Taking the Plunge-Part Two
So, I talked on and on about that little cast list and beginning to write. Anyway, I had best dive back into this whole "beginning to write" post, a bit later than I had wanted to.
I have some other tips to give you. The main character does not have to be in every single scene. In fact, you can introduce that main character through other characters. The main character does not have to be in the main scene. Here I will give you a sample of my first scene in "One Lost Lamb". I will tell you ahead of time that Jennifer is my main character.
Scene One:
(Okay, I'll cut out my long stage description; Justin (Jennifer's adoptive brother), Melody (Jennifer's adoptive mother), and Hazel (Justin's wife) are all in Melody's kitchen. As you will catch on, they are talking about Jennifer. Then you can guess what happens next!). Included is a picture to set the stage...sorry, the photo is at the top of this page. It got stubborn, and I have desire to gain a headache from this...
Justin: Mom, what's the matter? You seem upset.
Melody: (sighing) Justin, I'm worried about Jennifer. She understands salvation, yet she won't believe. Yesterday I asked her if she was saved. (sighs)
Justin: And?
Melody: And she said she couldn't believe a God who died for men would then let them suffer and die. She told me she didn't believe God even existed.
Hazel: How awful!
Melody: I'm not sure how to help her understand. She is quite stubborn.
Hazel: (looks first at Justin, then turns back to Hazel) I, we...(Justin coughs; Hazel turns to him) Yes, you and I, Justin. (Justin shakes his head and smiles at Hazel. Hazel turns back to Melody) Mother Melody, I was thinking we could take Jennifer up to our farm for a visit. I could try talking to her about Christ.
Okay, so there is an excerpt! And guess what? I'll even add in a little note from scene ten (I think most of my plays are around ten scenes; it is a good length for the plays that I get ideas for. It tells the story well). Jennifer and Hazel are sitting outside, studying a book and the Bible...
Jennifer: (turns to Hazel) Hazel, there's proof! God is real! I want to trust Him for salvation.
So, thus we will leave Jennifer. The rest of the play tells her story. However, other plays must be written, so we will move on and discover some more tips that are written in my trusty notebook (one of a host!).
Now, I will share the two ways that I have written plays. You can write as the ideas pop into your head (and fingers). You may have ideas in your head of what you want to do, but you've skipped the whole "write your ideas down as we go" deal. If you want to just write that way, you may have a harder time writing, experiencing more writer's block. My favoured way would be having an outline (which I'm still working on for "Runaway"; I'm behind my own schedule. OOPS!!!!! I have to catch up. However, if is suffering for a good cause. Another "project" meant for this blog/website is getting first place!). I like to write out my ideas for each scene on a piece of paper, and then work scene by scene from that. If needed, I "execute" a scene, but it works well for me. At least I don't get writer's block so often, as I am just putting "meat on the bones".
A good idea that I use is that I usually write most of my first draft on paper, and then use the computer for typing out my other drafts. The typing through the play gives me a good chance to correct many errors and mistakes. However, for those of you with wrist problems, typing may be easier on you then writing. These are just my methods, and for me they work. I do realize, however, that everyone has their own unique personality when writing.
There is our post. But wait! I told you in our last play post to keep your eyes open for a surprise. And if you have made it to the bottom of this post, than you deserve to find out before those who have skipped past this post!
Just keep reading. Here is an "example" for our post, another example of cast lists. (I am not cutting and pasting, so the format will be closer to what I actually use in my plays)
Characters:
Topaz Donalds-a girl who is paralyzed in a car accident, and struggles to find God's will through disaster
James Donalds-Topaz's uncle and guardian; Sarah's brother
Sarah Donald-Topaz's single mom; James's sister
Doctor Lang-doctor who tells James about Topaz
Do these characters sound new????!!!!! SURPRISE!!!!!!! They ARE!!!! And readers, these characters are for you!!!! (I LOVE exclamation points!!!) Yes, for you! I am nearly done of a brand new play! And it will be free! It will be displayed on the "Read Away" page as a sample of my work. But it will only go up on that page after I have put it all up on this blog! I will post each of the six scenes during the next several weeks. As this is post is generally done on Saturdays, than this week's Saturday post will actually be the first scene of the new play. It's name? "Cut and Polished", and dedicated to the faithful readers of my blog and supporters of my website!
I hope that you are all looking forward to tomorrow's post!
God bless!
Indi
Psalm 30:11-12