Stern Rake Studio--10th Anniversary

I originally started this blog 10 years ago today as therapy while I recovered and convalesced from hernia repair surgery.

Since then, I've branched off into making YouTube movies and concocting webcomics, like The Chronicles of Culhwch y Drewllyd, derived from the games I've played.

It's been a rewarding "journey" and I hope to continue this internet "voyage" for another 10 years--hopefully even longer.

Thank you for your readership and support.

Technical Troubles--Continued

(Image from:  Superpages--Top 10 Common Computer Problems)

Well folks, I know it's been over a month since I posted anything.

You see, shortly after my desktop was declared Dead on Arrival (DOA) by the nearby computer repair shop, my laptop need repair.

Technically, it was a simple problem:  Replacing the power receptacle that had come loose, which was only intermittently recharging the laptop.

As it turned out though, the part needed to be ordered from a warehouse in California.  But Californians are dealing with bigger wildfires than we are in Washington State.  So shipment of the new power receptacle was delayed until some of "the smoke cleared."

I'm still in the process of setting up my laptop with the additional functions I relied on my desktop for, along with trying to utilize my iPad Pro more effectively, so I can blog remotely.

I hope to get back into my haphazard blogging schedule shortly.

Thank you for your patience!

Stern Rake Studio Website

Well, I finally launched an actual Stern Rake Studio website yesterday. 

I've been tinkering with it for over a year now. I'm not 100% satisfied with it, but I'm not sure what else to do with it. 

So instead of letting it continue to lay dormant, I thought I'd launch it. 

I'll continue to work on it when I figure out how to improve it.

In the meantime, I hope you like it:

SternRakeStudio.com 

PNWA 2017 Summer Conference Overview

(Image:  My conference badge illustrating what genres I like to write in--Historical Fiction, Sci-fi, and Fantasy)

This past weekend, I attended PNWA's Summer conference, after a year-long hiatus. A different theme is chosen every year, and this one was:

 

 However, due to my work schedule, I had to put off writing for the first, and final days of the conference.  While I enjoyed the event itself, and the new home at SeaTac's DoubleTree Hotel itself, I felt rushed commuting back and forth to it each day.  I'm thinking about reserving a room at the hotel the next time I'm able to attend.

In the past, I've written extensive posts on the details of each workshop, and panel discussions I attended.  I'm not going to do that anymore.  Such posts took a lot of time to write, occupied a lot of cyberspace that I want to devote to gaming, and the webcomics I concoct as a result of the games I manage to play.

So from now on, my writing conference reports will be overviews with plenty of name dropping of links to the authors I know, or recently met.  

Friday

Because I was getting off night shift, and didn't have anything ready to pester literary agents, and publishing editors about, I skipped the Agents and Editors Forums that morning.

I arrived at the DoubleTree with less than 15 minutes to spare, giving me barely enough time to pick-up my attendance packet, and scurry-off to the first workshop on my To-Attend List.  

This was the Craft of Writing Backstory by Cherry Adair, who loves writing action-romances.  Or as she put it:  "Stories about running, chasing, shooting and wild monkey sex." A one-sentence synopsis of her workshop would be:  Don't bore readers with infodumps--instead, entertain them with vivid accounts of running, chasing, shooting and wild monkey sex.

While the second workshop Panster vs. Plotter, made no references to wild monkey sex, it was hosted by the delightful duet of Deborah Schneider (a.k.a. Sibelle Stone) and SaraLynn Hoyt.  In this yin-yang couple, Deborah's the Plotter (a meticulous planner and outliner), while Saralynn's the Panster (as in writing by the seat of your pants).  Both writing techniques have their benefits and pitfalls.  The trick is to write in a way that utilizes the best of both techniques.

After these workshops, I hung around for the Featured Speaker Dinner, which should have been called "Featured Speakers Dinner," because instead of one individual giving a stirring speech; this was a panel discussion with Cherry Adair, Deb Caletti, Gregg Hurwitz, Donald Maass, Christopher Vogler, singer/songwriter Donn-T, and hosted by PNWA's perennial emcee, Robert Dugoni.

While this was a new concept that promised to be entertaining, me and 30 other individuals ended up at the "Kids' Tables."  Apparently, there was a misunderstanding/miscommunication on how many conference attendees would be attending The Featured Speakers Dinner.  The staff ended up scrambling to literally roll-out additional round tables, flip on table cloths, and fling down some silverware.  Then we had to wait for them to cook-up our meals.  

I, along with several hungry victims-of-circumstance dinner companions were at furthest, and most forward "Kid's Table," and couldn't see any of the Featured Guests, beyond where Bob Dugoni was sitting.  So I hardly remember any of the amusing Q&A entertainment.

The Autograph Party afterwards turned out to have some pleasant surprises.  First, the gentlemen I sat next to turned out to be local author Matt T. Ryan.  So I bought his first book, Revenge of the Banker's Daughter. 

(Image by Kitsap Publishing)

I initially thought the woman next to Matt was his daughter.  Instead, she was Sonya Rhen, author of Space Tripping with the Shredded Orphans.

Her and Matt were placed so close together I felt compelled to buy her first book, "Trip 1." The front cove reminded me of a whacked-out, dystopian version of Josie and the Pussycats.

The one thing I did remember from the Featured Speakers Dinner was the response Christopher Vogler made when asked what he likes to do in his non-writing spare time:  Create scenes with toy soldiers.

Oh?

With that in mind, I set out to stalk ask him about his hobby.  It turned out he's not a gamer, but uses playsets as a creative free-form exercise.  I told him about my webcomics, which he thought was neat.  I lied was wrong when I told him I already had a copy of his seminal work, The Writer''s Journey: Mythic Structure for Writers. So I bought his book Memo From the Story Department, based on my false assumption.

(Image from: Amazon.com)   

 

In my defense, I have another writing book with a similar-colored cover.

After my purchases, I spent the rest the time catching up with Chris (C.C.) Humphreys and meeting his lovely wife Aletha. 

I would have loved to have stayed longer, but I had a long drive back and an early morning workshop I wanted to attend the next morning.

Saturday

After another Hell-for-Leather drive, the workshop I barely arrived in time for was Intersection of World Building and Character Development, by Nicole Persun.  In the past, Nicole usually ran workshops with her dad, Terry Persun. But this was the first time I attended one of her solo performances.  She did a wonderful job instilling in us that character and setting are inseparable. 

And speaking of settings, the next workshop was Location as Character (a.k.a. "Location! Location! Location!") hosted by C.C. Humphries, Joe Beernink, and moderated by PNWA President Pam Binder.  Considering a locale as a character is often critical in writing, because since real people are affected by their environment, imaginary ones should be too.

After lunch, as I entered the Speculative Fiction Short Stories workshop, one of my classmates from Pam Binder's Popular Fiction class was chatting moderator Cat Rambo about disasters.  After our "hellos" she told Cat about my job in Washington State Emergency Management, and I ended up talking a bit about my job.  Cat was an engaging and concise instructor, briefing the few of us attendees on the mechanics of what makes story telling work.  

During last workshop intermission, I ran into Jeff Ayers, the PNWA Board Secretary, who introduced me Gregg Hurwitz.  He commented on the Punisher shaker bottle I was carrying, and I discovered:

(Image from iHerb)

a.  Gregg wrote several Punisher comics #69-95, 75 (2008-2009).

b. He dresses up in a Punisher costume similar to mine. 

Then we had to end things abruptly because the last workshop of the day was about to begin.

By this time I wasn't in the mood to an extensive note-taking seminar.  So the final workshop I chose was Kay Kenyon's Landscapes of Fantasy, from Mythic...

(Image found on Pinterest's Arthurian Legends)

 ...to Dieselpunk. 

(Image of Jet City Comic Show's Bomber Girl by Shane White)

This was an overview of the 15 or so sub-genres of fantasy that has been, and is currently being written.  I never knew there was such a thing as New Weird.  I thought the run-of-the-mill weird was weird enough.

As my epic two-day workshop quest came to an end, it was time for the Literary Contest and Nancy Pearl Book Awards Celebration and Dinner.

Every year, in conjunction with the conference, PNWA hosts a Literary Contest.  By my count there were 103 finalists in a dozen categories, along with 7 finalists for the Nancy Pearl Book Award.  Fortunately, there was no "Kids Table Crisis," which I'd attribute to a grown-pain hiccup with the conference's new home.  However, I didn't take any notes, so I couldn't tell you who won what.

So my congratulations best wishes go out to the winners--you rock!--whoever you are.

And with that, PNWA's Summer Conference 2017 came to a close for me.  

The dates for next year's conference are already being reserved at DoubleTree for sometime next September.

Until I know what my 2018 work schedule will be, I'll pencil myself in as "Interested" when PNWA creates an event on Facebook.

See you next year!  Maybe.

Writing Some E Cards

Or reading Stern Rake Studio.

Then again, maybe not.

Anyway, no matter what you've been reading, I've been trolling Some E Cards for inspiration.

When I come down with writer's block, I'll write one or two using the Create Your Own Cards program.

My first one referenced Star Trek, and I filed it under the Workplace Category.

Then after seeing the little-used military-style images, I concocted several more referencing Murphy's Laws of Combat.

I'm not able to combine each "law" with an image because the sentence length is too long to fit into the picture.  So I've been skipping around a bit when I find an image that interests me.  Since there's no military category, I filed these under the Veteran's Day November Holiday Category.

Here's what I've come up with so far:

If I think of any more I'll post them here.

PNWA 2015 Workshop Review #13: The Five Stages of Editing

(Image found on:  The Smell of Books)

This "Lucky 13" workshop was the last session I attended during this year's writer's conference.  Normally, I'd try to post this within the first few weeks afterwards, but this year's fire season was a doozy.

 

At least I finished before the year was out.

 

Let's face it, every manuscript needs a little editing...



(Image, Peanuts by Charles Schulz, found on The Word Nest)

...okay, maybe lots of editing.

Anyway, this workshop was hosted by A.C. Fuller, who provided a succinct presentation on how to edit more effectively.

Editing is an essential part of the writing process, and since writing is art, and art comes from...

(This image was used by Fuller in her presentation, which I found on Passages North)

 

...well, never mind. 

 

Just remember there's no correct way to edit.

 

So apply what works for you.

 

But one of the issues that holds us back from editing our work is procrastination.  This "creative avoidance" comes in six flavors:

 

1. Feeling overwhelmed.

2. Feeling of rebellion.

3. Lacking motivation.

4. Fatigue, or lack of focus.

5. Fear of the unknown.

6. Perfectionism.

 

Fuller suggested using the following Five Stages of Editing to overcome your inner critic.

 

 

(Image found on Lighted Path Coaching)

 

These are:

 

1. Relaxing.

2. Reading.

3. Restructuring.

4. Rewriting.

5. Refining.

 

After the introductory material, Miss Fuller explained each stage in detail.

 

 1. Relaxing

 

Take time off from your first draft.  How much time can vary.

This will give you an opportunity to look at your work differently.

However, don't stop writing.  Just write other stuff.

 

2. Reading

 

Read your book from cover to cover.

You don't know everything on what your book is about while writing the first draft, so you could make some additional discoveries.

 

a. How to read your book

 

Read in a different format in order to trick your brain.

Read having a pen and notebook handy so you can jot down notes.

Read fast!  Don't get bogged down in editing details yet.

Be realistic about your first draft, but don't get discouraged.

 

b. Reading notes/what to look for--

 

--plot holes/info holes

--incomplete scenes

--weak characters

--scenes or chapters that are too long

--inconsistent flow of the story

--areas to improve on characters and conflict

 

The lowest priority at this stage is checking for typos or grammatical errors.

Also, do not try to fix anything yet, just annotate what needs fixing.

 

3. Restructuring

 

This is the most important stage.

This is where you put the book together.

 

 

a. Plan your first revision

 

Write a list of edits on your notes.

Organize your list of edits from the biggest issues to the smallest.

Have faith that making your edits one by one will improve your book.

 

b. Restructuring includes--

 

--Moving scenes, or changing chapters around.

--Adding/deleting chapters, or scenes.

--Rewriting characters.

--Rewriting portions of the story line.

--Significantly lengthening or shortening the story.

 

Keep in mind, you may have to go through this stage two, three, or multiple times.

 

4. Rewriting

 

Enlist the help of beta readers.

You want the readers to experience the flow of the story.

 

A common mistake is that writers often skip Stages 1, 2 and 3, and start the editing process at this stage

 

Try to learn your own writing tendencies.

 

a. Common problems, or tendencies--

 

--Passive voice, which leads to 15% longer sentences.

--Over use of "it was," and "there were" constructions.

--Word repetition and mixed metaphors.

--Thought repetition and redundancy.

--Telling instead of showing.

--Shifts in point of view (POV).

--Vague writing.

 

b. How to rewrite

 

--Read out loud.

--Use your computer's search function.

--Get others to read your story.

--Hire an editor.

 

And now we finally come to where a lot of folks think the editing process starts...

 

5. Refining

 

This is where we fix the typos, grammar, style and check for consistency.

 

 

So that's it for this year's PNWA 2015 Workshop Review. 

 

I hope you enjoyed these, best wishes to you and your writing endeavors!

 

PNWA 2015 Workshop Review #12: Using Language to Enhance Story

(Image from:  Last Kiss by John Lustig)

One of the main reasons why I love comics and graphic novels is how the blend of words and pictures can tell a story.  Even a one-panel image, like the one above, implies a lot.  I liked how a common expression is paired with a gothic image for comedic effect--not to mention being in the spirit of Halloween.

Anyway, the title of the next-to-last workshop I attended at this year's PNWA Summer Conference my seem self explanatory. 

However, even if you string words together in a coherent manner your narrative may turn out to be as exciting as a technical manual.

Varying language, sometimes by bending, or even breaking grammatical rules could enhance your work.

This workshop was the second one in the conference hosted byTerry Persun and Nicole Persun.

True, the father and daughter duo didn't discuss graphic novels.  However, I found it beneficial listening to Terry and Nicole read select passages from the piles of books they brought as examples on how you can mold words more creatively to create a more vivid mental imagery.

Terry even read from a cookbook.

Who'd a thought making mashed potatoes could be so poetic?

It was impossible to write down all the prose, and I even forgot to scribble down the authors' works they read from. 

I did manage to jot down some keynotes to keep in mind if you decide make alterations to grammatical rules...

No matter what you write, or how you write it, without your work you have nothing to market.

Varying your language usage can affect a story's pacing, characterization and plot.

Make use of foreshadowing, that is, give a hint at what's to come.

You can sprinkle a leitmotif, that is, a recurring idea or image, throughout your story.

Use of fragment sentences--

--Used to focus on an image.

--Focus on emotions.

--Convey the spanning of time.

Long sentences can be--

--Used for lengthy descriptions, which gives flavor to the setting.

--Can be action-based, especially when describing complicated movement.

--Can convey thought.

While short sentences--

--Emphasis on what is currently happening.

--Often appears as dialogue, and can be used as such.

Repeated words--

--Brings the reader closer to the scene.

--Can be used to overlap descriptions, to reinforce imagery.

--Establishes a rhythm.

Most writing instructions recommend banishing adverbs from your work.  However, if done properly, adverbs can set the tone of your story.

Use descriptions specific to each character.

One final word of advice:

If your style is out of the ordinary, be sure to talk to your agent/editor and express your concerns about wordage.

In the meantime, continue writing and Happy Halloween!

(Image from:  Last Kiss by John Lustig)

PNWA 2015 Workshop Review #3: The Writer's Connection

(Image from:  Crestleaf, 19 Strange Professions of Your Ancestors that Don't Exist Today)

 The last, and only workshop at the end of the Summer Conference's first day was an inspirational finale. 

 

The Writer's Connection was hosted by PNWA's perennial emcee Robert Dugoni. 

 

In the five non-consecutive years I've been attending this convention, Bob Dugoni has demonstrated an unflagging appreciation for the help PNWA provided to his writing career.  I admire him for the enthusiastic way he gives back to the writing community.

 

Bob reminded the mass audience attending this workshop that this 60th Anniversary of PNWA was about connections.  So he started the workshop by discussing his rocky road to success.

 

Bob's Backstory:

 

A lawyer by trade, he became increasingly afraid he'd never get a chance to write novels.

His turning point came when a relative, who's a well-known portrait photographer, gave him the following advice:

 

--Follow your dreams and the money will come.  Follow the money and you'll lose your dreams.

--Immerse yourself in the community of artists. 

--Make yourself available to many and many will make themselves available to you.

--Think of writing as your job.

--Love what you do and you'll never have to work a day in your life.

 

So Bob joined a writer's group (PNWA?) and his writing career took shape.

 

Bob's first batch of advice dealt with making personal connections:

 

Your first connection is to yourself.

--You have to know yourself as a person and as a writer.

--Why?

--Because understanding who you are helps you understand what's the best story you should write.

 

Meet people and ask questions.

You want a business relationship that's genuine.

It takes time to build an audience (an observation from James Rollins).

Writers need to write more than one book to build an audience.

Write honestly (advice via Stephen King).

Writing is a different form of entertainment that other forms of media, because--

--Reading is interactive.

--To read a story well is to follow it.

--It's a collaboration between reader and the author.

Try to write a book that resonates with others and touch the reader on some fundamental level.

 

Bob next discussed character development.

 

Where do characters come from?

You, the writer.

Characters are of you--but they're not you (no matter how whacked-out the characters may be).

A writer plays the role of ever character in a story.

 

So to develop a character ask yourself these questions:

Where's he from?

Who are his parents?

What is his birth order among siblings, if any.

How did this affect him?

What religion does he practice?

What schools did he go to?

--Was he the star?  The nerd? A bully, or was bullied?

What was his life-changing event?

Was he in the military?

--Did he see combat?

Type of personality--adventurous, or cautious?

Is he married, or single?

And--What would be the quote on his tombstone?

 

Continuing-on with character development:

 

You need to be aware of the people around you, which will help visualize the characters you want to create.

Be aware of peoples' physical features and mannerisms.  (As a writer, you don't have the luxury of overlooking this).

Ask yourself what five characteristics you'd tag a character with if he were standing in a police line-up.

 

From character development, Bob moved on to discuss the writing process.

 

Writers are different.  They're quirky. 

Understand your writing process.

Understand you're weird. (I've known this about myself for as far back as I can remember).

Don't throw out any ideas.  They may come in handy.

Don't buy into the idea that you have to suffer for your art.

Figure out how to tap into your muse, and understand what your assigned muse is telling you.

Figure out where and when you're most creative.

Treat writing as a career, not a hobby.

Be sure to place yourself in an environment that's conducive to writing.

You have to write a novel to understand how to write a novel, and once you're finished write the next book.  You will get better.

Understand simple concepts.

Understand that a story is a journey, both a physical and an emotional one, where the emotional journey sparks the physical one.

If you're experiencing Writer's Block:  Do some research, or get some exercise.

Being a writer means understanding what you control, which is the writing--not the publishing.

Don't give up on writing.

Don't be afraid of failing--it's the first step to success.

Don't let rejections get you down.

Help dispel the myth that writing books is easy and innate.

 

And speaking of books, Bob recommended having at least six reference books.

(He rapidly cited his top six pix, but couldn't write them down fast enough).

As to books in general, read one that speaks to you.

 

Practice the Six P's:

 

Patience

Perseverance

Persistence

Perspective

Passion, and

Prayer

 

Bob ended the workshop by getting the audience to stand and recite an altered-for-writers form of Aragorn's speech at the Black Gate.

 

 

PNWA 2015 Workshop Review #2: Secrets to Turning Your Dreams into a Reality

(Image found on inactive link to Frontierless)

It often seems like my writing projects are moving at glacial speed.  If that.

 

With this feeling in mind, I thought I needed dual dose of inspiration and motivation.

 

Thankfully, William Kenower and Ingrid Hicks were on-hand to provide the necessary medicine.

 

Both spent several minutes discussing what spurred them to write.

 

Ingrid's Backstory

 

This wife and mother of two was struggling financially, found herself going blind.

She started out as a journalist, but took a memoir writing class.

With the onset of her illness she felt her life was slipping away.

Her epiphany occurred when her children did a birthday skit of her lamenting about never writing her novel.

Her financial and parenting responsibilities didn't change--her mindset did.

Began waking up 1.5 hours earlier I order to write.

 

Bill's Backstory

 

Worked as a waiter for 17 years in order to write books.  Left waiting tables in 07.

His epiphany moment came while visiting a friend in California, who suggested he become a motivational speaker and blogger.

His first gig was in Spokane, WA with the Society of Children's Writers & Illustrators.  He felt he was in over his head, but managed to pull off and impromptu speech.

Met PNWA President Pam Binder and started Author Magazine.

 

Now I'm not sure who exactly said what during this workshop, but what follows are some snippets of advice for struggling writers.

 

First, a note about dreams:

 

If you have a dream, a sleeping dream, no one knows about it unless you tell them about it.

 

It doesn't exist in the physical world.

 

But what are the stumbling blocks that are keeping your from fulfilling your dream (in this case being a successful writer)?

 

The biggest block is money.  People feel trapped in their careers.

 

Ask yourself:  Is it possible to make a living as a writer?

Writing, however, doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing deal.

 

Some steps to whittle-down the stumbling block include:

 

Believe in yourself.

Make writing a priority.

Writing is a job that you can get paid for automatically while doing it.

Create an environment that pleases you and is conducive to writing.

Writing should be a friendly and pleasing experience.

Look at writing to be a journey of discovery.

Keep in mind the creative process doesn't care exactly what it is you're doing, as long as you're creating something.

Allow yourself enough time to write each scene.

Pay attention to how you feel.

 

Your job is to feel good!

 

(Image from:  The Odyssey Online, The Beauty of a Bucket List)

 

PNWA Celebrates 60 Years

(Image found on The Innovative Instructor Blog)

The last PNWA Writers Conference I attended was in 2012.  My work schedule prevented me from participating these past couple of years.

This year, I managed to squeeze three out of four conference days in between two sets of work shifts.  But it was "strictly business."  Due to the compressed timeline, I skipped out of the after-conference activities...

(Image from Flavorwire, 20 Excellent Photos of Famous Authors Partying)

...by which I mean, the Keynote Speaker Addresses and the Writing Competition Awards Dinner.

In honor of the association's 60th Year Anniversary and founding members, the selected theme was "Connections."

I'm glad I was able to attend and re-connect with some of my writer friends, such as:

PNWA's President, and my Popular Fiction teacher, Pam Binder,
Secretary, and author of  Jeff Ayers;
Board of Trustee Member Terry Persun,
his daughter and fellowette Trustee Member Nicole Persun;
along with Jason Black (aka The Book Doctor).

Robert Dugoni performed his Perennial Emcee duties during the Agents and Editors Forums, but I didn't get a chance to talk to him.

I was happy to encounter my fellow "rank and file" friend Chelly Wood.
According to her, she got the idea of making a stop-motion film of Romeo & Juliet using her daughters' Barbie Doll collection, from my webcomic Breakout from Bongolaan and my YouTube gaming videos.

(Image from Chelly Wood's Free Printable Barbie Clothes Group Pic)

I was humbled by Chelly's praise and even more humbled by her advanced photographic skills.  My "movies" are merely slide shows, so I'll be seeking Chelly's advice on actual stop-motion techniques.

Chelly is writing a how-to book on this subject and pitched a book proposal to an agent.  I wish her all the best.

Another rank and file friend I met was Abigail Carter, formerly of Writerly, and now Bibliocrunch.  I caught up at her Bibliocrunch booth when she wasn't overwhelmed with inquiring attendees.  Upon seeing Abby again, I remembered I bought her book The Alchemy of Loss and asked her to autograph it for my mom, who always grieved the loss of my dad.  When my mom passed away last month, I had to confess to Abby I'm not sure what happened to her book during the maelstrom to settle my mom's estate.

A few classmates from Pam's Pop Fic Class also attended, and I ended up sharing workshops with Emily and Lara.  One alum I didn't see was Tara Sheets, who had not just one, but two stories make it in the Finalist Category of the Annual Writing Competition.

In addition to catching up with old friends, I did make two new connections this year:

1. Jazmyn Wright, who was toying with the idea of turning her work-in-progress into an on-line graphic novel.

2. When I told fantasy author Ardyth DeBruyn about my work, she thought I'd find Penny Arcade's Strip Search, Darths & Droids, along with her brother's webcomic, Sluice.

I did suffer a lengthy low moment midway through the conference.

(Image by Gary Varvel)

I learned about the four Marines (and now one Sailor) shot and killed in Chattanooga, TN, early on Friday, before heading to the gym for a pre-conference workout.

It's at moments like this that I wish I was back on active duty again.

But despite my longing to don my uniform again, I enjoyed the conference, learned a lot and look forward to re-re-connecting with my writer friends again next year.

Coming Attractions:

I attended a dozen workshops during the three-out-of-four-days conference.  I'll be writing more detailed posts about these in the upcoming days/weeks/hopefully not months ahead.

Watch Mojo's Top 10 Major Plot Holes in Movies

Writing a tightly woven plot is difficult work, and writers--even best selling ones--often fail to plug the Plot Holes.

Watch Mojo gives us their Top Ten Plot Holes in movies.

There's plenty more. 

Can you think of any plot holes that truly annoy you?

Watch Mojo's Top 10 Movie Bullies

"A strong antagonist makes a strong protagonist, which makes a strong story."

Some antagonists may indeed have redeeming qualities, while others are just plain as--, I mean, bullies.

Watch Mojo gives us the Top 10 Movie As--, I mean, Bullies.

Watch Mojo's Top 10 Fantasy Movie Cliches

I've loved fantasy ever since I started reading Conan the Barbarian comics as a teenager.

However, as with every genre, fantasy literature is loaded with clichés.

Watch Mojo gives us the Top 10 tropes found in our favorite fantasy stories.

Watch Mojo's Top 10 Worst Movie Plot Twists

Plot twists are an awesome tool to keep your readers & viewers engaged in your story.

However, some plot twists fall flat.

Watch Mojo has come up with the Top 10 flat-line plot twists in movies.

After watching this video I'm thankful I haven't seen most of the films that "made the cut."  Especially The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 and Savages.

The climax to both movies turned out to be "it-was-all-a-dream" scene.

In the writer's workshops I've attended, I learned this was the #1 way to tick-off your readers & viewers.  I'm surprised the producers of Breaking Dawn and Savages thought the viewers would be okay with the "oh-never-mind-the-cool-finale-that-didn't-really-happen."

But then again, I never read either of the books the movies were based on.

While I hated the 2005 version of War of the Worlds, I'm more forgiving of the plot twist, because I did read the original source material (now 107 years old).