  Action/Adventure
This week: Deadlines and Ticking Clocks Edited by: Dawn Embers  
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An Elf (written) Action/Adventure Newsletter
Deadlines are a part of writing no matter the genre but they are something that can also be used to push characters and plot along in action/adventure stories. |
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Deadlines are a common factor in many genres, but have a number of different forms in both action and adventure. Often times the plot has a deadline incorporated in, whether it involve the ticking clock associated with bomb situations or the mere fact that the characters need to get stuff done by a certain date, or else. Chances are, deadlines are involved in some shape or form. Then there are deadlines us authors have or give ourselves in order to get said stories done. Let's talk about those two forms of deadlines.
Deadlines for Characters
This is within the story forms of deadline creation. Sometimes it can help to raise the tension or stakes of an action situation by forcing a limited time frame onto the characters. There are a few different origins and uses of deadlines within the story. Plot is big but focusing around the character can really help as they are the ones who the reader will feel the urgency through.
Intense situations - The action/adventure genres are ripe for putting the characters into intense situations where a time limit of some type is involved. Often times decisions have to be made fast as there isn't much time to dawdle, at least without paying the consequences for not acting quick enough. Also can be a very scene based use of the deadlines because it can be either an aspect of the main plot or be part of what moves the story forward in order to get to those big moments.
Threats or other character based - These often come from secondary characters or the antagonists ones in particular. The deadline has to come from somewhere and have a tie into the story because while random explosions work at times, throwing other random things like a timeline may cause the reader to question the whole story too much. Have the deadline come from someone specific in the story and that can be a good source of conflict. Even an ally can be the cause of the time limit. There are many options available here.
Setup/main conflict - This one is common. Deadlines tied to the main conflict or overall plot of the story stand a good chance within this set of genres. It will depend on the story you are trying to tell, however, as to the exact details. If the deadline is important, then making it known throughout with how the plot is twisted through the tale will be beneficial. However, if the time limit is there but minimal impact, that will require less emphasis. It's all dependent on the many factors of writing and how you create the story.
Deadlines for Writers
Now this is probably a deadline type that you are familiar with, whether it's for publication, contests or just something self-imposed. At times a story needs to be written or certain drafts need to be accomplished within a set period of time and that can mean deadlines for the writer. While some people will have publishing deadlines imposed either from others or self depending on the route taken, the two common ones here on WDC are going to be contests and self-imposed deadlines.
Enter contests - These are a great way to incorporate deadlines and give a need to finish something. And all contests have a deadline for when the round is going to end, which means you better get a decent draft of that story done within the time or it won't qualify. There are many great options available on the site. Some will be genre specific but others might not say action/adventure, yet it's easy enough to incorporate those into qualified entries. Look around and I'm sure you'll be able to find something to help impose a deadline and inspire some story creations.
Self-impose - Finally, this one I'm a fan because if you don't have publishing deadlines, it can be difficult at times to get work done within a timely fashion. I know I struggle at times even though I do have novels I want to get finished. It's easy to let other things distract and to not put enough priority to our own writing. By picking a deadline in order to finish a draft, do an edit or anything of that nature, it can help motivate or give focus on a particular project. Some will find the self-imposed deadline a bit restrictive or counter-productive, but for others it can be quite handy.
Overall, deadlines have their use in action/adventure and for writing in general. It's all in a matter of how you use them.
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Do you have a deadline for your writing? What is your main character's deadline?
Last time I had an action/adventure newsletter, the topic was fitness of character. Here were the comments sent in back in September.
Comment by Quick-Quill 
I think everyone loves the underdog. In every situation when there is a hero we continue the book to find out if good will triumph over evil. Karate Kid was a huge favorite of kids and Teenage Ninja Turtles drove kids to local dojos. When you have a hero or MC make sure they all have a weakness. Something that gives the reader to sympathize with or feel they are more real.
Comment by monty31802
Agreed, don't be afraid to overwrite. In short don't be afraid to write. Great News Letter.
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Action/Adventure: March 18, 2015 Issue [#6886]
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