EXERCISE 4: LETTER TO THE PAST. Purpose of the exercise.
Practical personal example of how a character- you- undergo an inevitable process of change
This process of change is an essential ingredient of any effective story.
In dramatic writing, the very essence is character change.
(tool 1 & 2- observation and memory)
Tool 3:EXPERIENCE
A story teller should be concerned with the potential of every experience.
Everything about you- where you were born, what food you eat, the bump on your forehead- you experiences are UNIQUE and IRREPLACEABLE.
Many of your experiences are UNIVERSAL and TRANSFERABLE and can be used in any location.
TIP:
If you don’t know what to do with a character, make him yourself for awhile.
See how he relates to the world ha has been thrown into.
>>PLUNDER YOUR OWN PERSONAL BACKGROUND.
The things that happen to you as you grow up and the things that are currently happening to you make terrific story sources.
EXERCISE 5.
“Eat your porridge, Zach.”
“no! my throat hurts. I can’t swallow anything properly.” mumbled Zach.
Tash sighed heavily. She was listening to the conversation between her mom and younger brother.
She spoke across the dinner table, “Don’t be a wuss, Zach. Just because you are having a few ulcers in your mouth doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t eat.” Tash’s mom had tried to make dinner seem appealing for Zach, but she had limited choices on things to cook that wouldn’t hurt Zach’s throat.
“Shut up.” growled Zach as he stared angrily at her sister.
“Baby.” Tash retorted.
Rachel was having a bad day and she knew it. Firstly, she woke up to the sounds of her Indian neighbors quarrelling. She remembered her eyes flew open when she saw what time it was. “Dang I’m going to be late for school.” she mumbled. Rushing out of the house, a series of events took place. A bird decided to poop on her. Some old man, who was probably rushing too, decided to push her and cause her to fall on the pavement. Lastly, she realised that she had left her house keys at home. What else could happen now?
-A true story is not necessarily a good story. Good stories have to be worked and reworked again.
-True life stories do not offer neat and relevant endings.
-Life is unpredictable
-In a story, we can and must control the events and sequences so that it gives the appearance of being LIKE LIFE.
