I'm so excited for today to finally get here! The A to Z challenge and Nano both start TODAY! I'm participating in both, so this month will be busy!
My theme for the challenge is Plotting a Novel!!
A is for ACTION
When you first begin plotting your novel, the first thing you may think of might be your characters. But since today is A day, I'll begin with action.
You see, well developed characters are ALWAYS effected by the events that take place in the story. And it's these events, the ACTION, that changes the characters. Without the character ARC of the story, there will be no meaning, no transformation, for your characters.
So, as you plot your novel, remember, in order to keep your story exciting and interesting, make sure the ACTION revolves around the character and the changes he or she goes through because of the ACTIONS.
Never plot action just for the sake of action. In other words, if you think a car chase sounds exciting and you plot one in your story for the fun of it, yet the chase has no bearing on the story whatsoever, your character arc will suffer, as will your plot.
But, it that car chase changes your character emotionally, spiritually, or mentally, then the action of your plot has added depth and meaning to your story.
Keep this in mind as you plot your novel!
Thanks for visiting. I hope to see you tomorrow, you beautiful guys and dolls.
My theme for the challenge is Plotting a Novel!!
A is for ACTION
When you first begin plotting your novel, the first thing you may think of might be your characters. But since today is A day, I'll begin with action.
You see, well developed characters are ALWAYS effected by the events that take place in the story. And it's these events, the ACTION, that changes the characters. Without the character ARC of the story, there will be no meaning, no transformation, for your characters.
So, as you plot your novel, remember, in order to keep your story exciting and interesting, make sure the ACTION revolves around the character and the changes he or she goes through because of the ACTIONS.
Never plot action just for the sake of action. In other words, if you think a car chase sounds exciting and you plot one in your story for the fun of it, yet the chase has no bearing on the story whatsoever, your character arc will suffer, as will your plot.
But, it that car chase changes your character emotionally, spiritually, or mentally, then the action of your plot has added depth and meaning to your story.
Keep this in mind as you plot your novel!
Thanks for visiting. I hope to see you tomorrow, you beautiful guys and dolls.
If the action doesn't change the character or propel him forward in the story, it doesn't belong.
ReplyDeleteThose action scene are so fun to write, but as you've said, they must be integrated into the story and have a purpose. I've tossed a few because they weren't necessary.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the month ahead! I like writing action too, but as you say, it has to feed the story, be charged by the characters and move everything forward
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to this series. The A-Z challenge is great for introducing me to bloggers I don't yet know. I'll be back!
ReplyDelete100% agree with Alex!
ReplyDeleteCouldn't agree more.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. I cannot tell you how many times I have noted to authors that they need to work on "forward progression." I should feel like if I don't turn the page, I might trip over my own feet and fall over. Okay... well, maybe that was a *little* extreme. LOL. Still, great post. :)
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the A to Z Challenge! Action and adventure are the names of the game for my books. I let the story unfold as I outline and write it. The action and adventure elbow their way for space as we move along. It happens naturally and elegantly, not forced.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. I've yawned at over-the-top, fifteen page action sequences that aren't there for any other reason than to show off the character's skills. I get that... now how do they affect the story?!
ReplyDeleteGreat first post. :)
Alex Hurst, fantasy author in Japan. "B is for Books" is my current post.