A good story is able to seduce a reader by the illusion created on the page. A story written in scene creates its own time and a sense that the present moment is all that exists for the reader. As the reader sinks into the world of the characters on the page, they surrender even their emotions to the illusion. This strengthens as the reader comes to know the characters and care for them, even to worry about them. The reader's body responds on a visceral level; their hearts beat faster. Perhaps …
Fatal Plot Flaw
Of the 10 elements in the Character Emotional Development Profile, the one of greatest importance to the overall plot of the story is Goal.The other elements help create conflict, tension, suspense and curiosity -- all critical to a successful story -- as well as create a three-dimensional character.The #1 problem I find, well... perhaps that's too sweeping but I'm trying to make a point here, is that writers often neglect to create a specific goal that in turn provides specific action steps the …
Plot Tip: Creating an Illusion
Living in the present moment is difficult for most people. Only while daydreaming or night dreaming, through mediation, under hypnosis, or while in the zone of writing or some other passion and with practice, can we stay mindful or conscious of the present moment for a sustained period of time. Usually our minds are darting into the future, whether the next 10 minutes or 10 years from now, or into the past, what just happened or what happened long ago. Reading is a mindful activity. When the …
Word Count for Scenes
(NOTE: I know I said I'd address more about theme, but received the following question. Will continue theme discussion next time.)Question:I've been working through my scene tracker and planned 20 chapters, each with 3 scenes or a total of 60 scenes. I divided plot into the first 1/4 or 5 chapters, the next 1/2 15 chapters, and the final 1/4 or 5 chapters.Last evening as I was writing I realized each scene would have to be about 1,000 words to get to 60,000 and right now they are only about 600. …
Plot Your Story’s Theme
The Thematic Significance of your story is the thread that holds your story together. The more clearly you can define your thematic significance statement, the tighter your story. Once you have identified your Thematic Significance statement, your scene choices and word choices throughout your story will follow theme. The theme then serves as your compass, determining what fits and what doesn't.Writers generally begin a new project writing in their strength:Dramatic ActionCharacter Emotional …
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