PREP 2024

CALENDAR

October 1
Who started characters:These are ancestors of mine (embellished with fiction). The main character, William Webster, came to this country from Scotland. He was a Quaker and there is a very detailed book of Quaker records that he and his family are mentioned in. I would like to re-create this family in story form from the 1600's in Plainfield, New Jersey, to present day Wisconsin.

What happens to them?They were part of the Revolutionary and Civil War. Likely to have encountered George Washington and his troops as recorded in Quaker records. Had goods confiscated, church occupied and were harassed. You see, Quakers did not believe in fighting. Later, as the family grew, they started a well-documented Underground Railroad to help slaves, were prominent in building historical markers and went to war once they abandoned their Quaker beliefs. Some went to Alaska to build the major highway there.

Why is it a problem?As with any family, there were conflicts and problems some of which were leaving the Quaker faith. Standing up for their beliefs. Surviving the depression. Fighting for our country (those who eventually left the Quaker faith) and those who kept the Quaker faith faced harrassment as pacifists.

October 2
Where & when does your story take place? It starts in 1685 when William Webster sailed from Scotland (to escape Quaker persecution) and landed in Plainfield, New Jersey.


Who are your main characters? Protagonists?
William Webster, the Quaker. His flaws could be viewed by some (ie: revolutionary soldiers) as a man who would not fight for his country as it was against the Quaker beliefs. His goals were to live in harmony after fleeing Scotland and religious persecution.

Conflicts: What's keeping them from their goals?
After fleeing Scotland and religious persecution they find themself embroiled in conflict with the soldiers as they are once again persecuted as non-fighting men due to their Quaker beliefs. He was educated with basic reading and writing skills, but Quakers were protected from outside influences. They were highly educated in the Quaker way of life.

Who or what is creating the conflicts? The Revolutionary War and the soldiers who do not understand why the Quakers will not fight for their county and constantly harass them.

October 3
Draft a Profile of Protagonist
William Webster was a young physically fit 25-year-old man when he arrived in New Jersey from Scotland although the ship voyage had taken some of the vitality out of him.
He had shoulder length straight black hair and piercing blue eyes. He was a handsome man with an oval shaped face, full lips and a stately nose. William stood about 5' 9" tall and had a slim build in his younger years.
All of these practices made William the person that he became.
It was not unusual for a Quaker man to cry like a woman in distress.
Husband and wife were viewed a equals and women were allowed to practice ministry; in some cases, even leaving children behind to do so. In other cases, single women even traveled abroad to practice ministry.
Couples were allowed to choose their own spouse, but it must be within the meeting house and approved by the parents and the meeting house itself as well in order to marry. Both partners were expected to care for the children.
If marrying outside of the meeting house they could be disowned, even if it were a Quaker. They were still allowed to worship with the Friends and with repentance could regain membership.
When a widow was re-wed, the children from the previous marriage were entitled to due inheritance.
No man performed vows, but the man and woman rose and affirmed their commitment before God. A certificate was then signed witnessing that the Marriage had taken place.
If conflict existed between a couple, the Elders would intercept. Drunkenness or bankruptcy could lead a member to disown a spouse.
Simplicity - Honor - Order was practiced.
Card playing, dancing, and liquor were forbidden.
Anger was repressed by teaching that the member needed a 'cooling off period' before things got 'out of hand'. There was an emphasis on humility and pacifism. Earthly love was not to supersede the love of God. The motto was 'teach by example' and children were made to adhere to strict obedience, help on work and farm, realize that it was for the good of the group and not a personal preference for the group must always come first.
Women were responsible for making products and selling them.
Some schools were created where the children would board away from home to learn a certain skill.
The emphasis was always on family helping family. The young helping the old and sickly.
Singleness was not discouraged because it gave the individual the opportunity to travel and provide ministry.

October 4
Describe protagonist's life in the beginning. Brainstorm ways you could establish normality through action and dialogue to avoid boring the reader: We know that William was able to ingrain himself in the Quaker community. We also know that this was a "Friends Society" where Friends gave a helping hand to other Friends. He would have established himself in the workings of the meetings and been an integral part of the community be it as a spokesperson, worker, aide giver, or helping hand.
Describe the inciting incident or trigger that prompts your protagonist to embark on this story's journal and face the conflict. Conflict could be large or obvious like a death or disaster or it could be seemingly insignificant such as an offhand comment by another character. I felt that William would be an appropriate start to this family's journey because he had the courage to leave his home in Scotland, travel under unspeakable conditions to America just to protect and continue his beliefs. We know that he was outspoken as he stated at one of the Quaker meetings that he would absolutely not contribute to another minister's wages at which time another prominent member stood up and said he would pay Webster's fair share. This told me that William would stand fast in the face of adversity for what he believed in.

October 5
Write a story about your protagonist that takes place outside of your novel. Make your readers relate to him or her in such a way that we would be devastated if he or she were to experience conflict (which, ultimately, sometime in November, he/she will.) The object of the contest is to make your judges root for your protagonist! Simply put: the character we like best wins. If your protagonist is a drug dealer or someone similarly ""unlikeable"" (a.k.a, an ""anti-hero""), never fear! I love Vlad Taltos, the professional assassin. You can make us love your character, too.
William Webster braved the journey from Scotland to American knowing that it would be a harrowing journey where many would die from hunger and sickness due to unsanitary and unspeakable conditions. Although it did take a toll on his body, he arrived in New Jersey alive. It is not a stretch to assume that he was there to assist and aide those who did not meet with such a favorable end. A journey like that would certainly change a man; make him stronger, more humane, more aware of his destiny. He was a devout Quaker; we all know what that means and what he must have endured on the American shores during the Revolution. Quakers were pacifists and would not lift arms against another man. Therefore, he would have (and this is documented) endured harassment, imprisonment, and thievery from the American soldiers. It is irony that he left Scotland for religious freedom but still had to fight for it in this new land.
It was a hard life, but the Quakers did not complain, and they built a community where one helped all. Even so, what they worked so hard for, just to take care of their own community, was often stripped from them by the soldiers. Goods, wagons, food. Even their meeting house was taken for a period of time when the soldiers camped there. This was brought up at a meeting and some of the members were ordered to go take a look and see what was going on. They reported back that, 'yes', the soldiers were camped there. It was decided to leave them at it, until they decided to move on. This was not just an isolated incident but how the Quakers lived their daily life. Were they treated fairly. No. Did they retaliate? No. In their humble way, they accepted their fate and continued their life as they believed they should do. Did that make them cowards? I don't think so. A coward would run and hide. A coward would not endure a horrific journey to another country to stand up for their beliefs. A coward would not have the humility to accept was handed to them without striking back in anger.
You asked me to describe my protagonist but what made him who he had come from his beliefs and his community. William went on to raise a large family. A family who helped build the Road to Rahway, ran an Underground Railroad to help the slaves, a family who battled harsh conditions to build the Alaskan highway.
William Webster was the man who started this family. It wasn't a family that started or ended with riches but a family who started with principles and ideals. A family to be proud of.

October 6
General, Catch-up Day: Review what I've done so far and make changes if needed.

October 7
This is the pivotal end point of the story, where the whole tale coalesces into something amazing. Even pantsers often have a vague idea of where the story will end, what will happen at the ending. It is what makes the story work... or fail.

Things to remember:
* The climax does not need to be the very end, as some loose endings could be tied up.
* The main character/s need to have grown/changed over the course of the story. and the climax should show this
* Deus ex machina endings annoy readers
* Introducing new characters that become pivotal at the climax also annoys readers

But instead of me re-inventing the wheel, here's Abbie.
Last year I promoted the Hello Future Me channel, but I have discovered Abbie Emmons this past year and she is another strong presenter.

I watched Abbie Emmons amazing video. I thought it was very helpful.

This novel will be a historical fiction. Based on my 7th Great Grandfather, William Webster, who was a Quaker but also on the Plainfield, New Jersey Quaker records which are well documented. There will be period of pure fiction where stories are 'made up' to fill in the blanks and names will be changed in the more recent relative.

The story will start in Plainfield, New Jersey and contain the struggles therein with the Revolutionary War and their pacifist beliefs and end with my Grandparents Lous Webster and Lena (Katie) McHenry.

October 8 - Plot Outline - Revision #1
I chose Traditional Style
Outlining Your Novel – Traditional Outlining – Writing.com

This (the Acts) has all been moved to Libre as it's too hard to do in this format.

Act 1: The Journey
Act 2: Building Bonds
Act 3: The Antagonists Within

October 9 - Character: Dramatis Personae

(1) Identify allies and enemies encountered along the journey and describe how they help or hinder your protagonist(s).
         William's allies were his Society of Quakers who had a strong set of beliefs and meetings to aide struggling members.
         William's enemies were none as the Quakers did not hold with anger but if a protagonist needs to be in novel, it would be the
         soldiers and any outside forces who either did not understand the Quaker religion or simply wanted to harrass people they did not
         understand.
(2) Create a list of characters in a format easy to edit and expand.
         At this point in the story, only William Webster. I will add more as they come into the picture.
(3) Write a brief profile on each character new character. Working on other characters but this is partially based on facts and records need to
be studied to develop and find them.

The characters have also been moved to Libre as it's too hard to do in this format


Oct. 10: - Plot: Rising Action (How does the story get to the climax?) ▼
Review your notes from the "Premise" and "Beginning" plot exercises, and tweak the conflict(s) and inciting incident as needed before proceeding with the "Rising Action" plot exercise, as follows:

(1) Describe any initial refusals on the part of your protagonist(s) to face the conflict.
The writer has to make the reader understand that the protagonist is a pacifist and thus, this is where any conflict exists.
The protagonist will not deny facing the conflict but quite the opposite, he will not embrace it.
(2) Describe the moment when your protagonist(s) makes the choice to face the conflict.
Again, the protagonist will not become embroiled in the conflict, he will rather turn his back on it.
(3) Describe the moment when your protagonist(s) crosses the point of no return and cannot change their mind.
It's too soon in the story to even address this question. This is not your usual face a conflict, face it, and resolve it.
Rather, it is a story of standing up for your beliefs.
(4) Fill in some of the blanks: How will your characters get from the point of no return to the climax?
I don't think I can answer or even understand this question at this point in the story.

Oct. 11: - Character: Antagonist Profile

Draft a profile of the antagonist(s) you identified in the "Premise" assignment. If your antagonist is a situation rather than a person, choose another minor (but significant) character to profile.

William's antagonist is 'Man vs Society'. He has fled his home country to find freedom of religion but lands in American to find that he is harrassed for the same reason - his religion as a Quaker.

Man vs. Society is a literature theme in fiction in which a main character (or characters) thinks differently from society or has different concepts than what most people think. An example is that society says it's wrong to steal so, you must not steal, but in some man or people stealing is what they do every day but that is not what society believes is right.

Oct. 12: - Character: CONTEST ROUND: Antagonist Background Story
Write a story about your antagonist that takes place outside of your novel. The object of the contest is to make your judges understand and empathize with the antagonist's motivations.

If your antagonist is a situation rather than a person, write a background story about that. The Tom Hanks movie "Cast Away" famously features only one character (unless you count Wilson), and his antagonist is loneliness. Could you personify loneliness? Why does loneliness exist? What motivates it? How would a lack of loneliness affect survival of the human race? How did it drive main character Nolan to survive for years alone on a deserted island? Loneliness has a job to do. Make us believe it's a valid one.

*Contest Round entries may be any rating. Submit your ITEM or ENTRY number by 1200 noon WDC time on Sunday to compete. WDC time is New York City time and can be found at the top of the IM Console. If you miss this deadline or choose not to compete, you must still log the assignment complete (without linking your work) for the grand prize, per the standard Prep guidelines.

See Item 2099893 for Story on William Webster that I wrote

Oct. 13: - General: FREEBIE DAY

(b)Oct. 14: - General: Freestyle Brainstorm, World Building or Research
Spend at least fifteen minutes clarifying things through "What If" brainstorming, mind mapping (see resources at the bottom of the calendar), freestyle writing, lists, drawings or research as follows:
World Building: For fantasy, science fiction, or other speculative fiction, develop the history, economy, geology, ecology, and/or maps for your world. You might find this activity helpful: "World Weavers' Workshop" [13+]
Research: For reality-based fiction, research aspects of your novel that will lend credibility to your writing.
My reality-based fiction will have creditability from the Quacker records and a detailed Genology book that I have.


Oct. 15: - Plot: Outline Revision #2
(1) Review your plot elements thus far and organize them into your outline.
(2) Add a chronological timeline to your revised outline, using whatever measure of time is appropriate in your story. Determine when plot events happen in time (which is not necessarily when you will reveal them in your novel.) See this example composed by JK Rowling while outlining one of her famous Harry Potter novels.
(3) Optional: Brainstorm the best chronology(ies) for your story and work it(them) into your outline.
I have been adding/editing to my outline which I now keep in a Word file for easier editing.

Oct. 16: - General: Theme
(1) Theme. What is the theme (see below) or moral of the story? '
I think the theme of my story would be Overcoming Religious Opression.
(2) Resolution. Brainstorm ways you could resolve the conflict(s) within the confines of the theme. You are not required to identify a chosen resolution from your list of possibilities yet, so really think outside the box! Anything goes.
The conflicts will come automatically as the story is already written. I am just embellishing it with fiction to make it a story rather than just a list of facts.

Oct. 17: - Setting: Cultural Setting
Describe the cultural, political and/or religious setting in your novel, regardless of whether the cultural setting is fictional, historical, or modern.
(1) What do your societies believe? They are Quakers and pacifists so have difficulty during the Revolutionary War
(2) In what practices do they engage? Forgiveness, repentance, simplicity, order, repressing anger, teach by example, obedience, provide helping hand.
(3) What laws or rules of society are in place? Men & women treated equally; both raise children. Marry within meeting house. Children of a widow who remarries are entitled to inheritance from new husband. Drunkenness or bankruptcy is grounds for disowning a spouse. Earthly love should not supersede the love of God.
(4) Who/what enforces the laws and rules and how successful are they? Disobedience, infractions are brought up at the meetings and punishment is decided by the elders.
(5) What technologies are in use? There were no technologies in the beginning of this story.
(6) How does the setting impact your protagonist(s) in their pre-story lives? They lived by certain standards, within a community, were subject to the laws and rules of that community.
(7) How does the setting impact the plot of your story? Quaint, simple, close-knit. Friends helping friends.

Oct. 18: - Setting: Settings List
(1) Create a list of settings in a format easy to edit and expand.
(2) Add brief descriptions, drawings, images or Google Maps coordinates (find the location on Google Maps/Earth and record the URL) for each.

https://quaker.org/legacy/plainfield-nj.html]
The Plainfield, New Jersey Meeting House
7th GGrandfather-William Webster I
The Evolution of A Quaker Meeting
Historical Sketch
Before the Plainfield Meeting House was built in 1788, Quakers in this section of New Jersey met in "Amboy," now called Perth Amboy. Their first organization meeting was held on the 13th of 8th month 1686, when "Friends at Amboy agreed to have a Monthly Meeting" and in a minute of their next meeting, held the 10th of 9th month 1686, the members were directed to "bring minutes of the births and burials since they first came into this place that they may be recorded."
\https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/182104189/susannah-webster
{Woodbridge, Middlesex, NJ{/}
Daughter of John Cowperthwaite 1668-1734 & Sarah Adams 1668-n/a) Some time about the year 1700 John Cowperthwait removed to New Jersey, from New York.
Susannah married William Webster Jr. in May 1717, at Woodbridge, Middlesex, NJ, where they settled and raised a family. Source: Annals of our colonial ancestors and their descendants: by Ambrose Milton hotwell, 1895, pg 12.

https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Webster-594
Woodbridge, Middlesex, New Jersey
6th GGrandfather - Benjamin Webster
Born 4 Apr 1709 in Woodbridge, Middlesex, New Jerseymap
Son of William Webster I and Mary (UNKNOWN) Webster
Brother of Mary Webster, Hannah Webster, William Webster II, Moses Webster, Sarah (Webster) Chambers, Rachel Webster, Aaron Webster and Joseph Webster
Husband of Rachel (Skinner) Webster — married about 1735 [location unknown]
Descendants descendants
Father of Samuel Webster, Skinner Webster, Susannah (Webster) Kester, Joseph Webster, Hannah (Webster) Kester and Anne (Webster) Kester
Died April 8, 1756, Woodbridge, New Jersey

https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Webster-605
Woodbridge, New Jersey & Kingwood, New Jersey
5th GGrandfather - Samuel Webster
Born: July 26, 1733, Woodbridge, Middlesex, New Jersey
Died: Dec. 10, 1755, Kingwood, Hunterdon, New Jersey
Marriage: Susanna Kester

https://sites.rootsweb.com/~villandra/fatheri/i1891.htm
Amwell, Somerset, New Jersey & East Hamburg Erie, New York
4th GGrandfather - Joseph Webster
Born: November 22, 1769 in Amwell, Somerset, New Jersey
Died: August 30, 1847 East Hamburg, Erie, New York
Marriage to: Phebe MacCrary
He purchased property in E. Hamburg, now Orchard Park, New York

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/68910107/william-webster
New York (probably East Hamburg, Erie & Poplar Grove, Boone Illinois
3rd GGrandfather - Willliam Webster
Born: 1793 New York
Died: Dec. 19, 1853, Poplar Grove, Boone, Illinois
Spouse: Catherine Willet
Wiliam worked as a clerk in a store in Buffalo, New York for 5 years. Later, he had a mercantile business in East Hamburg
until 1845 when he sold out and moved to Illinois by way of a team of oxen. He bought 320 acres of land and became a farmer
for 15 years. He then moved into the city and began working in the lumber and grain business. He retired with a 'handsome competence".
A statement in the Belvidere Standard. He was one of the pioneer settlers of Boone township and held many positions of honor
and trust. He was always considerate and courteous in his dealings with his fellow men and ever ready to extend a helping hand to
all who evinced a desire to aid themselves.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/273585877/freeman_webster
East Hamburg, Erie, New York & Hillsboro, Vernon, Wisconsin
2nd GGrandfather - Freeman Webster
Born: 1816, East Hamburg, Erie, New York
Died: May 8, 1892, Hillsboro, Vernon, Wisconsin
Spouse: Mercy Ann Thomas

Poplar Grove, Boone, Illinois & Reedsburg, Sauk, Wisconsin
1st GGrandfather - William Isaac Webster
Born: June 19, 1853 Poplar Grove, Boone, Illinois
Died: July 27, 1955, Reedsburg, Sauk, Wisconsin
Married: Marcia Ella Hart
Died at age 103. Was a farmer and later trainer, caretaker, and driver of race horses owned by Dr. Asa Jones of Reedsburg.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/131128293/louis-austin-webster
Sandusky, Sauk, Wisconsin & Mauston, Juneau, Wisconsin
Grandfather - Louis Austin Webster
Born: February 8, 1893 Sandusky, Sauk, Wisconsin
Died: December 8, 1977? Mauston, Juneau, Wisconsin
Married: Lena Catherine McHenry

Oct. 19: - Setting: CONTEST ROUND: Setting Description
Describe a setting in words. Use all five senses and make your reader experience the setting as if he or she were there.

*Contest Round entries may be any rating. Submit your ITEM or ENTRY number by 1200 noon WDC time on Sunday to compete. WDC time is New York City time and can be found at the top of the IM Console. If you miss this deadline or choose not to compete, you must still log the assignment complete (without linking your work) for the grand prize, per the standard Prep guidelines.

THE WEBSTER SAGA
BY CHARLOTTE BUELOW

William stood on the ships deck, gripping the handrails tightly. Passengers were not allowed topside except for a few minutes, already ice had begun forming on his eyebrows. He took a couple of deep breaths. Even though the cold air stung his lungs, it felt good to take in air that wasn’t filled with the stench, disease, and death that lay below. He looked out at the endless sea meeting the sky and wondered if they would ever reach their destination. He longed for the home he had fled; his mother, father, siblings. What was done, was done. It was likely he would never see their faces again. He would have to muster up and hope for the best; not only for himself, but the Quaker Friends and other passengers below who still clung to life.

William turned when a seaman tapped him on the shoulder. “Best get below now, ‘tis nowt fit for man nor beast up here.”

William nodded his head and made his way to the hatch and the ghastly scene below.

Mary, who was administering water to an ill passenger, looked up when she saw William enter the cabin. He looked troubled and anxious, which wasn’t surprising, not at all. What passenger here wouldn’t wish to be back in their homeland, she thought.

Mary had come with her Quaker parents, older sister, a brother-in-law, and two brothers, ten, and twelve. Annie, her older sister, was bedridden. She was 4 months with child and seasickness kept her in the berth. Mary administered to her as best she could.

If only, went through her mind and she stopped the thought. What good would it do now to wish for something that had already passed. Best, be about her business and put those thoughts aside. There was much to do and time was wasting.

An eerie scream was heard throughout the deck. Heads turned to look and then bowed in despair as the ship had claimed yet another life. When would it end? Would they all perish?

Oct. 20 - General: Freebie Day

Oct. 21: - General: Freestyle Brainstorm, World Building or Research, Round 2
(1) Spend at least fifteen minutes clarifying things through "What If" brainstorming, mind mapping (see resources at the bottom of the calendar), freestyle writing, lists, drawings or research. You may also choose to use this time to finish a previous assignment that needs more time.

Research Items

A. Mercy Ann Thomas, Freeman Webster's wife, was she a Native American?
B. Check out book: The History of Vernon County, Wisconsin. Written in 1884. Freeman Webster will be in there in Greenwood Township
C: Lewis Harrison Elijah Webster, Freeman's son, Civil War Veteran. Gravestone in Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Hillsboro, WI
D. Freeman Webster owned a farm in Hillsboro. He had a patent on the land which means he was the 1st to own it. It was signed by President of the US, James Buchanan.
E. Check out Earlham College's Friends' Collection located in Richmond, IN
F. Source: Plainfield New Jersey Friends Online Collection.
G. Resource: Indiana Historical Library
H. 3rd GGrandfather married outside of the Quaker faith thus was dismissed. No evidence that Freeman was a Quaker.
I. Family occupied land in Hamburg & Orchard Park, Erie, Western New York. Land where Buffalo Bill Stadium stands today was once part of
Webster HOmestead
J. Source: Quaker Cemetery & Meeting House at Orchard Park, New York. Webster's in 1st row of cemetery including 4th GGrandfather & GGmother. (Joseph & Phebe Webster)
K. At one time men & women used separate doors & worshipped on oppisite side. This can be seen from pic in Searching For My Webster Ancestors by Joanne Miles Hannon. as well as a pic of the Webster Homestead. Also pictured is a plaque from Eden Cemetery stating: "Quaker Cemetery - 26th day of 10th month 1813 - Friends of Eden Requested Permission To Hold Meetings. Log Meeting House Was Built Across Road From Cemetery. Town of Eden 1998.
L. Research: Poplar Grove, Boone, Illinois where many Webster's lived & are buried. They came in wagons, pulled by oxen from Chicago, having come there by water.
M. Research: Quakertown Hunterdon, New Jersey. There is a meeting house where our ancestors worshipped as well as a cemetery where they are buried. Gravestones were discouraged by the Quakers (plain folks) so some are just stones with initials or dates carved into them.
N. Plainfield, New Jersey. Where Family started life in America. Meeting house built in 1788 with the help of the Websters. It has been declared a National Landmark along with the cemetery behind it.
O. Cedar Brook Farm: Built in 1717 and still standing with sign in front reading, "Cedar Brook Farm 1717"
P. 1647, English Civil War: Brought on by problems with the economy. Royalists: Abided by King's High Anglican Church rules & beliefs. Roundheads: Quakers who bellieved the presence & grace of God was inside of each person and it did not require elaborate church services or priests. George Fox, founder of the Quakers, referred to this as the the 'light within'.
Q. Because Quakers refused to accept the superiority of the supposed higher class, it was considered a serious offense. Therefore, they were hated and the idea spread that they were witches, blasphemers, and heretics. In truth, they were pacifists and would not go to war. People were afraid they would try to take over the government. They were persecuted. Some were imprisoned for their religious beliefs and Websters were among them (records from Swarthmore College in PA).
R. George Fox: Founder of Quakers "Society of Friends". Born 1624 (unrecorded).
S. Kingwood, New Jersey Meeting House was where our ancestors worshipped before leaving for Erie County, New York.
T. William Penn: Statue atop City Hall overlooking the skyline in Philadelphia PA. He traveled through England w/George Fox. Was imprisoned in Tower of London for seven months in 1668-69 for pamphleteering. His father, Admiral Penn, had once loaned money to King Charles II, so William Penn went to the King & offered to take lands in America in exchange for the loan. The King agreed and the land was named Pennsylvania after Penn's father. William became the governor of the new colony. During the late 17th Century when Protestants & Catholics persecuted each other and persecuted Quakers & Jews, Penn was able to create a sanctuary of peace, where folks were able to worship in their own way without fear of persecution. He achieved peaceful relation with the Indians as he walked among them without guards or weapons. He spoke simply and direct; knew Indian dialect and was able to negotiate without using interpreters. He acquired land without going to battle and seizing it. He brought about the Great Treaty w/Indians; likely the only one that was never broken. His peaceful policies prevailed for about 70 yrs. He was a remarkable diplomat who intervened with the King to save hundreds of Quakers from death sentences, got George Fox out of jail, and set the standard for our ancestors to live by. William Webster would likely have known William Penn.
U. It is unclear whether William Webster came from England or Scotland. The name Webster means Weavers. We 1st hear of him in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, 1695, having arrived 10 years earlier with other Quakers from Scotland to land in New Jersey on land set aside for them by King James II. This was the King's way to get rid of them.
V. Resource: History of Early Quaker Families. Archives of the Rahway & Plainfield Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends.
W. Resource: The Story of the Friends in Plainfield including a History of Early Quaker Families, March 29, 1929. Some contents are: Primary among the names of the 1st families to settle the land by clearing forests and building homes was the name Webster. Dudley says: "He was certainly a freeman of the town of Woodbridge and a consistent Friend as eary as 1695. This from "The Story of the Firneds in Plainfield", Wm. Dudley 1929.
X. Resource: Searching For My Webster Ancestors, The Story of a Family, by Joanne Miles Hannon

(2) Update your characters, definitions and settings lists as needed.

CHARACTER LIST

Chracter #1
         William Webster-Real
25 yrs. old. Physically fit. Shoulder length black straight hair. Piercing blue eyes.
Handsome with an oval shaped face, full lips, and stately nose. About 5’9” tall with
slim build.
Farmer and carpenter.

Character #2
         Mary-Fictional
Mary had an interest in William
20 yrs. old. Long, wavy dark brown hair, greenish eyes, heart shaped
face. Slim, about 5’4”.

Character #3
         Annie-Fictional
Mary’s older sister. 4 months pregnant.

Character #4
         Captain of Ship-Fictional

Character #5
         John Reid-Real
Quaker of Woodbridge.
3.11.1687 Meeting: John stated that The Friends should make sure Widow Mill is cared for.
He also stated that Widow Mitchel should be admonished to not talke of Peter Somans as she
doth. He wanted The Friends to encourage her to come to the meeting and lay out her
differences; which she did do on April 3, 1687 and the dispute was settled.
10.14.1687 John resigned keeping the Friends book as he was leaving Amboy and going to
Monmouth County to settle on the Hope River where he had been given land for his services
in drawing maps for the proprietors. Benjamin Griffith was appointed to fill the vacancy. Griffith moved to Woodbridge somewhere around 1689.


Character #6
         John Barclay-Real
Was his brick home also the Friends Meeting House’? This would have been in Amboy,
New Jersey.

Character #7
         Benjamine Clark-Real
5.13.1687 Meeting: Stated that he no longere would come to the meetings as Governor
Lawry had called him a devil.

Oct. 22: - Setting: Definitions List

(1) Create a list of definitions (see below) in a format easy to edit and expand.
(2) Optional: Brainstorm and describe an object critical to the plot. Add to definitions list.
List is compiled in Word in a separate document not connected to writing.com. This will be a continual project of expansion.

LIST OF DEFINITIONS

…..Quakers – Religious group, once referred to as Roundheads, who did not go along with Royalist beliefs

…..Royalists – So called higher class citizens. Abided by the King’s High Angelican Church rules.

…..George Fox – Founder of Quakers or Society of Friends

…..William Penn – Associate of George Fox whom he was able to release from prison. Bargained with
         King Charles II for land in America.

…..Society of Friends – What a group of Quakers are called. ie: Friends in Plainfield

…..Road to Rahway – Later known as Peace Street and now Watchung Ave. Plainfield, New Jersey

…..Manumitted – To free the slaves.

…..Webster Homestead, Orchard Park, Erie, New York: Used as an Underground Railroad aiding slaves to reach Canada and freedom.

…..Plain People – What Quakers were referred to. It was a commitment for them to dress plainly and
         live their live in plain fashion.

…..Thee, Thou, and You – Quakers believed that using the word ‘you’ was considered too formal and
         no one was worthy of that respect.

…..Anti Clerical – Eveery man and woman has an inner capacity to understand the Word of God or
         what is referred to as the “inner light”. They are able to offer an opinion on spiritual matters
         without the need of Priests or Ministers to interpret for them.

Oct. 23: - Plot: Complications
Complications. Identify additional things that could go wrong for your protagonist. You are not required to resolve any problems yet, just create them. Remember: The more hardships your main character faces, the more readers will cheer them on, and the more engaged and invested the reader will be in your story. Brainstorm a list of problems you could throw at your protagonist(s) throughout the story, using "What If," mind mapping (see the resources at the bottom of the calendar), freestyle writing, or any other form of brainstorming you prefer. Hint: Other characters are a great source of realistic strife, since characters often are driven by conflicting motivations.

.....Religious persecution in home country
.....Surving ship's voyage to America
.....Religious persecution in America due to pacifist beliefs
.....Future generatons decision to leave Quaker faith
.....Moving to new territory
.....Death due to old age, sickness; divorce/seperation; abuse/drunkenness

Oct. 24: - Plot: Literary Devices
(1) Brainstorm possible solutions to your conflict and complications using the list of literary devices below or your own ideas.
(2) Identify a mentor or helper who aids the protagonist(s) in achieving their goals.
(3) Identify any other literary devices from the list you could use to enhance your writing.

I can't see this step being helpful in my novel at this point as my story is already depicted in the genealogy history book that I have, and I just need to follow it and embellish the missing pieces with fiction. It is too early in this process to know when that process will occur; I need to consider that when I reach a point in my story. There will be crisis that occur on the ship's voyage; disruuption from the Revolutionary Soldiers; trauma from later generations who fought in wars; crisis that happened in individual families; hardships from society, moving to new locations, etc.

Oct. 25: - Character: Protagonist Interview
You are a journalist. The story of your novel is complete. Interview your protagonist and ask the following questions:
(1) How is life for you now, compared to life prior to these events?
This is a difficult question to answer as this story is not just one, but many, protagonists. If you are expecting an answer from the 1st one, William Webster, I would expect his answer to be as foll
"I was persecuted in my homeland of Scotland for my Quaker beliefs so I came to America where I believed I could practice my religion freely. Instead, I was again persecuted by the soldiers of the Revolutionary War for being a pacifist and not willing to fight. I had my goods stolen, my church invaded, and my religion mocked. My Quaker Friends and I weathered it all and I am proud to say I grew a large family that I was proud of. I died without harassment and can finally rest in peace."
If you are expecting an answer from the last one, Louis Austin Webster, I would expect his answer to be something like this: Keep in mind that he knew nothing about his Quaker relatives from long ago.
"I grew up in Wisconsin. My mother was wonderful and my father was somewhat difficult. I met a young Scottish girl, we married and had 14 wonderful, respectful children. I was not a religious man, but he spoke to me on my deathbed. I battled alcoholism and anger but raised my family as best I could. I always worked and provided for my family."

(2) How did the events of your story change you?
There are 7 main protagonists in this novel. Each one was changed by the events in their life be it religion, war, family crisis, moving to a new location, illness, death of loved ones. All these cumulative events would change each person in their own way. This is a story of each one's journey. I have still to find out the details of each one of them, so it is too early to say for certain what happened.


Oct. 26: - Plot: CONTEST ROUND: Plot Background Story
Write a story that sets up your plot. EXAMPLE: The Lord of the Rings story revolves around the One Ring, its significance, and how it's destroyed. But how did Frodo get the One Ring in the first place? We learn that in The Hobbit. You obviously can't write a full-scale novel in 15 minutes, but you could write the scene where Bilbo encounters Gollum and stumbles across the ring. That would be a background story that sets up the plot in Lord of the Rings.

*Contest Round entries may be any rating. Submit your ITEM or ENTRY number by 1200 noon WDC time on Sunday to compete. WDC time is New York City time and can be found at the top of the IM Console. If you miss this deadline or choose not to compete, you must still log the assignment complete (without linking your work) for the grand prize, per the standard Prep guidelines.

PLOT BACKGROUND STORY

Louis Austin Webster lay in his bed at home, the hospital could do no more for him. In a state of wakefulness and sleep, pieces of his life swarmed through his brain.

He was working on the Alaskan Highway and was cold, colder than he had ever been before in his life. At night, the men would look at each other’s faces for white spots to confirm a problem wasn’t starting. Louis jerked in his deep sleep. Now a swarm of bugs flew at him, so thick that some were swallowed. He gave a loud gasp.

“Pa, Pa, wake up, are you OK?”

“Cold, I’m cold Lucy. I was in Alaska again, working on the highway.”

“It was just a dream Pa. Let me get you another blanket.”

By the time his daughter Lucy came back with a blanket Louis had drifted off to sleep again. Now he was in a carriage riding with his wife Katy. Their thirteen children had surprised them with a 50th Wedding Anniversary Party at Woodside Ranch. They were all there, every one of them; laughing and joking like usual. He cried when Kenny came, always so far away in Missouri. He took Katy’s hand in his.

Waking once again, he squeezed Katy’s hand. “Ir was fun wasn’t it?”

“What was fun, dear?”

“The party at Woodside. I would marry you all over again.”

“As would I,” Katy replied, hoping that he wouldn’t see the tear trickle down her cheek.

“You know, Jesus was here this morning and he told me not to be afraid, that it is my time to die, and everything will be OK.”

Katy reached up and touched his forehead. “I love you Louie, I always have.” She lay her head on his chest as he closed his eyes for the last time on December 8, 1977.

“Ma, come now, we have to make a call. You can do no more for him.”

“Oh Lucy, what will I do now? I will miss him so.”

“I know Ma, I know. He wouldn’t want you to be sad.”

Louis and Katy Webster had fourteen children; nine girls and five boys. The youngest boy, Junior, had fallen through the ice when sixteen and drowned. He helped create a great family but now the legacy was gone. He knew nothing about his amazing Quaker ancestors and never attended church except for weddings and funerals and yet it seemed that he did have an ‘inner light’ burning inside him after all.

Oct. 27: - General: FREEBIE DAY

Oct. 28: - Character: Minor Character Profiles
(1) Expand or add profiles for one or more minor characters.
There are currently 11 characters in my expanded list.

(2) Spend some time updating your character list with new information, images, etc.
I have updated some of my characters with actual and fictional data. This is kept in a Word file as the writing.com app is
to hard to use with tabs, etc.

Oct. 29: - Plot: Outline Revision #3
(1) Review your plot elements thus far and organize them into your outline.
Done
(2) Fill in any gaps in your outline template and/or flesh out more details.
This is in Libre Word as it's too hard to do in writing.com.
Revision #1 is in black - Revision #2 is in blue - Revision #3 is in green

Oct. 30: - General: Market Definition and Narrative Voice Synopsis
(1) Identify your story type from this list of story types or define it with your own nomenclature.
          I would like to think it is a Historical Fiction. Of the types presented a Biographical drama w/fiction or Docu Drama would          fit.
(2) Describe your target audience. Identify a demographic profile of your ideal reader (try using your character profile template!) Explain in detail what aspects of your novel will appeal to this particular audience and why. Please read this blog post to understand the importance of marketing, and why targeting "mass appeal" or "all readers" isn't good enough: "Building Your Brand"
(indent}I believe anyone who is interested in history with a story "historical fiction" would like this story. Of course we can't know          exactly what each person in the past said or did but to create an interesting story we have to add some fiction to make it interesting.
(3) Write a synopsis of your novel using the same narrative voice you will use to tell the story.

William Webster was able to survive a harrowing journey from Scotland to Perth Amboy, New Jersey. Many lives were lost in that journey, but he did his best to provide help, care, and courage to others using his Quaker faith and ideals to guide him. Leaving his homeland due to religious suppression, he found similar conflicts in the new land. Did he make the right decision to leave? With his Quaker Friends by his side to support him, the Webster Family went on to help build the new world, assist in freeing slaves, work on the Alaskan Highway, and spawn generations to come from New Jersey to New York, Illinois, and finally Wisconsin. You will hear about the difficulties each generation faced along the way and how they overcame and conquered. This is a story about a family who didn't give up but faced their demons; not with malice or hate but with love and optimism. A family to be proud of.

Oct. 31: - Plot: Premise Revision Revising your novel, revise your initial premise. Identify the following:
(1) Setting(s). Where does your story take place?
         Scotland - Amboy Perth, New Jersey - New York - Illinois - Wisconsin
(2) Protagonist(s). Who is(are) your main character(s)?
         William Webster I - Benjamin Webster - Samuel Webster - Joseph Webster - William Webster III - Freeman Webster -
         William Isaac Webster - Louis Austin Webster
(2b) Flaw(s). What is(are) the protagonist's major flaw(s)?
         There are several protagonists in this story. Each one will have a different story to tell. I can't answer this right now.
(2c) Goal(s). What does(d) the protagonist(s) want (or want to avoid)?
         Each of these protagonists have different ideals. Some want to avoid doing objectional things that will get them removed          from the Friends Society. Others, who have moved on from Quakerism want to suceed in giving their families a good life. I don't think every person is trying to avoid something in life; that seems to me like they have done something wrong and are trying to hide from it.
(3) Conflict(s). What's keeping them from their goal(s)?
         As with all people, society, financial burdens, even addiction of some type can keep a person from their goals.
(4) Antagonist(s). Who or what is creating the conflict(s)?
         Life creates conflicts. With the earlier ancestors the Revolutionary War created a conflict with the soldiers.
(5) Resolution. How does it all turn out in the end?
         I think in the end it's a wonderful history of a family.
(6) Theme: What is the theme or moral of the story?
         Perseverance, love, humily, kindness.
(7) Outline: Update your outline as needed.
         This will be done in Libre Word in another application