Taking Motivation from

the Author’s Mind to the Page

I.  The role of motivation in driving plot

Basic Building Block Review:

A.  GMC - Debra Dixon

DOROTHY / EXTERNAL / INTERNAL
GOAL
MOTIVATION
CONFLICT

B.  Scene Structure (Jack Bickham’s Scene and Sequel)

Scene: Goal, Conflict, Disaster

Sequel: Reaction/Emotion, Dilemma, Decision (new goal)

ROMANCING THE STONE:

Joan / EXTERNAL / INTERNAL
GOAL
MOTIVATION
CONFLICT

Scene/Sequel:

Joan’s Goal:

Conflict:

Disaster/hook:

II.  How motivation gets left behind

A.  One and done—EXTEND that motivation to drive all other action in the plot. It should ALL connect back to the over-riding goal.

  1. If we use the overall plot GMC to drive smaller pieces of the plot (scenes), we can link everything back to the original motivation.

DOROTHY / EXTERNAL / INTERNAL
GOAL / 1.
2.
3.
MOTIVATION / 1.
2.
3. / 1.
2.
CONFLICT
  1. Using Scene Structure...let’s go into Joan’s sequel

Sequel: Reaction/Emotion, Dilemma, Decision (new goal)

  1. When Jack saves her and demands cash to help her, what is Joan’s emotional reaction?
  1. What does Joan process about the situation?
  1. What is Joan’s dilemma?
  1. What does she decide? New goal?

B.  Forgotten opportunities—USE EVERY. SINGLE. OPPORTUNITY to remind readers of character motivations.

In Wizard of Oz, do we ever lose sight of what Dorothy wants? How are we reminded?

How about in Romancing the Stone?

III.  Beyond the Obvious (instructor prompts for audience example responses)—a look into the toolboxes we have as authors

A.  Toolbox of Story-telling Elements

1. Voice/Tone/Narrative

a. Word choice/language

b. Metaphors

c. Description

d. Setting

e. Choreography

2. POV depth (showing)

a. Internals

b.  Visceral responses

  1. Emotional Content

B.  Toolbox of Writing-Craft Elements

1. Scene Craft (Goal-Conflict-Disaster)

2. Characterization

a.  Flaws

b.  Goals/Motivations

c.  Conflicts—inner and outer

d.  Growth/arc

3. Dialogue

a. Inter-character

b. Internal

c. Tags and choreography

4. Mechanics

EXAMPLES: Refer to handout in workshop or Powerpoint