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Post by Joxcenia on Jan 20, 2006 23:32:49 GMT -6
These are books I don't yet own, but look interesting. If anyone does own them, let me know what you think of them.
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Post by Joxcenia on Jan 20, 2006 23:40:32 GMT -6
Story Structure Architect breaks each element into the easily understood concepts of Dramatic Throughlines, Conflict Types, Genres, Master Plot Structures, and Master Dramatic Situations. Schmidt’s instruction is intelligently presented, easy to comprehend, and will capture and keep your attention from beginning to end. As you progress through each chapter, the relevance between the author's information and your story idea becomes apparent as you identify the structure, choose, plan, and write each element, consider the questions posed for each structure; and study the examples given.
For example, if your overall theme is Fidelity, ask yourself these questions to come up with story situations and possibilities:
- The Faithful Spouse loses her spouse in some way. Does he pass away? Or does he leave her? Why? How does this make the Faithful Spouse feel? Is she in denial, thinking he will come back? Does the Faithful Spouse stay in the same house or apartment that she had with her spouse? Does she save his things like a shrine? How does she handle taking over the jobs her spouse used to do?*
- The Faithful Spouse is forced to face her loneliness. Does she have family or close friends to visit? Does she try to date but find it to be too hard? Does she get discouraged easily? Does she decide to go out and try to date? Or does she fall further into her isolated life?*
- The Faithful Spouse cleans up her life and moves on. How does she move on? Go on a date? Clean up her house? Move? Get a new job? Start a new hobby? Do volunteer work? Does she find happiness with another man or in discovering herself?*
*Many more questions are posed in the book.
From identifying characters to weaving in subplots and building conflict, Story Structure Architect offers thousands of possible story combinations and techniques that apply to every genre. It is a must-have resource for anyone who writes short fiction, novels, scripts, or plays. Pb. 2005. 288 pages.
In 45 Master Characters, author Victoria Schmidt sheds new light on why writers so easily lose the spark that can set their story on fire. "The good news is that most of the time the problem isn't with your story but with your characters," she says. "How can you move your story forward if your driving force - character - is running on empty?" To aid in the struggle, Victoria defines archetypal characters and why writers should use them to define their characters. Think about Luke Skywalker in StarWars or Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz and you get an immediate sense of who they are. They invoke strong emotions. "These characters embody a universal archetype which helps them inhabit a strong character arc, or changes he or she must go through during the story," says Victoria. "Every great protagonist learns and grows from his or her experiences. Your character needs to emerge at the end of your story as a new person who has learned something from the journey."
Archetypes are grouped into thirteen male and female supporting characters and thirty-two heroes and villains. Characters from TV shows, movies and history are used as examples to help you recognize what certain character traits are common for each archetype. 2001. 304 pages
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Post by Joxcenia on Jan 21, 2006 0:02:17 GMT -6
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