Tuesday was a creative rush, getting back in shape after the holidays with a day of writing exercises.We’ve been taught by Nikolaj Sherfig before, so introductions were not necessary – we just jumped right in and started writing. He had three exercises for us (actually more, but feedback took longer than expected, so…). Write an […]
Writing
Working methods: PUSH AND PULL
Here’s another little tool for your writer’s toolbox; a friend of mine had read my novel and we met at a cafe to discuss it. After some constructive overall feedback, we started to talk about the characters, their wants and needs and what pulls them toward and away from their goal. My friend grabbed a […]
Film School Confidential: THE 8 SEQUENCE APPROACH
Well, I wasn’t physically assaulted on the last day of the semester at Film School. But I sure felt like a punching bag, pitching my story to a teacher who was shaking his head and saying “No. No. No”. At the National Film School of Denmark they teach the three act structure, as a rule. There […]
Film School Confidential: ANGER THERAPY
“What makes you angry?” the teacher asked. My immediate response: “How much time do I have” Of course all of us have things we’re angry about. I never thought it would make it into film studies, but I understand the notion of writing from emotion, dragging something you feel strongly about into your storytelling. Each […]
Breaking News: SHORT STORY ON POPCORN FICTION
I’ve really looked forward to posting this: My first English language short story has been accepted for Popcorn Fiction! So while still unpublished in Denmark, I am now part of the Scandinavian crime fiction wave. Seems my taste in noir fits the American audience. Let’s hope the trend continues! For my story Black Heart and more […]
Working Methods: OPPOSING WILLS
A wants B. B wants C. Drama ensues. This is page 1 in the book. But just because it’s bleeding obvious, doesn’t mean you can’t miss it. I almost did, in teen crime book I wrote recently. The idea had been simmering for a long time. It had taken on different forms through the years, different […]