Friday, April 20, 2012

Summary of recent sessions

Creative Writing 2012
The last nine weeks have been very successful. I have thoroughly enjoyed the sessions and the high attendance levels and enthusiasm suggest that everyone else has enjoyed them too. Thank you everyone for being such a super group. What have we achieved? Read on:
Summary of sessions 1 – 8/9
In recent sessions we have analysed an anecdotal story and tried our hand at writing in that style. Part of what you can do with this type of story is intrigue and leave background and/or final outcome to the reader´s imagination.
In week two we looked at the potential for misunderstanding and the need for clarity but also how you could use misunderstanding as a basis for a story.
Continuing the theme of clarity we looked at positives and negatives. We observed that what one person sees as a negative might be a positive to someone else. In the written exercise we tried to focus on giving an impression from the start about whether the story and/or the main character was positive or negative. We wanted to understand the character and how s/he would view events, not just have a sequence of events, which can read like a 'list'.
We continued to focus on openings to begin session four and found that the style of the opening sentences was crucial in that when asked to continue other people's stories we had little difficulty in continuing in the same style. The style had been set in those vital first sentences, obviously something to bear in mind when we begin a new piece of work.
We then had a complete change of style and instead of stories we looked at writing for the purpose of informing through articles about the island, suitable for publication on the internet. Some of the finished articles were quite subjective but everyone found that they knew enough about some aspect of the island to write informatively and everyone learned something new, always a bonus!
In session six we explored vocabulary and figurative writing briefly before choosing to write something based on our observations and anecdotes. It was noticeable that members concentrated on extended and elaborated language following the discussion.
Week seven was all about choosing which person in which to write. Normally we write in the first or third person but it is a good exercise to try writing in the second person and makes you focus on the person and the tense of the piece.
Finally we looked at writing from a theme. A story should be about something! Characters are a good starting point but they are by no means the only ones. Taking an idea or some concept that you are interested in can result in an excellent story, or poem, because you are writing about something on which you have opinions. Your level of interest in the topic should illuminate the text.

Throughout the term I have reminded you that there are writing competitions which you might like to enter. I encourage you to consider entering because having deadlines and criteria helps to discipline your writing but if you are just doing it for fun and are not interested in competitions or publication please ignore me and enjoy your writing.

Term two will run for ten weeks, provisionally from 11 May 2012 to 13 July 2012. Please keep an eye on the blog creativewritinglanzarote.blogspot.com and your e mails for confirmation.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Writing in the second person

This week at the Creative Writing Group the members were asked to write a short piece of fiction to provide themselves with some material to 'play around with.'
They were then asked to rewrite a section of their story in the second person and, if it seemed appropriate, also change the tense. Some people thought this was going to be difficult but then found it worked well. Moving from the first person narrator or a third person narrative really made them think about ways of expressing what they wanted to say. In a couple of cases the stories presented few difficulties, they worked well. In at least one the writer was not happy with it at all: from which we concluded that second person works better for some types of stories than others. Generally it seems to work well with present tense narratives and it is useful for creating drama or in sinister mood!

The Queue
by Sue Almond

You move forward, shuffling uncomfortably as the guy behind you intrudes on your personal space. You try to create distance, without moving too close to the person in front. He turns around and you see that he looks puzzled, uneasy, almost causing you to blurt out,´You look like I feel, mate.´ Then you realise that that is literally true and, feeling uncomfortable, you look around. Behind you the line stretches out of view and there is no discernible movement. Everyone looks docile, dazed even; men, women, old and young, a scattering of children but perhaps the elderly predominating.

You realise that you do not recall how you got here, why you are in the queue or what you are waiting for. Turning to look at those in front of you you see that the head of the line is in sight. The guy before you is still looking around as if trying to work out what is going on. In front of him is a woman, decidedly agitated, eyes darting nervously around. She moves from foot to foot and begins to chew her bottom lip. Further forward there is more animation. It seems as if the closer they get to the front,
the more lively everyone becomes. They all look somewhat scared. Their excitement is not that of happy anticipation but of reluctance to reach the front of the queue where, now you can see, there is a woman dressed in a white tunic, almost like a nurse´s uniform but with no cap. She has a clip board and she is beckoning people forward one by one. You feel a sense of panic rising as you step forward again, keeping pace with the movement of the line.

Why can´t you remember what you are waiting for, how you got here? Are you suffering from amnesia? Have you had an accident or a bump on the head? Why is the queue so impossibly long? How long have you been waiting?

The panic mounts and you feel nauseous. You realise that your agitation must be obvious and feel an odd embarrassment. You accidentally catch the eye of the chap behind and he almost grins before a confused look comes over his features. You begin to suspect that no-one else knows why they are there either.

There are only two people in front of you now. Then one. It´s your turn and you are filled with dread.

Articles written by members of the writing group

Jackie has chosen to write about some of the quieter routes and beauty spots on the island:

My first visit to Lanzarote was almost 30 years ago,and I must admit my
initial impressions were not very favourable, it seemed as if I had come to a huge ash tray. After two or three days my opinions gradually changed as I warmed to the considerable charms of the island. Now of course things are very different, the bungalows which lined the “strip” have been replaced by multi-national bars, restaurants and shops.

Tourists who say there is nothing to do should hire a car and explore this beautiful island of contrasts, Lanzarote doesn’t stop at Pto. Del Carmen.

Travel south along the Playa Blanca road, take the left hand turn to Femes, a winding road up the side of a volcano to this lovely hamlet. The 18th century church in the heart of the hamlet is flanked by a very tranquil square, to be able to sit and be at peace with the world is a far cry from the usual hustle and bustle of the towns and cities. A few yards away is the lookout point, from here the views are breath taking - down across the valley to Playa Blanca and Fuerteventura beyond.

Back down to the main road, skirting the cactus lined villages of Uga and Yaiza,a visit to the villages is worth while, pop into one of the local watering holes, you won’t be disappointed.

Leaving the main road take the turning to the Timanfaya National Park, the Timanfaya Devil guarding the entrance. This is a very different island, fields of lava seem to stretch into infinity,the fabulous colours of the volcanoes, some literally with their tops blown off, looking as if a gigantic being had taken a bite out of them. I still get a shudder as I look at this awesome landscape, if you are lucky enough to see all this at sunset it is truly magical. There is a camel park where if you wish you can take a camel ride up a well trodden path, not I believe for the faint hearted. About a half mile further on is another park where cars and buses can travel to the summit where a restaurant sits the meals cooked by courtesy of the heat of the volcano, who said all the volcanoes were dormant?

Taking the road now to the heart of the island , passing through the little sleepy villages of Tinajo La Vegeta and Tao, see the farmers working the fields, some still using donkeys to help with their labours, not the noisy mechanical devices of the 21st century for them.
The Monumento al Campesino at San Bartolome is a monument erected to the dedication, tenacity and ingenuity of these farmers and their ancestors, they were able to cultivate and work the land after the devastation left by the 18th century eruptions which covered their once lush and fertile land in this region of the island.

Our next stop and the last for today, is Famara, a long road cutting down to our left off the road to Teguise. Although I love all Lanzarote this has to be my favourite. On the right side the high, dark, forbidding cliffs seem to dominate everything around until you look straight ahead at the ocean, the white foam spraying metres into the air, the small island of La Graciosa nestling in the middle of this startling, churning sea. At the end of the road is a junction, the track to the right takes you to a settlement of semi - circular Norwegian bungalows, and below the wide expanse of Playa de Famara, a beautiful golden beach, home to sun bathers, children, dogs and surfers, the latter, surf boards of every description, kite surfing, wind surfing, boogie boarding, you name it there is a board for it. La Caleta de Famara village is found by taking the road to the left at the junction. Drive onto the sandy track and park. This is akin to a “spaghetti western”, Clint Eastwood at any moment should appear on his horse . The promenade along the sea front is great, a lovely walk, and you can still see the local fishermen cleaning their day's catch in one of the many rock pools, the seagulls hovering nearby. At the end of the promenade a small lagoon and sandy beach waits, perfect for children and adults to paddle or swim. Heading back to Clint Eastwood country, I think maybe a drink, tapas or meal at one of the small bars, the food is excellent I can taste it now. I always thought of my native Yorkshire particularly the moors and dales as being “God’s Country” but I think this runs a close second, so sit and relax for a couple of hours, take in the wonderful scenery before heading back to your hotel/ apartment think about your day and where you would next like to visit - Lanzarote is full of surprises.

For the visitors who like to shop, a mini guide to some of the markets to be found all over Lanzarote.

Shopping (UK's most popular leisure activity!)
I admit to having been amazed when, several years ago, a poll discovered that shopping was Britain's most popular leisure activity. As I had never even considered it as 'leisure' I found it hard to believe. Since then however, I have witnessed the enormous numbers of people milling around in the Trafford Centre in Manchester (10,000 car parking spaces and they are still queueing to get off the motorway slip-road!) and friends who are regular cruisers tell me of passengers who disembark in foreign ports on Sundays and return to the ship grumbling because, 'The shops were shut, there was nothing to do.' So, I guess it must be true.
I have met tourists on Lanzarote who ask, 'Where are the shops?' and I suspect some of them at least are looking for Marks and Sparks, as they are usually in Costa Teguise or Puerto del Carmen at the time and the tourist shops are not exactly hidden away! I have pointed them towards the Biosfera and Deiland, which are the nearest things we have to a shopping mall, and told them about Arrecife, where there are some lovely shops (remember to avoid siesta time as most shops in Arrecife still close). But my most successful recommendations have been the markets.
It seems, if there are no large department stores or retail parks then the best remedy for those in need of retail therapy is a market, and let's face it, if you have come to Lanzarote on holiday you probably like the sunshine and fresh air so an outdoor market should fit the bill.
The largest market on the island is the Sunday market in Teguise. The whole town is closed to traffic and stalls fill the cobbled streets and squares with an abundance of wares and a delightful atmosphere. You will find quite a few bargains if you are looking for gifts and souvenirs and it is worth having a go at bartering as you may well be able to negotiate a discount. There is always pan-pipe music in the square by the church and usually a display of Canarian dancing and singing, donkey rides, outdoor snack stalls and don't forget the traditional bars and the normal shops, which you will find open as well. Teguise, the old capital in the centre of the island, is well worth a visit for its architecture and history, quaint narrow streets and shops and bars, on any day of the week but the Sunday market is a must for the first-time tourist. It finishes at 2pm so book a coach, take a taxi or just get on the local bus before 11 am or you will not have time to see it all!
There is an evening market in Costa Teguise on Fridays, in Pueblo Marinero from 6pm till 10pm. Much smaller and featuring several artisan stalls the square has a delightful ambience and the stalls are surrounded by a varied selection of bars and restaurants; Spanish, Italian, Mexican, English, French, Indian and Chinese spring immediately to mind, in the square itself or within 100 meters.
On Saturdays there is a plethora of markets; in Haria, the town where Cesar Manrique is buried, 9am till 2.30pm in the Plaza. Also in Arrecife, in Plaza Iglesia de San Gines, 9am till 2pm. Uga has a traditional market, 10am till 2pm and you might be able to fit in two if you continue south to Playa Blanca where the market is held in the delightful Marina Rubicon on Saturdays and also on Wednesdays. There are some very attractive shops in the marina area too. La Recova Market is in Plaza Anfiteatro El Pavon in Tias is10am till 2pm on Saturdays and there is a second hand/souvenir market at the same time in Playa Honda.
If you fancy something quieter, low key and more traditional on Sunday morning, the little Farmers' Market in Mancha Blanca offers really fresh local produce at excellent prices and on Tuesday and Friday mornings there is an artisans' market in Puerto Calero.
And, if all that shopping makes you tired and thirsty, you will never be far from a cafe/bar. Enjoy.

Friday, April 6, 2012

Lanzarote Creative Writing Group at work.

Despite the Bank Holiday we had a good session this week, focusing on figurative language and using it in short stories that came out of our notebooks and observations.
Jackie wrote a hilarious piece about a lady campanologist whose knicker-elastic snapped during a peal!
Ann went to town on alliteration with a bit of situational irony at the end.
Sandie wrote an entertaining account of a dog living a double life, using some great vocabulary. Helen, Marc and Sue also chose the hobo/dog starting point, writing very different pieces about Blas, a real dog who wanders Puerto del Carmen, a 'dustbin dog' strolling through his patch in Arrecife and a nameless, canine observer of human behaviour.
Liz chose to write about a relationship ending and made good use of simile and extended vocabulary whilst Lyn amazed us all with an ominous tale of kidnap in a jazz bar (she usually writes gentler tales and children's stories!)
Hoping to tax them a bit next week when they are going to be asked to write in the first, third and second person!

Two more articles about Lanzarote from last week:

Easy Walking on Lanzarote’s Footpaths

Lanzarote has many walking opportunities to suit all ages, abilities and levels of experience. For a small island such as this is, the choice is really extensive and the main problem is choosing where to begin! The good news is that you don’t have to embark on a full day’s trek in the more remote areas of the island to experience its peace and tranquillity, and wealth of fascinating flora and fauna.

In Costa Teguise, for example, which is a purpose built resort in the south of the island, there is a series of way marked walks on footpaths in and around the town. Ranging in length from 4.5 to 10 kilometres, these provide an excellent starting point and can prove to be a source of delight and interest for the first time visitor, seasoned traveller or full time resident alike. Walking these easily accessible and non demanding routes, you will quickly get a flavour of many of the island’s special attributes whilst getting some beneficial exercise and the wonderful fresh air of Lanzarote.

An information leaflet and map clearly displaying the walks can be obtained from the Tourist Office, located in the delightful, Cesar Manrique designed Pueblo Marinero, which is easily located in the centre of the town, near the seafront. There are also larger maps and information boards in various places along the promenade/cycle path that hugs the shoreline here, passing a number of beautiful and varied local beaches. All the walks are circular so, in theory, you can pick them up at any point along the way, but the logical place to start is at the seafront where there are ample opportunities for refreshments, before or after your walk, in a number of local bars, cafes and restaurants.

Each footpath is way marked for the vast majority of its route and, where signs appear to have run out or may have been removed, the way forward is still easily identifiable, as the footpaths are all made up of the same, small grade material and edged with lava rocks of various hues. As well as walkers, you will often see hardy mountain bikers and energetic joggers along the way, especially on the shorter routes. The longest (10k) route is the one to opt for if you are seeking peace and tranquillity. This one also affords a couple of breathtaking viewpoints of the coastline and outlying settlements of “sugar cube” houses.

On any of the walks, you are sure to spot examples of the wealth of flora and fauna of the island, some of which are unique to this special place. Lizards, geckos, butterflies and birds abound wherever you go. Where the footpaths meander through the more central areas of the town, they are edged by, or traverse, plantations of palm trees, cacti and succulent varieties of plants native to the island. In the more tranquil surroundings of the longest walk, you may also be rewarded by the sight of a local rabbit or partridge scurrying for cover, a busy hoopoe bird pecking at insects or a kestrel hovering majestically overhead.

All this in just one of the islands small, tourist towns and the whole island beyond still awaiting your exploring footsteps!

and from Liz:

The Natural Beauty I See All Around Me. Where Am I? Lanzarote Of Course.
I would recommend visiting this beautiful Island. Having lived in Lanzarote for just over a year now, it is a paradise Island, very enjoyable without costing the earth.
The natural beauty of the Island is what I want to promote. I wake up every morning to the sun's warm welcome shining through the window, the rays filtering through the light cotton curtains and resting softly upon my duvet cover.
Waking up to a new day I am never depressed. My visual senses are wonderfully flooded as I look out on the mid morning view. Majestic mountain range set on the background of a beautiful blue sky, accompanied by a few unthreatening clouds as it rarely rains.
A stroll down to the beach after a light fruit filled breakfast is a treat in itself. The scenery is breathtaking, a must for any photographer. The sea in the distance is a welcoming friend, like blue marble in motion, reflecting the light from the risen sun, giving it an enlightening sight. It is so beautiful and calming upon the senses, serene on still days and energetically choppy on windy days. It possesses such character and is a pleasure to observe its movement.
The sand is volcanic and is darker in places giving it a unique appearance, different from the usual beaches that I am used to seeing back at home in England. In the old town of Puerto Del Carmen near the harbour there is a lovely little quaint beach, Playa Chico, with its rocks and volcanic sand it is small and cosy. I have swum in the sea on this beach and it is amazing. There are rocks to avoid in the water. I walk round the rocks and then I find the water is suddenly deeper and calm. It is so clear that I can see the fish swimming round my legs. What a wonderful encounter with nature.
Then along the main strip moving away from the old town, there is a long stretch of beaches all the way to Los Pocillos. There are also the calm waters of Playa Blanca.
The Papagaya beaches in the south of the Island are in a protected natural reserve, I have read that these beaches are amazing. One of the beaches is of Playa de las Colaradas.
Then there are the scenic beaches in Costa Tequise with its calm waters including the beach of El Jabililo.
The mountains are a wonderful sight. A National Park which is one of Spain’s most popular is Timanfaya or The Fire Mountains. The mountains view is all around you in Lanzarote. Fiery eruptions gave birth to the Island. I live in the old town in Puerto Del Carmen and the view of the mountains in the distance is so picturesque, like looking at a painting and slowly stepping into it as the reality of its beauty surrounds you.
I hope your heart is won over.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Writing about Lanzarote

Everyone in our writing group has either chosen the island as their home or is a frequent visitor. The task set last week was to write an article about one aspect of the island we all love.
Here are a couple of examples of the finished articles by Lyn and Sandie:

Lanzarote is a small Island, one of the seven that makes up the Canary Islands. Although we are Spanish we are nowhere near Spain. We are situated some 60 miles from the African coast and benefit from a sub tropical climate.
Lanzarote is almost certainly the prettiest of the Islands, conforming to the late Cesar Manrique´s ideas, which were laid down in law, that dwellings should all be height restricted and painted either white or cream. Paintwork on windows, doors etc may be green or blue or natural wood. There are historical reasons to the green or blue; farmers had green and fishermen had blue on their houses. This has been lost in as much as anybody can be whatever colour, providing it is green or blue, and now the myriad villas and apartment complex´s conform making the island look like it is covered by lots of sugar cubes on the countryside, very pretty.
We have unconventional beauty naturally, the mountains and countryside are lacking in greenery, due to our climate, but the stunning array of browns, beiges and greys and black can be breathtaking, particularly when the sun is setting behind the mountains and they take on a completely ethereal magnificence. Something that has to be seen to be appreciated.
We have beaches ranging through white sand to gold and completely black, each beautiful and magnificent when viewed against the blue blue skies and sea. The sea is clear affording stunning sights of underwater life, and perfect for swimming and diving.
If dining out is your passion, Lanzarote is definitely the place for you. Thousands, yes, quite literally thousands, of restaurants and bars offer world class cuisine of every possible type from cheap pub grub to gourmet dining of the highest standard. Something to suit all budgets and tastes, children’s dishes are readily available everywhere too and the children are always welcomed.
Entertainment may be found in the evenings, again, to suit all tastes and ages. If a quiet evening with a glass of Sangria and sea breezes is your thing, then that is well catered for also. All age groups are welcome and feel very at home on Lanzarote. Night clubs are normally situated close to each other but nothing on the scale of Ibiza or Magaluf. It is not unusual to see parents and even Grandparents in these clubs along with the younger generations enjoying the music and having a ´boogie´.
If you should choose to explore the Island, you will discover that it is only 38miles long and 13 miles wide. There are seven main tourist attractions including our ´live´ volcano (where you can choose to enjoy a meal cooked over the heat of it in a dedicated restaurant), underground caves, a high viewing point overlooking our sister Island La Graciosa . Everywhere you drive to there are breathtaking views and (almost) always a view of the sea in the distance. Look carefully and, in spite of our hot dry weather, you can find numerous wild flowers bravely smiling up at the sun. Of course, we normally get a wet season around February time. Don’t let this put you off. A heavy shower can become history ten minutes after it has come down, due to the ground being so warm it dries it immediately. It is a rare occurrence indeed to get a day with no sunshine. Our winter temperatures average 21c daytime and rarely dip below double figures at night. Summer is very pleasant and, although it can peak at 40c it is more likely to be a comfortable 35 ish and as we have a constant breeze it does not feel stiflingly warm as some Mediterranean countries can.

Four and a half hours from the UK by plane, our beautiful Paradise Island is waiting to welcome you!
Lyn
April 2012


Easy Walking on Lanzarote’s Footpaths

Lanzarote has many walking opportunities to suit all ages, abilities and levels of experience. For a small island such as this is, the choice is really extensive and the main problem is choosing where to begin! The good news is that you don’t have to embark on a full day’s trek in the more remote areas of the island to experience its peace and tranquillity, and wealth of fascinating flora and fauna.

In Costa Teguise, for example, which is a purpose built resort in the south of the island, there is a series of way marked walks on footpaths in and around the town. Ranging in length from 4.5 to 10 kilometres, these provide an excellent starting point and can prove to be a source of delight and interest for the first time visitor, seasoned traveller or full time resident alike. Walking these easily accessible and non demanding routes, you will quickly get a flavour of many of the island’s special attributes whilst getting some beneficial exercise and the wonderful fresh air of Lanzarote.

An information leaflet and map clearly displaying the walks can be obtained from the Tourist Office, located in the delightful, Cesar Manrique designed Pueblo Marinero, which is easily located in the centre of the town, near the seafront. There are also larger maps and information boards in various places along the promenade/cycle path that hugs the shoreline here, passing a number of beautiful and varied local beaches. All the walks are circular so, in theory, you can pick them up at any point along the way, but the logical place to start is at the seafront where there are ample opportunities for refreshments, before or after your walk, in a number of local bars, cafes and restaurants.

Each footpath is way marked for the vast majority of its route and, where signs appear to have run out or may have been removed, the way forward is still easily identifiable, as the footpaths are all made up of the same, small grade material and edged with lava rocks of various hues. As well as walkers, you will often see hardy mountain bikers and energetic joggers along the way, especially on the shorter routes. The longest (10k) route is the one to opt for if you are seeking peace and tranquillity. This one also affords a couple of breathtaking viewpoints of the coastline and outlying settlements of “sugar cube” houses.

On any of the walks, you are sure to spot examples of the wealth of flora and fauna of the island, some of which are unique to this special place. Lizards, geckos, butterflies and birds abound wherever you go. Where the footpaths meander through the more central areas of the town, they are edged by, or traverse, plantations of palm trees, cacti and succulent varieties of plants native to the island. In the more tranquil surroundings of the longest walk, you may also be rewarded by the sight of a local rabbit or partridge scurrying for cover, a busy hoopoe bird pecking at insects or a kestrel hovering majestically overhead.

All this in just one of the islands small, tourist towns and the whole island beyond still awaiting your exploring footsteps!

Sandie
April 2012

There are more to come, on the quieter beaches on the island, getting around the island by bus, facilities for the disabled, fiestas through the year......

Despite the fact that it is Good Friday this week the group voted to have a session as usual which is very gratifying.
Don't forget your notebooks!