This week’s quote can be utilized in regards to any facet of our lives, not just the writing part.
A new habit can be developed any time, as can breaking one.
Wishing you all the best!
Tag Archives: Screenwriters
The Rise in Shock Value
The internet, and myself included, were all in a tizzy this week with the announcement that in a new comic series, Steve Rogers #1, Captain America is actually an undercover Hydra agent.
Nope.
No.
Not having it.
Fans were quite rightly upset and for good reason. Captain America has stood as a moral icon, defending the defenseless against tyranny and oppression, and choosing the right path, regardless of personal cost, for 75 years. He’s the good guy, with no hints at all to his character to the contrary. Many fans believe this is just a publicity stunt, shock for shock value alone, and I agree.
With his rise in popularity due to two wonderful films in the MCU, I can imagine that there was a meeting in which execs and writers came up with a few “what if” scenarios, but as a fellow writer, I can attest to the fact that not all ideas are good ones. I can’t fault a writer for wanting to take a risk, especially with a character of Cap’s reputation, but taking a character with such a strong moral code and turning that on its head without any warning is just feeding into the mentality that the only way to be relevant is to be shocking.
We, as a people, continually exposed to all manner of craziness via the internet and the rise in dramatic, stunning television, I think, are the reasons behind such bold moves. In order to be noticed, we’ve resorted to becoming the one-uppers. Shows like Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead, and American Horror Story, among others, have risen the bar in the way of surprising their audience, and I thank them for it, but at the same time wonder if it’s not hurting us as well, overall.
We now expect so much more from all our media-going experiences, and this is forcing writers to do the unexpected often without reason. A scene like the Red Wedding in Game of Thrones had a great deal of build up. It wasn’t an out of left field surprise, although yes, it was upsetting. The stage was set, long before we arrived, with bread crumbs left along the way that led us to such an inevitable conclusion.
This is something as writers we need to be aware of. We can’t throw in a shocking twist just because – there has to be a reason, motivation, there has to have been set up. Audiences want to be satisfied, they also want to feel clever, and this is done by offering them morsels and insights they can piece together before the big surprise.
This offers us, as writers, a great challenge to think about the nuances needed to tell our story more effectively. If we look at the big picture, how can we impress upon our audience what is to come with a little foreshadowing? Is there a metaphor that could highlight the impending dilemma? Is there a phrase said by a character early on that offers such insight? Think of social media and how people dig into their favorite scenes, stories, characters, etc. to find more depth and hidden meaning (I have discovered a number of memes and the like showcasing foreshadowing I missed myself) and think of how happy it will make our audience if we can offer that to them.
I found this writing tip via Helping Writers Become Authors that offers the good and bad reasons to kill a character, but I think it can be utilized in regards to any plot device.
Let us not short change our audience. Let us give them the surprises they deserve; those that mean more because we cared enough to think our story through, and not just another tactic or ploy meant to incite emotion or a reaction. Let us also not short change our work or our characters. Be true to them. They deserve no less…and so does Cap.
Happy Writing!
Writing Prompt #84
I was scrolling through Pinterest (as per usual) the other day and came across a fun idea. The 4, 5, or 6 word story. So that’s this week’s Writing Prompt.
You choose the theme of whatever emotion you’d like to evoke, but you have only 5 words in which to create it.
You know the kind:
His words rang disturbingly hollow.
She offered me her heart.
Offer up as many as you’d like in either the comments below or on your own page, just remember to share the link with me so I can enjoy your creations!
Happy Writing!
Quote Monday
My mother has been visiting this week so my normal schedule is a little off, hence the lack of posts. I’ll try to be better this week because I have lots to share.
Starting with this – a quote by Arthur Ashe:
I was reminded of this idea recently. Sometimes we wait for the perfect moment, the right conditions, more money, what-have-you, and the truth is, those are just excuses as to why we wait.
Carpe diem! And best wishes!
Writing Prompt #83
Happy Wednesday!
For this week’s writing prompt I wanted to do something different, so I decided on a dialogue prompt to get the creative juices flowing. I saw something very particular in my mind when I rolled these words around:
Are you feeling inspired to join me in this week’s challenge?
Happy Writing!
Quote Monday
Today’s post is not so much a quote as it is a mantra.
I’ve been struggling, no, that’s not the right word (and I’m lying to myself). I’ve been reluctant (yeah, that’s more like it) to cut a few scenes in my pilot because I like them, and I worked them and schmoozed them to get them just right, but I know they need to go. I’ve just been dragging my heels and acting like a five year old with their fingers in their ears saying, “No no no! You can’t make me do it!”
I needed today’s reminder that to in order to create a great story, we have to be brave enough to kill our darlings.
Say it with me:
Wishing you all the best in your writing endeavors! Happy Writing!
*Thanks to ABC Copywriting for the image.
The Elusive “Next Idea”
Clearing out my email again this week, I came across a few articles I wanted to share, but none of them really corresponded to the other, so I decided to pick one and run with it.
Where do we come up with our ideas?
I’ve written a ramble or two in regards to keeping a notepad with you at all times, or utilizing the note app on your phone with the built-in night light, because we can only keep reiterating that wonderful nugget we’ve discovered for so long before we
eventually lose it. It’s our burden – brilliance at the wrong time.
InkTip shared How to Scientifically Spark Your Creative Genius, and it’s a quick read that will give you a little insight into why we have our best ideas right before we fall asleep, or when we’re doing anything else besides writing.
Not all our snippets are gold on their own, but our minds are complex things that work out plots and intricacies long before we ever get pen to paper, or finger to keyboard. We don’t know what little blurb of conversation we overheard and wrote down could be the beginnings of something wonderful, and if we fail to write it down, we’ll never find out.
A line of dialogue in a TV series sent my mind whirling about a screenplay that I’ll get to eventually. It’s dark and kind of twisted, not my usual fare, but it’s good to have ideas outside our genre too.
I’ve been writing fan fiction at work as a way to pass the time, but sometimes during those few mundane hours I’ve come up with ways to fix plot holes or created new characters. This is why I always have a notepad for writing in my server book. That’s the strange thing about being a writer, when people ask where we come up with our ideas. Sometimes it’s from being observant, sometimes, who knows?
Maybe it is just from giving our minds a break from the responsibility that accompanies the idea that as writers, we must always be on.
I’ve heard of writers doing these things called “idea sessions”, and I still can’t get on board with it. Sitting and writing dozens of ideas in a given time to see if one sticks? I’m not sure if that’s the way to finding a story you can be passionate about…but since I haven’t tried it, maybe I’m not one to speak.
We’re the first readers of our stories, and I believe we have to love what we’re writing. If you’re just looking to write a formulaic story, I have to wonder why?
I’ve said this before: everyone has a story, but that doesn’t make everyone a writer. And I stand by that. I think as writers, we see everything as potential material, and that’s what separates us.
So when you hear something interesting, or see an image clearly in your mind, don’t lose it, because that could be the start of your next big idea!
Best wishes!
Writing Prompt #82
If you’re looking for more inspiration, as you may already be aware, I have a few Pinterest boards you might like. I enjoy Pinterest. Enjoy may not be the right word with some 10,000 pins.
There’s just so much out there. And the funny thing is, I feel as if I’ve only scratched the surface.
I love the visual, which is probably why I was drawn to screenwriting. I like to find images that represent what I see in my head when I’m writing, so if you’re like me, browse through some of my boards and see if you can find that specific image for your piece. Although side note, don’t get stuck in the pin-hole I sometimes find myself in…
This week’s Writing Prompt is an image that I have been drawn to use for some time, what do you think?
Are you feeling the urge to join me in this week’s challenge?
Happy Writing!
Writing Prompt #81
I had planned on sharing another Writing Prompt today, but then I saw this image and a very particular idea popped in my head.
What does it say to you?
I’d love for you all to join me in the weekly Writing Prompt Challenge. To find an image that speaks to you (there have been 80 (whew) others so far), click on the Writing Prompt tag or use the search bar, and write away!
Happy Writing!
*And side note, May the Fourth be with you! 😉
Writing Prompt Challenge Accepted #18
First off, I am thrilled to share the work of simplysimplymeblog, who accepted the Writing Prompt Challenge.
Remember, any time you’re inspired, please share what you create. You can either post it here in the comments, or on your own page, just be sure to link the post or my site so I know it’s out there. 🙂
A scenery so beautiful, that has become lost over time, it hides many stories of those who walked it’s path. Maybe it was of lovers, who enjoyed it’s peace and serenity, creating memories to share with those to come. Or of those who were parted by destiny, yet met here to maintain their promises, or of those who revisited in remembrance of lost lovers. The secrets it withholds shall be tied within its ageing beauty, as the old marks fade, the new emerge.
The secrets shall remain undisclosed, the mysteries unwritten, the abandoned scape still echoes the laughter and whispers of those who have gone …
~
Thank you again, Sobia for sharing your words!
I only wrote one flash fiction piece this week, because as I stated in a recent post, I was trying to make the deadline I set for myself for the rewrite of my pilot. I almost made it.
The Chase
He knew from the moment they had met that he would eventually find himself here – standing in a cell the other had once occupied. They had been playing a game of cat and mouse for years, years beyond comprehension, so it was no wonder one of them had eventually found themselves in such a place. He had lost track of the other sometime in the Victorian era, this must have been where he disappeared. There had been rumor of the man who did not age; he was the inspiration for a number of myths and tales, because he had the unlucky fortune of being caught. It was discovering the source of those stories that had brought him here.
The world continued to move forward, yet this place held the remnants of the world it had once been a part of. It still smelled and felt like it had hundreds of years ago, when it was new. He stood in the center of it, feeling the warmth of the setting sun streaming in upon his face, and smiled to himself. There in the stone, a set of markings had been painstakingly carved. The game was on, again.
~
I’d also like to share a little snippet of the fanfic I wrote the other day at work. It’s a WIP. It hasn’t been edited or rewritten yet, so please forgive any errors. For those of you unfamiliar with this topic, I am not exaggerating, nor am I ashamed/embarrassed to admit, when I say, “I am obsessed with (the video game series) Dragon Age.” One slow day at work, I just randomly started writing fan fiction. 30,000+ words later…yeah. It’s one of my goals to write for the series, in any shape or form. Just putting that out there.
If you’re interested in reading what I’ve written so far, chapters one and two are available under the “Scribbles” heading. There’s some adult content in chapter 2, so you’ll have to click a link to a site that confirms you’re of age. 😉 It was my first attempt at writing, oh, let’s call it what it is, smut. It was so much fun! Don’t worry, the following is smut free.
To be a mage was to be a bit of a show off. While we cast spells, we are alight with magic. We flash with a rainbow of colors, imbued with powers from the Fade. We twirl our staves in a great display. For any mage, their staff is an extension of themselves. It helps to focus our hits, it directs with greater accuracy, but it also needs to bear quite a burden. I knew with each passing fight, I was not only developing new skills, but I was also capable of more than I had been before.
I was stronger and my mana drained at a lesser rate than it had even a few weeks earlier. I knew it wouldn’t be long before I outgrew my current staff, but while in the Temple of Sacred Ashes nearly overwhelmed by heretics and creatures of every variety, I cringed upon hearing a sound every mage must dismay at hearing.
I twirled, casting spell after spell, some deadlier than others, when I felt my staff shudder, and in the strange silence that follows any flurry of spellcasting, the inevitable groan of the staff splintering under its current burden. I cringed. Many of the senior mages in the Circle still had the same staff they passed their Harrowing with. As I was quickly learning with my ever-expanding cache of spells, I wouldn’t be so lucky.
As we had finally found a moment’s reprieve, I sat in silence, despondent at the state of what I regarded as an ally, or an old friend. We had been through quite a bit together, and I would be sad to put her to rest. I gently traced my fingertips along the fragmented edge, thinking back on the journey we had undertaken so far, and how we had arrived at such a strange place, a hidden temple, a ruin.
~
*A special thank you to rooster82 at DeviantArt for the stunning mage Warden, Devene Amell.
A Writer's Discrepant Memoirs and Other Tales 