Scarburg Meadhall Discussion Thread - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

littlemanpoet · 05-22-2008, 09:27 AM

Harreld will have a reply post in place by the end of tomorrow.

I've been thinking about a trick for writing that some comments here and there have brought to my mind. Our posts have a combination of actions, speech, and thoughts. What's interesting is how a character's thoughts are used by other posters.

For example, Lhuna commented that Harreld is not going to make this any easier for Ginna. Part of this is that Harreld has guessed wrong as to what's on Ginna's mind. Lhuna has been writing for Ginna such that she too is guessing wrong about what's on Harreld's mind. What's the upshot? A very interesting character interplay with lots of potential for conflict and misunderstanding, which is what drives interesting story.

I've seen where characters guess exactly right what is on the mind of another character, and it's usually too lucky or too easy, and actually serves to short-circuit good story opportunities. So next time you write a post for your character, think about what makes your character tick, so you can have an idea what wrong guesses he or she might make. I think you'll find it fun.

Just a by the way: healthy interactions in real life are based on precisely the opposite, that is, NOT assuming what the other person is thinking, but asking.

Kath · 05-22-2008, 04:33 PM

Quote:

I take it you mean 'me or Lhuna.' Really, I have no idea why Ginna and I are always being mistaken for each other.

Truth be told, I intended to write Kara or Ginna, so actually I got Kara confused with myself!

Folwren · 05-22-2008, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kath

Truth be told, I intended to write Kara or Ginna, so actually I got Kara confused with myself!

Oh, that is even more funny! Elempi (and others, must mostly Elempi) does that quit frequently!

Groin Redbeard · 05-22-2008, 06:47 PM

I've just put up my post for the hunting party. Since Nerindal has been absent from the Downs for over five months I went ahead and wrote for Balvir, Matrim, and guard4. If I have over stepped my boundries by writing for them just let me know and I'll abreviate my post to just Erbrand.

Gwathagor · 05-22-2008, 07:43 PM

Posted. Crabannan broke up the fight.

Lhunardawen · 05-23-2008, 02:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Folwren

You? I don't believe it.

Rats, I thought I had everyone fooled.

Quote:

Originally Posted by shaggydog

Apologies to Firefoot and Eonwe for not being more in touch. It will probably be the weekend before I can get back to Scyld and Dan. Sorry!!!!

Oooh! I'll be looking forward muchly to this post.

Quote:

Originally Posted by littlemanpoet

I've been thinking about a trick for writing that some comments here and there have brought to my mind. Our posts have a combination of actions, speech, and thoughts. What's interesting is how a character's thoughts are used by other posters.

For example, Lhuna commented that Harreld is not going to make this any easier for Ginna. Part of this is that Harreld has guessed wrong as to what's on Ginna's mind. Lhuna has been writing for Ginna such that she too is guessing wrong about what's on Harreld's mind. What's the upshot? A very interesting character interplay with lots of potential for conflict and misunderstanding, which is what drives interesting story.

And here I was thinking when I saw my name highlighted: "Oh no, Elempi's going to scold me for making too many assumptions about his character!"

I'm excited to learn what Harreld really (and wrongly) guesses of Ginna's mind.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kath

Truth be told, I intended to write Kara or Ginna, so actually I got Kara confused with myself!

Oh, dear Kath, that's an awful case of identity crisis!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gwathagor

Posted. Crabannan broke up the fight.

Thanks, Gwath! I really couldn't come up with an interesting way for Léoðern to barge in on the boys.

littlemanpoet · 05-23-2008, 03:57 AM

With AEdhel in the tent as healer, either Modtryth or Rowenna could be excused as there's no need for two errand runners. Which one shall stay and which one shall go? Any thoughts, Lommy? It doesn't matter to me.

Name the men-at-arms Game

From now until the end of May, lets everybody offer names for the three unnamed men-at-arms. I'll keep a tally, and in the first week of June, we'll vote. Each player/writer gets three votes (in June). Start: NOW!

Eönwë · 05-26-2008, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by littlemanpoet

I've seen where characters guess exactly right what is on the mind of another character, and it's usually too lucky or too easy, and actually serves to short-circuit good story opportunities. So next time you write a post for your character, think about what makes your character tick, so you can have an idea what wrong guesses he or she might make. I think you'll find it fun.

Oh yes, I was just giving Dan an uncanny powers of observation, being the Drûg that he is. But now that he's got used to Scarburg, he'll let his guard down, and thats when the fun can begin!

05-22-2008, 06:47 PM	#4
Groin Redbeard Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Facing the world's troubles with Christ's hope! Posts: 1,635	I've just put up my post for the hunting party. Since Nerindal has been absent from the Downs for over five months I went ahead and wrote for Balvir, Matrim, and guard4. If I have over stepped my boundries by writing for them just let me know and I'll abreviate my post to just Erbrand. __________________ I heard the bells on Christmas Day. Their old, familiar carols play. And wild and sweet the words repeatof peace on earth, good-will to men! ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

05-22-2008, 07:43 PM	#5
Gwathagor Shade with a Blade Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: A Rainy Night In Soho Posts: 2,512	Posted. Crabannan broke up the fight. __________________ Stories and songs.

05-22-2008, 09:27 AM	#1
littlemanpoet Itinerant Songster Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: The Edge of Faerie Posts: 7,066	Harreld will have a reply post in place by the end of tomorrow. I've been thinking about a trick for writing that some comments here and there have brought to my mind. Our posts have a combination of actions, speech, and thoughts. What's interesting is how a character's thoughts are used by other posters. For example, Lhuna commented that Harreld is not going to make this any easier for Ginna. Part of this is that Harreld has guessed wrong as to what's on Ginna's mind. Lhuna has been writing for Ginna such that she too is guessing wrong about what's on Harreld's mind. What's the upshot? A very interesting character interplay with lots of potential for conflict and misunderstanding, which is what drives interesting story. I've seen where characters guess exactly right what is on the mind of another character, and it's usually too lucky or too easy, and actually serves to short-circuit good story opportunities. So next time you write a post for your character, think about what makes your character tick, so you can have an idea what wrong guesses he or she might make. I think you'll find it fun. Just a by the way: healthy interactions in real life are based on precisely the opposite, that is, NOT assuming what the other person is thinking, but asking.

05-23-2008, 03:57 AM	#7
littlemanpoet Itinerant Songster Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: The Edge of Faerie Posts: 7,066	With AEdhel in the tent as healer, either Modtryth or Rowenna could be excused as there's no need for two errand runners. Which one shall stay and which one shall go? Any thoughts, Lommy? It doesn't matter to me. Name the men-at-arms Game From now until the end of May, lets everybody offer names for the three unnamed men-at-arms. I'll keep a tally, and in the first week of June, we'll vote. Each player/writer gets three votes (in June). Start: NOW!