*Magnify*
SPONSORED LINKS
Printed from https://www.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/2553-.html
Action/Adventure: August 13, 2008 Issue [#2553]

Newsletter Header
Action/Adventure


 This week:
  Edited by: Kate - Writing & Reading
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  

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

Each day is a blank page, an adventure to be written, action and re-action ~ be pro-active*Smile*

Greetings! I'm honored to be your guest host for this week's Action & Adventure Newsletter.


Word from our sponsor

ASIN: B07NPKP5BF
Product Type: Toys & Games
Amazon's Price: Price N/A


Letter from the editor

         Okay, our character has a quest, a goal, that he/she will seek to attain. And,the shortest distance from point A to point B is a straight lilne, but if it were that basic, where's the adventure? Well, when our character has to overcome some obstacles, either external or self-imposed, that's the Adventure. And, how he/she reacts to the obstacles and continues the quest, that's the Action.

         Action enhances the conflict and tension; and action is created when our hero encounters an Antagonist.

         Yes, the second main character in Action and Adventure is the Antagonist. The antagonist creates a conflict, either external (an ambush along a path; stealing a map), or internal (our hero finds that he must act contrary to his/her nature in order to attain the next step to his quest - is it worth it?).

         Your Antagonist's purpose is to keep the hero (or questor, if you prefer) from attaining his/her quest. Treat your Antagonist as a sentient being, whether animal, vegetable, mineral, human or other-world. The Antagonist has as much of a quest as does the hero - it's to keep the hero from attaining the quest. As a writer, know the Antagonist's reason for thwarting the hero's progress and, based on the nature of the Antagonist, use believable means to try and do so. For example, a rockslide that buries a path, forcing a detour, could be caused by another mortal seeking the same goal, or perhaps merely an errant bear guarding her cubs, but there's this cave opening on the road that might be a shortcut, or a detour. The hero must make a choice to advance.

         The Antagonist creates obstacles, physical or emotional which forces the hero to take the initiative and do something to advance his quest and continue the adventure. The consequences to his reaction to the obstacle move the story, add depth to the quest, and affect the hero's (and reader's) perception.

         Interaction with the Antagonist increases peril, emotional or physical to incite choices - action and reaction.

         So, Action effectively allows the Adventure to unfold, changing the hero as he continues on his quest. The choices made, or not made, are noticed by the perceptive reader, who can more fully empathize with the hero.

         To do this, to draw the reader into the conflict, know your Antagonist; build for him/her/it a reason for being, a reason for the need to keep the hero from attaining the quest and, by creating points of contact (conflict), gradually allow the hero and reader to decipher the reason and incite them to make choices. As the same questions you ask your hero - Who am I? What is my purpose? Why is it important? What will change if I attain/don't attain my goal? How do I do it?

         Have your Antagonist create points of conflict external (sentient being, environmental obstacle, landscape hurdles) and internal (choices the hero must make to attain the quest, perhaps refuting or changing long-standing beliefs).

         Knowing your Antagonist and revealing what you know via conflict and resolution along the way will help your reader identify with the hero and embrace the adventure he's embarked upon.


Editor's Picks

I hope you enjoy the action and conflict in the following selections; see how the Antagonist (mortal or other) interacts with the 'hero' - and spend a few minutes sharing your comments with the authors*Smile*

 Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
#1461484 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
#1461227 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
#1461190 by Not Available.


 Dangerous Domain  (18+)
Climbers bite off more than they can chew
#1460372 by Hyperiongate


 Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
#1460400 by Not Available.


 Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
#1459885 by Not Available.


Like to try your hand? Check out these challenges - prompting Action and Adventure*Thumbsup*

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


Daily Flash Fiction Challenge  (13+)
Enter your story of 300 words or less.
#896794 by Arakun the Twisted Raccoon

 
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Word from Writing.Com

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: B07N36MHWD
Amazon's Price: $ 7.99


Ask & Answer

I thank you for inviting me into your virtual home, and hope you've enjoyed this interlude with the Antagonist ~ may yours create some intriguing, solvable conflicts on the road to attaining your quest.

Until we next meet

Keep Writing!
Kate
Kate - Writing & Reading

*Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet* Don't Be Shy! Write Into This Newsletter! *Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet*

This form allows you to submit an item on Writing.Com and feedback, comments or questions to the Writing.Com Newsletter Editors. In some cases, due to the volume of submissions we receive, please understand that all feedback and submissions may not be responded to or listed in a newsletter. Thank you, in advance, for any feedback you can provide!
Writing.Com Item ID To Highlight (Optional):

Send a comment or question to the editor!
Limited to 2,500 characters.
Word from our sponsor
ASIN: B083RZ37SZ
Amazon's Price: $ 19.99
Not currently available.

Removal Instructions

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.


Printed from https://www.writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/2553-.html