Creating Emotional Scenes in a Story - A Study of Friday Night Lights

Friday Night Lights is one of my favorite television series. I was a latecomer to the series, catching the entire series for the first time on Netflix a couple of years back. But, I loved it and couldn't stop watching. So, a couple of months ago, I started watching the series again from start to finish to see if it holds up after a second viewing. It does.

Friday Night Lights is a show that tugs on my emotions every single episode. I can't believe how often I have tears in my eyes, and often not sad tears, but tears because the moment on the screen is so moving.

So, as I continue work on my young adult novel, I am examining Friday Night Lights to figure out how the series manages to pack so much emotion into each episode and how I can bring emotion into my YA novel. Obviously, television and novels are two different mediums, but both are story-telling mediums and enough crossover exists for writers to learn from television and likewise.

I think the series is fantastic at portraying authentic relationships and those relationships create emotional scenes. The relationship between Coach Eric Taylor and his wife is a great example. Their relationship isn't perfect; they fight, argue, and disagree, yet they understand their love for each other remains in the tough moments.

I also think Friday Night Lights has an element of realism many teen dramas do not. The football team does not win every game. Star players get injured. People make bad decisions. And in all of those moments, the characters wrestle with what is right and many times, the decision isn't black or white. Friday Night Lights isn't afraid to go into the grey areas of our lives.

So I am using those two concepts to help me with my novel-writing. I want to create authentic relationships and tackle grey areas of our lives in my novel. I want my readers to feel like the story is real.

What are ways you create emotional scenes in your stories or novels?

What are your favorite novels, television series, or movies for tugging at your emotions?

The Importance of Character Interaction: A Lesson from Season 4 of Arrested Development

I am a big fan of the television series Arrested Development. I have the first three seasons on DVD, and I have watched each season at least ten times. I love Arrested Development for many reasons. To name a few, the writing is clever, the characters are ridiculously awesome, and the show is still funny ten years later. Plus, there is always money in the banana stand. Needless to say, when I heard about season four coming to Netflix, I was excited. However, as my husband and I learned more about the upcoming season, we became a bit worried. The format of the fourth season of Arrested Development is completely different. I like that Mitch Hurwitz is being creative and trying new things with the flexibility of Netflix. But, I was disappointed to hear every episode was centered around one character. Later, I learned part of the reason for the change was the availability of the cast. Arrested Development was a springboard for much of the cast into greater acting fame. Therefore, it was difficult to gather the cast together for filming.

In case you live in a hole, the complete fourth season of Arrested Development was released to Netflix on Sunday May 26. The season has 15 episodes of varying length with most around 30 minutes. My husband and I have been making our way through the season since its release date. We finally finished the season over the weekend and were a bit disappointed  because some of our worries going into this season were correct.

The new format of the show loses much of the essence and fun of Arrested Development. Each episode focuses on one character for a span of time. During the episode, there is little interaction between the focus character and the rest of the cast; the fun interplay between the characters is lost. I love the show because putting all the stellar actors and ridiculous characters into a room together is a recipe for greatness. Many of the characters do not hold up on their own, but some do. For example, the Gob, Tobias, and George Michael episodes are great.

Season four of Arrested Development reminded me of the importance of character interaction in stories.  An author might have a great character, but not a great story without a good supporting cast. A good story needs good interplay, dialogue, and relationships between the characters. George Michael isn't nearly as funny without Maeby in the story. Harry Potter isn't the same boy without Ron and Hermoine. Psych detective Shawn Spencer needs his sidekick Gus to solve crimes and keep the laughs rolling.

So thanks to Arrested Development for reminding me of the importance of character interaction, even if it means Season 4 isn't everything I hoped.

The Fear of Failure - Writing Edition

Last June, I finished the first draft of my novel and set goals for timeframes on revisions, sending query letters, and self-publishing. A year later, I completely missed the mark. I do have my Zelda series coming out very soon, but I am not even close to querying or publishing my novel. When I ask myself why, the excuses pop into my mind: work, family, life, etc. But, when I am honest with myself, I realize the biggest reason why my novel isn't ready is me. It's my fear of people reading my work. What if nobody likes the story? What if it's a disaster? What if I wasted all this time on a dead project?

Writing is a career where you put yourself out there. You become vulnerable. I don't like being vulnerable like most people. Writing is also a career of uncertainty. I don't know if the next project will be well received. I don't know if one day I can make a living off writing. I can take positive steps and make smart decisions to help this process, but it may take a long time.

I am trying to live with this fear and uncertainty. Some days are better than others. When I get positive feedback, my writing productivity soars. When I feel stuck in a story, I find myself turning on the tv or reading a book instead of opening up Scrivener.

Recently, I find myself in many conversations with friends and family about my future. They ask reasonable questions:

- Where are you going to live? (Our lease is up on our house and we are getting kicked out in a few months.)

- What are you doing next?

- What do you want to do?

The truth is I don't know where I will be one year from now or even six months from now. I don't know the details of where I will be living or what I will be doing. I do know I will be working somewhere- maybe the same jobs I have lined up right now, or maybe something completely different. But, I do know I will be writing. 

I love writing. I love creating characters and discovering how they transform in the course of a story. I love the idea of my words help someone smile on a rough day. I love brainstorming new story ideas.

And so, I will keep writing on the good and bad days. If I sell 10, 100 or 1000 copies of my next story, I will keep on writing. It's who I am.

A Creative's Dilemma: Sorting through the Idea Pile

Asking What If questions is a great exercise to develop story ideas. In an earlier post, the concept of your story, I explain the what if questions and how to use what if questions to brainstorm story ideas. Story ideas also pop into my brain at odd times. When a new story concept appears, I write the idea in Evernote so I don't forget it. But, at some point, I need to sort through the idea pile and decide what is a feasible story concept for me to write. Unfortunately, I am not at the point in my writing where I need lots of new ideas simply because it takes me a while to finish my current projects. So, my current idea list seems never-ending. But, when I do finish a project and need to start a new short story or novel, I sort through my list of story ideas.

My process is not very scientific or organized, but I go through the list and categorize the ideas as yes, no, or maybe. As I go through the list, I have a few questions in mind:

• How much research will I need to do for this story idea?
• Could I start writing this story today?
• What characters are in this story?
• Where does the story take place? What time period?

I use those questions to decide whether the story is something I want to write. For my first novel, the story resonated in my brain for several months before I actually started writing. My Zelda series, on the other hand, came off a whim one day. I had the idea and started writing one of the stories the next day or so.

After going through my list, the no ideas are deleted from the list. The yes and maybe ideas are left on the list and I pick a story idea to start.

For my writer friends, how do you come up with new story ideas?

And how do you sort through your idea pile?

The Character Timeline

In the middle of writing my first novel, I ran into a significant problem. I had no concept of my character's timeline. For example, I didn't know how old Rachel was when her father died, the age difference between Rachel, her aunt, and her father, or when she moved in with her grandparents. Without knowing the timeline, my story didn't make sense. The story had plot holes. To remedy the problem, I took a break from writing and created a timeline for my story. The timeline listed major and minor events in the life of my character and the ages of each character during each event. I wasn't sure all the events would make it into the novel, but I needed to know the timeline for the character's backstory and my understanding as I wrote the story.

The experience taught me the importance of character timelines. When I start my next novel, I plan to create a character timeline before I start writing. The writing process will be faster and smoother with a timeline.

I also use character timelines during my Discover Your Story workshop. During the workshop, participants identify key moments in their lives: the moments after which they are forever changed in a minor or may way. I call those moments life shifts. After they identify the life shifts, they rate the life shifts on a scale of -10 to +10 (0 is neutral). Next, we plot the shifts on a timeline according to chronological order and the rating. The timeline ends up looking like this picture below.

From this timeline, participants can identify patterns and find connections between life events. They learn about who they are and their past can help others. It's a fun exercise in a  small group.

This timeline can also be created for your fiction characters. I haven't used it yet, but I might give it a whirl on my next novel project.

How do you plan your character's timeline?

Have you completed a timeline exercise for your life? What did you learn?

The Writing Group Experience

About two months ago, I joined a writing group organized by the Cuyahoga County Library. This group is for "beginning fiction writers," but the term beginning applies more to the level of workshop or writing group experience as opposed to how long you've been writing. The group is facilitated by author Sarah Willis. In March, I attended the first workshop and left with a positive feeling. We talked a little about ourselves and our writing. We critiqued the first two chapters of a group member's novel. By the end, I was feeling adventurous so I volunteered to bring one of my Zelda short stories to the April meeting to be critiqued.

We met for the second time on April 11 and I came to the meeting a tad bit nervous. I picked Zelda vs. the Snowman to be critiqued and I wasn't sure of the response or if the group was right for me. My friend Eric, recently posted on writing groups- Writing Groups: Yea or Nay? and the topic brought lots of comments on both sides- for and against writing groups.

After Thursday night, I am definitely in the pro writing group camp. The group gave me great feedback on the Zelda story and how to improve the Zelda collection as a whole. They also gave me ideas for the target audience of the series in whichever direction I choose to go (kids picture book vs kids chapter book vs adult short stories). I left Thursday night with a new list of revisions and stories to write, but also very encouraged that I really can do this writing thing. (although it will take time and more time, especially since I need to work to pay the bills!)

My group is especially helpful because we have a facilitator, an author who knows how to write and what gets published and what is successful. We also are a group of writers who are looking to encourage and help each other. That makes it work.

What are your thoughts on writing groups?

Writing Fiction During the Rough Stretches of Life

I am sure you have experienced one of those days, weeks or months where nothing seems to go your way. It could be a bunch of little things that add up to a tough week. Or something monumental which affects everything else in your life. Either way, those stretches are not fun. Currently, Brian and I seem to be stuck in one of those rough stretches. Most of the bad luck is inconsequential in the grand scheme of life. We replaced the throttle in my jetta which was an unexpected expensive repair. Both of our jobs are in busy, wear you down stretches. My stepfather is very sick. Amidst this rough stretch, I started wondering if or how the rough times affect my fiction writing.

For me, writing fiction is an escape from the world. I get lost in the characters and world I create. So when the world sucks around me, I find myself eager to write, to immerse myself in a world I create and control.

On the other hand, I also find myself adding more conflicts to my stories and being more realistic with how my characters handle adversity. For instance, I'm working on novel revisions. In one section, my protagonist, Rachel had way too good of a reaction to bad news. So I promptly made some notes to change her reaction to match the news.

The good news about writing fiction is you get to create the ending. In my life, I'm not sure when the bad luck will turn. But, in my stories, I can create a happy ending. Maybe that's why I'm so eager to spend time writing when I'm not feeling the greatest, because I know I will always end the story with a good resolution.

How does the rough stretches of life affect your writing?

Life Shifts in YOUR Story & Your Character's Story

A life shift is defined as a moment or event that takes place after which you or your character will never be the same. A life shift is something that changes your life, your values or your worldview. A life shift can can be a positive or negative experience. For example, life shifts for people can be getting married, having kids, going on a mission trip, losing a job or losing a loved one. Some people may call life shifts turning points. But, I feel the phrase "turning point" makes it sound more extreme than a life shift could be. Sometimes life shifts are subtle. It could be a decision to quit something, to start a new habit or a conversation with a friend or loved one. In my Discover Your Story Workshop, life shifts are key to understanding the theme of your story and where you see God and redemption in your life. I have participants spend time identifying the life shifts and rating them on a scale from -10 to +10. This exercise gets people thinking critically about the moments which shaped their life. Many times, especially if you let the idea of life shifts resonate for a few days, you may discover a few life shifts that surprise you or see a pattern in your life you didn't expect.

If you are writing fiction, whether it is a short story, a serial or a novel, life shifts are just as important. You need to know when your character experiences something that forces change and transformation. You need to know what triggers your characters into a negative spiral or positive action. Sometimes you may not know all of the life shifts for a character until you start writing and getting into the story. But, I find it helpful to keep an ongoing list as you write to keep track and to ensure your character's actions and reactions make sense.

What is a surprising life shift in your life so far?

What are some life shifts in your character's journey?

Character Development and Character Sketches

Any writer or reader will tell you character development is a key component of any story. People want to read about characters who are likable and relatable. We want characters who make mistakes, but learn from them and move forward. We want characters who make us laugh and make us cry. Character sketches are a tool I use during the writing process. Before I start a short story or novel, I create character sketches for the main characters. As I write the story or novel, I revise and add to these sketches as needed. I have ten categories for my character sketches.

Physical Description

Personality

Habits/ Mannerisms

Backstory (Your Character's life before the story starts)

Worldview

Goals & Motivations

Inner Demons

External Conflicts

Character Arc (How Your Character Grows)

Notes (Miscellaneous)

These categories can overlap or may not be applicable in certain stories and settings, but they give me a great baseline for character creation and development.

Character sketches can also be used as a personal development tool. I recommend targeting one aspect of your life for the sketch (such as health, career, family, etc), but creating a general character sketch about yourself is fun and thought provoking too. Here's an example of a targeted personal character sketch:

Character Sketch for Kristen Otte the Writer

Physical Description - 5'4, Brown Hair, Brown Eyes, small & skinny, but in shape

Personality - Type A so organized with lists and calendars, but likes to laugh and make people smile

Habits / Mannerisms - Chewing on my shirt collar, biting my fingernails.

Backstory - College graduate, child of divorce, high school basketball player, avid reader and writer since I was a kid, became a christian in high school

Worldview - People are good and will support you in your endeavors.

Goals & Motivations - To support myself financially through writing

Inner Demons - Fear of Failure

External Conflicts - Money for editor & design services, time to write

Character Arc - Keep writing, publishing and querying until I reach my goal. Learn from my mistakes and the process and move forward.

When you get to the character arc section, the character sketch becomes very useful. Use your sketch and figure out how you can move past your inner demons and external conflicts to grow, develop and accomplish your goal.

Whether you are a writer or not, character sketches are a useful tool. I encourage you to take some time and create one for next novel or your next goal!

The Magic Four: Four Successes in 2012 and Four Projects for 2013

Happy New Year Friends! It's the time of year when people review the past year and set goals for the new year. I set new goals and targets as I finish projects, but it's always beneficial to review the past year and look ahead. The magic number of writing projects I can handle currently (while working another job) is around four. So here are the four successes of 2012 and the next four projects for 2013.

2012 Successes

1. When Light Hits the Path

On January 4, 2012, I released When Light Hits the Path in kindle and paperback forms. When Light Hits the Path was in many ways an experiment for me. I wanted to learn about the self-publishing process. The best way for me to learn is doing something and learning along the way. I formatted my book for kindle, smashwords and paperback. I designed the cover. I experimented with marketing. And I went for it. Honestly, the process was fun and I learned so much. The feedback on the book was positive and I sold more copies than I expected in the first month. When Light Hits the Path is by no means a bestseller, but it was a great first work.

2. Finding Love and Laughter through Story - The Relaunch of KristenOtte.com

2012 was not my most consistent year of blogging. For the first half of the year, I struggled to write posts and find good topics. I didn't know the purpose of my blog or where it fit with the rest of my writing. However, when I finished the first draft of my novel this past summer, I realized the future direction of my writing was fiction. I researched and brainstormed the direction of KristenOtte.com in connection with my fiction writing. By the end of summer, I found my niche. Finding Love and Laughter through Story is the new tagline. The blog is a resource for readers, writers, and those who are looking to create a new story in their lives. Since the relaunch, traffic at my blog has increased, along with newsletter subscribers, twitter followers, and comments on the blog. Thank you!

3. Story Workshops

In 2012, I led my first story workshops. I love teaching, writing, and helping people find their calling and the story workshops combine all three! Discover Your Story is a great workshop for those who want to share their story through a memoir, blog, or other writing and speaking avenues. During the workshop, participants will identify their life shifts to map out the timeline of their story. Participants also complete a redemptive outlook exercise to find meaning in the negative life shifts and a theme to their stories. Live Your Best Story uses the elements of story such as concept, character, and theme along with the 7 Point Story Structure to identify a new trajectory for your life. By the end of the workshop, participants have a detailed roadmap to live a meaningful story. Live Your Best Story is geared for people in midst of transition- recent graduates, retirees, and those exploring a career change. I continue to refine the workshops and look forward to my opportunities to present in 2013. (see below!)

4. The Legend of Zelda

Finally, a big change in my household was the addition of Zelda the Pug to our family. It's amazing how much a small 12lb dog can change your life and habits. But, Brian and I love having her around in the house. I especially like the company at home when my husband is working. On the writing side, Zelda inspired me daily and I decided to create a short story series based on her character. Besides being tons of fun to write, The Legend of Zelda series engages readers with my fiction on the blog. The positive feedback on the series is encouraging and I look forward to developing her character in 2013. If you missed any of the first few stories, catch up here.

2013 Projects

1. The Reader's Handbook

The Reader's Handbook is a resource for readers. In this handbook, I explain why reading is important and beneficial. I also outline the genres of books and help find the right books for you. I make sense of ebooks and print books, self-published books, and traditionally published books along with reading apps for your tablet, using the local library and the website Goodreads. Finally, I share tips and tricks to improve your reading speed and comprehension. The Reader's Handbook will be available early this year (late January or February) and is available only to newsletter subscribers (so if you aren't reading this through my mailchimp email newsletter, you should sign up now to get it!)

2. The Legend of Zelda Collection

The Legend of Zelda short story series will continue into 2013. In 2012, I released 3 stories, one a month, starting in October. I will release one Zelda story each month for the next three months as well. These six stories, along with six more Zelda stories will be self-published in a Legend of Zelda collection this spring. I'm aiming for an April release and super excited about it!

3. The Novel

Writing a novel is a long process. The first draft is complete, along with my first round of beta readers (Thanks Sarah & Jenny!!). My beta readers were extremely helpful, so the next stage is serious revisions in the next few months. After these revisions, the novel goes back to beta readers. Once my revision stages are complete, I plan on querying this novel to agents. But if agents don't bite, I probably will self-publish. The timeline on this project is very fluid, but in a perfect world, I would start querying in the summer of 2013.

4. Story Workshops

My goal in 2013 is to lead at least one story workshop per month. I am teaching the workshops in conjunction with local city recreation departments starting in March. In addition, I am scheduling my story workshops at local churches and looking into other possible venues. The Story Workshops are a great way to get my name out there, sell some books, and help people. If you are interested in participating in the workshop or hosting, read more about the workshops here and contact me with any questions.

Those are my four writing successes from 2012 and four writing projects for 2013.

What were you up to in 2012?

What are your 2013 writing or reading projects?

Finally, I will be taking entries for the December Book giveaway until Sunday January 6th. Read how you can win a copy of Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus here.