Just want to say, as a tennis “nut”, I am thrilled Andy and Jamie Murray have ended the year as world number one in the men’s singles and doubles. Fantastic, historic achievement. I’m also pleased to see hard work, persistence, not giving up etc paying dividends for them both.
Also glad to report issues I had yesterday with titles on my Weebly websites (especially This World and Others) appear to have been resolved. Am now hoping that is not going to prove to be my famous last words! I’ll know tomorrow…
FIREFOX ADD-ONS – ROAD TESTING!
Just to also add I have added Grammarly to my Firefox toolbar (it’s free) and am finding it very useful in picking up odd typos but mainly my grammatical weaknesses. Have only been using it for a couple of days but you have a green icon appearing whenever you type something. Get something wrong and that green icon becomes a red one. Hover over it and you get a description of what you need to amend. Very helpful so far. I do occasionally test free add-ons like this. The last one I added on was E-Pub Reader for Firefox and I find that useful too.
FAIRYTALES WITH BITE
Making History refers to the Murray brothers’ excellent achievements this year but also discusses how our characters should make history. The point of any story, regardless of genre, is to show moments of change (which lead to conflict and drama). The point of any character is to contribute to that in some way (otherwise why write them in? Even the most minor of characters must have a role they and only they can play in your tale).
THIS WORLD AND OTHERS
Boring Traits discusses why the virtues of persistence, patience and so on are vital, whether you want to achieve success as a sportsman or a writer or as a character in a story. Even your villains must have determination, a clear aim, patience (nobody achieves all they want immediately) and so on.
FACEBOOK PAGE
Again I celebrate the Murrays’ achievements. I suppose the thing I like most is that their persistence has paid off. I love it when virtue gets it own reward. It doesn’t always, sadly. I also discuss how persistence is vital to a writer. None of us can foresee how things will actually pan out. I still haven’t published my novel but am thrilled to bits my first flash fiction collection will come out soon. I didn’t foresee that!
Never give up, work hard, be disciplined… all valuable traits for success, whether you’re a tennis player, a writer or a character in a story! Image via Pixabay.
Allison Symes: Collected Works 