In this excerpt, I attempted to write an engaging scene based almost solely on dialogue.
As always, feel free to let me know what you think — in the comments, in person, on Facebook, by carrier pigeon (okay, not that last one).
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Samples of my writing from science fiction to mainstream to nonfiction
Salvage Scene 1: Original vs. Now
The first main scene of Salvage has been polished from the initial rough draft several times. See what you think of the first few paragraphs.
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Developing an Essay: First Attempts
When developing an essay, going from an idea to a thesis is a process. From my journal, here are a few of my notes developing an idea about Christian music lyrics.
The drone shot out of Brio’s starboard port. The shimmering light of the FTL bubble danced and shivered as it curved around the hull. Inside the ship in a narrow access alcove near the water tanks, Emmett and Mr. Davis watched its progress on a small holographic display. A collection of manual controls, unneeded for now, ranged below.
Blame is making us sick. Splashed across mass market media, our communities, and our homes is a maelstrom of finger-pointing targeting the mighty and the ordinary alike. A different storm of blame, a sickness silent and unnoticed, also rages across our country – one where the finger-pointing is turned inward.
A Recent Writing Exercise: Beach Prompt
Some time ago I pulled this prompt from Writer’s Digest University’s “Showing Character Emotion“. As an exercise I recently wrote a snippet in response. It resonates with me because of the beach experiences of my childhood. The snippet is in draft form; I’ll be returning at some point to polish it by convey more emotion, directly and indirectly.
“Create a character who’s favorite place is the beach. Describe her thoughts as she stands on the sand and looks out at the ocean; use specific, imaginative, and active verbs.”
My response:
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Although incredibly clean, like the rest of the ship, the floor in the corridor showed its age with scuff marks and scratches, the kind paint doesn’t hide. As she strode along, the worn metal grating beneath her feet rattled occasionally. Kaylah tipped her head back to examine the conduits running overhead behind a series of grates. Several were taped together with what looked like duct tape.
“A budget ride is a budget ride,” a family friend had warned as they said their last goodbyes back on Earth. He had added earnestly, “but it will get you there in one piece. The captain’s a good man.”
“Whatever that means,” Kaylah thought. She pulled her coat tighter. The air smelled musty but better than in the passenger rec area. On any given day, when too many of the unwashed crammed into the converted cargo hold… Her nose crinkled in disgust. She understood the need for limited water rationing, but she didn’t have to like it.
The arguments people in Christian circles propose for not pledging allegiance to our flag and our country are specious.
Some talk of divided loyalties – how pledging allegiance to the flag and country has us impossibly serving two masters.
Others talk about allegiance being contrary to our faith in Christ, defining it as acting out one’s duties to his lord, as loyalty and faithfulness, as constant commitment to further its object’s good name and cause.
Still others object as meaningless the phrase “Under God” or pledging to an inanimate object (the flag).
All three arguments are all somewhat plausible – but wrong.
Hurricane Snippet with Emotional Beats
I’ve posted snippets from a hurricane scene a few times before (original, revised, in first and third person). I’m using it rather as a practice ground.
Here’s a snippet with a few emotion beats added:
Continue reading Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2019 Cindy Rae Johnson
Story Concept and Premise
So, what is the difference between story concept and story premise?
Lately, I’ve focused my writing research on this fascinating topic, including the examination of my story ideas for validity as story premises. Stay tuned for some examples!