There is a metaphor about a boiling pot of crabs. Some of the crabs will try to escape the boiling pot but others will pull them back into the pot. This is how dysfunctional systems and families work. Many time there will be one or two family members trying to escape the system but the other members of the system continue to pull them back into the system and its rules.
This can be seen when there is a family reunion or get together and a person has been away from the family for awhile. When the person is away that person may be successful and confident, but when that person returns to the family system he/she loses all confidence and returns to how he/she was while living with the family. This happens to all of us on a lesser degree or maybe greater in some cases.
Characters will also belong to different systems that expect them to behave in a certain way. When they are around their friends they will act one way that may be different than when they are around their families and even in a different manner when around associates.
We are all pulled into our systems just like the crabs and ironically when we fight against that system we may be in actuality supporting the homeostasis of that system :)
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
The Evil Genius
Yesterday (yes I know I missed it) The Golden Eagle hosted her 2 year blogoversary. The rules were to write a short story about an Evil Genius. Here is my story (Not edited or anything just for fun :)
Tim was no ordinary person. He watched from the sidelines as others had fun. He was mischievous and conniving, making his mark as often as he could and today was no different. His thumbs circled each other as he studied the scene before him, head bent and lips turned up just a bit at the tips. If one looked close enough it would almost seem that there was a glint or spark in his eyes that appeared to dance and sway like a Tesla coil.
The time was quickly approaching in which his plan would unfold. It would explode on the scene like a jack-in-the-box. Chaos would ensue leaving only havoc and disarray spreading like a swarm of bees across the concourse.
A small pop echoed between the buildings followed by a cloud of smoke. A scream. A large woman billowed out of the door making a b-line for Tim. Tim’s smile faded, the glint was gone and his thumbs no longer moved.
“It’s to the principal’s office for you young man.”
Monday, February 27, 2012
Book Cover Decision
Thank You everyone for your help in selecting a cover. With the votes in it appears that the majority preferred the second one.
All of the covers were great and a special shout out goes to Ria for her great work on this. Please show your support by visiting her blog or webstie at www.orangejar.com or www.orangejar.blogspot.com.
Thanks again for all of the support on this project. Since today is my Birthday I will be playing games and preparing for my thesis defense this Friday. Have a great day I look forward to viewing your blogs!!
All of the covers were great and a special shout out goes to Ria for her great work on this. Please show your support by visiting her blog or webstie at www.orangejar.com or www.orangejar.blogspot.com.
Thanks again for all of the support on this project. Since today is my Birthday I will be playing games and preparing for my thesis defense this Friday. Have a great day I look forward to viewing your blogs!!
Friday, February 24, 2012
Book Cover!!
I know I said that I would talk more on systems theory today, but I got a really awesome email today. My brother's friend Ria said that she would design my book cover and she got back with three options today. You will see them below. Let me know which one you like the best. I'm partial to the second one. Thanks for your help on this decision and I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!! Check out her other work at her blog http://www.orangejar.blogspot.com/ or her website www.orangejar.com.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
More On Systems Theory
Per Wordsmiths request i will be going into more detail on systems theory. If there is anything that anyone else would like further clarification on please ask. Sometimes I do not explain as thoroughly as I should :)
When we are looking at systems we consider them to be in homeostasis. Meaning that the system is stable and constant. When we look at systems of people this homeostasis is maintained by the tug and pull of the individuals in the system. As one person becomes rebellious another person becomes less rebellious. This is seen in families and is studied more in family system psychology. So when we look at small systems we will see people playing different roles. Another example of this is when we look at group therapy there are 8 roles that can be identified within the group. Different people take on these roles and generally stick with those roles throughout the treatment. Not all roles are taken on in every group, but they can generally be observed. 1. The follower (goes along with whatever...) 2. Gatekeeper (encourages remarks from others) 3. Scapegoat (gets blamed by everyone) 4. Storyteller (always talking within the group monopolizes the time) 5. Interrogator (always asking questions and interrogating other members) 6. Energizer (the enthusiast in the group) 7. Harmonizer (makes sure that everyone is doing ok and feeling ok) 8. Isolates (does not talk stays out of the group). These different roles can be seen in most systems and serve different purposes, some positive, some negative.
Some good examples can be seen throughout the books we read and the movies we watch. We will look at Lord of the Rings; Follower (Samwise Gamgee), Gatekeeper (Gandalf ), Scapegoat (Gollum, Wormtongue), Storyteller (Pippin), Interrogator (Boromir ??), Energizer (this could also be Pippin but Merry would also fall into this category), Harmonizer (Frodo), Isolates (Gollum). These are just off the top of my head and could be wrong. What are some examples that you see.
We will be looking at this more tomorrow.
When we are looking at systems we consider them to be in homeostasis. Meaning that the system is stable and constant. When we look at systems of people this homeostasis is maintained by the tug and pull of the individuals in the system. As one person becomes rebellious another person becomes less rebellious. This is seen in families and is studied more in family system psychology. So when we look at small systems we will see people playing different roles. Another example of this is when we look at group therapy there are 8 roles that can be identified within the group. Different people take on these roles and generally stick with those roles throughout the treatment. Not all roles are taken on in every group, but they can generally be observed. 1. The follower (goes along with whatever...) 2. Gatekeeper (encourages remarks from others) 3. Scapegoat (gets blamed by everyone) 4. Storyteller (always talking within the group monopolizes the time) 5. Interrogator (always asking questions and interrogating other members) 6. Energizer (the enthusiast in the group) 7. Harmonizer (makes sure that everyone is doing ok and feeling ok) 8. Isolates (does not talk stays out of the group). These different roles can be seen in most systems and serve different purposes, some positive, some negative.
Some good examples can be seen throughout the books we read and the movies we watch. We will look at Lord of the Rings; Follower (Samwise Gamgee), Gatekeeper (Gandalf ), Scapegoat (Gollum, Wormtongue), Storyteller (Pippin), Interrogator (Boromir ??), Energizer (this could also be Pippin but Merry would also fall into this category), Harmonizer (Frodo), Isolates (Gollum). These are just off the top of my head and could be wrong. What are some examples that you see.
We will be looking at this more tomorrow.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Systems Theory
Systems theory is the study of systems at all levels including couples, families, schools, governments etc. Systems in this theory are self regulating and change according to feedback. There is always a push and give within the system to fit the circumstances. A systems theorist who is a psychologist who was seeing a client would not see the client only but the entire system that the client belongs to, generally the family. Further, the problem would not be the client, but the system would be viewed as the problem.
When looking at situations in our own lives we can generally see how we react to other people and based on what the other person does is how we react. In schools we often blame the kids, or the teachers or the parents but in truth all have play in the problem according to systems theory.
When we are creating our characters we need to keep in mind the different systems that those characters belong to. If the character moves something else will be affected by that move. It may be the antagonist countering the move made by the protagonist.
When looking at situations in our own lives we can generally see how we react to other people and based on what the other person does is how we react. In schools we often blame the kids, or the teachers or the parents but in truth all have play in the problem according to systems theory.
When we are creating our characters we need to keep in mind the different systems that those characters belong to. If the character moves something else will be affected by that move. It may be the antagonist countering the move made by the protagonist.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Personality Test
There is a great personality test online that is free and asks for no identifying information (email, name etc.) and gives some feedback on 41 questions. You can find the test here. I was reading on another blog about the importance to set baselines when we are creating our characters. A great way to do this is to take the test first for yourself and then to reflect on what situations you find yourself in. Next take the test as if you are the protagonist or antagonist. Compare the results to your test and think of the different situations that your character would find himself in.
Another way to setup a baseline is have friends and family take the test and then make a profile database. In this database you would save the results along with some situations that you find the particular person in. Then you could use it as a reference when creating your characters.
The test only took me about 5 minutes to take and gave some really good feedback. If you feel brave go ahead and post your own profile with some information that would help others when diagnosing their characters. If not so brave post your protagonist or antagonist instead :) You can see mine below.
Another way to setup a baseline is have friends and family take the test and then make a profile database. In this database you would save the results along with some situations that you find the particular person in. Then you could use it as a reference when creating your characters.
The test only took me about 5 minutes to take and gave some really good feedback. If you feel brave go ahead and post your own profile with some information that would help others when diagnosing their characters. If not so brave post your protagonist or antagonist instead :) You can see mine below.
Your personality type: “Harmony-seeking Idealist”
Quietly forceful, original and sensitive. Tend to stick to things until they are done. Extremely intuitive about people and concerned for their feelings. Well-developed value systems which they strictly adhere to. Well-respected for their perseverance in doing the right thing. Likely to be individualistic, rather than leading or following.
Careers that could fit you include:
Counselors, clergy, missionaries, teachers, medical doctors, dentists, chiropractor, Psychologists, psychiatrists, writers, musicians, artists, psychics, photographers, child care workers, education consultants, librarians, marketeers, scientistsm social workers.
Renowned persons with similar personality types:
- Adam Sandler, actor and comedian
- Gillian Anderson, actress
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, poet
- Jamie Foxx, actor, musician and comedian
- Martin van Buren, American president
- Mel Gibson, actor and filmmaker
- Nelson Mandela, president of South Africa
- Nicole Kidman, actress
- Oprah Winfrey, TV show host
- Tom Selleck, actor
Some of the things that made me the way I am is that I prefer small crowds of individuals that I know. I prefer to work one on one as opposed to big groups. I like to be home with family and a few close friends as opposed to big parties and or nightclubs etc. I like to work on my own and to set deadlines that I work towards. I enjoy writing and talking to people (as long as it is a one on one situation). I enjoy imagining and thinking through things. I like to be on time and hate being late.
I hope to see others comments so that we can all increase our database. Please remember that this is public and you should not post anything that you would not want your employer or mother or grandmother to know about. Have fun!
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