CARMEN GOLDTHWAITE – AUTHOR, TEACHER, STORYTELLER. And yes, 7th generation Texan, descendant of TCU (formerly AddRan College) founders. Now book author, writing teacher, short story writer, magazine and newspaper journalist (formerly). And here, on the grounds of the original campus at Thorp Spring. Fun to tap into those family roots.
Dear Reader,
Yes, I know that’s a bit strange of a web site greeting but it’s how I’d like to address you – a conversation – to let you know what I’m about here as “Author – Teacher – Storyteller.” As such, this page of my site will vary from “stuff” (a favorite word of mine) about any or all of these roles.
And because my experience and my belief about writing is that “IT”S FUN! I’ve brought in some characters to:
- lighten the learning with a grin perhaps AND
- point toward segments of teaching materials I believe are most important.
You met them on the Home Page: THE TRIPLETS.
So. Yes. We sometimes write directly about how we’ve lived and the people who comprise our life experiences. BUT ALSO, we write about what curiosity brings through its unveiling or discovery
Premise Polly, the Beginning, welcomes you aboard “the good ship Story” by showing ways to get started with your story, its organization, premise/theme, main character and plot.
And then there’s the all important “discovery” of something new. That brings forth the music of the story, the “I’m not quitting until I get this story nailed” attitude. Discovery, curiosity. Prime fuels for writing followed closely by keen observations, seeking the fine details that define a person or place or situation. Another “keeper” of a writerly asset is listening. How do the people of your story (fact or fiction) speak? The language? Vocabulary? Voice inflections? (Yes, words and sentence structures go into that.)
Plotting Penny – the Middle. I call her my “scruffy sailor.” Your story takes shape with her in this big middle, getting across points about plot such as suspense and surprise and necessary “other” characters, actions and more.
So. Yes. We sometimes write directly about how we’ve lived and the people who comprise our life experiences. BUT ALSO, we write about what curiosity brings through its unveiling or discovery. When that occurs, writers often laugh, maybe weep with joy, joy at weaving together our 26 letters into something special: OUR STORY.
Publishing Paula, The End, suggests ways to tie up this story – its plot and characters and setting for a “satisfactory” ending. She also may harp on “good writing” so that your story comes forth with rhythm, not clunks.
So, on this “It’s Personal” page, I’ll introduce you to my thoughts, feelings, background, family and pooch and other activities in case there’s a budding writer out there or maybe an ‘ol pro’ needing some juice. Sometimes others’ writings can jiggle loose the rust. And sometimes, like now, I can’t resist dropping in a writerly tip or two.