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Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Distortion (White Noise, Episode 1 (or Book 1?))


Distortion (White Noise, Episode 1 (or Book 1?)) - Draft Elevator Pitch/Tagline

What if your apparent curse was your greatest gift, but embracing this truth came at the cost of a normal life?

Major Theron 'Ash' Ashland, a medically retired USAF officer, grapples with PTSD after a paranormal science experiment goes awry. 

Seeking some semblance of normalcy, Ash's world is upended once more when he realizes his perceived curse – disruptive hallucinations – is a rare gift – the ability glimpse unseen realms and alternate dimensions. 

What will it cost him to know for sure?


Working Draft Book Covers / Not Final 






 

Shalom: Live Long and Prosper!
Darrell Wolfe (DG Wolfe)
Storyteller | Writer | Thinker | Consultant @ DarrellWolfe.com

Clifton StrengthsFinder: Intellection, Learner, Ideation, Achiever, Input
16Personalities (Myers-Briggs Type): INFJ






Taking Story Structure Notes

I'm watching videos and taking notes on writing novels, screenplays, and stories. The following are links to the various elements I've been re-learning and re-membering.


This Excel-Based Story Structure Template (link here) is based on my research and listening to multiple authors speak. Most of it is KM Weiland, but there have been elements I learned from others too.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Research (will be updating as I go):


YouTube Video: 21 Ways To Structure A Screenplay [WRITING MASTERCLASS]

6-Stage Plot Structure by Michael Hauge


24- Beats overlaid with the KM Weiland Story Structure
  1. ACT 1 pp - Hook
  2. pp
  3. pp
  4. pp
  5. pp
  6. pp
  7. ACT 2a pp 1st Plot Point
  8. pp
  9. pp
  10. pp - 1st Pinch Point
  11. pp
  12. pp
  13. ACT 2b pp - MIDPOINT 2nd Plot Point
  14. pp
  15. pp
  16. pp - 2nd Pinch Point
  17. pp
  18. pp
  19. ACT 3 pp 3rd Plot Point > Increase Pacing
  20. pp
  21. pp
  22. pp - CLIMAX begins
  23. pp - Climactic Moment - Final Final Moment, nothing can keep going after this.
  24. pp - Fade Out, Resolve, New Normal


4-Archetypes, 4 Central Questions, 4-Act Structure: 
  1. Act 1 - Who's your main character? - Orphan Phase
  2. Act 2 - What are they trying to accomplish? - Wanderer Phase
  3. Act 3 - Who's trying to stop them? - Warrior Phase
  4. Act 4 - What happens if they fail? - Martyr Phase

BMOC

Peter Russell's BMOC screenwriting technique stands for "Big Moment of Change." It's a principle used in screenwriting and storytelling that focuses on the key moments in a narrative where significant changes occur. These moments are crucial in driving the plot forward and developing characters. In the context of storytelling, a Big Moment of Change typically represents a turning point in the story or a major event that alters the trajectory of the narrative or the characters' journey.
  • What is my Character's Big Moment of Change?

OR -- 

BMOC
  • Beginning 
  • Middle
  • Obstacle
  • Conflict









Other Research and References: 


7-Act Structure
  1. The Hook: a compelling introduction to the story’s intriguing world and/or characters
  2. Plot Turn 1: an inciting incident that brings the protagonist into an adventure
  3. Pinch 1: the stakes are raised with the introduction of the antagonist or the major conflict
  4. Midpoint: a turning point in the story where the protagonist goes from reaction to action
  5. Pinch 2: the major conflict takes a turn for the worse, and all appears lost for the protagonist
  6. Plot Turn 2: the protagonist discovers something that helps them resolve the major conflict or defeat the antagonist
  7. Resolution: the major conflict is resolved, and the antagonist is defeated.








5 Tips for Writing a Seven-Point Plot Structure

Whether you’re starting a story from scratch or trying to map out a work in progress, use the seven points to help structure your story. Not only will they make it easier for you to write, they will help create a readable, coherent storyline for your audience to follow. While there are plenty of helpful resources for fiction writing and screenwriting, beginning with these five writing tips will help you apply the seven point structure to your story:


  1. 1. Work backwards. With the seven-point story structure, start at the end. Determine how the climax plays out and where your character ends up. Mapping out your destination first allows you to navigate the rest of the story as you write.

  2. 2. Create your hook. With your ending established, go back and start at the beginning.

  3. 3. Write the midpoint of your story. With the beginning and ending anchors of your story in place, tackle the midpoint. Figure out what events will serve as the turning point for your protagonist.

  4. 4. Flesh out all the details in between. With your three main events mapped out, begin to connect the dots of your story by writing the details of your pinch points. Use these moments to focus on deepening your character development and visit your subplots.

  5. 5. Apply this structure to all of your writing. From sci-fi to suspense, novels to short stories, the seven point structure can apply to any story you write. To really get a grasp of how these seven pivotal events propel a story, read books and watch movies with a pen and paper in hand. Write down the seven points in each to study how writers use this structure to tell a story.



What Are the 7 Points?

The 7 points of Dan Wells’ 7 narrative structure are:
  1. Hook: The status quo is explored.
  2. Plot Turn 1: An inciting incident kicks off the story.
  3. Pinch 1: The situation escalates.
  4. Midpoint: The protagonist shifts from being reactive to proactive.
  5. Pinch 2: A major setback occurs.
  6. Plot Turn 2: The key to victory is discovered.
  7. Resolution: The conflict is resolved.





 

Shalom: Live Long and Prosper!
Darrell Wolfe (DG Wolfe)
Storyteller | Writer | Thinker | Consultant @ DarrellWolfe.com

Clifton StrengthsFinder: Intellection, Learner, Ideation, Achiever, Input
16Personalities (Myers-Briggs Type): INFJ


Monday, November 27, 2023

Plot Points - White Noise

Story Structure for 'White Noise'

Story Structure for 'White Noise'

Act 1: The Setup

  • Hook: Ash's hallucination in the cafe, blending reality and the supernatural.
  • Action: Explore the town, Ash's daily life, his friends, and his workshop.
  • Reaction: Ash at home, showing his struggles with substance abuse and isolation.
  • Action: Confrontation between Ash and Hank.
  • Reaction: Ash processing the confrontation.

Inciting Incident

  • Action: Destiny enters, possibly in Ash's POV, introducing him to the experiments.
  • Reaction: Ash processes this new information, struggles with the truth and lies.
  • Action: A specific event that forces Ash to acknowledge the reality of his situation.
  • Reaction: Ash's internal struggle with the choice he faces.

First Plot Point

  • Action: Develop the conflict, forcing Ash to choose his path.
  • Reaction: Ash's emotional and mental response to this conflict.
  • Action: Another event that intensifies the conflict.
  • Reaction: Ash starts to realize the gravity of the situation.
  • Action: A turning point that thrusts Ash fully into the adventure.
  • Reaction: Ash comes to terms with his new reality.

Act 2: The Confrontation

First Half

  • 1st Pinch Point: Showcase the antagonist's power.
  • Reaction: Ash gathers clues about the nature of the conflict.
  • Midpoint: A significant revelation about Ash's hallucinations.

Second Half

  • 2nd Pinch Point: A reminder of what's at stake, foreshadowing the third plot point.
  • Action: Ash begins to make headway against the antagonist.
  • Reaction: The antagonist responds, increasing the stakes.
  • Action: A seeming victory for Ash.
  • Reaction: The aftermath of this victory.

Act 3: The Resolution

Third Plot Point

  • Dark Night of the Soul: Ash faces a significant setback.
  • Reaction: Emotional turmoil and decision to push forward.

Climax

  • Build-Up: Ash prepares for the final confrontation.
  • Climactic Moment: The ultimate showdown and Ash's final victory.
  • Reaction: The immediate aftermath of the climax.

Resolution

  • Action: Gradual easing out of the story, showcasing the new status quo.
  • Reaction: Characters' responses to the new reality.
  • Hint at Next Story: A teaser for future adventures or challenges for Ash.






Plot Points Template

    1. To work through story structure as taught by K.M. Weiland, let's break down the essential components and see how your scene aligns with them for White Noise:

    2. *Under Construction*

    Act 1 The Set Up
    1. Hook: Your opening scene successfully grabs attention with the mysterious behavior of the two men and the protagonist's reaction. The blend of reality and hallucination creates a strong hook.

    • Action:
      • Reaction:
      • Action:
        • Reaction:

    1. Inciting Incident: This is typically an event that disrupts the protagonist's world and sets the story in motion. This may not be directly related to the First Plot Point, but it should hint at it thematically or give some kind of foreshadowing or hint about the nature of the first plot point.

    • Action:
      • Reaction:
    • Action:
      • Reaction:


    1. First Plot Point: This is where the story takes a decisive turn and the protagonist is pushed into the main conflict.

    • Action:
      • Reaction:
    • Action:
      • Reaction:
    • Action:
      • Reaction:

    1. Act 2 The Confrontation


    2. First Half of the Second Act 1st Pinch Point: This usually involves the protagonist reacting to the new situation.

    • Action:
      • Reaction:
    • Action:
      • Reaction:
    • Action:
      • Reaction:
    1. Midpoint: Here, there's usually a significant development or revelation. Your story hasn't reached this point yet, but you might want to think about how Ash's understanding of his hallucinations or the reality of his situation could evolve.

    • Action:
      • Reaction:
    • Action:
      • Reaction:
    • Action:
      • Reaction:

    1. Second Half of the Second Act - 2nd Pinch Point: The protagonist moves from reaction to action. Ash will likely start to take more deliberate steps regarding his PTSD, the hallucinations, or the mysterious events unfolding in the town.

    • Action:
      • Reaction:
    • Action:
      • Reaction:
    • Action:
      • Reaction:

    Act 3 The Resolution
    1. Third Plot Point: A low point for the protagonist. Given the psychological and possibly supernatural elements in your story, this could involve a significant challenge or setback for Ash.

    • Action:
      • Reaction:
    • Action:
      • Reaction:
    • Action:
      • Reaction:

    1. Climax: The protagonist confronts the main conflict. This would be the culmination of Ash's struggles with his PTSD, the hallucinations, and any external conflicts introduced.

    • Action:
      • Reaction:

    Climactic Moment: The single moment the story has build toward.
    • Action:
      • Reaction:
    1. Resolution: The story’s conclusion. Ash's journey would reach a satisfying end, whether it's coming to terms with his condition, uncovering a larger mystery, or something else.

    • Action:
      • Reaction:


Write Practice 11/27/2023

I died last week.

Now here I am, re-embodied, asking "What do I do now?" 

My death was brief, so I'm told. I was only dead for sixty seconds. It didn't feel like sixty seconds to me, it felt like an eternity. I met people I once knew. I met people I hadn't believed really existed. I met Jesus, and Paul. I also met King Arthur. 

It's all a bit fuzzy now, the realness of it all is fading. I was sent back for a purpose, the question is, what is that purpose? I suppose that is my mission now, to find my purpose.

.... #WritePractice 11/27/2023


 

Shalom: Live Long and Prosper!
Darrell Wolfe (DG Wolfe)
Storyteller | Writer | Thinker | Consultant @ DarrellWolfe.com

Clifton StrengthsFinder: Intellection, Learner, Ideation, Achiever, Input
16Personalities (Myers-Briggs Type): INFJ


Sunday, November 26, 2023

Grounded Cafe, #Hook, #WhiteNoise, #OpeningScene

Through the window of the Grounded Cafe, Ash noticed two men dressed in all black duck behind a blue minivan. 
Ice ran down his spine. 
His right arm shot to the Glock 10mm at his side. 
Sucking in a breath he took a second look— They were gone. Black mist poured out from under the minivan and evaporated into the early morning air. He shook his head, closed his eyes. 
Counting to ten, silently, Ash released the grip on his sidearm, which he now realized was a tape measure and not a Glock. Ash hadn’t carried a weapon regularly since he left the service (for this very reason). He kept them locked in a case until he was at the firing range. 
He let his arm fall to his side, and wiped the sweat from his hands on his pant leg. Reality settled back onto his shoulders. A glimpse of himself in the glass window revealed a strong gray overtaking the sideburns. Other than a few wrinkles, he hadn’t aged that badly. 
A woman in a purple hoodie walked by just outside the window, head buried in her smartphone. She bumped into Hank, the town’s crazy old homeless man who was headed the other direction. She didn’t even notice. He gave her a dirty look and kept walking the other way, mumbling to himself as usual. 
The woman sat down at a table just outside the farthest window of the Cafe, he couldn’t make out her face, possibly one of the towns last tourists before the few stores left went into hibernation. 
An orange Maple leaf lazily floated down to the table in front her. She brushed it aside, falling inside a pumpkin whose top had been kicked off. The leaf caught on fire from the candle inside, and slowly embered away. She didn’t take notice. 
A white vapor swaddled her like a blanket. Hank stared at her from the corner of the building. A small green frog sat on his shoulder. The bottom half of the frog was a mist that disappeared into his spine. The frog’s red eyes stared at her, then at Ash, and it cocked its head to one side. Then it was gone, in a whisp of black fog that continued to waft around Hank as he walked away out of sight. 
Ash didn’t see these creatures on every person every time. There were times where he would see only the mist, the town psychic called it an “aura”, when he explained it to her in a drunk confidence one day. She was a bit of a quack but he tried everything to at least understand it if he couldn’t get rid of it. The mists and creatures came from within each person and would go back into them, like human genie bottles. The Creatures weren’t all exactly alike, either. 
“It’s called PTSD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder”, his doctor had said. 
They tried giving him a mountain of drugs to help him sleep and keep the delusions at a minimum. Nothing really helped. When the Federal government forced legalized medicinal THC on all the states as a human right, his Idaho doctor gave him the card he would need. He didn’t bother telling him that he’d already been growing it on his property for several years now. Maybe he’d start a small boutique now that it was legal in Idaho.
The magical medical folks managed to create a pill form with less hallucinogenic properties but twice the pain killing properties, but it cost too much and his VA insurance didn’t cover it yet, although the decision was before the Senate hearing committee for a decision, thanks to PTSD Health advocates.
Since Ash started growing it himself a few years ago, his sleep was more regular but the delusions came and went. He could still hear the diagnosis in his mind. 
“As long as you are not a harm to yourself or others, you should be just fine. Think of it as an amusing distraction,” the doctor advised. 
“Ash-”, Derek the Barist’ called his attention to the present. “Here you go, man. Extra large Java-Chip, almond milk, three shots, with peppermint and creme de mint, and no whip. I even through a few extra candied coffee beans on there for you.” 
“Thanks, Derek”, Ash said as he turned from the front window and grabbed his coffee from the stand. 
“Always my friend.” Derek kept smiling as he turned his attention to the next order. 
Ash headed to his spot. The cool leather crunched and crinkled as he settled into his favorite corner chair. Up against a wall so nobody could surprise him. Within a quick few steps from three exit paths. Easy to be missed in the dark corner but positioned perfectly to scope the entire room at the same time. He couldn’t turn it off, it was like breathing, constantly taking in his environment.
A young man with a hoodie typing furiously at a keyboard. 
A woman talking on the phone, failing to pacify the toddler in the stroller to her side. 
Two men speaking in hushed tones at a table across the way. 
Only a few tourists left this time of year so the cafe’ isn’t too busy.


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
**Draw out this scene, paint a slower picture. Give him an interaction or something…** 

[[ To enhance the middle of this scene and paint a more vivid picture of Ash's life and the town, consider adding elements that deepen the setting, character development, and foreshadowing. Here are some suggestions:]

[### Interaction with a Local Character
- **Friendly Banter with a Regular**: Introduce a character who's a regular at the cafe. This could be a light-hearted exchange that reveals more about Ash's personality and his relationship with the townspeople. For instance, a local shop owner who comes in for her daily coffee fix and shares a bit of town gossip with Ash, perhaps mentioning something odd happening in town lately.]

[### Detailed Observation of the Cafe
- **Vivid Description of the Environment**: Use descriptive language to portray the cafe’s atmosphere. Mention the aroma of coffee, the sound of milk being steamed, the clatter of dishes, or the eclectic decor that gives the cafe its unique character.]

[### Ash's Reflections
- **Internal Monologue**: Dive into Ash's thoughts. He could reflect on how much the town has changed, or hasn't, since he returned from service. This introspection could reveal his sense of disconnect with his surroundings and his struggle to find normalcy.]

[### Interaction with Derek, the Barista
- **Deeper Conversation with Derek**: Instead of a quick exchange, let Derek ask Ash how he's doing, showing concern. Ash might open up a bit, hinting at his struggles without getting too deep, showing his reluctance to share his true feelings.]

[### Introduction to Other Townspeople
- **Observation of Other Customers**: Expand on the descriptions of the other people in the cafe. Maybe Ash observes a couple arguing in hushed tones, a teenager looking stressed over schoolwork, or an elderly man reading a newspaper, providing a richer sense of community dynamics.]

[### Foreshadowing the Incident
- **Subtle Signs of Impending Trouble**: Before the car crash, include subtle hints that something is off. Maybe Ash hears distant sirens, notices people outside looking concerned, or feels an inexplicable sense of unease.]

[### Ash's Interaction with His Environment
- **Engagement with His Surroundings**: Show Ash doing something mundane yet revealing - like meticulously organizing his table, indicating his need for control and order in his life, or staring out the window lost in thought before snapping back to reality.]

[These additions can serve to slow down the narrative pace, allowing the reader to settle into the scene and get a better grasp of Ash's world and his state of mind. This approach will also build a stronger emotional connection between Ash and the reader, making the subsequent events more impactful.

darre, 11/26/2023 12:57 AM]]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------




“That’s —“ the two men stopped talking and turned their heads.
Screeching tires— 
Crunching metal— 
Thud— the building shook slightly. 
The small-town crowd that had been meandering between the few stores still open for the season began pooling just outside cafe window, blocking his view. 
Ash took his coffee from the side table and headed out the front door. 
The two men Ash had seen huddled in conversation across the cafe pushed past him on the way out the door to see what was happening. The taller muscle man bumped into his shoulder, hard. 
“Watch it,” The man replied in a curt accent, East Coast of some kind, maybe New York or New Jersey. 
Steam billowed from what was left of the front end of a 1990’s model silver Honda Civic. The car was T-boned into the side of a black Toyota pick-up. Both drivers had already gotten out of the vehicles. No one for Ash to rescue, so he started to walk past the crowd down the street. Too many people in one space for his taste, he decided to head home. 
As he passed the scene, some movement caught his attention from the top of a third vehicle, an old truck. 
“What do you care?” said Hank, the old man with a graying beard and brown plaid dress jacket who was climbing up onto the cab a pick-up. “Yeah— I know—” he yelled then her murmured something Ash couldn’t hear. 
Great— He’s having another episode. 
“Hank,” Ash said. “Hank, is that you old man? Why don’t you come down from there?” 
Hank, the town Kook, as some called him, looked at Ash with a flicker of recognition which faded quickly. 
From behind him, a dark mist rose from the bed of the truck. 
Not again. Not now. Ash felt his chest tighten. 
The mist grew until it towered over Hank as a father over his toddler. It grew arms with bulging muscles but the head of a bull, red eyes, and three white streaks across its chest. 
Another smaller creature, akin to a hairless monkey, was coming out of Hank’s spine and whispering into his ear. Reacting to each murmur as though it were the other half of an invisible conversation. 
The larger creature stared directly at Ash. It bent down and the smaller creature evaporated. The bull-man whispered into Hank’s ear and he too snapped his attention to Ash. 
Then he leapt off the truck toward Ash, knocking down two men from the crowd on his way to the middle of the street. 
Ash felt his feet sticking to the pavement as though they were glued. He raised one arm in defense as the old man tackled him, nails trashing at his throat. 
“Jesus—,” Ash let out. 
The old man stopped attacking, looking dazed. Ash needed no further opening. He struck the old man in the chin with his elbow and followed with a strike to the side of the neck with a knife hand. 
Rolling out from under him, he hog-tied Hank with his own belt, then he sat on him with one knee to keep him from moving. 
A single blurp from a cop car siren broke up the crowd and the Sheriff’s SUV pulled to stop next to them. 
“You alright?” The Sheriff asked, one eyebrow raised. 
“Danny,” Ash replied. “To be honest, I’m feeling a bit embarrassed. I’m loosing my touch to get tackled by an old man.” 
They both laughed. 
“I’ll take it from here,” Danny and his deputy took Hank and laid him in the back seat of the squad car. 
“You need medical attention,” Danny said. “Your neck is all scratched to heck, man.” 
“No,” Ash replied. “It’s not as bad as it looks. I’ll take care of it at home.” 
“Whatever you say,” Danny waved his deputy to drive Hank away, then turned to deal with the car accident. 
Ash started to reach for the coffee that had miraculously survived the ordeal, when someone wearing purple leggings walked by and kicked the drink over, pouring it all over the pavement and the bottom edge of his jeans. 
She was across the street before he could look up to see who she was. 
“Great! Thanks, lady!” Ash yelled, as she turned a corner. 
She either didn’t hear or pretended not to and kept walking away, into a small boutique that sells antiques and strange creations from locals. 
“Could this day get any better?” Ash mumbled to himself as he walked down the street for home.





 

Shalom: Live Long and Prosper!
Darrell Wolfe (DG Wolfe)
Storyteller | Writer | Thinker | Consultant @ DarrellWolfe.com

Clifton StrengthsFinder: Intellection, Learner, Ideation, Achiever, Input
16Personalities (Myers-Briggs Type): INFJ


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