NEW IDEAS
Posted by anthonynorth on October 20, 2009
ABC Wednesday & more prompts below
Try my Paranormal Flash now!
BLOGGER BARD
As my regular readers will know, of late I’ve been working on a new
book. This has meant trawling through 25 years of unpublished
essays. In doing so, I’ve realized there is much more to it than a
single book – I’ve planned a whole series, requiring much editing,
rewrites, publicity and chasing agents.
I’m sorry but this means
more change.
In order to find time for this – and to visit my blogger buddies who I’ve
neglected of late – I’m now having to cut out some prompts I do, and
cut down to one Magazine Post a week for the foreseeable future.
This will appear on a Tuesday. I assure you there will be no more cut
backs. This should give me the time I need. Also, whilst reacquainting
myself with my essays, I’ve decided to begin future posts with a kind
of ‘back to basics’ series of flash essays laying out my ideas in the
raw.
All my ideas begin with
a single philosophy.
I call this Patternology, or P-ology. We live in a specialized world
where knowledge has been split up into many unrelated disciplines.
Whilst this has advantages, I’m certain that much knowledge is
missed by not taking a holistic overview of knowledge. P-ology is a
discipline that looks for patterns in this overview. I see it as a
bedfellow to specialization which can never offer truth, but questions
just where we are. Everything I do stems from this idea.
Eye On the World
Essays on everything from science
to religion, politics to crime
BRIT NEWS: New report says
begin formal education at 6. Please save
education from expert’s indecision. No wonder
education’s a mess.
BRIT NEWS: Brown to talk tough over public sector disquiet?
Labour always goes amid mass strikes. Why not go now? Save the
hassle.
GREEN NEWS: Is UK govt planning tax for nuke power plants? They’ll
come. Climate change beaten by global Nuke Pox? We must say no.
BRIT NEWS: Revenue to investigate 27 MPs over their tax
payments. Is the law finally catching up with
the lawmakers?
BRIT NEWS: Royal Mail hiring 30,000 temporary
staff to defeat striking workers. We can
expect severe disruption this week.
READ WITH MUMMY
The Magazine Post with a gentle hint of horror
One Single Impression
ReadWritePoem – 3 Word Thursday
Friday Flash 55 – 3 Word Wednesday
ELUSIVE
I’ve tried to get there many a time,
But often things just don’t chime,
Many roads I’ve been down, lost,
Who knows what is the cost,
I try to think of it in jest,
But I think my GPS is possessed
FLASH 55 – REALITY TV
Fiction: He was sat in front of the TV. He felt movement, opened his
eyes, lazily. It was just a little man but menacing, creeping forward,
dagger held high, ready to stab him. He shook himself – watched the
screen, where a man smiled wickedly as he held a dagger. He would
stay awake from now on.
CLIFFHANGER TECH
Site click here … or …
Wear (where?) … write on above … to …
On … read it, badge …
The … wear (it) loud, just proud,
Code display it … image poem …
Your the (one to) get the …
SMELLY ONE
Fiction: To experience xenization. It was uncomfortable at first. He
was maleolent and his pigritude was almost debilitating. Hence, I
struggled to place one step in front of the other. It had been a single
thought that triggered it off – a flash of memory – and he was in me,
possessing me. I could feel my mind disappearing, but I fought to
keep my sanity. I could not go back to my teenage years.
maleolent – foul smelling
xenization – walk as a stranger
pigritude – laziness
A GHOST’S LOVE
Reckless heartache, jangle soul,
Harrowing dirge, cannot feel whole,
Caught in sorrow, purgatory’s home,
No escape, never atone;
I killed for her, that was my boast,
But then revenge made me a ghost,
Yet I crave those moments of bliss,
Don’t fret, my love, it’s just a kiss
© Anthony North, October 2009
Try my Pictures of Life, a novel
Prats said
Good luck for the book
loved the 55 fictiona nd the lines on “elusive” !
anthonynorth said
Hi Prats,
Thanks for that. Much appreciated.
if said
congratulations for that book Anthony!
anthonynorth said
Hi If,
Thanks for that. Of course, writing books and getting them published are two totally different things.
Twilight said
You’ll be busy, busy, busy – but I’m sure you’re in your element doing what you’re doing.
Hope all is successful. We’ll miss your frequent posts, but it’ll give us time to catch up on some of the other interesting stuff on your blog.
anthonynorth said
Hi Twilight,
Thanks for that. I’d recommend the Paranormal Flash and Eye on the World links on every post now. Those pages link to some 200 of my essays.
Michelle Johnson said
good luck with your book venture. hope it turns out the way you anticipate.
i enjoyed my teenage years well enough but i wouldn’t want to go back and be one again. great writing. have a wonderful day.
anthonynorth said
Hi Michelle,
Many thanks. I agree about the teenage years. Great fun, but wouldn’t want to repeat it.
Comedy Plus said
You do whatever you have to do to get your book done. I’ll certainly understand.
Looks like your government and ours are on the same page. We are a bit behind, but we’re catching up.
Have a terrific day Anthony.
swapna said
Chuckles, never knew GPS also could possessed. That was indeed a novel thought, enjoyed reading it.
Good Luck with you book.
anthonynorth said
Hi Sandee,
Many thanks. The links across the Pond are very tight.
Hi Swapna,
Thanks for that. It’s amazing what can be possessed nowadays
Sylvia Kirkwood said
Good luck with the book! Always find your posts interesting and entertaining. I’m just grateful I’m not a teenager anymore — been there, done that and once was quite enough!
Have a great week, Anthony!
Sylvia
anthonynorth said
Hi Sylvia,
Thanks for that. Yes, a teenager once a lifetime is enough.
Sherry said
I also am writing a book and find it very time consuming! I have photographs to go through…thousands of them.
It is well worth the effort….I have been told!
I am working on enjoying the process.
Looking forward to reading yours.
Sherry
anthonynorth said
Hi Sherry,
Oh, believe me, the completed book can give a marvellous boost, and it’s well worth the trouble. Good luck with yours.
Dr. John said
I think your writing is more important and will reach more people than this blog. So don’t feel guilty ar cutting back.
Quilly said
My you posted this quite early! Not that I mind when you post it. You did a great job with those words. I only hope I do so well!
And your Flash 55 — several times recently I have woken myself with a scream, because I thought someone with deadly intentions was standing over me — and I don’t watch television!
Roger Green said
Y’know, I tend to feel that way about all sorts of categorizations of things. Take music: people insist on labeling it this or that, but it’s all the same 13 notes. I remember when some pop song was on the charts (by a group called All-4-One, I believe) and the SAME song, by another artist, was on the country charts.
SandyCarlson said
Do what you have to do to grow. I am here.
Rose said
Good luck on the book! I like your idea of Patternology, just as I always liked the idea of a “Renaissance Man.” I think it’s important to be informed in many areas, not just one area of specialization.
And to help you save a little more time, no need to feel compelled to return my visit–I had NO time to do a post today:)
Tumblewords said
Good luck! I can’t imagine how you’ve kept up with everything even without compiling a book. I’ll be checking back to see what… I can tell you there is nothing finer than holding one’s own book. Three novels (each written during Nanowrimo) and a score of poetry books haven’t brought fame or fortune but surely a terrific feeling of challenges met and honored.
Francis Scudellari said
I really enjoyed the ending of Reality TV. And I can definitely relate to Elusive.
anthonynorth said
Hi Dr John,
Thanks for that. Providing, of course, I can find a publisher.
Hi Quilly,
Many thanks. Yes, some prompts will be very early now that I’ve gone to one post a week for a while. That waking experience is remarkably common. Many people have had it some time in their lives.
Hi Roger,
This is exactly my point. The simplest combinations can produce so many variations. Specialisation studies the variations more than the simple combinations behind them. With music you’ve picked a perfect example.
Hi Sandy,
Many thanks. I wrote for 20 years and more before starting my blog – that’s why there was such a rush of essays, etc, in the first 18 months. I won’t be stopping blogging, but am enjoying the return to the longer stuff, too.
Hi Rose,
Many thanks. It was the original idea of the Renaissance Man that gave me the idea for Patternology. I’m convinced that a simple working knowledge in many subjects can still produce reasoned ideas for debate, as long as they are never automatically seen as truth.
Hi Tumblewords,
Back in the 90s I had two low circulation books published on the paranormal. The publisher was eventually bought out and the list closed, but the feeling even today of holding those books in my hands is marvellous.
Hi Francis,
Many thanks. Yes, I can imagine many people relating to Elusive. It’s a piece of tech that doesn’t always do as it should.
Reader Wil said
Hi Anthony from France, I wish you good luck with your book!
anthonynorth said
Hi Reader Wil,
Thanks for that. Much appreciated.
Nessa said
While we can often do everything, we can’t always do everything at once. Focus on what is important to you.
I have always believed everything is related in some way, and while an “expert” can be fascinating, I have always preferred the well rounded person. They are easier to realte to and more interesting.
Wordless Wednesday – King of the Field
anthonynorth said
Hi Nessa,
Thanks for that. Mindst you, both blogging AND book writing are equally important to me. That’s why I could never actually stop blogging.
Yes, those experts have their importance, but we also need the more rounded approach to complete the picture, I’m sure.
Prats said
nice one for 3WW !!
loved it
anthonynorth said
Hi Prats,
Thanks for that. Glad you liked it
Mama Zen said
Elusive is hilarious!
I really like your view of knowledge.
anthonynorth said
Hi Mama Zen,
Many thanks for those kind words. Much appreciated.
mark said
You managed to pull myriad forces and ideas into the most entertaining and fascinating posts week in and week out, Anthony.
anthonynorth said
Hi Mark,
Many thanks. Comments like that make it all worthwhile.
ThomG said
Good luck with the book. Loved the prompted works, as always.
anthonynorth said
Hi Thom,
Thanks for that. Much appreciated.
cricket51 said
Best of luck to you on your book, although your talent supercedes the need for luck. Your blog is always a pleasure to read.
swapna said
No doubt, possession seems to continue as you explore Ghost’s love. Enjoyed the rhyme and dirge added a new word to my vocab.Thank You for that.
anthonynorth said
Hi Cricket,
Thanks for those kind words. Sadly, though, luck is always a factor in getting a publisher.
anthonynorth said
Hi Swapna,
Many thanks, and you’re welcome.
Sweetest in the Gale (Fledgling) said
Your post about the GPS was so true…loved it! And I really enjoyed the haunted emotion of “A Ghost’s Love”. Best of luck to you on your book…that’s wonderful!
anthonynorth said
Hi Sweetest In The Gale,
Many thanks. Yes, it’s time I got back to some in-depth writing – alongside my weekly blog magazine, of course. I could never ditch that.
Tumblewords said
The final line of ‘A Ghost’s Love’ is wonderful – actually, the entire poem is a pleasure to read!
b said
So you have me curious now…what will your book deal with. Politics, poetry, paranormal, science fiction???? Don’t desert us now!!!
b
http://torristravels.blogspot.com/2009/10/habit-of-thinking.html
anthonynorth said
Hi Tumblewords,
Thanks for the kind words.
Hi B,
As I say, it will no doubt develop into a series – essentially rewrites and edits of essays I’ve been doing over many years. The initial one will be very much on the paranormal, roughly based on the essay on my UNEXPLAINED page at top of blog. From there, my weekly essay at the top of these posts will show the many areas I’ll be going into. Basically, I’m dealing in possible patterns that underlay so much of our activity and thought, including politics, religion, science and philosophy.
Just Someone said
A theme in line with October:) nice read… as always!
Hope you find a publisher soon!
Jeeves said
Wishing you luck for the book
anthonynorth said
Hi Just Someone,
Thanks for that. Yes, I like a mild touch of horror now and again.
Hi Jeeves,
Many thanks. With trying to get a publisher I’ll need it
Therese said
Is the “Flash 55″ the cut-up? I don’t watch reality TV, so I can’t relate reality TV to your piece in detail. But this prose poem (or flash fiction prose?) seems to me to be a cut-up of mode rather than of words. That is, the surreal mode (the cinema of the TV’s reality show, intermingled with the real life confused)is a literary mode of cut-up, contrasting with the ordinary diction, syntax and grammar.
anthonynorth said
Hi Therese,
No, the Flash 55 is another prompt where you have to try to tell a complete story in 55 words (my Magazine Posts can sometimes be confusing).I do it regularly, and it’s an excellent exercise in editing. I like your assessment of it, though.
My cut-up is Cliffhanger Tech, a cheeky piece I did from the ‘get the read write poem badge’ widget on ReadWritePoem sidebar.
lissa said
A GHOST’S LOVE – I like this one, romantic in a way but it sort of make me think of halloween and ghosts…
anthonynorth said
Hi Lissa,
Thanks for that. I tried to do both – a touch of romance in a scary way.
Susan at Stony River said
Possession of one’s teenage self–that IS horror!! LOL Loved the 55 as well, having been there before in real life. Good luck with the book and all you’re doing.
anthonynorth said
Hi Susan,
Thanks for the kind words. Yes, best to leave ones teenage self behind, I think
gautami tripathy said
Loved all, the 55 fiction, poetry and short snippets!
Dr. John said
I marvel at your ability to use Quilly’s words in such short stories. This is one of your best ones yet.
anthonynorth said
Hi Gautami,
Many thanks. Glad you liked them.
Hi Dr John,
Thanks for the kind words. Always appreciated.
Derrick said
Hi Anthony,
Your cut up poem is, well, cut up! Love the ghost poem and the reality TV. Good luck with your revisiting/editing/publishing.
southlakesmom said
Like the use of Quilly’s words. Will look forward to popping in for 3 Word…at least.
Thom said
Boy your 55 and 3WT were full of dreams! I loved them both. If I could take my knowledge with me I have now I’d go back to my teenage years. Well done my friend. You are a fantastic writer
anthonynorth said
Hi Derrick,
Thanks for that. Yes, it was a strange prompt this week.
Hi Southlakesmom,
Many thanks. Much appreciated.
Hi Thom,
Very kind words. Thank you.
davidmoolten said
Nice sound and wordplay, not to mention a recursive send-up of the prompt with “Cliffhanger tech.”
SandyCarlson said
Thanks for your post on “elusive.” I’ve been wondering what to do with that one. I enjoyed yours.
anthonynorth said
Hi David,
Thanks for that. Much appreciated.
Hi Sandy,
Many thanks. It took me quite a while to think somnething up. I think the word may have been prophetic.
Linda said
Congratulations on your decision to write another book. I hope it is successful. Have enjoyed my visits to beyond the blog. Continue on with what is important to you. Wonderful!
Tumblewords said
Cliffhanger Tech – takes the cake. Too cool.
Dee said
Best wishes on the book, Anthony. I’m going to participate in nanowrimo for the month of November so I will be posting less as well I imagine.
The news about the temp help hired to get through the strike caught my eye – that’s worrisome. Emotions run high. Prayers for all involved.
Loved the word pigritude – that’s a jewel to stick back and haul out at an opportune moment
I think you need to pack up that tv and gps LOL – give em to Mr. and Mrs. ghostie!
anthonynorth said
Hi Linda,
Thanks for that. I’ll still be doing this weekly post, though, so look forward to your future visits.
Hi Tumblewords,
Many thanks. I wasn’t at all sure about this one.
Hi Dee,
Thanks for the comment. Yes, ghosties are far less harmful
Linda may said
G’Day Tony. I want to share an award I got with you. If you would like it go take it from my blog.
anthonynorth said
Hi Linda,
Thanks for that. I’ll go take a look.
Boomer said
I know, I know! Reality gets confused when you realistically doze through it…. Great 55!!!
Dulce Rosales said
I am glad about your idea of a book and hope you are really lucky… for sure you will you have your way with words like few people do!
Thanks for comming by!
Nice weekend
brian miller said
haha. loved the 55. those large screen TVs make everything look so real. lol.
mine is up!
HOOTIN ANNI said
Whoa….good thing it wasn’t in 3D!! That’s what he gets for dozing off during a reality TV program.
My 55 is posted, if you’d like to stop by and read along with me. As always, scroll down below my Show n Tell Friday submission. Click HERE
Have a glorious weekend.
G-Man said
Tony…EVERYTHING today was TOP NOTCH!
Loved your 55 especially.
What a treasure you are…Thank You so very much.
Have a Glorious Week-End…G
Chef Kar said
Best of luck culling through your work to make a collective. As always, delightful 55!
You’ll find my 55 here:
Friday Flash 55 ~ Drifting.
Enjoy your weekend,
Chef Kar
anthonynorth said
Hi Boomer,
It does indeed
Hi Dulce,
Thanks for the kind words. I’m living in hope.
Hi Brian,
Many thanks. Maybe too real.
Hi Hootin’ Anni,
I know. But it’s sooo easy
Hi G-Man,
Always so kind. Thanks for that.
Hi Chef Kar,
Many thanks, and you’re welcome.
clean and crazy said
you truly have a passion for this, i love the GPS!! mine is finally up too!!
anthonynorth said
Hi Clean And Crazy,
Thanks for that. Yep, I just love these prompts.
Alice Audrey said
Very scary 55. Well done!
anthonynorth said
Hi Alice,
Thanks for that. Much appreciated.
Akelamalu said
I try never to fall asleep whilst watching horror or suspense movies! :0
Great 55 as always Anthony.
James Goodman said
Congras on the new book, I know how hard it can be to get published. and Thaks for the comments on my 55!
wayne said
always enjoy your words….thanks for sharing….and Im sure all will go well for you and you do not need luck…cheers
mona said
LOL! there is really a thin line between dream & reality!
anthonynorth said
Hi Akelamalu,
Thanks for that. Always a good idea.
Hi James,
Many thanks, and you’re welcome.
Hi Wayne,
I hope you’re right. Thanks for the kind words.
Hi Mona,
There is indeed – a very thin line.
nathan said
Patternology — sounds fascinating.
irene said
Good morning Anthony,
yeah I see your cut up. fragmented reality?
it’s exciting to read you are writing a book of essays. have you published before?
happy writing.
shraddha said
congrats on the book..
my gps is possessed too…lol
Larry said
Anthony:
Thanks for the comment on my 55 for this week. I find it fun to create the words in order to play at mr know it alls place.and love getting the comments I get also.
Thanks Again
Larry
Eaton Bennett said
Hi Anthony, very ghoulish words you’ve written…perfect for Halloween or a night home alone.
anthonynorth said
Hi Nathan,
It’s certainly kept me thinking for a quarter century so far.
Hi Irene,
Yes, I had two low circulation books on the paranormal published in the 1990s, which led to me contributing to the part-work The X Factor. I also had about 200 short stories and essays published in the UK small press in the early 90s. But nothing since these.
Hi Shraddha,
Many thanks. Yes, GPS systems have a mind of their own
Hi Larry,
You’re welcome.
Hi Eaton,
Yes, I enjoy doing themed posts. It focuses you more, I find.
Jay said
Hmm … patternology … interesting thoughts. I think we need both an overall, holistic view, and the ability to specialise. I think a lot of the problems we experience in daily life are down to corporations all trying to do everything, be everything to all people. This means they will only supply/stock what they sell in sufficient quantity to make a profit, and at the same time, the things we all need from time to time, but in small quantities, get lost. Example: we used to have a specialist button and fastening shop. Now, we must rely on the big stores, who will only stock the most common buttons and fastenings. It is almost impossible to buy the specialist components. And worse, in education, we are trying to treat all children the same, and give them all the same opportunities, regardless of ability or natural tendency. This means that only the average child is catered for properly, and the below average are often disadvantaged by being made to take foreign languages when they don’t yet have a good grasp on their own language and basic maths.
Just my humble opinion. I just think there’s room for both.
anthonynorth said
Hi Jay,
I agree with you here. We definitely need both.
Amity Me said
Hello Anthony,
in one single post, you’ve written so much i almost felt dizzy, but honestly i like your take on the prompt this week…:)
a writer really writes as a writer!!!
anthonynorth said
Hi Amity Me,
Thanks for that. Yes, sometimes I go a little overboard.
The Dark Lord said
It sure feels good to be back, and be able to read your work..
Loved what you did with the prompt, this week… A hint of darkness, charming rhymes, and the tongue in cheek humor!!
anthonynorth said
Hi The Dark Lord,
Many thanks. And it’s good to see you back.
SandyCarlson said
I like your Fiction 55. I guess that is what TV does to us ultimately, eh?
anthonynorth said
Hi Sandy,
A frightening thought, but in a way, yes, reality and fantasy can so easily merge.
Linda Jacobs said
Your “elusive” one made me chuckle!
Best of luck with your book writing!
anthonynorth said
Hi Linda,
Thanks for that. Luck is always vital in this process.
Leo said
hehe.. this “elusive” got a smile! hehe! good one
Maggie said
Your offering on the OSI prompt made me smile:) Thanks.
anthonynorth said
Hi Leo,
Thanks for that. Glad you liked it.
Hi Maggie,
Many thanks. Much appreciated.
Geraldine said
LOL… I loved your take on Elusive!
Melanie Bishop said
Anothony, you have so many comments that by the time I get to the post a comment, I have forgotten what I wanted to say. LOL Anyway
I love your take on elusive. I had a hard time with this one. Well done.
love, Melanie
anthonynorth said
Hi Geraldine,
Thanks for that. I couldn’t resist that one, I’m afraid.
Hi Melanie,
Many thanks. Yes, the comments are building up. This is due to me only doing one post a week now as I get on with other writings.
Linda may said
G’Day Tony, I was looking for your name in S.S. then came to read more here. I wish you luck in your new venture mate. But I will miss seeing your name up there. I will have to adapt and come her by other means to read your stuff. Cheers.
Jim said
Hi Anthony, I like your poem a lot. I had to change to the man’s voice on my GPS, the lady started giving wrong information. She told lies.
It will be interesting to see what all you cut out. Best wishes on the book. [I think I said that before.]
..
Tumblewords said
ELUSIVE – I think I know its twin! What is it about these devices that offer such elusive assistance?
Tammie said
Elusive: GPS, so that is why I resist that wonderful little gadget. Me thinks I will take your poem as an excuse to further resist. plus I love topo maps.
anthonynorth said
Hi Linda,
Yes, I hope you’ll still call. SS is the prompt I really agonised over – it was the very first I did. But I’ve had to cut away ruthlessly, unfortunately. But you can guarantee there will always be this weekly post.
Hi Jim,
Thanks for that. This is the absolute minimum number of prompts I’ll be doing, so hopefully there’ll still be plenty to read. Oh, and I love the comment about the GPS voice
Hi Tumblewords,
I think it’s all in the philosophy behind tech. We think we control it. A big mistake
Hi Tammie,
I’m with you here. I allow only the tech I really need into my life. The rest is easily resisted.
Jessie said
my apologies for being late, and thank you for leaving a comment at my spot. it’s always good to hear from you.
i really enjoyed “Elusive” and “A Ghosts Love”.
smiles,
anthonynorth said
Hi Jessie,
Thanks for that and you’re welcome.
Jukota said
You are so brave to tackle a book, page after page after page, all of them in a row! Nice poems too, even with a book rattling ’round in your head!
anthonynorth said
Hi Jukota,
Thanks for that. Kind words which are much appreciated.
Akelamalu said
Ah yes, perfection isn’t always perfect is it? Great 55 Anthony.
anthonynorth said
Hi Akelamalu,
Very true. Thanks for that.