So after my last post, I thought I was truly stumped.
Of course a few hours later, I started thinking and out of nowhere the wheels of inspiration started moving again.
And suddenly...a flow of ideas.
I will not mention them, for fear of jinxing myself before I really figure out the full plot. But I will leave you with these few thoughts.
My breakthrough came by looking at alternate scenarios for the original story, like the opposite game. Basically I thought to myself:
What if Theseus had not come yet?
What if the Minotaur wasn't killed?
What if Daedalus and Icarus escaped?
What if Icarus didn't die?
All of these opposites have helped me create an alternate universe for characters based on the Greek myth.
Key themes I plan to deal with:
Choices
Mistakes
Forgiveness
Secrets/Lies
Gender roles
Power/Playing God
Tehee! That's all for now.
I shall reveal my grand scheme later.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Stumped...plotwise
So after helping my Penny with her plot, I've found I'm at a loss with mine.
Although I am using the Labyrinth for inspiration, I would really prefer to not just make a steampunk version of the same story. I want an interpretation.
But that is causing problems since I don't know where to start.
Maybe I should approach this how I would directing a play. Of course, one does not generally change the plot when doing this, but it could help me figure out the most important elements of the story and figure out how to work them together there.
Somehow I need to figure this out. And maybe that's how. After all, I can come up with all the outlandish plot ideas, but in the end its gotta go back to the basics.
So to the excerptlopedia!
Although I am using the Labyrinth for inspiration, I would really prefer to not just make a steampunk version of the same story. I want an interpretation.
But that is causing problems since I don't know where to start.
Maybe I should approach this how I would directing a play. Of course, one does not generally change the plot when doing this, but it could help me figure out the most important elements of the story and figure out how to work them together there.
Somehow I need to figure this out. And maybe that's how. After all, I can come up with all the outlandish plot ideas, but in the end its gotta go back to the basics.
So to the excerptlopedia!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Icarus
Right now I'm focusing on the bits and pieces of the original myth to inspire the story.
Originally, Icarus's influence was only going to appear in a set of mechanical wings. But then I had a curious thought:
The main character sees a heavenly body in flight--a winged man. Then abruptly someone falls to the ground before her: a man wearing a pair of mechanical wings. At first she thinks he might be dead, but then he gets up, dusts himself off and begins muttering to himself something about calculations and mistakes. Eventually he realizes he is not alone and turns to face his audience. Dust coats his face, his eyes hidden behind equally obstructed goggles, which glow as if lit up. Then the lights dim and the lenses are lifted [they flip up] to reveal a set of intriguing grey eyes. The man smiles warmly and extends a dusty hand.
"Hello I'm Artemus."
This image has nearly burned itself into my brain. I don't yet know what role he will play, but it will be a big one. Artemus is also not a name I completely set upon but it will do for now. Not all of the moment was written down as they have a bit of banter about how the protagonist would have assumed his name to be "Icarus" and the man laughs and note the reference to his wings and fall.
So yes, we have an Icarus-like character, but the falling and wings is mostly where they relate. In contrary, my first impression of this character is that he is rather brilliant, eccentric and a bit mysterious. There is a possibility that he might even be dangerous [but not an overall antagonist]. While he generally thinks before he acts, his may think quicker than most of us and therefore seems to act brashly.
Side note: he may have been experimented on, the creator of the labyrinth or the reason for the labyrinth...we'll see which.
Originally, Icarus's influence was only going to appear in a set of mechanical wings. But then I had a curious thought:
The main character sees a heavenly body in flight--a winged man. Then abruptly someone falls to the ground before her: a man wearing a pair of mechanical wings. At first she thinks he might be dead, but then he gets up, dusts himself off and begins muttering to himself something about calculations and mistakes. Eventually he realizes he is not alone and turns to face his audience. Dust coats his face, his eyes hidden behind equally obstructed goggles, which glow as if lit up. Then the lights dim and the lenses are lifted [they flip up] to reveal a set of intriguing grey eyes. The man smiles warmly and extends a dusty hand.
"Hello I'm Artemus."
This image has nearly burned itself into my brain. I don't yet know what role he will play, but it will be a big one. Artemus is also not a name I completely set upon but it will do for now. Not all of the moment was written down as they have a bit of banter about how the protagonist would have assumed his name to be "Icarus" and the man laughs and note the reference to his wings and fall.
So yes, we have an Icarus-like character, but the falling and wings is mostly where they relate. In contrary, my first impression of this character is that he is rather brilliant, eccentric and a bit mysterious. There is a possibility that he might even be dangerous [but not an overall antagonist]. While he generally thinks before he acts, his may think quicker than most of us and therefore seems to act brashly.
Side note: he may have been experimented on, the creator of the labyrinth or the reason for the labyrinth...we'll see which.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Indecision 2008
This has nothing to do with the elections.
Rather it has to do with what story to prep for the fast approaching Nano.
I was going to figure this out last night, but I fell asleep at 10pm [super early for me]. So I'm going to hash it out here instead.
-------------------Begin "Scrubs" moment-------------------------
The Contenders!
In one corner, holding the age old influence of greek mythology and the ancient glory ripe with characters is a story based on Daedelus, Icarus and the amazing labyrinth.
And in the other corner, is an original but fragmented story that puts a young girl as a companion to a brilliant man, who doesn't remember who he is.
The Fight!
The mythical tale seems to be a heavy hitter, with its already existing story providing a very good layout for a new story to be based on. Oh no, the original story is being knocked down for it's lack of goals and clear antagonist. Wait, the original story is back up, jabbing back with it's intriguing characters and possibilities as a series. Yet another jab with its left hook of unfamiliarity and darker elements.
It looks like the original story might win, it's even strutting around the ring--but it's back is turned. And whammo! Mythical came from behind with a one two jab of limited time to come up with a compelling story. Oh and now original's been hit one more time with the chance for comedy.
Original is down for the count. He's been K.O'ed!
Mythical wins! Mythical wins!
--------------------End "Scrubs" moment-----------------------------
Okay...I supposed I solved that one myself. And perhaps I already knew the answer.
So I'm going to say it here and now (and hopefully not jinx myself), the basis of my next NaNo story is such:
A steampunk adventure story based on ideas and characters presented in the Greek myth of Daedalus and Icarus. Specifically involving the Labyrinth of Minos.
For those who don't know or forgot the story, it goes like this:
In Crete, King Minos' wife was cursed to mate with a bull and produce a monstrous offspring known as the Minotaur [half man and half bull]. The king decides to encase this monster within a Labyrinth and hires Daedalus to build it. Daedalus and his son, Icarus, build the maze and Minos puts the Minotaur at the Labyrinth's center and lures men there to be eaten. Of course, the King decides that he would rather not have people know that Labyrinth's secret so either locks Daedalus and his son either in the Labyrinth or a tower [depending on the version]. Nevertheless they escape by flight by fashioning makeshift wings. Icarus, however, is foolhardy and flies too high, melting his wings and falling to his death. Daedalus survives and mourns his son in a much safer city and lives to a ripe old age.
And that's the most important part of the story...at least what will inspire me.
The key words being inspired. I have no intention of writing a story that is verbatim or even following the similar turn of events--that would be boring. Rather I plan to use these key elements from the story:
Labyrinth--could be a maze, a machine, prison or a city itself
Minotaur--animal, human, metaphor, ghost, mistake created by science or a machine
Wings/Flight--mechanical, magical, genetic, well made or shoddy
King Minos--rich man, king, eccentric, position of power, old friend
Daedelus--father/mother/brother/sister, brilliant inventor, shambling fraud, old, young
Icarus--son/daughter/brother/sister, innovator, curious, young, old
What a good start...always helps to make up your mind first.
Rather it has to do with what story to prep for the fast approaching Nano.
I was going to figure this out last night, but I fell asleep at 10pm [super early for me]. So I'm going to hash it out here instead.
-------------------Begin "Scrubs" moment-------------------------
The Contenders!
In one corner, holding the age old influence of greek mythology and the ancient glory ripe with characters is a story based on Daedelus, Icarus and the amazing labyrinth.
And in the other corner, is an original but fragmented story that puts a young girl as a companion to a brilliant man, who doesn't remember who he is.
The Fight!
The mythical tale seems to be a heavy hitter, with its already existing story providing a very good layout for a new story to be based on. Oh no, the original story is being knocked down for it's lack of goals and clear antagonist. Wait, the original story is back up, jabbing back with it's intriguing characters and possibilities as a series. Yet another jab with its left hook of unfamiliarity and darker elements.
It looks like the original story might win, it's even strutting around the ring--but it's back is turned. And whammo! Mythical came from behind with a one two jab of limited time to come up with a compelling story. Oh and now original's been hit one more time with the chance for comedy.
Original is down for the count. He's been K.O'ed!
Mythical wins! Mythical wins!
--------------------End "Scrubs" moment-----------------------------
Okay...I supposed I solved that one myself. And perhaps I already knew the answer.
So I'm going to say it here and now (and hopefully not jinx myself), the basis of my next NaNo story is such:
A steampunk adventure story based on ideas and characters presented in the Greek myth of Daedalus and Icarus. Specifically involving the Labyrinth of Minos.
For those who don't know or forgot the story, it goes like this:
In Crete, King Minos' wife was cursed to mate with a bull and produce a monstrous offspring known as the Minotaur [half man and half bull]. The king decides to encase this monster within a Labyrinth and hires Daedalus to build it. Daedalus and his son, Icarus, build the maze and Minos puts the Minotaur at the Labyrinth's center and lures men there to be eaten. Of course, the King decides that he would rather not have people know that Labyrinth's secret so either locks Daedalus and his son either in the Labyrinth or a tower [depending on the version]. Nevertheless they escape by flight by fashioning makeshift wings. Icarus, however, is foolhardy and flies too high, melting his wings and falling to his death. Daedalus survives and mourns his son in a much safer city and lives to a ripe old age.
And that's the most important part of the story...at least what will inspire me.
The key words being inspired. I have no intention of writing a story that is verbatim or even following the similar turn of events--that would be boring. Rather I plan to use these key elements from the story:
Labyrinth--could be a maze, a machine, prison or a city itself
Minotaur--animal, human, metaphor, ghost, mistake created by science or a machine
Wings/Flight--mechanical, magical, genetic, well made or shoddy
King Minos--rich man, king, eccentric, position of power, old friend
Daedelus--father/mother/brother/sister, brilliant inventor, shambling fraud, old, young
Icarus--son/daughter/brother/sister, innovator, curious, young, old
What a good start...always helps to make up your mind first.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Yes I delve now into the steampunk world...
So that last post was bunk. Sort of.
Anywho, in light of the very fast approaching November and the Nanofest it brings, I must buckle down. So Bloodstone is on the back burner. If ideas come to me while I plot for this next one, then so be it.
But now onto newer things.
All I can say is that it will be a steampunk story...or gaslamp fantasy [as it may be an AU or original world]. There are two potential stories fighting for my attention. One that is hella complicated and another that is a bit simpler and confined to a single novel.
My goal for next Nano is to not only win but to finish the novel, so that any extra work is rough drafting and finalizing.
So what does that mean? Well it means that I need to get all my planning and plotting down. This is best shown with a list [as I like lists], see below:
THINGS I NEED TO COMPLETE [AKA FINISH THE DAMN THING] A NANO THIS YEAR:
1. A complete cast of characters [with traits, backgrounds and such]:
Last Nano I got to know most of my characters as I went along--for some that was good, for others not so good. Really bare bones others were flat as paper.
2. An opposing force [for each character]:
Every one has a conflict. Some are the focus of the plot, while others are small and personal. Don't forget them.
3. A working knowledge of my world [maps, lifestyle, history]:
Might not be as necessary for this story, but it is still helpful.
4. A well written plot outline [summary, timeline, key character actions]:
I wanna know what is going to happen before I start. Not all the nitty gritty, but at least an idea. And of course, how it ends!
5. Sketches [of machines, characters, places, etc]:
While imaginative, I can have a hard time describing things. This time I need those images in advance, so the descriptions seem real.
6. Know my villain:
This has got to be the one thing I've had the most issues with. The motivations, goals and desires of my villain or antagonist always seem to fail me.
7. Reference information [historical, scientific, anatomical]:
Since I'm doing Steampunk there needs to be a degree of accuracy in period elements and machinery, so this will be handy.
8. Novel title/cover art [for fun]:
Completely unnecessary, but it would be a nice little project to do.
9. A Nano timeline:
Worked for me last time, it should work again.
10. A lot of patience and a good headstart:
I plan to write a bunch on day one and two as they are on the weekend.
And I need all this before Oct. 31 11:59pm!
We'll see how that goes.
Anywho, in light of the very fast approaching November and the Nanofest it brings, I must buckle down. So Bloodstone is on the back burner. If ideas come to me while I plot for this next one, then so be it.
But now onto newer things.
All I can say is that it will be a steampunk story...or gaslamp fantasy [as it may be an AU or original world]. There are two potential stories fighting for my attention. One that is hella complicated and another that is a bit simpler and confined to a single novel.
My goal for next Nano is to not only win but to finish the novel, so that any extra work is rough drafting and finalizing.
So what does that mean? Well it means that I need to get all my planning and plotting down. This is best shown with a list [as I like lists], see below:
THINGS I NEED TO COMPLETE [AKA FINISH THE DAMN THING] A NANO THIS YEAR:
1. A complete cast of characters [with traits, backgrounds and such]:
Last Nano I got to know most of my characters as I went along--for some that was good, for others not so good. Really bare bones others were flat as paper.
2. An opposing force [for each character]:
Every one has a conflict. Some are the focus of the plot, while others are small and personal. Don't forget them.
3. A working knowledge of my world [maps, lifestyle, history]:
Might not be as necessary for this story, but it is still helpful.
4. A well written plot outline [summary, timeline, key character actions]:
I wanna know what is going to happen before I start. Not all the nitty gritty, but at least an idea. And of course, how it ends!
5. Sketches [of machines, characters, places, etc]:
While imaginative, I can have a hard time describing things. This time I need those images in advance, so the descriptions seem real.
6. Know my villain:
This has got to be the one thing I've had the most issues with. The motivations, goals and desires of my villain or antagonist always seem to fail me.
7. Reference information [historical, scientific, anatomical]:
Since I'm doing Steampunk there needs to be a degree of accuracy in period elements and machinery, so this will be handy.
8. Novel title/cover art [for fun]:
Completely unnecessary, but it would be a nice little project to do.
9. A Nano timeline:
Worked for me last time, it should work again.
10. A lot of patience and a good headstart:
I plan to write a bunch on day one and two as they are on the weekend.
And I need all this before Oct. 31 11:59pm!
We'll see how that goes.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Everything finally makes sense...
I don't want to jinx it [knock on wood] but I may have my story for next Nano.
After all the plotting, research, etc, I found the missing piece. And now everything seems to click--the music I'm using for inspiration, the character concepts--all of it!
:: squee! ::
Probably won't be called "Revenant" anymore though as it's not fitting.
You'll learn why soon enough.
I'm gonna leave it at that.
After all the plotting, research, etc, I found the missing piece. And now everything seems to click--the music I'm using for inspiration, the character concepts--all of it!
:: squee! ::
Probably won't be called "Revenant" anymore though as it's not fitting.
You'll learn why soon enough.
I'm gonna leave it at that.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
I'm actually working on it--for real
Life has been incredibly busy, but rest assured I have been working on the novel.
I just haven't had a chance to post anything in a while, so here's a quick info dump.
First and foremost I finished reading my novel [or what was written so far].
While I think it's far better than the shitty drivel I thought I had churned out...it still needs ALOT of work before
anyone can beta it for me. Speaking of betas...if you're interested, let me know.
The things I need to work on:
--Narrative voice. I tried to be fairly neutral, but I think I could jazz it up a bit. So I plan to test some styles
and then rewrite the whole thing in the winning style.
--The villains/supposed villains. Since it dawned on me that my character is "caught in the middle" more
than directly opposing anyone, I need to figure out how the two actually opposing eachother [Othena and Kole]
work and what they really want.
--Plot is too straight. Litterally, despite a minor detour I added, the damn plot still goes in a B-line.
So I'm dropping a giant plot bomb on them to shake it up a lot and throw them off track.
--Purpose of the "quest object". I never knew its real purpose as I wrote the novel and now I really gotta
figure that out. Otherwise my story has no real point and the object is just a catalyst.
--Ambiguous Silas. I have this problem with another one of my plots. I don't know how I want him to act.
So I really need to figure him and his crazy race of peoples out.
--World building. Despite all my imagination I've been hella vague. I need to just decide and commit.
That's my new motto: "decide and commit"
Well that's most of it in a nutshell. We'll see how it goes in a little bit.
Ta!
I just haven't had a chance to post anything in a while, so here's a quick info dump.
First and foremost I finished reading my novel [or what was written so far].
While I think it's far better than the shitty drivel I thought I had churned out...it still needs ALOT of work before
anyone can beta it for me. Speaking of betas...if you're interested, let me know.
The things I need to work on:
--Narrative voice. I tried to be fairly neutral, but I think I could jazz it up a bit. So I plan to test some styles
and then rewrite the whole thing in the winning style.
--The villains/supposed villains. Since it dawned on me that my character is "caught in the middle" more
than directly opposing anyone, I need to figure out how the two actually opposing eachother [Othena and Kole]
work and what they really want.
--Plot is too straight. Litterally, despite a minor detour I added, the damn plot still goes in a B-line.
So I'm dropping a giant plot bomb on them to shake it up a lot and throw them off track.
--Purpose of the "quest object". I never knew its real purpose as I wrote the novel and now I really gotta
figure that out. Otherwise my story has no real point and the object is just a catalyst.
--Ambiguous Silas. I have this problem with another one of my plots. I don't know how I want him to act.
So I really need to figure him and his crazy race of peoples out.
--World building. Despite all my imagination I've been hella vague. I need to just decide and commit.
That's my new motto: "decide and commit"
Well that's most of it in a nutshell. We'll see how it goes in a little bit.
Ta!
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