The Snowflake Chronicles

Letter from the Editor July Newsletter (deadline 7/13/15)

Title

Pseudoscience and/or Pseudo-history

Second Title

Another source for unblocking your muse.

Hook

Can unproven scientific ideas or historic events overcome writers block?

About this Newsletter

My theory is
that sometimes you have to get out of the box
to overcome writer's block.

My theory is
that you can garner story ideas
from from odd, unusual, outlandish, and unproven
scientific and historic theories.

Letter from the Editor

In June I moved from a one-bedroom (studio) apartment to a two-bedroom. As a results I was able to rearrange my computer and my television set. Now instead of my T.V. being behind me it is beside me and easier to watch without having eyes in the back of my head or the ability to turn my head at a 180 degree angle. I can now watch the channels and shows that unblock my muse instead of stopping it up.

I am back to watching the three channels I enjoy most because they give me ideas to explore in short stories or poems. Those three channels (in no specific order) are the Discovery Channel, the History Channel, and the Public Broadcasting Station. I was watching a show on the History Channel that presented intriguing pseudo-scientific and pseudo-historic theories about humanity, extraterrestrial intelligences, and the Earth. As I was watching it, I realized that some of the theories they present would make good ideas for stories or novels.

I have been going through a difficult writing spell lately. I can think of ideas, but when I go to put them in a story or poem I can only get halfway through before the mental inkwell goes dry. I have decided to overcome this issue by taking notes nature and other types of shows that I find interesting. At least that way I will have notes to refer to when I stare at the page or the screen with no idea where the piece I am working on is going.

I have not mentioned the name of the show that presents pseudo-scientific and pseudo-historic about extraterrestrial beings helping in humanity's evolution. I suspect most of the readers know what History Channel show I am referring to. Does watching a certain type of television show or documentary help overcome writer's block? Has anyone written fictional a story using what you have seen on television as the starting point or background information of a story?

Editors Picks

Character Study: Thorn, Halston, Fleepo  (E) A scene among three of the characters in 'Maiden Voyage.' #2045330 by Wolf MacFadden

Excerpt: There was a body in the corridor. Thorn gaped at it; Halston did. 'What's that doing here?' Thorn asked Fleepo, who stood guard, waiting for their arrival – well, Thorn's arrival, in any case. Fleepo had called him, not Halston, but Thorn had brought the other man along, thinking he might be able to help with whatever Fleepo was on about.

Character Study: Adjira  (E) A brief look at a character I created for 'Maiden Voyage.' #2045325 by Graham MacFadden

Excerpt: She fled down the ship's corridor, her heart hammering in time to the thump of her bootfalls. She glanced behind her, though his voice was still on the all-ship comm, calling her name: Adjira . . . Adjira . . .

Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. #2044542 by Not Available.

Excerpt: "Fourteen." Della called out, not turning her head around.

Reminisce  (E) The last entry of CAULDRON: THE HIDDEN WAR. It is a diary of Shannon Thompson #2045522 by Abaris

Excerpt: This is the last entry into Shannon's diary as she passed away just days later. It is a summation to all the previous affairs within the scope of what she did understand, which was apparently quite a bit more than what we assumed she knew at the onset of the project. It is concise and most poignant in her deliberate and resigned tone.

Invalid Item  This item number is not valid. #2040643 by Not Available.

Excerpt: The Clan had all gathered around the campfire getting ready to discuss the business at hand. When the shots rang out and members started getting hit. Jondri took one in the shoulder, Jener took one in the lower back. Jondri grabbed Jener and pull his hulking white furry body under the rocks. She then covered up the blood spilling out. She did this for two reasons: His natural camouflage will kick in and protect him. To give his body time to start healing itself.

Fireworks  (13+) A diplomat struggles to convince a lost city to rejoin an empire Writer's Cramp Submission #2047698 by Maestus

Excerpt: No more than a week had passed following the rediscovery of Gubre that a heated debate ensued in the public discourse. The issue concerned whether Zoronak, The Second Galactic Forum, should reintroduce the planet to the rest of the Galaxy. Following the collapse of the First Forum, which spanned 10,000 years of peace and prosperity, thousands of solar states regressed into a pre-Worm phase of technological intelligence -- preventing any degree of interstellar travel or communication. This sudden economic collapse and the fact that most of the states had no militias of their own led to out right anarchy for most, and inter-tribal conflict for the rest resembling prehistoric nation-states and, in some cases, city-states.

Response from "Fantasy Newsletter (June 17, 2015)" 

Quick-Quill writes: While not a true fantasy I love A Conneticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court. Mystery magic, love and fantasy (as well as a little well placed science) its a book that covers all you wrote above. A true Classic in my mind.

NaNoNette writes: I think your idea to write about an every day object as if seen for the first time is a super idea for writers of all ages and skill levels. I might see if I can make a little family activity around it this summer. Thank you for the creative boost.