In my younger days, I spent a lot of time in Texas, especially West Texas, and it wasn’t too difficult to get pictures like this if you didn’t mind the cactus, thorns, and rattlesnakes.
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The Ides Of March
What are the Ides of March?
March is a month, of course, synonymous with the Ides of March–a day famous for the assassination of Julius Caesar. In March fall on the 15th, and it was a significant day in the Roman calendar. Originally a day of celebration, but it later became a day of great tragedy.
Where did it come from?
The Ides of March was originally a day of celebration marking the first full moon of the year in the Roman calendar. The Romans believed that this was a time of new beginnings and rebirth. They would celebrate with feasts and festivals make offerings to the god Mars. It was a day when debts were settled, and it was also a day when officials were inaugurated. It was a time of ceremony and was seen as a turning point in the year.
Beware!
Despite its significance as a day of celebration and new beginnings, the Ides of March is now most famous for the assassination of Julius Caesar. On March 15th, 44 BC, a group of senators led by Marcus Brutus and Gaius Cassius Longinus, stabbed Caesar to death in the Roman Senate.
Caesar’s assassination was a turning point in Roman history, and it marked the end of the Roman Republic and the beginning of the Roman Empire. The assassination was motivated by a desire to prevent Caesar from becoming too powerful, and it was seen as a necessary step to protect the interests of the Roman people.
The date’s Legacy
The legacy of the Ides of March has endured for centuries. The phrase “Beware the Ides of March” is famous thanks to William Shakespeare’s play, Julius Caesar. The play is a dramatization of the events leading up to Caesar’s assassination and has become one of the world’s most famous works of literature. The Ides have also become a symbol of betrayal and treachery. It is a warning to be cautious of those around you, and to be mindful of the consequences of your actions. In the mythology of calendars, it has become a reminder of the fragility of power, and the importance of accountability and responsibility.
References:
“The Ides of March” by History.com Editors, published on History.com. Accessed on March 4, 2023. https://www.history.com/tag/ides-of-march
“The Origin and History of the Ides of March” by Beverly Hernandez, published on ThoughtCo. Accessed on March 4, 2023. https://www.thoughtco.com/ides-of-march-117776
“Julius Caesar” by William Shakespeare, published on SparkNotes. Accessed on March 4, 2023. https:// https://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/juliuscaesar/
Looking for a good read on the Ides of March?
“The Death of Caesar: The Story of History’s Most Famous Assassination” by Barry Strauss. Accessed on March 4, 2023. https://www.amazon.com/Death-Caesar-Historys-Famous-Assassination/dp/1451668791
Surviving The Writing Experience
I have encountered many aspiring writers who face challenges while working on their manuscripts and I am one of them. Writing a book is a significant undertaking that requires discipline, patience, and perseverance. However, many writers struggle with various pitfalls that hinder their progress.
One of the most common challenges writers face is writer’s block. This occurs when the writer cannot think of new ideas or struggles to put their thoughts into words. Writer’s block can be frustrating and demotivating, leading to procrastination and loss of momentum.
I’m looking in the mirror here, so to speak, but some writers are their own worst enemy. I’m talking about that annoying condition called self-doubt. Doubting yourself and your writing abilities is, unfortunately, a hurdle writers face. It can lead to anxiety, a lack of confidence, and even writer’s block. As writers, we can struggle to believe in ourselves and our work. This can cause us to second-guess our ideas or even abandon of our projects altogether.
Making time to write can be a perpetual problem. Let’s face it, balancing writing with other responsibilities such as work, family, and social life can also be a challenge. It can be hard to find time to write consistently, and the pressure to manage multiple responsibilities can affect the quality of writing.
Looking for a solution? Fortunately, there are a few solutions to these writer’s struggles. One of the most effective ways to combat writer’s block is to take a break from writing and engage in other creative activities. This can stimulate new ideas and provide fresh perspectives. Time management is helpful–in fact, crucial. Set realistic deadlines, prioritize writing time, learn to say no to distractions. Make writing a priority. Setting a routine and writing every day can help build discipline and improve your writing skills.
Overcoming self-doubt can be tricky but victory can be achieved by focusing on your writing strengths. Don’t be so hard on yourself, we all go through it; give yourself the right to stray from the writer’s path so practice self-compassion. Try setting achievable goals and allow yourself to celebrate small victories along the way. Joining a writing group or seeking feedback from other writers can help boost confidence and provide constructive criticism.
I think with these solutions in mind, we writers and aspiring writers can overcome these hurdles and complete our manuscripts and other writing projects with confidence.
Popular, Basic Mystery Story Plots
In April 2022, I had a heart attack and spent ten days in the intensive care unit. I had wonderful surgeons, doctors, nurses, and staff that were professional, proficient. To them, I will always be grateful. They saved my life. While lying in recovery following surgery, I had lots of time to think. Of course, my mind went to writing and the several works in progress that languish on my computer and the notepad on my writing desk. Yes, I still use a lined notepad and pencil to jot down notes and ideas. Why? Because I do not and will not ever completely trust computers. Sorry, computer people, but if I can’t hold it in my hand, it doesn’t exist as far as I’m concerned. Anyway, while contemplating my next series of murder mystery short stories (because it seemed easier than working out the perennial writer’s-block I’m experiencing for my second murder mystery novel), I began contemplating some of the better-known murder mystery plots published through the years.
I have a short list of ten recurring plot lines and have listed examples of one or more published murder mystery stories that follow said plot. Read along. I’m sure you can think of other examples to illustrate the plot lines.
Our first murder mystery plot involves a murder that occurs in a small town or village and the local detective must solve the crime. My choice of an example is “The Moving Finger” by Agatha Christie. A small village is tormented by apparent suicides and vicious, anonymous hate letters. Miss Marple to the rescue.
Second plot: A detective or amateur sleuth must solve a series of murders that are connected by a common thread. “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” by Stieg Larsson featuring a Swedish publisher turned amateur sleuth who solves a series of murders connected by a common thread and is a perfect fit for our example plot.
Third on the list: A person is falsely accused of a crime and must clear their name. “Presumed Innocent” by Scott Turow features a person falsely accused and who must clear their name and so, clearly fits the bill of our number three plot.
Plot Four: A treasure or valuable item is stolen, and the thief must be caught. Since this is part of the main plot of my Celtic murder mystery, “Mystery of the Death Hearth” I will defer instead to the classic “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” by Arthur Conan Doyle—a collection of short stories featuring the famous detective solving various mysteries; in one of them, a treasure or valuable item is stolen, and the thief must be caught. Another contender with the same plot line is, Agatha Christie’s “Theft of the Royal Ruby” with her intrepid detective, Hercule Poirot.
At number five: A missing person case is solved by a private investigator. Let’s go for another of the classics here and select “The Big Sleep” by Raymond Chandler featuring a private investigator, Philip Marlowe. He’s hired to find a missing person, but the case soon becomes a complicated web of murder, blackmail, and corruption.
My sixth selection: A serial killer is on the loose and must be caught before they strike again. “Silence of the Lambs” by Thomas Harris featuring a serial killer who is on the loose and must be caught before they strike again. The story follows FBI agent Clarice Starling as she hunts down the infamous serial killer known as “Buffalo Bill.” I wouldn’t recommend reading this before going to bed for the night.
Number seven on the list: A crime boss or organized crime ring is taken down by law enforcement. “The Godfather” by Mario Puzo featuring a crime boss and organized crime ring busted by law enforcement. The story is about the Corleone crime family, the patriarch Vito Corleone, his sons Michael, Fredo, and Sonny, and their criminal empire.
Our eighth plot: A murder takes place in a closed community, such as a boarding school or monastery. Not a book, but “Murder in the Cathedral” by T.S. Eliot is a play. It’s a verse drama about the assassination of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, in 1170. The play is set in the Cathedral, and the characters are the monks, the priests and the people who were present at the time of the murder. But if you’re not into plays, check out the book “Name of the Rose” by Italian author, Umberto Eco. That historical murder mystery is set in an Italian monastery in the year 1327. One of my personal favorites.
At number nine we have: A detective or amateur sleuth must solve a crime that has been unsolved for years or decades. “In the Woods” by Tana French is the first book in the Dublin Murder Squad series. Here, a detective must solve a crime that has been unsolved for years. The story follows detective Rob Ryan who returns to his hometown (where he was a victim of a traumatic event as a child) to investigate a murder case that has eerie similarities with the one from his past.
Number ten: A crime is committed on a luxury train or ship, and the suspects are all passengers or crew members. Well, of course, I’m going with the classic “Death on the Nile” by Agatha Christie. A crime is committed on a luxury ship, the S.S. Karnak, and the suspects are all passengers or crew members. The story revolves around detective Hercule Poirot as he investigates the murder of a wealthy heiress on board the ship. Another of Christie’s novels with this plot and her famous detective Poirot is “Murder on the Orient Express” which takes place on a train.
What good mystery have you read lately?
D-Day, June 6th, 1944
This is a picture of my dad (bottom row, center) and his B-26 Marauder crew and plane, The Deefeater, taken in England just prior to the Allied invasion of Normandy, France on June 6th, 1944. He and his crew were ten minutes out ahead of the invasion fleet bombing Nazi coastal positions and his plane-with the distinctive white invasion stripes-can be seen in war film footage of the invasion. Salute to them all! I wrote about them and this day in my book, “Storytellin’: True & Fictional Short Stories of Arkansas.”
What A Year It Has Been
It has been twelve months since I last posted. Between the stress of the deadly viral pandemic, quarantine, and the anti-democratic political chaos in this country (which I do not care to discuss further), it has truly been a year like no other I’ve experienced.
To stem the spread of the virus, stay-at-home orders plus mask mandates and social distancing requirements for anyone venturing outside their home “bubble” reduced the social side of life to virtual visits and interaction. I saw this as an opportunity to get back to work on my manuscripts and catch up on my woefully ignored reading list. That was the plan, but like many plans in life, it didn’t work out that way. Quite the contrary. But the year wasn’t a total loss for me as concerns reading and writing.
I have managed to do editing work, some small advance on my works in progress, and function as a beta reader for a local author and friend of mine.
Spring is here along with my two doses of vaccine, and my Spring door wreath is now on display, so I’m feeling a bit optimistic.
Here’s to the next twelve months being better, safer, and more productive than the previous.
Bradbury’s Writing Inspiration
No doubt we are living through despairing times. Many writers, myself included, find it difficult to concentrate on writing with our minds focused sharply on current events.
One of my favorite authors, Ray Bradbury, used writing as an escape. This quote by him is inspirational, even motivational.
Bacteria, Viruses, Civilizations Crumbling
Considering current events and the discussions of pandemics threatening human existence, here’s a list of five of my favorite novels with such story-lines. It’s a short list, no spoilers. For my money, they are all great reads. After all, if we are to stay home, limit our traveling, and practice ‘social distancing’ what better way than to curl up with your favorite beverage and a good book?
My all-time favorite is “Earth Abides” by George R. Stewart. Against the backdrop of crumbling civilization, the protagonist seeks other survivors after the plague has wiped out most other inhabitants. Written in 1949, this post-apocalyptic novel inspired Stephen King’s “The Stand”.
Steven King’s “The Stand” is a post-apocalyptic horror/fantasy novel about the release of a strain of modified influenza, a pandemic killing most of the world’s population.
Then there is Ken Follett’s epic historical novel “World Without End” set in the Middle Ages against the backdrop of the plague.
In Michael Creighton’s “Andromeda Strain” a satellite falls to earth bringing a deadly virus.
And finally, for an ‘out of this world’ read, there’s Tess Gerritsen’s “Gravity” set on the International Space Station as astronauts and NASA struggle to contain a deadly virus outbreak on-board. No such thing as ‘social distancing’ here, folks.
All are wonderful reads. Hope you can find time to enjoy them, too. If you have any recommendations of your own, please feel free to list them. Always up for a good read.
Elmore Had It Right.
Slogging along on a manuscript or other piece of writing? Taking longer to finish than you expected? Exhausted trying to complete that description, paragraph, sentence, scene, dialogue, or other story element? Mr. Leonard just might have been on to something when it comes to writing.
Elmore Leonard (October 11th, 1925 – August 20th, 2013) was a novelist, short-story writer, and screenwriter. His earliest novels were westerns but he didn’t limit his work to that genre. Among his best-known works are “Get Shorty,” “Out of Sight,” “Hombre,” “Mr. Majestyk,” “Rum Punch” (adapted as the film “Jackie Brown”), and short stories that became the films “3:10 to Yuma” and “The Tall T,” as well as the FX television series, “Justified.”
California’s New Law Affects Writers
I don’t live in California but I do write and this post from Victoria Strauss at Writer Beware Blog with reference to an article from Authors Guild makes for interesting reading especially if you are an independent, free-lance writer.
This state law now requires companies to provide both protections and benefits for free-lance workers, including writers. As a result, many free-lance writers’ contracts have been terminated.
If you live in New York or New Jersey, be aware these two states are considering similar laws.
In some cases, this law also applies to book writers.
Take a moment and visit Victoria’s post to learn more.