Tag: story

Begin Again

Jon

So I had to write a story.

OK, I didn’t have to, but there was a call for submissions I wanted to, um, submit to, which meant I had to write a story to do so.

The story started out one way. And sure, it was a nifty enough story, but it didn’t fit the call for submission. So I scrapped it.

Try #2: I got a good five thousand word story out of it, but it felt weak. And, again, it didn’t fit the call. That meant it would likely get rejected. Try again.

Try #3: Finally! I’ve got a good character, a good plot, it fits the call, looks good.

But it really needs some work. Subplot B needs to get moved over here, and subplot C should probably just get dropped.

About five drafts later I finally send it out. Continue reading “Begin Again” →

Avengers and Epilogues

Jon

Sometimes what comes after the plot wraps up is just as important as the rest of the story. Discussion and possible spoilers to follow for Avengers Endgame and Lord of the Rings: Return of the King.

So Tuesday I got to see Avengers: Endgame. I’d sum it up as: Satisfying. There are plot holes aplenty, but I generally didn’t mind because the character work, plot work, action setpieces, and so on were generally heartfelt, wonderfully acted, and will scripted. But there’s one part of the movie I wanted to focus on: That really, really long ending.

Now, I wasn’t looking at my watch, so I can’t tell you how long it was. I can tell you it was a significant length, though. It reminded me in all the right ways of the epilogue from Return of the King.

I’ve heard people complain about the ending of Return of the King.

They’re wrong. Continue reading “Avengers and Epilogues” →

My plot and my story are fighting…

Jon

My plot and my story aren’t talking, and that’s a problem.

Maybe that sentence seems strange to you. Aren’t plot and story basically the same thing? Nah. Here’s a video that explains:

It’s a brilliant video about one of the best movies of all time. I really suggest you watch it. But in case you didn’t watch it or just need it written out:

Held Captive by a Story

Jon

There are certain stories I can’t get out of my head. They’re rather insidious, laying eggs in my brain like some sort of Lovecraftian monster redesigned by the unholy lovechild of H. R. Giger and Steve Carell. The eggs hatch and latch onto my various creativity glands and refuse to let go.

And thus there are certain stories I return to over and over again.

I wrote a novel… oh, gosh, years ago. The rough draft of the novel is about as old as my first child.

Now I feel old.

Why do I hurt myself like this? Continue reading “Held Captive by a Story” →