Why is it so important to draft and outline of a story? Even if it's non-fiction the writer needs to have a guide, a way that leads to completion. Any good story has a strong beginning, a good main body, and then a proper, if not climatic, ending.
But how does a writer achieve this? What does it take to make a truly great story? Besides the writing it takes practice. Anything you do takes practice. Drafting is essentially putting what you know into practice.
Take a moment and think about some of the drafts you've done over your life time, whether they were personal letters or stories. Drafting helps the writer see what is right and what is wrong with their piece of work. It is a way to establish what you want to say and how to say it even better next time. There is nothing wrong with creating several or many drafts of any one piece of writing, however there should be an end to it at some point. Obsessing over what could be and what needs to be are two personal struggles that every writer has. The objective is learning when to acknowledge that a work is finished in your eyes and is ready to be delivered to an editor or to the recipient.
Now let us think about outlining for a moment.
Outlining provides a very useful function. It is a way of finding the path that needs to be walked. This is where the beginning of an adventure is born. Outlining provides a visual for the writer and it depicts where the reader starts, where they will go, and where they will find an end. Think of it as a trail in a natural park. There are many ways the story could go but the writer takes the time to specifically plan out where the given path needs to lead. Along the way the trail has markers for things that must be seen or illustrated for the reader that comes along for the ride. Typically the writer wants to only add the most adherent details, things that are on a need to know basis. Other than that, let the story flow and naturally come across each event. The idea is not to force all of the story out when drawing up the outline, but to find the story's plot and conceptual ideas.
That's all for now. Thanks for joining me this week. Join me next week where I will be pondering the use of dialogue and its necessity in the fantasy genre.
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Character Development
When it comes to producing main or supporting characters the writer needs to remember quite a few things. It's not as simple as creating a person out of thin air, it's more than that. A character needs to serve the story's lore while at the same time growing as a unique character. Sometimes the character needs to be a clean slate that fills itself with characteristics as the story progress. Together we will study the idea of character and what makes a certain type of character interesting to read about or watch in a movie. Consider the part that each character needs to play.
Here, let us make a list of character aspects that need to be established.
1.) The main character or hero needs to be relatable even if later on he becomes alienated from the rest of society. Readers or movie goers need a personal attachment. If one is not provided it is harder for the individual to connect to the story being told. Nowadays there are too many instances where the action is the primary focus over the main character. This simply is not the way to do things. True, audiences love flashy and excitable things. But where is the mental challenge and mental connection that so many people go to the movies for or pick up a book for? A good story always provides a lifelike character to be our vessel through the world that they live in. That is how it should be. Any kind of action needs to be a result of the villain's doing or part of the hero's consequences for an earlier interaction.
2.) Though I've touched on the topic of the villain before, I cannot help but stress the need for a good one. Never be scared to write a villain into existence that terrifies even you, the writer. Chances are that character will frighten others too but in a good way. Always create a path for the villain the same way you would the main character or the hero. Never neglect either one of these characters for they are the necessary polar opposites to any good story. It is the common science behind any great story in the last 70 years. The idea is to make the villain someone that the audience loves to hate or that they feel sympathy for. That or make the villain someone that is truly despicable. No matter what, build that villain as you would the lore of the story. This one character can make or break the value of the resolution. That said, a villain is not the focus of the story but the individual that we consider to be in the wrong opposed to being in the right. This creates strife which in turn produces tension and action.
3.) Supporting characters never get the spotlight that they deserve. The friend or helper in the story is there to push the main character or hero the extra twelve feet that they would never have gained on their own. Any supporting character needs to have a reason for existing. Simply killing or creating a support character is meaningless unless it serves the story. Think of these characters as accessories. The hero would be boring if they never had anyone there to support them or to instigate thought. The support character should always challenge the issue that the hero faces. What is the right way to go? Is it right or left? Is fighting the only option? Support characters have these thoughts to provoke the hero into saying or doing what would be expected of them. Sometimes they push the hero to do the unexpected. These characters are an important piece to both sides of the equation. Without the support around the dialogue between the hero and villain would become stale and almost cartoon-like in practice. The objective of the support character needs to be that of its name, support. These characters should behave as the active crutches that hold up the hero. Adding support characters also gives the audience a breath or refresher, and for the main characters a push in the right direction.
Here, let us make a list of character aspects that need to be established.
1.) The main character or hero needs to be relatable even if later on he becomes alienated from the rest of society. Readers or movie goers need a personal attachment. If one is not provided it is harder for the individual to connect to the story being told. Nowadays there are too many instances where the action is the primary focus over the main character. This simply is not the way to do things. True, audiences love flashy and excitable things. But where is the mental challenge and mental connection that so many people go to the movies for or pick up a book for? A good story always provides a lifelike character to be our vessel through the world that they live in. That is how it should be. Any kind of action needs to be a result of the villain's doing or part of the hero's consequences for an earlier interaction.
2.) Though I've touched on the topic of the villain before, I cannot help but stress the need for a good one. Never be scared to write a villain into existence that terrifies even you, the writer. Chances are that character will frighten others too but in a good way. Always create a path for the villain the same way you would the main character or the hero. Never neglect either one of these characters for they are the necessary polar opposites to any good story. It is the common science behind any great story in the last 70 years. The idea is to make the villain someone that the audience loves to hate or that they feel sympathy for. That or make the villain someone that is truly despicable. No matter what, build that villain as you would the lore of the story. This one character can make or break the value of the resolution. That said, a villain is not the focus of the story but the individual that we consider to be in the wrong opposed to being in the right. This creates strife which in turn produces tension and action.
3.) Supporting characters never get the spotlight that they deserve. The friend or helper in the story is there to push the main character or hero the extra twelve feet that they would never have gained on their own. Any supporting character needs to have a reason for existing. Simply killing or creating a support character is meaningless unless it serves the story. Think of these characters as accessories. The hero would be boring if they never had anyone there to support them or to instigate thought. The support character should always challenge the issue that the hero faces. What is the right way to go? Is it right or left? Is fighting the only option? Support characters have these thoughts to provoke the hero into saying or doing what would be expected of them. Sometimes they push the hero to do the unexpected. These characters are an important piece to both sides of the equation. Without the support around the dialogue between the hero and villain would become stale and almost cartoon-like in practice. The objective of the support character needs to be that of its name, support. These characters should behave as the active crutches that hold up the hero. Adding support characters also gives the audience a breath or refresher, and for the main characters a push in the right direction.
Monday, July 14, 2014
Not Giving Up
The hardest part of writing has to be not giving up and finding the willpower to workout an idea to its completion. Why is it that so many writers stare at a piece or work they contrived and wonder "Is this really any good? I mean is it? Should I turn the bucket over and let it pour out, all this nonsense I spent all this time writing?" The answer is obvious and it is due to the often depressing emotions that are the culprits of failure.
The only real roadblock that creates an obstacle before the finish line is yourself. If something you wrote is bad or dis-interesting this is not your queue to throw in the towel. No, it should be the scalding cattle prod that rekindles the jolt to your creative step.
Are you hungry? Do you starve to write? When you daydream do you live out stories that you plan to create with pen and paper? Then do so. Pen what is on your mind and drives your passion forward. Do not hesitate. Hesitation and fear are prisons worth avoiding detention in. Keep the mind fresh from anxiety, think of only the story, and of the characters. The rest will come to pass as it should.
Certainly don't worry what others say about your passion for writing if it is negative and only meant to scorn you. You are a one man/woman show. Do as those who have come before you would. Write.
Consider the following quote when next you write:
"Don’t try to figure out what other people want to hear from you; figure out what you have to say. It’s the one and only thing you have to offer"- Barbara Kingsolver.
The only real roadblock that creates an obstacle before the finish line is yourself. If something you wrote is bad or dis-interesting this is not your queue to throw in the towel. No, it should be the scalding cattle prod that rekindles the jolt to your creative step.
Are you hungry? Do you starve to write? When you daydream do you live out stories that you plan to create with pen and paper? Then do so. Pen what is on your mind and drives your passion forward. Do not hesitate. Hesitation and fear are prisons worth avoiding detention in. Keep the mind fresh from anxiety, think of only the story, and of the characters. The rest will come to pass as it should.
Certainly don't worry what others say about your passion for writing if it is negative and only meant to scorn you. You are a one man/woman show. Do as those who have come before you would. Write.
Consider the following quote when next you write:
"Don’t try to figure out what other people want to hear from you; figure out what you have to say. It’s the one and only thing you have to offer"- Barbara Kingsolver.
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Just Something to Laugh About
Need a small break from writing or reading meticulously today? Take a moment and let your mind breathe. Laugh a little. I find that clearing my mind and laughing is a great restart to my creative process. It gets my achy and sometimes light headed brain back to a normal state or a speed that I am used to working at.
Don't let yourself become angry with the fact that you hit a limit. Everyone has them. Some folks can only write a page a day. Others can write up to a whole chapter. The point is not to be the fastest. The point is to tell a story. Do it at your pace and when you are ready to get back into the groove.
That said do not become complacent and lazy. Keep a writing schedule of some kind. If anything do not become someone who is content with doing it tomorrow. We all fall into it every once in a while. The key is to write even if what you write is garbage and later edited or stripped from the story. Write no matter what.
As a fellow author/writer I would like to encourage you to laugh every now and then, and to keep your daily creative flow alive and well.
Don't let yourself become angry with the fact that you hit a limit. Everyone has them. Some folks can only write a page a day. Others can write up to a whole chapter. The point is not to be the fastest. The point is to tell a story. Do it at your pace and when you are ready to get back into the groove.
That said do not become complacent and lazy. Keep a writing schedule of some kind. If anything do not become someone who is content with doing it tomorrow. We all fall into it every once in a while. The key is to write even if what you write is garbage and later edited or stripped from the story. Write no matter what.
As a fellow author/writer I would like to encourage you to laugh every now and then, and to keep your daily creative flow alive and well.
Monday, July 7, 2014
Should I Write Something Risky?
There are times when writers asks themselves if something they are contriving and placing into a story is out of place or risky. What is wrong with risky? I say, "dare to impair." And by that I mean to write to ensare.
Why does sex and violence sell? Because people, though opposed to being open about it, are not against reading about either. As long as it is behind closed doors and in the confines of their own sanctum. Am I encouraging filth? I do not mean that to sound like the case at all. What I am simply trying to state is that risky motives make for tempestuous ventures.
Consider why it is that you love a show or film that is "risky". Why is that you love it? Might it be due to the situation? Fantasizing as what life could be like. And why is it that such a perverse thing is frowned upon?
As you remember my blog is here to make you think. Not to give you answers. Do not first arrive at the answer if you do not know the question, for the question is the plot whereas the answer is the adventure to the end of said mentioned plot.
Ponder this as well. Why is it that some of the best selling books in history question sexuality, intimacy, gender roles, mental illness, and gross expenditures of wealth? How were they successful in relating that subject matter to their audience? And what audience does it appeal to?
As a writer it is important to always have a question. Then it is up to you to write a version of the answer that is best led to its end by empirical evidence whether that be fiction or non-fiction.
Why does sex and violence sell? Because people, though opposed to being open about it, are not against reading about either. As long as it is behind closed doors and in the confines of their own sanctum. Am I encouraging filth? I do not mean that to sound like the case at all. What I am simply trying to state is that risky motives make for tempestuous ventures.
Consider why it is that you love a show or film that is "risky". Why is that you love it? Might it be due to the situation? Fantasizing as what life could be like. And why is it that such a perverse thing is frowned upon?
As you remember my blog is here to make you think. Not to give you answers. Do not first arrive at the answer if you do not know the question, for the question is the plot whereas the answer is the adventure to the end of said mentioned plot.
Ponder this as well. Why is it that some of the best selling books in history question sexuality, intimacy, gender roles, mental illness, and gross expenditures of wealth? How were they successful in relating that subject matter to their audience? And what audience does it appeal to?
As a writer it is important to always have a question. Then it is up to you to write a version of the answer that is best led to its end by empirical evidence whether that be fiction or non-fiction.
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Out for July 4th weekend.
Enjoy your July 4th my fellow American buddies, friends who serve, and family members. I will be out till Saturday. Go see some fireworks and hear those great tunes!
Here is a link to a fun light show from the past. : P
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUJqcu4tWw4
Here is a link to a fun light show from the past. : P
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUJqcu4tWw4
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Try to Relax
No long winded lecture today. Just providing some songs for inspiration again. Enjoy your daily writing or reading. Be creative and intuitive.
Micheal Ortega-"It's Hard to Say Goodbye"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_Am4cHMBKM
Axel Rosenberg-Straight from Within
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5Tt5SNjd9w
Johannes Brahms-Concerto N#2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJnpsuv3E7s
Gustav Holst-The Planets Op.32
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHVsszW7Nds
Micheal Ortega-"It's Hard to Say Goodbye"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_Am4cHMBKM
Axel Rosenberg-Straight from Within
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5Tt5SNjd9w
Johannes Brahms-Concerto N#2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJnpsuv3E7s
Gustav Holst-The Planets Op.32
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHVsszW7Nds
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