Screwed-up photos, non-screwed-up photos, and a clip from my novel

[raven_estrella]

Hi everyone! Hope you're doing well. I had a really nice, creative weekend. I think it's because for once it was rainy outside. I love "bad" weather of any sort. It makes me feel like there's something going on, like the world is a dynamic place. It also makes me feel cozy and happy when I stay inside to write. I ended up spending most of my

Comments

[dwolf34]

I sort of like to do the work myself, so I just use GIMP. I like some of the effects Photoshop creates, too, and keep considering picking it up.

Mostly it's because Elena's mom doesn't seem to be listening to the teacher, and doesn't want to give her daughter the opportunity to grow that being challenged is for a brilliant child. Dealing with the resentment (and other things kids do to each other) isn't the only problem smart kids have. They often end up feeling isolated at home as well as at school. Normal people seem slow and stupid to a brilliant mind, and they yearn for friends who can keep up with them. When they don't find them, they fail to socialize, and have problems with it most of their lives. It's nice her parents aren't making a big deal of her brilliance, and that will help mold her. But by not acknowledging it, they're leaving her wondering why she's different, why she doesn't fit in, what she's doing wrong.

Which might be just what you want for the story.

lol! I didn't mean for that to sound so much like a soapbox. I really liked your characterizations, and could feel the teacher's frustration. It's a nice job! Keep up the good work!

[raven_estrella]

Thanks for sharing more of your thoughts on Elena's parents. It was really helpful for me to hear that. You're right--I think it does work well with how the story progresses. Elena ends up not really knowing how smart she is. She lacks self-confidence in a lot of ways. She's confused. I probably sympathize a bit more with Elena's parents--but fundamentally, I agree with you.

I like GIMP, too. If you're going to spring for Photoshop, you may want to look up the release date for the next version (CS4). I think it's coming out sometime soon, and it always stinks to buy software and then have the better one come out right afterwards.

Don't worry, it didn't sound like you were on a soapbox! I REALLY appreciate your feedback. I'll probably post the second part of that scene before too long. I'm curious to see what you'd think of it.