tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824896765631412903.post1960020128959835843..comments2023-09-05T12:51:25.656-05:00Comments on edittorrent: A Dash of TensionEdittorrenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14295505709568570553noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824896765631412903.post-86981251010259076552009-02-08T11:13:00.000-06:002009-02-08T11:13:00.000-06:00Alicia, I know exactly what you mean by that assoc...Alicia, I know exactly what you mean by that association. I think a lot of authors do that intuitively and don't even realize they have done it until later. I've fallen into that category a few times. LOL. Or I'll wind up inserting an object into a story and realizing later *why* I did it and the function it truly serves as a symbol or association and the thematic message it amplifies. It's when I start trying to really think about it that I often run into a brick wall. Ack. Isn't that always the way it goes? LOL.<BR/><BR/>JTJulie Harringtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02880895598847092028noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824896765631412903.post-39169532510767889742009-02-07T23:23:00.000-06:002009-02-07T23:23:00.000-06:00i think also readers subconsciously connect scenes...i think also readers subconsciously connect scenes which have the same motif. Like there are three scenes that take place by water-- the reader is going to link those three scenes subconsciously, and whatever thematic message is in those scenes will be amplified by the linkage.<BR/><BR/>I know there's a better way to say that, but I'm with you-- late at night replies aren't necessarily as cogent as I'd like! :P<BR/>AliciaEdittorrenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14295505709568570553noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824896765631412903.post-13696997876075992372009-02-07T22:50:00.000-06:002009-02-07T22:50:00.000-06:00Reading this all over made me think of a couple of...Reading this all over made me think of a couple of writing concepts like goal/motivation/conflict (which goes a long way toward building tension), symbolism, and constellation of images. I try to build a goal/motivation/conflict sequence for each scene so that the conflicts (whether they're resolved in the scene of not) generate new conflicts with a twist or spawn brand new conflicts as one is solved (Mary Jane might get the job she interviewed for but...). And when you add in symbolism to represent your theme (like the wilting flowers) and utilize a constellation of images for your characters, I think the elements play well with all the others to create that tension. The reader might not know *why* there's a feeling of mounting tension when these elements mingle together, but I think they do detect them. There are so many devices an author can utilize to convey so much without anyone even being away (heck, sometimes the writer isn't even aware of it until its all said and done) to subconsciously infuse a story with tension, symbolism, theme, etc. But I agree with the core principle that all the scenes should be relevant to those conflicts and goals, plot, tension, etc, etc., especially the opening scene.<BR/><BR/>And I think I just rambled and probably made no sense. This is why I should never reply this late at night. LOL.<BR/><BR/>JTJulie Harringtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02880895598847092028noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6824896765631412903.post-76876573697660843202009-02-07T11:46:00.000-06:002009-02-07T11:46:00.000-06:00Well, let's say this is more than just a scene to ...Well, let's say this is more than just a scene to set up the theme. If the action of the story-- what happens-- is some disaster that robs the family of its happiness, and then the slow recovery or maybe one of the children growing up traumatized or whatever, then the theme park can be the precursor to the disaster. Some stories start with or just before the disaster, or the inciting event, or whatever happens to make things change. But others have a "before" picture, a portrayal of the ordinary world, to show the contrast. This could be another genre thing-- adventure stories might start right before or at the big disaster, while romances and family dramas might start a bit before. <BR/><BR/>No matter what, the opening scene of all scenes should be multi-purpose-- not just to introduce the characters, or set up the theme, or show the Ordinary World, or show the situation, but all of those purposes, and maybe more. I think often we start with just one purpose, but the others can be layered in.<BR/>AliciaEdittorrenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14295505709568570553noreply@blogger.com