This past week I finished up all the prep to begin my novel. I had to turn in a 1-page plot summary, a 10+ page "talking document," and 35-40 scenes from my novel.
The "talking document" is a discussion about my characters, their backstory, and scenes that I want to create. Essentially it can be anything. Its purpose is for me to get my ideas out of my mind and into a permanent place. It also allows my professor to see what I'm aiming for and help guide me there.
My 35-40 scenes was the most difficult assignment. It was hard to plan that far ahead, but I know that it's going to help me in the long run. When I read a book I'm always amazed at how clever the plots are. I want my book to have a few twists and turns that readers won't be expecting (maybe a character death or two!). I'm sure the plot will change a little bit as I write it, but I finally have all the major plot points planned out. And I'm pleased with the way my story shaped up.
I'm struggling to come up with character names that I actually like. Right now I just have filler names because I couldn't decide. I think character names are very important. They are the first thing your readers learn about your character and if the name sucks then it can be difficult for people to engage with the character. At the same time I know it's not the most important thing. Harry isn't an original or exciting name, but J.K. Rowling was able to craft him into a character that people love.
I'm thinking about creating a storyboard in my room with pictures of my characters and major plot points. I think it will help bring my characters to life and it's another way for me to brainstorm ideas.
On Wednesday I have the first 4,000 words of my novel due. I'm excited to finally start writing, but it's also intimidating. I'll keep you guys updated as I get further into the writing process!
Showing posts with label Week 3. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Week 3. Show all posts
13 September 2015
Styles
Topic:
My topic is going to be Werewolves Through The Ages: Ancient and Modern. My goal is to incorporate an origin story, a story set in Ancient Greece, and a modern story. There are many stories of werewolves from all different time periods so I don't think it'll be difficult for me to find inspiration. My criteria for the stories that I'm looking for are that they incorporate werewolves and have a time-specific setting.
Bibliography:
The Book of Were-Wolves, by Sabine Baring-Gould (1865). This book provides a lot of material for me to work with.
My topic is going to be Werewolves Through The Ages: Ancient and Modern. My goal is to incorporate an origin story, a story set in Ancient Greece, and a modern story. There are many stories of werewolves from all different time periods so I don't think it'll be difficult for me to find inspiration. My criteria for the stories that I'm looking for are that they incorporate werewolves and have a time-specific setting.
 |
| (The Werewolf Delusion by Ian Woodward) |
The Book of Were-Wolves, by Sabine Baring-Gould (1865). This book provides a lot of material for me to work with.
Herodotus, with an English translation by A. D. Godley. Harvard University Press. (1920). This is a short passage from Ancient Greek literature. It tells of a tribe of people that would all turn into wolves once a year. I like the setting and concept of the story.
Possible Styles:
Bedtime Story: I think it'd be interesting to see a werewolf mother telling her son the history of werewolves for a bedtime story. It would start with an origin story, then maybe an ancient love story and finally a modern story. It would be cool if I could keep it a secret that the mother and son were werewolves until the very end. The style would be the mother telling her son these stories orally so I would focus on emphasizing imagery. This will give readers a strong mental image of the stories.
Characters from different periods: This style would involve different characters from different time periods. I would emphasize each time period setting to distinguish each story. The werewolf theme would be the main thing connecting all of the stories. Ancient Greece and the Victorian Era are two settings that I'd like to write within.
Soulmates: If I could create two characters that I really like then I think it'd be cool to do a few soul mate stories. No matter what time period these characters are in they are able to find each other in some way. Sometimes they end up together and other times they don't. I like the idea of love being that strong. The werewolf aspect could be a barrier to their union in some of these stories.
Modern Mystery: Stories of people discovering werewolves are always interesting to me. I would connect 3-4 stories through a detective (whether professional or amateur) that is solving a mystery. It could be them solving a crime or discovering that their friend is a werewolf. I would want to make this as realistic as possible. I want readers to feel like the story could actually happen to them.
All of these styles would be written in third-person, because that's the style I feel most comfortable writing in and it's the style I prefer to read.
Possible Styles:
Bedtime Story: I think it'd be interesting to see a werewolf mother telling her son the history of werewolves for a bedtime story. It would start with an origin story, then maybe an ancient love story and finally a modern story. It would be cool if I could keep it a secret that the mother and son were werewolves until the very end. The style would be the mother telling her son these stories orally so I would focus on emphasizing imagery. This will give readers a strong mental image of the stories.
Characters from different periods: This style would involve different characters from different time periods. I would emphasize each time period setting to distinguish each story. The werewolf theme would be the main thing connecting all of the stories. Ancient Greece and the Victorian Era are two settings that I'd like to write within.
Soulmates: If I could create two characters that I really like then I think it'd be cool to do a few soul mate stories. No matter what time period these characters are in they are able to find each other in some way. Sometimes they end up together and other times they don't. I like the idea of love being that strong. The werewolf aspect could be a barrier to their union in some of these stories.
Modern Mystery: Stories of people discovering werewolves are always interesting to me. I would connect 3-4 stories through a detective (whether professional or amateur) that is solving a mystery. It could be them solving a crime or discovering that their friend is a werewolf. I would want to make this as realistic as possible. I want readers to feel like the story could actually happen to them.
All of these styles would be written in third-person, because that's the style I feel most comfortable writing in and it's the style I prefer to read.
11 September 2015
Essay: Angels
Unit: Noah
This week I read the unit on Noah. I was particularly intrigued by the stories about fallen angels. The Bible doesn't give too much insight about angels, as it's aimed mostly at humans and how we should live life and relate to God. I like the idea of angels interacting with humans.
There is a certain innocence to angels that humans don't have. That's why I find stories about them falling from grace interesting. Most people know that Satan was an angel that fell from grace, but there isn't much else about other angels.
In The Punishment of The Fallen Angels it talks about two different angels that want to come to Earth. Azazel and Shemhazai both fall in love with human women. One of the angels realizes the error of his ways and repents, but the other carries through with his fall into sin with women. The story humanizes these angels and makes them more relatable.
I also think that on the other end of the spectrum is interesting too. Michael and Gabriel are kind of like the golden boy Archangels. Michael leads the charge in casting out the disobedient angels. In the 2010 movie Legion, Michael comes down to earth to protect a human child that is supposed to be the savior of the world. In this movie Michael disobeys God's command that humankind be destroyed. In the end Michael saves the baby and is honored by God for holding out hope for humans. The idea that angels are fighting on humans behalf is a cool concept.
The dynamic of guardian angels is also intriguing. Some people believe they have their own personal angel that protects them. It is a nice concept and I think it makes for an interesting story. I read a book named Piercing the Darkness where it discusses the battle between angels and demons. They fight for control of certain areas (dominions) and people. I like the idea that there is a spiritual battle going on around us that we can't see. Angels are a part of this supernatural world and I'm fascinated by that.
Story source: The Legends of the Jews by Louis Ginzberg (1909)
This week I read the unit on Noah. I was particularly intrigued by the stories about fallen angels. The Bible doesn't give too much insight about angels, as it's aimed mostly at humans and how we should live life and relate to God. I like the idea of angels interacting with humans.
There is a certain innocence to angels that humans don't have. That's why I find stories about them falling from grace interesting. Most people know that Satan was an angel that fell from grace, but there isn't much else about other angels.
 |
| (Michael Casts Out All Of The Fallen Angels by Gustave Doré) |
I also think that on the other end of the spectrum is interesting too. Michael and Gabriel are kind of like the golden boy Archangels. Michael leads the charge in casting out the disobedient angels. In the 2010 movie Legion, Michael comes down to earth to protect a human child that is supposed to be the savior of the world. In this movie Michael disobeys God's command that humankind be destroyed. In the end Michael saves the baby and is honored by God for holding out hope for humans. The idea that angels are fighting on humans behalf is a cool concept.
The dynamic of guardian angels is also intriguing. Some people believe they have their own personal angel that protects them. It is a nice concept and I think it makes for an interesting story. I read a book named Piercing the Darkness where it discusses the battle between angels and demons. They fight for control of certain areas (dominions) and people. I like the idea that there is a spiritual battle going on around us that we can't see. Angels are a part of this supernatural world and I'm fascinated by that.
Story source: The Legends of the Jews by Louis Ginzberg (1909)
08 September 2015
Reading Diary A: Noah And The Ark
Reading Diary A: Noah And The Ark
The Tower of Babel (Genesis): I like stories that explain how we operate today. The idea that God prevented man from building a tower to Heaven by confusing their languages is brilliant.
The Punishment of the Fallen Angels: Azazel and Shemhazai are two angels that desired to descend to earth. After God grants them permission, they come to earth and lay with human women and their children are know as Nephilim. They are "[know by the name Nephilim, because, bringing the world to its fall, they themselves fell." I like the idea of an angel falling in love with a human and what type of story that could produce.
The Generation of the Deluge: I like the idea of the Nephilim. Angels and humans interacting is an concept that I'm intrigued by. I also think it's interesting that they used magic and could manipulate the sun and the moon.
I thought that this passage was particularly entertaining: "Suddenly the crowing of a cock was heard, and the demon made off, crying out to the child, "Go and report unto thy mother, if it had not been for the crowing of the cock, I had killed thee!" Whereupon the child retorted, "Go and report unto thy mother, if it had not been for my uncut navel string, I had killed thee!" The idea of a "baby" mouthing-off to a demon is hilarious to me.
The Tower of Babel (Genesis): I like stories that explain how we operate today. The idea that God prevented man from building a tower to Heaven by confusing their languages is brilliant.
The Punishment of the Fallen Angels: Azazel and Shemhazai are two angels that desired to descend to earth. After God grants them permission, they come to earth and lay with human women and their children are know as Nephilim. They are "[know by the name Nephilim, because, bringing the world to its fall, they themselves fell." I like the idea of an angel falling in love with a human and what type of story that could produce.
 |
| (Fall of the Rebel Angels, by Bosch) |
I thought that this passage was particularly entertaining: "Suddenly the crowing of a cock was heard, and the demon made off, crying out to the child, "Go and report unto thy mother, if it had not been for the crowing of the cock, I had killed thee!" Whereupon the child retorted, "Go and report unto thy mother, if it had not been for my uncut navel string, I had killed thee!" The idea of a "baby" mouthing-off to a demon is hilarious to me.
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