  Action/Adventure
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Small Actions -
Large Adventures |
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A journey of a thousand miles, according to a popular saying, begins with the first step.
I'm going to paraphrase that a bit and say the biggest adventure begins with the smallest personal action.
That's because the slightest change in the body possibly indicates a huge change in mindset.
Thus, the smallest clues at the beginning of a story or novel could lay the foundation for an epic tale to follow.
Did the character gnash her teeth? Was there a small smile playing on the villain's face? Were a couple of eyebrows raised slightly?
Did someone sigh? What did all that mean, as the tale progressed?
These small clues in body language or speech, which might even seem inconsequential when they occur, could add up to a lot of excitement, action and adventure.
Which is why so many editors have stressed 'attention to detail' in the action adventure newsletter.
You, as the writer, know what's going to happen in the end. Now, you have to work your way backwards, and give your reader appropriate clues, starting at the beginning, to make that end plausible, even inevitable.
Here's what 'tiny actions' could indicate:
Resolve
The resolution for justice, for revenge, for freedom - it's an endless list. This is shown through glinting eyes, a toss of the head, a straightening of the mouth, a tightening of the fist and in many other ways. When speaking, the character may speak slowly, allowing words to sink in.
Take the example of the movie "Revolutionary Road" starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. (Spoiler alert for those who are planning to see the movie! Skip to the next paragraph!) Those who have seen the movie might remember the last breakfast the couple eats together, after a massive quarrel the previous night. She asks "Would you like scrambled eggs or fried?" When he answers 'scrambled', she says, "Good. Then I'll have mine scrambled, too." She looks him in the eye and speaks deliberately. At once, I knew something drastic was to follow -- and it did. After a seemingly cozy breakfast, he leaves for work, she tries an abortion at home, it fails, she doesn't survive. The chill of the tragedy to follow was in the way she said she'd have scrambled eggs.
Similarly, there are actions which could indicated the lack of resolve, which could then be the basis for an adventure story. Shaking the head, frowning, pacing, blinking a lot -- these could show a character who isn't ready to take a decision that needs to be taken. The consequences play an important role in the plot.
Loss of control
When the 'last straw' has been reached, and a person is no longer able to be rational. Sweating, licking the lips, tugging at hair, chewing the nails - could mean that there's a massive breakdown coming. The person, immediately or even much later, runs amok, wreaking havoc either physically or verbally.
Obsession
A one-track way of thinking. When one goal is important no matter what else needs to be sacrificed along the way. Straightening the back, tilting the head upwards, keeping the mouth in a straight line or gritting the teeth are indications of this. "I'm going to get that touchdown even if I break my arms in the process" is what this says. It's the inability to weigh the pros and cons of an action, to set priorities.
Guilt
Furtive looks, lowered eyes, avoidance of eye contact show guilt. Stuttering while answering a direct question could show guilt. Being clumsy -- like spilling the juice (while telling a lie) -- could be indicators of guilt. These could give the readers clues about the character of a person long before it has been revealed through more obvious actions.
Conspiracy
The sideways glance at a co-conspirator, the secret hand-gestures like a thumbs-up, smiling, raising eyebrows -- signs of conspiracy. Very important in many mystery or adventure stories.
Pride or Ego
So many mistakes are made due to a sense of pride, often false. In AJ Cronin's "Hatter's Castle" the hatter loses his family due to his pride, manifested in various ways. His swaggering walk, his towering and oppressive presence at the dinner table, everything points to the hugeness of his ego, and his loss at the end is equally huge. Even before he enters the room (and the story), the actions of the others -- nervousness in setting the table just so, indicate that they're waiting for someone they fear. His character is clearly painted through his personal actions and speech ... from clamping his pipe between his teeth (hard, indicating his inability to let anything or anyone 'escape') to his gait when he walks, swinging his arms to take up all the space his ego needs, point at what's going on in the man's mind.
Perception / Anticipation of Winning or Losing
How a character waits for something to happen indicates whether s/he thinks victory is going to follow, or defeat. The angle of the head and eyes, whether the arms are folded in front (saying, 'I'm closed to the news') all indicate what the anticipated outcome might be for the character.
Boredom
Wanting to 'create some excitement' often leads to big adventures. Yawning is, of course, one of the best known signs of boredom. General fidgitiness, fake coughing also indicate boredom. If you're an Enid Blyton fan, you'll recall all the tricks the students in her school stories play in class when they are bored - and all the chaos that ensues!
I know something you don't know!
There's something I'm not telling you here!
AND -- if you can picture how I look while I'm saying (actually, thinking) that, then you know all the small actions your character needs! The slight smirk, maybe, the tilt of the chin ... I know what I mean, but do you?
When you're creating the plot, identify the characteristics, feelings and moments that are key in propelling it forward.
Then, look for the tiny personal actions that are going to get your character to that final point.
Give your reader the clues, without being obvious about it. Use small actions to create big adventures!
Thanks for listening, I'll scurry off and give you time to write, now! 
- Sonali
PS: Oh, yes, the small gestures that show I forgot something! A frown, a 'thoughtful' look, like you're trying to remember ... and if what you've forgotten is important in the plot, well, there you have a story! |
For action fans to read, add to, join or discuss!
Here, the 'small' actions paint the larger picture.
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Check out all the 'small' actions in this one, that give character clues!
|  | The Spy (E)
1st place PWW contest: Will a small grocery store survive competition from a supermarket?
#1303053 by jo  |
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This is a short, simple poem which packs in a big thought!
| |  | Invalid Item
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#1553054 by Not Available. |
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A poem which includes a 'deep breath' at the start of an adventure!
| | | Free falling (E)
my dad's thoughts about when he jumped out of a plane in the army.
#1550516 by restahd |
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'Throwing a shoe at husband's head' should've found place in my main newsletter, as a 'tiny action', huh?
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Here's a story that has started out ordinarily enough -- let's see where you can take it to!
| | | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#1511378 by Not Available. |
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It starts with an impatient drumming of fingers on the steering wheel ...
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Sign up for a multi-cultural adventure!
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The Amazing Race is a reality show on television ... great to watch to see the link between small personal actions and larger adventure. Being a part of this group is an adventure, too!
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Here's a message forum for those who like Star Trek Action!
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Internal - external, watch the action!
| | | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#1554151 by Not Available. |
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Check out the 'action' in this funny cooking story! Imagine the small personal actions as you go along! 
| | | White Lava (E)
I should have been upset from the experience, but laughed instead.
#1559288 by Dottie  |
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This month's photo seems pretty action packed, with both -- small personal actions and larger ones.
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To round off, here's a Dad sharing the biggest adventure of them all -- parenting!
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This is my first Action / Adventure Newsletter, folks. I do hope you found something you could use in your writing!
Let me know, please!
Thanks, 
- Sonali |
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Action/Adventure: May 20, 2009 Issue [#3028]
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