Comments for Words from the Herd

Comment on The Apostropocalypse — Is this the best made up word ever? by “The War of the Ravels” Then And Now: When Mercy Met Brennendah « James Viscosi's Scribblings

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 14:58:38 +0000

[...] I removed the backwards apostrophes from all the Rittandic character names after reading the “Apostropocalypse” section of Neal Stephenson’s Reamde because, like the creators of the fantasy MMORPG [...]

Comment on Introduction by Michelle Guirard

Michelle Guirard — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 04:15:29 +0000

If people are totally intimidated, or ADHD, you could give one little task now, like choose a theme and put your name at the top, or something, so they can try stuff as they go, and have some sense of accomplishment. Is that possible?

Comment on Stuff They Get Away with on TV by Jess

Jess — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:31:59 +0000

Nice post. We watch very little TV, but enjoy NCIS for the character interaction, even though the plots are frequently absurd. (Hint – if you’re a Marine, don’t get stationed in the D.C. area. According this show, your per capita risk of getting killed is about 20 Times higher than in Afghanistan.) As far as a spy using found items rather than “Q” gadgets, I have one word – MacGyver!

Comment on Checklist for Chapters and Scenes by Jess

Jess — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 12:53:20 +0000

That’s a good point. “What are the primary and secondary sources of conflict and tension?” is the key question that’s part of the chart I use before writing the first draft. I think I should add it to the rewrite checklist, too, even though some of the other questions are seeking the same issue. As you pointed out, “conflict” in story is essential, and not inherent in fighting, arguing, etc. Those are merely some of the possible outcomes of conflict. The book “Ordinary People” is a great example. It’s bursting with conflict until you find yourself aching for a fight or argument to relieve it. I definitely need to add conflict and tension among the first questions to the “rewrite” checklist. You can never have too much!

Comment on Checklist for Chapters and Scenes by Patrick Sullivan

Patrick Sullivan — Thu, 13 Dec 2012 01:50:49 +0000

Something I have failed at in the past is the use of conflict–so I try to always pose the question before writing a scene: What does my Protagonist (and perhaps the Antagonist) want in this scene and who/what is preventing them from getting it? Argument is not necessarily conflict. Fighting is not necessarily conflict. I think that having a reasonable answer for this question is a pre-condition to being able to check off many of the items in your list.

Comment on Checklist for Chapters and Scenes by Jess

Jess — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 21:52:19 +0000

I don’t look closely at the list before writing the first draft, it’s primarily for the first re-write. Then I look at it again after the re-write to make sure that I’m satisfied that I’ve adequately addressed all of the questions. I do think that someone who is not familiar with the questions would gain from reading them over before each phase.

For the outline, I use the device you mentioned in a recent post. Mostly I just want to give the scenes direction, and find the proper mix and flow of energy/excitement.

By the way, not all categories require a clear yes, depending on the type of story, the purpose of the chapter/scene, etc. For instance, question 8 may be irrelevant for a very short or unresolved scene or chapter.

Comment on Checklist for Chapters and Scenes by Patrick Sullivan

Patrick Sullivan — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 13:18:19 +0000

Hi, Jess, thanks for sharing that list. You call it a checklist, so I interpret that to mean it is a mental exercise to scan the list and convince yourself you have accounted reasonably for each item. Is that right?

Do you ever use the checklist to drive your initial outlining? The list is a little daunting at first, but when you consider what a “no” means when there ought to be a “yes,” the writing without the required fix will be less satisfying to the reader.

I will probably try your list on for size. Using it will lead to the best comments on sufficiency, redundancy, and all those other “cy’s.” In a couple weeks I let you know how it worked.

Comment on A new story by Tyler by Tyler Tork

Tyler Tork — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 12:14:29 +0000

Sorry, I don’t think you’re dead enough to qualify for the night shift.

Comment on A new story by Tyler by Patrick Sullivan

Patrick Sullivan — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 12:12:20 +0000

Good news, Tyler. Is there a shift differential offered? I could use a few extra bucks. Guess I’ll have to go buy it to find out. Congrats.

Comment on A new story by Tyler by Jess

Jess — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 23:56:37 +0000

A hearty congratulations! I will certainly buy this issue.