Yesterday's post was in desperation. The work I was reading was good. By about the End of the Beginning (1/4), I found the plot working, the character believable though not completely likable, the issues of value. I wanted it to be great. Continued reading to the end today. Things picked up shortly before the Halfway mark. The heart and soul of the work emerged. I shed tears. I really cared. Made me a believer again. Cautiously though....Work needs to be done. More authentic details. Entire …
What Makes a Good Story?
I don't know anything about video games. Truly. I'm embarrassed to expose the underbelly of my ignorance about one of the largest revenue markets out there, but here goes...Video games have a character doing stuff -- action driven. Character propels from one event to the next. Setting. Mood. Theme. Journey.It's a story.There's also a character doing stuff to reveal self -- character driven. Character propels from one event to the next. Setting. Mood. Theme. Journey. It's another kind of story.So …
Unsatisfying Climax
Viewed two movies recently, both of which left me disappointed and dissatisfied at the end. The first movie is actually made up of three movies -- the Lord of the Rings trilogy. I watched all three on a marathon movie day while recovering from an awful flu going around. Non-stop action and conflict, tension, suspense and curiosity effectively kept my mind off my coughing. However, my disappointment at the end nearly sent me spiraling back into the abyss of illness. Exaggeration, of course. I was …
The Deeper the Meaning, the More Lasting the Project
Every story that becomes a classic has at least three universal plot threads:(1) Character Emotional Development(2) Dramatic Action(3) Thematic SignificanceMany writers develop one plot line at a time. The plot line you first choose to carry through the entire first draft is usually directly tied to your strength; strength determines preference (Take the Test).Whether you begin with the Character Emotional Development plot line or the Dramatic Action plot line, most writers put off the Thematic …
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Creating a Sacred Writing Space
We as writers spend countless hours in our writing "caves," creating characters and stories we hope will engage and captive our readers. The more enticing our writing environment, the more apt we are to enter and stay awhile. Surround yourself with objects that have helped you find your way in life -- books, totems, photos, quotes, special rugs, notepads, pencils and pens. Pay attention to little ritual details. Do you like to light a candle before beginning to write? Brew a cup of tea? Have …
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