TINY TUESDAY (m)

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Registered: 03-25-2003
TINY TUESDAY (m)
15
Tue, 04-23-2002 - 9:58am

TINY TUESDAY (m)


To recap, so far we’ve created a main Character, designed a Conflict and we’ve chosen who will be the Narrator and established our Setting for our short story. What’s next? The Plot!

When designing the plot of your short story, you basically need to think of it as three sections: the beginning, the middle and the end.

Your “opener” or beginning may be the place where you want to introduce the conflict of your story or you might choose the opening paragraphs to hook the reader with the back story, building suspense about the conflict.

The middle is where you want to develop the conflict (or introduce it if you haven’t done so already). If I may quote from The Weekend Novelist Writes a Mystery, “in the heat of creation, you may be tempted to zoom past the midpoint. Stop. Slam on the brakes. Slow down. Midpoint is big. Spending time here will make writing easier later.”

The ending consists of the climax of your story and the wrap-up or resolution. In order for your story to feel complete, you must come to some conclusion about the conflict. Keep in mind this does not translate into “you must have an happy ending.” The key is to make sure whatever conflict your character was facing has been resolved.

So with all this in mind, let’s work on plot. This is a two-part exercise. First, sketch out the plot of your story in three paragraphs (beginning, middled and ending), but don’t post that part of the exercise, as you might give away the ending of your story. Next, write the scene that will be the midpoint of your story. This will be the part of the exercise you’ll post for critique.

Happy writing,

Mac

PS...next week, we’ll work on the ending and wrap up our stories that we’ve been working on for the month of April.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Tue, 04-23-2002 - 12:10pm

Here's mine (m)


This scene takes up immediately from my previous one I posted (http://boards1.ivillage.com/messages/get/bcbasics19/32/2/1.html).

* * *

As she passed the family portraits in the hallway, Blanche stopped at her mother’s photograph. She reached out and ran a finger down her mother’s face. Blanche wished she was still alive and that she could touch her in person. The day of her funeral flashed before her eyes.

Raymond had been standing at their mother’s casket when Blanche entered from the back of the church. As she approached them, she overheard her brother’s wife say, “She looks so peaceful. She’s at rest now, Ray. That’s what’s important.”

“What’s important is that Blanche didn’t talk Daddy into spending eight thousand dollars for a cemetery plot. She might have that kind of money, but he don’t need to go spending that kinda cash.”

Blanche halted in her walk, stopping to let them finish their conversation, partly because she wanted to hear what else he’d say.

He continued, “It’s bad enough that most of Mama and Daddy’s savings had to go towards the hospital bills that did no good.”

“Well, what was the option?” she asked.

“No surgery at all!”

With that, Blanche cleared her throat and stormed towards him; her emotions had been like a roller coaster all morning. “And what let the cancer eat her alive so you’d inherit a few more dollars?”

Both of them turned quickly from the casket. Raymond’s mouth popped open but before he could speak, his wife said, “Blanche, you know he didn’t mean it like that.”

“I know that’s exactly what he meant.”

Blanche’s eyes scanned from her mother’s picture to a family portrait taken back in 1968; her and Edna were dressed like twins, their older brother wearing a shag-haircut standing to their mother’s side. What happened to him? Blanche wondered. “What made you grow so cold, Ray,” she asked as she walked towards the kitchen.

Avatar for countrygal23
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 04-23-2002 - 4:29pm

My TT exercise....the story continues


She made quick work out of filling the tub and disrobing. As she soaked her weary limbs her mind raced with troubling thoughts. The words of the note that twice warned her repeatedly popped up:* We had a relationship. We have a past. Whether it be pills. Or a drill. Or fun with a gun. You’re going down. Unless you get out of town.*

The jets in the tub coaxed and massaged her bunched nerves and muscles until the water grew cool. A loud crash reverberated from the other side of the door. Randi jumped up and grabbed a towel. Panicking she huddled in a corner and waited for her life to be taken.

Jerico found her shaking and totally out of it. She felt his hands as he reached, pulled her up onto her feet and directed her to the bed. She sat down while he wrapped a robe around her. Randi’s composure broke and she sobbed while Jerico held her.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to lose it and cry all over you.”

“It’s okay, why don’t you lay down. I’m going to get you a drink with some alcohol so you can relax and get some rest,” He said before leaving the room.

Randi pulled down the covers and laid down on the cool sheet.

Jerico returned and said, “Here drink this, then try to sleep.”

After finishing the drink in three gulps she handed the glass back to him. “Jerico, would you hold me?”

He placed the glass onto the nightstand then climbed into bed with her. She snuggled as he put his arms around her once again and then she slept.

The aroma of coffee and fried meat awakened Randi. Jerico stood holding a tray. “I brought you some bacon, ham and eggs and a cup of coffee, and a glass of orange juice.”

“Thank you,” she said gazing at his fine body clad in faded jeans and a denim shirt. “I feel so much better today.”

“We need to talk, Randi! Tell me what’s going on.”

Randi explained about the note she had received. “I have the list narrowed down to three. In my line of work, I sometimes make enemies. But usually they blow hot then go away.” “The note implies that it’s personal. Was he your lover?”

Wrinkles creased in her forehead. “No, it’s not a past lover! I figure that it had to be someone at the station because they knew my schedule. I had an appointment with the mayor when I was shot at.”

“Okay so why does he or she want you to leave town?”

“That part puzzles me because the only one I can think of, that would benefit by me leaving town is my assistant Samantha. She has been after my job for months now.”

Jerico walked across the room. “Did you get a good look at the shooter?”

Randi hesitated, then closed her eyes, “Yes, it was a man.”

“Who are the other two people on your list?”

After putting the empty plate on the nightstand she answered, “Lonnie, my ex-cameraman, we used to date then he got too aggressive so I stopped dating him. And then there’s Gil, the news director, he fancies himself as quite the ladies man. We were friends until I found out that he was married and he didn’t think that should factor into our relationship. Heck! it could be someone I ticked off, a viewer, I just don’t know!”

Jerico answered, “Since, I’m officially your bodyguard. I want you to get dressed. We can strategize while I work.”

She quickly showered and dressed in the clothes he left for her. After rolling up the pant legs and tying the ends of the shirt together she went to find Jerico. She found him in the family room. The large glass windows allowed the sun into the moderate sized room. A stoned fireplace took up most of one wall. Walking over to it she gazed at the framed pictures. There was three boys, all decked out in fishing gear standing by a lake. The middle boy looked familiar. He reminded her of her younger brother. Another photo showed the three boys sitting on some square, prairie hay bales on a bale trailer.

“Let’s go,” Jerico ordered.

Randi followed him out to the barn. She sneezed twice as she watched Jerico feed the fat, black cows. By noon she was exhausted, dirty and ready to do something other than work.

“What do you do for fun?” she asked while he was fixing the tractor.

“Hand me the nine sixteenth wrench.”

Randi reached down and picked up a tool and handed it to him. “I said, the wrench, not pliers!” He yelled then found it himself.

“Sorry,” she said as she stood staring at his muscular arms, they glistened with sweat. “You never answered me, what do you do for fun?”

Jerico swore, “Ouch, I work!”

“That’s what you do for fun? You work!”

“Yes, ranching is my hobby and my work.”

“So you don’t go party with your brothers, or friends? I noticed in those pictures that you don’t look like the other two.”

He grabbed a rag and wiped his hands, “That’s because we all have different mothers. Now, why don’t you go and fix us some lunch. I’m starved.”

Randi trudged to the house. Her feet were blistered by the uncomfortable cowboy boots. She kicked them off and cleaned up. She searched the pantry and decided the meal would have to be soup and sandwiches.

Minutes later Jerico came in for lunch. As he sat down at the table he said, “I think we need to do some investigating so that means that we will have to go to town.”

Randi’s hands shook, “I guess you’re right.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll protect you plus you will be in disguise.”

They discussed the plans while eating. Randi’s stomach hurt just thinking about going back. Soon they left the house and got into the pick up for more chores needed to be done. The truck ride was rough. She bounced high enough that she hit her head on the cab roof.

“Ouch! Slow down, this is jarring!” she felt his gaze on her breasts.

“Are you enjoying the view?”

He grinned, “Yes, I am.”

He stopped the truck at the pasture gate. He got out and said, “Drive through then I’ll close the gate.”

Randi slowly drove through then stopped. Jerico hopped into the back of the truck and directed her, where to drive. She stopped and parked near a pond. Within minutes the truck was surrounded by black cows. She jumped back into the truck. She was scared.

Jerico laughed, “You’re afraid of these cows?”

“Look at the size of their tongues and how they are slobbering all over the truck.”

He took bags of feed and poured it on the ground and the cows devoured it.

“Come out, I want to show you something,” he coaxed.

She opened the door and Jerico took her hand. They traveled over the lush prairie grass to a sprawling, huge hedge tree. A baby calf was curled up and resting. “Oh, how cute” she said. “Where’s its mommy?”

“She’s eating but she’s also watching us.”

Jerico pulled her to the pond. The view was extraordinary and the pond looked refreshing. Randi grinned then she pushed Jerico into the water and then she ran for her life. He chased her, picked her up and dropped her into the pond.

Laughing she watched him take off his shirt. His tan chest urged her to want to touch instead she took off her shirt. He came over to her and smiled, “I’m cooled off and you look like a drowned rat.”

Randi stuck out her tongue. She gazed into his eyes then leaned forward and brushed her lips onto his. He deepened the kiss as she ran her hand through his wet hair. As soon as their bodies made contact their desire for each other increased. He pressed her down onto the ground and roamed his hands under bra and over her breast.

A cow’s bawling broke the moment and he stopped. Jerico moved away from her and said, “We need to get back and out of these wet clothes. I mean it’s not good to stay in wet, oh, come on!”

Randi enjoyed his ramblings and followed him back to the truck. On the ride back to the house she asked, “ So tell me about your brothers.”

“Not much to tell. Jared the middle son, has a construction business and Cole, is an engineer.”

“What about your parents?”

“I haven’t seen my mother in ten years. She’s remarried I think. And dad lives in Arizona with his fourth wife.”

Jerico asked her about her family. She told him about her parents, her older sister, Andrea and her three younger brothers as he drove and parked in the driveway.

Later that night********

Randi walked through the doors of the Kick-n-The Head Bar. As she strolled to the bar to order a drink she scanned the place. The black wig was hot and itchy and her make up made her look like a hooker. And she still couldn’t believe what she was wearing but her selection was limited at the small country store. The leopard print blouse and tight short, black skirt screamed whore.

She sipped on her bottle of Budweiser and watched Jerico as he entered the bar. He ignored her and went to the back table. Randi pretended to be watching some guys playing pool while a Dixie Chick’s song blared out of the jukebox.

Jerico stopped and sat down at the dyed blonde’s table. Randi recognized Samantha. He bought her a drink. They flirted while Randi appeared interested in the game. She took her beer and walked closer to the pool table. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Samantha hold Jerico’s hand. She couldn’t hear what they were saying but they looked cozy until another cowboy came to their table. Randi knew Samantha’s boyfriend, Jared.

She heard, “Jerico, what are you doing here? And with my lady? Samantha, this is my brother, Jerico. So why are you in town?”

“I felt like having some fun and having a beer with friends.”

“Samantha darling, how was work today? Any news about Randi?”

“It looks like she up and vanished. I’ve been filling in for her.”

Jerico seemed bored, “You’ve heard of Randi Springston, the television reporter. Rumors are flying that she was involved in a drive by shooting, someone wanted her dead,” Jared said.

“You know that I don’t watch television. I’m usually asleep. It was nice meeting you, Samantha. Take care bro,” Jerico said before getting up and leaving the table.

As soon as Randi saw Jerico stand up she went back to the bar. He came up behind her and kissed her neck, “Hey sweet thing, would you like to come home with me?”

She whispered into his ear and then she heard, “My that’s a large sum but I’m sure you’re worth it. Shall we?

As she was walking out on Jerico’s arm she felt goosebumps so she turned to look and that’s when she saw Jared staring at her.

Photobucket

Visitor (not verified)
anonymous user
Tue, 04-23-2002 - 7:55pm

What did Roy said????? Don't stop now girl. I can't wait for more. (n/t)


Visitor (not verified)
anonymous user
Tue, 04-23-2002 - 7:57pm

What did Roy say ?


Visitor (not verified)
anonymous user
Tue, 04-23-2002 - 8:04pm

Wow .... Great climax ! And Jerico can park his boots under my (m)


bed anytime. LOL

Great job Maria !

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Tue, 04-23-2002 - 9:34pm

Same here...that Jerico is YUMMY (m)


The note has me so curious. Of course, I'm suspecting Jared and Samantha, but that's probably because you want me to think it's them. Good writing, Maria. You're leading us into a great whodunnit!

Randi continues to become such an interesting character. I like her a lot. That part where she gives him the pliers instead of a wrench was cute and the image of her wearing that leopard print blouse and tight skirt screaming whore cracked me up.

Now for the good stuff. He's rubbing her breast and they stop? You know we're going to expect so hot and heavy stuff in the ending--LOL.

I love where your story's going.

Mac

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Tue, 04-23-2002 - 9:39pm

That his mom shouldn't have had (m)


surgery because it used up all (or most of) their parent's savings. I didn't put the tag line, he said, with that line and I guess I didn't make it clear that he was the speaker.

I gotta get busy writing the rest. I don't want to disappoint any of you who have been following the story.

Hugs,

Mac

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Tue, 04-23-2002 - 10:45pm

Just noticed (m)


I posted the wrong link to the previous post I referred to. The correct one is:

http://boards1.ivillage.com/messages/get/bcbasics19/32/2.html

Mac

Visitor (not verified)
anonymous user
Tue, 04-23-2002 - 11:09pm

Good hook, Mac, keep it coming! (nt)


Visitor (not verified)
anonymous user
Tue, 04-23-2002 - 11:20pm

Great stuff, I like it! ...


The tub scene reminded me that I want to soak tonight. And the pliers/wrench part was good. I also thought the heavy petting scene would get even hotter... but you tease your readers into wanting more, sly you.

I've missed the earlier parts of your story but I know I need to read more from this point on.

Happy writing, Eyewrite

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