How do I balance INTERNAL CONFLICT with an action/adventure PLOT? |
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- Опубликовано: 8 сен 2024
- ASK ME A QUESTION: / abbieemmons
What's up, my friends? In today's episode of #AskAbbie I answer some great questions that came in on the Facebook group - everything from balancing internal conflict with external action to finding awesome beta readers. Smash that like button if you enjoyed this video!
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My name is Abbie Emmons I teach writers how to make their stories matter by harnessing the power and psychology of storytelling, transforming their ideas into a masterpiece, and creating a lifestyle that makes their author dreams come true.
Story isn’t about “what happens” - it’s about how what happens affects and transforms the characters. I believe that there is an exact science (a recipe, if you will) behind a perfect story. And if you know what ingredients you need, you can create your own perfect story with ease and confidence. That’s what we talk about every week on this channel - and if it’s something you’re into, be sure to subscribe and join this community!
the replay value in these videos is insane :D
John Wick is the prime example of a spy/action thriller that is character drive. John has inner conflict at the beginning of the show: his wife died and it left him empty.
Even at the end of the series, it was all about his wife.
My two cents on balancing internal conflict and action plots: you can work out a timeline of character conflict scenes independent of what the characters are actually doing. Then as you develop your action plot, you can play mix and match. For every action scene, look for a suitable character scene and weave them together. Emphasize the action, of course, but If both kinds of high points coincide, internal conflict can intensify the action & suspense, not drag it down.
When are you going to continue the series on all the story beats?
A big part of this is just giving your characters personal stakes and a reason to care. Then all of the action will be a result of characters making decisions giving them more investment in how it will resolve.
Hey Abbie. I've started watching your videos really recently. I just wanted to let you know that I've wanted to be a writer most of my life, but you are the first person who's made me believe I can actually do it. Thanks to you, I'm now planning for my first novel. :) Keep making videos, sometimes it just takes positivity and great advice to give someone the push they need. Like me.
Thank you so much for your kind words! They mean so much to me, and I am thrilled that the content I make encourages you to chase your dreams and make your story MATTER!
Can you do a video on brainstorming Book Titles? I struggle with those a lot, mine are always bland.
ZordoX yes! My actual writing pours out of me (not saying it’s always good , but I’ve never had writers block) but titles I can’t think of for the life of me . I still haven’t even named the book I finished last month . It’s a problem ! Lol
Same here! Writers block isn’t a problem but when it comes to book titles, I just stare at my screen for hours with no ideas.
@@danaprovenzano3961 think of the theme and symbolism present throughout your book. Then create names from it
Shamaiah Ellis thank you I appreciate it !
Jack Lewis' Narnia was edited and beta read by a group of college dons that included JRR Tolkien, and Lewis helped beta read/edit Tolkien's works. When you have a whole staff of literature professors as your beta readers and editors, you're probably way ahead of the majority of writers.
My main problem with writing, is that I get so obsessed with other books and other characters, that I find it difficult to make mine different and not compare my writing to other books. Any advice?
Maybe try remember that what you're comparing to is a finished product which has had multiple drafts, pro editors etc whilst yours is a first draft? Idk I've never published anything
To add to that, for Emma, I wanted to recommend watching Alexa Donne's video on infodumping. I know it sounds completely different but I feel there she suggest many solutions to how to present information and I feel that you can use those strategies to your advantage.
I always doubt my writing and compare it to my bff Maddie’s and I feel like my writing is always so bland. So thank you for saying that “your writing is most likely better than it seemed.” You really helped me feel better about it and actually believe my friend when she says that’s it’s good!❤️
You cite several books to show how a character's misbelief is a useful way to express itself in action scenes. You lit a bulb in my own head - how about Wizard of Oz? Every character is pursuing their misbeliefs, even the wicked witch!
Your note about how our writing is most likely better than we think it is, a LOT better, makes me feel better! I've been doubting my first chapter of my novel lately, kinda the whole thing, espec since a friend of mine tore it apart... X'D I'M really proud of it, though, so hopefully it's not as bad as she made me think it is/I'm worried it is! Thanks a lot!
3:03 fantastic advice for solving the action adventure overwhelming the inner conflict. Exactly the answer i went looking for today... la-la-la... going through video channels... then found you today, Abbie... and WHAM! That's when I discovered the A-Ha moment video. BAM! Wow! Hooked. Fell in love with your writing techniques. I subscribed. Wrote garbled morning messages in your comments section because I kept watching videos instead of getting coffee. Began downloading your videos. Went and bought a car. Returned. Kept watching videos. Is now past midpoint and have to stop for today... but thank you... so much. We all know how an insight into your writing can completely TRANSFORM your world... and you've solved so many problems I had with my manuscript... in one day. Goodnight.
Aaah... meant "Is now past midNIGHT", not midpoint... love being a writer.
AHHHHH thank you so much for all of your amazing, kind comments!! I am so thrilled my videos are helping you! :) Keep writing!!
for the question about sci-fi vs contemporary, I would say that if the technological changes are obvious to the average reader then it has moved out of the realm of contemporary. To me, the contemporary genre is all about being something that could happen to real people in a real setting. If it's no longer reality, it's no longer contemporary.
JJ Abrams needs to be asking himself that first question every time he makes a movie! Emma, you’re worried about more than some of Hollywoods 'goodest boys’ ever would. You go girl!!
Allie M, Iron Man movies are sci-fi or contemporary to you?
I believe it's more about how changed society is.
@@HDloly contemporary the genre is about reality. Things that could truly happen. I would 100% classify Iron Man and all the Marvel movies as sci-fi. They might be set in our "contemporary" time period, but it's an alternate universe. I like both genres, not hating either way :) just trying to clarify because it's an important distinction to make for marketing purposes
Hey I loved your series on the nano writing. Couldnt get enough. Could you do more in depth videos on how to write each plot point, and maybe use examples too? I would love it so much🥺❤❤
A basic tenet of romance books is that if the story is 50% romance, it's a romance. If your sub-genre is more than 50% you need to edit it back to keep it as a romance.
I recently got your book (after a long time of waiting, which was a pain) and I just started reading, but I've already cried at least four times and managed to get through half the book - it's so good! And I just love Weston and the way he tries to help Tessa - and the way he is towards his younger brothers. And Tessa's struggle with losing her sight made me think about how I would feel - I love reading and I draw every day - that itself made me feel somewhat connected to Tessa and her frustrations because of her loss of sight. You're really talented, I love reading, but not every book makes me cry. I just love it!!!!!
!!!!! I am so glad! Thank you so much. :')
The bloopers at the end were fun to watch.😂
Thank you for this video, Abbie!
I agree that character development is central to the writing. In my world, it's the characters who write the story--I'm simply the instrument they use to convey it to the world. Sometimes I'm able to guide my characters, but sometimes they do what they choose despite my best efforts. I must say, I enjoy unpredictable, chaotic characters, though it can get frustrating.
Can you do a how to Show vs.
Tell in writing?
So glad you love Chronicles of Narnia! Same here! One of my faves! >:D
Stellar content as always, Abbie! Thanks for answering my question again, too!
I will definitely say that sometimes as a writer, it can be difficult to try and see if your story is good from a reader's perspective because unlike a potential reader, you already know everything that's going to happen, so it's easy to wonder if some things (like twists especially that need shock value) will work for someone who doesn't know what happens.
In regards to the first question, I wish I could tell that writer to go and watch 007 movies and take note of how they deliver the internal conflict. Most times, to not slow down the pace, they're explored and woven into action scenes. For example, there's no scene written specifically for Bond and the bombshell to discuss the fact that he can't fully commit to her. Instead, this conversation is had in a car in the middle of a hot pursuit, where they are being chased and shot it. They've woven it together in a way that won't slow down the pacing.
Thanks for all that you do Abbie.
Thanks for watching!
Subscribed to your sister's youtube just because you mentioned her here. Seems like she's got some pretty good videos to learn from as well.
First comment!! Interesting topic!!
Thank you
XX
"They are nice people, they don't use weapons" - opposite of my book. They are all terrible people, and I immediately said 'he chooses his weapon based on the targ-' and then thought about what's his manipulation technique which is also very important, because assassins need to ingratiate themselves, sneak, manipulate, get information subtly...
Thank you so much for answering my question again!! I will make sure to get the new version of the character profiles!
About the first question, Hunted (on Amazon Video) is a good example of character driven spy fiction.
I love you so much beautiful and spread beautiful thoughts
Thank you for answering my question!!!
Abbie Emmons will conduct interviews for new writers.
Thank you for always making such helpful and easy to understand content ❤️
I am struggling with getting from the three act structure to individual scene cards. How do you go about breaking down that massive chunk of story into scenes?! Is there any chance you could do a video on this soon please? I'd ask on your patreon Facebook page, but I am super poor right now - I hope you'll consider the topic anyway.
Keep safe 🌈
Very good question...I will definitely consider this for a future video!
@@AbbieEmmons thank you! I've found your videos on structure really helpful; I've made loads of progress since starting watching them, but now I have a three act structure and am unsure how to move on from this point! 😅
Keep up the good work! 😁
Did she end up making a video like she said she would about more balancing action/adventure vs internal conflict??
Perfect timing!
Abbie sometimes feels, looks and sounds like a younger Jamie Wolfer 😍
I really like these vids but when will we get more about outlining???? I liked your every other acedule you had going for a bit
Would you do a video on unique challenges with writing historical fiction?
Love dabbling in historical fiction! My pitfalls are that I can get lost in research for WAY TOO LONG.
Unfortunately I don’t have a Facebook account, but I liked this video!
Lauren Alyssa or fortunately ? Lol
I have this writing style which is kind of similar to wine, the older it is the better it gets. And it's not due to practicing it just happens. Due to this i have rewriten my manuscript 6 times, and I can't stop. The story is already nice and I get good feedback already so I feel that rewriting the manuscript 6 times is enough but I can't stop at all because I want it to be it's best. But in that case if I continue this prototype might be rewritten over a couple thousand times. Any tips for this?
when I saw the title I just thought...
*percy jackson*
Now I'm imagining a perfect weapon for Abbie Emmons. Hmm....
A pen/pencil!
I like your new place. Hope it's working out well for you.
Hey Abbie, why must his necessarily be disbeliefs? Can't it be that he believes in the values of justice for example?
#AskAbbie Hello! So I have a question. My character, Castor has multiple fears and desires which are interlinked. I obviously have one main desire and fear but I don't know what to do about the Sub-Desires/Sub-Fears. I can't remove them because they're part of Castor and removing them is practically like killing off my main character. Thanks, love from India. ❤
Try to distill them down into a common root perhaps? Or look at which one would be most relevant to what is happening at the time in the plot to see which fear or desire to focus more on for that scene?
Perhaps the fears are reinforcing each other or even forcing the character to prioritize which one to face up to?
Is Castor more afraid of the monsters coming to devour his toes or the stormy waters below the cliff that he could dive into to escape them? Does he get more than a split second to decide or no? He can agonize over his split second choice later if you like, questioning himself afterwards or just try to forget the moment of sheer panic afterwards. Ahh, mental anguish.
All interesting questions and best of luck to your character whatever happens!
@@Valthalin Thanks, but my main problem is whether I should remove them or not. If so, well I don't know what to do.
Hey I love your dress!
Abbie, I just read your book 100 days of sunlight and i absolutely LOVED it. I want a hardcover copy to add to my collection, but i cant find it anywhere! Was it ever published as a hardcover???
Yep! Here it is: www.amazon.com/100-Days-Sunlight-Abbie-Emmons/dp/173397332X/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1588360619&sr=1-1 I am thrilled you enjoyed the book!!
Second!
From where to get ideas for writing
Your view of scifi is sort of dated. Yes, technology is a big part of scifi, but character-driven plots are just as important in scifi as any other genre. You should give it a try. For instance, Becky Chambers books, start with "The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet", are 99% character driven, and the tech is just necessary background.
I want more advice
(Gasps)Oooh.
These videos have helped me a lot❤ thanks
Glad you like them!
والله دسر قلبي مسكين لهم ساعد اخوان في فلسطين 🇵🇸 😢😢😢😢😢😢😢
I appreciate how many times throughout this video I've been thinking "yeah but what about this thing?… " And then you almost immediately answer it in a way I didn't even think of. The weapon of choice thing is really interesting, (or mode of manipulation or whatever.) I don't think that I've ever even considered that with my characters, and it seems really important. I don't quite know how to implement it though… I feel like, when I'm writing a character, I have to really feel that character in my guts, almost as if I'm acting as that character...
so doing like a *fill in the blanks* thing with personality traits is sort of hard for me. It's like I almost have to picture a specific person who does a specific thing and place myself in that mode of thinking as much as I can.
Do you have any suggestions for how to put yourself in the mind of a character? Especially if it's a type of character you haven't met before? Like sey--a corrupt politician, or a criminal mastermind… Those are very generic examples, but hopefully you know what I mean.
im still here taking advice
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