#AtoZChallenge – Page 10

How to write a premise for your story

Published on April 18, 2015April 18, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell2 Comments

P = Premise

Writing a Premise vs Concept

The premise and the concept, are not the same.

A premise is the essence of a story that unfolds based on the concept.

A concept is a story organized around a main idea or theme.

In fiction, a premise contains three things:

the protagonist – an event provokes the protagonist to act (not react)
the setting – where the protagonist acts on some desire with purposeful intention
the problem the protagonist faces – chaos and adventure leads to resolution

A premise identifies the need and proposes a solution for the hero and implied plot . A high conceptual theme can empower the story.

The premise is a general description (foundation) of the story you plan to tell. With a premise you shape an idea into a story with a two or three sentence statement, similar to a log-line.

A premise acts a guide for the writer, helping when you get stuck, and keeping you on the path to the heart of your story. It doesn’t have to be fancy or jaw dropping but a good premise is a lifeline for the writer keeping you grounded and on track.

The premise of my short serial.

A female Texas Ranger is working in the San Antonio office. She feels the need to prove herself as capable as any of the men as she sets out to find the hacker that held her computer for ransom. Leading her on a chase across the state of Texas to catch her man.

What do you think?

For info on writing a premise check out the links below:

http://www.writermag.com/2013/09/01/how-to-structure-a-premise-for-stronger-stories/

http://www.wheresthedrama.com/loglinespremises.htm

http://www.mybooktherapy.com/articles/how-to-get-published-articles/step-6-build-your-premise/

http://www.ceauthors.com/premise.htm

http://www.storyispromise.com/wpremise.htm

http://www.be-a-better-writer.com/story-premise.html

Avoid too much sweetness

Published on April 16, 2015April 16, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell11 Comments

N = Nice

Are your characters too nice? Too agreeable?

Readers don’t want perfection, they prefer reality.

Readers can relate to reality.

Too much niceness can seem artificial as Sweet-n-Low and turn off your readers.

I bet your favorite and most memorable characters were flawed and sometimes down right disagreeable.

Write characters who are engaging, interesting and filled with conflict. People who are most often warring with their own nature, or good and evil.

She typed the coordinates Mac had emailed into her smart phone. As luck would have it, the perp was an eight-hour drive from San Antonio. At least he was still in Texas, that would make things easier for her but harder for the hacker. Rachel smiled as she reached into her desk drawer and retrieved her sidearm. Kindness never killed anyone but she knew what did. She didn’t get her reputation by being nice. However, she always got her man.

Metaphorically Speaking or Writing

Published on April 16, 2015April 16, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell1 Comment

M= Metaphor

a word or phrase for one thing that is used to refer to another thing to show or suggest that they are similar
an object, activity, or idea that is used as a symbol of something else
a figure of speech where you state one thing is another thing.

A comparison unrelated or contradictory objects with at least one common characteristic. To achieve more power, use a metaphor rather than a simile. Using “like”, “than”, or “as” can water down the image but a good metaphor creates instant understanding.

Rachel paid the ransom and her mind flooded with relief when her screen returned to normal. This idiot was dumb as dirt if he felt safe. No way would she allow him to get away with attacking her.

“Mac,” Rachel said into the phone. “It worked.”

“Good, I’m on my way. Wait for me,” he said. “Rachel?”

“I can handle it. You know what they say? One riot, one Ranger or in this case one dumb hacker.”

Mac chuckled. “Yeah, but help from the Agency didn’t hurt.”

“You’re right. Thanks for the spy stuff. I’ll phone later.”

For more information on using metaphors read:

http://www.copyblogger.com/magnetic-blogging/

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-difference-between-analogy-and-metaphor.htm

http://www.westmaneditorial.com/analogy-vs-metaphor-vs-simile-whats-the-difference/

http://examples.yourdictionary.com/metaphor-examples.html

Thank you so much for sharing my posts on Facebook, Twitter and other Social Media. But most of all I thank you for taking the time to read and leave encouraging comments.

Use Lust to add dimension to a story.

Published on April 14, 2015April 14, 2015 by Jean M. Cogdell3 Comments

L = lust

Something for writers to think about when plotting a story.

Showing lust doesn’t always mean an intense sexual scene. Although, I love a good steamy book as much as anyone but I’m talking about using lust in a story to bring it alive.

Writers who show lust add a different dimension to their story.

Without it the story or character can fall flat become apathetic or indifferent. So will the reader. Writing filled with lust will keep the readers turning the page.

Rachel hated waiting, but for now all she could do was wait for Mac’s call. She paced the floor, teed off at some unknown hacker. Red hair had little to do with her outrage. How dare someone expect her to pay a ransom to unlock her own files.

She lunged for the ringing phone.

“Finally.” She snapped.

“Took some doing, but I think I’ve found him.” Mac said.

“You think? I need you to know.” Rachel loosened her grip on the phone and took a deep breath.