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A wrap up on the elements of writing stories and a fond farewell.
This is my last issue as an editor for the Horror/Scary Newsletter. I’d like to wrap up the information I’ve been presenting in the last issues by talking about Action as a support for the primary vehicles propelling the story.
I’ll start with:
Action supporting Character
1. What a Character does often defines, at least in part, what he is. How often have people said in conversation, “He’s a footballer player.“?
There is a stereotype of what a footballer player is. Characters linked to what they do provide quick images in the mind. This can be used effectively when there is little space within the story for extensive description. “He was a grave digger.” for instance. Often little more than this needs to be said to set a minor character. It also contributes to an overall impression of a major Character.
2. How the Character is involved in Action adds to the Character’s image. The Character’s thoughts concerning a situation, his emotional response to the situation, as well as his reaction or lack of reaction to it says a lot about him.
“He shoveled the dirt from the grave with quick, eager strokes.” “If only I could get enough money to get out of this grave digging business!”
“The man loved (or hated, or was indifferent to) digging the graves.”
Action supporting Setting
1. The setting sun provides an immediate image. The reaction toward this setting uses the image to further develop the Setting.
“People were awed by the beauty of the sun setting over the ocean.”
“Relief came as the sun set.”
“He feared the retreat of the sun and the darkness it brought.”
In the last example both the Character and the Setting are given definitive descriptions by the reaction.
2. The wind whipping across the island sets up another image where Action describes the Setting.
Action supporting Action
Descriptions like:
A running jump.
A hobbling walk
A flying tackle
All of these things use an Action to describe an Action and can be very effective in writing horror.
How about:
“The slithering movement slimed its way across the floor.”
“The limping slowed the progress forward and allowed the creature time to catch up.”
“The growls echoing through the cavern terrified the campers hiding there.”
So there’s the wrap up. I will continue to read your work and hope some of the things in my past editorials help to you scare the hell out of me.
Obsidian (13+) Paendragon thought he had seen it all. Sometimes, ignorance is a bliss...
#905430 by Stefan Popov
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Horror/Scary: December 13, 2006 Issue [#1425]
