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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/3316-.html
Drama: October 14, 2009 Issue [#3316]

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Drama


 This week:
  Edited by: StephBee 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

The Drama Masks.


DRAMA IS:

#1 - The Greek word for action.

#2 - A real life situation or succession of events having the dramatic progression of a play.

******

This week we'll take a look at scene patterns to help, you, the writer, structure the scenes in your writing. We'll also take a look at the Zurich Film Festival.


Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor

There are three types of scene patterns:

A - The Opening Description. (setting the scene)

B - Characters take the "stage."

C - Heaping on the conflict.

The most traditional way to establish your scene is to do it in the order listed above.

An example:

(A) It was a cool, autumn day. A breeze rustled the tress, making several brittle leaves fall to the ground.

(B) James jogged down the dirt path through the woods wearing a sweat suit and his Ipod.

(C) A sudden fist connected with his face. He crumbled to the ground.


The traditional style works fine, but can be clunky, especially if you have a fast paced story.

TIP: It's okay to vary scene patterns to make them more "meater." In the above scenerio, you could easily start with James on the jogging path and then getting struck. Whatever serves the pacing of the story best.

In plays, you usually find the art direction has set the scenes with props for the scenes. In the opening scenes then, you get into the characters coming onto the stage. Think of "Romeo and Juliet." Shakespeare switches it up by introducting conflict right away between the servants, then he starts to have the main characters come on scene. We meet Romeo, his family and friends next, and then we meet Juliet and her family.

As you work on your story and plot out your scenes, always consider which pattern will serve the scene and story the best.

Reference for this newsletter: Revision and Self Editing, James Scott Bell, 2008, F&W publications.

NEXT: Descriptions in Drama Writing.


THE ZURICH FILM FESTIVAL


This film festivals has been in the news lately so I thought I'd take a look at it. Surprisingly, the Zurich Film Festival is relatively new, having it's premier in October 2005. The main objective is to support young directors and writers all over the world. From my reading, I gathered that while it is an international festival, it really has a soft spot for directors.

The film festival gives out several awards. They include:

Golden Icon: lifetime achievement in acting
A Tribute To: lifetime achievement in directing. Oliver Stone won the award in 2007.

This year actor Michael Keaton makes his directing debut at the Zurich Film Festival with his film, "The Merry Gentlemen." Also, this year's Golden Icon receiptant is Morgan Freeman.

THE HOT DRAMA POLL


There was no response for last month's HOT DRAMA POLL.

This month's question: What do you consider your strength in your writing? What do you "get into," when you write?

Dialogue
POV Narration
Descriptions
Characters
Setting

FEATURED PRODUCT REVIEW


Writing Fiction   (Rated: ASR)
ASIN: 1408101319
ID #110173
Product Type: Book
Reviewer: Faery Author Icon
Review Rated: E
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Amazon's Price: Price N/A


Editor's Picks

Here's some DRAMA picks from around the site:

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1592661 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1600728 by Not Available.


Edge of Reality Open in new Window. (13+)
Leah has lived a charmed life... practically, until now.
#1600194 by Belinda_HauntedMo Author IconMail Icon


 The Warmth of His Eyes PART I Open in new Window. (E)
After her parents' divorce, Kate is left to fend for herself (20th century England)
#1595991 by VictorianWriter Author IconMail Icon


Atia's Rain Open in new Window. (13+)
Fan fiction inspired by the HBO Series, "Rome." Atia confronts Servilia.
#1251780 by StephBee Author IconMail Icon


 Invisible Touch Open in new Window. (13+)
What can reach through barriers between life and death?
#1140474 by Vivian Author IconMail Icon


SOME DRAMA ACTIVITIES

Drama Forum Open in new Window. (13+)
For those of us drama queens and kings, a forum to swap writing ideas and post questions
#1394242 by Joy Author IconMail Icon


The Play's The Thing Open in new Window. (E)
A contest for script writers. Winners announced. New round open.
#1421907 by StephBee Author IconMail Icon


Dramatically Speaking Open in new Window. (E)
25 terms for 25 issues of the drama newsletter
#1309038 by Turkey DrumStik Author IconMail Icon


 
CAMPFIRE
Hard Decisions Open in new Window. (13+)
Katie, Damita, and Rosa are 911 dispatchers who have to make some hard decisions.
#1520683 by StephBee Author IconMail Icon

 
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
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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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Don't forget to support our sponsor!

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Ask & Answer

Here's some feedback from my 16 SEP 2009 Newsletter:

sarahreed
It's hard for me to choose between the Tragedy and Comedy masks. Well, I definitely don't like tragedy, but I can't say I always like comedy. I'm somewhere in the middle, leaning more towards comedy as I like to write light-hearted and positive stories. However, I've written my share of serious and dramatic works.

I'm like you, Sarah, I lean toward comedy, but I've written my share of serious, dramatic stories as well. Drama Rocks!

I hope my thoughts on how to structure scenes this newsletter is a help.


A pic of me taken 2 years ago.


StephBee Author IconMail Icon is a 911 Dispatcher for LAPD. Her children's book, "The Giving Meadow" will be published with 4RV Publishing in the spring of 2010.

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