1 / 21

The River Exercise from Writing the Script by Wells Root an exercise in organizing a story

Dive into the art of organizing a story with this comprehensive exercise from "Writing the Script" by Wells Root. Learn about goal-setting, plot structures, character development, and more to captivate your target audience. From mysteries to adventures, explore different genres and storytelling techniques to craft a compelling narrative. Discover the key elements of a well-structured story and how to lead your characters through conflicts and resolutions.

aallen
Download Presentation

The River Exercise from Writing the Script by Wells Root an exercise in organizing a story

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. The River Exercisefrom Writing the Script by Wells Rootan exercise in organizing a story

  2. Goals • creative storytelling/organize story elements • First step: Who will read and enjoy your writing? • Pick a target audience • Pick a genre • Know your theme/message/statement

  3. Target AudienceElementary schoolMiddle schoolOlderKeep in mind: the main characters- the relatable characters- will be the target audience’s age or a couple of years older.

  4. GenresMystery, hunting clues to resolve a problemAdventure-ThrillerFantasy with magic and/ or legendary creaturesHorror, stories with dark naturesScience Fiction time travel, technology, aliensRomance, romantic comedy, historical

  5. What Type of Story? • Idea: gather info to solve a challenge • Character: self-discovery, hero, growth • Event • Different Culture, strange world (Mileu) *Which kind of story gives clues to when and where stories begin and end.

  6. Part 1 of 3- the Intro or Beginning • Introduce & show off your characters • Set the scene • Show and reveal the overall Conflict/Problem

  7. Part 2The Middle/ Body • Turning point. • Twist to the story to alter current-direction. • Add complications. • Inner conflict. • Increase tension.

  8. Part 3- The End Resolve theme/ Unity of theme/ Make statement Full circle. Consequences of choices. Success? Unlikely. Improbable. Impossible.

  9. Part 1 of 3- the Intro or Beginning • The first part should include • Introduce & show off your characters with conflict and discontent. Want change or deal with change. • Set the scene • Show and reveal the overall Conflict/Problem • What’s at stake? What happens if your characters fail? • To add urgency, set a time frame/deadline.

  10. Plot The sequence of the story tears down and builds the characters to tackle the problem that supports the theme.

  11. CONFLICTAll stories: main character’s will thwarted. How do characters handle obstacles? Find true essence of character only through difficult times by removing the mask under duress.Mystery to unravel? Or a murder, a secret or hidden treasure?Rescue someone or something in distress?Desire to be famous/successful?Love/romance? Self-discovery?Hero/Heroine tale. Adventure to new knowledge.

  12. Characters • Make characters relatable to the audience. • Make character brief with questions. I am Exercise: My name is so and so and I am . . . • Character Spine. Dominate trait. • Strengths & Weaknesses. Overcome fatal flaw? • Actions speak louder than words. Show and tell. • Character defined by reaction to challenges. • Voice. Opinion on weather Exercise.

  13. A writer’s job is to create memorable characters and put them under duress. STRESS & Stretch THEM! Gary Trudeau Doonesbury

  14. SettingWhy are you using this particular place?Is the setting a character?A part of the conflict?Well known spot? Historical location?

  15. What’s at Stake? • What happens if the character fails? • Life or death? • Macro or micro? World-saving or Personal? • Desire to achieve or attain • Prestige-fame • Love • Power/ money • Pride • Hold to a Principle

  16. Urgency! • Chaos theory, one breakdown leads to another. • Fixing one problem, creates another. Or uncovers another. • Stress creates pressure • Deadlines

  17. Ways to Start FastAction CrisisSituation CrisisCharacter CrisisAll involve making tough choicesIntroduce villain early

  18. Part 2The Middle/ Body • Turning point. Story becomes more personal. • Twist to the story to alter current-direction. • Add complications. • Natural obstacles. More difficult. • Failures. Getting lost. • Disagreement & disharmony among heroes • Build goodwill for later. • Inner conflict. Giving up. Mettle test. • Stair-step increase tension: tension and relief • Suspense vs surprise

  19. Part 3- The End Resolve theme/ Unity of theme/ Full circle By connecting the beginning to the end • Highest stakes create hard, defining choices. • subplot lines merge. • Forced to face weakness. • Success? Unlikely. Improbable. Impossible. *Invisible life line. Goodwill comes to play.

  20. Part 3- TYPES OF ENDINGS Happy ever after: Everything goes right. Unrealistic. Loser. Die in despair. Hopeless. Tragic: Exalt human spirit. Inspiring. Lessons. Warnings. Extols faith, vision, courage that rises above adversity and fate. Disturbing- Magnificence. Bittersweet. Sacrifice leads to fulfilment. Price of success/victory. Instinct to survive and license to hope.

  21. The End & The BeginningFull Circle/Complete Pattern • What kind of story? • Mileu: about an usual place or culture • Begin by arriving. End by departing. • Idea: the story is about gathering info • Start with problem. Get info to resolve. • Character: characters are the focal point • Choice made. Growth/Learning. Consequences • Event: an occurrence and period of time

More Related