Week 2 Reading Diary: Bible Women part 2

"And when Saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart greatly trembled." I love this image of Saul's heart trembling—it's not a phrase you hear often, so it paints a more vivid image of his fear. That's one thing I want to improve with my writing—do away with over-used phrases and descriptions and paint my own.

They say that no story is new, which is partially true, in that basic themes and plots have all been written before. Take Solomon, the son of an adulterer, who grows up to be the wisest and richest man in history—a true "rags to riches" story. Sort of, because he was technically born a prince, just not under the best circumstances. That's something to consider when writing a story—you can take a basic plot-line, change up the characters, add a few twists, and it's an entirely new story. 

The phrase "And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle," reminds me of C.S. Lewis's writing because he often says things like, "and then the dog, as mindless animals often do, scrambled to find another hiding place for his bone in plain view of his master" (or something to that effect). He gives a tidbit of information that belies the nature of a character or "type" of character in a knowing and sometimes humorous way. One of my favorite lines from The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is "And her smile faded, as fake smiles often do." By adding that last clause, Lewis gives us insight into the Wicked Queen's true nature in a creative way. 

"And the woman was very beautiful to look upon," cuts to the chase, sure, but I've learned that words like "beautiful" or "handsome" don't cut it in writing. Everyone has different definitions of beautiful or pretty or ugly. Describe the character! Then give some insight into how your protagonist feels about this woman with long, silky hair and pale skin. Or whatever he/she may have.

(Bathsheba on the roof)

After David calls Bathsheba's husband home to give a report on the war (after David slept with his wife), Uriah doesn't go home and relax in his house, even though he's been at war and had a long journey home. Instead, he tells the king, "The ark, and Israel, and Judah, abide in tents; and my lord Joab, and the servants of my lord, are encamped in the open fields; shall I then go into mine house, to eat and to drink, and to lie with my wife? as thou livest, and as thy soul liveth, I will not do this thing." Talk about sympathy for the guy. Not only did his wife cheat on him, but he's noble—and getting totally screwed over. If you want readers to like a character... add a line like this one.

These Bible Women stories are written by several different authors, but each excerpt is taken from the King James version of the Bible.