Answers to Some Questions, Number 3

16 November 2012, Answers to Some Questions, Number 3

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.

Place is the obvious next place we go in scene setting. I'll take some time to answer the following questions from one of my readers. Questions in blue, answers in black:

I was trying to systematically review your writing installments, and organize them w/in the context of 'Elements of Literature'..ie, (Plot, Setting, Theme, Characterization, Point of View, etc.) and I had couple of questions:

3. Theme: Do you think themes ought to be subtle or obvious? Is it best communicated by one character or by the text in other ways. In other words, do you express it directly (or nearly directly, up-front, say w/in first 10% of novel) or do you want the reader to gradually learn of it through the trails and tribulations of the main character, through the characterization of plot, setting & point of view? Do you think the author's underlying theme is always, nor nearly always tied to his/her world view?

This is the very interesting thing about themes.  If you study themes, the theme in any writing becomes obvious quickly.  You can construct them backwards from the major characters and the plot.  The theme is never subtle, but it is usually never said outright.  Usually, the language of the theme is not the same language of the plot.  That is, there is no opportunity for the characters to know and speak about the theme--only an omniscient narrator could do that.  I'll address the omniscient point of view later, but this is one of the things an author should never do (especially to the theme level).

What I'm trying to communicate, is that at the level of the plot, the theme can only be properly communicated by showing.  If you try to communicate the theme by telling, you will destroy the whole purpose of writing a novel. An essay or a nonfiction paper would be the best means to directly state a theme idea, but then the purpose of a novel would be lost.

Remember, a novel first entertains.  It second entertains.  It third entertains.  The theme just happens to be the framework on which I write an entertaining novel. 

The theme, but not the plot, is usually tied directly to the writer's worldview.  I pointed this out in Aksinya.  In Aksinya, the plot is all about sorcery, demons, and very earthy events and actions.  This is certainly not my worldview.  However, the theme of Aksinya is her redemption from lust, sorcery, and a demon.  This goes back to my writing about using symbols.  The symbols in Aksinya point directly to the theme.  The plot points directly to the theme.  The closest I come to stating the theme in the novel are the last words of Natalya to Aksinya:  “Because of everything that happened before. That time marked the end of a horrible and wonderful period, yet redemption came to you, to me.” She held Aksinya close, “I could not bear to lose you again, Aksinya. You redeemed me, the first of many. You shall redeem many more. God exceeded our expectations in spite of what we had done.”



4. Characterization: (Agent, Who): We know characterization is generally made up of three elements, appearance, personality & behavior. Can one rank their relative importance, and do you have a rule of thumb of how you go about developing it. Also, do you make use of stock characterization, or common types or not? I know you get very sophisticated in presenting character detail in many forms (physical feature, clothing, possession, communication, etc.) ; do you every consider that your audience doesn't have the literary knowledge, memory or intellect to grasp your character detail...ie, gets lost in the detail. How do you guard against it; your novel, for example was very complex. 

5. Point of view: Which point of view do you prefer to employ in telling different types of stories, and why? How careful are you at tracking what he/she is aware of, at various stages of the story? Any rules, tricks, techniques or warnings for 1st Person narrator, 3rd Person Limited narrator or 3rd Person Omniscient Narrator?

Just a few questions. Thanks in advance. And, may I briefly add, I have certainly enjoyed reading your postings on the art of writing, and apologize if I'm asked Q's that you've already covered in the past. If so, I must have missed those particular installments, or more likely, was looking for a bit more elaboration, should you care to provide it. :)

I'll answer 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/.

Answers to Some Questions, Number 2

15 November 2012, Answers to Some Questions, Number 2

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.

Place is the obvious next place we go in scene setting. I'll take some time to answer the following questions from one of my readers. Questions in blue, answers in black:

I was trying to systematically review your writing installments, and organize them w/in the context of 'Elements of Literature'..ie, (Plot, Setting, Theme, Characterization, Point of View, etc.) and I had couple of questions:
2. W/in Setting: How important vs detrimental, is it for the action to changes form one place/time, to another, during the early,middle & ending of a novel. Is there a rule of thumb, or is that subject, depending on story, plot, style, scene & theme?
If you note the outline for a novel below:
1. The beginning
2. The rising action
3. The Climax
4. The falling action
5. The dénouement

The author has the greatest scope for change in time and place during the rising action.  If your novel is going to have great changes in time and place, this is the place to do it.  The beginning must be cohesive, but once that scene is done, you can go anywhere with the novel. 

As you move toward the climax, you should find the novel plot becoming like a funnel.  The plot should be moving in a very singular direction where the only resolution (or the resolution you choose) is the one forced by the climax.  The falling action and the dénouement are usually closely held with the climax.  Rarely does a novel move far in time or place in the climax, falling action, or the dénouement. 

Aksinya is a great example of this.  The novel moves smartly in time and space from the beginning scene to the first climax.  The falling action has very little movement or time change until the second climax.  The dénouement is really a postscript with a great deal of time and place changing.

You can imagine a novel expanding in the rising action and contracting in the climax, falling action, and the dénouement.

3. Theme: Do you think themes ought to be subtle or obvious? Is it best communicated by one character or by the text in other ways. In other words, do you express it directly (or nearly directly, up-front, say w/in first 10% of novel) or do you want the reader to gradually learn of it through the trails adn tribulations of the main character, through the characterizatio of plot, setting & point of view? Do you think the author's underlying theme is always, nor nearly always tied to his/her world view?

4. Characterization: (Agent, Who): We know characterization is generally made up of three elements, appearance, personality & behavior. Can one rank their relative importance, and do you have a rule of thumb of how you go about developing it. Also, do you make use of stock characterization, or common types or not? I know you get very sophisticated in presenting character detail in many forms (physical feature, clothing, possession, communication, etc.) ; do you every consider that your audience doesn't have the literary knowledge, memory or intellect to grasp your character detail...ie, gets lost in the detail. How do you guard against it; your novel, for example was very complex.



Just a few questions. Thanks in advance. And, may I briefly add, I have certainly enjoyed reading your postings on the art of writing, and apologize if I'm asked Q's that you've already covered in the past. If so, I must have missed those particular installments, or more likely, was looking for a bit more elaboration, should you care to provide it. :)
I'll answer 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/.

Answers to Some Questions, Number 1

14 November 2012, Answers to Some Questions, Number 1

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.

Place is the obvious next place we go in scene setting.  I'll take some time to answer the following questions from one of my readers.  Questions in blue, answers in black:

I was trying to systematically review your writing installments, and organize them w/in the context of 'Elements of Literature'..ie, (Plot, Setting, Theme, Characterization, Point of View, etc.) and I had couple of questions:

1. W/in Plot: What's the best way to intro the conflict, and do outstanding plots nearly always get abstracted down to the big themes, such as Man vs Man, Man vs Nature, Man vs Society, Man vs Self, Man vs God, Man vs Satan?

The theme should begin first.  Some of the writing I'm doing about creativity and how to turn that into theme and plot hasn't published yet.  It will soon.  In looking at creativity, you begin with a creative idea and turn it into a theme.  From the theme comes the protagonist, antagonist, and protagonist's helper.  So, looking at one of your theme examples: Man vs. Man.  In this large theme is already two characters, a protagonist and an antagonist.  The theme itself is too broad and needs to be refined--that's the point if creativity.  If I had a creative idea related to this theme, it might be something like this:  Man vs. Man--a man has given everything he has to charity and is about to be kicked out of his rental house, the landlord wants to kick him out but agrees to allow him to stay as long as he pays the mortgage.  Okay, that's maybe a lame theme, but you can still build a plot out of it. 

You have your major characters: protagonist and antagonist.  You develop them, the setting, etc.  Now, with this information, we can find a point to intro the conflict.  In a novel like this, the first point of conflict would be the meeting of the protagonist and the antagonist.  To really get this right, we need the developed characters in front of us.  Let's make up some development.  The man who gave everything to charity has never met the owner of the house--all the business was done through a rental agency.  The antagonist heard from the rental agency about this destitute person who gave everything to charity, and the antagonist is intrigued and wants to meet the protagonist.

There...we have set up the first scene of the novel, and it seems this will be a rousing scene.  The input of the scene will be the protagonist has just run out of money and can't pay the rent.  The antagonist is coming over to call.  This could be a very energetic and exciting scene--it all depends on the author. 

So, the operation is theme, theme refinement, character development, novel setting, and first scene.  Of course, the first scene must lay out the entire theme and conflict.

2. W/in Setting: How important vs detrimental, is it for the action to changes form one place/time, to another, during the early,middle & ending of a novel. Is there a rule of thumb, or is that subject, depending on story, plot, style, scene & theme?



4. Characterization: (Agent, Who): We know characterization is generally made up of three elements, appearance, personality & behavior. Can one rank their relative importance, and do you have a rule of thumb of how you go about developing it. Also, do you make use of stock characterization, or common types or not? I know you get very sophisticated in presenting character detail in many forms (physical feature, clothing, possession, communication, etc.) ; do you every consider that your audience doesn't have the literary knowledge, memory or intellect to grasp your character detail...ie, gets lost in the detail. How do you guard against it; your novel, for example was very complex.

5. Point of view: Which point of view do you prefer to employ in telling different types of stories, and why? How careful are you at tracking what he/she is aware of, at various stages of the story? Any rules, tricks, techniques or warnings for 1st Person narrator, 3rd Person Limited narrator or 3rd Person Omniscient Narrator?

Just a few questions. Thanks in advance. And, may I briefly add, I have certainly enjoyed reading your postings on the art of writing, and apologize if I'm asked Q's that you've already covered in the past. If so, I must have missed those particular installments, or more likely, was looking for a bit more elaboration, should you care to provide it. :)
I'll answer 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, Writing in Writing Examples

13 November 2012, Scenes - Scene Setting, Writing in Writing Examples

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.

A diary or a personal note can also provide a time marker that allows you to set the time in a scene. All of these methods are used too seldom by authors. They also provide a pause or break in the writing.

You might ask why have a pause or a break in your writing? When you design a scene, the purpose is to entertain. If you have a very action oriented scene, the natural pause is when the action stops. This isn't true in a less action oriented scene. In such a scene, it many times makes sense to break up the action (lack of action) somehow. You can move from conversation to description or from conversation to action description, but this may not fit the time and place. You can very easily have a character read or write. The reading or writing can be conveyed through a note, diary, letter, newspaper, table card, calling card, etc. This provides a natural break in the writing.

I use these types of techniques more than once a novel. Many novels fit them very well. For example, in my unpublished novel, Shadow of Light, the main character is an agent who routinely receives messages from her boss as classified notes. These happen at least twice a chapter. Use written sources in your novels to set the time in the scenes, to convey information, and as a natural break in the writing.

I'll write 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, even more Time Examples

12 November 2012, Scenes - Scene Setting, even more Time Examples

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.

There are lots of other ways to set time markers (set time) in a scene.  I showed you the examples of a letter and a note yesterday.  This is one of my favorite methods of setting absolute time in a scene.  Readers really like this method, and it is considered a great breaking type method in a novel.  That is, it provides a large pause in the writing.

Another similar means of setting the time is through a newspaper article or heading.  For example, Jane picked up a copy of the San Fransisco Chronicle.  June 28, 1935...  This doesn't pause the scene, but it places a historical artifact as the setting marker.  You can also use anything else that has a date on it.  In a modern novel, you can use an expiration date.  For example, Jake picked up the can and read the expiration date: June 2010.  He did a little mental math, five months out of date.  He tossed it in the garbage.  This type of marker allows you to put in some character description and action.  Don't get stupid and put this in the wrong time.  Expiration dates were unknown until just recently in human history.

You could use a prescription in a similar manner.  There are other methods too.  We'll move to diaries 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, more Time Examples

11 November 2012, Scenes - Scene Setting, more Time Examples

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.

What about absolute time?  In most historical novels, the time is based in real time and historical events occur within the novel and within the real (absolute) time defined by the novel. 

To be clear, in my historical novels, the days and nights, months, days, days of the week are all based in real (absolute) historical time.  So when I write that on a certain week day of a certain month, a certain historical event took place--that event took place.  These are historical markers in my novels. 

You can also use these kinds of historical markers in your writing.  Just as I wrote that in my historical novels, I like to set the time with markers at the beginning of every chapter, I also like to throw out other markers for my readers.  One of the best methods in the writing is through letters and notes.  On a letter or note, you simply write it like you would a regular letter address or note address.  For example:

Mrs. Leora Bolang
123 Rue de Seine
Paris

14 September 1927

Then start your letter.  You just told your readers where and when your characters is.  If they receive a letter or a note, you can tell us the postmark.  If this was a novel, the street would be authentic, and I would have research it enough to know who should be around that neighborhood.

There are many other ways to set the time.  We'll move up another step 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, Time Examples

10 November 2012, Scenes - Scene Setting, Time Examples

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.

Did you try the scene time setting exercise?  Did you discover unobtrusive ways to tell your readers the time in a scene.  Some obvious methods are the sun rising or setting (obviously morning and evening).  The sun at zenith or noon.  How about the long afternoon shadows or the extended morning shadows.  How about, he awoke to late morning sunlight or she awoke to false dawn.  Every one of these short statements tells you what time it is and sets the scene.

If you move out a little in time.  Did you try something like this: she woke and stretched.  She hated Monday mornings.  Or, how about this, the sun sat bellicose in her bedroom window.  She knew it was a Wednesday sun before she thought about the date.  Or, the Friday crowd pushed into the bar.  These are great ways to tell your reader the day of the week--if you have a reason to.

For dates and months:  February slinked in from a frozen January--you couldn't tell one from the other.  Or, Christmas decorations covered the town.  A poorly posed Halloween skeleton stared from behind the hedge.  How about a modification: a poorly posed and forgotten Halloween skeleton stared from behind the hedge--someone must have forgotten it because the smell of roasting Turkeys filled the atmosphere.  Okay, okay, I'm just trying to give you ideas on how to set the time in the scene. 

We'll move up a step 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, Time in a Bottle

9 November 2012, Scenes - Scene Setting, Time in a Bottle

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.

I've tried to show that setting the time in a scene is always necessary. The way you might go about that type of scene setting might differ according to the type of novel, but it must still be a priority in setting the scene.

In historical novels, we've seen the time must be completely encapsulated in the scenes. For a historical novel, you must incorporate historical markers as well as the specific of time in your scene setting...and all the markers and time needs to add up. In a novel where time is relative (scene to scene), you might get away with some of the time sequence out of order slightly. This ambivalence can work well in a novel (as long as you don't confuse your readers). On the other hand, you can't have historical events out of order in a historical novel. The historical events are themselves markers for time in the scenes.

I mentioned before, I like to put the date and place at the top of each chapter. This makes the time setting self evident to the reader. Time can and must still be set in the scenes, but the reader has markers he can't miss at every 20 page (or so) increment. You can't get much more specific than that.

As a creative exercise, why don't you try to write a scene setting for the when. Start with the broad date (month and year) or season and year. Then drill down into the day of the week and hour of the day. You don't have to follow any specific order. Just make it clear to the reader.

So, how to set the time in the scene. I'll get to more of that 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, Contemporary Time

8 November 2012, Scenes - Scene Setting, Contemporary Time

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.

There is no reason why time should confuse your readers.  Time is a really important and obvious setting your must set properly.  One of my pet peeves is when it is difficult to tell when an author intends for a work to begin.  I mean in every time sense. 

You might set the scene properly in terms of the time of day, but miss entirely that it is the summer of 1918.  The fact that it is the summer of 1918 is critical to the reader. 

Let's talk about contemporary novels where the author imagines the absolute time is not important.  I think that in this case, time is even more important.  A novel that is contemporary today is passe' tomorrow.  And that's the point.  If you set significant markers in your writing, your writing isn't contemporary anymore, it is fixed within a setting.  The setting is significant.  This is the point.  You must place your work in a setting of its time.  If the time is now, it needs a setting.  If the time was 100 years ago, it needs a setting.  Set the time.  This is a necessary component of any scene setting.

So, how to set the time in the scene. I'll get to more of that 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, Absolute and Relative Time

7 November 2012, Scenes - Scene Setting, Absolute and Relative Time

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.

I'm writing about setting time in a scene.  As we set any scene, we need to recognize there is absolute and relative time in a novel.  If you read any of my science fiction novels (The Chronicles of the Dragon and the Fox), you will see relative time used very specifically.  Since there is no real absolute time (years, months, days), unless you define them in your science fiction world, there is no reason to define scenes in absolute terms.  For historical novels, on the other hand, everything must be set to an absolute time scale.  I would also argue that for any contemporary or near contemporary novel, time should be based in an absolute scale. 

If you are working in a relative time scale, you must even work harder to set time in your scenes.  The reason is this, although in my historical novels, I must be very cautious with the time in each scene, since it is based in absolute terms and historical terms, the definitions and sequencing can be based in real historical time (they should be).  When you are writing in a relative time scale, you must specifically define everything for your readers.  That is, for a historical novel, it is sufficient to write: "On January 12, 1917, the Bridgestone Mansion was covered with a wet mantel of snow.  The rising sun cast deep blue shadows across the smooth landscape."  In these two sentences, the setting for this scene has been set, and the setting is very clear.

If we want to make a similar relative time setting for a novel, here's how that might be accomplished: "Falkeep's Ball always occurred during the cold season on the planet Falkeep.  Unfortunately, except for Nior and Grand Stern, most of the other planets of the Human Galactic Empire, never had as pronounced a cold season.  The visitors to the Ball routinely forgot this small detail...so, Falkeep kept fashionable cloaks and coats availible for all of his guests.  The cloudy skies and damp air promised to let loose a typical Falkeep rain storm--during the festivities.  The Rathenberg Emperor's fifth year on the Iron Throne meant that he, his Empress, and their children could finally attend Falkeep's Ball..." 

I hope you get the point.  Instead of a single statement, to set relative time in a novel, you must tie together other time based events such that your readers can fit the sequence and timing together.

So, how to set the time in the scene. I'll get to more of that 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, Time

6 November 2012, Scenes - Scene Setting, Time

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.

The question, then, is how do you set a scene?  This isn't as obvious as you might imagine.  It really isn't sufficient to just describe the place where the scene takes place.  The obvious questions are how much should you describe, and what should you include?  If you really wanted to, you could write an entire book describing a single room.  You don't want to include too much, but you don't want your descriptions to be too sparse.

Let's start with the easiest and yet the most forgotten setting piece--when.  In my novels, I make a point of setting the when with great accuracy.  Time is always an important point in my novels.  For one series (Ancient Light), I put the date and place at the top of every chapter, my publisher suggested I do this for all the novels.  I liked this idea so much, I've used it in other novels. 

The when is a critical piece of information for most readers and barely marked sign posts won't fill the bill.  I suggest a straight forward statement.  If you place the date and place at the top of the chapter, you should still set the when in the scene, but there is less urgency.  In fact, there is little urgency at the very beginning.  That is, if your first scene is exciting and entertaining, your readers just might hang on long enough for you to get around to setting the time---on the other hand.

So, how to set the time in the scene.  I'll get to more of that 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/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Scenes - more Scene Setting

5 November 2012, Scenes - more Scene Setting

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. 

The major failing with most authors seems to be that either they don't understand how important scene setting is, or they act as if the setting is a mystery the reader must unravel.  Let's put it this way.  How many times have you gone to a play and had to spend more than two minutes deciphering the time and place of the play?  Or how many times have you gone to a movie and had to think very hard about the time and place?  Usually, in a stage play, the playbill will tell you the when and the where.  The setting of the stage will show you, and sometimes tell you the when and where.  The writer of a stage play or a movie does not wish the audience to question the location and time setting of the movie or play.  Now, there are likely some rare plays and movies where the time and place might be questioned or a mystery, but I can't remember them--they were so unimportant artistically and commercially, that I don't remember a single movie or play like that.

Let's face facts--the mystery in any novel isn't normally the time and place, the mystery is in the plot and theme, not the setting.  This means that, as an author, you need to be at least as clear as a movie or stage play in setting your scenes.

As you begin to write, make sure you have the basics down. I'll write more in detail about the basics of scenes 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/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Scenes - Scene Setting

4 November 2012, Scenes - Scene Setting

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

The way to write well is through scenes.  The problem is very few people are teaching how to write good scenes.  Most writing classes focus on the technical basics or the higher level development in writing.  Writing classes should teach how to write in scenes--this is the fundamental secret of good writing.

Whenever you read any poor writing (or just questionable writing), note the way the scenes are put together.  Look at the first set in writing a scene (scene setting).  In my experience, many (if not most) modern writers don't properly set their scenes.  If I read a scene and I'm left wondering about the where, when, who, what, or how--the author has failed.  Writing is not about hiding the basics of the scene.  I've put this in the context of a stage play before--you don't set your players on an empty stage (unless it is experimental theater).  You design and build the stage, you place the characters on the stage, then you set them into action. 

Look at any classic literature from the golden age of writing (19th century), you will see wonderful, colorful, and vibrant scene setting.  The scene setting is so extensive, it is many times too much to our modern literary sensibilities.  It is still beautiful and sets the entire scene properly.  When you set a scene, you don't have to be so detailed you describe every single thing, but you must describe the necessary items. 

As you begin to write, make sure you have the basics down. I'll write more in detail about the basics of scenes 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/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - even more on Learning

3 November 2012, Development - even more on Learning

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

Writing a great story or novel is about the knowledge of the basics and the knowledge of how to put together a scene.  If you can put together a scene, you can write any fiction well.  This is why I have listed the parts of a novel and scene above.  These are the same parts of a story.  These are the basics of any fiction writing.  Note, that you must know how to write well.  The rest is about how to write a story.

Let's make this really clear.  You can be the most skilled person in the English language and not be able to write well at all.  The problem with most writing training is that it focuses on the top end items such as theme and plot or on the low end items such as grammar and punctuation.  Both are important, but you can know everything there is to know about the plot and theme and everything there is to know about grammar and punctuation and not be able to write anything worth while at all.

A program that focuses on writing sentences and paragraphs can be helpful, and the building blocks of all successful writing are sentences and paragraphs, but that is still not enough.  The magic of writing is in the development of scenes.  All great fiction writing is through scenes.

You rarely hear it said, about an author, that they have wonderful sentence structure, or that their paragraphs are fantastically written.  The major acclimation about a writer is about their characters and the excitement of their stories (plots).  The method to write great characters and excitement is based in writing scenes.  That is what you must focus on.

As you begin to write, make sure you have the basics down. I'll write more in detail about the basics of scenes 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/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - more on Learning

2 November 2012, Development - more on Learning

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

Then how do you learn to be a novel writer?  Certainly the basics of grammar, English, vocabulary, style, form, etc. are important, and basic teachers and professors (even those unpublished) can teach you those kinds of things.  These are subjects that you must know explicitly.  If you haven't mastered English and grammar, go back to school.  Let me tell you, most teachers haven't mastered English and grammar.  The number of students (and teachers) who don't understand when to properly use I, me, myself, who, whom, and all is extremely large--at least 95% of the population.  The number who don't understand about transitive and intransitive verbs is at least 99% of the population.  The number who don't understand subjunctive verb cases is even larger.

If you wish to understand the English language, study a foreign language...and study it to learn it and not just to study it.

The first step is to understand the basics of the language you wish to write in.  The basics are not such rules as conciseness or "never end a sentence with a preposition."  The basics are those of the proper use of verbs parts of speech and pronouns.  Sadly, the education most people receive today is insufficient to let them know the most basic use of English and English grammar. 

If you understand verbs, parts of speech, and pronoun use.  The next is the use of punctuation.  By the way, none of this is a lifetime study.  The lifetime study is the use of language and punctuation to properly express a thought in writing--this is the art of writing.  The knowledge of the tool is a basic concept only.

As you begin to write, make sure you have the basics down. I'll write more in detail about the basics of scenes 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/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.

Development - Learning

1 November 2012, Development - Learning

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

I'm getting a lot of lists here.  Lists aren't the end all but they are certainly a great method to make sure you are focusing on the right thing.  For example, you can sit down and write a novel.  That's the way most people do it.  They may or may not have much training or experience.  Let's face the truth--most people teaching writing aren't published authors.  Hopefully, they will give you some of the advice a published author can.

I was lucky to have a mentor, Roz Young.  Roz was very helpful to me when I was an unpublished author.  Roz was a professional writer who had many published works.  Every would-be author should seek a published mentor.  Don't look for the unpublished teacher or professor--they haven't had their writing published, so how do you think they can help you?  Look for the professional writer.  The ones who are paid for their writing and not for their teaching of writing.

As you begin to write, make sure you have the basics down.  I'll write more in detail about the basics of scenes 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/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.