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On Writing by Stephen King :Book summary you must read
When I read the book on Writing,I was pleasantly surprised.Surprised because a simple thing like reading a lot and writing a lot was the core message.But was it the only tool a writer needs?
On Writing by Stephen King, a book summary :The back story
I write about health ,wellness and my journey as a mompreneur on my blog.
While writing ,the most important thing I try to remember is to make it readable (Yoast helps ).
Even the best information, finds no takers if it’s boring .If it has no story to tell ,it will find few takers.
When I started Blogging all the best bloggers suggested, you need to tell a story .
I really didn’t get it maybe because writing about reflux and depression was difficult for me as a story.On Writing a memoir of the craft ” was just ,the book I needed to read.
King makes grammar lessons interesting.I finished reading this book (the main 327 pages ) in four hours.Don’t forget it’s nonfiction .
The book was described by the Guardian as “part biography part collection of tips for the aspiring writers.”Its one of the books you must read, if you want to write well.
In the authors words:
“To learn about writing,learn from people who write.”
Stephen King is one of the bestselling writer of horror fiction books.
When I thought about learning how to tell a story even in nonfiction ,the best way to learn was from the master of fiction.
I approached the book with a lot of worry.A book on writing ?
What am I thinking?
But the author has you hooked from the forward itself.He talks about his passion for” the art and craft of telling stories on paper”.
To sum up the book :
There are no shortcuts.The only way to write well,fiction or nonfiction is
Now to give you the nitty gritty of the book.
The book is divided into 4 sections:
- CV
- Toolbox
- On Writing
- On Living a postscript
The CV: glimpse behind the molding of the writer
The story of how Stephen King became Stephen King.Reading it, you will realize why hardships are important.
For you to reach your full potential ,your experiences are important. The good, bad and the ugly.
The author had a less than perfect childhood.But what he experienced, gave him the skills and the perfect mindset ,to spin tales out of thin air.
In the CV he says” my attempt to show how one writer was formed”.
He believes writing comes from within.You are born with the necessary “equipment “.
Not necessarily best seller material but certain raw material needs to be there as storyteller.
With learning ,practice these skills can be strengthened and sharpened.
That’s why you need to read.If you read the masters, you learn.When you read books which are not that good,even then you learn.
Books are the best teachers.
As The King puts it aptly,
“If you don’t read other people’s work,don’t expect them to read yours.”
You realize that most of the human weakness and doubts are universal.
That’s the wonderful thing about reading about famous people.
He says that good writing need not just be about heavy important topics.
It can be simultaneously, intoxicating and idea driven.
As a blogger you are a writer .Have you not felt the biggest adrenaline rush when someone praises your way of storytelling.
Just like the Aesop’s fables the best lessons are learned when they are sugar wrapped.
Just because the topic about which you write is serious it need not be boring.
Important lesson
Serious need not be boring
Why I loved this part?
The author is a serious book addict .That makes us book soul _siblings (separated by time,space and reality).
He carries a book everywhere (just like me).King reads while walking on the treadmill!
That coincidence is uncanny(that’s a fan speaking!)
In the last part of the CV he talks of performing a mentalist routine over time and distance.
Reading the CV you will realize why writing,fiction or nonfiction is visual.If you can make your readers picture it in their mind.You have done your part as a writer.
In the Toolbox
The author,talks about the grammar,length of sentence and the most importantly.
“Why you should avoid the passive tense.”
Favourite quote from this part:
” We are talking about tools and carpentry ,about words and styles…but as we move along ,you’d do well to remember that we are also talking about magic”.
That’s example of intoxicating nonfiction.Making you imagine you can weave magic out of words.
On Writing
Before you write don’t forget to read .That’s a deep lesson.”Reading is the creative centre of a writer’s life”.
I think that’s why I love blogs too.You can read so many different types and learn so much.
He advises four to six hours writing every day together with reading a lot.
“READ A LOT ,WRITE A LOT “
That is the great commandment in this section.
He very wisely tells you to write about what you know and mix it up with your experiences of life.That’s a pretty potent formula.
On Living : A Postscript
The last part is about his resurrection after a life altering event.
My favourite quote in this section:
“Writing is magic,as much the water of life as any other creative art.The water is free.So drink”.
If you are writing in any way,i f you want to write…don’t stop.
If there’s one book on writing which you must read , it is this one.I thought I would get a grammar handbook.What I got was a life handbook.
Writing is cleansing.Writing is cathartic.
Writing is happiness.Writing is Immortality.
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Have you read this book?
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Writing Walking and Gardening are closely realted habits for wellness .I discussed the science and story behind it in my new book.
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How is the Health of the Nation: The report is an eye-opener!
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Plastic Pollution ,Population Hard truths #WorldEnvironmentDay
Discussions about plastic, pollution and the population involve some hard truths. The only time someone will listen is on World Environment Day.
I am passionate about nature. Other than my family its Mother nature which brings out the Tigress in me.When I see people litter and pollute I see red. My hubby has the difficult task of restraining me when I want to give random strangers gyaan about waste disposal. For peace of mind, we avoid confrontations. But for how long?
Till we choke on our own plastics?Is this what the beautiful world deserves.
The more populated areas have even more plastic pollution. Urban overcrowding is directly correlated with plastic pollution.This year India is the Global Host for #WorldEnvironmentDay on June 5th. Maybe thats why we are making the right noises, but we need to walk the talk.
Man is a part of nature.When we pollute, destroy and disrespect nature, we are behaving suicidally. How can we survive without oxygen? How can we live without drinking water ? What happens if the air we breathe the water we drink and the food we eat is polluted?
Mankind gets affected by lifestyle diseases. The food loses its healing property.Water cant hydrate and the air chokes. Was the World Thanos describes in Avengers Infinity coming close? Are we reaching the breaking point?
I feel we still have time.The environment is our biggest treasure. It’s precious.
What can we do as a long term goal?
- Avoid buying plastic and using plastic now. That means no plastic cups straws or bottles and anything which has an immediate alternative available.
- Make diapers and sanitary pads with biodegradable and eco-friendly options which are long-term sustainable as a change.
- Recycling, Reusing, Upcycling of plastic waste and others.
- Plant more trees.
- Replantation.
- Save water.
- Vertical forests.
- Community refrigerators to avoid waste.
- Community kitchen gardens for making food and health inclusive with more control over the nutrition aspect.
- Population Control to balance the resources with consumers. Tough times need simple solutions and this one we can all help with.
If it was so dangerous, why did Plastic became popular?
- It was cheap.
- It was sturdy.
- Low maintenance and affordable.
What plastic does to Mother nature
It chokes Mother Nature, inside out, one plastic bag at a time. It also pollutes everything you consume .
Did you know,our plastic waste ends up in our body, through the food grown in the soil polluted with plastic? #Plasticpollution #WorldEnvironmentDay
If you don’t have your own organic farm, growing everything you eat, you have no way of knowing the truth or false of it.
Why is burning plastic bad for the environment?
When plastic containing PVC is burned, harmful quantities of dioxins, are releases. Dioxins are potent toxic agents .harmful for all living organisms even at minute doses. As these substances persist in the environment, their concentration builds up in the food chain. Every member of the human population is globally exposed to this through the food they eat and mothers mils too! If we don’t take strict action this is a large-scale long-term public health risk.
What plastic bags do to the environment?
They poison every living thing and all natural resources. Soil water and when burnt air. It’s a serious man-made problem which can destroy life if not dealt with strictly. Plastic bag you throw away gets into the soil or water and leaches harmful chemicals slowly into the environment. Plastic pollution has the potential to poison animals, which can then adversely affect human food supplies.
- Poisons the crops and fishes
- Gets into your daily diet.
- Affects humans and wildlife and sea life.
- It also causes hormonal changes in humans. Dioxins have an effect on reproduction, development, immune system function, and potential carcinogens.
- The poison you throw away comes back.
[bctt tweet=” It takes one thousand years to fully degrade one plastic bag! #Plasticpollution #WorldEnvironmentDay #Healthwealthbridge” username=”misra_amrita”]
Scary Facts
The Marine Conservancy predicted decomposition rates of plastic products.
- Foam plastic cup takes 50 years.
- A disposable nappy 450 years,
Human population in certain areas also plays a large role in this. By 2050 if we don’t take care, there could be more plastic than fish in the oceans by weight. A 2017 study found that 83% of tap water samples taken around the world contained plastic pollutants.
How can you help prevent Plastic pollution today?
- Carry your own water bottles.
- Don’t buy any more plastic containers, bottles bags,. Stop getting plastic in your homes.
- Carry your own cool foldable shopping bag. Keep the earth clean for our children.
- Let’s make our seas and rivers cleaner No dumping waste in them. Organize community help to clean water bodies and green zones around your homes.
- Plant a tree in your community garden. Start an indoor, balcony garden.
Let’s create wealth from waste. Recycle up-cycle reuse.
Dont’s of recycling
- Don’t use it to store snacks food grains or pet food.
- Don’t plant edible plants in plastic planters. You can use for ornamental plants though. In your kitchen salad garden use burnt brick or earthenware pots. They are the best.
- Drink your roadside tea in an earthen bhar! It’s cool and biodegradable.
- Use plastic bottles as recycled material for craft storage, storing buttons clips rubber bands etc.
- Decorate plastic containers and use as stationary storage
What Government can do(humble suggestions)
Make companies help you make prevention of plastic pollution a special CSR project. You can think of giving them special tax benefits or any other rebate. Involve everyone.
Make cities have a lower tax bracket when they go plastic free.
Encourage schools and colleges to ensure awareness about Plastic pollution.
Invest in research, which helps you find ways of recycling upcycling reusing and destroying plastic.
Make plastic alternatives and promote them.
Avoid cutting down trees.
Use recycled wood. Use wrought iron, other metals, and bamboo furniture.
Think out of the box. Your life depends on it.
Takeaway:
You need to take action, now, today immediately, otherwise there will be no tomorrow.
References:
https://dengarden.com/landscaping/How-to-Build-a-Greenhouse-Made-From-Plastic-Bottles
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic_pollution
Lytle, Claire Le Guern. “Plastic Pollution”. Coastal Care. Retrieved 19 February 2015.
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Thankful Thursdays :5 women who helped
Women have it tough.
Our hormones make us impossible. That’s why we end up having fights with .Yes I squarely blame it on hormones.But all say and done ,aren’t women best friends too. Didn’t your gang of girls make school more fun?How would life be ,without the BFF to tell your secrets?Impossible!
The 5 women in my life I am thankful for is a golden prompt
My mom has always put one thought very firmly in my head.Read books .Books that teach,educate ,help motivate and inspire you to grow.The only way to do it all in one lifetime, is learn from other people’s experience us through reading.
Honestly that’s the single most important thing ,that has helped me in my life so far.Read till my eyeballs shut by themselves.Now I google till google sends me a stop message .
My sister
The ever thoughtful,and patient little sister who always listened to my rants ,my dreams and lent a shoulder for me to cry .Words are not enough to thank her.We may not agree on a lot ,but life would be a lot different without her.
My best friend from school,Rukmini
A ,generous warm-hearted friend who was always there to help me .Her nature had the fragrance of a jasmine.You will remember her even if you don’t see her.One of the few people who could actually make me see reason ,even when I was seeing red. We haven’t met for the last 17 years (She lives in Canada with her family now ).But I remember her kindness and compassion every day.
My friend Poonam from Medical college
We were very different in some,but very similar in what we wanted from life .We did the same thing in two different ways.Swapped notes and found both ways of living life ,finding love and happiness started from inside us.She is a friend who canbe trusted to always tell the truth.Not brutally, but honestly and kindly.To guide me when my reason failed.To stop me from making a bad situation worse (I tend to do that),by pulling me away from fights .Her role in me finding the love of my life is another story.
Last but not the least my elder Sister in law .Yes you can look sceptical .My husband would be shocked too!I have had borderline fights with her.I still tell her things which a more volatile person may take the wrong way.But living in a small town where you need emergency baby sitting ,plant sitting or someone to just chat about where to buy what ,she has been invaluable.
I have learnt one important lesson from almost getting along with my sister-in-law,people are rarely good or bad .They are all shades of grey .
How much darkness you see will depend a lot on who is casting the shadow and where you are standing.
The noon sun makes my shadow as tall as my six footer hubby!
So yes women make wonderful moms,friends and mentors .But we need to be careful who comes close to our light If their shadow puts you in darkness maybe it’s time to shift .
Writing this for the #Thankful Thursdays prompt
Also joining hands with Bushra and Zainab for #ClickAndBlogAstory #Women
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#Thankful Thursdays week 18
Its International Women’s day on 8th March.All this month we will be supporting women, through our posts.
This is the best way we can help our sisters .Hope to see you link up your posts every week with us.Wonderful surprises for all those who link up this month.
Watch out for fun prompts.
Useful tips .
Lets grow together.
Have an idea for something that will help women bloggers?
Comment below to let me know.
Congratulations Geethica :Our Thankful Thursdays winner
Prompt this week
Our #ThankfulThursdays team has #Womanpower
Meet Tina ,Me(Amrita).Deepa,and Mayuri
RULES OF THE LINKY
Just comment on this post and my co-hosts post and any two of the posts in the link up.
I deeply believe in community spirit.Eagerly looking forward to visiting your blogs.
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Write the post and Link Up with Amrita , Tina,Deepa or Mayuri .
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Read, comment, share on host and co-hosts posts and at least two more posts linked in the party .
Pro Tip – Networking and commenting is good for your blog’s health and ranks.
Comment rules: 2 sentence atleast 15 words and should be relevant to the main post.
Use #ThankfulThursdays in your post and share in social media using the same hashtag.
Every week we will have one featured blogger who is the best reflection of this community spirit.
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Open Office Spaces: Benefits Drawbacks
When I saw Quill’s infographic on open office spaces ,I was curious.I remembered my time in the cavernous library at Calcutta Medical College .It was study- hall cum library ,with open cubicles on either side ,as well as a long stretch of polished oak table with benches.
When I used to sit at the common table,I did 3 things:
- Check out who is coming in ,going out.
- Check whether interesting company was around.
- Check whether I was away from people who read aloud.
Anything but study.But the cubicles were different .Though open,if I sat with my back towards the entry I actually did study.Good thing the librarian didn’t allow too much talking.Group studying before semesters and entrance exams all happened there.So I have fond memories of cubicles in the library !Productivity for me needed a little privacy.This study on open offices reinforced my own experiences.
Offices are places that depend on collaboration. Employees share ideas, hurdles, setbacks, and solutions, helping to make their jobs and their brands better. So an open office should fit into that goal with no problems—right?If only things were that simple.Life rarely gives a black and white answer.What appeared like an answer to prayers of equality and friendship was anything but.
Like everything there are pros and cons to open offices. The trend found traction in the 1970s, and it’s grown so popular that nearly three-fourths of American workers go to a job every day that’s in an open office. And they do encourage collaboration and socialization, but they can also be a detriment to productivity. Discover for yourself what’s good and bad about open offices.
What kind of office do you like working in?
Do you think a little privacy is needed?
What about sound pollution and mental health?
Comment below to let me know about your ideal office.I have heard great things about Google!
Benefits & drawbacks of open office spacesInfographic by Quill
