 Action/Adventure: June 24, 2009 Issue [#3126] |
  Action/Adventure
This week: Edited by: NanoWriMo2018 Into the Earth  
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When you are describing a shape, or sound, or tint;
Don't state the matter plainly, But put it in a hint;
And learn to look at all things With a sort of mental squint --Lewis Carroll |
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On Foreshadowing
On Foreshadowing
By definition foreshadow means - To present an indication or a suggestion of beforehand; presage. In the literary sense, foreshadowing is a technique used to heighten suspense, add depth, and engage the reader through curiosity by dropping hints. Foreshadowing can also be used to set up a believable narrative. In other words, it prepares the reader for upcoming events or actions. As action/adventure authors, foreshadowing is a tool we should become familiar with.
The super cool thing about foreshadowing is how you can intertwine it into your story in a variety of ways.
Through Dialogue – Here, the author has one of the characters do the “foreshadowing” for her, through words.
“Mom,” she says in a whisper, “Guess who’s here?”
Two things come to mind here: First, why is she whispering. And, second, who is “here”? The author could have had the character announce the arrival of the mystery person, but making her whisper , then ask the question, draws the reader in.
Through Action – You can incorporate foreshadowing into most all action scenes.
I tiptoed along the wall toward my bedroom, freezing when i got to the door. With measured slowness, my hand reached for the cold brass knob. Without a sound I gradually turned the knob clockwise
Why is this character tiptoeing? Why is the character sneaking into his/her own bedroom?
Through Descriptions – There are a wide array of opportunities here. The following is a passage from a blog:
I frantically search the usual places. Still empty-handed, I attack the unusual places. Thumbing through files, slamming desk drawers. Zero. The anxiety has not just multiplied, but spread. My hands, my lungs, my brain, all feel the effects. How am I going to tell my boss I misplaced payroll checks? At this moment, I hate myself.
What will the boss say? Will this character be fired? Is this a prelude to her misplacing something even more significant?
Through “flashbacks” - Flashbacks from moments prior, to days ago, to even years ago. Using the flashback method lends itself easily to foreshadowing. Inserting the flashback is key to reader “buy-in”.
Sitting in detention, Oscar thought back to the last time he had eaten a home cooked meal.
Through Preparation – The following is a lead-in paragraph of a short story:
The bad thing about spontaneous road trips is the lack of preparation involved, and the inevitable disappointment, which occurs with the realization that a very important item has been left behind.
We know, from the author’s words, a story about a road trip with a forgotten item will follow. As readers, we keep reading to find out what item.
Furthermore, you can add foreshadowing through symbolism, parallelism theme, and tone. Foreshadowing is a fun way to increase suspense, add depth while engaging the reader.
Until next time,
Robin
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Ash  - I agree that death is the final adventure, but this newsletter was sort of hard to read. My dad got sick earlier today, there was something wrong with his heart...Mom says he is better now, but that doesn't erase the sight of my too pale dad sitting in the living room while I was alone with him.
StephBee  - Ann RULE!! You rock, Robin!! I'd love to meet her in person. Good tip at the end. I find when I'm around other author I just blossom. heheTwo thumbs up. Steph
Doug Rainbow - True crime is hard work. Ten years ago I worked long and hard on a book about a woman law student who became addicted to gambling. She robbed a bank, then ten more banks, before she was finally caught. I had recorded interviews, transcript extracts from her trial, psychological papers -- everything researched to a tee. The publisher sent it back and said they wanted me to turn it into a novel and even offered some money (a small advance). I couldn't do it as a novel (just didn't want to depart from the truth)and returned the check. Truth may be stranger than fiction, but not more marketable.
spidey  - Wow, a book signing with Ann Rule? I admit, I'm not a fan of true crime, either, but I did pick up a copy of Rule's book, "Green River, Running Red," and it chilled me. I've read a good deal of horror, but I actually had nightmares from that book! I admire that woman and her work.
esprit - Robin, a wonderful account of the excitement of attending a book signing of a popular author. It was quite an opportunity for inspiration, and written with passion. Good one!
Raine - as writers, our muses often thrive on the climb of others... Because if you're going to wish on a star, you have to look up. suser:liseli} = ANN RULE? That's so awesome! I always try to go to book signings whenever possible. Within the past year, I've seen Nicholas Sparks, Maya Angelou and Elizabeth Alexander. It's always a great experience.Cheers,Em |
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