Post by dreamwriteremmy on Sept 17, 2014 10:00:52 GMT -5
originally posted by Mel for NaNo 2011 prep (original post)
Sprint 1:
Write your main character's name at the top of a piece of paper. Write three traits that define them and why each of those traits do.
You have 5 minutes.
Sprint 2:
Take your three characteristics and come up with 2 positive and 2 negative things for each.
Example: Intelligence
Positive: Able to problem solve quickly.
Negative: Isolated and looks down on those less smart.
Positive: Able to problem solve quickly.
Negative: Isolated and looks down on those less smart.
You have 5 minutes.
Sprint 3:
You now have 3 characteristics and positive and negatives for each. For every single positive and every single negative come up with a brief potential scene to SHOW not TELL that aspect of the character. Limit the scene description to 3 sentences max.
You have 10 minutes.
Sprint 4:
Draw your MC's family tree back 3 generations. Be as specific or generic as you like.
You only have 5 minutes.
Sprint 5:
Go back to family tree and mark who is friendly with the MC and who is a foe.
You have 5 minutes.
Sprint 6:
This next sprint I want you to open up a new file and identify WHO/WHAT the antagonist is when they were introduced to your MC, and what they hold over the MC.
You have 5 minutes.
Sprint 7:
Now I realize that your antagonist might not be human or even a creature. It might be a thing, but for this exercise personify the antagonist if need be. Go back to the moment your MC is first "introduced" to the antagonist. Write a four sentence conversation between the two. Think about the rhythm your MC speaks. Clue into what makes them hate each other. Go deep, but only in 4 sentences.
You have 10 minutes.
Sprint 8:
Now is the time to build a support group for your MC. Go back to who they are and come up with the three people closest to them. Write their names down and what their ties are to the MC.
You have 10 minutes.
Sprint 9:
Write down the main "theme" for your story. It could be love, hate, man vs processed food, whatever! Come up with seven ways to show NOT TELL the theme in your story. Think about scenes and scenarios you can put your MC in and write out a brief line of 7. Don't think too hard. Don't be too specific. Some may not even work in your story once you get going. The point is to just get your mind thinking about where you need to head with your story.
You have 10 minutes.
