I can't believe we are already on workshop three! Hey beautiful guys and dolls! How's it going on your scene writing? Have you scene it yet?
Today, I'm discussing MOTIVATION. So far, we've established the setting of your scene and goal of your scene. What motivates your character to accomplish the goal? why do they want to accomplish that goal?
**Note: I realize a scene is generally longer than one paragraph. It can be several pages of a manuscript, I know. But for the sake of the workshop and trying to keep classes short, I've limited my examples to a few lines.
Motivation is just as important as goal setting. Just like after you've read something and asked yourself, "What was the purpose of that?" you can do the same and ask, "Why did he do that?" It can be a subtle mention, which is usually the best method for weaving in motivation. You don't always have to spell it out:
"I want revenge because he cheated on me!" Obviously, the mc was hurt and seeks payback. But you can create a small detail that will satisfy your reader without being so bold and telling the motivation. Showing is always better.
Here's my example paragraph, but I've added Jasmine's reasoning behind her goal of getting Troy to stay:
The high noon sun bounced off the water and blinded my eyes. Even slathered with sunscreen, my shoulders burned as I laid my towel over the sun-baked wood. I traced the embroidered letters, Jasmine loves Troy, with my fingers. A boat sped by the dock, splashing water all over my feet. Rhonda and Carla squealed with me, but it felt so refreshing I thought about jumping back in for another swim. I didn't want the day to end. It was my last chance to change Troy's mind about leaving. School was so far away and Natalie was attending the same college.
Oooo. Is it love, fear, or jealousy? hmmm.
Your turn! Check the motivation of your MC and make sure it's evident along each scene goal. You can do it. I have faith in you!
Today, I'm discussing MOTIVATION. So far, we've established the setting of your scene and goal of your scene. What motivates your character to accomplish the goal? why do they want to accomplish that goal?
**Note: I realize a scene is generally longer than one paragraph. It can be several pages of a manuscript, I know. But for the sake of the workshop and trying to keep classes short, I've limited my examples to a few lines.
Motivation is just as important as goal setting. Just like after you've read something and asked yourself, "What was the purpose of that?" you can do the same and ask, "Why did he do that?" It can be a subtle mention, which is usually the best method for weaving in motivation. You don't always have to spell it out:
"I want revenge because he cheated on me!" Obviously, the mc was hurt and seeks payback. But you can create a small detail that will satisfy your reader without being so bold and telling the motivation. Showing is always better.
Here's my example paragraph, but I've added Jasmine's reasoning behind her goal of getting Troy to stay:
The high noon sun bounced off the water and blinded my eyes. Even slathered with sunscreen, my shoulders burned as I laid my towel over the sun-baked wood. I traced the embroidered letters, Jasmine loves Troy, with my fingers. A boat sped by the dock, splashing water all over my feet. Rhonda and Carla squealed with me, but it felt so refreshing I thought about jumping back in for another swim. I didn't want the day to end. It was my last chance to change Troy's mind about leaving. School was so far away and Natalie was attending the same college.
Oooo. Is it love, fear, or jealousy? hmmm.
Your turn! Check the motivation of your MC and make sure it's evident along each scene goal. You can do it. I have faith in you!
Very subtle works best.
ReplyDeleteThanks Alex. I appreciate your faithful visits and you smile. Happy writing!
DeleteThanks for the workshop. I'm working on book right now and I can use a ton of help.
ReplyDeleteYou're the published author. I should be taking classes from you. You've been so supportive it amazes me you still visit my humble abode. Thanks, Lee!
DeleteCommenting late but... I think adding motivation into the story each scene is something I'm bad at. I usually know what it is, but it doesn't make it into the actual writing. I'm going to go back through the first pages of my two new WIPs and fix that :) Thanks for this!
ReplyDeleteWoo Hoo! It makes a difference! I've been doing this, too, and it really does add greatness tot he scene!
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