Good evening, fellow writers!
New favorite word of the week: triskaidekaphobia. Try to say that three times fast. In fact, try to say that at all. It's pronounced "triss-kye-dek-uh-FOH-bee-uh." Basically, it's the fear of the number thirteen (which, in some cultures, is considered an unlucky number). It's hard to say where 13's bad reputation came from. You can look to Christianity, Hindu beliefs, Norse mythology or superstition, but it's hard to tell for sure.
Anyway, today's topic is subplots! That's right, those extra smaller story lines that keep the reader, reading (besides the 3-D characters and awesome main plot, obviously). Maybe throughout the novel, your protagonist has to figure out who is stealing his or her shampoo. It could be the antagonist, or it could be someone else, who knows? Maybe at some point in the novel, a robbery takes place and your character has to prove himself innocent at times throughout the novel. Little events like that really make the novel, because, if you think about it, you life doesn't only have one main story in it, right?
They can connect to the main plot, helping the reader realize something subtly without having it thrown in their face. It might be a thread linking to a future event. Their impact can be indirect, or it can smack your character in the face (figuratively, but if your subplot involves literal smacking, that's okay too).
The subplot(s) should have some reason and connection to the main story. It can't just be for comic relief or to use up the previously-deleted scenes that you loved so much but didn't fit in before.
Subplots should take fewer pages than the main plot, and many are on-going, though some are short and can occur anywhere in the story. But one main difference between subplots and plots is that in subplots, not all of the events have to occur "on stage," if you will. Some of the events can happen "behind the scenes," and even if they aren't written in the final draft, the characters can still discuss the event, showing the reader that the event occurred without writing the whole scene out. This keeps valuable information in the novel and the less interesting information (that doesn't move the plot along) out of the final draft.
However, as much fun as subplots are, keep them to a minimum. Most novels can only support one to three subplots before your main plot just gets completely off-track and nothing is accomplished. It just leaves the whole story unorganized.
Three final words of advice on subplots:
1) They take place at the same time as the main story.
2) They stress and idea or play with an idea from the story to make it stick out, impacting the novel later on or drawing the reader's attention to it.
3) Impacts the end of the novel. (Now, it doesn't have to impact the resolution, but it is usually best if it has an ending that somehow affects the characters, at least a little. Granted, some subplots have more meaning than others, but it's always good to have some impact on the novel.)
That's all for the night!
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to email me at penelopepaige@rocketmail.com. Time to go sharpen that pencil...
Question: Do you purposely create subplots for your writing, or do they just happen naturally as the story goes on?
A writing blog to keep aspiring writers inspired and motivated.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Similes Are Like... Similes
Good evening, writers! Penelope Paige here, reporting from her bedroom beside her piles of notes. I've been cramming for midterms all weekend, so this is just a quick post.
New Favorite Word of the Week: supercilious. The single most fun word you will ever say. It basically means haughty or overly proud, patronizing, etc. (I dare you to say superciliously three times fast). Anyway...
Similes. We love 'em and some of us use them all the time in real life. Depending on our personalities, senses of humor, and interests, our comparisons change, right? For example, I was reading a fan fic the other day where a girl compared herself to her crush like a small planet revolving around the sun, itching to get closer. Although I thought this was a great comparison, I didn't really see it fitting to the girl's personality. A teen might not say that a "butterfly flies like a child twirling in its first tutu," but perhaps a mother might, or a ballet instructor. Cliches sometimes fit in with similes, as certain comparisons have been made over and over and OVER again, all in the same taste. Try to make creative, fun similes for your characters. Who knows, you may start using it yourself.
In my current WiP (work in progress), I have a character who is very blunt and arrogant sometimes. He definitely would not be using the butterfly simile above, but he might compare getting a crush to a slap in the face (blunt, frank, just like his personality). Or, he may not use similes at all, and simply say it was "like BAM!" As you can see, he has a very undistinguished vocabulary (Haha).
That's all for now. I have to neglect my writing (once again, sadface) because of my midterms. My midterms are like a large to-do list--I hardly get to cross anything off! (See, that was a good comparison for me, since I always make to-do lists that seem never-ending). Happy comparing!
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to email me at penelopepaige@rocketmail.com. Time to go sharpen that pencil...
Question: Do you use similes in your writing? If so, do you consider your characters when making them?
New Favorite Word of the Week: supercilious. The single most fun word you will ever say. It basically means haughty or overly proud, patronizing, etc. (I dare you to say superciliously three times fast). Anyway...
Similes. We love 'em and some of us use them all the time in real life. Depending on our personalities, senses of humor, and interests, our comparisons change, right? For example, I was reading a fan fic the other day where a girl compared herself to her crush like a small planet revolving around the sun, itching to get closer. Although I thought this was a great comparison, I didn't really see it fitting to the girl's personality. A teen might not say that a "butterfly flies like a child twirling in its first tutu," but perhaps a mother might, or a ballet instructor. Cliches sometimes fit in with similes, as certain comparisons have been made over and over and OVER again, all in the same taste. Try to make creative, fun similes for your characters. Who knows, you may start using it yourself.
In my current WiP (work in progress), I have a character who is very blunt and arrogant sometimes. He definitely would not be using the butterfly simile above, but he might compare getting a crush to a slap in the face (blunt, frank, just like his personality). Or, he may not use similes at all, and simply say it was "like BAM!" As you can see, he has a very undistinguished vocabulary (Haha).
That's all for now. I have to neglect my writing (once again, sadface) because of my midterms. My midterms are like a large to-do list--I hardly get to cross anything off! (See, that was a good comparison for me, since I always make to-do lists that seem never-ending). Happy comparing!
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to email me at penelopepaige@rocketmail.com. Time to go sharpen that pencil...
Question: Do you use similes in your writing? If so, do you consider your characters when making them?
Sunday, January 17, 2010
"Television has proved that people will look at anything rather than each other." - Ann Landers
Good evening, writers! So I'm sick at home with strep throat, but I'm still posting. Want to know why? Because I love you all! So there, feel loved.
Today's topic is TV scripts--more specifically, a pilot. In my Creative Writing class, my assignment was to write up a pilot (first episode) for my very own TV show. I created the plot, the setting, the characters, everything. Just like a novel. However, what makes it different from a novel is the format.
1. Length - Usually it goes about a page a minute, so an hour show would be about 45 pages (since you have to include commercial time). A half an hour show would be about 20 pages (again, leaving time for commercials).
2. Format - The first page of your script is often a title page, consisting of the title of the television show and your name, in a large font (the most popular for TV scripts being Courier). The next page will include a short summary of your story, comparable to what you would find on the inside flap of a hardcover book. The third page will be for brief character descriptions.
3. Characters - Don't have more than 4 or 5--though 5 is stretching it--main characters. It keeps things more simple with less main characters. I generally follow this rule with novels, too. You shouldn't really include physical description unless they have an important feature, like a distinguishable scar, etc.
4. Description - One main difference between novels and scripts is that scripts aren't very descriptive. The scripts don't usually have a lot of description except for the basics. If you're describing a room for the first time, you can simply say, "INT TYLER's KITCHEN - A small, cluttered kitchen with a table, a stove, and not much else." A short, quick description. Remember, the director will work with the script, so it's not really your job to describe everything. While novels should be very descriptive, scripts should be open to the imagination of the director. F
5. Direction and Transitions - Include transitions like "FADE IN" or "FADE OUT" when beginning or ending a scene to describe the lighting/camera. Just include a simple tag. It's not your job to direct the cameras precisely, remember. For direction, again, make it simple and short. You don't have to use adverbs, you don't have to describe it. It's pure "tell," a main opposite from novel writing.
A lot of things you've learned from writing your novel can be put to use here, like character making, but certain things, like "Tell, don't show" are vital to making a true television script. Happy writing!
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to email me at penelopepaige@rocketmail.com. Time to go sharpen that pencil...
Question: Have you ever written a TV pilot before? If so, what are you experiences with it? If not, why?
Today's topic is TV scripts--more specifically, a pilot. In my Creative Writing class, my assignment was to write up a pilot (first episode) for my very own TV show. I created the plot, the setting, the characters, everything. Just like a novel. However, what makes it different from a novel is the format.
1. Length - Usually it goes about a page a minute, so an hour show would be about 45 pages (since you have to include commercial time). A half an hour show would be about 20 pages (again, leaving time for commercials).
2. Format - The first page of your script is often a title page, consisting of the title of the television show and your name, in a large font (the most popular for TV scripts being Courier). The next page will include a short summary of your story, comparable to what you would find on the inside flap of a hardcover book. The third page will be for brief character descriptions.
3. Characters - Don't have more than 4 or 5--though 5 is stretching it--main characters. It keeps things more simple with less main characters. I generally follow this rule with novels, too. You shouldn't really include physical description unless they have an important feature, like a distinguishable scar, etc.
4. Description - One main difference between novels and scripts is that scripts aren't very descriptive. The scripts don't usually have a lot of description except for the basics. If you're describing a room for the first time, you can simply say, "INT TYLER's KITCHEN - A small, cluttered kitchen with a table, a stove, and not much else." A short, quick description. Remember, the director will work with the script, so it's not really your job to describe everything. While novels should be very descriptive, scripts should be open to the imagination of the director. F
5. Direction and Transitions - Include transitions like "FADE IN" or "FADE OUT" when beginning or ending a scene to describe the lighting/camera. Just include a simple tag. It's not your job to direct the cameras precisely, remember. For direction, again, make it simple and short. You don't have to use adverbs, you don't have to describe it. It's pure "tell," a main opposite from novel writing.
A lot of things you've learned from writing your novel can be put to use here, like character making, but certain things, like "Tell, don't show" are vital to making a true television script. Happy writing!
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to email me at penelopepaige@rocketmail.com. Time to go sharpen that pencil...
Question: Have you ever written a TV pilot before? If so, what are you experiences with it? If not, why?
Sunday, January 10, 2010
You Know What I'm Talking 'bout!
Good evening, writers! I'm here on this lovely evening to discuss the controversy of using pop culture references in writing.
One of the main things we've been discussing on the forum lately is the use of pop culture references. Everyone has their own opinion on the use of pop culture in novels. It's up to you to decide whether or not you want to use them, so I'll give you my pros and cons and you can choose.
Pros
1) Realism and Relate-ability:> For example, when you want a cup of Sprite, you don't say, "Pass the lemon-lime soda." No, you say, "Pass the Sprite." The dialogue flows a little easier and is a little more realistic with the brand name rather than the actual noun. The reader immediately knows what the character is talking about without an explanation. You could make up your own lemon-lime soda brand, like L2L (or some other letter-number combination), but you will then have to explain what the brand name is. Is it popular? Is it a rare soda found in a market at the edge of town? Is it what the cool kids drink?
2) They add to the setting: In different parts of the world, people eat, drink, and use different things. In Japan, people may use chopsticks more and eat more rice and fish than people in the U.S. If you see a woman dressed in a kimono and sandals with socks and using chopsticks, you might be able to assume the story takes place in traditional Japan.
Cons
1) They date your novel: A character using Windows 98 who is obsessed with the band 98 degrees might be very relate-able to anyone in 1990s, but in the 2000s, we laugh and joke about old-fashioned things like Windows 98. If I were to use Windows 7 in a novel, it would only be up-to-date for so long before the novel would seem old and dated. It's only "cool" and "hip" for a limited time.
2) Your novel doesn't seem as original: Sure, having your characters go to Krispy Kreme sounds like fun, but isn't having your characters get their doughnuts from Dori's Donuts much more exciting? In my opinion, having original references make your novel 100% original and just keeps it timeless and enjoyable.
Just remember: less is more. Some references are good, giving the reader a connection to the character, yet some should be avoided.
Well, that's all I have for you today. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to email me at penelopepaige@rocketmail.com. Time to go sharpen that pencil...
Questions: Do you use pop culture references in your novels? Why or why not?
One of the main things we've been discussing on the forum lately is the use of pop culture references. Everyone has their own opinion on the use of pop culture in novels. It's up to you to decide whether or not you want to use them, so I'll give you my pros and cons and you can choose.
Pros
1) Realism and Relate-ability:> For example, when you want a cup of Sprite, you don't say, "Pass the lemon-lime soda." No, you say, "Pass the Sprite." The dialogue flows a little easier and is a little more realistic with the brand name rather than the actual noun. The reader immediately knows what the character is talking about without an explanation. You could make up your own lemon-lime soda brand, like L2L (or some other letter-number combination), but you will then have to explain what the brand name is. Is it popular? Is it a rare soda found in a market at the edge of town? Is it what the cool kids drink?
2) They add to the setting: In different parts of the world, people eat, drink, and use different things. In Japan, people may use chopsticks more and eat more rice and fish than people in the U.S. If you see a woman dressed in a kimono and sandals with socks and using chopsticks, you might be able to assume the story takes place in traditional Japan.
Cons
1) They date your novel: A character using Windows 98 who is obsessed with the band 98 degrees might be very relate-able to anyone in 1990s, but in the 2000s, we laugh and joke about old-fashioned things like Windows 98. If I were to use Windows 7 in a novel, it would only be up-to-date for so long before the novel would seem old and dated. It's only "cool" and "hip" for a limited time.
2) Your novel doesn't seem as original: Sure, having your characters go to Krispy Kreme sounds like fun, but isn't having your characters get their doughnuts from Dori's Donuts much more exciting? In my opinion, having original references make your novel 100% original and just keeps it timeless and enjoyable.
Just remember: less is more. Some references are good, giving the reader a connection to the character, yet some should be avoided.
Well, that's all I have for you today. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to email me at penelopepaige@rocketmail.com. Time to go sharpen that pencil...
Questions: Do you use pop culture references in your novels? Why or why not?
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Dreams Come True...
Good afternoon, glorious writers! I hope you're awake, because today's topic is dreams.
Dreams. Hmm. Who ever knew a word could hold so much emotion? Relaxation, distress, anger. They can be, well, surreal, or they can be nightmares and hold your deepest worries and stress-producers.
A dream in your novel should hold some sort of premonition or foreshadowing for what's to come, or at least give us the mood. They don't have to be smack-in-the-face obvious, but certain dreams can definitely hint oblivion or that something bad is going to happen.
To get ideas, I usually go on a dream dictionary site and look up some of the words to see their meanings, like I do whenever I'm trying to decipher one of the dreams I've had. I also look around the dream forums on the website, looking at the dreams other people have posted. I've used similar ones, just changing them around to fit my purpose. I sometimes use similar dreams to my own, or completely make them up entirely.
I think dreams are very useful in stories--they're much better than flat out telling--but you have to make them foreshadow something. Foreshadowing is never clear-cut, so don't worry if the dream doesn't shout out its meaning, as dreams never do. Happy sleeping!
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to email me at penelopepaige@rocketmail.com. Time to go sharpen that pencil...
Question: Do you use dreams in your stories? If so, what information do they tell us?
Dreams. Hmm. Who ever knew a word could hold so much emotion? Relaxation, distress, anger. They can be, well, surreal, or they can be nightmares and hold your deepest worries and stress-producers.
A dream in your novel should hold some sort of premonition or foreshadowing for what's to come, or at least give us the mood. They don't have to be smack-in-the-face obvious, but certain dreams can definitely hint oblivion or that something bad is going to happen.
To get ideas, I usually go on a dream dictionary site and look up some of the words to see their meanings, like I do whenever I'm trying to decipher one of the dreams I've had. I also look around the dream forums on the website, looking at the dreams other people have posted. I've used similar ones, just changing them around to fit my purpose. I sometimes use similar dreams to my own, or completely make them up entirely.
I think dreams are very useful in stories--they're much better than flat out telling--but you have to make them foreshadow something. Foreshadowing is never clear-cut, so don't worry if the dream doesn't shout out its meaning, as dreams never do. Happy sleeping!
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to email me at penelopepaige@rocketmail.com. Time to go sharpen that pencil...
Question: Do you use dreams in your stories? If so, what information do they tell us?
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