SLViehl:
Here we go -- welcome to the relocated session for How to Pitch and Sell a novel. I'm your computer-plagued host, S.L. (Sheila) Viehl
SLViehl:
As we all know, writing a novel is tough enough, but pitching the idea of your book is kind of an art form in itself
SLViehl:
In order to sell your idea to an editor or an agent, you may be called upon to create a pitch, condensing your novel into anything from a 5,000 word synopsis to a 10 word hot premise
SLViehl:
When you start working on pitching, you have to think differently, too -- now you're not a writer, you're a sales person. And your consumer is one of the toughest, pickiest buyers in the world.
SLViehl:
I'm going to run through the material I've got, and when I throw up a QUESTIONS, as usual, that's when to throw stuff at me. Everyone ready?
Anne_Marble:
Yup
BlairB(<Lurking>):
ready
jagami:
Sure am.
Kaelle:
ok
writingbear:
yes
Lucas_D:
Com channels are clear and ready.
SLViehl:
One announcement before we start -- Holly approved the Wirter's Think Tank Idea. So we now own Friday night.
jagami((James)):
Excellent!
Kaelle:
yay
writingbear:
yeah!!!!
Lucas_D:
Plant the flag.
BlairB(<Lurking>):
Mwahahahahahaha!!!
SLViehl:
I'm going to switch over from host to moderator for the think tank sessions, and I'm really looking forward to trying it out.
Anne_Marble:
Whee!
SLViehl:
Anyway, on to Getting Down the Basics
SLViehl:
First -- know your novel. Never go into any pitch situation unprepared.
SLViehl:
You know how I harp on this theme -- a writer can never know too much about his/her book
SLViehl:
This is where your knowledge really counts.
SLViehl:
However, you don't want to tell the editor or agent every detail, so you have to condense, a lot or a little, depending on the variety of pitch
SLViehl:
One way to get started condensing is to create a novel outline -- index cards are great for this.
SLViehl:
It's basically a rundown of your characters, setting, and plot.
SLViehl:
(More on this later on in the discussion)
SLViehl:
In the various editor pitches I've done, these are some of the questions I was asked -- and my answers follow, in parenthesis
SLViehl:
1. What kind of story is it? (Star Wars meets ER meets the Fugitive, Cinderella meets Prince Charmless)
SLViehl:
How many books do you envision for this series? (It's open-ended, so I can write as many as you're willing to buy. What length series are you looking for?)
SLViehl:
Are you willing to cut back on the romance subplot? (Sure. How much, and in what sections of the story?)
SLViehl:
I don't like the heroine being a reporter. How about making her a computer designer? (Can do. How do you see the computer angle affecting the story?)
SLViehl:
How fast can you write a sequel? (How soon do you need one?)
SLViehl:
How many books can you write in a year? (How many do you want to buy?)
SLViehl:
This is an old salesman trick -- answer a question with a question, and you'll find out more information.
Lucas_D:
Negotiation tip: First guy who answers loses.
SLViehl:
Also, note how I tried to pitch my questions toward getting a commitment from the editor/agent
SLViehl:
Always be flexible when you're talking to an editor. You can pick your battles later. Get the interest going first.
SLViehl:
QUESTIONS
Lucas_D:
How much do you usually have outlined, planned, etc when you go to pitch something?
jagami(James):
When they ask these questions about what you can do, is it a disaster if you can't always answer "yes?"
SLViehl:
If I'm going for a face-to-face, Lucas, I have everything on index cards. Usually five or six, with brief notes on character, plot, and setting, as well as a hot premise (also something we'll get into later on)
SLViehl:
Not if you're being honest, James. If you can't do something, better to say it up front than lead on an editor and disappoint them later
Anne_Marble:
Ten words or less.
SLViehl:
It's a form of discipline, Ann. Actually, once you get good at it, you can have thirty words or less.
SLViehl:
Ann=Anne
Lucas_D:
Index cards force everything to be concise, chosen for impact and precision. Ok.
Anne_Marble:
Yeah, there was a romance writer in the 1980s who signed a contract and then couldn't write all the books, so she did something very very very bad to fulfill the contract.
jagami(James):
I was worried about the how many books can you write in a year question. My answer: books can be written in a year?
SLViehl:
The cards are also easy to flip through that a stack of paper
SLViehl:
What I'd say in your case, James, is I go for quality, not speed.
jagami(James):
I suppose I can always try
SLViehl:
Lots of writers take longer than a year to write a book. Day jobs, working out plot problems, and just creative flow -- they all take different times for everyone.
SLViehl:
Thing is, you need to let the editor/agent know this.
jagami(James):
Gotcha.
SLViehl:
My agent just asked me if I could write three books in 120 days. The only reason I said yes is because I've done it before.
Lucas_D:
Yow!
jagami(James):
I think I'd begin giggling hysterically.
Lucas_D:
Did you need a new keyboard by the end of that?
SLViehl:
I've gone through six computers in five years. It's a lot of mileage
SLViehl:
And about ten keyboards, too, I think
zette:
Sorry -- lurking, but have to ask -- How long? And what type?
writingbear:
that's with rewrites and everything..right?
writingbear:
the three books in 120 days
SLViehl:
Onyx suspense romances -- 90K each
SLViehl:
Yep. 120 days max for everything.
SLViehl:
What I get in return is three books released next fall, one month apart
writingbear:
maybe someday
zette:
Nice! Thanks (Lurking again...)
labloch:
wow. How do you do it?
Kaelle:
Wow. That's intense.
jagami(James):
Good think you're having a holiday first...
Lucas_D:
I'm surprised that it would really be ok to give an answer in terms of "it's like x meets y", but I guess comparing the books to something already on the market would give a fast impression of what you had.
SLViehl:
That's why I'm taking the month of December off.
SLViehl:
Now on to outlining
SLViehl:
This is where clarity really counts
Anne_Marble:
It always makes me think of the guy in "The Player" pitching movies...
Lucas_D:
Office workers would kill for that kind of flex-time.
SLViehl:
The temptation to ramble on and on is overwhelming, especially when you're enthusiastic about your project. Don't do it.
SLViehl:
Think of your novel as a used car, and you have to sell it.
SLViehl:
How would you list it in a newspaper ad?
SLViehl:
Here's an example:
SLViehl:
For Sale: 1998 SF Action Novel, fast paced, exotic jungle interior setting, character-driven plot, freedom fighting fugitive engine, great in unexpected plot twists
SLViehl:
Play with pitches like this. It helps to have fun with it.
domynoe:
hey
SLViehl:
Also, you should be able to tell your editor three things about every individual aspect of your novel
SLViehl:
Hi Domynoe. We've shanghaied Chat for a class
SLViehl:
Think of these three things as 1) the good, 2)the bad, and 3) the exciting.
domynoe:
oh...i'm sorry...i didn't know. seeeeeeeeeee yas.
SLViehl:
i.e.: My protagonist is 1) a brilliant 2)arrogant thoracic surgeon 3) cloned by her mad scientist father
SLViehl:
What three things would you say about your setting?
SLViehl:
My setting is 1)something good 2)something bad and 3) something exciting. That's your template
Kaelle:
domynoe, you can lurk if you want - Sheila doesn't mind.
SLViehl:
Oh, did I chase dom away?
SLViehl:
Good time for QUESTIONS anyway. Anyone got some?
Anne_Marble:
Is anyone going to be able to copy the transcript? My computer usually crashes when I try to copy a long Cato session.
SLViehl:
I'll try, but Drefan is already snickering about kicking me out of conference room one.
BlairB:
i'm am
SLViehl:
If it doesn't work, I'll post my notes and whatever else I remember on the Transcripts board.
Anne_Marble:
Thanx
Lucas_D:
For Sale: 2105 LunarCorp Antigrav airbus, four door E2 model, lightly driven, perfect finish, atmosphere seals good up to three thousand feet. First 9,000 imperial credits takes it.
Lucas_D:
Sorry, that add style was just getting to me.
SLViehl:
There you go, Lucas. I want to drive that one around the block already
Anne_Marble:
Good = werewolf; bad = outlaw; exciting = see above.
BlairB:
Free To a Good Home... 1 Borken down space opera, many plot holes, and 2 Dimensional Characters... Creative Writer's Special.
writingbear(Gayle):
neat Lucas...Nathan says it sound good
SLViehl:
Oh, no, Blair -- a fixer-upper
writingbear(Gayle):
lolo blair...I can identify with that one
magicalbookworm:
have to go... bye
Kaelle:
lol blair
CRucker:
This chat doesn't work for me. Sorry, Sheila, i guess I'll just catch the transcript.
writingbear(Gayle):
night magical
Kaelle:
bye magic
SLViehl:
Sorry Crista
darleesh:
Whoa, looks like we're close to Holly Threshold here!
SLViehl:
Bye magic
Anne_Marble:
Yeah, we had to move the Pitching thingie in here.
Lucas_D:
Only because this is a workshop.
SLViehl:
you're welcome to hang with us, darleesh
BlairB:
nah...great minds will eventually flock to us <G>
Kaelle:
dar! dang, it's been awhile.
darleesh:
Thank you.
SLViehl:
We're heading into Definitions of various pitches now
Lucas_D:
Sure, stick around darleesh.
SLViehl:
The verbal pitch can take anywhere from five to fifteen minutes. It may be in person, face-to-face at a conference, or over the phone.
jagami(James):
Oops -- someone at the door -- brb...
SLViehl:
I think these are the hardest pitches for people like me, who are not very articulate in person.
SLViehl:
One way to combat stumbling over words and forgetting what you mean to say is by using index cards. Also, practice your pitch on a friend or family member.
darleesh:
Okay, thanks, I'll join you if it's not going to be distracting to add someone in the middle of it <G>
SLViehl:
And be honest -- tell that editor or agent that you're nervous. It's better to admit it than crash and burn trying to sound confident while you're saying UM as every other word.
SLViehl:
Not at all, darleesh, we're very informal.
Lucas_D:
We stole the chat room for the class.
darleesh:
thanks
Lucas_D:
Sheila couldn't get into conference room 1.
SLViehl:
Uh-oh, the boss is here
SLViehl:
Hiya Holly
SLViehl:
Evil Master SuperComputer kicked me out of conference room one. Java errors
Lucas_D:
Admiral on the bridge: Aten-HUT!
SLViehl:
Okay, to make it official -- any QUESTIONS?
Anne_Marble:
Argh! Be very very careful if you try to find the web site for the sporting goods store called Dicks.
SLViehl:
I thought they were sporting goods. (ducking)
jagami(James):
Hey, I did a search on female bushrangers for a child at work. You don't want to know...
Anne_Marble:
Tee hee. How often do novelists have to make (eeek) verbal pitchers.
SLViehl:
If you go to conferences, figure on at least one pitch per con
hollylisle(1346 words and counting):
Sheila -- what's the toughest pitch you ever won?
Silver1:
U'm back!!
writingbear:
There are those of us who think well on our feet in face to face conferences....and crash and burn on the phone
SLViehl:
The heroine shoots the hero on page three was the hardest, I think.
Silver1:
U'm back!!
writingbear:
There are those of us who think well on our feet in face to face conferences....and crash and burn on the phone
hollylisle(1346 words and counting):
I can see where that might have caused some choking.
jagami(James):
If there is something buried in the text you think and editor might not like (such as a hero slaughtering heroine), should you omit it from a pitch, or raise it so it can be dealt with up front?
Silver1:
??? I hate coming in right in the middle of a conversation
Lucas_D:
What didn't he/she like about it? It sounds interesting enough, at least there is no lack of conflict.
SLViehl:
Gayle, can you practice on the phone with a friend? I know, I'm not good on the phone either.
Lucas_D:
Silver, we stole the chat room for the class
Lucas_D:
This is Sheila's friday night gathering.
SLViehl:
Lucas, in a romance, you generally don't want the heroine trying to kill the hero in the first chapter. Sort of ruins the mood. <g>
Anne_Marble:
Trying to imagine pitch session for "Lord Foul's Bane
Kaelle:
Oh, a romance
SLViehl:
Join us, silver -- we're talking about selling novels via various pitching techniques
hollylisle(1346 words and counting):
I don't pitch on the phone, I'm so awful at it. My canned response is, "I'll have something to you within the week."
writingbear:
I can do it...I just HATE talking on the phone about anything official...put things off forever...get me face to face totally different story
writingbear:
that sounds good holly...wonder if I can use it...
SLViehl:
Good way to turn around a bad situation, Gayle -- go with your strengths, always. If you're bad on the phone, I'd do what Holly does.
SLViehl:
Does everyone want to take a five minute break for beverages/bathroom/whatever?
Anne_Marble:
OK
hollylisle(1346 words and counting):
Yeah. I can put together a written pitch that will cause eyeballs to fall out of sockets. But I became a writer because I always think of the perfect thing to say ... only ten minutes too late.
writingbear:
sure
BklynWriter:
sorry i'm late
jagami(James):
Sounds good.
Kaelle:
wow, already? Sure
darleesh:
Telephone presence is often hard to establish.
SLViehl:
Hey Deb. Sorry we had to relocate, Evil Computer sabotaged me tonight.
Anne_Marble:
Whooooosh
darleesh:
So Holly, you write 'em, we'll read 'em?
darleesh:
My experience says that for many of us it takes mucho mucho practice.
SLViehl:
brb, I'm going to put the kettle on
Lucas_D:
That makes sense. What better way for a writer to make an impact than by writing the pitch? It's what a writer is (we hope) good at.
darleesh:
<loo break>
SLViehl:
True, Lucas. Best way to shine is in print.
Anne_Marble:
Whoooosh back
hollylisle(1346 words and counting):
I'm going to head on out while we're in break. I just saw a herd and thought I'd find out why.
hollylisle(1346 words and counting):
I still have a bunch of words to write.
CRucker:
.
darleesh:
Irrestible, isn't it Holly?
SLViehl:
Okay, we can go back to our discussion about taking over the site and . . . oh, night, Holly.
darleesh:
Er, add missing syllable.
BklynWriter:
bye holly
SLViehl:
<g>
hollylisle(1346 words and counting):
At least for me, dar. That and stuff that sparkles.
Lucas_D:
Ok Holly. Good night.
darleesh:
LOL
jagami(James):
That's it, Sheila, make her think it's a joke
hollylisle(1346 words and counting):
Have fun. Talk to you again soon.
darleesh:
Night holly
writingbear:
night holly from both of us
Anne_Marble:
Bye Holly!
Jagami(James):
See you, Holly -- good luck with the word count!
Anne_Marble:
Now how did they fit two types of ice cream into this ice cream sandwich? It's like a yin/yang ice cream.
SLViehl:
BTW, if anyone wants to practice pitches on me, I'm at your disposal for the next two weeks. E-mail me at SLViehlworkshop@aol.com
SLViehl:
BRB
Lucas_D:
The Admiral has left the bridge. At ease men, women, bisexuals, asexuals...
darleesh:
As you were.
Lucas_D:
Silicone buds, energy beings, demons, sprites, computers, androids...
writingbear(me and my son shadow):
my son has decided he's going to be second skin and a cat
Anne_Marble:
Back to pitching tents. (If you read that bad sex writing award thingie a few days ago, that will have a different meaning.)
SLViehl:
I want ice cream now. (smacking Anne)
SLViehl:
lol
Anne_Marble:
(duckig)
SLViehl:
Tools to help you prepare to pitch your, um, tents or whatever
SLViehl:
The dreaded novel SYNOPSIS
Anne_Marble:
Oooooh. Google now lets you search on-line catalogs.
http://catalogs.google.com/
SLViehl:
Write one. Just get it over with now.
writingbear(me and my son shadow):
so does Nathan...he was unhappy when I walked by the ice cream case without stopping
SLViehl:
If this editor you're pitching wants to see one, you should have it ready. Seriously.
SLViehl:
The good thing (yes, there is one) about a synopsis is that it will help you outline everything.
SLViehl:
All your important facts should be in the synopsis, so that's where you go to pick out what you need for your index cards.
SLViehl:
Which brings us to the index cards.
SLViehl:
Some people would rather be more sophisticated in a face-to-face, so you can use your Palm or whatever instead of the actual cards.
SLViehl:
But I like index cards, so I use those.
Lucas_D:
Wow, and I thought cards were better than writing it on my palm... Oh, you mean a hand held computer, er, right.
SLViehl:
Print on them, not in pencil, and make sure you write big enough to read it.
SLViehl:
Nothing more off-putting than a writer peering at an index card like a blind person.
BklynWriter:
you use index cards during a face-to-face meeting?
SLViehl:
Lol, Lucas. Yes, I mean the hand held data devices we all know and love
Anne_Marble:
Just don't start playing "Bejeweled" on your Palm while pitching...
SLViehl:
I do, because I go completely blank when someone asks me what my books are about in person.
SLViehl:
You should see me at booksignings. I'm a riot.
Kaelle:
Well, and how easy is it to remember 542 books?
SLViehl:
Tape recorder -- practice your pitch on tape, then listen to yourself (this is good for written as well as verbal pitches.)
Kaelle:
<g>
SLViehl:
543, Karen. I finished one in the shower tonight. <g>
Kaelle:
lol
SLViehl:
When I give workshops in person, I always have someone video tape me. This is another way you can practice a pitch.
SLViehl:
I watch my tapes like a football coach -- I try to catch mistakes or lulls or ways I could have done things better
SLViehl:
I'm terrible one-on-one, but put me in front of a crowd and I seem to do better
BklynWriter:
video...eek!
SLViehl:
Some secret insider stuff -- keep a glass of water nearby when you pitch over the phone. You won't believe the dry-mouth you get, talking.
SLViehl:
If you're pitching in person, keep a Tic Tac or small mint in your mouth. Just don't crunch it.
SLViehl:
Kleenex -- always check to see if your hands are damp before you shake an editor's. Nothing worse than a squishy handshake.
Lucas_D:
How is your name blank?
Lucas_D:
Oops, sorry.
SLViehl:
No problem. QUESTIONS?
Kaelle:
So, it's sorta like describing a movie you've seen to somebody?
CRucker(Getting a beat down from Cato):
.
SLViehl:
Exactly, Karen.
Kaelle:
Ok, I've done that.
Kaelle:
Only you tell the ending to the agent/editor.
SLViehl:
Yes, and you want a dramatic, high-impact ending, so add in whatever major twist you have in your plot that's revealed at the end of your book.
Anonymous:
x
Anne_Marble:
Like "The killer is her new friend, the baker, who turns out to be a religious fanatic."
SLViehl:
I'd add something like, "and who has been grinding up the bones to add to the bread."
SLViehl:
But then, I'm twisted.
Kaelle:
ewww
Anne_Marble:
They might have noticed that...
SLViehl:
Wait, that's been done. Jack and the beanstalk.
Lucas_D:
"New! Calcium Enriched!"
Anne_Marble:
The villagers, I mean.
SLViehl:
Lucas is even more twisted
Kaelle:
roflmao
SLViehl:
Shall we move on to the Hot Premise?
Anne_Marble:
"The Fugitive meets the Wolfman meets Sweeney Todd."
writingbear(me and my son shadow):
There's a broadway musical with that theam Anne only he's a barber
Kaelle:
I need lessons in twisted.
Lucas_D:
Sure. Let's go.
SLViehl:
Cato is eating my posts
Anne_Marble:
I should add cats and poor orphans (Annie or Cosette).
jagami(James):
To the bread, Anne?
SLViehl:
Down, James.
Anne_Marble:
Snort
SLViehl:
James is more twisted than you and me put together, Lucas.
jagami(James):
I simply have exotic tastes in bread...
BlairB:
<g>
SLViehl:
The hot premise is a lot like car advertising, except it should read more to stir immediate interest.
jagami(James):
You should see my muffins with puppy sprinkles...
SLViehl:
Like "Brand-new Porsche, $100.00 OBO."
SLViehl:
(smacking James)
Kaelle:
rofmao and snorting
Anne_Marble:
Actually, I had a potential plot for the werewolf character that involved a muffin man -- the townspeople lynched him because they thought he was the child molester.
Lucas_D:
ASPCA - We've heard reports of some guy named "James"...
SLViehl:
The best serious example is one Kaelle hopped right on -- movies.
SLViehl:
Read the descriptions of movies in the TV guide.
SLViehl:
Some are lame, but some are very hot.
SLViehl:
"An Egyptologist and a mercenary battle a reanimated monster"
SLViehl:
Nine words = The Mummy
SLViehl:
A man has 24 hours to kill the governor or his daughter dies.
SLViehl:
Adulterous lovers are caught by an unexpected volcano.
SLViehl:
Baker uses stray animals as bread seasonings.
SLViehl:
You get the general idea here.
SLViehl:
The way you construct the perfect premise requires three keys:
SLViehl:
emotional, occupational, and situational.
CRucker(Getting a beat down from Cato):
.
SLViehl:
First, present your protagonist (cause he/she/they are what they story's about) identifying them with emotional and occupational tags, i.e.:
SLViehl:
Renegade fugitive scientist
SLViehl:
Religious immortal healer
SLViehl:
Defiant enslaved soldier
CRucker(Getting a beat down from Cato):
.
SLViehl:
Second, go for the situational description:
SLViehl:
--leaves homeworld
SLViehl:
--sacrifices beliefs
SLViehl:
--escapes imprisonment
SLViehl:
Finally, end with the protagonist's intent (not how the story ends. Remember, you're stirring interest, not satisfying it):
SLViehl:
--to save dying enemy race
SLViehl:
--to cure a planet-killing plague
SLViehl:
-- to lead rebellion against all slavers
SLViehl:
so what you end up with is this:
SLViehl:
Renegade fugitive scientist leaves homeworld to save dying enemy race.
SLViehl:
Religious immortal healer sacrifices beliefs to cure a planet-killing plague.
SLViehl:
Definat enslaved soldier escapes imprisonment to lead rebellion against all slavers.
SLViehl:
A hot premise doesn't have to tell the story, or even the end to the story. It's all a set-up, a lure -- something to pull the editor or agent's interest
SLViehl:
What you don't want in a hot premise --
SLViehl:
Too many words.
SLViehl:
Again, the temptation to ramble is overwhelming. Avoid it, and keep your premise short and sweet (that's why I said 10 words. When you get good at ten, then you can have 30)
SLViehl:
You should seriously be able to tell anyone about your novel in ten words or less.
SLViehl:
Unimportant details.
SLViehl:
Compare these two premises:
SLViehl:
A badly wounded soldier tunnels out of prison to start a riot in a city in the desert surrounded by oases.
SLViehl:
That premise has WAY too much detail.
SLViehl:
Defiant enslaved soldeier escapes imprisonment to lead rebellion against all slavers.
SLViehl:
soldeier=soldier
SLViehl:
That premise gives you more meat. More of the story, in a big way.
CRucker:
.
SLViehl:
And the last thing you don't want to be in a premise is boring.
SLViehl:
Boring is: A priest leaves his church to help the sick.
SLViehl:
Better: Religious immortal healer sacrifices beliefs to cure a planet killing plague.
SLViehl:
They both mean the same thing, but one is definitely more exciting than the other.
SLViehl:
QUESTIONS?
Kaelle:
I think I have mine: "Student mage battles fear of magic and ancient gods."
jagami(James):
I'm questionless -- that was very neat and clear. Now I just need to practice.
Kaelle:
No, that's battles ancient gods and fear of magic.
SLViehl:
That's good, Kae
Kaelle:
Eeek
Anne_Marble:
"Fugitive werewolf saves village from mad slasher"? (I'd have to leave out the part about her former lover pursuing her)
SLViehl:
I'd take out "of magic" and add a couple of words at the end as to why your student is doing this -- i.e. for what?
Kaelle:
Hmm. Let me think.
Anonymous:
I'm fading fast, must snooze. Thank you all, and nighty night.
zette:
That woudl be Dar leaving...
SLViehl:
That's sort of an ending, Anne -- how about "Hunted werewolf battles mad slasher intent on mass murder?"
Kaelle:
Oh! Bye dar!
SLViehl:
night, Anon
jagami(James):
See you
SLViehl:
No, not mass murder -- but something like that
writingbear:
night dar
Anne_Marble:
OK, that sounds good.
jagami(James):
A rogue time traveller fights to prevent a deadly technological contagion from engulfing the galaxy.
jagami(James):
(That's the TV tie-in proposal I'm semi working on.
SLViehl:
Oh, I know -- "Hunted werewolf battles mad slasher for possession of village."
SLViehl:
I'd take out "to prevent" and "from", James, otherwise, beautiful.
Kaelle:
Ooh, James, I'd like to read that.
CRucker:
A demi-goddess travels in time to save humanity from the wrath of the Time Goddess.
Anne_Marble:
That could work, though the possession part might make it sound as if she wants to rule. Darn, no room for the vampiric ruling class in there.
Kaelle:
...and Crista's.
SLViehl:
Maybe "rogue", too.
jagami(James):
If it ever materializes, you may be sure I'll shout in on the discussion board, Kaelle!
SLViehl:
time travellers being rogues of a sort
Lucas_D:
"For possession of village" That almost makes it hard to even tell who the good guy is, but you've got to figure that the "mad slasher" can't be a very positive sort of character.
Lucas_D:
Anyway, that's a good catch line.
SLViehl:
Good, Crista -- though I'd cut one of the "time" and "goddess" out, replace them with synonyms
jagami(James):
The "mad slasher" could be the kindly owner of a discount store with craaaazy prices...
SLViehl:
Mad slasher is definitely a bad guy tag.
zette:
Bitter exiled mage battles vengeful ghost to save new friends.
Anne_Marble:
Outlaw werewolf tracks a mad slasher to a defenseless village.
Lucas_D:
I was being a little facetious. You're right, it is quite clear.
Kaelle:
"Student mage overcomes fear to save her world from ancient gods."
jagami(James):
Your problem, Lucas, was in being a little facetious -- you need to be entirely facetious
Anne_Marble:
Cool
SLViehl:
I'd take out "tracks" Anne and still put in battles, in a defenseless village.
zette:
Here's a trick for doing it in ten -- if you are in word, put up a table of five collumns, two rows. One word in each spot.
CRucker:
A demi-goddess travels through time to save humanity from the wrath of a jealous deity.
Lucas_D:
No, then I'd sound like my uncle Bruce, and that I don't want.
SLViehl:
You're allowed to be facetious here, Lucas. In fact, we kick you out if you're not.
SLViehl:
Neat trick, zette
CRucker:
.
Lucas_D:
In that list of movies you mentioned, I think I saw (and liked) the movie that was about the guy who had to kill the politician or else his daughter would be killed. It was really tense.
SLViehl:
Great, Crista! Now, to trim it down even more -- A demi-goddess time-travels to save humanity from a jealous deity's wrath.
SLViehl:
That was a Johnny Depp movie. Really suspenseful.
SLViehl:
I think it was one hour, though, wasn't it?
writingbear:
Child receives ruling power that grandmother desires
SLViehl:
And darned if I can remember the title.
SLViehl:
What kind of child, Gayle?
SLViehl:
And what kind of grandma?
SLViehl:
Oh, drat, I've run out of time again, haven't I?
Lucas_D:
I'm thinking of another movie now that you've reminded me about that one. I really liked the twist in the movie (was it "Ransom"?) where the rich man whose son had been kidnapped went on tv with a pile of money and said something like: "This all is the money you asked for, a million dollars, right here, but you know what? You're not going to get one cent of it, not one penny, because I'm taking this money, and I'm placing it as a bounty on your heads."
jagami(James):
Still, running out of time's not a problem now that we own Friday night
SLViehl:
That was Ransom, I remember the trailer
writingbear:
Child receives ruling power that control hungry grandmother desires
SLViehl:
I never saw it. Too chicken, my son was the same age as the kid in the movie.
SLViehl:
Yes, we do, don't we, James? Heh heh.
Kaelle:
Johnny Mnemonic?
tayana:
Hi.
CRucker:
.
writingbear:
need to think of how I would describe J'tai....when she WAS a child
SLViehl:
How about this, Gayle -- Avaricious grandmother plots to overthrow innocent child ruler?
SLViehl:
Hi tayana -- we're just wrapping up a relocated class here, to explain the posts.
CRucker:
For my other series, A fairy halfling must over come the prejudice to forge peace between the two races.
writingbear:
sounds good
SLViehl:
Children are innocent, gifted, vulnerable
Kaelle:
Maybe I should get out my Thesaurus...
SLViehl:
Thesauruses are your friends when condensing for premises!
Kaelle:
Sounds like it!
SLViehl:
I like that one, Crista.
writingbear:
Nathan is sitting here waiting for me to come turn the VCR on....He wants to watch Speed
BlairB:
Can someone cut and paste about the first 10 lines or so after 'Questions' for this last question session? i'll have a complete transcript then
writingbear:
tonight among other movies that he checked out
writingbear:
night all
Kaelle:
'night, Gayle
jagami(James):
Bye!
zette:
Precocious girl child recieves power that ambitious grandmother covets.(?)
SLViehl:
Will do, Blair. Night Gayle
writingbear:
that sounds better...thanks zette
SLViehl:
I should say, Will do if I can, Blair. Drefan is giving me a really hard time tonight.
Dolphin_Girl:
Gifted noble's daughter must deny love and endure slavery to save a captive people.
SLViehl:
Yeah, I like that better too, zette
Dolphin_Girl:
Dear lord! It finally posted!
zette:
Just playing around, Deb. Don't know the story, so I can't tell if it fits or not. But it was fun to try it out.
SLViehl:
I'd change "must deny" to "denies" and "endure" to "endures", Sarah
SLViehl:
We were wondering if you were just being shy out there tonight, DG <g>
Kaelle:
Present tense in the premise?
BlairB:
Its the posts between Questions and Kaelle: No, that's battles ancient gods and fear of magic that I need
Dolphin_Girl:
Right. That was the version that Cato ate.
SLViehl:
I go for present tense, Kae.
Kaelle:
Ok
SLViehl:
More immediate, and right now always has allure
SLViehl:
Any last questions before we wrap it up, folks?
Kaelle:
See, this is why I really enjoy your workshops. I learn so much.
SLViehl:
I will schedule part two of this in the beginning of Jan, and post a notice on the calendar
BlairB:
Anyone here use Netscrape 6.2?
Lucas_D:
Kaelle - Have you ever been to a workshop where you went away knowing less than you did when you started?
Kaelle:
lol - nope
SLViehl:
I'd like to thank all of you --especially zette, who saved my butt-- for coming over tonight and making this another great get together
jagami(James):
Abandoning knowing is the first step to learning. Or something.
zette:
(grin) You did not use smiley faces. You are my friend...
zette:
There's one now!
Kaelle:
roflmao
SLViehl:
I see 'zette as Sigourney Weaver in Aliens.
zette:
Okay, I feel better now.
jagami(James):
Nothing wrong with smiley faces
Kaelle:
I knew that was coming...
BlairB:
oh...thats soooo in the transcript too <G>
SLViehl:
Armed and dangerous
Anne_Marble:
jagami(James):
oh gods another they won't let me go arghh
Kaelle:
:-0
Lucas_D:
Ooh no, this must be that mad slasher we were talking about earlier, only he's a mad splatter...
SLViehl:
Now, now, children -- no teasing zette
Kaelle:
zette:
LOL!
Andrew5474:
hello!
Kaelle:
heya
SLViehl:
Hi Andrew
Lucas_D:
Hi Andrew
jagami(James):
Sorry...
BlairB:
didn't Capt kirk have to deal with a smiley infestation.... no those were tribbles....same dif
SLViehl:
I'll also be posting info on the new writer's think tank sessions. I'm just going to block out Friday nights from here to eternity.
Kaelle:
Sounds good to me, Sheila
SLViehl:
'cause we OWN 'em now!
zette:
I have an infestation of tribbles right now. No, that's stray cats -- but it's the same thing. Feed one and they just multiply.
jagami(James):
Very good -- let's hope eternity doesn't break the community calendar...
Kaelle:
lol
BlairB:
gremlins are like that too....
SLViehl:
<g> James
SLViehl:
Also upcoming -- the mid length series plotting template is nearly complete. Stay tuned to the class sign-up board, I'll be posting it next week.
Andrew5474:
sorry about that; Netscrape exploded on me
Lucas_D:
Ahh, ok, I'll be looking forward to that template.
SLViehl:
And if you want to practice pitching, e-mail me. SLViehlworkshop@aol.com, until Dec 31st. That;s when the writer chains get clapped back on.
CRucker:
.
zette:
And a reminder to everyone to sign up for the next dare...
Kaelle:
Ok, will do.
SLViehl:
Yes. (smacking all heads) Write!
Lucas_D:
Well, I guess, considering as how it's about 11:30 here, I should probably be signing off now.
jagami(James):
Count on it!
BlairB:
<ducks>
zette:
http://www.network54.com/Hide/Forum/70750 for dare info...
Lucas_D:
(shielding head with keyboard)
SLViehl:
I'm going to switch over and try to copy this chat thing now. Will send you what I get, Blair.
Andrew5474:
I think I will sign up for this dare. I have a light schedule next semester (only two AP classes instead of the three or four I usually have)
SLViehl:
Goodnight all, and thanks again.
tayana:
Oh yes, please sign up for the dare. Join the writing madness. You've heard of March madness; this is writing madness.
jagami(James):
Thanks again, Sheila, and everyone else, for a brilliant afternoon. Catch you around the boards!
Lucas_D:
Bye