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This above all; to thine own self be true. 
William Shakespeare

WRITE IMPERFECTLY ~8th APRL 2016

10/4/2016

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Image © Copyright John and Margaret ~ All rights reserved
WRITING PRACTICE 

   The object of this piece of work is to write for fifteen minutes on the sad procrastination that leads to a sort of writer's block that demands perfection. This leads to the reaction where nothing seems to be accomplished as perfection is sought. This is not something I generally struggle with in any way, shape or form. I thought however, I would try the time limited exercise for fun with a keen interest in what comes out of my subconscious during the fifteen minutes at the keyboard.

   My personal form of procrastination seems to revolve around selecting which sort of area I intend to work with at any particular time. I am a great fan of answering flash fiction prompts and I will usually get to work on a prompt or something I have downloaded from the net. I am also in the throes of writing a book and I feel this is one area I do like to get exactly right, or almost perfect. I don’t think I am a perfectionist as far as this is concerned though, all the written advice seems to suggest that the best way to get perfection here is to engage a proofreader.
   I seem to be able to get my best writing done at a particular time of day however, sadly I think this points to my being a slave to ritual rather than signs of perfectionism. I doubt if I shall publish this in the comments section as it is too common-sensical.
​

 Copyright © Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved
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FOCUS  ~ 7th March 2016

9/3/2016

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THE WRITE PRACTICE

THE PROMPT
Practice focus by writing about a football player before a big game. How does he prepare his mind? Does he visualise the game in his mind? Does he think about what it felt like the first time he played the sport?


FOCUS
by John Yeo 

     The day has finally arrived. Training has been hard, videos, tactical moves on display on the blackboard, special exercises, every conceivable eventuality the coach could dream up, has been explored. Spies and scouts have infiltrated the opposition’s training ground and reported back to the boss. Yesterday we spent six hours rehearsing moves passing the ball to one another, working flash tackles, finishes, exploring defensive positions. Then another two hours studying the recorded major matches that the opposition have been involved in this season.   We have tried to get inside their coach's mind to interpret the thinking that has gone into the moves he has drummed into his team. Then, more field practice, moves and countermeasures to block their favourite modes of attack. We have even been studying the way to counter a professional foul, this is increasingly a blight on the game lately and we have to study how to spot the signs of a lead up to a foul. Next we study avoidance with methods of hidden retaliation, a natural response if you have just avoided getting put out of the game.
    The big match is two days away and the boss has given everyone a night off, to get away from the consistent living, dreaming, eating, the game, and the total absorption of the hard intense training. We have been shut away in a hotel for almost two weeks solid now. The players are heading into town to clear the cobwebs away, we have been instructed to steer clear of too much wine, women and song. I intend to treat myself to a night at the theatre. There is a performance of Shakespeare’s, “Hamlet” at the local theatre, put on by the local repertory company. I am a great fan of this play and it will take my mind off the match. My mates all disdained accompanying me, in favour of a local nightclub that reputedly serves soft drink. I hear the coach is delighted with this plan.
    Surprisingly almost everyone turned up for training on time the next day. Two of the lads were a bit late, but no harm done, the boss has given them a telling-off, to remember. Everyone is keen and as sharp as glass. Kevin, our star striker was developing moves out of thin air. There were two very pretty female spectators on the sidelines cheering him on. Who they were,  is anybody's guess.
    The match is scheduled to begin in one hour. There is a huge crowd in the stands and I am blanking everything out and furiously meditating on the Prince’s soliloquy in Hamlet. “To be or not to be?.” Becomes what will be my rise in pay when I raise that cup above my head.
   My mind is ablaze with the thoughts of the glory of the victory. “To Be, or To Be.” Forget the Not. We are going to win!

Copyright © ~ Written by John Yeo ~All rights reserved 
​
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ONE THING AFTER ANOTHER ~ 5 MARCH 2016

7/3/2016

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Image © Copyright John and Margaret
THE WRITE PRACTICE

Problems Are Your Job

This is your discipline as a writer. Be a collector of stones. Learn how to aim them well.

When you’re feeling like you want to rescue your character, to keep him or her comfortable, instead, do the opposite. Make whatever discomfort your character had feel like a blessing compared to the pain he or she is about to experience.

Now, go get throwing.


Write a scene in which a character has stones thrown at him or her, figurative or otherwise. Write for fifteen minutes. 

Happy writing stone throwing.


ONE THING AFTER ANOTHER
by John Yeo

    Saturday night again and the emergency department is filling up with a steady procession of drunks and drug addicts, some brought in by the police already under arrest.
    I was late for work tonight and I walked straight into the Sister, I will be in a great deal of trouble on Monday, I am already in for a formal written warning.
    I forgot to take another patient’s temperature, this didn’t inspire confidence in my abilities.
    Now this lady is threatening to put in a formal written complaint against me because she says I deliberately kept her waiting.
     I had another problem earlier tonight, when a lady obviously at the end of her tether, brought her daughter in with a bloody nose, she said the little girl had fallen over. I had to call in Social services when I discovered that the little girl was deaf and dumb, and was unable to communicate with anybody.
    I was so tired and nearly at the end of my shift when a man assaulted me by touching me inappropriately, he grabbed my bust. Security called in the police and he will have to go to court now. I’m scared about that as I don’t want any comebacks from nutters. The Sister in charge says I must make a formal complaint as he will be doing it again to another innocent person. I have to attend the local police station to do that tomorrow.


Copyright © Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved

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THE INVITATION ~ 5 mARCH 2016

7/3/2016

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Image © Copyright John and Margaret
THE WRITE PRACTICE

The Prompt ~ Write about a time you felt uncomfortable or awkward. Try not to focus on your feelings but project your feelings on the things around you.

Thirty minutes.

THE INVITATION
by John Yeo

    The invitation was exquisitely worded. The pleasure of your company is requested at Blake’s nightclub and restaurant to celebrate the Black Anniversary of our select club. The evening will include a three course dinner and dancing to a live band.

    “Blake’s!”  I exclaimed to my wife, “Where’s that? I can’t say I have ever heard of a place called Blake’s. Have you darling?  It doesn’t spring to mind, but we must have patronised the place at some time in the last few years or they wouldn't have our details.”

    “It sounds like a very posh night out, I think we will have to go!”
  Said Elaine excitedly.


     “Now hold on a minute Elaine. I think I will have to check this out on the Internet, I will see what Google comes up with.”

     “OK Andrew, I will have to get a new outfit for this night out, I am sure it will be fine.”

   Elaine was excited and she went to telephone her friend Jill, to see if she knew anything about Blake’s club.
  Andrew came rushing into the living-room during the call.   
     "Darling this is a exclusive establishment in the West End of London, frequented by many celebrities and rock stars from the 50’s. Sounds like a fun night out.”


     “Wow!” Said Elaine.

    “This Club has a very interesting past. It used to be frequented by gangsters, gamblers and high society. Rumour has it there was a murder there almost exactly 50 years ago.”      Andrew went on, “I can’t imagine why we have been invited, there is no dress code and the invite simply says Black tie.”

    “Sounds exciting, I will have to get a special outfit and a new hat, I will wear a black scarf to match your black tie.” Said Elaine.

     “I’m not sure I like the idea of us not remembering anything about this place, and not knowing why we have been invited Elaine, but I am sure you want to go, so we will go.”

     The date of the Anniversary finally arrived, and for three hours Elaine was preparing herself for the evening ahead. A beautiful transformation was the result. Andrew wore a white DJ with a black bow tie. A long black limousine arrived to pick the couple up. The driver was an elderly man wearing a chauffeurs cap. He smiled as he held the door open for Elaine and Andrew and they simply climbed right in. The luxurious interior contained a minibar and a television set with a built- in control pad in the armrest. There was a sudden click as the doors were centrally locked behind them once they were inside. There was a telephone connected to the driver and Andrew picked it up to ask why they were locked in. There was no response from the driver, Andrew became more agitated and banged on the middle interior window, but the driver just continued to look solemnly ahead.

Copyright © Written by John Yeo ~ All rights reserved.

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