\"Writing.Com
*Magnify*
SPONSORED LINKS
Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/10583-Problems-Add-Up.html
Drama: January 27, 2021 Issue [#10583]




 This week: Problems Add Up
  Edited by: Dawn Embers Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

Drama Newsletter by Dawn

"Comedy just pokes at problems, rarely confronts them squarely. Drama is like a plate of meat and potatoes, comedy is rather the dessert, a bit like meringue." - Woody Allen


Word from our sponsor



Letter from the editor

When it comes to conflict, drama and struggles, it seems like the problems don't often come just one at a time. There are a couple of sayings that claim to know the math such as "double trouble" and that it always "comes in threes." I don't know if there is an exact number, but I do know from experience that there are times where "when it rains, it pours." At work, the past couple of weeks have been one of those times. It seemed like every issue decided to come up all at once, as if every difficult action had to all happen at the same time.

While it doesn't help for my sanity at work, like many aspects of daily life, it gives me something to think about when writing. Conflict is important for any type of fiction. For Drama it is essential.

Sure, we could give the main character one problem to face at a time, keep the focus tight so the reader doesn't get lost trying to find the path or story arch. But where is the fun in that? Another option is to layer in the conflict so that problems overlap.

Or just topple the character over with many problems at once... That won't work for every story but there are going to be some situations where it will work to pile everything on within a shortened time frame. Most of the time, you want to provide layers with the struggles.

Some quick tips:
- Consider the story length. Amount of conflict will vary when writing a short story versus writing a novel.
- What problems do you want your characters to face?
- Remember not to make the character drown all of the time.
- Write with dramatic flair, however you define that.
- Have fun bringing on the drama(problems).


Ofter dealing with all of those problems, creating drama, and working hard, don't forget to relax. Don't let the struggles of writing, editing and story perfection overwhelm. Take a break and give your characters a break too.


Editor's Picks

Writing Contests @ Writing.Com Open in new Window. (E)
Writing Contests on Writing.Com are posted here.
#171898 by Writing.Com Support Author IconMail Icon


Image Protector
FORUM
The Contest Challenge Open in new Window. (13+)
Join by entering a contest a month for 12 months--Win Badges! Catching up is allowed!
#2109126 by Schnujo's Doing NaNoWriMo? Author IconMail Icon


Journalistic Intentions Open in new Window. (18+)
This is for the journal keeping types that come to PLAY! New round starts July 1!
#2213121 by Turkey DrumStik Author IconMail Icon


Image Protector
FORUM
The Dialogue 500 Open in new Window. (18+)
Dialogues of 500 words or less.
#941862 by W.D.Wilcox Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2240947 by Not Available.


 Searching For The Path Down Memory Lane Open in new Window. (E)
How can we access memories from a life?
#2242780 by Sailor M Author IconMail Icon


 A Sunny Day in Space Open in new Window. (13+)
A lot of space travelers use the sun for energy. But what if you can't get that energy?
#2242734 by PureSciFi Author IconMail Icon


 
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
         https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Don't forget to support our sponsor!



Ask & Answer

How does the conflict develop in your story? Does your character face one problem at a time or do issues pile up?

"We respond to a drama to that extent to which it corresponds to our dreamlife." - David Mamet

"What is drama but life with the dull bits cut out." - Alfred Hitchcock



*Cat2*

*Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet* Don't Be Shy! Write Into This Newsletter! *Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet*

This form allows you to submit an item on Writing.Com and feedback, comments or questions to the Writing.Com Newsletter Editors. In some cases, due to the volume of submissions we receive, please understand that all feedback and submissions may not be responded to or listed in a newsletter. Thank you, in advance, for any feedback you can provide!
Writing.Com Item ID To Highlight (Optional):

Send a comment or question to the editor!
Limited to 2,500 characters.
Word from our sponsor

Removal Instructions

To stop receiving this newsletter, click here for your newsletter subscription list. Simply uncheck the box next to any newsletter(s) you wish to cancel and then click to "Submit Changes". You can edit your subscriptions at any time.


Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/10583-Problems-Add-Up.html