THE SHADES WRITER

Hi Everybody!

I decided to create this page to share writing videos that I come across as I continue my daily grind in the writing/publishing world.  Some are Videos that appeared in earlier posts.  Some have not been seen before on The Shades Writer. 

In any event, they’re here to educate, inspire, and make you laugh out loud.  I hope you enjoy!

Best wishes and happy writing.

Rita

VIDEO #1 - WHY WRITERS NEED AGENTS

This video by journalist/cartoonist Candy Gourlay is both entertaining and eye-opening.  Her website is located at this link, in case you’d like to check her out:  http://notesfromtheslushpile.co.uk/2008/06/why-writers-need-agents.html. 

Enjoy!

VIDEO #2 - Novel Writing Made Easy

Here’s an inspirational clip made by an author who devised a method of writing she calls a “paint by number” system.  Of course, every writer develops his or her own system of writing, but I thought this video was great for newbies trying to find their way.  I’VE INCLUDED IT FOR ENTERTAINMENT VALUE ONLY.  I AM IN NO WAY ENDORSING IT AS THE FINAL WORD IN WRITING. 

**BE AWARE that at the end of this video, you’re encouraged to visit a certain website and “sign up” to obtain free writing reports.   SIGN UP OR DON’T…IT’S COMPLETELY UP TO YOU.  I just wanted you to see this video.

Enjoy!

VIDEO #3 - JUDY POWELL TALKS ABOUT “VOICE,” STAYING TRUE TO YOUR CULTURE, AND EXPLORING SELF-PUBLISHING

This Jamaican-born writer talks about the challenge of getting readers and publishers to accept her “voice” and the importance of diversity.  By the way, she is contemplating self-publishing and has a few good tips for those of you who are thinking of going that route.

I found this video informative.

VIDEO #4 - Sarah Vowell

Here’s an inspirational video by writer and voice personality, Sarah Vowell.  If you remember, Sarah does the voice of Violet in The Incredibles, the animation about a family of superheroes.

In this video, Sarah tells about her writing exploits and how she balances being an introvert with her alter-ego, Violet.

It’s a fun video.  Enjoy!

VIDEO #5 - Life to the tune of The William Tell Overture

Here’s a hilarious performance by a Mommie who jotted down a few words about the everyday and the mundane and performed them to the tune of the William Tell Overture.

VIDEO #6 - HOW TO TAKE A WRITING BREAK!

A Charlie Brown sighting is rare these days, and when my son sent me this video, I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to put old Charlie in the writing spotlight.

So just how does a busy writer take a writing break? Well… you just sit back and let those busy fingers relax!  For the next few minutes, you don’t have to worry about such dark and horrid things as deadlines, or whether your writing is good enough, or whether you went ridiculously past your word limit.  You don’t even have to torment yourself over whether your brilliant masterpiece, which is guaranteed to heal the masses…will end up in a lopsided stack in the slushpile corner.

Just smile, snap your fingers and let the Charlie Brown crew do it all for you. 

VIDEO #7 - Using Your Talent…Whatever It Is.

I’ve had this video for some time, but it was actually Jean Willingham, one of our writers, who suggested that I post the video for the users.

Here, the fabulous, multi-talented Nicholas Brothers  perform one of their all-time greats, Lucky Number:

These young ones certainly didn’t hide their talent, or bury it under a foot of smelly compost.  They went all out and shared their gifts with the world. They inspire me.  May they inspire you as well.

VIDEO #8 - Feets Don’t Fail Me Now!

I just love this video.  I used it as my inspiration when I was writing a YA (young adult) chapter book last year.  I had a funny scene in mind in which my MC (main character) went into a “juke joint” in search of a job sweeping floors.  He got there too late for the job (he was always arriving just a minute too late to get those jobs!), but just in time (unfortunately) to see his fun-loving father dancing the Charleston.

So…while this isn’t exactly a video about writing, it is indeed a video I used to inspire the writing process.  Enjoy!

VIDEO #9 - Dance Your Head Off, Baby!

This video clip, taken from the 1941 Movie Hellzapoppin, is probably my favorite of all.  Is there anyone in the New Millenium who can dance like these talented performers? 

This is the longer version, so it’ll take a moment for the dance scene.  Just give it a few moments.  Sit back, relax and prepare to be dazzled!

VIDEO #10 - JUMPIN’ JIVE

I guess you can tell I’m a history buff, because I’m really into these old clips of dazzling African American talent.

In this video, the charismatic Cab Calloway sings Jumpin’ Jive, and is eventually joined (and outdone) by the brilliant Nicholas Brothers.

Enjoy!

More videos to come. 

Best wishes and happy writing!

Rita