 Fantasy: June 16, 2021 Issue [#10823] |
This week: Writing: Is it a Priority? Edited by: Dawn Embers  
More Newsletters By This Editor 
 
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
Fantasy Newsletter by Dawn
Sometimes writing is a priority and other times it has to sit on the back burner. Characters also have things that are a priority and it's something to consider when writing. |
| ASIN: B07NPKP5BF |
Product Type: Toys & Games
|
Amazon's Price: Price N/A
|
|
We all have priorities and they can change over time. Most of us can't do every task at once and some might find it challenging to do more than a couple at a given time. There are going to be decisions that have to be made. When it comes to our stories, writing and the lives of characters, the questions of priorities is something that can and may come up on a regular basis.
Your priorities as a writer
These are important because it can either hinder or help in the progress of writing. A story or a goal of getting writing or editing done might be your priority. Either can be a good goal because it's necessary to write in order to reach the other stages but sometimes the writing can take a backseat when actions like editing need one. Sometimes we have to decide what task needs done first and what can wait until later.
The same goes for which story to write. I have this issue/question on a regular basis. When you have more than one idea, then you have to find a way to determine which one should take priority. Even which genre should take priority. Do I want to focus on the genre that I can self-publish? Or do I want to focus on the young adult stories to get them out to agents? Or do I want to just have a month where the focus is self-pleasure and write on the Tolkien-esque type of fantasy story that I've had in my mind since high school but may never show any other person? So, many options and the decision for my focus, my priorities change each year, month or even week depending on how things go. What story do you find as a higher priority? Do you have ideas in different genres and need to make decisions? Either way, you're not alone.
The priorities of fictional characters
It isn't just the active task of writing that can incorporate the concept or question of priority. What is important to the main character or even secondary and villains can be something you might want to consider. Is taking over the world a priority? Does something get in the way or cause a distraction? Maybe the main character had plans or goals they were working towards at the very beginning but something causes that focus to change whether they like it or not. Maybe a little side plot sneaks into the mix. Do you focus the writing on one thread of the story or is there another element that needs focus? Oh so many options. What is the priority in your story?
Whether you know the answer for sure or not, make the best with what you have. And even though life sometimes gets in the way, try to make some time and put a little priority in your writing.
|
| |  | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#2227708 by Not Available. |
| | | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#2252067 by Not Available. |
|
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!
| ASIN: 1945043032 |
|
Amazon's Price: $ 13.94
|
|
How do you determine your priorities or the ones for your main characters?
Last month for the fantasy newsletter I discussed the question of Why and how it can drive the story or character. Here are a couple comments sent in over the subject:
Comment by Elfin Dragon-finally published 
I have found that sometimes my character's reasons for doing something can be obscure. Something the reader may not yet see in the plot but become more present as time goes on. Take the character of Severus Snape in Harry Potter. we don't actually see his motives/reasons until the last film. We assume one thing, when in truth it's another.
- That is true, sometimes a reason can seem obscure and it can help drive the story when the question of why takes a while to get an answer for the reader.
Comment by Quick-Quill 
I’d like you to address the difference between WHY and WHAT IF. What if is the question that drives you to write the story. It creates the writer’s motivation. Why on the other hand is what motivates the character to continue the quest to the end of the book. In my book Matt is motivated to find his grandmother who no one will talk about. Why? Because he can’t find a death record for her. Although my story is divided with Matt’s goal, the reader also reads grandma Katherine’s story and her goal 55 years before. Don’t get the why and the what if confused
- Thanks for the comment and suggestion. I will consider a full newsletter in the future but in short for me why is a reason behind an action and what if are considering what options could happen. But there are some options as you explain with your own thoughts on either question.
|
| ASIN: 197380364X |
|
Amazon's Price: $ 15.99
|
|
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.
|
This printed copy is for your personal use only. Reproduction
of this work in any other form is not allowed and does violate its copyright. |
View Portfolio
Visit Notebook
Send Gift Points
Awards
Badges
Send Email
