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 …
Plot Consultations for Writers
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 …
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