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Printed from https://www.writing.com/main/newsletters.php/action/archives/id/6682-The-Drama-of-Family.html
Drama: November 26, 2014 Issue [#6682]

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Drama


 This week: The Drama of Family
  Edited by: Dawn Embers
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Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

An Elf (written) Drama Newsletter

With holidays a plenty, there are many family gatherings and that can lead to inspiration for drama. Take those fun, crazy and sometimes uncomfortable family moments and use them.


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Letter from the editor

The time of year is ripe for drama and here is why: family.

Tis the season of many holidays, meals, gatherings and often families will find time to be together. For some, this is pleasant and a much needed stress release. For others, however, the holiday gatherings with the family are jam packed with drama. Not all of the drama is horrible, scary or plot inducing, but all it takes is a spark to get the right idea going. This can lead to a post holiday writing spree and that is one that meets my approval. Here are some aspects of gatherings that may help inspire some writing or story development. ~*Disclaimer: any events or people listed are mere examples and any resemblance to certain writer's family is merely coincidence...*~

Surprise Visit

This is one option that can change the moment of the story, to put the character into a situation that could become ripe with drama. Most of the time, people know ahead of time who can make gathering and who just can't. Maybe everyone has settled down to eat or they have gathered in the main room, prepared for some tradition when all of a sudden the door opens and surprise! It could be anyone. Nothing stirs some people more than a random shout through the house: "guess who is here." Does your character handle family well? This could be a chance to unnerve them, a bit. And here is also where I think some of the stories with main characters who lack family miss out. Sure, they have their own dysfunctions and emotional issues because of whatever lead them to being alone, but they also don't have crazy aunts who yell everything on facebook or have to try and explain to dear old grandpa who wasn't supposed to be at that side of the family's house that year who the new boyfriend is and how they date boys instead of girls. So, having a family can create dysfunction and drama just as much, if not more, than having gone without. On to the next possible inspiration for drama stories.

Gossip

Oh the gossip of the holidays and well, any family gathering it seems. Did you hear about your cousin who is now in jail and pregnant? And guess who couldn't make it? I hear his wife has issues with our family. Said we're too rural.... Yep, the joys of gossip can be found at any gathering and family ones are no different. People are drawn to it in some ways. And while some is just sharing information, since not everyone can keep up with their family on facebook, other times it can have a less positive existence. It can also, inspire. Hear something interesting? Use it to add conflict or perceived conflict in a story. Or maybe develop a character either based on the gossiper or the one being discussed. So many options here.

Story Time
Finally, there is story time. Yep, it's not uncommon at family gatherings for people to tell stories. On the rare occasion, it might even be a new story. Or it might be the story of something embarrassing you did as a five year old that your grandparents or parents feel the need to tell at every gathering that ever happens. These stories can either be inspiring or they can be a way to work in some dialogue and back story, whichever is best for the story you create. Maybe stories like how coconut cream pie was deemed the yuckiest thing ever don't make for strong conflict, but given the right moment and set of dialogue, they can give an insight into characters and relations to others. It's all based on how you write the story.


This year, I hope everyone enjoys their family gatherings and holidays whether there is drama or not. Don't forget a notepad or keep a good mental check list just in case inspiration strikes. May the holidays and all the events spark many stories with conflict, character and a good dash of drama.


Editor's Picks

FORUM
The Writer's Cramp  (13+)
Write the best story or poem in 24 hours or less and win 10K GPs!
#333655 by Sophy


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The LGBT Writing Contest - now judging  (18+)
Short story contest (with great prizes) for LGBT characters.
#1980539 by Osirantinous


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#2019675 by Not Available.


 Secret Daughter   (13+)
Breaking the news of adoption after 19 years.
#2019430 by flashramey


 A Cold Farewell  (ASR)
Flash fiction story
#2019612 by ⭐️Jellyfish⭐️


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#1981889 by Not Available.


 A Little Resolve  (E)
A short story about a stubborn girl with a resolve to do something brave
#2019545 by Arabelle B. Wolfe


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#2019615 by Not Available.

 
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Ask & Answer

Do you experience family drama? Does it fuel any of your stories?



No feedback to post as this is my first Drama newsletter.


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