Scenes - Scene Setting, Who, another Example

31 December 2012, Scenes - Scene Setting, Who, another Example

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here are my rules of writing:

1. Entertain your readers.
2. Don't confuse your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.

A scene outline is a means of writing a novel where each scene follows the other with a scene input from the previous scene and a scene output that leads to the next scene. The scenes don't necessarily have to follow directly in time and place, however they generally follow the storyline of the protagonist.

A storyline outline is a means of writing a novel where the author develops a scene outline for more than one character and bases the plot on one or more of these storyline scenes. This allows the scenes to focus on more than the protagonist. This is a very difficult means of writing. There is a strong chance of confusing your readers.

Whether you write with a scene outline or a storyline outline, you must properly develop your scenes. All novels are developed from scenes and each scene has a design similar to a novel. Every successful novel has the following basic parts:

1. The beginning
2. The rising action
3. The Climax
4. The falling action
5. The dénouement

Every scene has these parts:

1. The setting (where, what, who, when, how)
2. The connection (input)
3. The tension development
4. The release
5. The output

There are lots of approaches to scene setting. That means there are about a million plus ways you can set a scene. The main point is you have to clearly get across the where, when, who, what, and how.

Here is another example of scene setting from the novel, Aksinya.  Here is the beginning of the next chapter in Aksinya.  This gives an example of the entire scene setting.
 

Natalya woke Aksinya in the early morning.  She served her tea, dressed her in the uniform of Sacré Coeur, and arranged her hair.  Aksinya fit very primly into her clothing.  The severe uniform of Sacré Coeur didn’t improve her figure at all.  The cut made her look more boyish than usual.  Her hair simply turned her features from those of a maiden to those of a lovely boy.  Natalya carefully steered her away from the mirrors in their room and bath.  Natalya, on the other hand, appeared like an especially proper and beautiful young woman.  Her figure was very evident even in the unflattering uniform.  Natalya put on her baggy sweater to cover her curves—she hoped Aksinya wouldn’t notice. 

They went down together for breakfast and more tea.  Aksinya was very fond of tea, especially the tea Natalya made for her.  They sat together and no one dared to sit with them.  After breakfast, everyone marched to chapel in the church.  They went through the dormitory to the second floor and entered the nave from the back of the choir.  The moment Aksinya stepped through the door, she felt a pain in the pit of her stomach.  Natalya took Aksinya’s arm when she faltered and helped her to her seat near the back at the main floor.
In their seats, Natalya put her hand on Aksinya’s forehead, “Mistress, you are pale.  Are you well?”
Aksinya bent over a little, “I just feel a little ill.  I’ll be all right.”
Natalya bit her lip.  She steadied Aksinya when they stood and when they knelt.  The entire time, Aksinya clasped her arms across her chest and couldn’t raise her head.  Natalya held the prayer book for her.  Aksinya seemed to get worse as the service progressed.  She mumbled in Latin, a counterpoint to the priest, but luckily in a throaty whisper that only Natalya could hear.  When the bells announced communion, Aksinya gave a groan.  Natalya put her arm around her.  No one else seemed to notice, or they carefully ignored the two.  Natalya and Aksinya didn’t take communion.  Aksinya was happy they couldn’t.  The very thought made her nauseous.  At the blessing, Aksinya slipped out of her seat and hurried to the side door up and out through the choir.  Natalya followed behind her.

I added a little more than the setting to let you see the entire setting at the beginning of the scene.  The important point of the character setting is the clothing and appearance of the main characters Aksinya and Natalya.  The description of these characters as part of the setting is critical.  This is something you should learn in writing, when you set your scenes, don't forget that it isn't enough to simply say "Aksinya is here."  The power of scene setting is the ability to newly describe your characters.  This gives you the ability to put them in new clothing or change their hair, makeup, etc.  This is the way an author keeps character description and their characters fresh.

More tomorrow.
My Notes: once you have a theme, you need to begin to visualize your plot, focus your theme, and define your characters. More tomorrow.

I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com, www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Scenes - Scene Setting, Who, Introduction Example

30 December 2012, Scenes - Scene Setting, Who, Introduction Example

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here are my rules of writing:

1. Entertain your readers.
2. Don't confuse your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.

A scene outline is a means of writing a novel where each scene follows the other with a scene input from the previous scene and a scene output that leads to the next scene. The scenes don't necessarily have to follow directly in time and place, however they generally follow the storyline of the protagonist.

A storyline outline is a means of writing a novel where the author develops a scene outline for more than one character and bases the plot on one or more of these storyline scenes. This allows the scenes to focus on more than the protagonist. This is a very difficult means of writing. There is a strong chance of confusing your readers.

Whether you write with a scene outline or a storyline outline, you must properly develop your scenes. All novels are developed from scenes and each scene has a design similar to a novel. Every successful novel has the following basic parts:

1. The beginning
2. The rising action
3. The Climax
4. The falling action
5. The dénouement

Every scene has these parts:

1. The setting (where, what, who, when, how)
2. The connection (input)
3. The tension development
4. The release
5. The output

There are lots of approaches to scene setting. That means there are about a million plus ways you can set a scene. The main point is you have to clearly get across the where, when, who, what, and how.

Here is another example of scene setting from the novel, Aksinya.  This is the following portion of the scene in the dining room of the school.  In this scene, we get an introduction of Aksinya and Natalya and of some of the girls around their table.  The point of this example is to show how to accomplish character introductions and how to set characters in the middle of a scene.

 

      Under the eyes of the whole room, the Reverend Mother made her way back to the head table.  She stood in front of her chair and raised her arms, “Ladies, may I have your attention.  Today, we accepted two new students to Sacré Coeur.  They are very special students.  May I introduce to you the Countess Aksinya Andreiovna Golitsyna.  She is the niece of the Freiherr and Freifrau Bockmann.  Freifrau Bockmann is an alumna of Sacré Coeur.  The Countess is sitting at the older scholar’s table.  Please make her welcome when you have the opportunity.  Accompanying the countess is her lady-in-waiting, the Lady Natalya Alexandrovna Obolenska.  The Lady Natalya is not used to our informality.  She is very uncomfortable with our egalitarian ways.  Please help her to become familiar with our community.  She doesn’t speak German, so you must use your French to good effect.”

      Aksinya explained the Reverend Mother’s words to Natalya.  Natalya colored and again hid her face.
      The Reverend Mother said a prayer and everyone crossed themselves.  Then she sat in her high backed chair and the novice sisters began to serve the meal. 
      Around Aksinya and Natalya’s table sat seven other young women who were from sixteen to twenty-one years old plus an elderly nun.  The sister watched Aksinya and Natalya with as rapped an expression as the girls.
      After the soup was served, one of the older girls asked in French, “Are you really a Countess?”
      Natalya almost leaped out of her chair, “What do you mean asking such a question?  My mistress is the Countess Golitsyna.”
      Aksinya pulled Natalya back into her seat, “I am the Countess Aksinya Andreiovna Golitsyna.  You may call me Aksinya if you wish.  This is the Lady Natalya Alexandrovna Obolenska.  I insist you address her as the Lady Natalya.  She is my friend and confidant.  She is also the daughter of a Prince.”
      Natalya sucked her lip and stared back at Aksinya, “And the Countess is the daughter of a Princess and a Count.  She…she…rescued me.”
      “Hush, Lady Natalya.”
      When the fish course arrived, Natalya served Aksinya then Aksinya served Natalya.  Natalya tried to protest and attempted to stop Aksinya, but Aksinya would have none of it.  Natalya covered her face with her hands.  The rest of the girls gaped at them.  Finally, the girl who spoke before asked, “Lady Natalya what’s wrong?”
      Natalya spoke through her tears, “I serve her.  That is my purpose.  That’s what a lady-in-waiting is supposed to do.”
      “Ha,” exclaimed Aksinya, “Now you serve me by eating with me.  I do wish you would converse with us all.  I’m certain your input would be very pleasant.”
      Natalya glanced between her fingers, “Do you really think so?”
      “Of course I do.”
      Natalya took a deep breath.  She slowly lowered her hands.  She picked up her fish knife and the proper fork.  She began to eat her meal.
      Aksinya smiled.
      The girls around the table smiled. 
The sister smiled.
The older girl who spoke already to them introduced herself, “I am Anna Pfaff.” Anna had a round and gentle face.  A sweet smile pleasantly filled her features.  Her hair was blond.  Fraulein Pfaff continued, “Since the Lady Natalya doesn’t speak German, what country is she from?”
Aksinya grinned, “Is my German that good.  You didn’t ask what country I am from.”
One of the other girls rolled her eyes, “Anna, are you so slow?  They are Russian.  That’s obvious from their names.  I’m Diedre Vogt.  You are both Russian, aren’t you?  You escaped from the civil war?”  Diedre Vogt wore an immaculate uniform.  Her short coat and blouse looked as if they had been pressed just moments before dinner.  Her long dark brown hair was brushed to perfection, and her face was beautiful and slender.
Aksinya and Natalya nodded.
Diedre pressed her hands together, “That’s so romantic.  Where is your family?”
Lady Natalya came out of her seat again.  Aksinya didn’t stop her this time, “That is not a subject that may be discussed.”
Diedre almost fell out of her chair, “I’m sorry.  I do apologize.  I understand.”
Aksinya’s voice was a little tense, “There is no reason to apologize.  My parents, brother, and sister were murdered on the front lawn of our estate.  Only I escaped.  That is why I am the Countess Golitsyna.  The situation is equally difficult for the Lady Natalya.  You would be the best of friends not to mention it a second time.”
The table immediately became quiet again.

This example shows that character setting is not just for the beginning of a scene, but you knew that.  In every scene, the setting of the where, when, and who may change--the point is to make certain you don't neglect the description and introduction of any of these critical characteristics.  In this scene, we have the introduction of some new characters and their descriptions.  We also have the introduction of Aksinya and Natalya.  Additionally, the readers learn some new information about Natalya through her actions.  All of these are important to the character setting.

More tomorrow.

My Notes: once you have a theme, you need to begin to visualize your plot, focus your theme, and define your characters. More tomorrow.

I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com, www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Scenes - Scene Setting, Showing, Example

29 December 2012, Scenes - Scene Setting, Showing, Example

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here are my rules of writing:

1. Entertain your readers.
2. Don't confuse your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.

A scene outline is a means of writing a novel where each scene follows the other with a scene input from the previous scene and a scene output that leads to the next scene. The scenes don't necessarily have to follow directly in time and place, however they generally follow the storyline of the protagonist.

A storyline outline is a means of writing a novel where the author develops a scene outline for more than one character and bases the plot on one or more of these storyline scenes. This allows the scenes to focus on more than the protagonist. This is a very difficult means of writing. There is a strong chance of confusing your readers.

Whether you write with a scene outline or a storyline outline, you must properly develop your scenes. All novels are developed from scenes and each scene has a design similar to a novel. Every successful novel has the following basic parts:

1. The beginning
2. The rising action
3. The Climax
4. The falling action
5. The dénouement

Every scene has these parts:

1. The setting (where, what, who, when, how)
2. The connection (input)
3. The tension development
4. The release
5. The output

There are lots of approaches to scene setting. That means there are about a million plus ways you can set a scene. The main point is you have to clearly get across the where, when, who, what, and how.

Here is another example of scene setting from the novel, Aksinya.  This isn't so much scene setting as the what of a scene.  I wanted to put it in because this is a fun scene and demonstrates the power of the use of conversation and description in such a way to build tension and resolution as well as to move a scene.  This is all about social position and sitting in an aristocratic environment.

The Reverend Mother led Aksinya and Natalya to the first table in the room.  This was the only one that wasn’t round.  The head table was rectangular and at the center was a high backed chair carved with a cross and the emblem of Sacré Coeur.  The Reverend Mother stepped behind the table and motioned Aksinya and Natalya to follow her.  She pulled out the high backed chair and pointed to the two seats at the end of the table, “I would like you ladies to sit there, please.”
Aksinya curtsied, “I’m sorry, Reverend Mother, we will not take the first place.  That would not be appropriate for students.  Please seat us at a lower table.  Since we are new, it would be most appropriate to seat us at the lowest tables.”
Frau Drescher was aghast, “The Reverend Mother wishes to honor you.”
Aksinya didn’t blink, “But I don’t want to be honored in that fashion.”
The Reverend Mother put up her hand.  She motioned to one of the novices behind the head table, “Sister Rita, please seat the Countess Golitsyna and the Lady Obolenska at the older scholar’s table.”
Novice Sister Rita’s eyes opened wide.  She stared at Aksinya, “Countess?”
“Yes, Countess.  I want you to take care of them yourself, Sister Rita.”
The novice sister curtsied to the floor.  She couldn’t take her eyes off Aksinya and Natalya.  She led them to the round table just below the head table and tried to seat them.
Aksinya sat and Natalya stood behind her chair.  The novice sister stared at Natalya, “Lady, you should sit.  That’s what the Reverend Mother instructed me.” 
Natalya shook her head. 
Aksinya spoke to the novice sister in German, “She doesn’t understand German.”
Novice Sister Rita pulled out the chair beside Aksinya, “Please lady, sit here.  Countess, you tell her.”  She glanced nervously at the head table. 
All this time, the other students entered the dining room.  They sat in their places and gawked at the odd scene at the older scholar’s table.  The young women who sat at that table came in and took their places.  They stared at Aksinya and Natalya.  Natalya still obstinately stood behind Aksinya’s seat. 
Sister Rita ran over to the head table and whispered to the Reverend Mother.  The Reverend Mother slowly stood and stepped over to the older scholar’s table.  She took everything in a glance and spoke in French, “Please Lady Natalya, sit at the table.  It is necessary for the good order of the school.”
Natalya cocked her head toward the Reverend Mother, “For the good order, Reverend Mother?”
Aksinya laughed, “Yes, Lady Natalya.  I told you already.  You must sit.”
Natalya frowned and appeared as if she was about to cry.  She complained, “But why isn’t it good order to wait on my mistress?”
The Reverend Mother pressed her lips together and seemed completely reluctant to say what she knew she must say.  The other young women around the table strained to hear the Reverend Mother’s words.
Finally, the Reverend Mother opened her mouth, “Please, Lady Natalya.  Because of your social position, most of the ladies in this room should serve you.  You must sit and eat with us otherwise the good order of our school will be in question.”
Lady Natalya’s mouth fell open.  The other young women at the table mouths’ hung open.  Tears formed in Lady Natalya’s eyes but she quickly and with embarrassment fell into the seat beside Aksinya.  Aksinya put her arms around Natalya and held her close.  The girl was obviously crying.  The Reverend Mother moved to her and put her arms around the both of them.  She clucked soft sounds under her breath, “Please don’t be sad Lady Natalya.  You may serve your lady all you desire, but you must eat at table with her.”
Natalya let out a great wail, “But I have never sat at table with her before.  I have never sought to put myself above her.  Never.”
Aksinya whispered in Russian, “Silly, we sat together like sisters and ate together like friends during our whole trip here.  Please act like the great lady you are, Lady Natalya.”
At that word, Natalya sat upright.  She covered her face with her napkin for a moment then sighed and laid it in her lap.
Aksinya smiled.  The Reverend Mother smiled, “That’s much more pleasant, Lady Natalya.  Thank you.”

Every scene should turn on tension and release.  This scene is filled with great tension and release.  The example I gave you is just one small part of the overall scene.  The tension and release here is not monumental--it is purposeful and of great importance to the novel.  It shows the position of Aksinya and Natalya in relation to the other girls in the school.  It displays Natalya's resolve and Aksinya's power.  It is entertaining and entertaining is the most important thing in any writing.  It also sets up the next portion of the scene which includes character setting.  That's the main reason I wanted you to see it--both for the tension and release and for the set up for the next character setting example.

Make certain your writing is entertaining on all levels and ensure you are showing and not telling us.  This example, like all my examples shows you about the characters without telling you about the characters.  That is the entire point of the what of a scene.

More tomorrow.

My Notes: once you have a theme, you need to begin to visualize your plot, focus your theme, and define your characters. More tomorrow.

I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com, www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Scenes - Scene Setting, Who and Where, yet another Example

28 December 2012, Scenes - Scene Setting, Who and Where, yet another Example

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here are my rules of writing:

1. Entertain your readers.
2. Don't confuse your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.

A scene outline is a means of writing a novel where each scene follows the other with a scene input from the previous scene and a scene output that leads to the next scene. The scenes don't necessarily have to follow directly in time and place, however they generally follow the storyline of the protagonist.

A storyline outline is a means of writing a novel where the author develops a scene outline for more than one character and bases the plot on one or more of these storyline scenes. This allows the scenes to focus on more than the protagonist. This is a very difficult means of writing. There is a strong chance of confusing your readers.

Whether you write with a scene outline or a storyline outline, you must properly develop your scenes. All novels are developed from scenes and each scene has a design similar to a novel. Every successful novel has the following basic parts:

1. The beginning
2. The rising action
3. The Climax
4. The falling action
5. The dénouement

Every scene has these parts:

1. The setting (where, what, who, when, how)
2. The connection (input)
3. The tension development
4. The release
5. The output

There are lots of approaches to scene setting. That means there are about a million plus ways you can set a scene. The main point is you have to clearly get across the where, when, who, what, and how.

Here is another example of scene setting from the novel, Aksinya.  This is a transition within a scene.  I wanted to show it to you for two reasons:  the first is to let you see another setting of place, and the second is to show how character setting can be incorporated into conversation and description.

When they were finished, the Reverend Mother led them to the dormitory.  The long hallway down the center of the school building ran into a large set of open doors.  To the left of the opening was a small office with a split door.  On the other side, Frau Drescher sat at her desk and handled paperwork and correspondence. 

The Reverend Mother rapped on the top of the door.  She changed back to German, “Frau Drescher, we are ready to begin our tour of the dormitory.”
Frau Drescher frowned then tried unsuccessfully to turn the frown into a smile.  She paused a moment too long, then stood abruptly.  She came to the door, opened it, and stepped out.  She spoke intentionally in exaggeratedly enunciated German, “If you please, Countess, follow me.”
Aksinya twisted her lips in a grimace and replied in quiet but finely articulated German, “I will be pleased to Frau Drescher.”
Frau Drescher paused again and her mouth rotated up in a little line that became a frown once more.  She turned around and led them to the end of the corridor.  It went around a corner to the right and there entered a long well lighted corridor.  The corridor halted at a stairway where the archway into the courtyard bisected the lower floor.  The hallway was decorated with heavy, flowered wall paper.  The flowers were light pink and yellow roses.  Along the street side were high windows that let in much light, but still hid the street from view.  No one would be able to look outside or in.  The hallway was cold and stuffy.  Because of the crisp December weather, none of the windows were open.  On the other side of the corridor were widely spaced doors with a gas lamp on the wall between each of them.  The floor was dark oak and covered with long runners that were similar in decoration to the wall paper.  The runners were each centered on a door and ran from room center to room center.
Frau Drescher opened her hand and gestured toward the doors, “These are the chambers of our regular students.  The young ones share a room with eight together.  As they progress in age, we allow them to have four as roommates and finally, after they reach fifteen, they are allowed two to a room.  We always keep at least two to a room to prevent any impropriety.  The room we have prepared for you is our best.  We don’t have any other students of your social standing right now.  The highest is a bevy of ladies of the courts, but none of them are titled.”
Aksinya asked, “Is that unusual?”
“Not really.  Most of the titled ladies are educated and trained at home.”
Aksinya looked down, “I see.  That is so.  I was also educated at home—when I had one.”
The Freifrau stepped up, “Really, Frau Drescher, there is no reason to remind the Countess of her loss.  Her home is with us now.  It is, to my mind, better for her to gain your gymnasium’s knowledge and prepare herself for higher learning.”
Frau Drescher’s lips formed a fine line that then fell into a frown again, “What you say is very true, Freifrau Bockmann.  I was simply answering the Countess’ question.”
Aksinya tilted her head, “So she was Aunt Brunhilda.  Please Frau Drescher.  Lead on and show us our room.”
“Our room?”
“My roommate shall be the Lady Natalya.  She is much more than my lady-in-waiting.  She shall attend with me.”
Frau Drescher made a face with an expression that was completely indecipherable, “The Lady Natalya?”
Aksinya grasped Natalya’s sleeve and pulled her up beside them, “This is my lady-in-waiting, the Lady Natalya Alexandrovna Obolenska.  She is untitled, but a lady of the court.  She shall be my roommate and attend here with me.  She does not speak nor understand German yet.”
“You will explain all the rules to her.  I don’t wish there to be problems.”
“She is my responsibility, and I am certain your rules are the same in French as they are in German.  I shall explain them to her and be responsible to you for her as necessary.”
Frau Drescher let out a tiny laugh, “You surprise me, Countess.  I have never met a titled girl or woman who would take on such a responsibility.  Perhaps we will get along much better than I imagined.”
The Reverend Mother stepped forward, “Really, Frau Drescher, you are much too candid.”
Aksinya touched the Reverend Mother’s hand, “Please, she is not too candid.  I do realize her worries.  She thinks I shall cause her and her charges many problems.  She is concerned that I am a privileged and spoiled girl who will excite controversy and rebellion.  When she knows me better, she will see I am no better nor no worse than anyone else she is responsible for here.”
Frau Drescher’s lips made a flip-flop but never became a smile, “Yes, you are very perceptive, Countess.  I am very concerned about having a woman of your quality and standing in my dormitory.  Your own appraisal does make me feel much more comfortable…”

There is a lot of foreshadowing and important information provided in this scene and especially the description.  If you go back to the notes on the novel (previously published in this blog), you will see many of these connections.  What I want you to see here is the example of the place setting within the scene--that is the description of the dormitory and at the same time, the in depth information you learn about the primaries:  Aksinya and Natalya and the secondary Frau Drescher. 

In these paragraphs without telling and with only showing, I give you a lot of information about Frau Drescher and Aksinya.  This information is entirely within the conversation and passes as riposte and bantering.

More tomorrow.

My Notes: once you have a theme, you need to begin to visualize your plot, focus your theme, and define your characters. More tomorrow.

I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com, www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

27 December 2012, Scenes - Scene Setting, Who, yet another Example

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here are my rules of writing:

1. Entertain your readers.
2. Don't confuse your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.

A scene outline is a means of writing a novel where each scene follows the other with a scene input from the previous scene and a scene output that leads to the next scene. The scenes don't necessarily have to follow directly in time and place, however they generally follow the storyline of the protagonist.

A storyline outline is a means of writing a novel where the author develops a scene outline for more than one character and bases the plot on one or more of these storyline scenes. This allows the scenes to focus on more than the protagonist. This is a very difficult means of writing. There is a strong chance of confusing your readers.

Whether you write with a scene outline or a storyline outline, you must properly develop your scenes. All novels are developed from scenes and each scene has a design similar to a novel. Every successful novel has the following basic parts:

1. The beginning
2. The rising action
3. The Climax
4. The falling action
5. The dénouement

Every scene has these parts:

1. The setting (where, what, who, when, how)
2. The connection (input)
3. The tension development
4. The release
5. The output

There are lots of approaches to scene setting. That means there are about a million plus ways you can set a scene. The main point is you have to clearly get across the where, when, who, what, and how.

Here is another example of scene setting from the novel, Aksinya. This is a complete scene setting.  There is the where, the when and the who.  This transitions to the what and how.  The beginning is very basic, the end much more complex.

They visited Sacré Coeur in the late morning the next day.  Aksinya wore a wonderful gown Natalya had just finished fitting to her.  Natalya had an appropriate matching dress that had come from Aksinya’s closet.  Natalya could wear almost any of Aksinya’s clothes without fitting.  They never fit Aksinya very well to begin with.  Now, Aksinya wore nearly only those that had been her mother’s or her sister’s.  Asmodeus insisted.

The weather was clear and cold.  They rode in an elegant covered carriage, a coupe, from Aksinya’s uncle and aunt’s mansion to the convent and gymnasium at Sacré Coeur.  The busier streets were lined with men looking for work, thin children and adults begging, women selling themsleves or other meger wares.  In Russian cities, Aksinya had seen these kinds of people all her life.  She didn’t expect them to be so prvailent in Austria or Wien.  She tried to keep her face carefully forward.  Her aunt and uncle ignored the people completey. 
They entered the center of Wien and arrived at a beautiful old catholic church with three attached buildings.  The church appeared first.  It was tall with a face decorated by stained glass.  The bell tower stuck upward from the center.  Connected directly to the church was another long building that was constructed in a more modern style.  It was mostly sandy brick with long windows on the upper floor and shorter windows on the lower floor.  A wide archway cut through the center of this building.  Their driver turned the stylish coupe, through this archway.  They entered a large retanguler courtyard.  That’s when the other two buildings came within sight.  On the other side of the courtyard was a building that appeared almost as old as the church.  It was wood and stone and built in an archaic style.  To the right, another building attached to the building that fronted the street and the older one across the courtyard.  The building to the right was the newest.  Within the courtyard, to the left across from this building the side of the church.  It was as decorated with stained glass as the front. 
When they entered the courtyard, Freifrau Bockmann began a running commentary, “Do you see Countess, the building along the street is the students’ dormitory.  Most of the rooms front the courtyard.  Across from that is the convent.  They are both attached to the church.  Between them and across from the church is the school... I mean the gymnasium.  That is such a new term for me.  It was always just a school when I attended there.”
The building between the convent and the dormetory had a fine facade.  It looked like a school, but definitely one that taught the highest level of decorum.  Over the double door in elegant script was the name, Sacré Coeur.  The driver pulled directly before the door.  A very officious appearing older woman and a tall nun stepped through the wide door to greet them.
The driver opened the door of the coupe and handed down first the Freiherr then the Freifrau Bockmann.  The Lady Natalya followed them, then Asmodeus.  At the last, the driver handed down Aksinya.  She was dressed in the finest clothing of anyone there.  She wore a wonderful creation in red satin and white lace.  Her hat was the newest style from Moscow, red brushed satin with a bit of lace and feathers.  Her mother never had a chance to wear it.  Although her uncle and aunt had put on their best, their best was nothing compared to the gowns Aksinya’s mother once wore.  That and the long mink cloak Aksinya had on marked her as the Countess Sacré Coeur expected.
The nun and older woman immediately moved to Aksinya’s side.  They both curtsied. 
Freiherr Bockmann put out his hand, “Countess Golitsyna, may I introduce the Reverend Mother Kluge and Frau Drescher.  Reverend Mother and Frau Drescher, this is my niece, the Countess Aksinya Andreiovna Golitsyna.  She is the one we spoke about yesterday.”
The Reverend Mother’s wore a full habit with a wimple that only allowed her face to be seen.  The wimple flowed over her head and shoulders and was lost in the folds of her habit.  The face that showed was wrinkled, but appeared kind.  It wasn’t a hard face or a harsh one.  It seemed to be filled with a smile most of the time, like the smile that went out to Aksinya right now.  Aksinya lowered her eyes, but not her head.
Frau Drescher on the other hand displayed features of steel.  Her wire rimmed glasses sat back on her very sharp nose.  Her eyes darted constantly until they focused on a person and then they didn’t seem to move at all until the woman was fully satisfied with her scrutiny.  Frown lines marked the corners of her mouth and her eyes.  She wore a frown now and unsuccessfully attempted to turn that into a smile.   She was slightly plump and wore a very severe dress that wasn’t a habit, but might as well have been.       
The Reverend Mother wore a large cross that depended from a silver chain around her neck.  The demon eyed it then moved to the far side away from her.  The smell of sulfur increased slightly.  The Reverend Mother engulfed Aksinya in her smile, “I understand Countess that like your aunt, you wish to attend Sacré Coeur.”

Here we have the entire setting for the introduction to the school Aksinya and Natalya will attend.  You know the demon has decided this will be the place for them both.  The point is the setting.  Notice how I set time, place, and character--the next step is to let them loose.  Notice also how much time I take in setting these elements.  Look at the picture of the clothing.  Setting is always a critical element of writing.  Make certain you apply enough time and effort to this.

More tomorrow.

My Notes: once you have a theme, you need to begin to visualize your plot, focus your theme, and define your characters. More tomorrow.

I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovelthesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Scenes - Scene Setting, Who, another Example

26 December 2012, Scenes - Scene Setting, Who, another Example

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here are my rules of writing:

1. Entertain your readers.
2. Don't confuse your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.

A scene outline is a means of writing a novel where each scene follows the other with a scene input from the previous scene and a scene output that leads to the next scene. The scenes don't necessarily have to follow directly in time and place, however they generally follow the storyline of the protagonist.

A storyline outline is a means of writing a novel where the author develops a scene outline for more than one character and bases the plot on one or more of these storyline scenes. This allows the scenes to focus on more than the protagonist. This is a very difficult means of writing. There is a strong chance of confusing your readers.

Whether you write with a scene outline or a storyline outline, you must properly develop your scenes. All novels are developed from scenes and each scene has a design similar to a novel. Every successful novel has the following basic parts:

1. The beginning
2. The rising action
3. The Climax
4. The falling action
5. The dénouement

Every scene has these parts:

1. The setting (where, what, who, when, how)
2. The connection (input)
3. The tension development
4. The release
5. The output

There are lots of approaches to scene setting. That means there are about a million plus ways you can set a scene. The main point is you have to clearly get across the where, when, who, what, and how.

Here is another example of scene setting from the novel, Aksinya.  This is the scene just after Aksinya's arrival in Wien.  She is meeting her Aunt and Uncle here.  The setting has be built up from earlier in the scene, but there are descriptive details.  I want you to focus on the character descriptions and introductions.  That is the main point of this example. 

They entered a wonderful and huge marble and statue lined entry that overlooked an enormous open ballroom.  They stood in an unenclosed foyer bordered before them by a wide set of stairs that led down to the floor of the ballroom.  On the other side of the ballroom, twin marble stairways led to the second floor.  The stairways climbed into each other and joined then separated again and continued to the upper floor. 

When Aksinya, Natalya, Asmodeus, and the servant entered, a host of maids descended on them.  They took Aksinya’s fur and Natalya’s cloak.  Aksinya then spotted a very well dressed man and a woman who had descended, unnoticed, to the center of the house’s converging stairways.  Asmodeus stepped forward and called in a loud voice.  His breath formed clouds in the frosty air, “May I announce, the Countess Aksinya Andreiovna Golitsyna and her lady-in-waiting, the Lady Natalya Alexandrovna Obolenska.”

The man and woman made their way slowly down the steps.  The moment Aksinya’s cloak had come off, she began to shiver.  She had not eaten, and she was cold.  The enormous room was chilly.  She wondered automatically if the demon had anything to do with her sudden discomfort.  He turned to her that moment and grinned.  Aksinya caught a whiff of sulfur.  She scowled back at him.  She impatiently watched her uncle and aunt make their way to them.  She certainly would not move.  She was too cold, and she knew how these things worked.  She had lived in this type of society all her life.  It was a painful reminder of the life she thought she had left when her family died.

Her uncle and aunt finally made their way to the ballroom floor and stepped slowly across the ballroom.  They made their way to the wide foyer steps and then up them.  Her uncle stood before her and grasped her hand.  His face was thin and well lined.  Still, it seemed as jovial as Aksinya remembered it.  She always thought he endeavored to convey a haughty appearance of aristocracy, but that attempt was constantly overwhelmed by his gentle features.  He sported a wide mustache and a pointed beard.  He put the unnecessary monocle, this time, in his left eye.  He routinely forgot which eye was supposed to require it.  This evening, he wore a fine woolen suit with coat and tails.  He went to his left knee and touched her white-gloved hand with his lips.  He spoke in German, “Countess, I am your uncle, Freiherr Herman Bockmann, and this is your aunt, the Freifrau Brunhilda Bockmann.  I hope you remember us.  I welcome you to our home, our estate here at Grossbock.”  He stood and Aksinya’s aunt stepped forward.  Aksinya had remembered her name was Brunhilda.  Aksinya always thought that was so funny when she was a child.  Freifrau Bockmann was tall and stout.  She had a well endowed bosom and clothing that was just a little too small for her.  Aksinya remembered her mother’s words about Aunt Brunhilda, “That her sister-in-law was always one season and one size out of style.”  Aksinya couldn’t help but smile at the remembrance.  Indeed, Aunt Brunhilda wore a silk dress of a bright summer hue.  Yet, she wore it with grace.  Aunt Brunhilda looked well in anything. 

The power of the setting is introducing, describing, and then articulating the characters.  This is what happens in this scene setting.  The point is sufficient description and introduction of the characters.  After that, you simply set them loose to act on the stage of your setting.  Without sufficient description or introduction, you have nothing to set into action.

More tomorrow.

My Notes: once you have a theme, you need to begin to visualize your plot, focus your theme, and define your characters. More tomorrow.

I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovelthesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Scenes - Scene Setting, Who, Christmas Example

25 December 2012, Scenes - Scene Setting, Who, Christmas Example

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here are my rules of writing:

1. Entertain your readers.
2. Don't confuse your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.

A scene outline is a means of writing a novel where each scene follows the other with a scene input from the previous scene and a scene output that leads to the next scene. The scenes don't necessarily have to follow directly in time and place, however they generally follow the storyline of the protagonist.

A storyline outline is a means of writing a novel where the author develops a scene outline for more than one character and bases the plot on one or more of these storyline scenes. This allows the scenes to focus on more than the protagonist. This is a very difficult means of writing. There is a strong chance of confusing your readers.

Whether you write with a scene outline or a storyline outline, you must properly develop your scenes. All novels are developed from scenes and each scene has a design similar to a novel. Every successful novel has the following basic parts:

1. The beginning
2. The rising action
3. The Climax
4. The falling action
5. The dénouement

Every scene has these parts:

1. The setting (where, what, who, when, how)
2. The connection (input)
3. The tension development
4. The release
5. The output

There are lots of approaches to scene setting. That means there are about a million plus ways you can set a scene. The main point is you have to clearly get across the where, when, who, what, and how.

Here is another example of scene setting from the novel, Aksinya.  It seems right to provide you a Chrstmas example on Christmas.  This is not the best example of scene setting.  The scene has been set through previous scenes, but I'll give it to you anyway.  The time is Advent, and it is a Christmas party.  This probably doesn't both most American's propriety, but to Anglican British and to most Europeans, in this time, this is in very poor taste.  Advent is a fast and Christmas is a feast.  The church calendar is very specific on this point.  The demon is obviously behind all this--still we see church officals at the "party."  Happy Christmas. 
 

When the coupe met them the next Friday, Freifrau Bockmann was in it.  Before they set off for Grossbock, she inspected the dresses and jewelry Natalya had chosen for the party and nodded her approval. 

When they arrived at the Freiherr’s estate, the decorations were already in place.  The front of the house, the foyer, and the ballroom were wonderfully adorned for the Advent Ball.  Seasonal decorations more akin to Christmas instead of Advent filled the hall.  A couple of large Christmas trees loaded with candles and decorations sat next to the great fireplaces.   Freifrau Bockmann led Aksinya and Natalya through the rooms and showed everything to them.  It took a while.  Aksinya was grateful to finally sit down to dinner.  Afterward, she and Natalya went to bed.
In the morning, everything in the house was about preparation for the event that evening.  By noon all the Freiherr’s servants were dressed in their archaic festal livery.  The maids and women servants were adorned in dresses and aprons from a style over a century old.  Everything seemed to match the overall festive décor.  In the afternoon, Natalya dressed Aksinya in a wonderful maroon dress with gold piping and lace.  The gold was real and the dress was ancient satin.  Natalya brushed it for hours to make it shine.  The bodice was tight and fit Aksinya well.  The dress was petticoated and whaleboned.  Still, it was from an age younger than the livery Freiherr Bockmann loved so much, but older than the current fashion of the time. 
Natalya wore a dress that had been Aksinya’s sister’s.  It was white and red with a little more modern flair, but still appeared as though it would be appropriate in the court of an emperor.
When Aksinya stepped down the stairs into the ballroom, everyone stopped to watch.  Freifrau Bockmann gave an audible gasp.  She and the Freiherr ran up the stairs to greet her.  The Freiherr went to one knee on the landing.  Freifrau Bockmann curtsied and took Aksinya’s hand, “Dear Countess, you are ravishing.”  She looked Aksinya up and down then took a surreptitious glance at Natalya that quickly returned to Aksinya, “You are so beautiful.”
Aksinya cocked her head, “Lady Natalya is very skilled.”  Her voice sunk to a whisper, “She even made my hair look pleasant.”
“Pleasant, it is wonderful.  She is incredibly artful.  You are so elegant and make our simple home seem like an aristocratic court.”
Aksinya smiled, but the corners of her lips didn’t follow.
Freiherr Bockmann took Aksinya by the arm and led her to one of the great fireplaces.  A wood fire roared within it.  He sat Aksinya in a chair that faced the ballroom.  Natalya stood at Aksinya’s side.  At first, the Freifrau and Freiherr sat and conversed with Aksinya about the people she would meet that evening and the weather.  When the guests began to arrive, they stood beside Aksinya and greeted each one.  The guests were announced by the house steward and directed to the Freifrau and Freiherr.  Freifrau Bockmann introduced each guest to Aksinya.  She did so formally and with gravity and used Aksinya’s full name, Countess Aksinya Andreiovna Golitsyna.  She then introduced the Lady Natalya.
Aksinya’s memory was excellent, but after the first fifty couples, she lost track entirely.  Then the young single men arrived followed by the Catholic churches’ leaders in the city.  Among this group, Aksinya remembered only the Cardinal of Wien and the Abbot of Sacré Coeur.  The Cardinal was a pinch faced older man with an Italian accent.  His secretary, Herr Schwab followed him everywhere.  The Abbot was jollier and a little younger with a great smile and a provincial tone to his German.  They both seemed pleasant men. 

There is a lot in this very simple setting.  I won't go over all of it.  Just note the setting of the characters, the time, and the place.  That is enough for today.  Merry Christmas.  Note, one is British and the other American.  Culture is critical in all historical writing.

More tomorrow.

My Notes: once you have a theme, you need to begin to visualize your plot, focus your theme, and define your characters. More tomorrow.

I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovelthesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.