Monthly Archives: February 2012
Story Building Mastery 1 – Progressive Complexity
THIS ARTICLE SERVES AS THE MAIN MENU FOR THE SERIES. CLICK EACH TITLE TO ACCESS THE FULL INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES.
What you’ll get from these articles is not a “how to” on plot development or character development, but rather a wider view on the construction and development of the story as a whole. Having no formal education in creative writing, no doubt some of my terminology may be foreign to creative writing students. Keep in mind, though, I have been a self-student of creative writing for twenty years or more. Maybe my way of approaching things will be refreshing encouragement to the rigorous tenants of traditional writing study. So here comes lesson one. Step into my mind and see how I analyze a story…
My bet with author Diane M. Graham
My friend, founding member with me at the New Authors’ Fellowship, and now fellow author at Splashdown Books,Diane M. Graham, just released her debut novel I Am Ocilla. Prior to the release of the book, one of her proof readers said something on Facebook about the twists and turns in Diane’s book. I made the comment to him that there’s only been one book that I didn’t figure out before the twists were upon me.
That started a discussion…well, more like boasting and smack talk on the part of both Diane and me. It turned into a bet. Until now, it has only been recorded on Facebook. Here’s the thread if you’d like to look it over. I wanted to give the details of the bet a more permanent and stable home.
So here they are…the details of the bet:
If Diane’s book surprises Keven just once with a plot twist, then Keven will make a YouTube video of him dancing for at least 25 seconds, saying, “Di is twisty.” If Diane’s book surprises Keven more than once, then Keven will also have her on his website as a guest expert on how to create twists in a story. If Diane’s book fails to surprise Keven, then Diane must make a video of her dancing for at least 25 seconds, saying, “Keven is a plot master.” And if by 3/4′s through the book Keven presents a reasonable outline of how the book will end, then Diane will have Keven as a guest expert on her website on recognizing and avoiding predictable plot devices.
So there’s the bet. I’m not scared, really. Plot development is something I’m very nerdy about…sort of an extension of my fascination with taking things apart to see how they work. Which, by the way, I’ve ALWAYS been able to put everything back together again.
The bet will be realized at the beginning of the summer, when I have time free enough to read her book. This post not only serves to document the bet, but will also kick off a series of related posts on plot development. I’ve been wanting to write some of what I know about plotting, and this finally gives me an excuse. Look for those posts soon.
-k
Grown-ups who can't make friends.
Want to know the biggest secret in the world? A secret so big that everyone already knows it, but still no one will talk about it?
Most grown-ups don't know how to make friends.
It's true. I'm one of them. So is my wife. We really struggle with this. Sure...I've got friends. I'm a friendly person. I'll conversate and doing all kinds of friend-things with you.
The next best thing to a movie of Winter!
I’ve been a little under the weather today and haven’t felt up to doing a vlog. I do want to give you something, though. Today is also my birthday. And my gift to you is this very special announcement.
We’re in the process of producing the next best thing to an actual movie of Winter. An audio book. But not just any audio book, an audio book featuring actual voice acting instead of standard narration. We’re also going to add a subtle soundtrack in a few key places in the story.
I am honored to be working with the very talented Lindsay Zana. She’s working hard to bring this story to life in a way you’ve never experienced before. A graduate of Oklahoma City University, her resume boasts of film, voice over, and theater credits. I’ve listened to the first chapter already and it’s awesome. Not only does she do a convincing Winter, but she’s convincing with every character. You’ll think there’s more than one person doing the voices! Check out her website at www.LindsayZana.com.
Once completed, this audio production of Winter will be available through Amazon, Audible, and iTunes. I’ll keep you updated as it progresses about release dates and such. But expect it sometime this Spring.
