Insider Ink Splat:
JULY 2021
What’s Up At SYI this Month?
INK SPLAT
BARBARA CARROLL ROBERTS
For July’s Inksplat, we are thrilled to chat with author Barbara Carroll Roberts, author of Nikki on the Line, who has some great advice to remember when we are feeling discouraged: “With every single thing you write, you’re learning something and gaining more skill and confidence. So no writing is ever wasted.”
Here’s a peek:
Barbara shares, “If you want to write about someone who is really, really different from you, then you have to go out and do really good research. You’ve got to read, you’ve got to meet people, you’ve got to ask for help. Be as honest with yourself as you can be, and, if you’re unsure, ask for help.”
WRITING CHALLENGE
dominant impression
This month’s writing challenge is a great one! A craft concept Barbara uses when writing (and especially re-writing) scenes or describing characters’ actions is called “Dominant Impression.” It means working to make sure all your descriptive language, images, actions work together to create a single, strong impression in the reader’s mind. For example, in her novel, here’s how she described the main character’s little brother getting off the school bus: “Sam exploded out the door. He flew up the street, his backpack slamming into his hips, his voice coming out in sharp bursts – ‘Nikki! Nikki! Guess what!’” You’ll probably agree, Sam is a high-energy, excitable kid.
So here’s your challenge: Either take the example of someone going up a street and use descriptive language (especially strong, distinctive verbs) to convey what that person is like (tired, scared, delighted, worried, sneaky, etc.); Or, find a passage of character action in your work and focus on your descriptive language, re-writing it to convey a strong Dominant Impression.
Submit your response HERE and you might be published on our website!
On Lemons – A Creative Food Writing Prompt
How’s that summer passion project coming along? If you’re ready for a dash of inspiration, join us for this sensory feast of a writing prompt. Jane Levi, Stone Soup’s Managing Editor, and Naomi Kinsman explore how the look, feel, and taste, and especially the smell of food, can evoke powerful memories and emotion.
Whether you’re writing a novel, a collection of poetry, or even a cookbook this summer, this activity is sure to offer zesty new perspective.
INKLINGS CONNECT
Fall Creative Writing
Join us for a Writers Circle, 1:1 Mentorship, or Publishing Program this fall. We can't wait to see what you create!
Keep your creativity flowing with our upcoming community events:
“I never force myself to write. I usually start with a setting or a character and build up a plot based on the setting.”
-Ayana Kadkol, Inklings Book 2020
We want to read your work!
Don’t forget to submit your writing challenge, and you might be published on our blog!
P.S. We’re here for you! You can always email with ideas or questions: info@younginklings.org.
