Kiri Jorgensen - Writing for Kids
  • Home
    • Links for Learning
  • About Me
  • Chicken Scratch
  • Books
  • Plays

Chicken Scratch Blog

Rebellion

1/20/2013

 
Picture
    In Martha Alderson's The Plot Whisperer, she encourages writers to identify the four energetic markers of their stories.  The first one is the "end of the beginning", or the point where life for the main character shifts to new.  The second is the "recommitment scene" where she forges ahead despite setbacks.  Then there is the "crisis" where everything is out of control, which forces the main character to take control in a new way.  Introspection happens here, which leads to the push and climb to the "climax" where the hero fights back, rebelling against the antagonist, and ultimately prevails.  These four scenes, when created in a natural cause and effect flow, will make for an enjoyable, well constructed plot.
    I've been applying these plotting techniques to my revisions lately, and it has made me see my writing process in a similar light.  In my personal writing story, what stage of the plot am I at?  I passed the "end of the beginning" a long time ago.  That was my first draft, which subsequently needed major work.  So after months of analysis and critique, I entered my "recommitment scene" where I chose to willingly edit and recraft.  I forged ahead, and rewrote the whole thing.  That led to more critique and analysis, which made me feel somewhat out of control after so much work already.  Then I hit the "crisis".  My story sucks.  No matter what I do.  Should I keep going at all?  Is it worth it?
    Luckily, I have the support of a wonderful critique group, who have an amazing knack for seeing what needs to happen.  After ruminating on their suggestions a little while, along with serious introspection, I think I'm ready to start the climb.  I've done some experimenting, created a plan, and I feel once again that I'm in control. 
    So now I'm climbing.  Heading to the "climax".  I hope all goes well, because this main character really needs to succeed.  With my trusty band of rebels at my side, I'll write my story through to the end, come what may.  And we all know the pen is mightier than the sword.  

    Author

    Writing for children is a passion - along with reading kid's books, writing plays for kids, and teaching kids how to write!

    Archives

    October 2020
    May 2018
    December 2016
    March 2016
    January 2016
    October 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    November 2014
    October 2014
    August 2014
    February 2014
    September 2013
    August 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012

    Categories

    All
    Recommended Books
    Teaching
    Writing

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
Photos from g23armstrong, shawncampbell, Crazy Knitter, Cangul, Ensie & Matthias, nottsexminer, moon angel, DonkeyHotey, Scott McLeod, quinn.anya, dlm7155, glaciernps, kzamani, molotalk, apple_pathways, Alex Scarcella :: http://www.ccworld.it/, TooFarNorth, Russ Neumeier, Sterling College, jDevaun, marcoverch
  • Home
    • Links for Learning
  • About Me
  • Chicken Scratch
  • Books
  • Plays