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A reaction for every action? Large or small?

The short answer is yes. I think so.

Once I grasp this concept, things began going a little smoother. Now in each scene, I stop and ask what will the characters consequence be for each action.

Even the smallest of decisions can move a story forward. For instance, stopping to buy a coffee can result in meeting the right or wrong person. Turning left instead of right can result in an accident or a chance meeting.

See. Each decision your character makes must have a consequence sooner or later to drive the story to the end.

It’s simple cause and effect.

My current work in progress I’m using action-reaction to move each scene forward. Even the most mundane of things.

Such as…

action: she pulled her sweater tighter
reaction: draws unwanted attention
action: he seeks her out
reaction: love or hate, life or death?

This could go further and carry on in another chapter. And with a little luck, things will fall into place like a row of dominos.

Look at a scene in your WIP. Is there any action that could use a reaction? Even if it is ordinary, mundane and everyday stuff it might be what you need to fill in the gaps.

Read these great articles on consequences for our characters.

Consequences of Your Character’s Actions

Writing an Action Outline

Tell me what you think.

Do you believe there must be a reaction to every action?

Can you see this helping propel a story forward?

Got any tips how you weave action and reaction into your story?

Talk to me – I love reading your comments.

Please head over and “like” my Facebook page at Facebook at jeanswriting . Or to connect with me, click the “write me” tab. Don’t forget you can follow me on StumbleUpon, on Twitter @jeancogdell , and Amazon.com.

Please stop by and say “hey!” I’ll leave a light on.

Well, I hadn’t not often anyway, until now.

I’d changed my passwords to passphrases and thought I was safe. And then I read a recent post by Sheila Good over at Cow Pasture Chronicles which made me furious.

Not at Sheila, although as my little sister we’ve had our share of spats. But, this is not one of those times. LOL

So what made me mad? Hackers!

It seems nothing is safe from them and someone somewhere needs to find a way to stop these damn idiots. It’s becoming a game of whack-a-mole, and I for one am tired of the blasted devils invading our lives.

Sheila had a terrible, aggravating experience but we can all benefit from it. She shared below what happened to her Twitter account and how we can hopefully prevent it from happening to us. But, if God forbid, it does what we should do.

My Twitter Account Was Hacked, Now What? by SHEILA M. GOOD, AUTHOR

Well, aren’t we special?! It seems there’s an epidemic of Hackers running around wrecking havoc on all of us. Or, is it clowns? Guess it’s hard to tell the difference these days.…

Hop over her fence, click the image and keep reading.

Has this ever happened to you?

Have you ever been hacked?

Any tips on how to deal with securing your blogs, or other social media accounts?

I’d love to hear from you! Click the “write me” tab or contact me on Twitter @jeancogdell,Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! The lights are on, and I’m waiting.

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