\"Writing.Com
*Magnify*
SPONSORED LINKS
Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/2759-.html
Action/Adventure: December 10, 2008 Issue [#2759]

Newsletter Header
Action/Adventure


 This week:
  Edited by: NanoWriMo2018 Into the Earth Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

** Image ID #1339725 Unavailable **

"We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths." Walt Disney



Word from our sponsor

ASIN: B01CJ2TNQI
Amazon's Price: $ 5.99


Letter from the editor

How Did I Get Here?


Plot, a.k.a. storyline, is the plan you have for your work. The scheme, or main story(as opposed to subplots). Everyday, you plot. Plot your route to work --maneuvering through heavy traffic. You plot your workday, schedule meetings, how you might walk by the new QT in the office. How will you get from Point A(your desk) to Point B(the water cooler) at the precise time said QT should be there?

All of this is done in a logical manner, one that you understand.

As action/adventure writers, we are lucky in a sense. We can throw logic out the window; watch it land in a pit of snakes, to be swooped up by a sidekick hanging onto a rope ladder connected to the company helicopter flown by a rookie pilot. However, we still want our readers to follow our actions.

But what makes a good plot? In simple terms, the plot is a sequence of events arranged by the author.
While plot possibilities are endless; your main character has to eat, sleep, and leap over tall buildings in a single bound. He (or she) has to execute his actions in a way readers accept. And, in doing so, he must adhere to a few “things”. These “things”, also known as elements help to ensure reader buy-in.

In order for readers to accept the plot they need the following things:

First, readers like background information, or the “set-up”. They need to know enough background to understand the story. Why is Dorothy wearing the ruby slippers? Where is she going and why does she have a lion, scarecrow and tin man following her.

Second, they need to know the main character’s goal, want, need, etc.

Third, they want to see an obstacle, you know, a hurdle, a wrinkle. Some type of barrier. It’s much more fun to read how Mario had to fight off fire-breathing dragons, a swarm of bees, and buzzards who drop bombs on him during his quest to save the princess and the planet as we know it. After all, who wants to read the following? Mario wakes up one day, gets a call from his friend. Learns the princess is in trouble, sets out to save her and does so.

Fourth, readers need a climax. The point in the story where it seems the protagonist is sure to fail, is in the greatest danger, will surely crumble to dust…

Then, finally, readers want a resolution. Preferably one where the main character wins the girl, saves the world, gets to eat chocolate the rest of his life without worry of weight gain. Oh wait, that’s MY goal.

Getting your readers to accept your storyline is easy, just make sure your elements are present and you’ll create stories with exciting plots that keep your readers turning the pages for more.

Until next time,

** Image ID #1186759 Unavailable **


Editor's Picks

Alison's Find Open in new Window. (ASR)
The music box won't play at first, but Alison keeps trying... (Beyond Centauri)
#1413458 by Ben Langhinrichs Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1496456 by Not Available.


 Flight of the Dragonfly Chapter 1 Open in new Window. (13+)
A great evil has taken hold of a once peaceful forest, as a young mage will soon find out.
#1500975 by Humble G Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1500754 by Not Available.


Screaming Kettles Open in new Window. (13+)
Some will do anything just to belong. Flash Fiction.
#1308032 by RadioShea Author IconMail Icon

 
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
         https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Don't forget to support our sponsor!

ASIN: B01DSJSURY
Amazon's Price: $ 5.99


Ask & Answer

What Readers Are Saying
{on a previous Comedy Newsletter}


April Sunday Author Icon
This topic is exactly what lightens any read. When my writing began seriously way back in 1999, my focus contained one promise. ADD HUMOUR, wherever possible. Even inside serious how-tos, the wit helps retain memory. Much the same as laughter makes the world go 'round.

Mark Author Icon:
Humor, in it's more subtle moods is (to me) all about enhancing or directing the perceived mood of a moment or scene. Great demonstration of a minute, yet important aspect of humor!


Rixfarmgirl Author Icon:
I enjoyed this newsletter and your Grisham referneces. I only like aobut three of Grisham's books and Painted House is one of them. I wish I could learn suttle humor. I'm afraid I usually whack everyone over the head by over doing. You've inspired me to go back and work on Taxis. Thanks. RIx



*Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet* Don't Be Shy! Write Into This Newsletter! *Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet*

This form allows you to submit an item on Writing.Com and feedback, comments or questions to the Writing.Com Newsletter Editors. In some cases, due to the volume of submissions we receive, please understand that all feedback and submissions may not be responded to or listed in a newsletter. Thank you, in advance, for any feedback you can provide!
Writing.Com Item ID To Highlight (Optional):

Send a comment or question to the editor!
Limited to 2,500 characters.
Word from our sponsor
ASIN: B07N36MHWD
Amazon's Price: $ 7.99

Removal Instructions

To stop receiving this newsletter, click here for your newsletter subscription list. Simply uncheck the box next to any newsletter(s) you wish to cancel and then click to "Submit Changes". You can edit your subscriptions at any time.


Printed from https://shop.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/2759-.html