This week: Creating Drama Edited by: Lilith of House Martell  
More Newsletters By This Editor 
 
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
While watching a movie, the music creeps into a scene. The type of music often gives a clue about what is going to happen next. Will it be a kiss or a fright, a moment to reminisce, or is someone going to die?
We can create similar excitement in our stories by interjecting tension, conflict, and drama in the plot. |
| ASIN: B085272J6B |
Product Type: Kindle Store
|
Amazon's Price: $ 9.99
|
|
Although there are no set rules for creating drama, here are a few things to consider that may be helpful.
 Complications
Ask yourself, “What if?” While writing each plot step/element, look for ways to make the story a bit more complex. For example, the story features a boy from the so-called “right side of the tracks” and a girl from the so-called “wrong side of the tracks.” While this is more than enough to derail a relationship, what can you come up with to make the story more dramatic? Maybe there’s some old history between the families or the town. Think about a past crime, a secret, or an unresolved issue that makes the differences between the main characters and their backgrounds more contentious. Revealing this complication slowly over time may also add an element of mystery; thus increasing the drama.
Let there be risks
Make sure your protagonist has something to lose. Using the same example from above, what if the boy goes against his parents’ wishes and pursues the girl in secret? This sounds dramatic, but we could make the stakes even higher if the young man not only risks losing the trust of his parents but also has a problem with one of his best friends. Maybe his best friend refuses to cover for the boy because she doesn’t want to lie, or he doesn’t think they should be a couple either.
Make it personal
Show deep and heartfelt emotions in your characters. Continuing with the story idea above, you can write about many mixed emotions experienced by the characters. Worry of discovery, guilt over deceiving his parents, and fear of losing a meaningful friendship could counter love for the girl. Emotional responses may be primarily internal, but they can be expressed and should go beyond the clichés.
Add tension to every scene
Many writers believe in the adage, “tension on every page.” This may seem daunting, but it’s not terrible advice. Even during a loving scene between our boy and girl, it’s possible that the boy cannot keep her worries completely at bay. Let’s not forget how the girl may react to his dilemma. She may start feeling like she’s not him fighting for her. Problems can intrude on even the happiest of times.
These are not the only ways to add tension and drama, but hopefully, they will give you some ideas and get you ‘thinking outside the box’! |
Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
Don't forget to support our sponsor!
| ASIN: B07K6Z2ZBF |
Product Type: Kindle Store
|
Amazon's Price: $ 4.99
|
|
Comments received from my last Drama Newsletter, "Idioms" :
Choconut ~ House Targaryen  wrote:
This newsletter is fab, Lilli! My American hubby found it hard to get to know some of our idioms when he first moved over here. It had never occurred to me they were English, as in the country, not the language. "Donkeys' years" and "Bob's your uncle" were the ones that literally struck him dumb the first time he heard them. I guess they don't make a lot of sense when you really think about them. But, you're right. They are great tools for writers.
Thanks for sharing, Rachel. I'm so glad you enjoyed the newsletter!
BIG BAD WOLF is hopping  wrote:
There's all sorts of sayings.
"If it was a snake, it would of bit you" is used in my family when you try looking for something, and it was right in front of you the whole time.
That's a great one and one I've heard many times! Thanks for sharing. |
| ASIN: B000FC0SIM |
Product Type: Kindle Store
|
Amazon's Price: $ 12.99
|
|
To stop receiving this newsletter, click here for your newsletter subscription list. Simply uncheck the box next to any newsletter(s) you wish to cancel and then click to "Submit Changes". You can edit your subscriptions at any time.
|
Drama: January 25, 2023 Issue [#11769]
View Portfolio
Visit Notebook
Send Gift Points
Awards
Badges
Send Email
Community Newsfeed
General Discussion
Sponsored Items
Book of Trinkets
Static Items
Books
Groups
Interactive Stories
Audio
Campfire Creatives
Community Notes
Crossword Puzzles
Documents
Folders
Images
In & Outs
Madlibs
Photo Albums
Polls
Product Reviews
Quizzes
Survey Forms
Web Pages
Word Searches
