tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981315063491687057.post8746806204249928961..comments2023-05-12T06:37:48.238-04:00Comments on Manuscript Mavens: Authenticity in ActionErica Ridleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05511276393455961757noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981315063491687057.post-24971081935372383202008-06-19T13:00:00.000-04:002008-06-19T13:00:00.000-04:00I think it's the same idea as Carrie's, but when I...I think it's the same idea as Carrie's, but when I have a scene that lacks in "itness", I raise the stakes. It's something I learned from poker. Tired of folding marginal hands for an hour straight? Play the hand like it's A-K suited and you'll add some excitement to the exchange. Of course pick the wrong time to do it and you'll get crushed, in both poker and writing.<BR/><BR/>If the scene still illicts only a "meh" from a CP, I'll cut it in half to distill out the impurities. If it's still not there, it's time to move it to the "bit bucket" and re-examine the thought process that took the story there.Michael Devershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00291535115515846832noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981315063491687057.post-26826215741189500202008-06-18T15:08:00.000-04:002008-06-18T15:08:00.000-04:00Yay that the "what's the worst that could happen" ...Yay that the "what's the worst that could happen" method works!<BR/><BR/>I also remember Ally Carter once talking about a scene she wrote that was really important but was just characters talking. She thought it was boring (though authentic). To spice it up she moved it from their dorm room to a martial arts class so there was lots of action, even if tangential. It really spiced up the scene!Carrie Ryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16198867176033112742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981315063491687057.post-80673251647427650372008-06-18T13:25:00.000-04:002008-06-18T13:25:00.000-04:00You know, I have the same problem, and I'm beginni...You know, I have the same problem, and I'm beginning to accept it as just part of my process. I will write these scenes that are basically, my hero and heroine sitting around in some arbitrary room and talking. And my CPs will complain because they're sitting around and talking, and even though the dialogue is fun, it's just not THERE yet.<BR/><BR/>But sometimes I kind of think I need to write them that way, to get the emotional part out on the table in a way that works. After my CPs have grumbled their grumble, I go back and admit that they are right and try to make the scene work. The changes are usually radical at that point--less talking and more action. Usually, I have to give up my favorite lines to fit the scene snugly into action--but that's where I've gotten some of my favorite scenes.<BR/><BR/>Thus, I had to delete this exchange, which I loved:<BR/><BR/>"Couldn't you have been lonely at ten in the morning?"<BR/><BR/>Gareth peered at his nails. He could barely make them out in the dense darkness. "Unfortunately, my schedule tomorrow is packed.<BR/><BR/>But I got out of it one of my favorite lines of all time:<BR/><BR/>"I can't reach behind my back, either."Courtney Milanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03585322886111438759noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981315063491687057.post-34516697862268648942008-06-18T09:59:00.000-04:002008-06-18T09:59:00.000-04:00I LURVE the Maven Carrie "what's the worst thing t...I LURVE the Maven Carrie "what's the worst thing that can happen next?" method of plotting. Whenever I get stuck and don't know where the story should go next, it ALWAYS works.<BR/><BR/>I also truly love the way you explained making the scene's action mesh with the dialogue and introspection. And you know it's working...because I can't wait to read what happens next!Jackie Barbosahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02904049760374126059noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981315063491687057.post-75543954845280619662008-06-18T09:35:00.000-04:002008-06-18T09:35:00.000-04:00Speaking of anniversaries, the Mavens have been bl...<I>Speaking of anniversaries, the Mavens have been blogging for a year this week. Crazy, huh? Stay tuned for exciting anniversary happenings...</I><BR/><BR/>Only a year?! It seems like you've *always* been there. I can hardly remember a time when I didn't start my day with a cup of coffee and a solid dose of Mavenry!<BR/><BR/>Happy Anniversary!! The Mavens rule!!Bill Clarkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01828998021246511869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7981315063491687057.post-26946344459503562442008-06-18T08:54:00.000-04:002008-06-18T08:54:00.000-04:00If a scene doesn't have "it" I generally rewrite. ...If a scene doesn't have "it" I generally rewrite. I've been doing it this week. Frustrating, but I always think that if I'm bored by my scene, my readers definitely will be. LOL!!<BR/><BR/>By the way, you guys got an E from us over at www.romancewritersrevenge.com <BR/><BR/>Check it out!!Marnee Baileyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01533816213473440342noreply@blogger.com