This is a continuation of notes from two weeks ago. The presenter was going extremely fast and I was not able to always keep up. Some info is missing.

Checklist for every quarter (and almost every chapter)
– Should have the menace ramp up to the end. Pressure
– Suspense and mystery. Make sure the reader has questions
– Minor twists/surprise unexpected 1 per page. Something that fools with the reader’s expectation.
– Show don’t tell
– Use multiple senses
– Each character scene/ conflict should be different.
– Each scene should develop the character and advance the plot
– Proceed logically.
The first quarter: (of the story)
– The main characters’ settings and the problem should all be in the first paragraph. It should also be in the first and second sentences.
– In the first 1 to 3 should introduce all the principal characters in a short story. 1-3
– The main character tries to solve the problem. He or she shouldn’t be pondering. They should be acting or reacting.
Second-quarter: (of the story)
– Escalation
– The perils deepen (because more danger, tenser, the problem broadens. More impact and grows more difficult.
– The mystery grows even as the bigger Problem and great stakes begin to be revealed.
– Protagonist actions may fail.
Third-quarter: (of the story)
– Things start getting really grim.
– Escalate, Escalate, Escalate
– The main character finally has a real solution that comes together.
– Has it all figured out?
– Plot twist: failure is not just failure but it becomes dismal, royally messed up. One could have the mindset of why even try. I will fail.
Fourth quarters: (of the story)
– Steps by Lesser Dent.
– Just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse.
– Its curtain for our protagonists EXCEPT
– Last-ditch effort succeeds!
– Success must be by the protagonist’s own effort! They rescue themselves and turn the tables on the villain.
– Mystery solved, the villain is vanquished.
– But surprise twist at the end! Villain not as expected, the treasure is a dud, etc.ds tied up
– A chapter at the end. Third-party validation “He’s dead Jim) punch line.
– Every quarter will be several chapters long.
– If multiple characters may have their own arcs
– When in doubt defend in a minor character. Michele morerocek. They help complete puzzles or solve a problem.
– Multiple subplots may follow the same formula
Writing fast:
– Speed is relative. Focus on your own need
– Prep before each scene or session
– Turn off distractions
– Dedicate the time (regular schedule.) think and plan for 5 minutes before you sit down to write.
– Prepare lists of brainstorms element making theme /setting
– Practice.
– Good reference
– http://wwwghostoods.com/2010/05/how-to-write a book
How do well pulp?
– There are few small publishers specialized in pulp fiction. More every year lately. But thy come and ho and usually don’t pay “pro rates”
– Lester dent formula: http://www.paper-dragon.com/1939/dent.html