NaNo October 2021 Prep Challenge

Oct. 01: Assignment - Plot: What If? (Last edit: 10/08 ▼

"Every good story starts with a 'what if'. What if a young boy discovers he's a wizard? What if a girl discovers a world hidden inside her wardrobe? What if there was a cemetery where pets came back to life if they were buried there? What if dinosaurs were real again?

In this exercise, imagine your story and your main character(s). Who is(are) the character(s)? Why do we care about them? What happens to them, and why is it a problem? (If it's not a problem, it's just life, not a story. *Wink*)

Spend at least 15 minutes imagining all the possibilities in your story. Make a list of every possible 'what if' you can think of. Nothing is off-limits here - let your brain go."

I already have my novel idea started.

My What if: What if a dead body is found in a house that is for sale and there are few clues at the scene and no immediate suspects or motives?

My main character is Detective Boyd Smith "Smitty". His sidekick is his partner, Daryl Onacona "White Owl". Daryl admires Smitty and Smitty sees Daryl as a son.

Smitty is a veteran detective who is a workaholic is claustrophobic. He refuses to use elevators and always takes the stairs, regardless of how many there are. He has been married for 35 15 years has just left him, taking his 16-year-old son with her. and they have one daughter, Emily, who is 12-years-old. We care about Smitty because he is a good person. He tries to do the right thing and believes in justice. He is trying to push back his anxiety over his wife and son leaving while trying to concentrate on and solve the murder. in denial about his wife's terminal illness.

Daryl is in love (infatuated) with the secretary but is too shy to ask her out even though it is obvious she is also infatuated with Daryl.

The problem is the crime scene leaves no clues. The doors and windows are all locked from the inside. There are hundreds of fingerprints because the house has been up for sale. The owner didn't live there, so why was he staying in the house? It snowed heavily the last 24 hours and any outside prints evidence is gone under the 2 feet of snow. He has few suspects. The victim is in the middle of a contentious divorce. His The victim's future ex has been visiting her parents for the last week and even though she has a motive she doesn't have the opportunity.

Oct. 02: Plot: Premise (Last edit: 10/08) ▼

Now that you've brainstormed the general story idea, let's identify some story elements:
(1) Setting(s). Where does your story take place?
(2) Protagonist(s). Who is(are) your main character(s)?
(2b) Flaw(s). What is(are) the protagonist's major flaw(s)?
(2c) Goal(s). What does(d) the protagonist(s) want (or want to avoid)?
(3) Conflict(s). What's keeping them from their goal(s)?
(4) Antagonist(s). Who or what is creating the conflict(s)?

Just for fun: Write a provocative one-sentence description of your story.
Example: ""A young, mistreated orphan discovers he is a wizard and must face the evil villain Voldemort to fulfill his destiny.""

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(1) Setting(s). Where does your story take place?
The crime is committed in a small village named Ravenwood. It is situated on a lake (unnamed at this point). There are summer cottages located on the lake. There is a community dock where residents dock their boats in the summer. Most of the cottages are vacant during the winter since these are summer cottages.

(2) Protagonist(s). Who is(are) your main character(s)?
Detective Smitty is 45 years old. He is a seasoned homicide detective who has claustrophobia and refuses to take the elevator. He will take the stairs regardless of how many there are before getting in an elevator. He loves children and the neighborhood kids love to hang out with him in his yard playing baseball, catch, or cooking out hamburgers. who is a workaholic and recently his wife and 16-year-old son have left him.

(2b) Flaw(s). What is(are) the protagonist's major flaw(s)?

Smitty is a workaholic. When he isn't on the job he is still working on it in his head. This has caused friction in his home life. He tends to drink heavily in the afternoons. He is a perfectionist and drives himself to the brink of exhaustion.

(2c) Goal(s). What does(d) the protagonist(s) want (or want to avoid)?
Smitty is wanting to fix things with his wife but it looks like it might not happen. He wants to solve the murder case. He wants justice for the victim and the victim's family and friends.

(3) Conflict(s). What's keeping them from their goal(s)?
There are very few if any clues at the crime scene. The main suspect was miles away from the crime scene and wouldn't have been able to commit the crime.

(4) Antagonist(s). Who or what is creating the conflict(s)?

Smitty's relationship and pending divorce are interfering with his thoughts. This is causing him more stress and results in more drinking in the afternoons.

Just for fun: Write a provocative one-sentence description of your story.
Detective Boyd Smith is brought in on a murder case where there are no real clues or suspects.

Oct. 03: Character: Protagonist Profile (last edit: 10/08) ▼

Character: Protagonist Profile

Draft a profile of your protagonist. Include detailed information such as name, age, physical attributes, occupation, education, culture, religion, family, relationship status, personality, likes, dislikes, strengths, weaknesses, motivations, and desires. Use Google Images to find an image of your character. The point of this exercise is for you to get to know your character inside and out before you write your novel. If you don't know your character, how can you expect it from your readers? Flesh out your pre-story character in detail. Keep in mind that your protagonist will grow in some way during your story. For more serious character profilers, here is are two optional, very extensive templates: "Character Interview / Profile Sheet" and "(Another, Very) In-Depth Character Profile" .

I am still working on this one. I filled in what I am able to at this point. This is, as they say, a work in progress. *Smile*

IN-DEPTH CHARACTER PROFILE

1) What makes the protagonist special?

Smitty is special in that he can size someone up as soon as he meets them. He knows when someone is lying. This is because of his excellent observation skills. He notices little things that everyone else misses. He sees things at the crime scene, actually everywhere he goes, that most miss. He notices a person's body language, voice, and reactions are the reason he can size someone up in the first minute or two of meeting them and also knows when they are lying.

2) What makes the protagonist fun?

Smitty enjoys children. He likes to play games with them. The neighborhood kids frequently visit his house to play catch, baseball, or to cookout. Smitty loves to cookout and the neighbor kids love his hamburgers.

3) What makes the protagonist quirky?

While his buddy detectives all wear suits and ties Smitty wears. Sunglasses, white Adidas tennis shoes, white dress shirts that are always neatly pressed, blue jeans with a brown belt. Grey or black suit jacket. No tie. Smitty hates ties. Carries a 9 mm Smith and Wesson.
He's afraid of elevators, always takes the stairs regardless of how many there are. Claustrophobic.

4) What the protagonist is passionate about.

Justice. Above all, Smitty believes in justice for the victim and their family. He wants the bad guys and gals off the streets so they can't harm anyone ever again.

BASIC INFORMATION

Name: Boyd Smith
Sex: Male
Age: 45
Birthplace:
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 145
Eyes: brown/hazel
Hair: Brown almost Black straight hair
Ethnic Background: Scottish
Marital Status: married

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Nickname: Smitty
Religion/Religious Background: Baptist
Education: Masters in Law Enforcement
Children: 1 daughter.
Health:
Physical Condition/Disabilities:
Friends:: Closest friend is his partner, Daryl.
Enemies: Crime/criminals, murderers.
Most Significant Other(s): Cassandra "Cassie"
Pets: 2 Prairie Dogs. Male: female: Haven't decided on their names. He gets these for his daughter sometime in the story.
Reason/meaning behind pet's name:
Languages Spoken: English
Intelligence: Above average.
Sexual Orientation: Heterosexual

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

Face/Eyes/Jaw/Lips/Chin:
Build/Body: Slightly muscular for his age. He works out at home or the gym several days a week. Tanned with a neatly trimmed, slightly greying mustache and beard.
Distinguishing Marks:
Posture: Stands with his hands clasped behind his back when conversing with others.
Hair: Dark brown almost black, cut in a classic men's cut. short, parted on the side
How They Walk: Bold stride. Confident and sure.
Eye Shape/Color: Big round (brown/hazel) eyes with crow's feet forming at the corners.
Favorite Clothing style/outfit: Sunglasses, white Adidas tennis shoes, white dress shirts that are always neatly pressed, blue jeans with a brown belt. Grey or black suit jacket. Carries a 9 mm Smith and Wesson.

FAMILY BACKGROUND

Father:
Profession:
Living/Dead: Living
Mother:
Profession:
Living/Dead: Living
Parents' Marital Status: Married
Brothers:
Sisters:
Home Life/Childhood Experience:
Family Relations:
Family History:

PSYCHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS/CHARACTER TRAITS

Speaking style(fast, talkative, monotone)
Morals:
Ambitions, Aspirations, Desires:
Major Traits:
Minor Traits:
Outstanding Qualities:
Character Flaws/Weaknesses:
Character Strengths: Determination, attention to detail.
Habitual/Favorite Expressions:
Habitual Mannerisms:
Pet Peeves: People who always blame their mistakes on others and people who always complain. People who abuse animals.
Fears, Anxieties, Hangups: Afraid of elevators, always takes the stairs regardless of how many there are. Claustrophobic.
Frustrations:
Complexes:
Temperament:
Emotions:
Attitude Toward Life:
Attitude Toward Death:
Leader/Follower/Dropout: Leader
Most Cherished Beliefs/Values:
Worst Habit:
Highest Hope:
Preoccupations, Worries:
Biggest Source Of Pride: His daughter who is 12 years-old.
Biggest Source Of Shame Or Defeat:
Dialogue:
How They Talk/Speech Patterns (Diction, Tone, Speed, Pitch):
Direct Statement Of Thoughts:
Gestures:
Perception Of Others:
Evaluations Of Others:
Reactions To Others:
Memories, Dreams:
Daily Habits:
Eating Habits (When, What, How):
Favorite Snack: Peanuts, he always has a bag of shelled peanuts in his pocket.
Generosity:
How They Treat People They Dislike:
Self-Value/How They See Themselves:
Personality Type:
Sense Of Humor:
Attitude Toward Religion:
Attitude Toward Politics:
Attitude Toward Money:
Attitude Toward Work:
Feelings Toward Family:
Feelings Toward Friends:
Feelings Toward Enemies:
Secrets:
Philosophy Of Life (In A Phrase):

Oct. 04: Plot: Beginning (Where does your story start?) ▼

Oct. 04: - Plot: Beginning (Where does your story start?)

(1) Describe your protagonist's life in the beginning ("Ordinary World" or "Stasis") of the story. Brainstorm ways you could establish normality through action and dialog to avoid boring your reader.

Smitty lives in a small village with his wife and 12-year-old daughter. His wife has a fatal disease (which I haven't decided what it is. I don't want to use cancer.) and has ups and downs, but they are dealing. His wife is an artist but has had to cut down on her work because of her health.

Smitty is a seasoned detective with the County sheriff's department. He frequently travels to nearby cities when they need assistance with murder cases. He enjoys time with his wife and daughter.

His daughter is in the seventh grade and is an excellent student. She is just now starting to look at the boys. Smitty doesn't like it very much but is trying to give her the benefit of the doubt.

They attend church on Sundays and after church; they cookout, order take-out, or eat in a restaurant.

His wife's parents retired and moved to Florida a few years before. Smitty's father and mother live nearby in Ravenville.

(2) Describe the inciting incident or trigger ("Call to Adventure") that prompts your protagonist(s) to embark on this story's journey (whether literal or metaphorical) and face the conflict. This incident could be large and obvious like death or disaster, or it could be seemingly insignificant, such as an offhand comment by another character.

The inciting incident is when a couple goes to look at a house that is for sale and finds a deceased body in one bed. Smitty and his partner, Daryl, are called in on the case. There are few if any clues at the scene of the crime. He is determined to catch the killer and bring them to justice.

Oct. 05: Plot: Climax (Where is the story going?) ▼

Oct. 05: - Plot: Climax (Where is the story going?)

Where is your story going? Describe the climax, the point at which everything changes, and the tension of the primary conflict is finally resolved. Use the "What If" brainstorming exercise to create a list of possibilities, remembering to consider the growth of / change in your main character(s) as a result of this event. The climax can be as hidden and seemingly tiny as that moment when your character finally makes that decision they've been dreading or avoiding for fifteen chapters, or it can be as huge and obvious as an exploding planet. Sometimes, the climax is a little hard to pin down. Was it the moment Ender won his game? Or was it the moment he realized the moving images on his screen were not a simulation, not the game he thought it was, and that he had just personally wiped out an entire alien race?

Smitty can't believe one of his friends could be so cold-hearted as to shoot someone. He guesses it's because he is infatuated with the victim's wife. Smitty has to listen to his inner voice that says justice has to be done and arresting his friend Lenny is the only outcome.

It was tearing him up inside. He has struggled with trying to ignore his sense of justice, but he just couldn't. Smitty was still trying to get enough evidence on the ex to put her away as well, but since she was hours away, when the murder was committed. Hopefully, Lenny will talk, but Smitty didn't think that would be the case. There wasn't any way at all he would flip on his girlfriend, even though she was willing to throw him under the bus.

Oct. 06: Plot: Rising Action (How does the story get there?) ▼

Oct. 06: - Plot: Rising Action (How does the story get there?)

Review your notes from the "Premise" and "Beginning" plot exercises, and tweak the conflict(s) and inciting incident as needed before proceeding with the "Rising Action" plot exercise, as follows:

(1) Describe any initial refusals on the part of your protagonist(s) to face the conflict.
(2) Describe the moment when your protagonist(s) makes the choice to face the conflict.
(3) Describe the moment when your protagonist(s) crosses the point of no return and cannot change their mind.
(4) Fill in some of the blanks: How will your characters get from the point of no return to the climax?

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(1) Describe any initial refusals on the part of your protagonist(s) to face the conflict.

Smitty is in denial when it comes to his wife's illness. The doctor has told them both that the prognosis is not good and to get things in order because she hasn't got long.
Smitty still believes she is going to get better.

Because of his wife's illness, he doesn't want to get into a deep investigation of a murder. It takes a lot of his time and with his wife's illness and his 12-year-old daughter
he needs to give most of his attention to them.

(2) Describe the moment when your protagonist(s) makes the choice to face the conflict.

He is at the crime scene and the lack of evidence has him intrigued. How did this killer enter the house, shoot the victim, and leave without leaving hardly any clues?
How did the killer get into the house? All of the windows and doors are locked from the inside. Smitty decides he is going to catch this killer and put them away before
they can possibly kill someone else.

(3) Describe the moment when your protagonist(s) crosses the point of no return and cannot change their mind.

Once Smitty decides he is going to solve the crime, there is no turning back. He is on the scene and once that happens it is his case until it is finished.

(4) Fill in some of the blanks: How will your characters get from the point of no return to the climax?

I will work on this more when I do the outline. I am not sure yet.

Oct. 07: Plot Outline, Revision #1 ▼

My outline is a separate posting. "Plot Outline Revision #1"  

Oct 08: Character, Dramatis Personae ▼

Oct. 08: - Character: Dramatis Personae


(1) Identify allies and enemies encountered along the journey and describe how they help or hinder your protagonist(s).

(2) Create a list of characters in a format easy to edit and expand.

(3) Write a brief profile on each character's new character.
Name:
Age:
Occupation:
Relation to the main character(s):
Rough physical description or image (try a Google Image Search or comparable)


Boyd Smith "Smitty"(45), main character, detective
Daryl Onacona(30), Detective
Emily Smith(12), Smitty's daughter
Cassandra "Cassie" Smith (41), Smitty's wife
Dean Lysander (35), (Sergent) Police officer, killer
Linda Asher (27), Receptionist
Sawyer Campbell (32), Victim, Construction company owner
Brenda Campbell (31), victim's future ex, waitress at Judd's Tavern
Aleisha Woodard (29), waitress at Judd's Tavern
Eli Campbell (10), Sawyer and Brenda's son
Cloe Campbell (8), Sawyer and Brenda's daughter
Chad Pierson, (28) Police Officer

Alan Gifford (35), Preacher
Adair Grayson (27), Mortician
Peter Fultan (64), Retired Detective
Clyde Osgood (25), Postal carrier
Avery Carnell (37), Grocery Store Owner
Judd Carlisle (46), Tavern Owner
Renee Carlisle (26), Department Store Clerk, Dianne and Judd Carlisle's daughter.

Oct. 09: CONTEST ROUND: Protagonist Background Story ▼

Oct. 09: - CONTEST ROUND: Protagonist Background Story

Write a story about your protagonist that takes place outside of your novel. Make your readers relate to him or her in such a way that we would be devastated if he or she were to experience conflict (which, ultimately, sometime in November, he/she will.) The object of the contest is to make your judges root for your protagonist! Simply put: the character we like best wins. If your protagonist is a drug dealer or someone similarly ""unlikeable"" (a.k.a, an ""anti-hero""), never fear! I love Vlad Taltos, the professional assassin. You can make us love your character, too.

*Contest Round entries may be any rating. Submit your ITEM or ENTRY number by 1200 noon WDC time on Sunday to compete. WDC time is New York City time and can be found at the top of the IM Console. If you miss this deadline or choose not to compete, you must still log the assignment completely (without linking your work) for the grand prize, per the standard Prep guidelines.

         It was Saturday and like every Saturday, the neighborhood children were playing in his backyard. He loved his Saturdays. He couldn't remember exactly how his Saturdays got started with the neighborhood kids, but it was a regular Saturday event at his house now. Today they were playing horseshoes while he had hamburgers and hot dog dogs on the grill.

         He and Cassie have been married five years today. They didn't have any children of their own, at least not yet. He offered to take her out for their anniversary, but she loved their Saturdays as much as he did.

         He spent his weeks working on mostly petty crimes, even though he was the lead homicide detective. He always thought that was funny, that he was the lead homicide detective when it was just him and his partner, Daryl that worked in homicide. Most of their cases were actually in the nearby town of Clarkston. Ravenville wasn't a hot spot of murders, being a village of about 600 residents.

         Cassie walked over to where Smitty was flipping burgers. "Are they about done?"

         "Looks that way. Tell 'em to come and get 'em."

         "First," Cassie handed Smitty an envelope. "I have a different kind of present for you this year."

         Smitty took the envelope and carefully unsealed it. He couldn't imagine what could be in it other than a card. When he unsealed it he paused before he slid the anniversary card out of the envelope. He read the front and looked at Cassie, smiling.

         "Open it." Smitty noticed she was anxious about just a card.

         Smitty opened the card, and there was a folded piece of paper inside. He set the card down and unfolded the paper. Smitty read what was on it and looked at Cassie, who was smiling.

         "Is this..., are you..., you are pregnant?"

         Cassie giggled, "Yes, I found out Monday and it has been so hard not telling you until now."

         Smitty was overjoyed. "I have been thinking there has been something wrong. That I have made you angry. You have been so quiet."

         She laughed. "So, you are happy with your anniversary gift?"

         "Oh, yes! I couldn't be happier. " He put his arms around cassie and kissed her. "Happy anniversary, mom. Now I can bar-b-que all of those hamburgers for our child and all the neighbor kids." Smitty laughed.

         "I think it's going to be awhile before this one, "Cassie put her hand on her abdomen," is playing horseshoes and eating hamburgers."

OCT. 10: FREE DAY

Oct. 11: Setting: Definitions List. ▼

Oct. 11: - Setting: Definitions List

(1) Create a list of definitions (see below) in a format easy to edit and expand.
(2) Optional: Brainstorm and describe an object critical to the plot. Add to definitions list.

In your definitions list, you'll flesh out details that you'll want to remember later for consistency. You won't have to dig through pages of scribbled notes to find whatever you decided about these definitions - they will all be compiled into a neat list/binder/database/note cards / whatever your favorite form of organization happens to be.

Example definitions for the Harry Potter series:
rules of magic
the Ministry of Magic
modes of transportation (apparition, Floo network, port keys, flying, etc.)
the four Houses at Hogwarts
the sword of Gryffindor (note: this would also make a good plot background story)

Non-speculative examples requiring definitions:
a fictional student organization to which your protagonist belongs
the fictional company or division of the FBI for whom your protagonist works
the disease afflicting your protagonist, which is a real condition you need to research
the antique artifact your protagonist intends to heist

NOTE: You can revise this list at any time, so this revision is not expected to be fully accurate or complete.

Crime Scene Sign-in sheet: A sheet posted at the entrance of the perimeter of the crime scene. Everyone who enters the crime scene must sign their name, date & time, and agency or department. At the bottom there Officer-in-charge has to sign the sheet.

Witness Sheet: A sheet that is filled out for all witnesses and/or possible witnesses. It contains their personal information, including driver's license, auto, and plate number, Spouse, house guests, or others living in the house with them. Their current address and phone number. Occupation, children, and Employer. It also includes, what was seen or heard. Did the witness ID the suspect? The detective/officer logs in the case #, assigned officer's name, Badge#, Homicide#, date of Interview, and interviewing Officer.

Canvass Questionnaire: A form the canvassing officer(s) fill out for each house and/or neighboring business visited. Includes the name, address, employer and address, phone numbers, date of birth, and other residents at the location. Whether they knew of the offense, how did they hear about it and when, what was their relationship to the victim? When was the last date, time, and location they saw the victim? Have they ever visited the crime scene? What knowledge do they have of the crime scene, if any? Was there a typed statement from the witness? The reporting officer's name, unit, date, and time.

Crime Scene Sketch: A sketch of the crime scene including a description of the grid, direction, day, date, and time. Location, Description of where location is at, and the case #. Description of body and a legend of the sketch.

Primary Crime Scene: The point where the investigation begins.

Transfer of Exchange: The theoretical exchange between two objects that have been in contact with each other.

Crime Scene Contaminants: Weather, relatives, neighbors, friends of the victim, suspects or associates that may try to destroy evidence, curious onlookers, souvenir collections, ordinary thieves, or other members of the police agencies and high-ranking officials.

Boundaries of the Crime Scene: The assessment by the officer to determine the boundaries.

Patrol Officer's Checklist

Preliminary Medical Examination at the Scene

Evidence Log: Individual delivering film for processing: name, rank, serial number, etc.), Date and time the film was received for processing, results of development, number of prints requested, location of original negatives, and Identity of the person receiving developed prints, and/or negatives if there is no central storage.

Crime Scene Search: Linkage Concept. To establish a link between various facets of the crime scene, the victim, physical evidence, and suspect(s). The Strip method, spiral method, wheel method, grid method, and zone method of searching.

Oct. 12: General: Theme ▼

Oct. 12: - General: Theme ▼

(1) Theme. What is the theme (see below) or moral of the story?
(2) Resolution. Brainstorm ways you could resolve the conflict(s) within the confines of the theme. You are not required to identify a chosen resolution from your list of possibilities yet, so really think outside the box! Anything goes.

NOTE: This list of universal themes might give you some ideas, but don't let it box you in. Feel free to add your own.

(1) Theme. What is the theme or moral of the story?
         Justice, crime doesn't pay, the importance of family.

(2) Resolution: Brainstorm ways you could resolve the conflict(s) within the confines of the theme. You are not required to identify a chosen resolution from your list of possibilities yet, so really think outside the box! Anything goes.

          The conflict is resolved through Smitty and Daryl's keen observation and investigation. Since this is a mystery I do not want to give away any particulars to how or what is the revealing factor to the case.

Oct. 13: General: Freestyle Brainstorm, World Building or Research ▼

Oct. 13: - General: Freestyle Brainstorm, World Building or Research

Spend at least fifteen minutes clarifying things through "What If" brainstorming, mind mapping (see resources at the bottom of the calendar), freestyle writing, lists, drawings, or research as follows:
World-Building: For fantasy, science fiction, or other speculative fiction, develop the history, geology, ecology, and/or maps for your world.
Research: For reality-based fiction, research aspects of your novel that will lend credibility to your writing.

You may also choose to use this time to finish a previous assignment that needs more time.

This assignment I wish to keep private. I have spent a lot of time on it. I have created a complete village and populated it with characters, businesses, street names, and topology. I am not willing to put out there at this point.

Oct. 14: Plot: Outline Revision #2 ▼

Oct. 14: - Plot: Outline Revision #2

(1) Review your plot elements thus far and organize them into your outline.
(2) Add a chronological timeline to your revised outline, using whatever measure of time is appropriate in your story. Determine when plot events happen in time (which is not necessarily when you will reveal them in your novel.) See this example composed by JK Rowling while outlining one of her famous Harry Potter novels.
(3) Optional: Brainstorm the best chronology(ies) for your story and work it(them) into your outline.

Chronology Strategies
Linear Narrative - the story is told in the order the events occurred.
Non-Linear Narrative - the story is told out of order.
Reverse Chronology - the story is told backward.
In media res - the story starts in the middle, goes back to explain how it got there, catches up, and then resolves.
Flashback/forward - individual scene(s) that take place prior to or after the current action.

Note that the difference between these chronological devices can be minute. Read the examples below to see how most stories use more than one style of chronology. Your job is to plan the order in which you will tell your story to the reader. Don't get hung up in the nomenclature.

My outline is in a separate post. "Plot Outline Revision #2 "  

Oct. 15: Character: Antagonist Profile ▼

Draft a profile of the antagonist(s) you identified in the ""Premise"" assignment. If your antagonist is a situation rather than a person, choose another minor (but significant) character to profile.

Further clarification:
Newsletter Article: ""When The Bad Guy Isn't a Person""
"ANTAGONIST (Re: A LOT of confusing things)"

IN-DEPTH CHARACTER PROFILE

BASIC INFORMATION

Name: Dean Lysander
Sex: Male
Age: 35
Birthplace:
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 160
Eyes: green
Hair: Bald
Ethnic Background: English/American
Marital Status: Single, never married.

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Nickname: "lice" He hates this nickname. He has had it since grade school.
Religion/Religious Background: Athiest
Education: Police Academy, Associates in Business Management and Law Enforcement.
Children: 1 illegitimate son that no one knows about.
Health:
Physical Condition/Disabilities:
Friends: Detective Boyd Smith,
Enemies:
Most Significant Other(s):
Pets: .
Reason/meaning behind pet's name(s):
Languages Spoken: English
Intelligence: Average.
Sexual Orientation: Heterosexual

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

Face/Eyes/Jaw/Lips/Chin: Clean Shaven
Build/Body: Slightly muscular. Jogs daily.
Distinguishing Marks:
Posture: stiff.
Hair: Bald, before he lost his hair it was blondish brown.
How They Walk:
Eye Shape/Color: round green eyes short lashes.
Favorite Clothing style/outfit: When on the job, suit and tie, dress shoes. Off the job, blue jeans, tee-shirt, and tennis shoes.

FAMILY BACKGROUND

Father:
Profession:
Living/Dead:
Mother:
Profession:
Living/Dead:
Parents' Marital Status: Married
Brothers:
Sisters:
HomeLife/Childhood Experience:
Family Relations:
Family History:

PSYCHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS/CHARACTER TRAITS

Speaking style(fast, talkative, monotone): Booming voice, talkative
Morals:
Ambitions, Aspirations, Desires: To make a lot of money. He aspires to be "famous" in his little corner of the world. He intends to retire rich.
Major Traits:
Minor Traits:
Outstanding Qualities:
Character Flaws/Weaknesses:
Character Strengths: Determination.
Habitual/Favorite Expressions:
Habitual Mannerisms:
Pet Peeves: People who are nosey. He doesn't like anyone prying into his business. He hates being called "lys" or "lice."
Fears, Anxieties, Hangups: His biggest fear is failure.
Frustrations:
Complexes:
Temperament: Seems to be easy going and friendly but underneath the calm and cool exterior there is a volcano of anger when set off.
Emotions:
Attitude Toward Life:
Attitude Toward Death:
Leader/Follower/Dropout: Leader
Most Cherished Beliefs/Values:
Worst Habit:
Highest Hope:
Preoccupations, Worries:
Biggest Source Of Pride: .
Biggest Source Of Shame Or Defeat:
Dialogue:
How They Talk/Speech Patterns (Diction, Tone, Speed, Pitch):
Direct Statement Of Thoughts:
Gestures:
Perception Of Others:
Evaluations Of Others:
Reactions To Others:
Memories, Dreams:
Daily Habits:
Eating Habits (When, What, How):
Favorite Snack:
Generosity: He is generous only when he believes there is something in it for him.
How They Treat People They Dislike:
Self-Value/How They See Themselves:
Personality Type:
Sense Of Humor:
Attitude Toward Religion: Athiest
Attitude Toward Politics:
Attitude Toward Money The more the better. He is always looking for ways to make more and a lot of money fast.
Attitude Toward Work:
Feelings Toward Family:
Feelings Toward Friends:
Feelings Toward Enemies:
Secrets: He sells cocaine. He has an illegitimate child
Philosophy Of Life (In A Phrase):

1) Give the character something that makes him/her special.

2) Give the character something that makes him/her fun.

3) Give the character something that makes him/her quirky.


4) Give the character something he/she’s passionate about.
Making a lot of money, the easiest and fastest way possible.

OCT. 16: CONTEST ROUND: Antagonist Background Story

OCT. 17: FREE DAY

Oct. 18: Setting: Cultural Setting ▼

Oct 18: Setting: Cultural Setting.

Describe the cultural, political, and/or religious setting in your novel, regardless of whether the cultural setting is fictional, historical, or modern.

(1) What do your societies believe?
(2) In what practices do they engage?
(3) What laws or rules of society are in place?
(4) Who/what enforces the laws and rules and how successful are they?
(5) What technologies are in use?
(6) How does the setting impact your protagonist(s) in their pre-story lives?
(7) How does the setting impact the plot of your story?

         Ravenville is a small village located in <undecided on state> with a population of about 600. It is located on a major riverway/lake. It is surrounded by woodlands and is fairly isolated, even though there is one major highway that runs through the town.

         The village is self-sufficient as far as having everything they need available within the village limits. There is a grocery store, barber/salon, doctor (medical clinic), small hospital, police station, fire station, city hall, veterinarian, postal service, schools, cemetery, church, funeral home and mortician, small engine repair, auto repair, a small motel, Bed and Breakfast, bookstore, Bank, (weekly) newspaper, pharmacy, dentist, library, hardware store, and department store. They also have a tavern and two mom & pop restaurants /coffee shops. Ed Mason has an antique shop, there is Baxter's Bakery and Barrett's Farm Equipment and Supplies. One gas station, car wash, and laundromat. At the far end of town, there is a trailer park and a Storage Unit building. On the opposite side of the river are 7-10 very expensive homes. There are two family farms and a garbage dump and Grady's salvage yard. There is also a small airport with small Cessna and crop-dusting planes.

         Everyone knows everyone else. This makes any major crime that may happen are personal for the employees in the local police department. Most crimes are minor with the occasional murder. Most murders happen in the nearby town of Clarkston and the local police department assists in the cases when needed. There are the occasional crimes committed by visitors who pass through and may stay overnight in the local Bed and Breakfast or the Motel.

Oct. 19: Plot: Complications ▼

Oct. 19: Plot: Complications.

Complications. Identify additional things that could go wrong for your protagonist. You are not required to resolve any problems yet, just create them. Remember: The more hardships your main character faces, the more readers will cheer them on, and the more engaged and invested the reader will be in your story. Brainstorm a list of problems you could throw at your protagonist(s) throughout the story, using "What If," mind-mapping (see the resources at the bottom of the calendar), freestyle writing, or any other form of brainstorming you prefer. Hint: Other characters are a great source of realistic strife since characters often are driven by conflicting motivations.

1. Smitty's wife's health takes a turn for the worse.
2. Smitty's wife passes away.
3. Smitty's daughter's grades are starting to suffer.
4. Smitty finds out his long-time friend and Sargent, Dean is selling cocaine.
5. Smitty needs to find a live-in maid since his wife's illness has taken a turn for the worse. He needs help with his daughter, Emily.
6. Smitty finds out Sargent Dean Lysander has been having a secret affair with the victim's future ex.
7. The murder weapon is listed as being in evidence from another crime but it is no longer in the evidence room.
8. Smitty's daughter has to start counseling because her mother's passing is affecting her grades and behavior/mood.

Oct. 20: Plot: Literary Devices ▼

Oct. 20: Plot: Literary Devices

(1) Brainstorm possible solutions to your conflict and complications using the list of literary devices below or your own ideas.
(2) Identify a mentor or helper who aids the protagonist(s) in achieving their goals.
(3) Identify any other literary devices from the list you could use to enhance your writing.

Literary Devices List
Foreshadowing: Hints of something to come.
Chekhov's Gun: The gun on the wall in Scene 1 is eventually fired.
Repetitive Designation: An object or fact appears over and over.
Symbolism: Small facts, objects, or characterizations represent something bigger.
Self-fulfilling prophecy: Protagonist attempts to thwart prophecy but in attempting, fulfills it.
Poetic Justice: Good guys are rewarded and bad guys are punished.
Plot Twist: Surprises the reader with something unexpected.
False Protagonist: The protagonist dies or turns out to be something other than the protagonist.
Red Herring: A false trail diverts the reader's attention from what really happened.
Unreliable Narrator: The narrator has been misleading the reader all along.
Irony: The exact opposite of what the reader expects happens.
Reveal: A hidden connection between characters or facts is revealed in time.
Plot Device: Advances the plot forward, often pushing the main character past a hurdle.
Object of Power: Either the protagonist wants it, or the object drives the plot of its own accord.
MacGuffin: Something the protagonist wants for unknown and unimportant reasons.
Quibble: Following the letter of the law, contract, or agreement instead of its intent, changing the outcome.
Narrative Hook: Story opening that grab's the reader's attention.
Cliffhanger: Ending a scene, chapter or story in the middle of action, hooking the reader.
Ticking Clock Scenario: The threat of impending doom if the protagonist's objective is not met.
Breaking the Fourth Wall: A character speaks directly to the reader.
Or anything from this list: http://literary-devices.com/

(1) Brainstorm possible solutions to your conflict and complications using the list of literary devices below or your own ideas.

Narrative Hook: Story opening that grab's the reader's attention.
Smitty and his partner, Daryl, get a call that a body has been found deceased.

Plot Twist: Surprises the reader with something unexpected.
1. Smitty's wife's health takes a turn for the worse.
2. Smitty's wife passes away.
3. Smitty's daughter's grades are starting to suffer.
4. Smitty finds out his long-time friend and Sargent, Dean is selling cocaine.
5. Smitty needs to find a live-in maid since his wife's illness has taken a turn for the worse. He needs help with his daughter, Emily.
6. Smitty finds out Sargent Dean Lysander has been having a secret affair with the victim's future ex.
7. The murder weapon is listed as being in evidence from another crime but it is no longer in the evidence room.
8. Smitty's daughter has to start counseling because her mother's passing is affecting her grades and behavior/mood.

Poetic Justice: Good guys are rewarded and bad guys are punished.
Smitty and Daryl are recognized for revealing the Captain's drug business and murder of the victim. The murderer turns on the victim's ex and testifies she was the one who wanted the victim dead.

Reveal: A hidden connection between characters or facts is revealed in time.

1. The Captain, Dean, is found to be having a secret affair with the victim's future ex.
2. Dean is revealed to be selling cocaine.
3. Dean is found to be the one who removed the murder weapon from the evidence room.


(2) Identify a mentor or helper who aids the protagonist(s) in achieving their goals.

Smitty is friends with Peter Fultan, who is the retired Police Captain. Smitty visits Peter frequently. When Smitty needs a bit of insight he leans on Peter.
Smitty's partner is Daryl Onacona. They are close friends as well.

(3) Identify any other literary devices from the list you could use to enhance your writing.

Cliffhanger: Ending a scene, chapter or story in the middle of action, hooking the reader.
Red Herring: A false trail diverts the reader's attention from what really happened.

Oct. 21: Plot: Outline Revision #3 ▼

"Plot Outline Revision #3"  

Oct. 22: Setting: Settings List ▼

Oct. 22: - Setting: Settings List

(1) Create a list of settings in a format easy to edit and expand.
(2) Add brief descriptions, drawings, images, or Google Maps coordinates (find the location on Google Maps/Earth and record the URL) for each.

NOTE: You can revise this list at any time, so this revision is not expected to be fully accurate or complete.

(1) Ravenville police department
(2) Detective Boyd Smith's home
(3) Ravenville Elementary School
(4) Judd's Tavern
(5) Victim's Home
(6) Ravenville Hospital
(7) Barb Channing's Coffee Shop
(8) Victim's future Ex's home
(9) Daryl's home.
(10)

Oct. 23: CONTEST ROUND: Setting Description. ▼

Oct. 23: - CONTEST ROUND: Setting Description.

Describe a setting in words. Use all five senses and make your reader experience the setting as if he or she were there.

*Contest Round entries may be any rating. Submit your ITEM or ENTRY number by 1200 noon WDC time on Sunday to compete. WDC time is New York City time and can be found at the top of the IM Console. If you miss this deadline or choose not to compete, you must still log the assignment complete (without linking your work) for the grand prize, per the standard Prep guidelines.
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         Ravenville police force comprised the Captain, Dean Lysander, two homicide detectives, 2 officers, and a receptionist/secretary/dispatch person. Homicide detectives Boyd Smith, better known as Smitty, and his partner Daryl, had few homicides in the small village, so they took care of the mundane cases in town, helping out the two officers, Ed Monroe and Chad Pierson. The judge, John Peterson, also had his office in the police station. The court was located in the back of the Ravenville Town Hall building which was on the other side of Kincaid street.

         Dean has been the Captain for six years. He took over when Peter Fulton retired. Captain Fulton wanted Smitty to take the position, but Smitty didn't want to be tied down to a desk all day. He enjoyed being able to cruise the town, solve cases, and occasionally, he and Daryl went into Clarkston to assist in a murder case or two.

         The Ravenville police station wasn't very large. As soon as you walk in you could see the receptionist, Linda Asher, either answering the phone, typing on her computer, or dispatching an officer. Linda always kept the wax melts going. When you opened the door, the smell of peppermint was overwhelming. You got used to it after a few minutes, but the initial scent that drifted out when the door was opened was quite strong. She used to have lilac-scented wax, but the Captain said to pick a different scent. He despised the smell of lilacs. So, there is peppermint instead. She sat behind a long counter that spanned the left side of the room. There is a lunchroom on the left of her desk. She always had the coffee pot going, and that mingled in with the smell of peppermint. If you can imagine smelling peppermint and coffee together.

         As you walk into the station directly to the right is a waiting area. It was usually empty, but that is a good thing because they didn't design it for comfort. The chairs were the hard metal folding chairs. There were six or seven lined up across the sidewall facing Linda's desk area. There weren't any reading materials, plants, or pictures. It was as plain as plain can be. I suppose they didn't want anyone hanging around is the reason they didn't decorate or upgrade the waiting area.

         Straight ahead as you walked in there was a door that led to a small hallway where there were five offices. As soon as you walk into the hallway, the temperature drops what feels like a full ten degrees. In the summer, the air conditioning always keeps the back offices too cold while the front reception area is comfortable. One belonged to the Captain, one was Smitty and Daryl's, another belonged to officers Monroe and Pierson, and one office belonged to the Judge. The last office was vacant. It is used mostly for storage.

         At the end of the hallway was a steel door with a keypad. This led to the jail. They only had ten cells and no one can remember when if ever all ten were filled. Heck, no one could remember five of them being filled at one time. The most they have ever had jailed at once is two perpetrators.

OCT. 24: FREE DAY

Oct. 25 : General: Market Definition and Narrative Voice Synopsis ▼

Oct. 25 : General: Market Definition and Narrative Voice Synopsis

(1) Identify your story type from this list of story types or define it with your own nomenclature.
Mystery

(2) Describe your target audience. Identify a demographic profile of your ideal reader (try using your character profile template!) Explain in detail what aspects of your novel will appeal to this particular audience and why. Please read this blog post to understand the importance of marketing, and why targeting "mass appeal" or "all readers" isn't good enough: "Building Your Brand"

Target audience is 13+.who enjoy solving puzzles or mysteries, detective stories

(3) Write a synopsis of your novel using the same narrative voice you will use to tell the story.

Smitty who is a seasoned homicide detective lives in a quiet village of around 600 residents. He mostly takes cases from the nearby town, Clarkston. He lives with his wife, Cassie, and their 12-year-old daughter, Emily. Smitty gets a call from his partner, Daryl, who tells him they have a deceased body. A couple looking to buy a small cottage on the lake were touring one that is for sale when they discover the owner dead in bed. It is obvious he has been shot while sleeping. There are very few clues left at the scene of the crime.

Oct. 26: Character: Minor Character Profiles ▼

{xlink https://www.writing.com/main/view_item/item_id/2259987-Oct-26-Minor-Character-Pr...} Outline - Revision #4 with characters added to each chapter or scene.

Oct. 27: General: Freestyle Brainstorm, World Building or Research ▼

World building: Again, this is part of my prep/novel I wish to keep private at this time.
Research: Still deciding on Cassie's illness. I am leaning toward kidney failure.

Oct. 28: Character: Protagonist Interview ▼

Oct. 28: - Character: Protagonist Interview

You are a journalist. The story of your novel is complete. Interview your protagonist and ask the following questions:


(1) How is life for you now, compared to life prior to these events?
I miss my wife, Cassie. My daughter Emily is doing better. Her grades are still aren't as high as before all of this but they are getting better. We are both going to therapy so we can deal with Cassie's passing. I am devasted that I had to arrest my friend and captain for murder but it had to be done. We still have our Saturday cookouts with the neighborhood kids, some things are just important and that is one of them.


(2) How did the events of your story change you?
Losing my wife has been devastating. I am having to take care of my 12-year-old daughter, Emily without her mother. Fortunately, I was able to find a live-in maid/sitter. I know Emily is twelve but I don't want her unsupervised. In my experience as a detective, that is when children get into trouble. She also needs to always have clean clothes and good meals. I can't always do that with my job.

The therapy for Emily and myself has been a big help. Emily says she feels better after each session. I know it helps me with the loss of Cassie.

My trust has been shaken since one of my long-time friends and boss has murdered someone. I don't look at people the same. I always believed my trust for the "good-guy" was right on but I am not sure anymore who I can fully trust and who not to trust. That is something else that I am working on in therapy.

Oct. 29: Plot: Premise Revision. (last edit: 10/13 ▼

Oct. 29: - Plot: Premise Revision

Now that you have spent a month planning your novel, revise your initial premise. Identify the following:
(1) Setting(s). Where does your story take place?
(2) Protagonist(s). Who is(are) your main character(s)?
(2b) Flaw(s). What is(are) the protagonist's major flaw(s)?
(2c) Goal(s). What does(d) the protagonist(s) want (or want to avoid)?
(3) Conflict(s). What's keeping them from their goal(s)?
(4) Antagonist(s). Who or what is creating the conflict(s)?
(5) Resolution. How does it all turn out in the end?
(6) Theme: What is the theme or moral of the story?
(7) Outline: Update your outline as needed.

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(1) Setting(s). Where does your story take place?
The crime is committed in a small village named Ravenwood. It is situated on a lake (unnamed at this point). There are summer cottages located on the lake. There is a community dock where residents dock their boats in the summer. Most of the cottages are vacant during the winter since these are summer cottages.

(2) Protagonist(s). Who is(are) your main character(s)?
Detective Smitty is 45 years old. He is a seasoned homicide detective who has claustrophobia and refuses to take the elevator. He will take the stairs regardless of how many there are before getting in an elevator. He loves children and the neighborhood kids love to hang out with him in his yard playing baseball, catch, or cooking out hamburgers.

(2b) Flaw(s). What is(are) the protagonist's major flaw(s)?
Smitty smokes too much. He can be too trusting sometimes.

(2c) Goal(s). What does(d) the protagonist(s) want (or want to avoid)?
He wants to solve the murder case. He wants justice for the victim and the victim's family and friends. He wants his wife to be healthy.

(3) Conflict(s). What's keeping them from their goal(s)?
There are very few if any clues at the crime scene. The main suspect was miles away from the crime scene and wouldn't have been able to commit the crime. Cassie has Chronic kidney failure. The only hope is a kidney transplant which isn't likely.

(4) Antagonist(s). Who or what is creating the conflict(s)?
The killer Is creating false leads so that he won't get caught.
Smitty's wife's health is a conflict for him.
Smitty's daughter is having trouble dealing with her mother's health and demise.

Just for fun: Write a provocative one-sentence description of your story.
Detective Boyd Smith is brought in on a murder case where there are no real clues or suspects.

Oct. 30: CONTEST ROUND: Plot Background Story