10 Second Tip:
What KIND of story are you telling?
EVERY story is in fact a tale about the relationship of an individual
(your main character) to society -- symbolized by their workplace,
school, their immediate or extended family, the gang they belong to, a
best friend, a lover...
- A comic story (one with a happy ending,) describes an isolated individual achieving social integration either by being accepted into an existing society or by forming his own. This integration is often symbolized by a wedding or party.
- A tragic story (one with a sad ending) describes an integrated individual who becomes isolated. Death is simply a symbol of this isolation.
Keep in mind...!
-- The plot should keep us in suspense about what kind of story we're reading.
- Even if we already know it's a comedy, the precise nature of the comic climax (the punchline that carries us to the happy ending) should come as a surprise.
- If we already know the hero is doomed, his downfall should be caused by a factor we've been told, but didn't realize was significant.
Don't give everything away by the fourth chapter! A story we can guess the ending to before we're done is NOT a story worth finishing.
Enjoy!
Morgan Hawke
www.DarkErotica.Net
