Action/Adventure Question |
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Alonzo Mosley
NYC Midnight Groupie Joined: 19 Jul 2017 Location: Seattle Status: Offline Points: 133 |
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Posted: 12 Nov 2017 at 1:04pm |
When cutting elements out of Action/Adventure, which is more important to maintain:
* Character moments * Atmosphere * Set pieces I know every judge is different, but this seems like it could be the one genre where linear story points (and "formula") trumps the human element. |
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angelagilbert
NYC Midnight Addict Joined: 21 Jan 2017 Location: Maine Status: Offline Points: 824 |
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This is entirely based on my personal experience and preference, not based on anything specifically regarding the competition.
That said, I did create an action/adventure piece for round 1 that was heavily character-focused, and 2 of my 3 judges commented positively on that aspect of my story.
But I always feel that the character element trumps all else. If the reader doesn't care about or root for the character, then I find that the action and adventure element isn't as interesting. It could be something as simple as your character doing a small act of kindness so we know that he or she is someone we want to survive. I'd be happy to take a look at a draft if you'd like any more specific feedback. Good luck!!! |
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MattrickBT
NYC Midnight Addict Joined: 15 Jul 2017 Location: Oshawa Status: Offline Points: 1270 |
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I say just focus on telling a kinetic story. Action defines character. You can establish your character and their motives through action alone, especially at 1,500 words. Set up a situation, a conflict, something to overcome, and a reason for the protaganist to overcome (this is your human element).
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justmel
NYC Midnight Black Belt Joined: 25 Jan 2015 Location: Wisconsin, USA Status: Offline Points: 2114 |
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You meant 1000 words, right?
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Alonzo Mosley
NYC Midnight Groupie Joined: 19 Jul 2017 Location: Seattle Status: Offline Points: 133 |
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Thanks. My guess is, for "character", though, strip away everything that doesn't directly relate to the specific quest - for both pro- and antagonists.
Which I guess is always good advice anyway. |
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uglypantsuit
NYC Midnight Regular Joined: 16 Jul 2017 Status: Offline Points: 469 |
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I'm also struggling. I feel like the action has maybe been sacrificed somewhat at the expense of building the character's backstory, but without it, there's not really much of a story. it's very important to establish who she is and where she's come from.
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Alonzo Mosley
NYC Midnight Groupie Joined: 19 Jul 2017 Location: Seattle Status: Offline Points: 133 |
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Oddly enough, my antagonist wears an ugly pantsuit.
Which will be cut for space. (The description, not the fabric). |
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uglypantsuit
NYC Midnight Regular Joined: 16 Jul 2017 Status: Offline Points: 469 |
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Hah! I love it. Is it set in the '80s? ;)
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