Action/Adventure: February 26, 2013 Issue [#5536]
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Action/Adventure


 This week: Focus on Action
  Edited by: NaNoNette Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

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

Hello writers and readers of action and adventure, I am NaNoNette Author Icon, your guest editor for this issue.


Word from our sponsor

ASIN: B085272J6B
Product Type: Kindle Store
Amazon's Price: $ 9.99


Letter from the editor

Focus on Action


Create believable action/adventure heroes by paying attention to their actions.

When writing in the action genre, put emphasis on exciting action sequences above character development. Instead of telling the story through narration, take your reader along on a ride where they find out about your character through his actions. Dialogue is also a better tool to help you build a character than simply narrating what he feels. During pre-writing exercises, you will often be asked to make a list of attributes for your characters. This works, but it's also a bit wooden and might not be the best way to find out what your action/adventure hero is about.

You can show much more effectively what type of person your character is when you put him in peril. What is his first instinct? Will he run for cover or will he throw himself across a bystander? Even more powerful, who is around when he chooses to behave in one way or another? Is he protecting a loved one or an antagonist?

An example of using dialog for character development is when a strong lead character will not allow his minions to get into fights with each other, but rather instructs them to "walk it off." This leading character acknowledges that there is a problem and tempers are heated, but he is on a mission and won't let anything get in the way of accomplishing it.

As you try to feel out your characters in order to breathe life into them with your words, instead of making a list of characteristics, put them into a variety of situations. Explore your action adventure hero in perilous, romantic, boring, and any other situation you can imagine. Figuring out what your character's actions in any of the given situations would be will reveal more than sitting with a bullet-point list. Ask them uncomfortable questions and make them give you an answer. One such question could be what your character's darkest secret is. Once he reveals it, ask him for another one. Question, question, question like an agent. Put your character through the ringer.

Once you feel you know your character's darkest secrets, most shamefull moments, and most cherished memories, put them into the plot you want to write. You should find that your hero's actions take you and your readers on a whirlwind adventure.



Editor's Picks

 Backlash: Prologue Open in new Window. (13+)
My novel, backlash. It's not done yet, but I want feedback! Tell me what you think!
#1921191 by Sam Hillway Author IconMail Icon

 Prologue to The Heretics Open in new Window. (18+)
The prologue sets up the story and provides an element of symbolism.
#1920755 by percy goodfellow Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1921050 by Not Available.

 The Car Open in new Window. (13+)
The begining of my book as two cousins look to strip a car in the city park
#1921030 by Dave Author IconMail Icon

 Struck By The Neon Christmas Open in new Window. (E)
A heart warming tale about a potato trying to find her Christmas spirit.
#1920879 by taptrapinch Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1920223 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1886215 by Not Available.

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1856399 by Not Available.

 WarCraft versus StarCraft Open in new Window. (E)
Which game series do you like better?
#1733728 by BIG BAD WOLF is Howling Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#972248 by Not Available.

FORUM
I Write Romantic in Winter Open in new Window. (18+)
Three months long contest of romance and erotica contests.
#1919444 by NaNoNette Author IconMail 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

Comments I got for my last Action Adventure Newsletter "Micro Action/AdventuresOpen in new Window.

monty31802 wrote: A fine newsletter without a waste of words. I agree
that action is found in all writings to a degree at least.

Thank you for your kind assessment of my last newsletter. *Smile*

willielinn Author Icon wrote: Hi,
One person’s “action adventure” is the next person’s boring. Quite likely there is action and adventure in everything when viewed with the correct perspective.
Example:
Sam was trying to wait patiently,but anticipation was getting the better of him. Sweat beaded his brow as he looked at the clock on the fireplace mantel. He tried to appear calm. “Not much longer now,” he told himself, and went back to watching the old black and white T.V. across the room.
Finally; after what seemed like an eternity it came, and he had just minutes to take advantage of the opportunity. Slowly levering his large, overweight body from the worn lazy-boy recliner he rose to his feet. Then, with movements well practiced he was off. As his objective neared his heart raced. At last, with no time to spare he reached for the refrigerator door and yanked it open. The commercial break was only three minutes long. There was no time to lose.
Willielinn

Nice one! I like it! I hope he makes it back to the TV before the commercials are over.

Leger~ Author Icon wrote: Thanks for featuring my item "To FlyOpen in new Window. in your newsletter! Kim

My pleasure.

BIG BAD WOLF is Howling Author Icon wrote: Try to save somebody. "Five MinutesOpen in new Window. One has to have fun. "StarCraft Scene SpoofOpen in new Window.

Two submissions, eh? Looks like you're quite prominent in the action/adventure circles. I found all those things that belong to you. See above in the recommended items.


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