So this weekends F1 took a new turn whilst last weekends explosive situation simmered quietly in the background. But once the race was under way the tension was forgotten, with new strategies in play (much like taking your reader along a new path) the game moved forward.
Vettel started back in 8th place and battled the odds to regain his lost and usual pole position. I have to admire his tenacity.
Sadly for Webber, the gods had it in for him this weekend, and one mechanical failure after another struck his car until finally one wheel actually fell off his racing car while travelling at about 80 miles an hour. Thank goodness his car wasn't travelling at his usual high racing speeds; the potential catastrophe that could have ensued once that wheel span off, would have made the headline evening news.
This nightmare situation got me wondering. The limelight has stiffed away from the two heroes yet I’m certain that the simmering discontent and tensions remain unresolved and haven’t finished unfolding.
And the final run up to the finish and the checkered flag was gripping...shouting at the telly became almost an obligatory requirement depending on who you support, because as a viewer and a supporter, much like any reader, you have your hero to support.
2013 promises some very interesting results this F1 season.
On a personal note I’m so pleased that Lewis Hamilton finished in third place ahead of and held off Vettel and glad that Jensen Button didn't put in too shabby a performance ether by finishing in 5th and Paul Di Resta hung on to 8th.
A good weekend for our British F1 racing drivers who now all drive for different teams, which is probably a good idea in light of Red Bulls’ current media circus!
This weekends F1 performance felt like that great book where the chapter that follows straight on from the cliff hanger introduces new heroes and ignores the crisis, leaving the reader wanting so much more…
Goodwood
Monday, 15 April 2013
Friday, 12 April 2013
F1 & Character development
F1 is one of my passions. And writing is another.
So how could recent events in this year’s early F1 season possibly have anything in common with my writing?
Last weekend a battle royal developed during the Malaysian Grand Prix that was fascinating to watch as events evolved but how could any of these actions between Webber and Vettel be relevant to writing?
Well for me – it’s more fun to write about flawed characters.
Without personal issues to deal with throughout the development of a short story or a chapter in your novel the reader would find lead characters without defects less appealing to read about. Their flaws show how humans err.
The more failings and tension the character displays adds to a scene... the better the chance an author has to hook in a reader.
Last weekend Vettel ignored a clear team order to stay behind his fellow team mate, Webber. (The F1 rules allow for this instruction to be issued and none of us spectators now why that specific instruction was issued.)
Webber exasperated by his fellow team mate over taking him simmered with a dark brooding contempt for Vettel that any heroine would find irresistible. And yet he contained his anger in public.
Whilst Vettel seemed unrepentant and turned to camera, then apologised as a six year old might- when sent by an embarrassed parent to confess and own up to being in the wrong. It was to say the least, an insult to Webber, as Vettel was disingenuous and insincere. At worst he lied and appeared arrogant.
Both scenarios made for fascinating viewing in this case and would translate well to the page and make interesting reading. We the spectators will watch this coming season with added interest as our heroes fight for what they believe to be right.
A desire to win, at ant price to be the Champion!
In my humble opinion Vettel should be suspended for one race to encourage him to obey instructions and play fair. But it seems that Red Bull team principal, Christian Horner, appears to be impotent, by not reprimanding Vettel.
Again another fascinating asset, for any character/writer as this situation reveals the tension within the team. Why would a race leader choose to disregard such a public and flagrant abuse of his authority? I do not have the answers to this question and yet ruthless behaviour is often what we need for a character to succeed.
I for one shall watch this seasons F1 with added interest as the frisson between Webber (a personal favourite, what’s not to like?) and Vettel is bound to prove very entertaining.
Now if only I could write a character like this for my novel...
So how could recent events in this year’s early F1 season possibly have anything in common with my writing?
Last weekend a battle royal developed during the Malaysian Grand Prix that was fascinating to watch as events evolved but how could any of these actions between Webber and Vettel be relevant to writing?
Well for me – it’s more fun to write about flawed characters.
Without personal issues to deal with throughout the development of a short story or a chapter in your novel the reader would find lead characters without defects less appealing to read about. Their flaws show how humans err.
The more failings and tension the character displays adds to a scene... the better the chance an author has to hook in a reader.
Last weekend Vettel ignored a clear team order to stay behind his fellow team mate, Webber. (The F1 rules allow for this instruction to be issued and none of us spectators now why that specific instruction was issued.)
Webber exasperated by his fellow team mate over taking him simmered with a dark brooding contempt for Vettel that any heroine would find irresistible. And yet he contained his anger in public.
Whilst Vettel seemed unrepentant and turned to camera, then apologised as a six year old might- when sent by an embarrassed parent to confess and own up to being in the wrong. It was to say the least, an insult to Webber, as Vettel was disingenuous and insincere. At worst he lied and appeared arrogant.
Both scenarios made for fascinating viewing in this case and would translate well to the page and make interesting reading. We the spectators will watch this coming season with added interest as our heroes fight for what they believe to be right.
A desire to win, at ant price to be the Champion!
In my humble opinion Vettel should be suspended for one race to encourage him to obey instructions and play fair. But it seems that Red Bull team principal, Christian Horner, appears to be impotent, by not reprimanding Vettel.
Again another fascinating asset, for any character/writer as this situation reveals the tension within the team. Why would a race leader choose to disregard such a public and flagrant abuse of his authority? I do not have the answers to this question and yet ruthless behaviour is often what we need for a character to succeed.
I for one shall watch this seasons F1 with added interest as the frisson between Webber (a personal favourite, what’s not to like?) and Vettel is bound to prove very entertaining.
Now if only I could write a character like this for my novel...
Wednesday, 3 April 2013
In this virtual world...
Yesterday’s sad news that one of my on-line friends had died got me thinking: How do you tell on-line friends, acquaintances that someone they may have known/knew virtually, has passed away?
Is there an online guide to etiquette?
Do I just jump in and tell other people?
And what happens to that on-line presence where we all work so hard to sell our stories and ourselves to potential readers through our blogs and web sites.
I wondered if anyone had experienced… been left hanging on, waiting for a response that quite naturally can’t continue if someone has passed on.
I’d heard about 'Living Wills' with regard to personal health issues but I had not given any thought to who would control my web page after I've gone... or doesn't it matter?
Will someone be expected/have to pay my on-line web page fees to my host domain site?
Did I leave a hint to the passwords that I've fiercely protected (to keep you site safe) because we are encouraged to do this?
So could someone access my site to leave vital information or update my followers?
In many respects perhaps the answer maybe to consider putting in place a ‘Living Will,’ to deal with the here and the now of how I would like people to find out in the virtual world, rather than leave them wondering what happened to me once I've gone. Or there again perhaps just having that conversation with a loved one, might be the answer.
It’s certainly got me thinking…
If any Twitter guru’s have these answers then please, and if you can/feel you can share…
Is there an online guide to etiquette?
Do I just jump in and tell other people?
And what happens to that on-line presence where we all work so hard to sell our stories and ourselves to potential readers through our blogs and web sites.
I wondered if anyone had experienced… been left hanging on, waiting for a response that quite naturally can’t continue if someone has passed on.
I’d heard about 'Living Wills' with regard to personal health issues but I had not given any thought to who would control my web page after I've gone... or doesn't it matter?
Will someone be expected/have to pay my on-line web page fees to my host domain site?
Did I leave a hint to the passwords that I've fiercely protected (to keep you site safe) because we are encouraged to do this?
So could someone access my site to leave vital information or update my followers?
In many respects perhaps the answer maybe to consider putting in place a ‘Living Will,’ to deal with the here and the now of how I would like people to find out in the virtual world, rather than leave them wondering what happened to me once I've gone. Or there again perhaps just having that conversation with a loved one, might be the answer.
It’s certainly got me thinking…
If any Twitter guru’s have these answers then please, and if you can/feel you can share…
Tuesday, 2 April 2013
Life is short...
Today has turned into one of those days that you don’t expect.
Because I’m experiencing a feeling of regret.
That feeling when I knew I should have done something, but I didn't do that something and now it is too late.
I made a friend on Twitter and she and I would meet up for lunch or coffee at Brighton Marina and have a wonderful discussion- it was always a fun date. One that I always looked forward to keeping. Last time we met it was February… so not long ago.
My life got busy- I mean really frantic/hectic type busy. And a nagging voice kept telling me to drop Penelope an email or a text to make our next date. I didn't listen to the nagging voice-over tape in my head.
Another Twitter friend dropped me a DM today to tell me that Penelope died, quite unexpectedly, a little over two weeks ago.
I’m stunned.
No more lunch dates with Penelope discussing our writing progress, as both of us were writing a book.
No more laughs.
Penelope was a lovely lady full of life, laughter and a sense of adventure- I shall miss her company. Rest in peace Penelope, and thank you for all the conversation and kind encouragement you gave me while you were here and we spent time together.
Today’s sad news has served as a timely reminder that I need to keep in touch with more of my friends.
Life is short
Break the rules
Forgive quickly
Kiss slowly
Love truly
Laugh uncontrollably
and
Never regret anything that made you smile
Because I’m experiencing a feeling of regret.
That feeling when I knew I should have done something, but I didn't do that something and now it is too late.
I made a friend on Twitter and she and I would meet up for lunch or coffee at Brighton Marina and have a wonderful discussion- it was always a fun date. One that I always looked forward to keeping. Last time we met it was February… so not long ago.
My life got busy- I mean really frantic/hectic type busy. And a nagging voice kept telling me to drop Penelope an email or a text to make our next date. I didn't listen to the nagging voice-over tape in my head.
Another Twitter friend dropped me a DM today to tell me that Penelope died, quite unexpectedly, a little over two weeks ago.
I’m stunned.
No more lunch dates with Penelope discussing our writing progress, as both of us were writing a book.
No more laughs.
Penelope was a lovely lady full of life, laughter and a sense of adventure- I shall miss her company. Rest in peace Penelope, and thank you for all the conversation and kind encouragement you gave me while you were here and we spent time together.
Today’s sad news has served as a timely reminder that I need to keep in touch with more of my friends.
Life is short
Break the rules
Forgive quickly
Kiss slowly
Love truly
Laugh uncontrollably
and
Never regret anything that made you smile
Friday, 1 March 2013
it may not always be so;and i say by e e cummings
it may not always be so;and i say
that if your lips,which i have loved,should touch
another's,and your dear strong fingers clutch
his heart,as mine in time not fara away;
if on another's face your sweet hair lay
in such a silence as i know,or such
great writhing words as,uttering overmuch,
stand helplessly before the spirit at bay;
if this should be,i say if this should be--
you of my heart,send me a little word;
that i may go unto him,and take his hands,
saying,Accept all happiness from me.
Then shall i turn my face,and hear one bird
sing terribly afar in the lost lands.
by
e.e. cummings
I love the layout of his poems, the way the structure breaks all the rules- Is it e. e. cummings way of protesting? Perhaps he wanted no letter to carry more weight than any other letter.
Apparently he did use capitals, as not all his poems follow this format.
All copyright remains with the author, e e cummings
Thursday, 28 February 2013
Happiness by Max Ehrmann
One of my favourite poems by this poet.
To be without desire is to
be content. But contentment is not
happiness. And in contentment
there is no progress. Happiness is
to desire something, to work
for it, and to obtain at least a part
of it. In the pursuit of
beloved labour the busy days pass
cheerfully employed, and
still nights in peaceful sleep.
For labour born of desire is
not drudgery, but manly play.
Success brings hope, hope
inspires fresh desire, and desire
gives zest to life and joy
to labour. This is true whether your
days be spent in the palaces
of the powerful or in some little
green by-way of the world.
Therefore, while yet you have
the strength, cherish a desire to do
some useful work in your
little corner of the world, and
have the steadfastness to labour.
For this is the way to the
happy life; with health and
endearing ties, it is the way to the
glorious life.
In the run up to World poetry day I thought I would share some of my favourite poems and poets with you- Max Ehrmann was an American writer and poet: Born September 26th 1872 and he died September 9th 1945
His famous prose poem ‘Desiderata’ only became famous in the late ‘60’s after it was adopted by a Pastor as a devotional prayer.
The layout of this poem is exactly as it is published in the book of his poems I've taken this from and naturally all copyright remains with Max Ehrmann.
I particularly love his work because his words seem to transcend time and even though many of his poems were written before and then after World War I, I’m quite sure that not much has changed when it comes to matters of the heart.
To be without desire is to
be content. But contentment is not
happiness. And in contentment
there is no progress. Happiness is
to desire something, to work
for it, and to obtain at least a part
of it. In the pursuit of
beloved labour the busy days pass
cheerfully employed, and
still nights in peaceful sleep.
For labour born of desire is
not drudgery, but manly play.
Success brings hope, hope
inspires fresh desire, and desire
gives zest to life and joy
to labour. This is true whether your
days be spent in the palaces
of the powerful or in some little
green by-way of the world.
Therefore, while yet you have
the strength, cherish a desire to do
some useful work in your
little corner of the world, and
have the steadfastness to labour.
For this is the way to the
happy life; with health and
endearing ties, it is the way to the
glorious life.
In the run up to World poetry day I thought I would share some of my favourite poems and poets with you- Max Ehrmann was an American writer and poet: Born September 26th 1872 and he died September 9th 1945
His famous prose poem ‘Desiderata’ only became famous in the late ‘60’s after it was adopted by a Pastor as a devotional prayer.
The layout of this poem is exactly as it is published in the book of his poems I've taken this from and naturally all copyright remains with Max Ehrmann.
I particularly love his work because his words seem to transcend time and even though many of his poems were written before and then after World War I, I’m quite sure that not much has changed when it comes to matters of the heart.
Wednesday, 27 February 2013
BalletBoyz
A date with masculinity, modern dance and extreme ballet as young male dancers stripped bare exhibited sinuous lines as they danced to an eclectic music score.
Last night the BalletBoyz, performed their electric ballet ‘The Talent 2013’ at G Live in Guildford. A superb performance, an energizing and thrilling dance routine, executed brilliantly. Talent 2013 is most definitely Talented.
Before each performance the choreographer appeared in a short video clip offering the audience a personal insight to their thinking behind the piece on offer.
Liam Scarlett choreographed the first piece ‘Serpent.’ The music written by Max Richter, a melancholic score which drew me in as bodies wrapped in skin tone leggings as subtle lighting displayed torso’s stripped back and laid bare as rib cages stretched to fullest extensions, twisted and turned, revealing physical fitness to levels rarely attained by typical members of the public.
The opening sequence of a single arm raised and extended above the bodies laid on the dance floor created a sinuous line, the hand searching as the background music encouraged the dancers to twist their bodies into beautiful balletic poses.
A troupe of ten young male dancers performed this mesmerizing dance. There was no story to tell, yet no story was required as in a more formal ballet. The lighting of the empty stage showed off the physicality of their bodies to perfection, each taut muscle and twisted sinew highlighted.
The stage at first seemed too small to hold all of this energetic troupe and then suddenly a single dancer held our attention, switching to a duet whilst the remainder of the troupe stood in a tight huddle. A shoulder blade roll here, and a shoulder blade roll there.
Each dancer seemed of a similar height and stature but as the dance developed it became more apparent that each dancer had a different physical presence, shoulder blades separated and moved in a defined manner and that’s where individually each dancer became different from the dancer next to him and as rib cages extended and stretched they showed each dancers definition could define him as distinct and individual.
The musical score and interpretation by both choreographers seduced the audience into silence, so as each performer finished the auditorium was silent, spellbound, and all that we could hear… the laboured breathing of a dancer as he departed the stage.
These dancers trust each other implicitly, each supports the other as a lead dancer which allows a following dancer to use his body as a framework for a complex move, a hand here, a body leans in bears its full weight and then with a seamless twist of a single fluid movement that was graceful and elegant, the dancer with effortless ease slipped into the next position and the scene moved forward.
‘Fallen’ by Russell Maliphant had a pounding beat, hypnotic and pulsating by contrast the second piece from the opening sequence, compulsive viewing performed with superb timing which included complex tumbling routines within the dance offering a synchronicity, flexibility and fluidity which has deservedly earned the BalletBoyz, high praise for their magical performance and they have garnered many awards accolades along the way.
Somehow, during this second piece the dancers managed to slink across the stage, and interpret the music on offer by Armand Amar as the lighting heightened each dancer’s body extensions with dramatic effect on the back wall as a giant shadow version appeared. If you find the male body beautiful then I assure you, you will enjoy this performance immensely.
Michael Nunn and William Trevitt can be proud of this brilliant troupe of exceptional young dancers and if you get a chance to see them on their current tour, I suggest you grab tickets with both hands.
My thanks to Rosalie at G Live for choosing me to be a winning ticket holder, I shall be back for more performances, of this I'm certain.
Last night the BalletBoyz, performed their electric ballet ‘The Talent 2013’ at G Live in Guildford. A superb performance, an energizing and thrilling dance routine, executed brilliantly. Talent 2013 is most definitely Talented.
Before each performance the choreographer appeared in a short video clip offering the audience a personal insight to their thinking behind the piece on offer.
Liam Scarlett choreographed the first piece ‘Serpent.’ The music written by Max Richter, a melancholic score which drew me in as bodies wrapped in skin tone leggings as subtle lighting displayed torso’s stripped back and laid bare as rib cages stretched to fullest extensions, twisted and turned, revealing physical fitness to levels rarely attained by typical members of the public.
The opening sequence of a single arm raised and extended above the bodies laid on the dance floor created a sinuous line, the hand searching as the background music encouraged the dancers to twist their bodies into beautiful balletic poses.
A troupe of ten young male dancers performed this mesmerizing dance. There was no story to tell, yet no story was required as in a more formal ballet. The lighting of the empty stage showed off the physicality of their bodies to perfection, each taut muscle and twisted sinew highlighted.
The stage at first seemed too small to hold all of this energetic troupe and then suddenly a single dancer held our attention, switching to a duet whilst the remainder of the troupe stood in a tight huddle. A shoulder blade roll here, and a shoulder blade roll there.
Each dancer seemed of a similar height and stature but as the dance developed it became more apparent that each dancer had a different physical presence, shoulder blades separated and moved in a defined manner and that’s where individually each dancer became different from the dancer next to him and as rib cages extended and stretched they showed each dancers definition could define him as distinct and individual.
The musical score and interpretation by both choreographers seduced the audience into silence, so as each performer finished the auditorium was silent, spellbound, and all that we could hear… the laboured breathing of a dancer as he departed the stage.
These dancers trust each other implicitly, each supports the other as a lead dancer which allows a following dancer to use his body as a framework for a complex move, a hand here, a body leans in bears its full weight and then with a seamless twist of a single fluid movement that was graceful and elegant, the dancer with effortless ease slipped into the next position and the scene moved forward.
‘Fallen’ by Russell Maliphant had a pounding beat, hypnotic and pulsating by contrast the second piece from the opening sequence, compulsive viewing performed with superb timing which included complex tumbling routines within the dance offering a synchronicity, flexibility and fluidity which has deservedly earned the BalletBoyz, high praise for their magical performance and they have garnered many awards accolades along the way.
Somehow, during this second piece the dancers managed to slink across the stage, and interpret the music on offer by Armand Amar as the lighting heightened each dancer’s body extensions with dramatic effect on the back wall as a giant shadow version appeared. If you find the male body beautiful then I assure you, you will enjoy this performance immensely.
Michael Nunn and William Trevitt can be proud of this brilliant troupe of exceptional young dancers and if you get a chance to see them on their current tour, I suggest you grab tickets with both hands.
My thanks to Rosalie at G Live for choosing me to be a winning ticket holder, I shall be back for more performances, of this I'm certain.
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