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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/6742-Seize-the-Moment.html
Drama: December 31, 2014 Issue [#6742]

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Drama


 This week: Seize the Moment
  Edited by: Dawn Embers 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

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.




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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

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The Writer's Cramp Open in new Window. (13+)
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Change often comes from need instead of desire
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Felix loves Christmas but when he meets a grinch, he may question his own happiness.
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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.



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