Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Writing Process

For this story, I've decided on a fantasy/journey/quest vibe, as if it is a story being read to the audience by a wise old wizard. I've been reaching to The Hobbit for inspiration on the language to use, and old (classic!) Dungeons & Dragons adventure modules inspiration on the structure of the quest the characters undertake.

I've sought to craft an unsympathetic main character. While certainly villainous, he is not exactly the antagonist. He joins the sympathetic heroes on their quest in hopes to gain immense wealth, preferably at their expense. He is a liar that can not tell the truth, always believing he can talk his way out of a mess. This adventure is not his usual scam, and he'll find that not every situation can be resolved with a silver tongue.

The other characters - heroic adventurers - are lifted from other stories of mine, at least two of which were D&D characters I've played as in the past. They will trust the villain, naively so, because they are generally young and lacking much experience with unsavory types. I envision this tale as just a side story in their epic -- they are stars of many other stories, but this isn't their primary adventure. They would be recurring characters as a team as well as having their own solo stories.

To help visualize the adventure, I've been creating outlines and drawing maps. Hopefully this will help keep the pace quick and the adventure full of interesting dangers for the heroes to overcome.

Monday, February 10, 2014

Writing Prompt III: Kenku Edition

Credit: Zak Sabbath (I think...)
Personally, I love using kenku (or tengu, as they are known in some later sources) as a low-to-mid level enemy in D&D adventures. They have the right amount of sinister looks and mysterious aurae for the henchmen of a bigger baddy. Early illustrations were often silly or less than menacing. Re-imaginations see them as truly terrifying (Dark Crystal, anyone?).

Remember they are bird-people... how would that translate? Hollow bones mean fragility, but also lightness useful for sneaking. Keen eyes mean strong spot checks. Sharp talons or beak could be used in a pinch.

Think about how their society might be structured. Where do they live? How do adventurers deal with them (both violently and diplomatically)?

Thursday, February 6, 2014

Screenplays

Large File (sorry!)
Screenplay advice?

Visual Writing Prompt II


What happened here?!

Visual Writing Prompt


Give it a name, a setting, and a purpose.

Deadpool's Wedding


How many characters can you identify?! Don't worry, my score wasn't perfect either.

74 Things Every Great Star Wars Movie Needs

74 Things Every Great Star Wars Movie Needs

Most of these are applicable to any other fantasy/sci-fi story.

Vimeo Video School

Vimeo Video School

Great videos for beginners.

Pixar's 22 Rules of Storytelling

Pixar's 22 Rules of Storytelling

Great storytelling advice!