Action/Adventure: November 15, 2011 Issue [#4718]
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Action/Adventure


 This week: Joyful Holidays
  Edited by: Leger~ Author IconMail Icon
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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

The purpose of this newsletter is to help the Writing.com author hone their craft and improve their skills. Along with that I would like to inform, advocate, and create new, fresh ideas for the author. Write to me if you have an idea you would like presented.

This week's Action / Adventure Editor
Leger~ Author Icon



Word from our sponsor



Letter from the editor


The holidays are fast approaching. A time when families gather and unite in joyful harmony. Sometimes. And sometimes it's not so joyful. Family dynamics run a huge range of emotions. While family may attempt to gather and celebrate the holidays, it also can be a stressful time of people gathering who have agendas under the surface. Imagine Uncle Billy carving the Thanksgiving turkey and telling Grandma Betty Jane he wishes it was her. Okay, he was just thinking it, but Betty Jane could read the look on his face plain as day.

Action and adventure writing uses a lot of emotion to propel the storyline and show relationship. Getting your readers emotionally involved in your story can be hard. Giving them a scenario to be involved in is better than telling the reader how to feel. Think about some anecdotes friends or co-workers have told of crazy family gatherings and examine the emotions involved. These could be useful tools for shaping your characters and situations. The emotions don't necessarily have to be negative, a family member could reveal something positive and bond the family or group closer.

When bringing characters together in a group situation, think about what each character will bring to the group and what their agenda is. Factor in their personality and decide how this character should act in this situation to bring about the results you're looking for. I've found it helpful to have the group of characters keep an even strength until I'm ready to reveal the real purpose of the gathering. Then I bring the key players to the forefront, then let dialogue and action purpose the plot. I use the now secondary characters in the group for comedic relief or motion.

Happy holidays, and Write On!

This month's question: What emotions as a tool do you prefer to use when bringing characters together in a group?


Editor's Picks


 I WAS CALLED PRINCESS BY THE SCHOOL IDOL Open in new Window. (13+)
"Well, I can't see anything wrong about it, princess." -Red
#1825636 by MarkLewis ~ a mirage Author IconMail Icon

Excerpt: On the bright side, despite his talents and genius—ah, I swear I will tell this only once—he was not really arrogant or proud in himself. Although the haughty air around him, his carefree gait, the unruly spikes of hair and the ever calm and cold countenance convinced you to believe otherwise. Of course, I would not debate about that. After all, you see what you want to see. He was not the type who would come barging in a conversation. As if he does not need anyone to ask about anything. If you want a word, be sure it is reasonable and tap a whole year supply of courage to speak with him.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1449453 by Not Available.

Excerpt: I smelled her feet before she even typed in her login. I can't see anything until the screen lights up, but you can't miss an odor like that. As soon as she kicked off her high-heeled mules and plopped her dogs on the mouse pad, there was no mistaking the sulfur. She was probably wiggling her toes under her fishnets, cackling over whatever deviltry she was planning for the day. Oh yeah, I could tell it was the boss all right, even before her handle showed up in lights: SATAN.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1786862 by Not Available.

Excerpt: John almost didn't stop himself from following the pattern his body had been going through the whole morning. Judging by the flurry of cracks and resultant cries from the men behind and beside him, several had fallen prey to the monotony of the morning. If only this sun weren't beating down so hard on us! John's arm began to quiver as he held his wooden sword aloft.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1810419 by Not Available.

Excerpt: Her mother once told her that her father drank to try and forget how he failed in his dream of glory. In his youth he had wanted to be a dragon slayer - an Ajorian. He wanted to be called a prince of the empire; the protector of a province; to be a leader of men, but he lacked the cleverness, the courage and the strength of mind needed to be accepted for training.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1786999 by Not Available.

Excerpt: Norma nervously rubbed Carl's back as they watched Kyle moving quickly about the room. Leaning closer to his ear, she whispered, "Does he know what he's doing?

 A Black Friday Open in new Window. (E)
A story of survival and courage in a retail sea.
#1824020 by Conn Author IconMail Icon

Excerpt: I had never been in a situation where there was such a feeling of hopelessness that all other emotions vanished. Fear gave way to resignation in the end.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1823925 by Not Available.

Excerpt: I hope to see this group grow and become a fun and informative place for all action writers!

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1590747 by Not Available.

Excerpt: Create or tell a story revolving around Christmas time. It can be of anything you desire, as long as there is a description of a Christmas lighting or some other outdoor decorated scene. Paint your readers a picture. Unravel your strings, and don't be afraid to over-decorate a little.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#636107 by Not Available.

Excerpt: “Hey…deadbeat! Get off the sidewalk,” said the young tough as the Sidler boys passed him heading for the saloon. The old man stepped off of the rough boardwalk into the muddy street to avoid the youthful menace.

Experimental Plot Challenge Open in new Window. (E)
30 days of prompts to guide you in outlining a story and developing plot
#1800861 by Lonewolf Author IconMail Icon

Excerpt: Well, if you are interested in improving your understanding of plot structure and learning how to plan a novel before writing it, then this is the challenge for you.

ozarks3213: This is a challenge I have developed which breaks down plotting in a step-by-step process. It is rather intensive, but I thought it might be of interest to people who read your latest article and are looking for a way to approach the big picture in a structured format of little sections.

 
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Ask & Answer


This month's question: What emotions as a tool do you prefer to use when bringing characters together in a group?

Last month's question: What tools do you use to start dialog between characters?


Jeff Author Icon replied: I always like to spark dialogue between my characters through some kind of action in the story. Whether the action is happening to both of them or caused by one or the other, having something to talk about is a great jumping-off point. *Smile*

Gary Author Icon answered: The newsletter article about making conversation and the pick up line was absolutely great. Good examples, but even more important, it started me thinking. While this has been a consideration for my writing in the past, I will approach it with a bit more optimism and wisdom.

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