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

Point of View - Meeting Notes

Greetings, fellow authors!

I say that, because as we all know - if you are writing, you're an author. It is what God has put on your heart to do. We write because we must.

We've agreed that there is so much going on in everyone's life - that we needed to put together a group "blog" so that we can remember what we've learned, and keep an eye on where we're headed. This is our toolbox, and as we grow it will be interesting to see how far we've come as a group! Dan and Denise are steering the ship, and we are most grateful for their bringing us all together!

First of all, thanks again to Bev for hosting. We appreciate you! (from the guests who wouldn't leave...) Secondly, we had a few new members join us - a nod to Leonard and Tonya - we are looking forward to seeing more of what you are working on. Glad to have you! Third - thank you all for the kudos! It's exciting to have landed my first book contract - and a total God thing that my editor's suggestion was to review my novel for... Point of View violations. Ha!

This week, we met to work on POV (Point of View). We've each done research on what POV means, how it can be a useful tool in promoting suspense, sharing the motivations of your characters, and driving your story forward. We had the extra benefit of being able to review writing from each of the POV narratives:

• 1st Person - I picked up the cup and handed it to Donna.
• 2nd Person - you picked up the cup and handed it to Donna.
• 3rd Person - Jackie picked up the cup and handed it to Donna.

Each one serves a different purpose - and puts your reader in a different place. Each one has its benefits and limitations. We saw first person through Sharon's teenage baseball star. Second person was explored through Ralph's exploration of all three POVs, and third person was reviewed both from Bev's intimate (character's inner thoughts) and Fred's more action oriented, third person limited.

Next time, we will meet to give our Elevator Pitches - your story in 15 words or less! and to provide our 250 word "back cover blurb." This is not your full story synopsis, mind you - but a teaser that would entice readers to open your book. It is the most hair-pulling, mind-bending writing that we can do, but a challenge that you'll find well worth it.

Please comment to this posting, and leave your thoughts for good places to research how to write a blurb / elevator pitch!

God bless and good writing... or, as Dan says... metaphors be with you!

~Ashley*

*If you are interested in posting a blog entry, please e-mail me: ashleyludwig@verizon.net and I'll set you up!