Saturday, November 21, 2009

Research #4 Awareness of space

Studying plot takes so much time!!! One of the key elements of plot is a strong sense of surroundings. It's the difference between, "I walked into the kitchen and got a glass of water," and....

"Sliding past the glossy, ebony grand piano, into a well-lit modern kitchen, complete with overhead hanging racks, underlit glass-front cherry cabinets, and brushed nickle-and-black fixtures and appliances, I reached out to what looked like an oversized cabinet door, and pulled on the handle. Suddenly, I was bathed in the cool glow of an open refrigerator. Pleasantly surprised, I chose between several brands of bottled water."

So, the surroundings can drive the story-line just as much as the story helps to discover the surroundings!!!

Friday, November 6, 2009

Research #3 Wikipedia and Getting Organized

This was not the best of weeks. There, I said it! I'm being honest. I haven't written one new word on my book, though I've thought about it a lot! My Foster-Harris book on plot development, titled "The Basic Patterns of Plot," arrived this week. Challenging reading, so far. Not sure if I understand what he's trying to say. Guess reading for comprehension is best done after a refreshing sleep.

Two other items have been started:
(1) The file structure for organizing a book. People who know me see an organized person on the outside, but let me tell you that this lady is not organized at all. So, the file structure has been set up, and can be changed, if needed. Also, the master index file has been set up, too. Hopefully, I won't get lost if I have a master index file. *wink*

(2) The trial of the file structure was researching Wikipedia. It felt a little silly typing the word, "Wikipedia," into the Wikipedia search box. Truly an amazing history. Loaded with factoids! And, just why am I researching Wikipedia? Well, my book is set in the future, looking back at the near-present, and I want to include as much of our current culture as possible. This could include lots of product placement, though it would require lots of permissions, and has a risk of needing an emergency 'rename" if the vendor does not agree.

(3) Project high-level task list. I'm not a certified project and program mgr for nothin'! Yes, I'll manage myself to project completion. Wow! Did I just say that?

Anyways, I just made 3 items out of 2, so this magician must call it a night. Until next week!