I’ve read untold articles on what writers need to accomplish to move from the ranks of the unpublished and into that select stratosphere of publication. Though you need to learn a great deal to succeed, no amount of work will bear fruit if you do not master the art of storyteller. In fiction, your workmanship is for naught if you can’t spin that proverbial yarn.
With that said, I thought today's post would focus on how to develop that skill. How is it one insures their novel is written in such a fashion as to appeal to their readers regardless the audience? The answer, as is so often the case, is simple, though the application is difficult.
When someone wishes to write a novel, there is a time-proven formula to telling a story. This blueprint is known as The Hero’s Journey. In fact, it is the framework around which most any novel can be built and is comprised of twelve events your hero must face. This storytelling technique has been around since before the time of mythology and will last until men stop telling stories. Once you’ve learned this technique, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of storytelling and I recommend all new writers follow this outline.
Many will tell you some of these “rules” can be introduced at varying points in your novel or even ignored. The truth? They’re right. However, as an aspiring author, stick to what works. As you gain confidence and knowledge, then do your experimenting.
The Hero’s Journey is defined by different authorities in different ways. They’ll incorporate additional steps, different terminology, whatever. But if studied, most of them will filter down to the following twelve steps your hero must traverse to create a good story:
1. Ordinary Life
2. Call to Adventure
3. Refusal of the Call
4. Meeting the Mentor
5. Crossing the Threshold
6. Enemies, Allies and Tests
7. Point of No Return
8. Supreme Ordeal
9. Reward
10. Journey Home
11. Resurrection
12. Return Home
I may go into each one of these steps in more detail, but for now they are somewhat self-explanatory. In general, if the hero in your story finds himself involved in these twelve situations, your story will be well-defined and should appeal to almost any reader. (Please note I said your story will be well-defined. Having it well-written is another entire series of blog posts.)
To get started, think about one of your favorite movies. Now follow the storyline and see if the primary character is placed generally in the situations listed above. I'll bet you will. Once you can identify the steps of The Hero's Journey in a movie, you'll begin to understand how to apply it to your novel writing.
Star Wars is always a good example for any aspiring writer. Think of the first of the six episodes where Luke's parents are killed. Remember it? If you recall the beginning of the story, Luke is working the farm but asks permission to strike out on his own. This scene is Luke’s Ordinary Life which is step one of The Hero’s Journey.
Step two? Luke Skywalker finds the message from Princess Leia embedded in R2D2 and gets all excited. This is his Call to Adventure. Did he accept his call? Of course not. Had he, Mr. Lucas would’ve missed step three, the Refusal of the Call.
Considering step three in The Hero’s Journey, let’s look at Luke’s reaction to Obi Wan’s entreaty that the young man become a Jedi. The boy found a dozen excuses why he could not do as his future mentor suggested. His excuses included such things as his uncle Owen, the coming harvest and, well, I don’t remember what else, but you understand. This scene was the third step in Luke’s immersion into The Hero’s Journey, his Refusal of the Call.
Now I could step you through each aspect of The Hero’s Journey, but it’s getting late and I don’t care to right now. (So there!) However, as you follow the first Star Wars movie, you’ll see the storyline follows The Hero’s Journey quite well. And, (here’s your sign), if Mr. Lucas can use this formula for storytelling, so can you.
Of course, Star Wars is within the genre of Science Fiction, but to show how The Hero’s Journey works with all novel genres, I’ve taken five minutes and outlined a romance for you. I’ll give this story the working title “The Disillusionment of Mindy.” Ready?
The Ordinary World
Joe and Mindy are in love, married with two children, living in a home in the suburbs of Richmond, VA. The children are Mike, twelve, and Mary fourteen. Mike loves baseball and Mary is just finding out about boys. Joe is a stockbroker and Mindy spends her time raising the children. She’s the president of the PTA and is as content with life as she has ever been.
The Call to Adventure
At a PTA meeting Mindy overhears two women talking about Joe. They suddenly quiet when Mindy approaches and act embarrassed at her arrival. They walk away without saying much to her, but they glance at Mindy from over their shoulders and whisper to each other as they depart. Mindy is surprised by their actions but thinks little else of it.
Refusal of the Call
Joe, usually home around 7 PM, starts to call every now and again saying he must work late. This has never happened before but Mindy ignores her intuition which tells her something is wrong in her life.
Mentor (often termed The Wise Old Man or Woman)
As Joe’s late returns increase and after another odd encounter with friends, Mindy speaks with her best friend, Margaret, about her concerns. Margaret tells her not to worry until Joe comes home late and the first thing he does in take a shower - a sure sign of infidelity.
Crossing the Threshold (often known as the Point of No Return)
The next night Joe comes home and takes a shower as soon as he enters the house.
Tests, Allies and Enemies
Mindy and Margaret talk to their friends when watching Mike playing baseball and then again at the following PTA meeting but most know nothing. Those who seem to be in the know won’t talk. Mindy hires a detective to follow Joe. He takes photos of Joe’s nefarious liaisons and passes them to Mindy.
Point of No Return, (aka Approach to the Innermost Cave)
Mindy is distraught but refuses to believe her marriage cannot be saved. She confronts Joe with the photos and he admits everything, saying he still loves Mindy and was swayed by a young woman who threw herself at him. He promises never to see the woman again. Though suspicious of his pledge, Mindy accepts him at his word and they work at patching the holes in their marriage.
The Supreme Ordeal
Things are fine for a time, but soon, Joe is again coming home from work late.
Reward (often termed Seizing the Sword)
When Joe returns home, Mindy confronts Joe about his continued infidelity. He denies everything until she produces new photos she had taken of him and yet another woman. Mindy forces Joe to leave.
The Road Back
Mindy and Joe go through a trying divorce. She gets the children and the house, and the money, and the furniture and he gets the clothes on his back. (They live in Virginia, you remember.)
Resurrection
Mindy must now learn to live without a husband and is forced to find work. She is now faced with raising her children on her own. She finds her new life difficult, but she and her children do survive, though without much of their earlier wealth.
Return with the Elixir
Mindy meets a guy at work who sweeps her off her feet and they live happily ever after.
The End.
There ya go, a full story outline in five minutes using The Hero’s Journey.
By employing The Hero’s Journey, your story will have plot, adventure and the time-tested avenue to effective storytelling. From here you fill in the details and, voila, you’re an novelist!
Depending on the response I receive to this post, I’ll move forward with a more detailed explanation or not.
In the mean time, I wish you best-sellers.
C. Patrick Schulze
Showing posts with label writing lessons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label writing lessons. Show all posts
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Characters Count
Good day, Writers,
We all know two of the things required in a novel are story and characters. Today, we’ll speak a bit about how to develop those people, or even creatures, which populate your manuscript.
The reason it’s important you know these character types is to give you, as their creator, molds with which to build characters your reader will appreciate. For we all know if your reader can not identify with those in the story, they will not read, (which also translates to “buy”), your book.
As with The Hero’s Journey, we learned how formula within storytelling will assist you in creating a readable tale. Molds for characters will accomplish the same thing and insure your readers enjoy your story.
Another benefit to molds is they provide built-in conflict, also necessary for a good story.
Consider, if you will, a soft-chinned character that never raises his voice, never moves at more than three miles an hour and shrinks from adversity at every opportunity. Now contrast him to a hero with a bold chin which he sticks into every crevasse within your story. He flies aircraft three feet above the ground at a thousand miles an hour and charges into his enemies with sword swinging. Which is the more interesting character? The crazy guy, of course.
Could it be he’s designed upon a time-tested character mold?
Though some consider only five molds, I like to present nine. They are:
Lawful Good
Lawful Neutral
Lawful Evil
Neutral Good
Neutral
Neutral Evil
Chaotic Good
Chaotic Neutral
Chaotic Evil
Hum… There’s even a formula even within character types.
Let’s first consider Lawful Good. This guy never fails to act with honor and a sense of duty. Whom might you think of in a story that would fit this mold? Superman, perhaps? What kind of conflicts would this type of person face? What if he’s given his word never to draw his weapon in front of his little girl but now the bad guys are holding his daughter hostage?
Next in line is the Lawful Neutral character. This guy reminds me of a sheriff or someone who follows a personal code. He always follows the rule of law regardless his personal feelings for good vs. evil have little room in his mind. He might be a battlefield corpsman who treats the enemy with as much compassion as his own men. His conflict comes into play when good and evil are the one and the same. A good example of the Lawful Neutral is James Bond.
Next comes the Lawful Evil. This guy is usually the diabolical character in the story. He uses the system to his own benefit. He typically keeps his word and follows instructions but cares little for others. His conflict arises when that rare person he does care for crosses his path.
The classic example of this character is Magneto is X-Men.
The Neutral Good character usually acts in a moral fashion without considering laws or tradition. He does not hesitate to act in unison with the authorities, but does not consider them the end-all of righteousness. His natural conflict is found in differences between contradictory things that are both correct. Consider the doctor who must decide if he is to save the man who raped his daughter or let him die. I like Spiderman for an example.
Considering the fully Neutral character, we might find Han Solo. He typically has no feelings toward good and evil. He has little to no moral judgment and often plays both sides of the fence. His conflict arises when that rare person or thing for which he does care gets into a pickle.
We now have the Neutral Evil character. Here we find those selfish personages with no qualms of turning against their benefactors the instant someone else comes along with a better offer. He doesn’t care if they harm others but neither does he go out of his way to cause damage to them. He simply cares only for himself. When might his conflict give him pause? Find what means something to him and take it away. Consider Mustique in X-Men as your example.
Next, let’s discuss the Chaotic Good character. This guy is your typical rebel. He hates bureaucracies and feels personal freedom is of utmost importance. His purpose is to do what is correct but his methodologies often conflict with everyone else’s sense of right and wrong. He’ll step out of line if it suits the greater good. A possibility of conflict might arise when a soldier is forced to assassinate his commander to save his fellows soldiers. Think Robin Hood.
Now to the Chaotic Neutral character. This is usually the free spirit who answers only to his heart and often ignores law and tradition. He acts only out of self-interest but does not intend for others to get hurt in the process. Their most endearing quality is their complete lack of reliability. Conflict for them is rampant in the lives of those around them. Captain Jack Sparrow of Pirates of the Caribbean fame is our example.
Finally, we have the Chaotic Evil character to face. This is the BAD GUY in every respect. He cares for no one and nothing save his own personal pleasure. This guy never went to kindergarten and has not learned to share or play nice. They see honor as a weakness and enjoy seeing others suffer. His conflict comes when he does not get his way. Think The Joker in The Black Knight.
There ya have it. If you create characters that fit into these molds, you’ll have a good story. Simple, isn’t it?
Until my next posting, good writing.
Patrick
We all know two of the things required in a novel are story and characters. Today, we’ll speak a bit about how to develop those people, or even creatures, which populate your manuscript.
The reason it’s important you know these character types is to give you, as their creator, molds with which to build characters your reader will appreciate. For we all know if your reader can not identify with those in the story, they will not read, (which also translates to “buy”), your book.
As with The Hero’s Journey, we learned how formula within storytelling will assist you in creating a readable tale. Molds for characters will accomplish the same thing and insure your readers enjoy your story.
Another benefit to molds is they provide built-in conflict, also necessary for a good story.
Consider, if you will, a soft-chinned character that never raises his voice, never moves at more than three miles an hour and shrinks from adversity at every opportunity. Now contrast him to a hero with a bold chin which he sticks into every crevasse within your story. He flies aircraft three feet above the ground at a thousand miles an hour and charges into his enemies with sword swinging. Which is the more interesting character? The crazy guy, of course.
Could it be he’s designed upon a time-tested character mold?
Though some consider only five molds, I like to present nine. They are:
Lawful Good
Lawful Neutral
Lawful Evil
Neutral Good
Neutral
Neutral Evil
Chaotic Good
Chaotic Neutral
Chaotic Evil
Hum… There’s even a formula even within character types.
Let’s first consider Lawful Good. This guy never fails to act with honor and a sense of duty. Whom might you think of in a story that would fit this mold? Superman, perhaps? What kind of conflicts would this type of person face? What if he’s given his word never to draw his weapon in front of his little girl but now the bad guys are holding his daughter hostage?
Next in line is the Lawful Neutral character. This guy reminds me of a sheriff or someone who follows a personal code. He always follows the rule of law regardless his personal feelings for good vs. evil have little room in his mind. He might be a battlefield corpsman who treats the enemy with as much compassion as his own men. His conflict comes into play when good and evil are the one and the same. A good example of the Lawful Neutral is James Bond.
Next comes the Lawful Evil. This guy is usually the diabolical character in the story. He uses the system to his own benefit. He typically keeps his word and follows instructions but cares little for others. His conflict arises when that rare person he does care for crosses his path.
The classic example of this character is Magneto is X-Men.
The Neutral Good character usually acts in a moral fashion without considering laws or tradition. He does not hesitate to act in unison with the authorities, but does not consider them the end-all of righteousness. His natural conflict is found in differences between contradictory things that are both correct. Consider the doctor who must decide if he is to save the man who raped his daughter or let him die. I like Spiderman for an example.
Considering the fully Neutral character, we might find Han Solo. He typically has no feelings toward good and evil. He has little to no moral judgment and often plays both sides of the fence. His conflict arises when that rare person or thing for which he does care gets into a pickle.
We now have the Neutral Evil character. Here we find those selfish personages with no qualms of turning against their benefactors the instant someone else comes along with a better offer. He doesn’t care if they harm others but neither does he go out of his way to cause damage to them. He simply cares only for himself. When might his conflict give him pause? Find what means something to him and take it away. Consider Mustique in X-Men as your example.
Next, let’s discuss the Chaotic Good character. This guy is your typical rebel. He hates bureaucracies and feels personal freedom is of utmost importance. His purpose is to do what is correct but his methodologies often conflict with everyone else’s sense of right and wrong. He’ll step out of line if it suits the greater good. A possibility of conflict might arise when a soldier is forced to assassinate his commander to save his fellows soldiers. Think Robin Hood.
Now to the Chaotic Neutral character. This is usually the free spirit who answers only to his heart and often ignores law and tradition. He acts only out of self-interest but does not intend for others to get hurt in the process. Their most endearing quality is their complete lack of reliability. Conflict for them is rampant in the lives of those around them. Captain Jack Sparrow of Pirates of the Caribbean fame is our example.
Finally, we have the Chaotic Evil character to face. This is the BAD GUY in every respect. He cares for no one and nothing save his own personal pleasure. This guy never went to kindergarten and has not learned to share or play nice. They see honor as a weakness and enjoy seeing others suffer. His conflict comes when he does not get his way. Think The Joker in The Black Knight.
There ya have it. If you create characters that fit into these molds, you’ll have a good story. Simple, isn’t it?
Until my next posting, good writing.
Patrick
Monday, September 28, 2009
Word Count Parameters
There’s a long list of diatribes as to the length of various types of writing, and everyone seems to disagree with everyone else. What’s a writer to do?
The reality is, people don’t read what YOU want, they read what THEY want. A second grader won’t read a two hundred thousand word tome, and there is nothing you can do about it. If you’re writing romance, nobody will pick up your thirty-seven page booklet. Ain’t gonna happen, bucko!
If you work is too long for your market, it probably needs to broken into two books and you’ve got a ton of unnecessary words. Yes, there are exceptions, but get over it, you are not The One. If it’s too short in length, you probably don’t have a story hidden in there. The lesson is, of course, writing to your market. What will they buy? Write that.
Now, what is the correct length for each type of genre? As mentioned, there is a wide range of answers but according to The Guide to Literary Agents, here are you limits.
Adult novels :
80,000 to 90,000 words is your word count.
110,000 is your upper limit.
70,000 is your lower limit.
Sci-Fi and Fantasy
100,000 to 115,000 is your target word count.
125,000 is your upper limit.
90,000 is your lower limit.
Middle Grade
Upper middle grade or “tweens”,
32,000 – 40,000 is your target word count.
Lower middle grade
20,000 to 30,000 is your target word count.
The Guide did not offer upper and lower limits in these categories so stay within these bounds.
YA (Young Adult)
55,000 – 69,000 is your target word count.
80,000 is your upper limit.
47,000 is your lower limit.
Remember, agents receive thousands of manuscripts a year, but only need a few dozen. They are looking for a reason to say, “No.” Don’t give them that reason. Color within the lines until after you have sold those million copies.
Best of luck.
C. Patrick Schulze
Author of "Born to be Brothers"
Twitter.com/CPatrickSchulze
The reality is, people don’t read what YOU want, they read what THEY want. A second grader won’t read a two hundred thousand word tome, and there is nothing you can do about it. If you’re writing romance, nobody will pick up your thirty-seven page booklet. Ain’t gonna happen, bucko!
If you work is too long for your market, it probably needs to broken into two books and you’ve got a ton of unnecessary words. Yes, there are exceptions, but get over it, you are not The One. If it’s too short in length, you probably don’t have a story hidden in there. The lesson is, of course, writing to your market. What will they buy? Write that.
Now, what is the correct length for each type of genre? As mentioned, there is a wide range of answers but according to The Guide to Literary Agents, here are you limits.
Adult novels :
80,000 to 90,000 words is your word count.
110,000 is your upper limit.
70,000 is your lower limit.
Sci-Fi and Fantasy
100,000 to 115,000 is your target word count.
125,000 is your upper limit.
90,000 is your lower limit.
Middle Grade
Upper middle grade or “tweens”,
32,000 – 40,000 is your target word count.
Lower middle grade
20,000 to 30,000 is your target word count.
The Guide did not offer upper and lower limits in these categories so stay within these bounds.
YA (Young Adult)
55,000 – 69,000 is your target word count.
80,000 is your upper limit.
47,000 is your lower limit.
Remember, agents receive thousands of manuscripts a year, but only need a few dozen. They are looking for a reason to say, “No.” Don’t give them that reason. Color within the lines until after you have sold those million copies.
Best of luck.
C. Patrick Schulze
Author of "Born to be Brothers"
Twitter.com/CPatrickSchulze
Monday, September 21, 2009
Interesting Thoughts about the Pub Industry
Found this at @Quillp on Twitter.
I think they've nailed this one.
Times! They are a'changin'!
I think they've nailed this one.
Times! They are a'changin'!
Friday, September 18, 2009
Spy Story Using The Hero's Journey
Good day, Writers,
As promised, I am posting another storyline using The Hero's Journey as the model. This time we have a spy story outlined.
If you want to know, this took me no more than five minutes to construct. Which goes to prove how easily The Hero's Journey adapts to any story.
Ready? Here we go!
Ordinary World
A wealthy woman, Rachel, hears of her husband’s death while he was traveling home from Europe to the US. The Husband was an official on government business.
Call to Adventure
As the funeral ends and she receives visitors at her home, she notices a mysterious man standing outside watching the house.
Refusal of the Call
After the mourners leave, the man who was watching the house knocks on the door. The man, Jackson, introduces himself to the maid and hands her a letter. He asks if the maid will give it to Rachel and if Rachel will see him, even though the hour is late.
Meeting the Mentor
Rachel, enraged by the contents of the letter and not believing its authenticity, agrees to see him in an effort to determine why Jackson is attempting to upset her.
Crossing the Threshold
Jackson tells Rachel to check a hidden drawer in the house to prove the letter is genuine. She does and learns her visitor worked for her husband and that both men were spies working in an effort to overthrow the sitting government. Jackson informs Rachel her husband was murdered for his involvement in the spy ring and she agrees to join Jackson and use her wealth and influence to continue his work.
Test, Allies and Enemies
Jackson introduces Rachel to many of his cohorts and learns of many high ranking officials in the government who are attempting to start a war for the money they can earn.
Approach to the Innermost Cave (Point of No Return)
Rachel is found out by the authorities and must alter her life so as not to be caught. She must give up her home and fortunes in this endeavor.
The Supreme Ordeal
The corrupt government officials chase and eventually attack Rachel and Jackson, who have now become lovers. Rachel escapes, though Jackson is caught and taken somewhere sinister.
Claim the Treasure (Reward)
Rachel finds Jackson and helps him escape. Together they topple the corrupt officials just before war breaks out.
Journey Home (Road Back – Second Ordeal)
Those officials, now deposed, attempt to assassinate Jackson and Rachel and almost succeed.
Resurrection
The dishonest politicians are finally caught and tried.
Return with Elixir
Rachel has her home and fortunes returned and she and Jackson get married to live happily ever after.
As promised, I am posting another storyline using The Hero's Journey as the model. This time we have a spy story outlined.
If you want to know, this took me no more than five minutes to construct. Which goes to prove how easily The Hero's Journey adapts to any story.
Ready? Here we go!
Ordinary World
A wealthy woman, Rachel, hears of her husband’s death while he was traveling home from Europe to the US. The Husband was an official on government business.
Call to Adventure
As the funeral ends and she receives visitors at her home, she notices a mysterious man standing outside watching the house.
Refusal of the Call
After the mourners leave, the man who was watching the house knocks on the door. The man, Jackson, introduces himself to the maid and hands her a letter. He asks if the maid will give it to Rachel and if Rachel will see him, even though the hour is late.
Meeting the Mentor
Rachel, enraged by the contents of the letter and not believing its authenticity, agrees to see him in an effort to determine why Jackson is attempting to upset her.
Crossing the Threshold
Jackson tells Rachel to check a hidden drawer in the house to prove the letter is genuine. She does and learns her visitor worked for her husband and that both men were spies working in an effort to overthrow the sitting government. Jackson informs Rachel her husband was murdered for his involvement in the spy ring and she agrees to join Jackson and use her wealth and influence to continue his work.
Test, Allies and Enemies
Jackson introduces Rachel to many of his cohorts and learns of many high ranking officials in the government who are attempting to start a war for the money they can earn.
Approach to the Innermost Cave (Point of No Return)
Rachel is found out by the authorities and must alter her life so as not to be caught. She must give up her home and fortunes in this endeavor.
The Supreme Ordeal
The corrupt government officials chase and eventually attack Rachel and Jackson, who have now become lovers. Rachel escapes, though Jackson is caught and taken somewhere sinister.
Claim the Treasure (Reward)
Rachel finds Jackson and helps him escape. Together they topple the corrupt officials just before war breaks out.
Journey Home (Road Back – Second Ordeal)
Those officials, now deposed, attempt to assassinate Jackson and Rachel and almost succeed.
Resurrection
The dishonest politicians are finally caught and tried.
Return with Elixir
Rachel has her home and fortunes returned and she and Jackson get married to live happily ever after.
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