I always disguise the identity of the writer when I unwind here and reflect after a plot consultation. I keep my comments general in hopes of showing how universal most of the plots and the plights I encounter.In my mind, I already see the writer successful and imagine how notes like these would shed a certain sense of historical perspective when the time of success truly arrives.Today's consultation was all about subplots and themes.Every element in a memoir, novel, screenplay contributes to …
A Tough Nut to Crack
The only real antagonist is the protagonist herself.1) Draw a bubble in the middle of a piece of paper. Write the protagonist's deepest held belief, the one that prevents her from having that which she wants more than anything else in the world. Or do this exercise on yourself to determine what's blocking you -- I'm not good enough, I'm not smart enough, I don't do enough -- pick one, create one, we've all got them.2) Spiraling out from the bubble, create other bubbles each with an external …
Don’t Relinquish Your Power
My apologies up front. After today's consultation, I'm in the mood to rant.Hold onto your own personal power no matter the cost.Don't give your energy over to another and/or to a belief that no longer serves you. Let me repeat that. Do NOT give your energy over to another or to a belief that no longer serves you.Don't forget, no matter who critiques you, you are the artist. You are the final decision-maker. Don't give your power over to anyone else. Listen. Take notes. Thank them. Do for them …
Plot Therapist
"I believe talking about the story blocks the story.""So do I," I say, wondering where the writer is going with this.Later in the plot consultation, she reveals that she had reunited with an old friend who had successful published a book. She read it. Now she's blocked."So because you talked to your old friend about your story, you're blocked?" I asked."Yes.""Then why are you talking to me about your story?"Pause."Because you're the block buster..."Ahhhhhh …
Bird’s Eye View of Your Story
I'm humbled by how many writers open up to me about that most vulnerable part of them -- their stories. Immediately ascertainable is how closely a writer is identified by the story. 1) This is the story they have told themselves and lived by their entire lives. 2) This is a fun romp, thrilling mystery, or pure romance.#1 is generally character-driven. #2 is often action-driven.(To see which way you write, Take the Test).I get to not only sit in the crow's nest and analyze the plot and structure …
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