Comments on: Writing Is a Road Trip So Get a Good Map

By: Kevin D. Hendricks

Kevin D. Hendricks — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 22:37:57 +0000

Great comments about Batman. I thought it was pretty convoluted when I saw it, and I was the one who had to explain plot details to several folks I saw it with after the movie was over. Though that’s kind of what you get from Christopher Nolan–can’t accuse the guy of telling a simplistic story.

I’m a big fan of character. And maybe that’s because I think a good character can sustain a story even with a so-so plot, but it’s much harder to stick with a great plot if the characters are so-so. I think good characters make the plot more believable.

Of course something still needs to happen. Characterization is really a character going through something. You can’t watch a character grow if they don’t do anything.

By: Sally Ferguson

Sally Ferguson — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 19:52:14 +0000

That’s an interesting question, because I thought I would never need to learn the difference. I’m a non-fiction writer, but am finding the need to learn the tactics of writing fiction. Plot and character development are important in any genre!

By: Sam

Sam — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:41:38 +0000

Marcus,
I’m sorry – I was referring to the Walden movie version of “Terabithia” in my comments.
My son, 10, (in honors Language Arts. sixth grade due to being skipped ahead from 3rd to 5th) agrees with your assessment of the book (I went to him because he’s read it – I haven’t) but does chalk up some of the meanness to the “kids can be so cruel” stereotype.
We both still insist the movie incorporated an excellent plot driven by interesting main characters.
I am curious about the author’s other books and read the following at her website.
“The challenge for those of us who care about our faith and about a hurting world is to tell stories which will carry the words of grace and hope in their bones and sinews and not wear them like fancy dress,” – Katherine Paterson, author of “Bridge to Terabithia,” from an online chat transcript posted at her site.
That quote reminded me of L.L., by the way.
Walden Entertainment remains my favorite production house and I so appreciate your interview with one of the executives whose name and title escapes me at the moment.
-Sam
-Sam

By: real live preacher

real live preacher — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:29:41 +0000

I’m with you. About halfway through the 4th plot twist I turned to Jeanene and said, “It’s too much. They tried to cram too much into it. The plot is a labyrinth and I’m having a hard time keeping up.”

I guess I’m either simple minded, or other people are amused by explosions and the ins and outs of specific scenes. I’m kind of a story line guy.

By: Heather Goodman

Heather Goodman — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 17:02:05 +0000

I’m a character girl.
(Some would say I’m a character.)
Others would point out that sometimes I have plot problems.

By: Sam Van Eman

Sam Van Eman — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 15:46:59 +0000

L.L.,
Press on.

By: Sam Van Eman

Sam Van Eman — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 15:46:39 +0000

Stop. I’m getting queasy.

By: Marcus

Marcus — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 15:07:27 +0000

Mmmm. Chicken pancakes. Why doesn’t IHOP have that on their menu yet?

By: L.L. Barkat

L.L. Barkat — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 15:07:22 +0000

That was comforting. Not that I got any more writing done. But the thought that maybe I could… comforting. I think this next book is just so different in how it’s writing itself (I feel like a bystander), that I occasionally and completely lose my wits and my hope.

By: Sam Van Eman

Sam Van Eman — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 14:30:56 +0000

Re: the dinner metaphor, Marcus, I remember when my wife and I went to a certain couple’s house for the first time. They were friendly, created good atmosphere and made us feel welcomed and comfortable…until dinner. The husband had a “great” family recipe for grilled chicken and we – being grilled chicken fans – were excited about a new entree.

In came the aluminum foil-wrapped packets from the porch grill. But out came my surprise when I opened it and took the first bite. It was marinated and still floating in Aunt Jemina’s pancake syrup.

I took one bite and gagged (as discreetly as possible). It was my teary eyes afterward that betrayed me and forced a confession.