Reader Friday-Playing With The Storymatic

We’re going to have a bit of fun here at The Killzone today. At least, I’m pretty sure it’ll be fun…

Have you heard of The Storymatic? Check out this website. It’s also available for purchase on Amazon. There are several versions of the game also–even one especially for the kiddos in your life.

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So, here’s what I’d like to do.

I have chosen four “story prompt cards” from the box. See below.

There are two “plot” cards and two “character” cards from which to build a story.

Then, (and this is the audience participation part) you will use the prompts to write the first line or first paragraph or so of the story and share it with us right here on TKZ. Sound fun?

Here’s our assignment:

CHARACTERS: House Cleaner, Investigative Reporter

PLOT: Something Inside The Wall, Safety Deposit Box

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Now it’s your turn, TKZers. Give us the first line or paragraph of your story using the above prompts. Don’t hold back now!

Look for mine in the comments. Let’s go for it . . .

 

 

 

 

Reader Friday: Best Conditioning Programs for Characters

Labor Day is past. Schools are in session. And with that, high school and collegiate athletic programs are in full swing. Football players gather on their field for conditioning and to practice their plays. Cross country runners pound the sidewalks of our cities and villages. Soccer and Field Hockey athletes work at conditioning and improving their skills.

But, what about our characters in our books? We are warned about two-dimensional “cardboard” characters, and are instructed to fill them out with backstory and motivation. Do we also provide them with a conditioning program to make them buff and tough and ready to take on the nasty plot twists and turns we will throw at them?

What conditioning and skill program do you enroll your characters in, so they can take on Goliath and eke out a victory?

Or

What is the best conditioning program you have seen a writer employ to prepare their character for battle with the protagonist?