 Action/Adventure: September 16, 2009 Issue [#3275] |
  Action/Adventure
This week: Edited by: NanoWriMo2018 Into the Earth  
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When you are describing a shape, or sound, or tint;
Don't state the matter plainly, But put it in a hint;
And learn to look at all things With a sort of mental squint --Lewis Carroll |
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On Foreshadowing
By definition foreshadow means - To present an indication or a suggestion of beforehand; presage. In the literary sense, foreshadowing is a technique used to heighten suspense, add depth, and engage the reader through curiosity by dropping hints. Foreshadowing can also be used to set up a believable narrative. In other words, it prepares the reader for upcoming events or actions. As action/adventure authors, foreshadowing is a tool we should become familiar with.
The super cool thing about foreshadowing is how you can intertwine it into your story in a variety of ways.
Through Dialogue – Here, the author has one of the characters do the “foreshadowing” for her, through words.
“Mom,” she says in a whisper, “Guess who’s here?”
Two things come to mind here: First, why is she whispering. And, second, who is “here”? The author could have had the character announce the arrival of the mystery person, but making her whisper , then ask the question, draws the reader in.
Through Action – You can incorporate foreshadowing into most all action scenes.
I tiptoed along the wall toward my bedroom, freezing when i got to the door. With measured slowness, my hand reached for the cold brass knob. Without a sound I gradually turned the knob clockwise
Why is this character tiptoeing? Why is the character sneaking into his/her own bedroom?
Through Descriptions – There are a wide array of opportunities here. The following is a passage from a blog:
I frantically search the usual places. Still empty-handed, I attack the unusual places. Thumbing through files, slamming desk drawers. Zero. The anxiety has not just multiplied, but spread. My hands, my lungs, my brain, all feel the effects. How am I going to tell my boss I misplaced payroll checks? At this moment, I hate myself.
What will the boss say? Will this character be fired? Is this a prelude to her misplacing something even more significant?
Through “flashbacks” - Flashbacks from moments prior, to days ago, to even years ago. Using the flashback method lends itself easily to foreshadowing. Inserting the flashback is key to reader “buy-in”.
Sitting in detention, Oscar thought back to the last time he had eaten a home cooked meal.
Through Preparation – The following is a lead-in paragraph of a short story:
The bad thing about spontaneous road trips is the lack of preparation involved, and the inevitable disappointment, which occurs with the realization that a very important item has been left behind.
We know, from the author’s words, a story about a road trip with a forgotten item will follow. As readers, we keep reading to find out what item.
Furthermore, you can add foreshadowing through symbolism, parallelism theme, and tone. Foreshadowing is a fun way to increase suspense, add depth while engaging the reader.
Until next time,
Robin
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SkyHawk - Into The Music 
Robin,
Sometimes my motivation to write again / keep writing / restart my writing is to try a new project. Sometiems I get really good stuff, sometimes I don't, but it gets the braincells re-energized. The downside though -- it can get tough to get back to the original project (which I need to work on now that I'm about to finish a totally unrelated story). If you've got suggestions on how to reutrn to a story after taking a hiatus, please let me know!
SkyHawk
sarahreed
Perfect timing for this article! Thank you so much. I'm home for a few days, with great intentions of writing fast and furious; but the first things I've done is something else. Sure, I started off with chores that needed to get done - that doesn't bother me so much. However, the next few things, while they revolved around the computer, have nothing to do with writing - checking my email and a few forums. It was while checking my email that I read your newsletter about laziness & diversion and getting back on track. It's like a kick in the seat to get me driving in the right direction. I'm going to go "do it" just like you said. Thanks for the motivation!
Raine
You can't write if you don't read. Words need to be fed, inspiration encouraged, and the mind muscle worked. Great ideas!
diamond_hoop
Yikes! I had no idea that my annoying neighbor, Lazy, who far too often drops in unannounced, has a twin sister. God help us!
Briar Rose
Great job, Robin. I think I just have a lazy Muse. She goes to sleep right when I finally have time in the day to write. :)
Fun newsletter. Good job! |
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