Online Free Dictionary defines trend, trending, trends as a) The general direction in which something tends to move, b) A general tendency or inclination, c) Current style; vogueWhatever its true definition, I delight in the term as I imagine experts in the field gleaning all sorts of valuable information by tracking what's trending at any particular moment. My method of gathering information is more random and haphazard. A Plot Whisperer tweet is retweeted numerous times. The "total reach" is …
How to Develop a High Concept in Novels, Memoirs, Screenplays
We had a plot consultation a couple of years ago. At the time, I worried her story wasn't High Concept -- you know, that something special, exotic, unexpected. Without a high concept, a story may never find an agent, publisher, audience.Prior to our recent consultation, I read her current synopsis and worry I've lost my ability to remember writers' stories. I do not recognize any of the character, action or thematic elements. The writing and content in her synopsis give me goosebumps. Intrigue, …
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How to Show Character Transformation
At the beginning of the plot consultation, the writer expresses a desire / need to deepen the relationships between the three major characters in her science fiction novel and create a satisfying character transformation at the end.With the dramatic action plot firmly in place, the writer is better able to concentrate on those elements more challenging for her -- everything that has to do with character emotional development. Together, we plot out the primary relationships in much the same way …
How to Create Conflict in Your Novel, Memoir, Screenplay?
Conflict intensifies in the Middle of a story. Having left the relative safety of the shallow world of the Beginning the protagonist finds the old rules and help and guidance and belief systems of the past no longer protect her from harm -- physical and/or emotional.The Middle strips her of all that is familiar and gives her the space in which to discover who she was born to be / truly is and let go of who she was raised and molded into being. Every mistake she makes in the middle and every …
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To Cut a Subplot or Not to Cut a Subplot
The action at the Climax is big and external and life or death and... well, it's great. The scene sounds like the culmination of exciting action in a truly exotic setting. We move from the dramatic action plot to the character emotional development plot -- or, in other words, why the protagonist does what she does at the climax and what her actions mean to the story overall. By the gaps and questions she has, I understand she's written the first draft primarily from the dramatic action and the …
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