Wulf Moon's SUPER SECRETS Workshop & Challenge!

Thanks for the clarification Wulf.

TheGirlintheGlasses wrote:
I've never been good at plotting things out before hand, because with most of my stories, I'm more of a discovery writer (Discovery in what goes wrong, I usually have an idea where I'm going). That being said, I think finding the heart of the story and infusing a more "proper" frame would yield less sporadic results (and fewer rewrites). Any recommendations for pantsers to more thoughtfully plot??? Favorite methods? I'll read another book 😉

I'm a pantser. I see my opening. I see my ending. My ending always circles back to my opening, but the meaning it circles back to is now changed because of what my protagonist learned on her journey. I write toward that ending, which gives me my destination. As I head there, I see scenes. I will often skip a few spaces, make a hashtag, write down pertinent details I see so I don't forget. When it comes time to write that scene, I've got notes sitting there to work with, and I simply expand.

Pantsers are people that write by the seat of their pants, as opposed to plotters, which make detailed outlines before they write. Neither are wrong. But since you are concerned about sagging middles, Brittany--yeah, that's a thing--why not do a mini outline? Like I said, make a template of the 7 Point Plot. Number your three try/fails. Fill in your grand climax. Then go back and look at those three attempts, how each attempt and failure will connect the dots that lead you to the grand climax. Having some idea of what they are can help you develop a stronger middle. Each is like a necessary puzzle piece to complete the whole.

Another thing to think on is character arcs. There are two, an internal emotional arc, and an external plot arc. I would also place under the numbered try/fails: 1. What are my character's choices/reactions to the problem thrown at them (external)?, and, 2. How does my character feel about the choice they just made (internal)? You see, so many stories are externally plot driven. But the stories you really remember and think deeply about are the ones that have strong emotional curves. Delving into those potent emotions--like pride, greed, shame, remorse, fury, desire, humiliation---create powerful middles because we get to feel the emotions the protagonist is experiencing, emotions we ourselves deal with in our own lives. These are complex things, hard to understand, but a writer that can shed some illumination on them can touch the hearts of their readers and even help them work through their own feelings better.

In the Hero's Journey, there is something called the Dark Night. This is actually just before the climax. Your hero has failed so miserably in the choices they made to solve the problem, they can feel they learned nothing. They can feel an utter and total failure. They are on the cusp of surrendering, giving up, resolved to live in shame for the rest of their life. It's a great point to explore dark emotions and add emotional depth to a tale. So after that third try/fail, I'd also write down DARK NIGHT on my template. And then I'd develop a scene that explores that moment, and the emotions the protagonist finds herself trying to cope with. It should be crushing. PEOPLE WILL DIE! AND IT'S ALL HER FAULT! You get the idea.

And then there's an epiphany, and they mount up with the wings of eagles, lift their magic sword and slay that fire breathing problem.

All the beast,

~Moon~

I've never been good at plotting things out before hand, because with most of my stories, I'm more of a discovery writer

This is me to a tee. I have plotted and every time some tangent takes me off course. I have tried to write modern fiction, westerns, fantasy, every genre I explore I wind up back in syfy. Maybe I should blame me mother, she had me reading newspapers before I started school.

With that kind of beginning I gravitated to the school library and syfy was the magnet for my mind. A simple reason for my process I guess.

At long last, promise fulfilled. BEHOLD, the secret of Story!

Moon’s SUPER SECRET #20: Employ the 7 Point Plot model.

In Algis Budrys’ WRITING TO THE POINT, he reveals the best secret I ever learned, the 7 Point Plot. I actually heard him teach it when our writing group flew him out to Eugene, Oregon, to conduct his Sarah Jane workshop. I’ve also heard Dean Wesley Smith and Kris Rusch teach it at Surrey International Writers Con. They play parts of the movie DIE HARD as they teach the points to show you in visual format in how this story method works. I enjoyed both methods. And here it is, all seven points.

A STORY IS:
1. A character
2. In a setting
3. With a problem
4. Character must try to solve problem
5. Must fail (repeat try/fails three times)
6. Must reach a do or die CLIMAX where character succeeds (comedy) or fails (tragedy)
7. And life goes on with validation scene, also known as denouement.

I've got some real life things happening, so I'm late to the party.

I found this fascinating, because I have a completely different seven point plot on my wall, based on a lecture by author Dan Wells, who got it from a Star Trek Role Playing game and film/tv script books, I believe. It is:

1. Hook
2. Plot Turn 1
3. Pinch 1
4. Midpoint
5. Pinch 2
6. Plot Turn 2
7. Resolution

I'd recommend the lecture by Dan Wells on youtube, it's lengthy but worth the time. You can see the overlap between the two "7 point plots" with resolution, conflict cycles, and rising stakes. I love layering my learning on writing - the overlaps reinforce universal points, the unique elements show where you can be innovative. I don't think there's a magic bullet for plotting or character or world-building, there's hundreds of ways to do it right and just as many ways to miss the mark. That's why this kind of community where we teach and learn and encourage and motivate is so critical. 

Thanks for sharing the story element system you use, Rebecca. Could you explain the terms? Some are obvious. Some, like Pinch, are not.

Thanks!

Weiland's take on Pinch points and all that are in the link I put Helpful Writing links.

Weiland's take on Pinch points and all that are in the link I put Helpful Writing links.

Thanks for sharing, TimE. I like Weiland's site and detailed outlines of structure. These are helpful points, but more applicable to novels, methinks. The site seems especially geared to that, so those writing short stories for WotF might want to be careful. Trying to check off too many points or squeezing all of those in can muddy a short story, making it much more complex than it needs to be. It is good to remember that while similar, a short story and a novel are different animals, just as a bobcat is different from a lion. And here is a scary thought, at least to me. Rarely is a writer a master of both. Take Ray Bradbury. He was a master short storyteller. But novels? Aside from Fahrenheit 451, his novels always read like a bundle of loosely connected short stories to me. Bradbury was a born short story writer, and had honed those skills to perfection.

I've had a few businesses over the years, and I won over accounts at some of the top corporations in America. I used to listen to the same set of sales tapes over and over as I drove to appointments. They were by Fred Herman and Earl Nightingale, on how to implement the KISS method: KEEP IT SIMPLE, SALESPERSON. Yeah, a play on KEEP IT SIMPLE, STUPID. More positive. : ) But the point was, a salesman could easily talk themselves out of a sale. They could overdo it. With too many words, focusing on too many product features, a salesman could overwhelm the buyer and actually shut the sale down. The salesman's intimate product knowledge could actually become their greatest weakness. The same is true for short stories. Keep a simple structure system you can easily hold in your mind. Try to create without thinking too much about it. When done, double check you've got all the right ingredients in your story. That means you didn't throw in every seasoning you have in your spice rack. It also means you didn't leave out the oregano in your spaghetti sauce.

And there you have it, Moon's SUPER SECRET #21: KISS.

It is good to remember that while similar, a short story and a novel are different animals, just as a bobcat is different from a lion. And here is a scary thought, at least to me. Rarely is a writer a master of both.

I really enjoy all the info Wulf. Between your SUPER SECRET Bonus Challenge and Dave's emails I'm on a constant learning curve.
My latest goal is to complete a novel that is nearing a finish(it's about 4/5ths done) so I can claim to be a novel writer.

I enjoy short stories as much as long ones(Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time books were consistently long).

I'm hoping to be good at both talents eventually.

Tension mounting up as the protagonist tries to solve the problem, and fails. Then mounts up again, and fails. Then takes that knowledge learned and figures out a better way, and fails. And then in a do or die climax, tries and succeeds, and learns something about himself or herself in the process.

I did not know about this. Thinking back on my favourite stories, they all had this 3x try-fail/succeed cycle. I've noticed some of mine have it as well, put in subconsciously, but now that I know what to aim for in the plot line, it should make for more whole stories. Seriously, thank you, Wulf. These secrets are a treasure. Busy implementing this into my draft for this quarter. I love the story it will be already as a result.

I like Weiland's site and detailed outlines of structure. These are helpful points, but more applicable to novels, methinks. The site seems especially geared to that, so those writing short stories for WotF might want to be careful. Trying to check off too many points or squeezing all of those in can muddy a short story, making it much more complex than it needs to be. It is good to remember that while similar, a short story and a novel are different animals, just as a bobcat is different from a lion.

I do agree with you here, and switching between novel and s/s writing is a problem for me.

It is good to remember that while similar, a short story and a novel are different animals, just as a bobcat is different from a lion. And here is a scary thought, at least to me. Rarely is a writer a master of both.

I really enjoy all the info Wulf. Between your SUPER SECRET Bonus Challenge and Dave's emails I'm on a constant learning curve.
My latest goal is to complete a novel that is nearing a finish(it's about 4/5ths done) so I can claim to be a novel writer.

I enjoy short stories as much as long ones(Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time books were consistently long).

I'm hoping to be good at both talents eventually.

You're welcome, Storysinger. Glad it helps. It's no fun being in the dark.

All the beast,

Moon

Tension mounting up as the protagonist tries to solve the problem, and fails. Then mounts up again, and fails. Then takes that knowledge learned and figures out a better way, and fails. And then in a do or die climax, tries and succeeds, and learns something about himself or herself in the process.

I did not know about this. Thinking back on my favourite stories, they all had this 3x try-fail/succeed cycle. I've noticed some of mine have it as well, put in subconsciously, but now that I know what to aim for in the plot line, it should make for more whole stories. Seriously, thank you, Wulf. These secrets are a treasure. Busy implementing this into my draft for this quarter. I love the story it will be already as a result.

Glad it helped, Anike. Knowing the principles keeps our stories aimed at the target. The arrow doesn't wander.

May you be able to cry out, "Bullseye!"

All the beast,

Moon

I like Weiland's site and detailed outlines of structure. These are helpful points, but more applicable to novels, methinks. The site seems especially geared to that, so those writing short stories for WotF might want to be careful. Trying to check off too many points or squeezing all of those in can muddy a short story, making it much more complex than it needs to be. It is good to remember that while similar, a short story and a novel are different animals, just as a bobcat is different from a lion.

I do agree with you here, and switching between novel and s/s writing is a problem for me.

Well, they are considered different skills, TimE. Watch well-known novelists submitting to anthologies. I find their stories often read like novel chapters, not short stories. Beautiful writing, but not what we're normally looking for in a short story. And I sometimes wonder if they weren't a known name, would their story really have sold? Not all. But enough that I take note.

I used to talk with Bruce Holland Rogers about this when we were in the same workshop together in Eugene, Oregon. He's won about every award you can think of. He's the one that told me they are different skills, and you end up choosing the path you enjoy and are good at. I believe that.

I've always said I'm a novelist masquerading as a short story writer. My short stories normally run over 17K, and I am irritated that I have to cut them back. It's good training, but after many years of this, I'm tired of clipping my wings. I want to soar the skies and fulfill the nature of my style and the dreams of my heart. I am so happy I finally won WotF, because I had always told myself when I won that, THAT'S when I would be ready for novels.

I'm ready. I have begun. It's why I went to Superstars Writing Seminar.

Keep doggedly pursuing your own dreams.

~Beastmaster Moon~

I'm posting this here as well, because this challenge group should be all over this. You are fighting tooth and nail to win this contest. Help yourself and help your contest by sharing in getting the word out--Writers of the Future Volume 35 is now a #1 bestselling anthology, and it hasn't even been released yet! Here's the details:

Here's some good news! WotF Volume 35 just hit a #1 bestseller category on Amazon! This is the earliest in the history of Writers of the Future! And it's another perk to winners of WotF--because of the excellent promotion efforts by Author Services, we can state we are bestselling authors in our cover letters and book blurbs. Another wonderful gift from this contest.

And you can help! Have you preordered your Volume 35 yet? What are you waiting for? It's the best way to figure out what Dave is selecting for the anthology. Be there ahead of everyone to discover current trends. And for the first time, you get a bonus volume! Preorder Volume 35 from Galaxy Press, and you get an ebook of Volume 25 for FREE! Invest in your future! Here's the link: https://galaxypress.com/writers-of-the- ... der-offer/

There's another way you can help us. Please share that offer and link on your social media. Help us tell the world about this great contest and these great stories. The next author you help the world discover might very well be you! So start now and share in the joy. This is your contest. These are your people.

Qapla'!

So, I now have my story concepts for the next two quarters -- that feels awesome to me. 🙂 I've been novel-writing in the gaps while I'm letting the second story rest, but I'm looking forward to the third quarter entry, as it'll be the first time I set out to try and write a comic short story in any serious way. (*)

I used to write mostly comic fiction, back when I had no idea what I was doing at all -- man, that's got to be twenty years ago now, talk about feeling old all of a sudden! Anyway, after that, I turned to writing more serious things, to hone my craft and master things I was missing. I'm really looking forward to finding out what you get when you mix what I've learned with the enjoyable madness that used to drive my early fiction. It feels a little bit like anticipating a return to your home town, but not really being sure what's changed while you were away...

Sincere thanks to Wulf for this entire challenge. It's proven to be eye-opening for me, and I think I'll look back on it very fondly when it's done, come what may.

(*) No pun intended.

I'm posting this here as well, because this challenge group should be all over this. You are fighting tooth and nail to win this contest. Help yourself and help your contest by sharing in getting the word out--Writers of the Future Volume 35 is now a #1 bestselling anthology, and it hasn't even been released yet! Here's the details:

And you can help! Have you preordered your Volume 35 yet? What are you waiting for? It's the best way to figure out what Dave is selecting for the anthology. Be there ahead of everyone to discover current trends. And for the first time, you get a bonus volume! Preorder Volume 35 from Galaxy Press, and you get an ebook of Volume 25 for FREE! Invest in your future! Here's the link: https://galaxypress.com/writers-of-the- ... der-offer/

Done!

I'm posting this here as well, because this challenge group should be all over this. You are fighting tooth and nail to win this contest. Help yourself and help your contest by sharing in getting the word out--Writers of the Future Volume 35 is now a #1 bestselling anthology, and it hasn't even been released yet! Here's the details:

And you can help! Have you preordered your Volume 35 yet? What are you waiting for? It's the best way to figure out what Dave is selecting for the anthology. Be there ahead of everyone to discover current trends. And for the first time, you get a bonus volume! Preorder Volume 35 from Galaxy Press, and you get an ebook of Volume 25 for FREE! Invest in your future! Here's the link: https://galaxypress.com/writers-of-the- ... der-offer/

Done!

Yep. Pre-ordered my copy from Amazon a couple weeks ago.

Don't mind me, keep discussing. Just hanging this on the cave wall, creeping past the flickering torches, and into the dark...

Full Challenge
-----------------

MWStallings Q1-F
Milominderbinder Q1-F
Olddarth Q1-F
Alicia Cay Q1-F
JVAshely Q1-F
DoctorJest Q1-F
Disgruntledpeony Q1-F
TimE Q1-F
Megan Q1-F
AnikeKristen Q1-F
Vsutherland01 Q1-F
AjZach Q1-F
jpayne1138 Q1-F
Storysinger Q1- F
Dragonchef Q1-F
LittleRed Q1-F Q2-F

The Three Quarter Challenge
----------------------------------

thegirlintheglassesQ1-F
RShibler Q1-C
SCAFontaine Q1-F
Michealjwyantjr Q1-C
KDJulicher Q1-C

*Thought it could use a bump. I may be missing information here. Anyone who wants to drop in where they're at, I'm all ears, er pens, er whatever. And if you've already submitted for quarter 2, kudos to you 😉 I have not. (I mean, we still have a month guys. I got time to build a world, come up with a riveting plot, and amazing characters. No big deal. Just kidding. I saw the calendar and freaked out lol)
**F means fresh. C means canned 😉 sorry for the confusion

ONWARD!!!!!

Thanks for the update thegirlintheglasses. I had a story written for Q2 but it fit the guidelines for another contest so there it went.

I mean, we still have a month guys. I got time to build a world, come up with a riveting plot, and amazing characters. No big deal.

I'm subbed for both Q1 and Q2 --- not sure what F and/or C means?

I'm subbed for both Q1 and Q2 --- not sure what F and/or C means?

F is for Full Challenge and C … isn't.

Thanks for the explanation TimE That makes me Q1-F and Q2-F. It's like getting to sit at the big table. (grin)

And me! If only my feet reached the floor.

And me! If only my feet reached the floor.

TimE - You need to lay off the Alice-Fungus. After you come down you will see your feet actually do reach the floor...or at least the foot stool that got you there. I need my footstool back, by the way, to get back into my chair. The keyboard is so faaaaaar away.

Our own WotF winner and Forum moderator Martin Shoemaker is going to be interviewed tomorrow on blogtalk radio's Chatting with Sherri! Tune in and learn how Martin launched from novice to pro by winning Writers of the Future! Interview is at 3pm, Saturday, March 2nd. If you miss it, you can download the episode when it's posted.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rithebard/ ... ith-sherri

Sorry for the confusion guys! F is for "FRESH" story. C is for "CANNED". Best of luck!!!

Sorry for the confusion guys! F is for "FRESH" story. C is for "CANNED". Best of luck!!!

Thanks for keeping us honest, Brittany!

Well phew -- I'm still an F for both quarters. Thanks Brittany.

How come StorySinger, LittleRed, KDJulicher and I don't have any Q behind our names? Feeling a little left out here.

How come StorySinger, LittleRed, KDJulicher and I don't have any Q behind our names? Feeling a little left out here.

Sorry there were a few I never got a first letter for, though I'm sure there were submissions. It's possible they were in the thread further up or a messenger report I missed. I can update soon. I see some have already started reporting again so I'll go through the that tonight. But I'm human guys. I may still miss lol. Just let me know and I'll fix it 😉 I know everyone wants in!!!