asterisk

\ASS-tuh-risk\

noun

: the character * used in printing or writing as a reference mark, as an indication of the omission of letters or words, to denote a hypothetical or unattested linguistic form, or for various arbitrary meanings

the ASTERISK is one of my favorite tools in writing. it is the key to digression, the door to another world outside the narrative. i've seen pieces where a whole other narrative is woven just through the notes—it's like the author is right there, whispering little secrets in your ear while you read.*

(i enjoy the parenthetical remark, as well, although that is slightly different. it is less like whispering in your ear and more like pulling you aside to discreetly point something out—a back story, a confession, an untucked shirt. it has more to do with the diegetic narrative than the author.)

i have used the ASTERISK a few times in the course of this serial blog, usually to explain the significance of a reoccurring character. this makes me wish there was a way to link this blog to a cast of characters, little explanations of people who i frequently mention, so i won't have to bother with generalizing their extensive history in a few words.**

if anyone knows how to do this, let me know. i am less than internet-savvy. i have figured out how to put links into the blog's text, but i haven't figured out where i can create a cast of characters. maybe i should just create another blog that is simple descriptions of people in my life, and i could link this to that. actually, that's a fantastic idea. each blog can be about one person, maybe with a little picture or drawing attached.

you just witnessed my first inductive process of the day. and the week. and the month.

when she looks at you, you can tell she's working things out.***

*seriously, what do you want to know? i'm drinking green tea in my pajamas with a cat on my lap. i need a shower. i just hawked a loog.

**this is mostly pertaining to brian, because it's really difficult to sum him up in a parenthetical remark: (brian was my first love who blew his brains out when i was thirteen). that's like randomly showing up at a party with shannon doherty**** and thinking it's going to be an ordinary night.

***i HOPE the reader knows where this quote is from. if not, maybe this will refresh your memory.

****i don't know. she just popped into my head.