The Writer
Are you a writer?
It has been said, and is the generally accepted belief, that if you write, you are a writer. Whether you wait on tables, repair PCs or milk goats, as long as you write, you are technically a writer. “Then why don’t I feel like one?” you ask? Some are reluctant to say, [...]
Worthless Genius No More
My friend, Benjamin M. Strozykowski, has moved his wiley words of wisdom to a new domain and I’d like to invite you to visit him there.
Check his most excellent blog out here.
My Absence / MyRomCom
Just wanted to update the multitude of readers on what’s been going on in my life? I know there are a lot of you, and I know each one cares.
I hate hearing excuses, and I hate giving them even more. But as stated in previous posts, I have been working on a romantic [...]
Writing Process
This was inspired by a writer I met on a writers message board. I thought it would be interesting to see what process others follow.
While I don’t sit with a printed list of steps to perform when writing, I find that my process typically takes this form:
1: Theme / Thesis Statement (The “Big Idea”)
2: Synopsis
3: Character [...]
We’re Not Borg: P3
In this third and final post in the We’re Not Borg series, I have included the opening scenes of a romantic comedy I am working on. Bear in mind this is a first, rough draft. The idea is to note how many emotions are evoked and what techniques are employed to do so.
Among the emotions [...]
We’re Not Borg: P2
A little more on delivering an emotion-ridden movie.
An effectively packaged movie starts with the writing. Obviously. The screenplay has oft been referred to as the “blueprint” of a movie. And this is true. But it’s more than that. In addition to a blueprint which outlines how to build the structure of our movie, it is [...]
We’re Not Borg: P1
I recently had a discussion with a director on the independent scene. I won’t mention names so as not to destroy his credibility, but I was appalled by his complete disregard with what is perhaps the most important aspect of film making; EMOTION!
Long story short, his argument was that all a director needs is technical [...]
Adventure Plot
Not to be confused with the quest plot, the adventure plot involves setting out on a journey. In a quest, the lead is pursuing some object. In the adventure plot, the lead is seeking adventure.
Along the way he meets interesting characters and gets caught up in fascinating experiences and circumstances. After the adventure the [...]
Quest Plot
The quest plot consists of 4 primary pieces:
1) The lead is incomplete somehow and generally has a typical life.
2) He/she searches for something of critical importance.
3) There must be huge obstacles preventing him/her from attaining it.
4) Character arc. The character must learn something. Must change somehow. Could be for better or worse, doesn’t matter.
It doesn’t [...]
Plot Ideas
Looking for plot ideas? Here are 20 of them, courtesy of Ronald B. Tobias:
Quest
Adventure
Pursuit
Rescue
Escape
Revenge
The Riddle
Rivalry
Underdog
Temptation
Metamorphosis
Transformation
Maturation
Love
Forbidden Love
Sacrifice
Discovery
Wretched Excess (A personal favorite)
Ascention
Descension (Another personal favorite)
Some good books covering plot are:
20 Master Plots (And How to Build Them) – Ronald B. Tobias
Plot & Structure – James Scott Bell
The Screenwriter’s Bible – David Trottier