 Drama: May 22, 2013 Issue [#5690] |
  Drama
This week: The Time Warp. Edited by: zwisis
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Welcome to this week's Drama newsletter. Your editors are Joy  , kittiara, NickiD89  and myself. I hope you enjoy the newsletter, and remember - we'd love to hear from you, so feel free to let us know your thoughts about the Drama genre. |
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One of the most clichéd pieces of advice given to writers is the instruction: “write what you know”. Historical writers know this cannot be applied to their chosen genre, because history is unknown. Good knowledge of your chosen historical era is very important; without an understanding of the cultural aspects of an era you run the risk of your characters appearing as modern day people wearing fancy dress at a masquerade ball.
Detail!
Historical fiction can take a long time to write because of the research required. All writers know that storylines can and often do move in a completely different direction to the initial plot. When this happens to the historical novel the writer usually finds himself researching the new development, to ensure it fits with everything written so far.
An example could be a visit to a city like London. A modern day story can describe the London Underground, the skyscrapers, shops and tourist attractions. A story set in the 15th century will offer a different view of London – there was no underground transport system and no skyscrapers. The shops were probably small street stalls and markets, and a tourist attraction like the Tower of London was used as a prison. Understanding these details will help you write a picture for your readers, transporting them into your chosen historical era.
It is easy to get carried away with writing pages of detailed descriptions in your historical novel. Remember: your story is your main priority, and it progresses with the aid of historical fiction. Action and conflict, not detail and description moves your story.
Be Selective!
Anyone with an interest in a specific period in history will probably have spent hours reading and researching his chosen era. What may fascinate and inspire the writer will probably not have the same effect on the reader. Where possible try to incorporate detailed descriptions into your story. Example: when describing the place your character calls home details of the house can be revealed as part of his actions – sitting on an old wooden chair eating his meal beside the roaring fire that not only cooks the family’s food but also heats the house. This will interest your reader far more than two pages devoted to describing the house. Wherever possible merge historical descriptions into the actions of your characters.
Respect!
When using actual historical characters in a story try to stay accurate to specific traits and actions, especially when using their real names. This can be a challenge, because history can tell us when and what someone did, but not why. This is the way you can define your character, because you can use the “why” to define your character and establish why he or she behaved in a particular way.
In today’s society we have many values and standards. While we celebrate truth, honour and patriotism we don’t condone sexism, racism and prejudice. Because your characters represent a time when different values were upheld it is acceptable to allow them to be bigoted and politically immature. Regardless of how offensive their opinions may appear to you the writer, always remember that they are a reflection of their era, and you must tell their story from their perspective. Do not pass judgement on your characters because this will date your story. Likewise do not attempt to turn your characters into progressive thinkers trying to inflict modern beliefs on history. In the years to come society and opinions will change, and today’s beliefs and values will be considered old fashioned. So will your book, so make sure your writing stands the test of time by respecting your characters.
Caution!
When writing in the first person any author runs the risk of alienating his readers. Your character must have a reason for telling the story, and the reason must not be selfish or egotistical. Think about your personal relationships; most people tend to stay away from self-absorbed individuals who pay more attention to themselves and how others see them than to those around them. We don’t feel much empathy with those who only want to talk about themselves. If you want to write in the first person, make sure your character has a good reason to tell his story.
My next newsletter will conclude the Historical Drama genre. Until then - WRITE ON!
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'If the king has his way, not only will I and my brothers be forcibly removed from the priory, but those unfortunates will be without help or succor either,' he thought. He had heard the rumours that the king's inspectors were finally closing in on this part of the country. 'What will become of me then?'
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#1854563 by Not Available. |
We wake the next morning bleary-eyed. Both of us tossed and whined through the night like abandoned puppies. Dark skies blanket the rising sun, while palms whisper to each other. The increasing wind stokes our anxiousness as the barometer drops.
|  | The Angels (13+)
A Christmas tale told to a former skeptic on the eve of his execution, 1,950 years ago.
#1189420 by Basilides   |
“Please drink,” said the Condemned Man, and in spite of his terrible thirst, he smiled at the irony. He felt better than he had moments ago. Perhaps the Lord had sent his old friend to be a comfort.
The dying sun, as if focused by a magnifying lens, contracted into a pinpoint of brilliant white light, burning with intense heat. I caught the faint smell of cherry blossoms just before my world burst into flames, then - darkness.
Every move we make is deliberate. We dare not make one mistake or our lives could be wiped out in moments all lost to a bright unforgiving blast of light. There are so many clever traps just aching to be triggered by some unsuspecting solider; traps that are as integral to this jungle as mosquitoes are to stagnant water.
| | Witch Trials (13+)
A short story about the Salem Witch Trials, written for a contest. Please R&R!!
#876320 by spidey  |
Such was the trickery of the Devil. We did what had to be done. If the accused were not witches, and were in fact innocent, God would spare their souls.
| | | Invalid Item
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#1159669 by Not Available. |
She asked why people dreamed and what they were. I was unsure how to explain dreams to her. All I could say was that they were the manifestation of our thoughts and wishes.
Little Cat did not know if hours or days had passed. She knew only the darkness, the sound of Mr. Octinian’s voice talking when he was awake, and the sound of his laboured breathing when he slept.
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Kris Thank you so much, Sara, for featuring my novel in the newsletter!
dwarf2012 Great Newsletter Sarah. I always learn something from you! |
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