\"Writing.Com
*Magnify*
SPONSORED LINKS
BY ONLINE AUTHORS
Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/6742-Seize-the-Moment.html
Drama: December 31, 2014 Issue [#6742]

Newsletter Header
Drama


 This week: Seize the Moment
  Edited by: Dawn Embers 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

An Elf (written) Drama Newsletter


A small reflection on the upcoming change in year, thoughts on dramatic moments and attempts to seize moments at their peak. And a little thought on the whole kiss at midnight tradition.




Word from our sponsor

ASIN: B07YJZZGW4
Product Type:
Amazon's Price: Price N/A
Not currently available.


Letter from the editor

Hi everyone. It's me again. Last newsletter of 2014 and I'm back for more drama. Some times, when it comes to the dramatic, all it really takes is one moment. And that's what I want to write about today. Capturing the moment.

While drama can be long drawn out and cover hours, days and many pages of writing, there are also ones that last a mere moment but the power of that moment can be useful in story writing. All it takes to change a situation or influence a character is the right moment.

There are many possible moment to choose:
-a moment of realization when a character finally notices or understands something
-a sudden reveal of important information or a secret
-explosion
-something bad suddenly happens
-find a strange item
-kiss at midnight

Moments are fleeting but they can leave a lasting impression and can either catch the reader off guard just enough or give them a moment of satisfaction they have longed for during the story. It's all in how you craft the words and characters.

Now let's talk about New Year's Eve.

New Year's Eve is a great time to talk about moments because it contains two very noticeable ones. The last minute(s) of the old year and the very first minute of the year. Plus there is the drama of how one is going to spend the last night of the old year and the first part of the new year. Is there a party? Do they have a date? Are they spending it alone watching Wayne's World (1&2)? Who will they kiss? So much potential surround a mere couple of minutes.

As for me, I'm more of the watch movies, have a few snacks, go to bed after midnight type. But maybe one of these years I'll seize the moment. But I can always spend the time writing too and that is just as fun. Maybe I'll write a New Year's Eve romance. Hmmm...

What will your character's do to ring in the New Year?




Editor's Picks

Image Protector
FORUM
The Writer's Cramp Open in new Window. (13+)
Write the best poem or story in 24 hours or less and win 10K GPS!
#333655 by SophyBells Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2022271 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1848696 by Not Available.


Image Protector
STATIC
A Better Place to Be Open in new Window. (18+)
Change often comes from need instead of desire
#1970043 by Eric Wharton Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#1911234 by Not Available.


 
Image Protector
STATIC
A Grinch on Christmas Open in new Window. (13+)
Felix loves Christmas but when he meets a grinch, he may question his own happiness.
#1968622 by A.D. Writes Author IconMail Icon


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2023367 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item Open in new Window.
This item number is not valid.
#2023114 by Not Available.




 
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

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!
         https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Don't forget to support our sponsor!

ASIN: 1945043032
Amazon's Price: $ 13.94


Ask & Answer

What dramatic moment is your favorite? How do you capture the moment in your writing?



Last time I talked about dialogue and that sometimes it can overpower the rest of a story. I got quite a few comments. While I obviously don't agree since I stated in the newsletter that I think sometimes there can be too much, it was interesting to read the different comments. Here they are:

Comment by Joto-Kai Author Icon
The balance is difficult if you only consider whether you're using dialogue or other things. If you ignore the active dialogue, it should be easier. What is active dialogue? If my character says something to get a reaction, that's not just words- it's action, and it doesn't need to be balanced. Especially if it fails.

E.G.:
"Don't you understand? I'm not a witch. Don't you understand? I didn't cast the spell, I don't deserve to be—"
"Of course you didn't, honey. I did. Trial's over, so be quiet and I'll give you something to numb the pain."
"Help! Help! I found the witch. I found—!"
"Demon! Demon! We've got to get her burned before she brings it forth! Come quick! Bring the gasoline!"


Comment by alockwood
Depends on how you use it.


Comment by Voxxylady Author Icon
I'm big on using dialogue myself. Can you use too much or too little? I don't think so. I think it only depends on how well you do it, whether a lot or a little, and if it adds to the story or detracts from it. Anything can be done if it's done well enough. Knowing if it's done "well enough" -- there's the big question!


Comment by Quick-Quill Author Icon
I'm all about dialogue. It's what moves the story. I reread Jane Austen books which are all about discription. Give me dialogue any day. It tells more about the character than "telling" me about the character. How do they talk? Is there an accent? Do they tell jokes? Do they slide in whit instead of slander? Dialogue will tell you what the setting is so the writer doesn't have to give long descriptions of it. Back story can be told in dialogue rather than a "prologue" Use dialogue to inform and move the story! Its an admonition, but hard to do when the muse is driving the story so fast you have to try to keep up.



*Cat2*

*Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet* Don't Be Shy! Write Into This Newsletter! *Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet*

This form allows you to submit an item on Writing.Com and feedback, comments or questions to the Writing.Com Newsletter Editors. In some cases, due to the volume of submissions we receive, please understand that all feedback and submissions may not be responded to or listed in a newsletter. Thank you, in advance, for any feedback you can provide!
Writing.Com Item ID To Highlight (Optional):

Send a comment or question to the editor!
Limited to 2,500 characters.
Word from our sponsor
ASIN: B083RZ2C5F
Product Type:
Amazon's Price: Price N/A
Not currently available.

Removal Instructions

To stop receiving this newsletter, click here for your newsletter subscription list. Simply uncheck the box next to any newsletter(s) you wish to cancel and then click to "Submit Changes". You can edit your subscriptions at any time.


Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/6742-Seize-the-Moment.html