin. And the flash fiction gave me some good writing practice. Thanks! 🙂
Your project sounds really fascinating. I haven’t read A CLOCKWORK ORANGE in probably 10-12 years and I remember very little, but the idea of looking at how it incorporates non-English is really intriguing–I’d love to hear more!
I really like the distinction of “horrible” vs. “horror” for violence–one has a purpose and one feels more gratuitous.
Thanks, Kelly! Burgess actually used a mix of Russian, German, Cockney, and variations on English for the slang, which is itself an interesting idea. He then has the boldness to throw terms around expecting the reader to gather their meaning from the context–which you can for the most part. These are things that made me think with regard to my WIP, and my MC’s voice. For the first draft, I’ve already incorporated some non-English words, but can I push this further? I need to strike a balance between making my MC relate-able, understandable, and undoubtedly alien. And then the story needs some work–a sub-plot or two… so I’m far from done with it!
Hi, Colin! Did you get a new blog layout?! It looks GREAT. I’ve been taking a long much-needed blogging break, but good to come back and find that everyone’s doing so well! I’ve never read CLOCKWORK ORANGE but have heard much about it – is it as disturbing as everyone says? I am in the exact same boat as you are when it comes to Stephen King. I really don’t enjoy horror, but I’m so curious about why everyone raves about his books. I’ve read a few short stories and one novel, NEEDFUL THINGS (I believe it was called), but I just don’t enjoy the genre.
Hi Julie, and welcome back! 🙂 While I would like to take credit for the layout change, it seems the person who created the theme I use (“SimpleNotes” by Carla Izumi Bamford) decided to update it. I’m not complaining–I think it looks good. It would be nice to have my own blog design at some point. I could probably do the programming side of it, but I’m not very gifted when it comes to design. We’ll see about that. 🙂
Yes, A CLOCKWORK ORANGE is definitely as disturbing as everyone says. The protagonist brutalizes, murders, rapes, steals, and destroys for fun with no feelings of guilt or remorse–I think most people would find that at least a tad unnerving. Indeed, Anthony Burgess said one of the reasons the MC (who is the narrator) uses “nadsat” (the teen gang language) is to blunt some of the harsh edges of the narrative (e.g., speaking of doing “the old in-and-out” on a “ptitsa” sounds a lot less severe than “raping a young girl”–of course, the idea is still as evil).
What started me off with Stephen King was reading ON WRITING and wondering how well he puts into practice what he says. He acknowledges he’s not writing literary fiction, but he would argue that doesn’t make what he writes any less valuable. Certainly, his style is a lot more commercial, but that’s what he’s comfortable with. That said, there are moments in his books where you can tell he is as capable of literary prose as anyone. And as I said to Rebecca above, King really is a genre to himself, even if he writes predominantly “horror.” Some of his books are more thrillers than horror novels. There is far more horror in ANNA DRESSED IN BLOOD by Kendare Blake (YA horror), for example, than there is in THE DEAD ZONE.
I hope things are going well with you and your current writing projects. I’m looking forward to updates on your blog.. 🙂
I loved CARRIE. It’s such an intense story, and Stephen King captured teen-age female angst and interactions so, so well. (I would say “especially for a dude,” but that would make it less than it was, which is nothing short of amazing.)
Good luck getting back into your WIP! Is it the alien girl in Victorian times story? Because that sounds awesome. 🙂
Intense! Yes–that’s a good word to describe CARRIE–much better than “horror.” And you’re right about capturing teenage female angst. I don’t know that I’d say it’s the best thing of King’s I’ve ever read, but it serves his reputation as a good writer well.
Yes, my WIP is the alien girl in Victorian London. And I’m trying to make it as awesome as possible, so I appreciate your words of encouragement. 🙂
Voice! One of the hardest things to do. Glad you found a book that is both helpful and inspiring! I’ve never read (or seen) Clockwork Orange, and I’ve never read any Stephen King, but I’m definitely curious. Interesting to hear what you thought of Carrie.
Oh and as a Who watcher, I’d definitely be interested in your reviews of the episodes. I haven’t watched any since the Christmas special (with the snowmen), but I’ll catch-up soon.
Voice is hard, and I’ve only made it as hard as I can possibly make it for myself. But I like a challenge! 🙂
“The Snowmen” was the last Who Review I did–and I was late with that–so I’ll be starting with “The Bells of St. John” very soon.
Thanks for visiting, AND commenting Krispy–I hope you visit again. 🙂