Comments on: The Frame of a Story: The Forces of Antagonism

By: dholcomb1

dholcomb1 — Thu, 26 May 2022 04:06:23 +0000

this is a fascinating tool

denise

By: Lynette M Burrows

Lynette M Burrows — Sun, 22 May 2022 02:54:59 +0000

In reply to Alicia Butcher Ehrhardt. Alicia, very interesting. Our methods do sound quite similar, though I am not as detailed as you. I do make certain I understand why the characters do what they do, believe what they believe, and are as close to real as I can make them. I wish you all the best in your continuing writing journey.

By: Alicia Butcher Ehrhardt

Alicia Butcher Ehrhardt — Sat, 21 May 2022 20:38:50 +0000

Interesting that every single element in plotting with Dramatica has that same four-square structure (though I haven't compared the content). I use something like this for every element of a story, in plotting and in filling in the plot (the almost-pantsing part, call it pantsing within limits or within a structure) that I find so satisfying. With a solid plot set up, the steel in the skyscraper, filling in the structure doesn't wander hopelessly, and I'm always happy with the end result. I'm an extreme plotter - but find the characters are not cardboard cutouts just executing that structure. Instead, I work hard to find out HOW and WHY they do what I need them to do, if that makes sense. Then I can write the actual story. Makes for a lot of extra words in my Workspace files for each scene, but after I do the work, the story finds a way to flow through, including everything - and far more. I think what you wrote in this post comes very close to what I do, and is the closest of any other writer's process I have seen, to mine. Fascinating.

By: Lynette M Burrows

Lynette M Burrows — Fri, 20 May 2022 20:44:05 +0000

In reply to V.M.Sang. I'm glad you found both my posts helpful. Best of luck in your writing journey!

By: V.M.Sang

V.M.Sang — Fri, 20 May 2022 19:08:51 +0000

I love how you explain this to make it easier to understand. I'm a pantster, (although I do have an idea of where my story is going, and usually of the end) but this idea of a framework is brilliant. Thank you for this, and the last one about a sentence.

By: Lynette M Burrows

Lynette M Burrows — Fri, 20 May 2022 19:01:28 +0000

In reply to Jeris Hamm. You are welcome, Jeris. I think your definitions would work nicely. With a solid understanding like that, you might find this tool helpful. Good luck on your writing journey!

By: Jeris Hamm

Jeris Hamm — Fri, 20 May 2022 18:02:10 +0000

Thank you for the fascinating information. I’m thinking contrary could be defined as the gray area between right and wrong and negation of the negation could be evil that masquerades as good?

By: Lynette M Burrows

Lynette M Burrows — Fri, 20 May 2022 17:53:03 +0000

In reply to deleyna. Thanks, Deleyna. And thank you about my covers! Don't beat yourself up so much. You have a system that works for you. That's a GOOD thing. I can sympathize with frustration at the amount of time and effort editing takes. I used to live under that curse, before I found this system. Your frustration at your editing process may be a sign for you to try another way. Whatever you choose to do, honor your process.

By: deleyna

deleyna — Fri, 20 May 2022 17:42:56 +0000

This is a fascinating framework, Lynette! (Love your covers SOOOO much) I don't have a standard framework that I use from story to story, but more of a loose structure where I focus on getting the tension points where I want them. I'm still too much of a pantser! I get a draft down, then analyze the existing structure and modify as needed. THAT is where I get caught up and where I spend too much time. This is why editing takes me SO long.