First, let me start off by saying, I love Mondays and the beginning of a new month. It's like time starts over. Weekly and monthly 'fresh starts'. When they coincide, even better. I have 100 pages left to edit on my code mystery novel before I put it away for a couple of months and then I be starting the next round of edits.
Second, in an effort to be more aware of my surroundings, I notice two background shots on the latest episode of Chuck. Pic 1: Underpants. etc? I've always wished there were more of these stores. What's the etc? Pic 2: On a shirt. Taken from Battlestar Galactica it's an expletive...sorry 'bout that.
My next WIP will be a comedy/business novel entitled: Blondie Brilliance vs. The Titans. I've already got a few chapters complete but I want to finish the novel.
The premise? Blondie Brilliance - a brown-haired, not too bright young woman - receives from her evil in-laws for a wedding gift, a failing furniture company named Titan Furniture. But, to the in-law's chagrin, she goes about trying to make the company work... with some funny situations along the way.
Okay, now to some writing advice. What to make sure you accomplish with the first fifty pages of your story. Here is a checklist:
- Establish your heroic character
- Endear your heroic character
- Entrap that heroic character inextricably in central conflict
Now a command: Enjoy your day!
12 comments:
Oh, I love this post! You established your character, endeared yourself to me and I'm not sure about entrapping yourself in conflict--unless your conflicted about shopping at Underpants, etc.!
Nevertheless, I was cracked up and educated in the same post. Thanks!
Michele
SouthernCityMysteries
Great advice and great story idea. Humor is so hard - not sure I could do it. :)
Corra
from the desk of a writer
Michele, glad to crack you up. I'm glad you liked the post...trying to be more personable.
Corra, glad you liked it. I've not done humor much, it's not going to be role on the floor laughter.
ann
The third "E" is the most important, and the hardest one to execute. Without tourturing a character in some way shape or form, they can't develop.
Great advice and story, Ann! :)
Elizabeth
Congrats on 100 followers! (I was 101).
My wife was pointing out Underpants etc. on the show. We want to shop there too!
I like your 3 E's.
i would add some more:
Entice your hero with an opportunity
Endanger your hero with hard choices
Enunciate your hero's goals clearly
What do you think?
Also I wonder how "not too bright" is endearing...then she turns the company around. Sounds a bit contradictory...interesting to see how that plays out.
Well people who seem not to bright often have a childlike sense of wonder about the world.
It makes them endearing.
Or just plain stupid.
Depends on teh character.
LOL>
Lyla, thanks for the comment, and I agree. Sometimes we have great characters who do nothing really interesting.
Elizabeth, I don't know where these stories come from but I hope I can pull it off.
Iapetus999, I like your E's... and my character doesn't really view herself as 'Brilliant' like her name but in the end, she smart where it counts... hopefully that comes across.
Tirz, yeah, it's mostly a play on words with her name... but no biggie.
ann
Good advice. Sometimes I wonder about the endearing part when my character is closer to being exasperating rather than liked by the reader.
Joy, If the reader relates on any level, you've succeeded. I like your characters BTW.
ann
This is an outstanding post which I found very helpful. Thanks so much. :)
KD, Thank you very much for your kind comment.
ann
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