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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/1170-.html
Action/Adventure: July 26, 2006 Issue [#1170]

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Action/Adventure


 This week:
  Edited by: John~Ashen Author IconMail Icon
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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

Action/Adventure! It comes in many forms, not just books and movies. However people get their thrills, in this genre it's our job to bring more excitement into their lives through writing. In this newsletter, I offer advice on how to maintain plot suspense while still building your main characters. Enjoy *Delight* -- John~Ashen Author Icon


Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor

         Suspense By Diversion

         This week's newsletter comes thanks to the Creative Sessions at the 2006 Writing.Com convention. In fact, I'm writing this editorial from the goodbye lunch! Mia's cracking jokes while StoryMistress is taking pictures. Milkman is trying hard to get Sweet Lady to blush one last time... ah, the adventure is ending, you might say. *sigh*

On Maintaining Suspense

         One thing we all know is to keep our readers guessing. We don't want to give away the whole plot in the first few sentences. It's like when movie trailers give away so much information that people feel there's no longer any reason to see the actual film.

         It should be obvious, then, not to spill the beans at the start of our stories. Alas, no, we cannot resist a teasing line like "it would be a day he would never forget." The only trouble with that is, all the readers are on the lookout now for the surprise.

Creating A Diversion

         As story writers, we are supposed to immediately hook our readers. If we do not provide a teaser of some sort, then how can we keep them around to learn the surprise later? Usually we present a problem to be solved, which keeps the reader curious.

         The solution I propose is to give your characters an everyday problem to start. As the reader expects this to be resolved, you can spring the twist later while maintaining an element of surprise.

         You can develop your characters by having them respond to their everyday problems. Once the audience has a feel for your character's personality, then the real problem of the plot surfaces.

Example

         Your basic plot could be that the bank is going to be robbed. How would you tell this tale from the perspective of the bank teller?

         You would not want to start off with "the two guys by the door were suspicious." The reader would ignore everything else once that plot comes to light. Instead, try a mundane problem like running out of a certain currency. "Oh no, I'm almost out of ones! I hope the next customer doesn't ask for change." That sets up a situation where you audience now expects the next customer in line to have an impact on the story.

         When the next customer talks to the cashier, that's when you have the bank robbers appear. The reader was expecting the money situation to come to a head; instead, something else interrupts the story in progress. Bank robbers love a diversion; so should you.

         If you can't think of a way to forestall your main plot thrust at the beginning of a story, drop me an email. I'm sure I can think of something for your characters to do until you're ready to spring your surprise.


Editor's Picks

Some decent reads I found on the site:
 The Longest Battle Open in new Window. [E]
This is about a young man that must conquer roadblocks and slay a dragon
by mr alba Author Icon
 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor
 Rescue on the Alligator Alley Open in new Window. [E]
A hero rescues people from a canal
by Joy Author Icon
 How Much is Life Worth? Open in new Window. [E]
Two women mercenaries, one red and the other blonde, and one question of money or loyalty.
by Erica Author Icon
The Bad Man Open in new Window. [13+]
A boxing story in poetic quatrain.
by Mitch Author Icon
 THE VISIT Open in new Window. [E]
A strange computer program takes Barry and friends for a ride.
by Write-fully Loti Author Icon


The most persistent item submission pluggers:
 The Bionic Unit Open in new Window. [13+]
The future of the world depends on the conflict between nations and corporation
by Tyronte Author Icon
A DOORWAY TO HEARTS Open in new Window. [XGC]
The first of a fictional western trilogy
by SHERRI GIBSON Author Icon


 
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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!
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Ask & Answer

strider7901 asks: Just have a simple question...how did you become a writer for the newsletter?

Answer: For Writing.Com, only moderators can be editors for the newsletters. This is because we have deadlines, and the StoryMistress likes to crack her red leather whip to keep us in line. *Bigsmile*
         Remember that we're only editors, though. We take suggestions on what to write about and what items to feature. Also, I'm sure many writers wouldn't mind taking a mental break. So, if you would like to be a guest editor one issue, try submitting your editorial to one of the moderators who works on that newsletter.


Teddy Author Icon asks: What about adverbs? Some writers try not to use them at all while others seem to overuse. Any general guidelines?

Answer: Just like adjectives, adverbs are best used in moderation. Not every noun needs modification by an adjective, and not every adjective or verb needs modification by an adverb. When in doubt, leave it out. If it seems too plain on a second read-through, you can always put one back in.


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