>>> Item number 24629 from WRITERS LOG9401D --- (60 records) ----- <<< Date: Sun, 23 Jan 1994 18:35:02 JST Reply-To: WRITERS Sender: WRITERS From: Mike Barker Subject: EXERCISE: Caught in a Cleft Stick This is an oldie, but still a goodie... First, pick a character - any one you like. Got that person firmly in mind? Next, pick two (2!) of these: - a relationship (love, sex, etc.) - family relationship - career - friendship - adventure, excitement - fame, honor, rank - safety - freedom - wealth, financial resources - social status - keeping a promise - marriage - justice - make one of your own (something needed, something wanted, something new, something blue...) Okay? Got them picked and written down? Now - your character wants... NEEDS... HAS TO HAVE... both of these. But picking one means discarding, breaking, damaging the other. Your character may want to be greedy and have both, but only one will fit. Write it up. There are probably four major scenes here. First, show us why this character wants one of these. Second, show us how much they need the other one. Third, show us why and how picking one means destroying the other. Fourth, show us the decision, and the consequences. Of course, you might add some scenes between the third and fourth ones. Let your character wiggle on the horns of the dilemma, and show us the blood and sweat of that agonized goring. You might also be able to combine the first three in some way, presenting the two alternatives and the dilemma in one fell swoop. Or you can expand on the need, delving back into the roots of your character. But make sure you show us how badly your character wants both, and why the choice is limited to one. While some writers might leave us agonizing in front of Monty Hall's doors, I think it is easier to open the door and show us the prize your character has chosen... Okay - WRITE! [Bonus: pick three and make your character really sweat!] Hark, what writer through yonder block breaks? It is the eastern nut... grinning at all the busy fingers tink