Change the World with Your Writing-Using History to Change the Future Part 1

By p m terrell, Columnist for Southern Writers Magazine

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” -- novelist George Santayana (1863-1952)

Those words have been repeated innumerable times in countless variations. Authors are in a unique position of bringing history to the masses, not in the form of unimaginative lists of dates and titles but in stirring emotionally charged scenes. Consider the statement that some people were abducted, taken halfway around the world, and placed into slavery. Now imagine the scene in Alex Haley’s bestselling book, Roots, in which Kunta Kinte arrives in America and is sold to a Virginia plantation owner. They both tell the same story, but one is so emotionally charged as to make it unforgettable.

Roots – Dancing to A New Tune

By Doyne Phillips, Managing Editor for Southern Writers Magazine    

It has been almost 40 years since the original TV series Roots came to us in a 12 episode series. It was one of the most watched series in TV history and was based on the book by Alex Haley. Currently we are halfway thru the new Roots, a 4 episode series which is billed as “an epic family saga with a new vision that is both inspiring and tremendously entertaining.” LeVar Burton, the actor that played the original Kunta Kinte, is a Co-executive producer who was originally against any remake of the story but was persuaded to do so after being visited by Executive Producer Mark Wolper.

Wolper explained to Burton that a great story should be told to each generation. I think that has been done since the beginning of time. Burton agreed but still questioned the remake. Wolper went on to explain he had asked his 16 year old son to sit and watch the original series. Wolper’s father, his son’s grandfather, had produced the 1977 series so it was important he watch it for many reasons.

Young Wolper sat and watched it and although he was impressed, he said it would not play well for current audiences, meaning millennials. It was too frightening. Young Wolper went on to explain to his Dad that it was like his music. Great in his day but it isn’t current. Dad understood that analogy, thus the remake.

I think this is a lesson we could all learn from. Updating a story, whether a new one or a remake, to the current audience or reader. How will it play with today’s reader? What are they looking for? What entertains them? Will they understand it as I present it or do I need to learn to speak their language? This must all be considered.

When considering all these things we must be willing to compromise. We may have limitations to how far we will go. Know your boundaries. As was said, a great story should be told to each generation but do remember the words of Young Wolper to his Dad, “Dad it’s like your music. It was great in your day but it doesn’t speak to us today.”   

 

         

Perseverance: The Foundation for Writing Success

Today I welcome my friend and Southern Writers contributor, Londa Hayden to Foundation Friday. Please give her a friendly Southern welcome to Suite T.
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by Londa Hayden, Southern Writers Contributor

Do you remember the old saying, "When at first you don't succeed, try, try again?" It is the one adage that has followed me throughout my life. When I didn't get my manuscript accepted by one agent, I tried another, and another, until I got a yes. When my agent told me my manuscript needed work, I found an editor, took online writing classes, learned writing techniques, and worked hard to improve my writing skills.

At first, the task seemed daunting and I grew discouraged. I questioned my capabilities as a writer. Who was I to think I could write anything of such magnitude as a novel? Sure, I could crank out a devotional or two, but an entire novel? That's when I realized that the only thing stopping me was me. Many authors, who possess little to no formal training, have penned excellent novels.

Alex Haley is a fine example of someone who persevered through many obstacles and much rejection. Did you know he was not college educated? Yet, he won a Pulitzer prize for his historical novel, Roots. Did you know it took him ten years to research the book? Ten years in which he had little to no income? Rejection comes with the territory. The two things one must have in order to write with excellence is passion and tenacity. Keep writing and by all means keep submitting your work.