Stories need characters that bring some kind of adversity and conflict. Without such obstacles there wouldn't be much of a story. Whether the plot hinges on the protagonist (hero) searching for the truth to a crime or the antagonist (villian) trying to cover his tracks, there's needs to be difficulty along the way so as to strengthen and develop the characters' good and bad traits. Even protagonists need flaws and realistic goals that can be met only when confronted with challenges. Such obstacles can be physical, deception, wants and needs, unfamilair territory, and other barriers characters must overcome.
A good way to determine how a character might react to any situation is by spending time in considering how they think and what action they would take to resolve the conflict. The main character, whether protagonist or antagonist, doesn't have to change completely during the course of the story. They only need to understand what is required of them to carry out certain tasks that will work toward accomplishing their goals. In the midst of the plotline the story can be modified so that the main character is confronted with choices that he or she hadn't thought of at the beginning. There are also times when the character needs to remain steadfast in their thinking or actions so that the plot development and the character's motivations work together to create a great story.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Destination Inspiration
Writing begins with putting thoughts to paper or onto the screen and pursuing the creativity. Preceding this, however, is the wellspring of imagination. The destination is sought by inspiration and it's during the inspired times that give writing its best opportunity to flourish. As for the 90% of uninspired times, well, that's best saved for another posting. Moving along, there are countless ways to seek creative inspiration, and since everyone has their own ways, it's a matter of determining what works for each person.
This could be anything from reading books and articles to talking with friends, listening to music, visiting a park a museum or you name it. Creativity has no limits, even though our destinations do and as does the thoughts and organized content we put onto the page or screen. Once the creative fuel sparks inspiration its then that focus is demanded of the writer so as not to stray from the path that was carved by imagination. The writing path that follows page after page is one that leads from creativity to practice and patience and then finally finds skill that can be found in the company of talent. And remember, talent is not always natural, but discovered down the destined road of diligence and determination.
This could be anything from reading books and articles to talking with friends, listening to music, visiting a park a museum or you name it. Creativity has no limits, even though our destinations do and as does the thoughts and organized content we put onto the page or screen. Once the creative fuel sparks inspiration its then that focus is demanded of the writer so as not to stray from the path that was carved by imagination. The writing path that follows page after page is one that leads from creativity to practice and patience and then finally finds skill that can be found in the company of talent. And remember, talent is not always natural, but discovered down the destined road of diligence and determination.
Monday, March 22, 2010
The Far Side of Evil by Sylvia Engdahl
Selected Song: LOST IN SPACE by The Original Movies Orchestra
Paperback
336 pages
Firebird
ISBN: 9780142402931
This well-written novel was first penned in 1971 and has remained a great read, although recently has gone out of print, but is still available. Elana is a new graduate from the FASA or Federation Anthropological Service Academy and assigned to be an observer on planet Toris that faces nuclear war. She has strict orders not to interfere or reveal that she is alien to that world. She wants to help the Torisians, though before she can must remember who she is after suffering from temporary amnesia. Her fellow agent, Randil, also wants to stop the war, but finds himself in love with one of the citizens named Kari. This threatens to prompt the nuclear holocaust that he's trying to prevent. Elana must decide whether to join his cause of peace or stop him from ultimately causing the destruction of the planet.
The characters are well-defined with engaging personalities and strong 'character', especially Elana who is compassionate, strong-willed and determined to bring justice and peace to a world that is under rule of a totalitarian society.
Paperback
336 pages
Firebird
ISBN: 9780142402931
This well-written novel was first penned in 1971 and has remained a great read, although recently has gone out of print, but is still available. Elana is a new graduate from the FASA or Federation Anthropological Service Academy and assigned to be an observer on planet Toris that faces nuclear war. She has strict orders not to interfere or reveal that she is alien to that world. She wants to help the Torisians, though before she can must remember who she is after suffering from temporary amnesia. Her fellow agent, Randil, also wants to stop the war, but finds himself in love with one of the citizens named Kari. This threatens to prompt the nuclear holocaust that he's trying to prevent. Elana must decide whether to join his cause of peace or stop him from ultimately causing the destruction of the planet.
The characters are well-defined with engaging personalities and strong 'character', especially Elana who is compassionate, strong-willed and determined to bring justice and peace to a world that is under rule of a totalitarian society.
Friday, March 19, 2010
MIT Building Self-Assembling Computer Chips
Selected Song: TERMINATOR 2 THEME by The Original Movie Orchestra
MIT researchers are developing computer chips to self-assemble by coaxing molecules to arrange themselves into tiny but useful patterns. The scientists used electron beam lithography to create nanoscale "posts" on a silicon chip. They then deposited copolymers--large molecules of two polymers with repeating structural units--on the chip. The copolymers spontaneously linked to the posts and arranged themselves into useful patterns.
The polymers naturally want to separate from each other, thus causing them to arrange in predictable ways. A variety of patterns that can be used in circuit design could be achieved by changing the shape and position of the posts, the proportions of the polymers, and the length of the molecule chains, MIT said.
When exposed to plasma, one polymer burns away, while the other turns to glass.
The team is still working to produce functioning circuits in a prototype chip, and to create even smaller chip features with the copolymer technique. This was from a short article, but you can read the rest at Self-Assembling Computer Chips
MIT researchers are developing computer chips to self-assemble by coaxing molecules to arrange themselves into tiny but useful patterns. The scientists used electron beam lithography to create nanoscale "posts" on a silicon chip. They then deposited copolymers--large molecules of two polymers with repeating structural units--on the chip. The copolymers spontaneously linked to the posts and arranged themselves into useful patterns.
The polymers naturally want to separate from each other, thus causing them to arrange in predictable ways. A variety of patterns that can be used in circuit design could be achieved by changing the shape and position of the posts, the proportions of the polymers, and the length of the molecule chains, MIT said.
When exposed to plasma, one polymer burns away, while the other turns to glass.
The team is still working to produce functioning circuits in a prototype chip, and to create even smaller chip features with the copolymer technique. This was from a short article, but you can read the rest at Self-Assembling Computer Chips
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
eMonitor Home Energy Tracker; Video
Selected Song: OUR HOUSE by Madness
From the product description:
The Powerhouse Dynamics eMonitor is the world's first affordable, whole-house, circuit-by-circuit energy monitoring and management system.
The eMonitor's unique combination of hardware, software, and services let you view your home's 24x7, minute-by-minute electricity use, electricity cost, and carbon footprint, as well as historical information by day, month, or year, all in a personalized and intuitive graphical interface from anywhere you can access the internet. It also provides cost estimates based on current and past usage.
The cutting-edge feature of the eMonitor is its capability to display electricity use by individual circuit so you can see real-time and historical information on major appliances, entertainment centers, and specific rooms. The eMonitor is also equipped for future capability to remotely control individual outlets and thermostats, and will integrate with many existing home control systems.
The eMonitor dashboard, viewable on the web or on your iPhone, provides customized energy saving recommendations based on your home's energy usage.
"With projected savings of 5 to 20 percent from existing bills, a consumer who spends a lot on energy could save $400 to $500 a year," Flusberg said. "But at this point, it seems that most interest has been from people who want clues for finding where they are wasting energy."
An informative website where it's sold among other products is at Energy Circle
In my novel there's a housing community that has eco-technology.
From the product description:
The Powerhouse Dynamics eMonitor is the world's first affordable, whole-house, circuit-by-circuit energy monitoring and management system.
The eMonitor's unique combination of hardware, software, and services let you view your home's 24x7, minute-by-minute electricity use, electricity cost, and carbon footprint, as well as historical information by day, month, or year, all in a personalized and intuitive graphical interface from anywhere you can access the internet. It also provides cost estimates based on current and past usage.
The cutting-edge feature of the eMonitor is its capability to display electricity use by individual circuit so you can see real-time and historical information on major appliances, entertainment centers, and specific rooms. The eMonitor is also equipped for future capability to remotely control individual outlets and thermostats, and will integrate with many existing home control systems.
The eMonitor dashboard, viewable on the web or on your iPhone, provides customized energy saving recommendations based on your home's energy usage.
"With projected savings of 5 to 20 percent from existing bills, a consumer who spends a lot on energy could save $400 to $500 a year," Flusberg said. "But at this point, it seems that most interest has been from people who want clues for finding where they are wasting energy."
An informative website where it's sold among other products is at Energy Circle
In my novel there's a housing community that has eco-technology.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Jane Austen Books with Horror Themes; Video
Selected Song: CONCERTO ALLA RUSTICA: RV130 1ST MV. by Antonio Vivaldi
As Jane might instruct, Listen to this song that nicely complements the following posting, as I'm sure you'll find it most agreeable. Below the text is the professional book trailer for Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters.
While I haven't read any of these interesting titles I've read their reviews that range in opinion. Many seem to enjoy these contemporary creations that put a terrifying twist on the classics, as Pride and Prejudice and Zombies has sold well. However, the theme of Seamonsters set loose upon Sense and Sensiblity, for some, makes little sense and is without sensibility. Yet, Austen's novels endure despite this onslaught. People and authors are social and creative creatures with a desire of needing to connect with others as has Austen's novels for two centuries; Sense and Sensibility being published in 1811.
The monsters depicted in these books are as varied as Austen's beloved characters and those despised; these having characteristics of such fiends as Zombies, Sea Monsters, Mummies and Vampires. For instance, Zombies and how they're only focused on themselves and their brains; Sea Monsters and the way they slosh about, sliming their way into the lives of the unsuspecting; Mummies, always wrapped up in their dealings with not much to say; and finally, among the most well known and ahbored/loved, is the Vampire, with its smooth stealthy ways, waiting to suck the life out of those who venture too close. Though the situation isn't without hope, as the fourth book says: Jane Bites Back.
Now we'll just have to wait for the full version...
As Jane might instruct, Listen to this song that nicely complements the following posting, as I'm sure you'll find it most agreeable. Below the text is the professional book trailer for Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters.
While I haven't read any of these interesting titles I've read their reviews that range in opinion. Many seem to enjoy these contemporary creations that put a terrifying twist on the classics, as Pride and Prejudice and Zombies has sold well. However, the theme of Seamonsters set loose upon Sense and Sensiblity, for some, makes little sense and is without sensibility. Yet, Austen's novels endure despite this onslaught. People and authors are social and creative creatures with a desire of needing to connect with others as has Austen's novels for two centuries; Sense and Sensibility being published in 1811.
The monsters depicted in these books are as varied as Austen's beloved characters and those despised; these having characteristics of such fiends as Zombies, Sea Monsters, Mummies and Vampires. For instance, Zombies and how they're only focused on themselves and their brains; Sea Monsters and the way they slosh about, sliming their way into the lives of the unsuspecting; Mummies, always wrapped up in their dealings with not much to say; and finally, among the most well known and ahbored/loved, is the Vampire, with its smooth stealthy ways, waiting to suck the life out of those who venture too close. Though the situation isn't without hope, as the fourth book says: Jane Bites Back.
Now we'll just have to wait for the full version...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
