Hope Ann

@Aratrea The second experiment in living is built off the first. In the first, victory is merely defined by keeping everyone she loves safe. In the second, she has added an element of physical freedom and the overthrow of tyranny as qualifications for victory because she is convinced that the original goal of safety for those she loves will never…[Read more]

@Aratrea The second experiment in living is built off the first. In the first, victory is merely defined by keeping everyone safe. In the second, she has added an element of physical freedom and the overthrow of tyranny as qualifications for victory because she is convinced that the original goal of safety for those she loves will never come…[Read more]

@Aratrea

This is the protagonist of a trilogy. She goes through a disillusionment arc through the first two books, then has a positive arc in the final book. I’ve done some major work on her arcs recently, but some points might still need to be straightened out.

Beginning: Protagonist starts by believing that good will always win and victory…[Read more]

Though not dramatic enough for most books, a series of teaching and reasoning can change people. Generally, I’ve found that a repetition of pounding the same point home in different ways, by different people, and being able to see the logical reasons for why I should change as well as the threat of the results if I do not change, can cause a…[Read more]

@Aratrea Right. Physical consequences. I keep picking themes/messages that are mainly internalized, so outward actions are generally good in and of themselves beforehand. Good, but with the wrong reasons behind them. It makes physical consequences (and before and after character actions) a bit tricky.

Although I guess I do have some physical…[Read more]

@daeus And you counted them? I let my excitement show sometimes. But I shall refrain myself in the future. I do have a reputation to maintain.

@aratrea Well, if your rambling consists of more great information, then all you need to do is just create extra lessons. 😉

@daeus And you counted them? I do let my excitement show sometimes. But I shall refrain myself in the future. I do have a reputation to maintain.

@aratrea Well, if your rambling consists of more great information, then all you need to do is just create extra lessons. 😉

@Aratrea @Daeus

Experiments in Living:
1. One is victorious if they are able to protect their family and friends.
2. One is victorious if they have control over all those who wish them harm.
3. One is victorious if they can gain the ability to live in freedom from physical tyranny and oppression.
4. One is victorious if they can serve others and…[Read more]

@aratrea While working out my experiments in living for the next section, I realized that victory would work better than either of the others options I had. So I’ve tweaked my question and message slightly to ‘what constitutes true victory?’ and ‘Victory is not measured by if we win or lose earthly battles, but rather in our relationship with…[Read more]

@aratrea

Can I just say I am loving this course SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!! Basically, everything @kate-flournoy said. It’s lesson 4 and already I’ve learned so much. I also really like how the lessons are fairly short so I can take the time to sit back and think about it and apply what I’ve learned to my various works in progress.

And yes; tragic…[Read more]

@Daeus This actually isn’t Fidelyon (though I’ve already filled out a similar outline of Fidelyon, with the theme being identity, and the focusing question being ‘of what does a man’s worth consist’).

The homework above is for a futuristic trilogy I’m working on where the MC goes through disillusionment arc on how things don’t always end well (at…[Read more]

@aratrea

The theme is the one thing I’m not quite sure about. The idea is that man cannot succeed on his own. Man is finite and there is a limit to what he can do and know – as compared to God, who is infinite, and in Whom true success and final victory lies. Themes themselves are naturally broad, but I’m thinking I might be able to focus mine…[Read more]

@aratrea

Story: Lord of the Rings

Theme: Hope and Perseverance

Focusing Question: Is there ever a time one is justified in giving up?

Message: One must fight and persevere through every darkness, doing what one can whether there is hope or not.

I have a feeling there is probably more themes in LotR, but those are the main ones that I think…[Read more]

Theme: Finite ability of man

Focusing question: What constitutes success?

Possible answers:
a. Protection of loved ones
b. Personal power
c. Survival
d. Memorable acts
e. Relationship with God

Message: Success is not measured by if we win or lose earthly battles, but rather in our relationship with God.

@Aratrea
@Daeus

@aratrea Theme is exciting because it is the life of the story; the reason the story exists. It can be woven in so subtly and exploration of a theme can go in so many directions. I am always excited when I find books that are exciting and yet present a message or prompt thought-provoking questions without shoving the morals down your throat, and…[Read more]

A better understanding of how to create and fully develop themes. And to just understand themes in general. I’ll figure out a basic theme and message, but when it comes time to untangle all the fine points of the theme and work it into the story, it can become a confused mess.

I have not traditionally published yet, though I want to at some point. So I really don’t have experience with how hard it is, though I don’t think it is particularly easy. I do know one thing they look at now is an author’s platform. Even traditionally published authors are expected to market most of their own work, so the better platform you…[Read more]

I got 69 too, @kate-flournoy.

@northerner

@daeus Lucky you. I have so many books on my shelf, just staring at me, waiting. It’s not fiction (though it reads like it) but have you read God’s Smuggler by Brother Andrew? I highly recommend that book. Or Uncle Tom’s Cabin? Debatable historical accuracy aside, it is a fascinating book.

@Daeus It could work fine, but I still like Dire Recompense. The ‘dire’ adds in suspense, and we don’t know if it is dire for the character, for those recompensed, or for all involved, so it doesn’t give anything away either (while still hinting at the final end).