Okay, it’s been awhile since I’ve ranted and raved, but something happened last week that I can’t get out of my head.
A writing colleague of mine read a story to my critique group, (The Northwest Arkansas Writer’s Workshop) titled, Butterfly and Frog. The story is an entry for “The Picture Book” category for the Oklahoma Writers Federation Inc. conference in May. Of course it’s no surprise that this is a children’s story about the unlikely friendship of a butterfly and a frog that live together in a wonderful garden filled with flowers, a pond, and lily pads.
Brenda Black weaved a tale of beauty, the power of friendship, and the simplicity of life in 750 words. As she read, my mind’s eye could see little children wrapped in Sponge Bob Square Pants p.j’s snuggled deep in their beds while mom or dad sat beside them reading and turning the big pages of the book. Each page, painted in brilliant colors of the rainbow, told of the adventures of the unlikely friends. Each page drew the child into the Land of Nod and Make Believe.
I loved it.
Now, here’s the problem. While the members of the group loved the story, they didn’t believe. They couldn’t let themselves go, lose themselves in fantasy. They wanted the story to be logical.
What a shame.
I shook my head in pity and shot my mouth off about their lack of imagination, even called one guy Mr. Spock. I shouldn’t have been so harsh. The world in general has lost the innocence of childhood and the ability to dream. No wonder it’s in the shape that it is.
Does everything have to make sense? Where is trust? Faith? Tinker Bell and Peter Pan?
My new paramormal roamance, The Rook and the Raven is due to be released on February 8 from The Wild Rose Press. Here is what one review said:
If you let go of all ideas that are logical, and let yourself fall into this story, it
is truly beautiful. It’s interesting, funny and HOT. The Characters will make
you laughter, and bring you to tears. Beautiful fantasy story, just let yourself believe!
is truly beautiful. It’s interesting, funny and HOT. The Characters will make
you laughter, and bring you to tears. Beautiful fantasy story, just let yourself believe!
Notice the words, “if you let go of all ideas that are logical” and “just let yourself believe.”
In 2012 I challenge the Spocks of the world to let go. Dare the non-believers to take a leap of faith. I encourage all the Brenda Blacks and R.H.Burketts to keep on writing about butterflies, frogs, rooks, and ravens.
There’s a beautiful land waiting, “first star to the right and straight on till morning.” All you have to do is wish apon a star!"
Aw Ruth you are the cheerleader for us fantasy writers :) It's so hard to convince people to let go of what they think they know sometimes.
ReplyDeleteIs it really logical to believe only in what is logical? Now THAT would be fantasy. Without magic and symbols and faith, life would indeed be a dull journey. Do any of us ever go even one day basing all our actions on logic alone. Based on sixty years of my own life and the observation of others, it is illogical to expect people to behave logically.
ReplyDeleteSo there!
Well put, Ruth--I believe! (Of course, I'm a "tad" of a kid still. :-))
ReplyDeleteExcellently put, Ruth! I can be a Ms. Spock at times, and could certainly stand to "let go" more often! You just keep me straight--or crooked--as needed! :)
ReplyDeleteOh, so true, Ruth. I wish there was a way for childlike innocence and wonder could prevail, but alas, there's too much logic in the world for that to happen.
ReplyDeleteMadison, so glad you write fantasy and understand there is so much more to this world than what is logical and what we see our physcial eyes.
ReplyDeletePam,
ReplyDeleteYou tell em' girl!
Palooski65,
ReplyDeleteI could tell my the twinkle in your eyes that you are a believer and a kid at heart. You will never grow old and will always see the magic!
Jan,
ReplyDeleteI will always have your back and hand-in-hand we will run toward the flames of magic and make believe.
Luna,
ReplyDeleteDon't worry Luna, stick with me and the magic will happen.
I thought it was a cute story. Children are smart enough to know a butterfly and a frog could be good friends.
ReplyDeleteIn the world of fantasy, anything can happen and does.
Jack,
DeleteI knew you were a believer!
Hey, Ruth. I wish upon a star every now and then. And I know you do. Keep writing. Will probably miss you this coming week-end. Have fun at OWL.
ReplyDeleteLetting go has never been a problem for me. You should have read some of the stuff I wrote in high school. Sure wish I had saved some of that nonsense.
ReplyDeleteSometimes it's nice in induldge in a fantasy world. We all need an escape from reality from time to time.
Russell,
DeleteNonsense? Find a a better word. Fantasy and make believe are alot of things but nonsense isn't one of them.
The world of imagination connects us the highter relems where everything is possible. Plus, it keeps us sane.
Thanks for the comment.
Ruth, Thanks for directing me here; sorry I didn't see it sooner. And thanks for defending my story. I was quite shocked at the indignation of some of our fellow critiquers. To me Frog and Butterfly is just a happy little story about getting through life, with a little help from your friends. Thank you for being my friend! Nothing wrong with a little fantasy now and then. Brenda Black
ReplyDeleteKeep on writing those little stories that carry huge messages, Brenda. I will keep on defending them.
ReplyDelete