Meeting Review Tuesday May 27 2008

What drives your interest in a novel -character or plot? This was the beginning focal point for our Tuesday writer's session. It's a Catch 22 or a round-about if you try to answer the question "Does plot creater character or do characters drive the plot?" We all agreed a well-written combination of plot and character creates the best of winning stories. So don't neglect either one when you're laboring over that blank my story sheet.


Before diving into our 15 word 'catch an editor in the elevator' story line and 250 word synopsis, Dan presented Hunt's basic plot skeleton that describes the movement of 98% of story plots (see diagram below - click to view larger image).

The eyes have it; two problems complete a story structure
one problem for the characters on the surface (Dorothy gets trapped in Oz)
one problem that is less obvious that the reader identifies with (the Wizard isn’t who everyone thinks he is).

The body of the work moves with at least three conflicts after a primary incident that traps a compelling character into a situation from which they can’t escape. The character progresses through the pages to a final conflict – their largest and bleakest moment. This generally ends with an epiphany where realization of the struggle produces a change in character.
So when you have finished your final draft, put a tux on the skeleton and go accept the prize for your award winning story.

Here’s the summary for our 15/250 exercise:

15 word pitch includes:
· protagonist (ex: an archeology professor)
· story problem (saves the Arc of the Covenant from unholy war mongers)

250 word synopsis includes:
powerful, colorful words
character voice, author voice
presented in present tense
plot, setting, main characters
does not exceed one page (page and one-half for high concept novels)

Next week we will be discussing characters. Please email any reviews of this topic to the members of the group.





~Sharon