Scenes - Scene Setting, Too Late

31 March 2013, Scenes - Scene Setting, Too Late

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. I'm giving you examples from the book so you can see different ways of introducing and writing a scene. In each snippet, you get the scene setting, the tension and release, and the input and output. This isn't true of every example, but the pieces should be there, and I've been trying to identify for you when all the pieces aren't evident. You can use these ideas to guide your own writing. Make sure you set the scene properly, then make everything come to life through the narration and conversation.

This isn't the 1400's or Aksinya would be burned at the stake.  I know it is difficult for many modern readers to understand, but the archinquisitor's punishment is very harsh.  He destroyed these people socially and professionally.  He also may have taken any hope of salvation from them.  This is purposeful.  I try to convey how important this is in the novel.
 

Aksinya smiled and nodded.

“As to these others.”

Aksinya growled, “I accept your punishment.  It is just.  Do not judge these others.  I renounce any association with them.”

The Archinquisitor chuckled, “They must answer for their own sins.  It is not up to you to judge, little girl.  Herr von Taaffe, you are allowed communion after proper repentance and penance to be determined by the Cardinal of Wien.  You are accused and guilty of seduction and acquaintance with sorcery.  Repent of this, and you shall be freely given the succor of your Holy Church.  Equally, you, Sister Margarethe, are guilty of acquaintance with sorcery.  You shall not be allowed to teach for the rest of your life.  After proper repentance and penance, you shall be allowed to continue as a novice of your community until such time as your Reverend Mother and Abbot shall accept you into the Holy Orders again.”  He took a deep breath, “You, Lady Natalya are a victim of this woman.  Upon repentance and penance and if you are confirmed within our community, I allow you to join with our Holy Catholic Church.”

Aksinya’s lips turned slightly up.  That quickly became a frown.

The Archinquisitor continued, “Reverend Mother Kluge, you allowed this sorceress to enter Sacré Coeur and bewitch your sisters and your students.  You shall be reduced to a sister of your order and not hold the position of Reverend Mother again.  The Abbot, Father Abend, is equally guilty of this sin and shall also be reduced to a priest without authority until properly elevated.  I pronounce the school, Sacré Coeur, to be closed until a full accounting of the evil that was committed within it is determined and purged.  It shall open again only under these conditions are met.”

The Reverend Mother gave a cry.  The sisters around her held to her.

“The convent shall be under a full review and shall accept penance until the time the Cardinal of Wien shall lift that penance.  No new novices shall be accepted nor sisters elevated until that time.”

Aksinya panted, “You already had planned all this before you heard anything, didn’t you?”

“You, little girl have nothing to say to me.  You are meaningless now.  You will soon face your accusers in another court, a court of secular law, and you should pray they are as lenient as I.”    

Aksinya stood, “I accept the just punishment for my sins.  I admit to them and confess them all to you.”  She dropped to her knees, “I beg your pardon for any and all suffering I have caused.  I have no excuse for my actions.  I only wish I could take your suffering on myself.  Forgive all these.  Please, in the name of God, forgive them and only punish me.”

The Archinquisitor made a dismissive motion with his hand and signaled for the guards, “Your penance and pleas come much too late, little girl.”
 

Of course Aksinya's pleas fall on deaf ears.  Did anyone think there would be any other result?  The demon set this up.  He used the church and its holiest to do his work.  The demon meant to punish Aksinya by punishing her friends.  This has been his greatest success.  The demon took from Sister Margarethe her greatest love, to teach.  He took from the Reverend Mother her position and authority.  He took from the Abbot his position and authority.  The only fault of these people was to be associated with Aksinya.  Thus the punishment harms these people and Aksinya all the worse.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: I am awaiting for you to write a detailed installment on identifying, and targeting your audience, or audiences...ie, multi-layered story, for various audiences...like CS Lewis did. JustTake care, and keep up the writing; I am enjoying it, and learning a lot.

For more information, you can visit my author site at www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com, www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, thefoxshonor, aseasonofhonor.

Scenes - Scene Setting, Verdict

30 March 2013, Scenes - Scene Setting, Verdict

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. I'm giving you examples from the book so you can see different ways of introducing and writing a scene. In each snippet, you get the scene setting, the tension and release, and the input and output. This isn't true of every example, but the pieces should be there, and I've been trying to identify for you when all the pieces aren't evident. You can use these ideas to guide your own writing. Make sure you set the scene properly, then make everything come to life through the narration and conversation.

This isn't a real trial, it is an inquisition--did you expect it to be fair or for the inquisitors not to be evil?  The archinquisitor's job was to bring punishment to people who broke ecclesiastical law.  That is what he does best.  Aksinya's job was to protect her friends.  We knew the outcome of the trial--that was an anticipation of the reader.  The end state wasn't fully realized--that is what we are getting to now.

The Archinquisitor tapped his paper, “The innocence of these three is still in question.  I wish to question them.  First, Herr Taaffe, did you know the Princess Aksinya was a sorceress?”

“Princess…?” He glanced at Aksinya, “I knew the Countess was a sorceress. Yes.”

Aksinya groaned, “You need not confess to such a thing.  I will not lie, but I don’t wish them to lie on my account.”

The Archinquisitor grinned, “Herr Taaffe are you lying?”

“No, I knew she was a sorceress.  That is why I sought her out.”

Aksinya collapsed in her chair, “I am guilty and not they.”

“We shall see.  How about you, Lady Natalya Alexandrovna Obolenska.  Did you know the Princess Aksinya was a sorceress?”

“Yes, I became her apprentice for that reason.”

Aksinya cried, “I tricked them.  I forced them.”

“And you, Sister Margarethe?”

“I knew.  She never harmed anyone.  This I swear.”

“But you knew and never informed your Reverend Mother or your priest, the Abbot.”

“I never told them.”

“Why?”

“Because I love the Countess.  I would do anything for her—to protect her.”

Aksinya let out a great cry.

Archinquisitor Gallo smacked his lips, “Herr von Taaffe, you affianced, the Princess Aksinya, yet you knew she was a sorceress.”

Aksinya yelled, “He never affianced me.”

The Archinquisitor wheeled toward her, “Why did you not?”

Natalya spoke quietly, “Because I seduced, Herr von Taaffe to protect her.”

Aksinya roared, “Shut up, Natalya.  You…you.  Please don’t do this.  I already told you I am a sorceress.  What do you gain by smearing my friends?”

The Archinquisitor smiled, “I think the guilt of all these individuals can be attributed to the Princess Aksinya.  Therefore, I am ready to pronounce my verdict on all of them.  This verdict shall stand unless revoked by Rome.”  He paused for a moment then continued, “If I had the authority, I would ask that you,” he pointed at Aksinya, “be burned at the stake.  I don’t have that power, therefore, I pronounce the Princess Aksinya guilty of necromancy and sorcery.  She is not Catholic and therefore cannot be excommunicated.  She shall be denied communion and succor from the Holy Catholic Church all her life long.  She is a notorious sinner who has brought many to ruin.  She will not be allowed in any building or property owned by this Church.  She shall not be acknowledged by any leader of the Holy Catholic Church as nobility nor aristocracy.  She is to be shunned by commoner and noble alike until her life ends.  This edict with a similar recommendation shall be sent to the Orthodox Church and to all other official Christian bodies.  They shall judge her themselves.”

Aksinya smiled and nodded.

Ernst, Natalya, and Sister Margarethe for all their faults are still honest and honorable people.  Aksinya wanted to protect them, but were unwilling to protect themselves.  They wanted to protect Aksinya.  Thus the truthful exchange--they want to take the attention from Aksinya to themselves.  They were largely unsuccessful.  The punishment for Aksinya and hte others has just begun--they will not be able to recover so easily from the verdict of the Church.  This affects them socially as well as religiously.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: I am awaiting for you to write a detailed installment on identifying, and targeting your audience, or audiences...ie, multi-layered story, for various audiences...like CS Lewis did. JustTake care, and keep up the writing; I am enjoying it, and learning a lot.

For more information, you can visit my author site at www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com, www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, thefoxshonor, aseasonofhonor.

Scenes - Scene Setting, Declarations

29 March 2013, Scenes - Scene Setting, Declarations

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. I'm giving you examples from the book so you can see different ways of introducing and writing a scene. In each snippet, you get the scene setting, the tension and release, and the input and output. This isn't true of every example, but the pieces should be there, and I've been trying to identify for you when all the pieces aren't evident. You can use these ideas to guide your own writing. Make sure you set the scene properly, then make everything come to life through the narration and conversation.

The tension of a witness scene in a trial is the buildup of the anticipation of what the witness will reveal or what the solicitor or judge might reveal.  In this case, we have a declaration by the accused based on the witnesses testimony. This might be highly irregular in a judicial trial, but not so in an inquisition where the accused is sitting in the judge's seat.  Aksinya is too artless to hide anything.  She desires to be confessed and she will be confessed.  The Archinquisitor simply wants t make his case and then torture the guilty.  Aksinya is making this very hard for him.

Sister Margarethe and Natalya stepped forward, and the Inquisitor swore them in.

Ernst stepped up beside them, “I insist on answering also.”

The inquisitor swore him in too.

Aksinya demanded, “Ask them now.  What was happening outside the Golden Adler?”

The Archinquisitor spat, “Tell us, then, what was happening?”

Ernst held his head up high, “This man along with about ten others were about to rape the Lady Natalya and the Sister.  The Countess stopped them.”

“Using sorcery.”

Ernst continued, “I don’t know what she did.  All I know, is that she stopped them from violating the ladies.”

The Archinquisitor continued, “And what she did caused those men to find themselves in the street later more than a block away.”

“It saved the Lady and Sister’s virtue from rapists.”

Herr Mueller clenched his hands together, “Father, may I go.”

“Yes, go.”

Aksinya’s voice rang clearly, “I did use sorcery to save them.  Those men were tempted by the demon.  My demon is Asmodeus, the demon of lust and luxuria.  It was his doing.  He tempted those men and caused them to act as they did.  As you can see, Herr Taaffe, the Lady Natalya, and Sister Margarethe are innocent.  I can’t vouch for the innocence of Herr Mueller.”

Herr Mueller ran to the door and was let out.

The declaration in this scene is a declaration of the theme of the novel.  You will not often have this type of opportunity (unless you planned it from the beginning of the novel).  This is supposed to be a duuh statement.  If you have planned your novel properly, you should be in such control that you have planned these very critical events.  The reader should not miss the importance of Aksinya's statement.  The demon still is in power, but Aksinya has declared the truth that rings through the novel. There is an element of humor as well--Herr Mueller's quick exit.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: I am awaiting for you to write a detailed installment on identifying, and targeting your audience, or audiences...ie, multi-layered story, for various audiences...like CS Lewis did. JustTake care, and keep up the writing; I am enjoying it, and learning a lot.

For more information, you can visit my author site at www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com, www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, thefoxshonor, aseasonofhonor.

Scenes - Scene Setting, Witness

28 March 2013, Scenes - Scene Setting, Witness

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. I'm giving you examples from the book so you can see different ways of introducing and writing a scene. In each snippet, you get the scene setting, the tension and release, and the input and output. This isn't true of every example, but the pieces should be there, and I've been trying to identify for you when all the pieces aren't evident. You can use these ideas to guide your own writing. Make sure you set the scene properly, then make everything come to life through the narration and conversation.

We get the first witness.  A witness scene is obviously one of tension and release.  The witness is called and the solicitor asks him questions.  In a court, it isn't very exciting.  In a novel, the author has control over the events.  In this case, Aksinya holds sway over the circumstances.  The witness makes statements and Aksinya counters.  The release in such a scene is the summary of the results of the testimony.  An author should use this to build tension and then release tension.

“This is also a sin of grave consequence.  Inquisitor, call the first witness to her sorcery.”

Aksinya plopped down in her chair.

The Inquisitor stepped to the door and brought in a middle-aged man with a heavy face and the clothing of a merchant.  Inquisitor Esposito swore him in as a witness and ended, “State your name for the court.”

“If it please you, Father.  I’m August Mueller.”

The Archinquisitor looked the man up and down, “Herr Mueller, you stated that you saw an act of sorcery caused by this woman, the Princess Aksinya.  Please describe it.”

“Yes, Father.  One evening last December, my friends and I were drinking, begging your pardon, at the Golden Adler Gasthaus on Sacré Coeur Straße.  That Lady,” He pointed at Aksinya, “said some strange words and pointed at us, and when we woke up we were on the street more than a block from the Gasthaus.”

“Where there any other people around at the time?”

“There were my mates.  You already talked to them all.  But there was also a nun and another Lady.  This one,” He pointed at Aksinya again, “was dressed in the uniform of Sacré Coeur.  The other lady was also dressed like her.”

“Anyone else?”

“There was a gentleman.”

“Do you recognize the nun in this courtroom?”

The man paused a moment, then pointed, “That nun, there.”

“Sister Margarethe, will you stand.”

Sister Margarethe grabbed the seat in front of her and stood.

Herr Mueller nodded, “That’s the one.”

Archinquisitor Gallo smiled, “I’d like you to look at a couple of other people and see if you can identify them.  Inquisitor.”

Inquisitor Esposito went to the door and Ernst Taaffe followed by Natalya entered.  Natalya held her head up high, but she was slightly stooped on one side.  Tears covered her face.  Aksinya started.  She stood, “Lady Natalya.”

Lady Natalya wailed, “I’m so sorry, Mistress.  They forced me to come here.”

The Archinquisitor snarled, “Quiet.  Herr Mueller, do you recognize this man and woman?”

“Yes, Father.  That is the gentleman I mentioned, there, and the other lady.”

Aksinya cried out, “Why don’t you ask Herr Mueller what he was doing when this sorcery occurred.”

Herr Mueller colored.

The Archinquisitor snapped, “Herr Mueller is not on trial here.”

“Then ask the Lady Natalya or Sister Margarethe what was happening at the time.”

“That is neither here nor there.”

“I insist.  Inquisitor, your job is defense, then defend.  Ask them what was happening.”

“I must swear them in.”

“Then do so.”

If you have read Aksinya or if you have been reading along with these scenes, you know that Herr Mueller and his friends were tempted to rape the Lady Natalya and Sister Margarethe.  Herr Mueller and the inquisitors do not want this information to be known.  Thus they oppose Aksinya's wishes.  The anticipation in the tension for the reader is this knowledge.  The question in the mind of the reader is whether the archinquisitor will allow a witness in Aksinya's behalf.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: I am awaiting for you to write a detailed installment on identifying, and targeting your audience, or audiences...ie, multi-layered story, for various audiences...like CS Lewis did. JustTake care, and keep up the writing; I am enjoying it, and learning a lot.

For more information, you can visit my author site at www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com, www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, thefoxshonor, aseasonofhonor.

Scenes - Scene Setting, Confession of Guilt

27 March 2013, Scenes - Scene Setting, Confession of Guilt

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. I'm giving you examples from the book so you can see different ways of introducing and writing a scene. In each snippet, you get the scene setting, the tension and release, and the input and output. This isn't true of every example, but the pieces should be there, and I've been trying to identify for you when all the pieces aren't evident. You can use these ideas to guide your own writing. Make sure you set the scene properly, then make everything come to life through the narration and conversation.

The scene immediately moves to the next tension development.  Note how I communicate Aksinya's knowledge of what is going on (she says it).  This is a slight tension release--the reader imagines that the trial will be suddenly over and everything will be better (or worse).  This is not the case--in a show trial, the accused is merely an actor.  They are not important to the outcome or the events.  They are the sacrifice.  The archinquisitor has no intention of letting all the other "guilty" players free.  This is his show trail, and he will make everyone suffer.  Aksinya realizes this, she wishes to protect her friends.

Aksinya sat in the Bishop’s chair.  She smoothed her soiled dress, “We may now proceed.  Please continue, Archinquisitor.  I am ready to hear your accusations against me.”

The Archinquisitor hid his face for a moment.  He stood and stepped off the platform.

The inquisitor bowed toward Aksinya, “Princess Aksinya, may I approach?”

“Please do, Inquisitor.”

Inquisitor Esposito stepped beside her and whispered, “You are not wise to infuriate the Archinquisitor.  You have embarrassed him before his own court.”

Aksinya whispered back to him, “The verdict of this trail is already known.  I simply settled the first point.”

“Yes.”  He stood.

Aksinya waved, “Please proceed.”

The Archinquisitor returned to his papers, “Very well, Princess Aksinya.  We have established your rank.”  He cleared his throat, “The first accusation is therefore moot.  The court acknowledges your right as both a Russian Princess and a Russian Countess.”  He paused just a moment to take a deep breath, “The next charge is that you did commit sorcery and by this sorcery did murder your own family, steal the goods from the estate of Count Golitsyna, cheated merchants in Wien, and escaped Russian justice.”

Aksinya rested her elbow on the arm of the chair and laid her chin on the back of her hand, “I admit to sorcery.  I am guilty of that great sin.  I have confessed it and am forgiven.  I have not paid the price for all the evil I committed because of it.”  The Archinquisitor was about to speak.  Aksinya raised her hand, “I did not murder my family.  I did not steal the goods that already belonged to me.  I did not intentionally cheat the merchants in this city.  I am not certain there is Russian justice.  As a Princess, I am Russian justice.  Do you have any witnesses to any of these charges?”

“To the charge of cheating, there are witnesses, but if you acknowledge them, they are also moot.”

“I will accept that and any secular punishment.  I believe that is well beyond this court.”

“Yes, you are correct Princess.  Then let the court record read that the Princess Aksinya is guilty of theft and that shall be left to the secular courts.  There are other charges.”

“Then proceed, Archinquisitor.”

“This court wishes to establish your guilt of sorcery.”

“I admit it.  What more is there to say?”

“The proof exists, and I wish to establish it.  The other charges related to this are that you did kidnap and seduce the mind and soul of the Lady Natalya Alexandrovna Obolenska and that you did seduce the mind and soul of Herr Ernst von Taaffe.”

“I admit those grave sins.  Pronounce your judgment.”

“That is not enough.  This court wishes to establish their guilt in this great sin also.”

Aksinya cried out, “They have no guilt in this at all.  It was all my doing.  Punish me, not them.”

“There is also the question of the school, Sacré Coeur, the Reverend Mother Kluge, Abbot Father Abend, and Sister Margarethe.”

Aksinya half stood, “That is enough.  They are innocent of any wrongdoing.  I am the sorceress.  They knew nothing of my evil deeds.  I will tell you, I called a demon from the pit.  They committed nothing wrong.  It was all my own actions.”

The Archinquisitor stroked his chin, “You called a demon.”  He turned to the inquisitor, “Did you know this Inquisitor Esposito?”

The Inquisitor danced from foot to foot, “She…the Princess confessed this to me.”

“This is also a sin of grave consequence.  Inquisitor, call the first witness to her sorcery.”

Aksinya plopped down in her chair.

In developing tension and release, the point is to excite your readers with anticipation, then give them what they want--answers, action, etc.  In the case of the trial, the tension is the accusation of sorcery.  The archinquisitor claims he has witnesses.  Everyone wants to see these witnesses.  This is the anticipation.  The release will be the knowledge from them and the pronouncements of what that means in terms of Aksinya and the witnesses.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: I am awaiting for you to write a detailed installment on identifying, and targeting your audience, or audiences...ie, multi-layered story, for various audiences...like CS Lewis did. JustTake care, and keep up the writing; I am enjoying it, and learning a lot.

For more information, you can visit my author site at www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com, www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, thefoxshonor, aseasonofhonor.

Scenes - Scene Setting, Trick

26 March 2013, Scenes - Scene Setting, Trick

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. I'm giving you examples from the book so you can see different ways of introducing and writing a scene. In each snippet, you get the scene setting, the tension and release, and the input and output. This isn't true of every example, but the pieces should be there, and I've been trying to identify for you when all the pieces aren't evident. You can use these ideas to guide your own writing. Make sure you set the scene properly, then make everything come to life through the narration and conversation.

When you develop a scene, you may have and you should want to have multiple tension and release incidents.  In this scene, there is the overall tension and release of the trial itself, and at the same time, there are specific incidents in the plot that also produce tension and release.  The first is the proof of Aksinya's identity.  This was kept secret through the entire novel.  It was foreshadowed and hinted at, but the truth doesn't come out until this very moment.  At this time, we learn Aksinya is a princess.  The catholic church and the people of the Austrian society must follow the dictates of their culture and their laws and properly attend her.  This is a tactical victory for Aksinya, but a strategic loss.

The Archinquisitor half stood, “Quiet in the courtroom.  Preposterous, I say.  You claim first to be a Countess and now to be a Romanov Princess.”  He slowly lowered himself back into the Bishop’s seat.

“I am a Romanov Princess and a Countess and I insist on being addressed properly.”

The Archinquisitor stood, “Inquisitor Esposito, are the Bockmanns here?”

“Yes, Archinquisitor.  They begged not to testify unless absolutely necessary.”

“It is necessary.  Right now.  Bring Freiherr Bockmann into the courtroom.”

The inquisitor bowed.  He went to the door, and after a few minutes, Freiherr Bockmann reluctantly entered the chapel.

The Archinquisitor sat in his chair, “Swear the Freiherr in.”

The Inquisitor held the Gospel book before Freiherr Bockmann, “You do swear by Almighty God, the searcher of hearts, that you shall speak the truth as you know it to this ecclesiastical court. And this as you shall answer to God at the great day.”

The Freiherr looked uncomfortable.  He mumbled, “I do so swear.”  He kissed the book.

The Archinquisitor took a deep breath, “The question, Freiherr Bockmann is the lineage of this girl.  Whose child is she?”

The Freiherr turned toward the Archinquisitor, “I did not wish to testify in this proceeding at all.”

The Archinquisitor glared at the Freiherr, “This is a simple question, and we must know the answer to if we are to proceed.”  He pointed at Aksinya, “I ask you again, whose child is she?”

The Freiherr wrung his hands, “She is the daughter of my sister, Princess Nina Vladimirovna Golitsyna, nee Bockmann and the Grand Duke George Alexandrovich Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov.”

The whispers began again, “She is a princess.”

“Quiet!”  The Archinquisitor’s eyes snapped open wide, “You swear to this?”

“It is the truth.”

Aksinya smiled, “Archinquisitor, I insist that you address me as Princess.  That is my right.”

The Archinquisitor colored and stood, “I ask your pardon, Princess Aksinya.”

The rest of the courtroom stood.

Aksinya didn’t lower her head, “Am I not owed an obeisance?”

The Archinquisitor bowed.  The courtroom bowed.  Aksinya stood and stepped onto the platform.  She moved to the Archinqusitor.  She put out her hand.  The Archinquisitor dropped to his left knee and touched her hand.  Aksinya continued, “It is not proper for you to sit above me, Father.  May I take your seat?”

The Archinquisitor glanced at her then lowered his head.  He choked out, “You may have my seat, Princess.”

Aksinya sat in the Bishop’s chair.  She smoothed her soiled dress, “We may now proceed.  Please continue, Archinquisitor.  I am ready to hear your accusations against me.”

The Archinquisitor hid his face for a moment.  He stood and stepped off the platform.

Aksinya did not make a friend.  The tension is what is her birthright.  The release is when the Freiherr declares it.  Then the rest of the release in the scene is the obeisance of the people to Aksinya.  Another tension begins with the Archinquisitor--he is angry and he has a job to do.  We shall see how Aksinya fares in the next example.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: I am awaiting for you to write a detailed installment on identifying, and targeting your audience, or audiences...ie, multi-layered story, for various audiences...like CS Lewis did. JustTake care, and keep up the writing; I am enjoying it, and learning a lot.

For more information, you can visit my author site at www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com, www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, thefoxshonor, aseasonofhonor.

Scenes - Scene Setting, Trial

25 March 2013, Scenes - Scene Setting, Trial

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. I'm giving you examples from the book so you can see different ways of introducing and writing a scene. In each snippet, you get the scene setting, the tension and release, and the input and output. This isn't true of every example, but the pieces should be there, and I've been trying to identify for you when all the pieces aren't evident. You can use these ideas to guide your own writing. Make sure you set the scene properly, then make everything come to life through the narration and conversation.

We are up to the inquisition of Akinsya.  Frau Becker takes Aksinya to the place of the trial.  We have the scene setting in time, place, and character.  The setup of this scene is the tension development of the trial and then the actual trial.  During the trial, we have the various points of the prosecution presented...

In the morning, Frau Becker dressed Aksinya in her thin black dress and brought her breakfast in the room where she had been convalescing.  Just before nine, she led Aksinya to the chapel within the Cardinal’s house.  Aksinya heard the sounds of a crowd outside the building.  Through the windows, she caught a glimpse of men with cameras and writing pads.  Guards stood at the inner doors.  Inside the chapel was an altar on a slightly raised platform.  Just ahead of the altar sat a bishop’s chair on the platform.  A second smaller chair sat below the platform and about ten feet from the edge of it.  The other seats for spectators where arranged behind this.  They were already filled with many officials of the church.  Aksinya could tell by their robes.  Aksinya recognized the Reverend Mother, the Abbot, and Sister Margarethe near the middle of the crowd.  Some of the higher ranking sisters from the convent, Sacré Coeur, were also there.  Aksinya remembered them from her classes.  A few secular spectators were seated at the back.  Aksinya could tell since they were the only ones without ecclesiastical robes.

Frau Becker led Aksinya to the smaller chair and pointed toward it, “You are to sit there, child.”

As she sat, Aksinya grasped Frau Becker’s hand, “Thank you for your kindness to me.  I shall not forget it.”  She smiled.

Frau Becker covered her face with her free hand, “You are welcome.  I’ve been instructed to help you as you have need.  I’ll sit just behind you.”

“Thank you.”

Frau Becker reluctantly let go of Aksinya’s hand and moved behind her.

After a few minutes, Inquisitor Esposito entered.  He did not sit.  He nodded toward Aksinya.  Moments later, the Archinquisitor Gallo came in from the door at the side of the altar.  Everyone stood.  The Archinquisitor glared at Aksinya then bowed to the altar and immediately began an ascension prayer in Latin.  He led the court in a general confession and absolved them.  He led them in the Apostolic Creed.  Then he sat down and signaled for everyone to be seated.

The Archinquisitor brought out a paper, “Alleged Countess Aksinya Andreiovna Golitsyna…”

Aksinya interrupted, “I am not an alleged Countess.  I am the Countess Aksinya Andreiovna Golitsyna.”

“You are not allowed to speak until you are called upon.”

“I am not an alleged Countess.  I am the Countess Aksinya Andreiovna Golitsyna.”

“Little girl, you are already prejudicing this court against you.”

“That may be so, but I insist that you address me by my proper title.”

“Your identity is one of the questions before this court, but if you fail to hold your tongue, I will have you bound and gagged.”

“That is your prerogative, but I also have the right to be addressed properly by this court.”

The Archinquisitor turned to Inquisitor Esposito, “Instruct the Fraulein in the proper decorum of the court.”

Aksinya glared at him, “This is the first issue before the court.  If you can’t identify me properly then what kind of trial can this be?”

“I warned you once, little girl.  I will have you bound and gagged.”

Inquisitor Esposito stammered, “If it pleases the Archinquisitor, the promotor fiscalis should first establish the identity of the accused.”

The Archinquisitor frowned at him, “Very well.  This is not the usual procedure, but I will take the advice of the advocatus reorum and first prove the identity of the accused.”  He faced Aksinya, “Little girl, what is your baptized name?  I know it is not Aksinya Andreiovna Golitsyna.”

Aksinya nodded, “What you say is true.  My baptized name is not, Aksinya Andreiovna Golitsyna.”

The courtroom let out a sound between a gasp and a groan.

The Archinquisitor smiled, “Then what is your baptized name?”

“My baptized name is Aksinya Georgovna Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov.”

The Archinquisitor glared at her, “Preposterous.”

Aksinya stared him down, “My father was Grand Duke George Alexandrovich Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov.  He died of tuberculosis before I was born.  My mother was Princess Nina Vladimirovna Golitsyna, nee Bockmann.  She later married my adopted father Count Andrei Nikolaevich Golitsyna.  I was given my adopted father’s name and all rights to the name by him.”

A whisper started in the courtroom, “She claims to be a princess.”

The Archinquisitor half stood, “Quiet in the courtroom.  Preposterous, I say.  You claim first to be a Countess and now to be a Romanov Princess.”  He slowly lowered himself back into the Bishop’s seat.

“I am a Romanov Princess and a Countess and I insist on being addressed properly.”
 

Aksinya takes control of the situation from the beginning.  This is the first tension and release.  It isn't completely resolved at this point.  It leads directly into the second tension and release.

The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: I am awaiting for you to write a detailed installment on identifying, and targeting your audience, or audiences...ie, multi-layered story, for various audiences...like CS Lewis did. JustTake care, and keep up the writing; I am enjoying it, and learning a lot.
 

For more information, you can visit my author site at www.ldalford.com/, and my individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com, www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, thefoxshonor, aseasonofhonor.