SS101- Lessons 1-8

SS101-Short Story Outline:

Title: ????

Main Characters: Big Tom, protagonist
goal or desire- Marry Lulu, obstacle to the achievement to that goal-Hawk.
(Since the protagonist is your main character, you want to know everything about this person. The more you know, the more realistic he or she becomes and the easier it is for readers to identify with and believe in his or her plight).

Imagining all these details will help you get to know your character, but your reader probably won't need to know much more than the most important things in four areas:

Name
Job
Ethnicity
Appearance
Where they live
Pets
Religion
Single/Married/Divorced
Children
Temperament
Favorite Color
Friends
Favorite Foods
Drinking Patterns
Phobias
Faults
Likes/Hates
Secrets
Strong Memories
Illness
Nervous Gestures
Sleeping Patterns

Appearance - Gives your reader a visual understanding of the character.
Action - Show the reader what kind of person your character is, by describing actions rather than simply listing adjectives.
Speech - Develop the character as a person -- don't merely have your character announce important plot details.
Thought - Bring the reader into your character's mind, to show them your character's unexpressed memories, fears, and hopes.

Lulu
Hawk, Antagonist
antagonist's need is to thwart every attempt of your protagonist.

Plot or Storyline: Two men vie for the same girl.

Setting: A very small town in rural Minnesota.
Setting is essential to a story in that it helps to put your readers on familiar ground with your characters. It explores the time, the place, and the elements surrounding your character. Keep in mind that the events in a short story usually cover a relatively short amount of time.

Include enough detail to let your readers picture the scene but only details that actually add something to the story. (For example, do not describe Mary locking the front door, walking across the yard, opening the garage door, putting air in her bicycle tires, getting on her bicycle--none of these details matter except that she rode out of the driveway without looking down the street.)
Use two or more senses in your descriptions of setting. Don’t just talk about the way it looks, also mention how it might smell or feel or sound. Bring your reader into the setting; make them a part of it.

Rather than feed your readers information about the weather, population statistics, or how far it is to the grocery store, substitute descriptive details so your reader can experience the location the way your characters do. So instead of saying that the population of your town is 154,000 simply mention that the characters are frustrated with the crowded streets and pollution.


Dialog: Midwestern dialect.

Choose a Point of View

Point of view is the narration of the story from the perspective of first, second, or third person. As a writer, you need to determine who is going to tell the story and how much information is available for the narrator to reveal in the short story. The narrator can be directly involved in the action subjectively, or the narrator might only report the action objectively.

First Person
The story is told from the view of "I." The narrator is either the protagonist (main character) and directly affected by unfolding events, or the narrator is a secondary character telling the story revolving around the protagonist. This is a good choice for beginning writers because it is the easiest to write.

Second Person
The story is told directly to "you", with the reader as a participant in the action.

Third Person
The story tells what "he", "she," or "it" does. The third-person narrator's perspective can be limited (telling the story from one character's viewpoint) or omniscient (where the narrator knows everything about all of the characters).
Your narrator might take sides in the conflict you present, might be as transparent as possible, or might advocate a position that you want your reader to challenge (this is the "unreliable narrator" strategy).

It's important to stay in the point of view you’ve chosen for some time. Readers find it disconcerting to have to jump from one character's shoes to another too quickly. Try to be consistent and logical with your changes. Keep in mind what limitations your character has in the point of view you're using, what they can actually see or hear. Some writers only change characters views for each chapter while others will have them change during the chapter. Either way, making a clean transition is key.

Deciding on the “Voice”

Some of you will have tried to write from the point of view of very different characters. Middle-aged women can write from within a six year old boy; a pacifist may write about a war-monger. There should be no limit to the range of characters we can use to tell our stories for us. Remember to build a strong character in your mind, and then imagine him telling his tale. A talent for acting is always useful, but keen observation and deep understanding of motivations can be sufficient.

Using our own natural language and opinions to color our writing at all times, can make our work predictable and dull. When we write in a similar manner to the way we speak, we find many readers find the flow difficult to follow. This is because so many of us use rhythms and idioms which are too localized. By borrowing various characters to narrate our stories for us, we have fun, and enliven our work for the readers.

Choose a character which intrigues you and imagine him telling the story. You can use any POV you like, 1st or 3rd person, omniscient or not. All that matters is that you think like your chosen story-teller throughout the writing.



POV: Story is told mainly from Tom's POV and occasionally Hawks.

Main Action: Tom and Hawk both vie for Lulu's affection, both propose marriage.

Story Line Beginning: Opening scene is Tom working on his farm, practicing his proposal.

Story Line Middle (conflict): Hawk shows up and tries to step in on Tom by taking Lulu on a ride, he also proposes marriage. A fight ensues.



You want to make sure your conflict intensifies gradually until it reaches a breaking point.
Keep your reader interested by constantly throwing blocks into the protagonists way. Think of an action movie where the hero is constantly getting beat up, thrown around, and blown up. It’s mixed with slow moments for time to heal or time to know a secondary character but the story keeps moving at a fast pace.

Conflict produces tension that makes the story begin. Tension is created by opposition between the character or characters and internal or external forces or conditions. By balancing the opposing forces of the conflict, you keep readers glued to the pages wondering how the story will end.

Hawk also proposes.

Climax:This breaking point will result in the climax. The character realizes that her destination is only a couple of blocks from where she is stuck in traffic, and if she gets out and runs she'll just make it on time. You're at the highest peak in the roller coaster ride, and there's nowhere to go now but down. The climax is the release your protagonist finds after a long and arduous struggle against the odds.

Lulu makes a decision.

The crisis may be recognition, a decision, or a resolution. The character understands what he or she hasn't been seen before, or realizes what must be done, or finally decides to do it. Timing is crucial. If the crisis occurs too early, readers will expect still another turning point. If it occurs too late, readers will get impatient.



Story Line Ending: (conflict resolution: Lulu gives her decision.



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SS101-Lesson 2-Protagonist

1. Protagonist (Main Character)-Banfar Rostens
2. Goal/Desire-Free his people from slavery.
3 Obstacles-The Quardens: an oppressive, enslaving, invading species.

What drives Banfar Rostens: (Thoughts, feelings events that drive Banfar to react to situations).

Name-Banfar Rostens or Carpenter Rostens (Nactavians do not make use of a middle name, but rather place their occupation before the last name).
Job--Current-Slave foreman at Nacta Arubyte Mines. Former- Master Carpenter.
Ethnicity-Stimian (Southern Tribe of Nacta).
Appereance-6' 2", 180 lbs., humanoid features, straight, shoulder-length, dark hair, grey-green eyes, smooth, clean-shaven complexion, handsome.
Lives-Currently at the Nacta Arubyte Mines, formerly from Avantee (a large, southern city) on the planet Nacta, 2.5 light-years from Earth, east of the Milky Way.
Pets-Spaybel, a tiny dragon-like creature native to Nacta
Religion-Believes and prays in private to a higher power, no formal religious practice.
Married-Wife-Casalen, married four years.
Children-No
Temperament-Easy going unless pushed or witness to someone pushing his loved ones or friends.
Favorite color-Blue or Bashai in Nactavian.
Friends-Kast, Val and Wygan, fellow slaves, Parmi, a Quarden guard who sympathizes with the slaves.
Favorite Foods- groosben, a flavorful Nactavian dish similar to chicken and wild rice, havars, a sweet, sticky bread-type substance that is fried in the fat of a macta, a large, meaty lizard.
Drinking Habits-Moderate, when they can make an alcohol called frazek, behind the guards' backs. The drink is made from leftover ben, a grain similar to rice.
Phobias- The Giant Ashta, a dessert-dwelling, ten-legged furry bodied, four-eyed creature resembling a spider.
Faults-enjoys an occasional one too many frazeks. Lack of attendance at his religion.
Likes/Hates- likes laughing, living free, friends and family, outdoors, hunting, fishing, sports. Hates, slavery, braggarts, untruthfulness.
Secrets-escape plan, and his fears.
Strong memories-goodness of his childhood, parents, freedom, falling in love with Casalen.
Illness-The usual Nactavian childhood illnesses, occasional cold, but overall very good, robust health.
Nervous gestures-running hands through hair when upset.
Sleeping Habits-Regular unless stressed. Very light sleeper.


Appearance-

Banfar Rostens stretched his 6' 2" muscular frame, dragging his large work-calloused hands through his straight, dark-black, shoulder-length hair. His clean-shaven, handsome face turned upward as he drank in the early morning sun. His boyish-good-looks belie his thirty-two years, causing people to often mistake him for being much younger.

Action-

The tolling of the first work bells brought a scowl to his normally placid features. Loathing for his captors, here, in this hellish, nightmare-place brought hot acid churning up his throat. His large hands reflexively balled into fists. With practiced patience, he yet again, squelched these feelings, and getting up from his worn, thin, reed-like sleeping mat, he shuffled along in his chains with the other prisoners to the morning latrines.

Jalto, and older captive, stumbled, nearly plunging head first into a guard, which would have brought about his immediate demise, but Banfar's quick reflexes allowed him to grab the man's arm just in time.

Banfar's raptor-like gaze took in all the details as always. He noted the positions of the guards, the weapons they held and the surrounding landscape beyond the mine. Escape was ever on his mind. That, and freeing his fellow captives in hopes of reuniting with his beloved wife, family and friends.

Speech-

"Jalto," Banfar whispered to the old man, his eyes watching that no guard saw them talking; talking was punishable for up to twenty lashes with the heavy whip called a kento.

The stooped over man only looked back, waiting for Banfar to speak.

"Stick close to me after morning meal is served, so we are on the same work detail. I will try and help you meet your quota," he told him, concern filling his deep, pleasant-sounding voice. Jalto was having a hard-go of filling his required thirty panzaks, or three-hundred lbs, of arubyte: a rock mined for its fuel producing qualities.

As the line of men continued forward, Banfar whistled a pleasing little tune under his breath; a beloved song about freedom from his childhood.

Thought-

Even though his outward appearance portrayed compliance, Banfar's mind was anything but as he continually watched, learned and plotted his escape and revenge. Those who had taken Casalen, his mother and father, and others would pay, and pay dearly. As for the guards here, and the inhumane practices they employed on a daily basis, he would take great delight in slitting their throats. He only wished his plan had time for a more drawn-out repayment for the anguish and suffering they had caused so many.

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SS101-Lesson 4
The Setting

Assignment:
Write a few paragraphs describing a setting or scenery. How would any characters interact with the objects? What does it smell like, look like, feel like, sound like? Save this for future lessons.


The Setting-Tom's Farm

Gripping the rough, splintered handrail of his weathered porch, Big Tom made his way down the steps. The warped, gray boards groaned in protest. Guess I'll have to find some time to replace those, before someone goes right on through.

Gazing out at the large, faded red barn and the newly-green fields beyond, Tom drew in a deep, fragrant breath of spring-fresh clover, being carried on the morning's gentle breeze. The loveliness of the bright-blue sky with wispy pale-white clouds drifting slowly past, made his spirit soar. "Yes sir, God's handiwork, that it is."

He watched as a male cardinal landed in the old, gnarled oak tree near the start of his long, graveled driveway. Its brilliant-red feathers gleamed in the sun as it sang a sweet, melodious song to his mate.





~*~*~*~

SS101-Lesson 3
Antagonist

Antagonist-Head overseer, Tragg Falmus, Quardanians, desert-like conditions surrounding the Nacta Arubyte slave mines, Ashta (a giant spider-like creature the lives on the dessert plain), and Poozels (a poisonous, potentially lethal slug-like creature).

Antagonist-Overseer Tragg Falmus.
Job-Head Overseer of the Nacta slave mine.
Ethinicity-Quardanian
Appearance-Lizard-like humanoid, greenish, scaly skin, pupil-less eyes, yellow fangs, claw-like hands, slim but very muscular, extremely tall; 7' 2''.
Lives-Presently stationed at the Nacta slave mine, lives in luxurious quarters reserved for the elite guards.
Pets-Many Nactavian female slaves, which he considers pets. A pet ashta (giant spider-like creature). He often feeds it Nactavian slaves that can no longer work.
Religion-None, Quardanians do not believe in any higher power.
Married-No
Children-Many, unknown total as he has fathered numerous offspring from both Quardanian and Nactavian women, plus a few other humanoid species throughout his galactic travels.
Temperament-Violent, quick temper, cruelty, twisted sense of humor. Lusty.
Friends-None, even his fellow guards tred caerfully in his presence.
Favorite Foods-Raw flesh, especially Nactavian. Poozels (a slug-like creature that lives under the desert rocks surrounding the mine). Poisonous to Nactavians, often lethally.
Drinking habits-Habitual, over-indulgent, drunkenness.
Phobias-Not allowed by his race, but he has two; being killed by a female and a fear of contracting a Nactavian disease, he holds no immunity for.
Faults-cruelty, drunkenness, lust, lust for power.
Likes-women, all humanoid races, drinking, fine things, power, money, domination.
Hates-everyone, especially Nactavians, who his people have had long-standing wars with. Hates being ruled by his superiors.
Secrets-Hoards a percentage of the Arubyte mined each month to sell to black marketeers.
Strong Memories-past cruelties, he keeps bone souvenirs. Past sexual conquests, he has a long staff notched with each.
Illness-Usual Quardanian minor ailments.
Nervous Gestures-Clicking claws together.
Sleeping Habits-Normally nocturnal and regular, but running the mine has caused some lack of sleep.

Conflicts against
Protagonist-Banfar Rostens, a slave foreman at the Nacta Arubyte Mine.


Tragg/Banfar Confilict

Tragg Falmus, Head Overseer of the Nacta Arubyte Mines watched as the slaves made their way to the morning latrines. His beady, black, pupil-less eyes scanned the ragged band of men as they shuffled along in their chains. He clicked his long claws together as he systematically clenched and unclenched his fists. Finally, he spotted the one prisoner he sought, the slave he considered a threat to his perfect record of no prisoner ever successfully escaping. With lightning speed, his leathery, sinuous arm swung up, and then violently downward, bringing his flesh-stripping Kento with it. It whistled through the air, just inches from Banfar's face, causing him to flinch as dust was kicked up into the air. Tragg roared a deep and resonate sound, which was as close as Quardanians came to laughing. He clamped his grotesque, yellow fangs together in a chewing motion at Banfar. He enjoyed teasing him, about how he might become his dinner, if he didn't follow all the rules. He also enjoyed threatening pain, almost as much as actually dishing it out. It served to make the slaves work harder. Tragg made it his personal responsibility to harass Banfar for attempting to escape last month. No one escaped from this hell hole, not on Falmus's watch. He had personally administered the required ten lashes with his Kento as punishment for Banfar's audacity, and would gladly behead him for the next. No mere Nactavian slave would undermine his authority. He had plans, big plans. Running a smooth operation, here at the mines, meeting his quota of Arubyte each month, kept his superiors happy. Superiors indeed. They would, one day, all bow to him, to Tragg Falmus.

Desert/Banfar Conflict

Banfar, not wishing to further enrage the ugly lizzard face, turned away in disgust. How he loathed these evil enslaving Quardanians, who had come to his beloved homeland, enslaving, not only him, but his entire family and most of his people. He scanned the desolate land that surrounded the mines. The sun glared hot off the desert plain like undulating waves on an endless sea of white sand. How would he ever manage to free his family, who were being held at the mine next to this one, and how would they make it across this vast, inhospitable place to reach safety and freedom?

Giant Ashta/Banfar Conflict

A sudden hissing brought Banfar back from his daydream. He looked over to his right at the Giant Ashta Tragg kept penned near their quarters, its ugly black eyes, all four, stared out of the bars of its cage, ooze dripping from the spider-like creature's fangs. Tragg, standing near, reached in and stroked the fury body of his monstrous pet. Tragg, who stood 7' 2'', seemed minuscule in comparison. Banfar hated to even consider how many more of these foul beasts roamed the desert sands they would have to cross, when they made good their escape..

Poozel/Banfar Conflict

Banfar, leaning back against a large boulder, greedily gulped the warm water he'd been given. His muscles quivered from the arduous task of chinking out Arubyte from the massive stones of the mine for three straight hours. From the corner of his eye, he saw movement, and scrambling to his feet, he kicked his right foot out to the side, smashing the slimy poozel against the rock face. Its pinkish guts trailed down the smooth surface. Banfar had witnessed several of his fellow slaves wreathe in agony, and slowly, over a period of days, die from the sting of one of these disgusting insects.


~*~*~*~



~*~*~*~

SS101-Lesson 2-Protagonist (2nd one I did for Lesson 2).

1. Protagonist (Main Character)-Big Tom, Thomas Jensen
2. Goal/Desire-Marry Lulu.
3 Obstacles-Hawk, Samuel, Jerome Hawkins

What drives Big Tom: (Thoughts, feelings events that drive Big Tom to react to situations).

Name-Thomas Jenkins, Big Tom.
Job--Farmer, dairy cattle, numerous crops.
Ethnicity-Norwegian
Appereance-6' 2", 195 lbs., light-blond short hair, smooth, clean-shaven, fair complexion, handsome.
Lives-Andover, Mn., on a rural dairy and multi-crop farm five miles from town.
Pets-His Golden Retriever, Ginger, numerous stray farm cats, and he considers all of his cows as beloved pets as well.
Religion-Believes and prays in private to a higher power, no formal religious practice.
Married-None
Children-No
Temperament-Easy going unless pushed or witness to someone pushing his loved ones or friends.
Favorite color-Green, because he loves all growing things.
Friends-Most of the residents of Andover, Lulu, and Ken Brown, his friend since grade school.
Favorite Foods-Steak, potatoes, greens, biscuits, country fare.
Drinking Habits-Very light, social drinker.
Phobias- Hawk stealing Lulu from him.
Faults-Easily angered by Hawk, non attendance to church.
Likes/Hates-Likes laughing, living free, friends and family, outdoors, animals hunting, fishing, sports. Hates, Hawk, braggarts, untruthfulness, laziness.
Secrets-Has plans of being the biggest dairy farmer in the state.
Strong memories-goodness of his childhood growing up on their farm, swimming in ponds, fishing, parents, freedom, dating and falling in love with Lulu.
Illness-The usual childhood illnesses, occasional cold, but overall very good, robust health.
Nervous gestures-running hands through hair when upset.
Sleeping Habits-Regular unless stressed. Very light sleeper.


Appearance-

Big Tom stretched his 6' 2" muscular frame, dragging his large work-calloused hands through his straight, short light-blond hair. His clean-shaven, handsome face turned upward as he drank in the early morning sun.

Action-

Being a very light sleeper, Tom's eyes opened as soon as he heard the familiar crow of roosters outside his bedroom window. Sitting up and yawning, he stretched his arms above his head, then threw his long muscular legs over the side of the old feather bed. Making his way down the hallway toward the kitchen, he flipped on the light switch, bringing light into the dimly-lit room. He was accustomed to waking at 5:00 AM, and was used to putting in long days on his 40 acre dairy farm.


Speech-

"Looks like a fine day, yes, indeed." Tom smiled as he looked out the kitchen window, taking in the sight of his just beginning to green fields, the mature oak and maple trees lining the drive and the beautiful blueness of the early morning sky.

Tom made his usual strong brew of coffee and sat sipping it at the well-worn oak table that had belonged to his grandparents, who had originally built this farm from nothing. Running his hands through his hair, he rehearsed aloud his proposal he would make to Lulu, tonight, at the county fair. "She's just got to say yes! Lulu, will you marry me?" Ah... that sounds so cliche!" "Oh, come on big boy, you can do better than that," Tom exhaled a long sigh, getting up and making his way outside.


Thought-

Tom's thoughts turned, from his beloved Lulu, to that of Hawk, his arch-rival. I wish him and his family had never moved to Andover. He's been nothing but an obstacle between me and Lulu for the past six years, now. Tom ran his fingers back through his hair, trying to think of the right words that would make Lulu his, once and for all. What does she want to go and date that scoundrel for anyway? Doesn't she understand he'd only break her heart, were she to marry him?


~*~*~




~*~*~

SS101-Lesson 2-Protagonist

1. Protagonist (Main Character)-Big Tom, Thomas Jensen
2. Goal/Desire-Marry Lulu.
3 Obstacles-Hawk, Samuel, Jerome Hawkins

What drives Big Tom: (Thoughts, feelings events that drive Big Tom to react to situations).

Name-Thomas Jenkins, Big Tom.
Job--Farmer, dairy cattle, numerous crops.
Ethnicity-Norwegian
Appereance-6' 2", 195 lbs., light-blond short hair, smooth, clean-shaven, fair complexion, handsome.
Lives-Andover, Mn., on a rural dairy and multi-crop farm five miles from town.
Pets-His Golden Retriever, Ginger, numerous stray farm cats, and he considers all of his cows as beloved pets as well.
Religion-Believes and prays in private to a higher power, no formal religious practice.
Married-None
Children-No
Temperament-Easy going unless pushed or witness to someone pushing his loved ones or friends.
Favorite color-Green, because he loves all growing things.
Friends-Most of the residents of Andover, Lulu, and Ken Brown, his friend since grade school.
Favorite Foods-Steak, potatoes, greens, biscuits, country fare.
Drinking Habits-Very light, social drinker.
Phobias- Hawk stealing Lulu from him.
Faults-Easily angered by Hawk, non attendance to church.
Likes/Hates-Likes laughing, living free, friends and family, outdoors, animals hunting, fishing, sports. Hates, Hawk, braggarts, untruthfulness, laziness.
Secrets-Has plans of being the biggest dairy farmer in the state.
Strong memories-goodness of his childhood growing up on their farm, swimming in ponds, fishing, parents, freedom, dating and falling in love with Lulu.
Illness-The usual childhood illnesses, occasional cold, but overall very good, robust health.
Nervous gestures-running hands through hair when upset.
Sleeping Habits-Regular unless stressed. Very light sleeper.


Appearance-

Big Tom stretched his 6' 2" muscular frame, dragging his large work-calloused hands through his straight, short light-blond hair. His clean-shaven, handsome face turned upward as he drank in the early morning sun.

Action-

Being a very light sleeper, Tom's eyes opened as soon as he heard the familiar crow of roosters outside his bedroom window. Sitting up and yawning, he stretched his arms above his head, then threw his long muscular legs over the side of the old feather bed. Making his way down the hallway toward the kitchen, he flipped on the light switch, bringing light into the dimly-lit room. He was accustomed to waking at 5:00 AM, and was used to putting in long days on his 40 acre dairy farm.


Speech-

"Looks like a fine day, yes, indeed." Tom smiled as he looked out the kitchen window, taking in the sight of his just beginning to green fields, the mature oak and maple trees lining the drive and the beautiful blueness of the early morning sky.

Tom made his usual strong brew of coffee and sat sipping it at the well-worn oak table that had belonged to his grandparents, who had originally built this farm from nothing. Running his hands through his hair, he rehearsed aloud his proposal he would make to Lulu, tonight, at the county fair. "She's just got to say yes! Lulu, will you marry me?" Ah... that sounds so cliche!" "Oh, come on big boy, you can do better than that," Tom exhaled a long sigh, getting up and making his way outside.


Thought-

Tom's thoughts turned, from his beloved Lulu, to that of Hawk, his arch-rival. I wish him and his family had never moved to Andover. He's been nothing but an obstacle between me and Lulu for the past six years, now. Tom ran his fingers back through his hair, trying to think of the right words that would make Lulu his, once and for all. What does she want to go and date that scoundrel for anyway? Doesn't she understand he'd only break her heart, were she to marry him?


~*~*~*~

SS101-Lesson 4
The Setting

Assignment:
Write a few paragraphs describing a setting or scenery. How would any characters interact with the objects? What does it smell like, look like, feel like, sound like? Save this for future lessons.


The Setting-Tom's Farm

Gripping the rough, splintered handrail of his weathered porch, Big Tom made his way down the steps. The warped, gray boards groaned in protest. Guess I'll have to find some time to replace those, before someone goes right on through.

Gazing out at the large, faded red barn and the newly-green fields beyond, Tom drew in a deep, fragrant breath of spring-fresh clover, being carried on the morning's gentle breeze. The loveliness of the bright-blue sky with wispy pale-white clouds drifting slowly past, made his spirit soar. "Yes sir, God's handiwork, that it is."

He watched as a male cardinal landed in the old, gnarled oak tree near the start of his long, graveled driveway. Its brilliant-red feathers gleamed in the sun as it sang a sweet, melodious song to his mate.



~*~*~


SS101 - Lesson 5 - Climax


Climax of Wheel of Love:

Big Tom's heart pounded in his chest. Sweat ran down his tanned, handsome face as he watched Lulu ascending on the giant Ferris Wheel. What if she chooses Hawk? What if he lost the love of his life forever?

He glanced over at Hawk. The man was the picture of coolness. Leaning up against a light pole, he wore a smug, knowing smile as if he already knew Lulu's decision and that it would favor him. Just looking at his rival, thinking about him being with Lulu, caused the big man to clench his fists in jealous rage.

I love her! She's got to choose me; there's no other girl in the world for me.

Suddenly, the flashing lights, cacophony of sounds and smells of the carnival seemed to press in around Tom. His face flushed crimson and his legs felt wobbly as he waited in agony.

Just as he thought he could stand it no more, he heard Lulu's voice call down to them.

"I love you!"

Time seemed to stand frozen. Those three words echoed through Tom's soul. Who? Is she talking to me, or Hawk?

A million memories flashed through his mind; all the good times he had shared with Lulu since high school: taking her to prom, swimming down at Miller's pond, watching horror movies, while snuggled in the back seat of his parent's car down at the drive-in, and a host of other wonderful times they had shared.

"I love you, Tom Jenson!"

Had he heard right? Dared he even dream he had?

"I said I love you, Tom!

As the realization poured into Tom's brain, he could barely contain his joy. A big, wide grin stole across his face. He cupped his large, calloused hands to his mouth as he hollered up to her. "I love you more than anything, Lulu!"

And in that wonderful moment, there was only him, and Lulu and their love.


~*~*~



SS 101 - Lesson 6 - POV & Voice
Assignment:
Write a few paragraphs describing the point of view of the story and why you chose it. Also write a paragraph for each of the main characters describing their voice type and why they talk that way, etc. Also make a note about the type of voice you will use for the entire story - more aggressive, softer, child like etc and explain why. Save this for future lessons.

POV

For my story, Wheel of Love, I chose to write mostly from Tom's POV revolving around his antagonist, Hawk. Through Tom's voice and actions the story unfolds about both men being in love with Lulu and both of them eventually proposing to her on the same night.

First Person:

Tom stepped up to the first cow in a long line of them. "Hello, Clara. How are you doing beautiful?" Tom patted her head as he slowly made his way into the coolness of the large building. Stopping, in turn, he greeted each of the twenty wide-eyed black and white Holsteins. They, in kind, bellowed their morning greetings to Tom, in obvious affection.

"Well, girls, today's the big day! What do ya think her answer will be? Now, Clara, you know Lulu loves me, just the same as I love her, so why would she turn down my proposal? Hmmm ...?"

And

Big Tom's heart pounded in his chest. Sweat ran down his tanned, handsome face as he watched Lulu ascending on the giant Ferris Wheel. What if she chooses Hawk? What if he lost the love of his life forever?

I love her! She's got to choose me; there's no other girl in the world for me.


I do also write from the Second Person, telling the reader directly about the characters and events:

Second Person:

Tom often expressed his dreams and desires to his Girls as he was wont to call them. It helped him to work out his shyness when dealing with the real world.

And

Tom's jaw dropped, and he stood stunned. Then, to Lulu and Hawk's surprise, Tom dropped to one bent knee, clearing his throat, he dug in his right front trouser pocket, his hands shaking. He was finally able to extract a tiny, blue velvet box. Opening it to reveal a shiny gold ring with a one-quarter carrot Marquee diamond in the center.

Hawk, getting a closer look at the minuscule gem, burst out laughing. "You think that itsy-bitsy thing is going to impress her?" Pulling his own ring box from his black leather jacket, Hawk popped it open and ceremoniously shoved it in front of Tom's face. Tom stared at the humongous center diamond, surrounded by five sapphires on each side.

Hawk failed to mention to Lulu how he'd lifted it, without permission, from his mother's jewelry box just before leaving. The ring belonged to his grandmother, and it was one of his mom's dearest possessions from her departed mother.


Voice

Since most of the story is told from Tom's POV, I tried to give him a voice that would be consistent with a mid-western, youthful, hard-working family-orientated type of man.

Thank ya Lord for another glorious day. May I work hard, and help me to be kind and thankful. Amen."

Occasionally the POV switches to Lulu's voice, which I portray her as a fun-spirited but slightly confused girl when it comes to choosing between Tom & Hawk.

Lulu's chin dropped down toward her chest, and their were tears of confusion rolling down her cheeks. Why do they have to press me like this?

As the Ferris Wheel slowly brought her down, its lights twinkling against the now black night sky, she thought back on all the fun she'd had with both men.

Tom's so easy going, always making me laugh. He'd make an excellent father, and if we did have kids, his farm would be a wonderful place to raise them.

Hawk, is wild and impetuous, but he is so much fun to be with, and being he's wealthy, any children we would have, would enjoy the finest of everything: a beautiful mansion, the best schools. They'd never have to want for anything.


I tried to make Hawk's voice come across as an arrogant, self-willed, lazy sort of guy.

I should take mom's advice, and get me a little wife. Yeah, but then my days of carousing would be seriously diminished. But, still, dad will never turn over that trust fund he's holding hostage, unless I do something to show him I've changed my ways. Getting Lulu to marry me just might do the trick.

The type of voice I use for the entire story, I think, is suspenseful, because both men plan on proposing, and Lulu has no idea, until the end of the story, which man she will choose.



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SS 101 - Lesson 7 - Theme
Assignment:
Write a few paragraphs about the theme of the story and explain why this is. Save this for future lessons.

The theme of Wheel of Love is definitely The Good Guy Gets The Girl because:

Through Tom's actions in his life we come to see what a good guy he is. We see Tom portrayed as a hard-working, God-fearing, nature-loving man who tries to always do the right things.

Gripping the rough, splintered handrail of his weathered porch, Big Tom made his way down the steps. The warped, gray boards groaned in protest. Guess I'll have to find some time to replace those, before someone goes right on through.

Gazing out at the large, faded red barn and pastures beyond, Tom drew in a deep, fragrant breath of spring-fresh clover, being carried on the mid-May morning's gentle breeze. The loveliness of the bright-blue sky with wispy pale-white clouds drifting slowly past, made his spirit soar. "Yes sir, God's handiwork, that it is."

He watched as a male cardinal landed in the old, gnarled oak tree near the start of his long, graveled driveway. Its brilliant-red feathers gleamed in the sun as it sang a sweet, melodious song to his mate.

Tilting his tanned, youthful-face up to greet the rising sun, he said his usual morning prayer ...

"Thank ya Lord for another glorious day. May I work hard, and help me to be kind and thankful. Amen."


Hawk, on the other hand, we come to see as self-centered, arrogant and destructive in his own life. He is a carouser, whose only thoughts are what is best for him, and how he can obtain wealth and pleasure without earning it himself.

Reclining in an Adirondack chair, on the expansive, immaculate lawn of his parents' estate, Hawk was daydreaming of the day this would finally all belong to him.

"Hmph ... then I won't have the old man breathing down my neck to get a job!"

Playing pool, and getting into fist fights, was more up his alley than working, and had frequently landed him in the county jail.


Lulu must choose between Tom and Hawk, and even though she has had a lot of fun with both men, it comes down to deciding what her life, and her future childrens' lives would be like with each man, and she wisely chooses the good guy, Tom.

Tom's so, dependable, easy going, always making me laugh. He'd make an excellent father, and if we did have kids, his farm would be a wonderful place to raise them.

Hawk, is wild and impetuous, but he is so much fun to be with, and being he's wealthy, any children we would have, would enjoy the finest of everything: a beautiful mansion, the best schools. They'd never have to want for anything. But, still, wealth doesn't buy happiness.



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