Text and Subtext: Complexity in Writing | Olivia J

"No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader. No surprise in the writer, no surprise in the reader," -Robert Frost 

Recently, I watched a video called "How To Write A Scene: Casablanca", and while the video has a focus on script writing, the points and tactics outlined can easily be applied to any dialogue. 

However, what I took away from this video was the meaning of text, and it's relationship to subtext. 

Some definitions to get us started:

Text is, obviously, the written words on the page - the literal meaning of what is happening in a scene. 

Subtext, however, is the underlying meaning - a character's intent when they say something. Their intent. Ex: if Character A asks: "when's dinner?" this probably means that they're hungry. 

As one might expect, these two things are very closely related, and they can overlap. Sometimes people do say what they feel, and sometimes people don't have any ulterior motives. 

Essentially, a synonym for how subtext is used is manipulation - which sounds bad, but manipulation isn't inherently a bad thing. We all do it - we all gauge situations and see what scenario will best benefit us, and then act in the subsequent way to achieve said goal.  What manipulation means in the context of text and subtext is: how is this character's dialogue used to accomplish their goal in the story or in the scene? 

Subtext is essential to employ in writing, because in reality, people don't say how they feel. When dealing with human interactions, we dance around the subject, beat around the bush, go in through the backdoor, and stretch the truth. By writing subtext and layers into your dialogue, you can not only convey aspects of character, but also add in more complex conflict between the speaking characters. 

The purpose of subtext in dialogue is to reveal what a character is thinking and feeling to the audience and other characters without coming out and stating it directly. However, you have to read between the lines with subtext. The other character in the conversation - as well as the reader - must take every single line of dialogue and ask the question: Why are they asking this question? What does this character anticipate the answer is going to be, and why? 

Another example would be if - without any other context for the sake of this example - a girl asks a guy if he has a girlfriend. We can assume from this interaction that the girl is romantically interested in the guy; otherwise, why would she ask this out of the blue? 

It works the same way with characters in all forms of media. Every line of dialogue in a scene should be purposeful, and, if it's a good scene, should be fueled with conflict that lies just below the surface of what is actually being discussed. 

Unfortunately, modern YA writers have lost this magic touch - of being able to write people with subtlety. I'm still learning how to do this, which is why I'm writing a blog post on it so I can better understand how to employ it. 

It all starts with reading books and watching movies that use text and subtext. Some authors and books I recommend are: my favorite, J.D. Salinger, Fahrenheit 451, and A Lite Too Bright. Basically any modern classic before Harry Potter. 

Drop down in the comments your favorite book/movie/tv show that you think uses text and subtext masterfully! I always need some new recommendations!

~The WordShaker

Is My Blog Dead?! | Olivia J

"If there is a book you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it," -Toni Morrison

Is my blog . . . dead?

No, that's a serious question - does anyone read this anymore? My stats say that people do . . . 

Have I killed my own blog? 

Earlier in the year, I was going strong with consistent analysis posts, ripping into your favorites with snark and ruthless critique. And I loved doing that. I still do. But those posts take a lot of time and effort that I haven't been feeling lately. I've been a lot more focused on reading, writing, and my Instagram account (@olivia.j.the.wordshaker)

So, my blog has suffered. My viewership has gone down. I've been less consistent. And maybe it's just my blog going through phases, like anything else in my life. But truly, I'm feeling a bit discouraged about it all. 

What is this blog? Where is it going? For the longest time, it was a catch-all for everything that wasn't novel-writing. Poems, philosophical musings, life updates, analysis posts. And I feel like that hasn't changed much. 

But there's this strange phenomena that I experience - my writing goes through phases. Like the moon. And I'm in a phase where the writing has slowed, and I think that's because I'm busy living life. I'm busy gathering the material that will fuel my next novel. Actually, that's a pretty hard place to be, because any time spent not writing isn't a good time. 

I don't think there's a point to this blog post. Maybe this blog is dying. Maybe it needs to. But as of right now, this blog is still my word dump. Read it or don't, I don't care. 

~The WordShaker

colors | a poem

"The worst thing you write is better than the best thing you didn't write."

A little poem I wrote, kind of about the last 18 years. Enjoy.

~

my story is told in colors

of scarlet red and pastel blue

my fingers graze the moon

and he’s left with stardust bruises

my story is told in colors

of red that rips mountains

like paper wilting in the rain

where you and me are not one

my story is told in colors

orange like the split of the sun and sky

sparks flit off of my fingers

catching my soul aflame

my story is told in colors

the yellow that reaches down for me

that stains our cheeks with might

where we are full of life eternal

my story is told in colors

a green that paints my ground

that holds me close

when life is new and old again

my story is told in colors

a blue i could fall into

with the sky shrinking ever above

and where the sun cannot reach

my story is told in colors

the purple skylines under my skin

rising and falling with the beat of my heart

and the memories between us

my story is told in colors

pink that whispers of something

where our souls find each other

and leave galaxies in our wake

my story is told in colors

moments painted in gold and silver

i’d tell this all to the stars, the moon and sky

and, why, i think they’d answer back

~The WordShaker

"Clutching Roses" - My Gold Medal-Winning Short Story | Olivia J

"I'm not a very good writer, but I'm an excellent rewriter," -James Michener

These 869 words got me to New York. Enjoy.

~

Clutching Roses

Olivia J. Bennett

The man rubs his gray mustache, staring up at the blue sky outside of the grimy window. He brushes some coal dust off of his lunchpail, stepping out of the elevator, rising from the bowels of the earth.

“Have a good evening, Ernest. Tell your wife I said hi!” Carl says, tipping the bill of his hardhat. The light shines into the old man’s eyes for a moment, and he squints back at Carl.

“You too. Hope tomorrow isn’t as rough as today,” Ernest says, not facing the man.

“Anything to serve the masses of this good, God-fearing town,” Carl says, laughing spitefully.

Pushing open the creaky, wooden door, Ernest walks on the gravel road through the fluorescent-lit town. The sun has ripened to orange.

The man walks this path every day. He could do it with his eyes closed. In fact, often, he does, soaking up the smells and sounds of the northwestern settlement. He knows everything about this little town, so much so that he can recognize the women in their patterned dresses smelling of gardenia and lavender, and the men coming home to their wives smelling of sweat and spice.

“Evening, Ernest,” the grocer says from his storefront. “Hope Rose is doing well!”

The friendly voice of the grocer forces the man to open his eyes. “Yes, she is. I’ll let her know you asked.”

On his way out of the town’s main drag, the gravel crunches under his heavy-bottomed boots. The clouds are an explosion of white, purple, and orange, and he finally sees the small, tin-roofed house emerging from the treeline.

Ernest runs his fingers along the bark as the gravel slowly dissipates and becomes a worn, dirt path. The white blooms of baby’s breath line the path, along with the petals of bright yellow and purple wildflowers. Pain creaking through his back, the man leans over to pluck a small daisy from the side of the path. He puts it up to his nose, and smells the sweet, earthy aroma of the flower.

His lungs contract, coughing, and the scent of the flower dies. Now, all he can taste or smell is the coal dust. Still, the man gets down on his knees, and gathers a bouquet of flowers for his wife, Rose. She loves flowers, and Ernest would always tease her about it because her name was a flower, but Ernest knew she loved them because they could brighten any room.

The grainy wood of the house comes into view. The sun glints off of shards of broken glass. Oh, no, the man thought, an animal must have broken the window again.

He runs his fingers over the remaining shards, seeing a small tuft of fur caught on the corner. He wrinkles his leathery face and pushes open the old door. It sticks, as it most often does, and the old man nearly tumbles into his own house. He gazes into the musty home, the evening sun casting thick bands of light onto the floor.

“Good evening, Rose. What have you made for dinner tonight?” Ernest says, like he does every night.

But she doesn’t answer. She just sits there, in her pastel dress, staring at the wilting bouquet of flowers on the table.

Sighing, Ernest sets down his lunch pail and turns on the generator under the sink. Small lamps on the walls flick on and the gray refrigerator hums to life. A small floor fan blows dry, brown leaves around the floor.

“Carl asked about you again. I think he’s got a thing for you, even though he’s got his own wife and kids to look after.”

Ernest scrapes out something from a corroded pot and fills it with water. In goes the cabbage, carrots, and roast beef. With a click, he turns on the gas stove.

“The grocer asked about you, too, old William, who used to be our neighbor. He’s a nice man - grows the sweetest corn in the county if I’ve ever seen it.” Suddenly, Ernest turns around to face his wife, who still hasn’t acknowledged him. “You miss him, don’t you? I’ll bet you miss a lot of the nice men in this town . . .”

Ernest suddenly hears a scratching, gnawing sound. Nearly dropping his wooden spoon, he moves over to the leg of the crooked wooden table. A racoon gnaws on his wife’s anke.

Aghast, Ernest cries, “shoo! Shoo! Get on out of my house, filthy animal!” The old man chases the vermin out of his house, suddenly sweaty and out of breath.

His pot is boiling over, too, so he brings it over and sets it down on the table, already perfectly set for a dinner for two. Finally, Ernest takes the bouquet for his wife and begins plucking out the fresh, aromatic flowers. The larger bundle he places within her gnarled, bony fingers. Several strands of baby’s breath go between her meaty ribs and collarbones, and finally, the last two daisies, a lively white and yellow, he places in his wife’s two hollow eye sockets.

“There,” the old man says, slowly sinking back down into his chair. He unfolds his napkin and places it on his lap. “Now you’re truly dressed for dinner, Rose.”

~

*mic drop*

~The WordShaker

Owl City's "Cinematic" - An Album Review | Olivia J

"To gain your voice, you have to forget about having it heard," -Allen Ginsberg

It's been a while since I've done an Owl City album review, hasn't it? I reviewed Mobile Orchestra back in 2015 (plus my update later on). I'll be formatting this review the same way as that one, not like how I formatted my Adam Young Scores . . . 

OKAY but I was browsing the internet, as usual, and I saw this crackpot theory of sorts, and it was basically explaining why Adam didn't make an even twelve scores, and it was because Cinematic is the twelfth score. The Adam Young Scores were conceptualized as movie soundtracks, and cinema is obviously a prominent theme in this album. It makes sense that Cinematic would complete the twelve scores, since Cinematic is about Adam's life. Pretty cool, right? 

Alas, onto the review. 

1. Fiji Water

Star Rating: 4.5/5

Why I Chose this Rating: This song is just so . . . FUN. It has that carefree and almost silly feeling of Dental Care and has amazing synth work. Overall, it captures the music style of old Owl City while maintaining maturity and the lyrical content of "Cinematic". I just love the flair and attitude it's got. It's so . . . Adam Young and I'm living for it. 

Favorite Part/Lyric: And I'd say, "Hey, there is more to me than meets the eye. / Let me be who I wanna be." / And I'd say, "Hey, I'm an oddity and that's alright. / Let me fly and follow my dreams." Basically the whole prechorus lol. 

2. The 5th of July

Star Rating: 4/5

Why I Chose this Rating: Holy crap this song is actually really sad. It's made me tear up more than once because it just emanates such a whole and pure love for the people who've labored - literally - over you to get you into this world, and that's something that hits me really hard. The violins and background vocals are solemn and also really humble and happy and the whole song is great. 

Favorite Part/Lyric: When the violins break down around 1:34 when Adam sings about his mother watching the fireworks; A teacher and a mechanic / brought me into this world. / They loved me with all their hearts / since the day I opened my eyes / on the fifth of July. 

3. All My Friends

Star Rating: 2/5

Why I Chose this Rating: Ah, this song is so hard. It's the Verge of this album, and I think the problem is that other Owl City albums never had the song that was trying to be mainstream and poppy. It just feels . . . cheesy, and I mean, Owl City is kind of cheesy but not in the genuine and sweet way that Owl City normally is. I'm also not a fan of the speak-singing. However, I do love the music video for this song, and it arguably makes the song better. 

Favorite Part/Lyric: I like the guitar riff between the choruses. 

4. House Wren

Star Rating: 5/5

Why I Chose this Rating: Holy cannoli I love this song. It's happy-go-lucky and hopeful but also kind of sad, which is what makes Owl City so wonderful. The lyrics paint a rustic and charismatic picture of a nomadic house wren, and this, I think, parallels Adam's feeling of not fitting in and searching for a home, metaphorically, but spinning it in a joyful way as he often does. I just, ah, I love this song, and it speaks to me and makes me want to sing it at the top of my lungs. 

Favorite Part/Lyric: Like basically the whole thing  !!!

5. Not All Heroes Wear Capes

Star Rating: 4/5

Why I Chose this Rating: This is another song that makes me really emotional. It's in the same vein as The 5th of July, which is nice. And the whole song also makes me emotional because I'm personally a lot like my father, and I always saw him as this great big, man figure and I can relate to a lot of what he says about looking up to his dad. It's just so tender and humble and it feels like a love letter to fathers, and I feel like that's long overdue. 

Favorite Part/Lyric: The background guitar melody. 

6. Montana

Star Rating: 4.5/5

Why I Chose this Rating: I love how this song feels so . . . cinematic, for lack of a better word. It has the musical quality of the scores, with the use of violins and percussion. My only real critique is that the buildup to the amazing, sweeping chorus isn't all that impressive, but that's basically it. I love the rhythm and harmonies. 

Favorite Part/Lyric: Basically all of the lyrics lol I do love this song it's a bop. 

7. Lucid Dream

Star Rating: 3.5/5

Why I Chose this Rating: Getting ALL of the Thunderstruck vibes from this song. It remains lyrically reminiscent of Adam's dreamier stuff, but is somehow more grounded. It doesn't seem to climax enough though. The verses are good, but the chorus doesn't have enough impact. Overall, the song is still a jam, but it doesn't leave a stunning impression. 

Favorite Part/Lyric:  The prechorus of the song. 

8. Always

Star Rating: 3.5/5

Why I Chose this Rating: This is Adam's token Christian song off of the album, and I like this one better than My Everything. Albeit formulaic, it's still heartfelt, sweet, and well composed. 

Favorite Part/Lyric: Not sure I have one. 

9. Cloud Nine

Star Rating: 4/5

Why I Chose this Rating: The key changes really make this song. Also not one of my favorites, but the synths are glittery and very Owl City-esque. And by the end of the song, the chorus hits hard, and the song really works. Overall, a jam. 

Favorite Part/Lyric: The last chorus, definitely. 

10. Winners Never Quit

Star Rating: 3.5/5

Why I Chose this Rating: I was a bit shocked when this song started out with such an 8-bit opening, but somehow it works. Again, this song is like Cloud Nine and some of the other songs on Cinematic. The lyrics are straighforward, and the themes are uplifting as usual. I don't have much to say about this one. 

Favorite Part/Lyric: Don't think I have one at this point lol. 

11. Madeline Island

Star Rating: 4/5

Why I Chose this Rating:  Love this one, and I can definitely hear the score influences. All of his music just feels so much fuller and more rounded out than before. Not that it was bad, but this is just so much more polished and has so many layers. This one speaks to my wanderlust, and it reminds me of my trip to Minnesota. I ca also hear some tweeting noises from Twenty One Pilots' A Car, A Torch, A Death, but maybe that's just a coincidence. 

Favorite Part/Lyric: Not really any lyrics, but I love the visuals and scope of the song. 

12. Be Brave

Star Rating: 4.5/5

Why I Chose this Rating: This song really grew on me. It starts off slow with pianos but builds beautifully to reflect the euphoria of meeting someone and falling in love. The guitars are powerful and the lyrics mesh well with the song. Just about everything in this song works. I love it. 

Favorite Part/Lyric: I grabbed my keys and drove toward a star / and there I was understood for the first time in my life / and that's when I was introduced to true serendipity. / I knew it when / you showed up again; and, of course, all of the guitar parts, especially when it really builds at the end. 

13. New York City

Star Rating: 5/5

Why I Chose this Rating: This song is my heart and soul. It's magical and synthy and builds perfectly. I have much more of a personal attachment to this one because it came out around the same time I found out I was going to New York City to recieve a national award for my writing. It just makes me feel like I'm floating, and has this almost sweeping feeling. I can't say enough about this song. It also makes me want to belt lol. 

Favorite Part/Lyric: The whole thing, obviously. 

14. Firebird

Star Rating: 4/5

Why I Chose this Rating: The guitars are slamming, and the vocal production is awesome. This version has a more uplifting mood than the alternate version, and I think both work. I'm loving the guitar work. It reminds me of Bird With a Broken Wing, which I wanted more of from Mobile Orchestra. 

Favorite Part/Lyric: We used to talk all night and not say a word / when I would hop into your red Firebird, / and, man alive, we would drive just to drive around town / cause in your car we understood and figured out / that everything changes

15. Cinematic

Star Rating: 3.5/5

Why I Chose this Rating: I wanted to love this song more than I do. It's a bit too cheesy for its own good, and feels slightly disconnected from how personal all of the other songs are. However, it's real catchy as they all are, and I love jamming to the chorus. The rapid beats in the background really add to the intensity and mood of the song. The whole thing is so happy and encouraging, and even if it's not my favorite, I can't hate it. I don't want to hate it. 

Favorite Part/Lyric: When the higher synth parts come on in the second chorus. It adds to the build of the song. 

16. All My Friends (Alt Version)

Star Rating: 3/5

Why I Chose this Rating: I will say that this version is a bit better because it conveys the genuineness better, and it also is a bit less . . . harsh on the listener. The inclusion of Breanne Duren is a nice homage to Owl City's days gone by, and her voice just works so well with Owl City's music and Adam's voice. This one just feels less try-hard and less poppy. 

17. Montana (Alt Version)

Star Rating: 4.5/5

Why I Chose this Rating: I think Adam Young did this intentionally, but this alternative version of Montana is so Sky Sailing-esque and I'm living for it. This version gives the original song and it's lyrics a whole nother meaning, and I so love the inclusion of dialogue from one of Adam's family members. 

18. Firebird (Alt Version)

Star Rating: 5/5

Why I Chose this Rating: Wow, this song makes me cry. Like, the regular version of Firebird is good, and it's a good jam, but I feel like the lyrics don't always mesh with the musical style. However, in the alternate version, the quiet and soulful style is reflective and really hits home the theme of the song: that everything changes, and that it's sad but also wonderful to look back on. And man, that shit gets me right in the feels. 

~

It sounds like I really love Cinematic, and I do, but the reason the songs aren't getting mostly 5/5's is because this isn't the BEST Owl City music out there. All Things Bright and Beautiful will always  be the best, and I'll fight you on that. Definitely the best songs on this album are the ones that I can relate to, and the ones that I can attach my own memories and feelings to, which I think was Adam's intended meaning. 

I think the difference between 'old Owl City' and 'new Owl City' is that when Adam used to write lyrics and music, the job of the listener was to figure out what he meant, or just to find their own meaning in the lyrics. But now, Adam presents his messages and themes more clearly, which isn't really a bad thing. I just prefer the old ways more. I prefer it in music, and in movies and books. 

All in all, Cinematic is good. Overall, it's incredibly genuine, heartfelt, fresh, and, above all, catchy. It feels meaningful and cohesive. I'm not going to lie, I think I'll always miss the days of Ocean Eyes and All Things Bright and Beautiful. But maybe the magic of it is that you can't recapture it. Cinematic is something new, and Owl City has always been Adam Young, just like what it says on the CD inserts. 

~The WordShaker