Blogs by Deborah K. Frontiera
One Writer's Random Thoughts
10/5/2021 4:56:39 AM
Sometimes people need a fresh look at something, or to lighten up a little bit, or a way to express some of those “pet peeves”, or a good tip for everyday life, or a quote that makes them think, or . . . So those are the pigeon holes this blog will attempt to fill.
At other times, I’ll use passages from some of my books to demonstrate for readers and authors how writers us various techniques to “show” a good story rather than simply “telling” it.
Happy reading.
World Building Part 5:
The Chronicles of Henry Roach-Dairier: The ReCreation of Roacheria, which tells the “young” Henry Roach-Dairier’s life, focuses more on life in Roacheria than on the ant colonies. Once again, I had to use various techniques to let my readers know how different that culture was from that of the ants. The scene below uses dialogue, action and description to point out the strict social structure in Roacheria. Henry has finally been able to go to Roacheria, escorted by colony members until they meet with his “sponsor” in the City of Roacheria:
Colony members had unloaded all of the trade goods and reloaded their baskets with another time frame’s supply of plastic when Rick arrived to greet Arthur and Henry.
“Sorry I’m late,” he said, breathing heavily. “I had to finish an article for tomorrow morning’s City Bulletin. We get fined if we’re late. I got bogged down checking out some facts.”
“Don’t worry about it. We had to finish loading anyway.” Arthur greeted Rick in the way of ants, both front pods extended.
Rick grasped Arthur’s outstretched pods and pulled him close. He turned to Henry and offered the same greeting. “I’ve waited a long time for the privilege of being your temporary family while you train here. Welcome.”
Henry responded. “I’ve waited a long time, too. Thank you. It’s good to be here.” He turned and embraced his brother. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine, and tell David I promise not to get into any trouble.”
Arthur held him close, sighed, and then left with the carriers.
The Trade Center, a huge pavilion with no walls, sat in the center of the city of Roacheria. Stone and wood pillars every twenty f-units supported a wood and metal roof. Everything (plastic, produce, bulk quantities of every imaginable domicile need) came through this center from the Colonies or other communities in Organized Roacheria. Things were redistributed to smaller markets where individual roaches could purchase them. Goods made in the city and plastic from its mines arrived here before shipment out. The South East Roach Control Board regulated it tightly to the advantage of Board Members.
Rick led Henry through the din and confusion. Henry looked about, taking it all in, a surge of excitement flowing through him. Larger roaches labored to load huge rolling carts. Some with authority checked lists on parchment and wrote out destination orders.
“This way,” said Rick, leading him toward a raised platform at one end of the pavilion. Henry saw a large roach standing there. A round medallion identifying him as a member of the SERCB hung around his head and dangled below his mandibles. He watched all the activity below and gave instructions to other authority figures.
Rick walked up the ramp, lowered his head and swept his front pods out to both sides. “Good afternoon, Sir. I work for the City Bulletin. Do you have any public information today?”
“Have I seen you before?”
“Yes, Sir, frequently.”
“I thought you looked familiar. No, not today. Stop by Fifthday. I’ll have this time frame’s totals and the regular report for you,” he said, turning to another roach, never acknowledging Henry’s presence.
In another scene at the beginning of Chapter 4, Henry learns why his brothers hated the time they spent in Roacheria while trying to find a mate they could cherish—since there were few female roaches in New South Dairy 50 at the time. He also learns how different the educational system is:
Henry looked at the title of the manuscript in front of him, Roachstory: From the Beginning of Organized Roacheria to the 100th Season Cycle. Trainer Renard called the names of those enrolled in this required unit.
“Henry Roach-Dairier,” he heard.
“Yes, Trainer Renard.” Henry rose, then stooped and swept his front pods out to the side.
“What kind of a moronic, plastic-depraved name is Henry Roach-Dairier?” Trainer Renard asked, rising to his full height. One of the larger variety of roaches, he towered over Henry.
“With all due respect, I’ve chosen to acknowledge both sides of my heritage,” Henry replied, keeping his voice as steady as he could.
A roar of laughter swept through the chamber. Renard raised a pod. Instant silence.
“And what might that be?”
“I’m a member of New South Dairy Colony 50 and the son of one who was adopted by ants. I’m proud of that, so I chose to declare it with my name.” Henry’s brothers had hidden themselves behind common Roach names while in Roacheria and had advised him to do the same. Henry had decided to do the opposite.
Trainer Renard looked at him skeptically and moved on down the list.
Mid-day came. Henry took the bowl of food and the mug handed him by a scrawny male. “Thank you,” he said.
He heard the stunned worker mutter, “You’re welcome.”
Henry turned and headed for a bench at one of the many eating surfaces in the large chamber. “May I join you?” he asked the group already seated.
“Well, well,” said Reese, a male of the large type of roach always found in positions of power. “If it isn’t Henry Hyphenated. So what do you really consider yourself? A roach? Or a three-blobbed, only-fit-for-slavery-ant?”
“Maybe he’s a Rant,” taunted another sitting next to him.
Henry sat down and let silence settle before saying, “I’ve been trying to think of a good word for myself for a long time. Rant. Interesting. Thank you.”
All of them, obviously expecting an angry response to their insults, stared in silence. Henry picked up his mug, raised it toward them in a silent gesture of approval and ate his lunch without another word, shaking inside like a leaf in a summer storm. He lifted up silent thoughts in meditation that his decision to meet their bigotry and insults head on would not prove to be foolish.
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