Ishmael wrote:RSchibler wrote:Ishmael, your determination is certainly an inspiration! ...
So how do you do it?
1. Idea
2. extensive research
3. start writing
4. write your protagonist into an impossible corner
5. have another idea to get your protagonist out of the corner
6. write the rest
7. go back and eliminate verbiage and loose ends, include necessary foreshadowing etc. etc.
As a result of this I've had one protagonist stuck in a really impossible situation (see stage 4) for the last couple of months, but I've written another couple of stories meanwhile!
This is brilliant, Philip. Everyone should jot this down. It's why you are not just writing at pro level, you are selling. : ) If I may be so bold as to add one more dash of seasoning to your dish. That impossible corner should be just the beginning of impossible corners. And the really cool idea to get the protagonist out of the corner should work, but it doesn't. In the end, the protagonist will have to improvise, with some subtle, seemingly inconsequential detail you stuck in the beginning of your story. This increases your TRY/FAIL cycles, and heightens the do or die climax, because the reader doesn't have a clue how the protagonist is going to get out of this one. There's where the WOW factor is going to come from, that will put your story over the top.
As for Philip's stories, they are already there. Best of success as you move out of this paddock and into the national championships, Philip! It's been a pleasure.
And, since we're both in Strange Beasties antho, I shall wish you and your career...
ALL THE BEAST!
Cheers!
~Moon~