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Action/Adventure Question

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Alonzo Mosley View Drop Down
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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 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote angelagilbert Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Nov 2017 at 1:30pm
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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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote MattrickBT Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Nov 2017 at 2:15pm
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).
4th - R1 G52 The Bad Man

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote justmel Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Nov 2017 at 2:19pm
Originally posted by MattrickBT MattrickBT wrote:

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).
 
You meant 1000 words, right?
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Alonzo Mosley View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Alonzo Mosley Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Nov 2017 at 3:21pm
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 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote uglypantsuit Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Nov 2017 at 3:38pm
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 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Alonzo Mosley Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Nov 2017 at 3:53pm
Oddly enough, my antagonist wears an ugly pantsuit.

Which will be cut for space. (The description, not the fabric).
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote uglypantsuit Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 12 Nov 2017 at 4:18pm
Originally posted by Alonzo Mosley Alonzo Mosley wrote:

Oddly enough, my antagonist wears an ugly pantsuit.

Which will be cut for space. (The description, not the fabric).

Hah! I love it. Is it set in the '80s? ;)
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