tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post6470906049967192017..comments2024-03-22T05:18:29.555-04:00Comments on Romance Bandits: Debrah Williamson Shares Screenwriting Techniques and MoreLoucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02217492654108300014noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-5893596722125091472007-09-20T09:36:00.000-04:002007-09-20T09:36:00.000-04:00Thank you, Debrah! And just wanted to say (really ...Thank you, Debrah! And just wanted to say (really late) that I agree with you that the most memorable movies (and books) are character-driven. I love a plot-filled movie, but after a few months I don't remember the plot points in any detail, just that it was good.<BR/><BR/>Characters, on the other hand, I remember forever! Which is good news for me, since I write character-driven stories. *g* <BR/><BR/>Thank you SO MUCH for being with us. I had a couple of light bulb moments today and you know that the longer you write, the fewer you have. So a huge THANK YOU and we hope to have you back again!!Caren Cranehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12352366686017375279noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-24817669881567461362007-09-19T23:19:00.000-04:002007-09-19T23:19:00.000-04:00Thanks, Anna. I'd love to return. Just say the wor...Thanks, Anna. I'd love to return. <BR/>Just say the word. <BR/><BR/>Best of luck to everyone in writing or other worthy endeavors!Okie Debhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10923436419723067338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-34220883508428672252007-09-19T21:32:00.000-04:002007-09-19T21:32:00.000-04:00Debrah, you've been fantastic. Do come and see us ...Debrah, you've been fantastic. Do come and see us again! You've really got me thinking about a lot of stuff, especially irony (which comes very easily to an Aussie! Our whole national character is based upon it!). Thank you!Anna Campbellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06695579361323275316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-29658015282510900212007-09-19T21:28:00.000-04:002007-09-19T21:28:00.000-04:00Anna, thanks for spreading the word! Kim, I'm happ...Anna, thanks for spreading the word! <BR/><BR/>Kim, I'm happy you found something useful. <BR/><BR/>Aunty Cindy, a seminar, huh? <BR/><BR/>That's good because I'm scheduled to present at a writing conference next spring on this subject, and you ladies really got my creative thinking juices flowing today. <BR/><BR/>Thanks to all of you for your interest and insights. I'll check back one more time before I turn in tonight. <BR/><BR/>If this wraps everything up, I just want to say how much I appreciate the invitation and opportunity to meet so many creative new people.Okie Debhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10923436419723067338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-69227808711120875962007-09-19T18:04:00.000-04:002007-09-19T18:04:00.000-04:00Heck NO you're not commenting too much, Deb! That'...Heck NO you're not commenting too much, Deb! That's what comments are for, and most of your responses are GREAT! Feels like I've attended a wonderful one day seminar on Novel and Screenplay writing techniques.<BR/><BR/>AC<BR/>waving to Cindy PK and BIG MWAH to Tina for the congratsLoucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02217492654108300014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-36706974028454812192007-09-19T18:02:00.000-04:002007-09-19T18:02:00.000-04:00Debrah,Thanks for stopping by the Bandits Lair. I...Debrah,<BR/><BR/>Thanks for stopping by the Bandits Lair. I really enjoyed the interview...great job AC and congrats on your sale!!!<BR/><BR/>What really grabbed me was the inclusion of irony in stories. I think we do that instinctively, but it was fascinating to be able to put that into words and consider what options there might be in future books. Thanks for the tip!KJ Howehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13588414958560844668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-67542140900111540052007-09-19T18:01:00.000-04:002007-09-19T18:01:00.000-04:00Debrah, I've just spruiked your blog on a couple o...Debrah, I've just spruiked your blog on a couple of loops because your advice has been so great and I've told everyone to make sure they check the comments because there are such gems there. If you've got the time to answer so full, PLEASE don't stop! This stuff is pure gold!Anna Campbellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06695579361323275316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-73547232225724500632007-09-19T17:30:00.000-04:002007-09-19T17:30:00.000-04:00Ladies, As stated, I'm a novice blogger who seems ...Ladies, <BR/><BR/>As stated, I'm a novice blogger who seems to be responding at length to every post. <BR/><BR/>For all I know, that might be a big fat no-no in this medium. <BR/><BR/>Plesse feel free to advise me to cut back. I won't mind.Okie Debhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10923436419723067338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-56385619152814336752007-09-19T17:23:00.000-04:002007-09-19T17:23:00.000-04:00Linda, thanks taking time to drop by.I really appr...Linda, thanks taking time to drop by.<BR/><BR/>I really appreciate your comments. <BR/>They strike a chord with me because I think writers should examine the *whys* and *wherefores* of words they commit to the page. <BR/><BR/>Entertainment is the primary focus of films and novels, but other important *Es* can be involved. <BR/><BR/>Emotionalisim. Empathy. Edification. Effectiveness. Elucidation. Enrichment. Enthusiasm. Empowerment. <BR/><BR/>To say nothing of Earning a living. LOL <BR/><BR/>When a writer knows what she is trying to achieve through theme, the process of writing a story is simplified, in my opinion. <BR/><BR/>Anyone else have ideas about this? <BR/><BR/>For example, I've worked with both troubled children and the elderly, two fairly invisible, voiceless populations in today's society. And understand their plights. <BR/><BR/>So Linda, thanks for letting me know that at least for one reader, I achieved one of my goals in Paper Hearts. <BR/><BR/>Giving those two populations a bit of a voice.Okie Debhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10923436419723067338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-37739374861670688812007-09-19T17:01:00.000-04:002007-09-19T17:01:00.000-04:00Thanks for your comment, Helen. Is it me, or has a...Thanks for your comment, Helen. <BR/><BR/>Is it me, or has anyone else noticed that many favorite films mentioned are character-driven?<BR/><BR/>Any comments? Don't get me wrong. Plot-driven is equally important. <BR/><BR/>Many scripts and novels rely on high concept and Hollywood is crazy about it. <BR/><BR/>But personally, character-driven suits my taste. <BR/><BR/>Just as I prefer crispy and salty foods over gooey and sweet. LOLOkie Debhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10923436419723067338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-58704773576529606992007-09-19T16:55:00.000-04:002007-09-19T16:55:00.000-04:00Great observation about Sweet Home Alabama's Mel, ...Great observation about Sweet Home Alabama's Mel, Beth.Okie Debhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10923436419723067338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-41480319148523138122007-09-19T16:52:00.000-04:002007-09-19T16:52:00.000-04:00Jeanne said: "..And someday you'll die and I'll co...Jeanne said: "..And someday you'll die and I'll come to your funeral in a red dress!" <BR/><BR/>Great quote indeed. It was in one of the clips in the director's interview. *G*<BR/><BR/>Princess Bride is another of my favorite films and I love the book by William Goldman. My kids still use quotes from that movie in conversations. <BR/><BR/>About irony: I like to use irony because it also offers a taste of destiny. <BR/><BR/>And often proves that everything happens for a reason.Okie Debhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10923436419723067338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-40623059901258773622007-09-19T16:43:00.000-04:002007-09-19T16:43:00.000-04:00Thanks, Tina. I really enjoyed reading your book, ...Thanks, Tina. <BR/><BR/>I really enjoyed reading your book, Top Ten Uses for an Unworn Prom Dress. <BR/><BR/>I have it back safely now but loaned it to a young lady picky about her reading. <BR/><BR/>She thought it was great and will be buying your future titles. <BR/><BR/>I'm glad you found something useful in my comments. Combining screenwriting and literary techniques works well for me because it fits my process. <BR/><BR/>For me, seeing the action and hearing the dialogue is a definite plus in getting it all on the page.Okie Debhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10923436419723067338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-28828978900755975642007-09-19T16:40:00.000-04:002007-09-19T16:40:00.000-04:00Hi Debrah! I'm so glad to see you blogging about y...Hi Debrah! I'm so glad to see you blogging about your fantastic books. You know exactly how to evoke a ton of emotion from your reader. I think that's what grabbed me right from the start. And you make it seems so effortless. Reading your books is like getting a writing lesson. I just can't get enough. Singing With the Top Down was such a powerful story. You made me feel Pauly's desperation, her pain, and her need for love. Paper Hearts was equally powerful in that it makes a reader stop and think about the very real plight of the elderly and homeless teens. You wove those two ages into an unforgettable story. Max and Chancy were both looking for impossible things and you showed them their hopes and dreams were attainable when they opened their hearts. I don't think I'll ever look at the elderly or the homeless in the same way I did. I think one of the most important duties of a writer is to teach the reader something they hadn't considered and to do it in a subtle way, little by little. Thank you so much for writing these stories and giving us food for our souls. I wish you the best.Linda Brodayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02583971513897413018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-52401595068011882352007-09-19T16:38:00.000-04:002007-09-19T16:38:00.000-04:00Very interesting post your books sound very good I...Very interesting post your books sound very good I will be watching for them so as I can read them. I have enjoyed the movies that have been mentioned very good stories.<BR/>Have Fun<BR/>HelenHelenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03984438742736003285noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-28492702024212758072007-09-19T16:34:00.000-04:002007-09-19T16:34:00.000-04:00I like movies about writers too, and loved Emma Th...I like movies about writers too, and loved Emma Thompson's portrayal of one on the edge in Stranger than Fiction. <BR/><BR/>When my daughter and I saw Secret Window with Johnny Depp, she said, "Mom, does the world really need more movies to show us how crazy writers are?" <BR/><BR/>If anyone's interested, the UK's Telegraph has a good article about Hollywood's portrayal of writers. <BR/><BR/>I'm not sure how to get the link in but if you Google Telegraph Hollywood Writers, it shows up first on the list. <BR/><BR/>And a good idea, Christine, to discuss irony further. I'll think about that. In the meantime, anyone have any thoughts?Okie Debhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10923436419723067338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-47824174644694761712007-09-19T16:29:00.000-04:002007-09-19T16:29:00.000-04:00Thanks so much for being here, Debrah and for a ve...Thanks so much for being here, Debrah and for a very informative and entertaining interview *g* Your books sound wonderful!<BR/><BR/>I too love French Kiss! So much fun :-) Another movie I can watch over and over again is Sweet Home Alabama. I think Mel's journey from thinking she wants nothing to do with her small town past (including the people in her past) to accepting herself AND that past is at least a little ironic. And a journey I love :-)Beth Andrewshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01204356784898045866noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-11460728367078671992007-09-19T16:25:00.001-04:002007-09-19T16:25:00.001-04:00Susan, thanks for offering an excellent example in...Susan, thanks for offering an excellent example in Tony Soprano. <BR/><BR/>Good reason the series won so many Emmys Sunday night. <BR/><BR/>A character-driven series like The Sopranos or Six Feet Under depends on universal appeal for the viewer, especially when the characters are so troubled. <BR/><BR/>Works great for character-driven novels too. <BR/><BR/>I have a theory why *good* viewers identify with *bad* characters like Tony. <BR/><BR/>We've all *felt* some of that rage and vengence and anger. But we hold it back. We don't act on it because we inhibit our compulsions.<BR/><BR/>We are very afraid to lose those inhibitions. Subconscious fear makes us connect too. <BR/><BR/>When a character does what we're afraid to do, watching provides a safe outlet. A message. Positive reinforcement. Right?Okie Debhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10923436419723067338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-27404335296390514142007-09-19T16:25:00.000-04:002007-09-19T16:25:00.000-04:00Hi Debrah! Welcome to the Lair!I love movies as w...Hi Debrah! Welcome to the Lair!<BR/><BR/>I love movies as writing "guides" and really appreciated your comments on irony and front-loading the visuals.<BR/><BR/>Caren, I second the Moonstruck comment and agree that it's one of the most quotable...for instance:<BR/>"..And someday you'll die and I'll come to your funeral in a red dress!" Talk about irony. Grins.<BR/><BR/>The most quotable would have to be Princess Bride, which pretty much does everything you mentioned, Debrah - heap piles of undeserved tribulation on deserving characters, make the characters amazingly sympathetic, and drive the plot both with visual and plot devices.<BR/><BR/>Congrats on your obviously very successful move to mainstream. It sound like a challenge, but that you more than met it.<BR/><BR/>I also love that you brought up the irony dimension of writing. We have in life - Murphy's law - and reflect it in our work, but I think it takes a certain knack for making it smooth. One I want to work on. :><BR/><BR/>Best of luck w/ the reviewers. I'll be on the look out for both your books in B&N on my next trip!Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse)https://www.blogger.com/profile/03492480881584553111noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-58262556064811189712007-09-19T16:20:00.000-04:002007-09-19T16:20:00.000-04:00Aunty Cindy,Allow me to congraulate you one more t...Aunty Cindy,<BR/><BR/>Allow me to congraulate you one more time on your first sale!!!TinaFerrarohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14356148823775352938noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-81667257900897022392007-09-19T16:19:00.000-04:002007-09-19T16:19:00.000-04:00Hey, Deb! While I have heard you mention how scree...Hey, Deb! <BR/><BR/>While I have heard you mention how screenwriting techniques can apply to novels, this is the first I've gotten specifics...and wow, they sure make sense. Especially, for me and my writing, about the establishing shot. Good thing I haven't sent my WIP to my editor yet...there's still time to plump the opening up!<BR/><BR/>And I must tell everyone to run--don't walk--to pick up Deb's books. Her characters are as real as your neighbors, and her prose is pitch-perfect. Wonderful, wonderful reads.TinaFerrarohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14356148823775352938noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-67266957727332988922007-09-19T16:06:00.000-04:002007-09-19T16:06:00.000-04:00That was such a wonderful post, thank you Debrah. ...That was such a wonderful post, thank you Debrah. I'm particularly interested in your comment about irony. I realized I have that in the novel I just handed in. My hero reads my heroine's erotic diary, which should be a step-by-step guide to seducing her and pleasing her in bed but all it does is complicate matters--because fantasy rarely reflects what we want in real life. <BR/><BR/>I think irony is something we instinctively build in to our stories to provide conflict, but it's a revelation to have that stated in black-and-white. Thank you, Debrah, this has been such a 'lightbulb moment' for me.<BR/><BR/>I can't wait to read Singing with the Top Down.Christine Wellshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14260589566405262159noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-35611622376834221072007-09-19T15:42:00.000-04:002007-09-19T15:42:00.000-04:00Debrah... ok........ i'm so embarrased.. i didnt ...Debrah... ok........ i'm so embarrased.. i didnt realize "okie deb" was you haha!!! i was wondering who this gal was who was posting so many comments here. haha!<BR/><BR/>and thanks for the kind words on my review of SWTD. i just write it as i sees it! :)<BR/><BR/>Marieratmammyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13282559387714689978noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-39815302650023507372007-09-19T15:20:00.000-04:002007-09-19T15:20:00.000-04:00Wicked cool interview. Irony is my favorite tool--...Wicked cool interview. Irony is my favorite tool--though I think I use it more unconsciously. I would love more tips if you're willing to share them. :)<BR/><BR/>I have to second the movie: French Kiss. Funny, dramatic--and ironic. <BR/><BR/>Currently my favorite movie to watch for character based plot is: Stranger Than Fiction. Harold Crick isn't particularly "heroic", but it's funny and heartbreaking to watch him come to terms with his "demise" and make the most of what is left of his life. And the script seems to function on a lot of irony. *LOL*Hellie Sinclairhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03933713255844695337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3815530646091177574.post-76532291515331965482007-09-19T15:06:00.000-04:002007-09-19T15:06:00.000-04:00Thanks for a great post today, Debrah! I loved th...Thanks for a great post today, Debrah! I loved the theory about sympathetic characters & compact cars! If you couldn't take a road trip with a character in a teeny tiny car, you won't stick with them through a book either -- I'm going to stick that on a postie note near my computer somewhere. <BR/><BR/>And speaking of sympathetic characters, can I just mention Tony Soprano?? My husband & I got hooked on the Sopranos this summer & burned through the entire series (god bless blockbuster.com). Anyway, I've spent these past months admiring the writers for managing to make a man as conscienceless, impulsive, rage-driven & vengeful as Tony Soprano utterly sympathetic. You know the guy kills people, you know he cheats on his wife, you know he beats people up who can't pay him, & yet somehow, you're rooting for him? What kind of voodoo is that?? And where can I get some?<BR/><BR/>I think it's because of just what Debrah said. In addition to showing all the ugliness about him, the writers also show what's universal & "us" in him, too. Struggling with his children leaving the nest, coping with his fears that his mother never loved him & that he's not strong enough or smart enough to do the job he's worked his entire life for. <BR/><BR/>Anyway, just had to add that to the list of ironic concepts we love: Mobster as family man, & in therapy to boot. :-) <BR/><BR/>SusanSusan Seyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18033511012283092945noreply@blogger.com