A Quick Note on Anton Chekhov’s “Gun Theory” and How to Use it in Fiction Writing for the Novice Writer by Ryker J. Phoenix

 

A Quick Note on Anton Chekhov’s “Gun Theory” and How to Use it in  Fiction Writing for the Novice Writer

 

by Ryker J. Phoenix

 

 Anton Chekhov is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers of the 19th century, and his contributions to the field of literature are still studied and admired today. One of Chekhov's most famous and enduring contributions to the craft of writing is his "gun theory," which has become a cornerstone of modern storytelling.

Chekhov's gun theory is a simple but powerful concept: every element in a story must serve a purpose. In other words, if a gun is introduced in the first act of a play or story, it must eventually be fired by the end of the story. Chekhov believed that every detail in a work of fiction should be necessary and integral to the plot, and that any element that does not serve a purpose should be removed.

This approach to storytelling is deceptively simple, but it has profound implications for the way that writers approach their craft. By forcing writers to consider every detail in their work, Chekhov's gun theory helps to create stories that are tightly constructed and free of extraneous material. This in turn creates a sense of inevitability and coherence in the story that draws the reader or audience in and makes them invested in the outcome.

Chekhov's gun theory also has important implications for character development. By insisting that every character, action, and detail must serve a purpose, Chekhov encourages writers to create characters who are fully realized and who act in ways that are consistent with their personalities and motivations. This attention to detail and consistency helps to create characters who are believable and who engage the reader or audience on a deeper level.

The gun theory is not just limited to physical objects like guns, but can also apply to any element in a story that is introduced but not fully developed. This could include a character's backstory, a particular setting, or a plot point that is introduced but never resolved. By insisting that every element in a story must serve a purpose, Chekhov encourages writers to create stories that are tightly constructed and free of loose ends.

Of course, like any theory of writing, Chekhov's gun theory is not without its critics. Some argue that it can lead to formulaic, predictable stories that lack spontaneity and surprise. Others argue that it places too much emphasis on plot at the expense of character development or other elements of storytelling.

Despite these criticisms, however, Chekhov's gun theory remains a powerful and influential concept in the world of storytelling. Its emphasis on purpose, consistency, and coherence has helped countless writers to create stories that are engaging, meaningful, and memorable. Aspiring writers would do well to study Chekhov's gun theory in depth and to incorporate its principles into their own work.

Also see:

• Writing 101: What Is Chekhov's Gun? Learn How to Use Chekhov's Gun In Your Writing
   

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The Bedtime Story Model by Randy Ingermanson | Advanced Fiction Writing

The Bedtime Story Model

 

by Randy Ingermanson 

 

Advanced Fiction Writing

 

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There are two common ways people organize ideas—the top-down method and the bottom-up method.

The top-down method starts with just one simple idea and expands it out in stages, adding more and more detail until the whole story is fleshed out. Fans of my Snowflake Method will see instantly that the Snowflake is a classic top-down approach to developing a story. But it’s not the only way.

The bottom-up method starts with the whole story, or at least a big chunk of it. But to sell this to an editor or an agent or a reader, you’ve got to be able to explain in just a few words what the story’s about. So the bottom-up approach keeps summarizing and summarizing the story into smaller and smaller chunks until at last, you’ve got a one-sentence summary or a logline or a pitch sentence that you can use to sell your story.

That bottom-up process of summarizing and resummarizing is hard. You have to figure out what’s important and what to leave out. But it feels like it’s all important!

So how do you decide what to leave out?

I’ve found it helpful to use a clever tool created by Pilar Allesandra, the “Bedtime Story” template, which helps you summarize the Three-Act Structure of your story in just a few paragraphs. The template was originally described in her book The Coffee Break Screenwriter. This book is packed full of good ideas and templates for making progress on your screenplay, 10 minutes at a time.

I originally found the “Bedtime Story” template online at the StoryFix blog, in a post by Art Holcomb from years ago.

The entire template appears in Art's blog post, and I then bought the book The Coffee Break Screenwriter by Pilar Allesandra, because it has dozens and dozens of other useful templates for organizing your story.

Let’s review the Three-Act Structure and then see the Bedtime Story model in action. The Three-Act Structure breaks your story up into four parts of roughly equal length. Yes, four parts, not three. We’ll see how that works shortly

Act 1

The first Act of your story introduces your character and their life situation, reveals some problem in their life, and ends with a First Disaster that impels the character to commit to the story.

An example I’ve used many times is the original Star Wars movie (now numbered Episode 4. In Act 1, we meet Luke Skywalker, a young farm boy who dreams of joining the rebel alliance, but is tied down to a dull job working for his uncle. When his uncle buys two droids that escape, Luke goes after them and meets Obi-wan Kenobi, who invites him to go help rescue Princess Leia. Luke initially says no, but then he discovers that his aunt and uncle have been murdered by storm troopers searching for the droids. So Luke agrees to join Obi-wan Kenobi on a trip to Princess Leia’s home planet.

Here’s the Bedtime Story template for the first act. As a homework exercise, you can fill in the blanks with the storyline from Star Wars or for some other favorite movie that you know better:

Once upon a time there was a ____________________( main character) who was ____________________ (character flaw). When ____________________ (obstacle) happened, she ____________________ (flaw-driven strategy). Unfortunately ____________________ (screw up). So she decided ____________________ (goal) and had to ____________________ (action that begins a new journey).

Act 2A

Act 2 has two parts, roughly equal in length. In Act 2A, your lead character pursues a defective strategy, runs into obstacles, meets some allies, and ultimately hits a Second Disaster that forces the story lead to rethink their strategy.

Continuing the example of Star Wars, in Act 2A, Luke and Obi-wan Kenobi hire Han Solo and Chewbacca to transport them on the Millennium Falcon to Princess Leia’s home planet, Alderaan. On the journey, Kenobi tries to teach Luke to use The Force, but Luke is having trouble giving up rational control to some spooky unseen Force. When they reach Alderaan, they find the planet has been obliterated by a giant Death Star. A tractor beam sucks the Millennium Falcon into the Death Star. Kenobi sets out alone to cut power to the tractor beam. Luke and Han go on a crazy mission to rescue the Princess. But Darth Vader intercepts Kenobi and they have a light-saber duel, which ends with Vader killing Kenobi.

Here’s the Bedtime Story template for Act 2A. As a homework exercise, you can again fill in the blanks:

In order to take this action, she decided to ____________________ (strategy). Unfortunately ____________________ (obstacle) happened, which caused ____________________ (complication)! Now she had to ____________________ (new task) or risk ____________________ (personal stake)

Act 2B

In Act 2B, your lead character makes a new and better strategy, which they then pursue for the rest of the story. However, the obstacles only get bigger, and the Act ends with a Third Disaster that now forces the lead character to commit to one last desperate attempt to end the story.

In Act 2B of Star Wars, Luke and his friends escape from the Death Star. Darth Vader sends out Imperial ships to pursue them, but our heroes fight bravely and defeat their enemies and escape. Princess Leia insists that they must go to the secret rebel planet, where she intends to hand over the droid R2-D2 with the complete plans for the Death Star. She hopes that the rebels will then find a weakness that they can exploit to destroy the Death Star. They reach the rebel planet safely, and only then do they discover that they’ve been tricked. Vader’s men had planted a tracking device on the Millennium Falcon, and now the Death Star has followed them to the home solar system of the rebel planet. It’s only a matter of hours before the Death Star will destroy the rebel planet, and with it the Rebellion.

Here’s the Bedtime Story template for Act 2B. As a homework exercise, you can again fill in the blanks:

Where she once wanted to ____________________ (old desire) she now wanted ____________________ (new desire). But how could that happen when ____________________ (obstacle)? Filled with ____________________ (emotion) she____________________ (new action). But this only resulted in ____________________ (low point).

Act 3

In Act 3, your lead character commits to a decision to end the story. The stakes are high, but your lead character is now a stronger person than they were at the start of the story, and they have a chance to win. It’s only a slim chance, but they accept the odds and risk everything to win or lose.

In Act 3 of Star Wars, the rebels know that the Death Star will destroy their planet shortly, unless they can destroy it first. They could scatter to the far corners of the galaxy, but this would end the Rebellion, because without a home base and communication, they would have no way to continue fighting the Empire. They decide to stand and fight the Death Star. Using the plans supplied by R2-D2, they detect a small weakness in the Death Star’s defenses, and send out every possible fighter ship to attack it. After a wild battle, with many rebels killed, Luke Skywalker finds enough of the Force inside himself to launch a photon torpedo that destroys the Death Star.

Here’s the Bedtime Story template for Act 3. As a homework exercise, you can again fill in the blanks:

Fortunately, this helped her to realize ____________________ (the solution)! All she had to do was____________________ (action using new lesson)! Using ____________________ (other characters), ____________________ (skills) and ____________________ (tools from the journey) she was able to ____________________ (victorious action). Unfortunately, ____________________ (final hurdle). But this time, she ____________________ (clever strategy)! This resulted in ____________________ (change of situation)

A Template is a Guide, Not a Master

I hope it’s obvious that the Bedtime Story template is just a guide to help you in focusing your ideas into a sound Three-Act Structure. It will tell you what to remove from your summary, and it will suggest what to leave in, but you may need to change the wording to fit your story.

The template is not something to follow slavishly. Your story is your story and it has its own inner logic. The Bedtime Story model is just a way to help you summarize your story in a couple of hundred words that reflect the classic Three-Act Structure.

Once you’ve done that, it shouldn’t be hard to trim it further, to a one-paragraph summary and then ultimately to a one-sentence summary that will serve you forever as your selling tool.

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About The Author

Randy Ingermanson is a theoretical physicist and the award-winning author of six novels. He has taught at numerous writing conferences over the years and publishes the free monthly Advanced Fiction Writing E-zine.

 

 Randy Ingermanson Books at Amazon

 

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A Quick Note on Writing a Spine-Tingling Young Adult Gothic Horror in Fiction Writing for the Novice Writer

 

A Quick Note on Writing a Spine-Tingling Young Adult Gothic Horror in  Fiction Writing for the Novice Writer

 

by Ryker J. Phoenix

 

 Writing a spine-tingling young adult gothic horror is no easy feat. It requires a delicate balance of atmosphere, characterization, and plot, all of which must work together seamlessly to create a sense of unease and dread in the reader. In this article, I will offer some tips and strategies for crafting a successful gothic horror story that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

First and foremost, setting is key in gothic horror. The physical environment should be dark, foreboding, and oppressive. This can be achieved through descriptions of the weather (fog, rain, storms), the natural landscape (barren, rocky, desolate), or the architecture (damp, decaying, labyrinthine). The setting should feel almost like a character in itself, with its own personality and motivations that contribute to the overall feeling of dread.

Next, the characterization should be carefully crafted to create both tension and empathy. The main character(s) should be flawed and imperfect, struggling with their own fears, doubts, and desires. They should have past traumas or secrets that haunt them and contribute to their vulnerability. Additionally, there should be a powerful villain or antagonist that is equally compelling and complex. The villain should be a source of both terror and fascination, with their own twisted motivations and psychological complexities.

Finally, the plot should be structured in a way that builds suspense and keeps the reader guessing. This can involve utilizing a variety of horror tropes, such as ghosts, demons, curses, and psychological horror. The pacing should be slow and deliberate, with the tension constantly rising until the final climax. This climax should be both satisfying and unexpected, resolving the central conflict while also leaving room for lingering questions and unease.

In conclusion, writing a spine-tingling young adult gothic horror is a challenging but rewarding task. By carefully crafting the setting, characterization, and plot, writers can create a story that is both terrifying and emotionally resonant. While the horror genre often relies on shock value and gore, a successful gothic horror story relies on atmosphere, psychological depth, and a sense of mystery. By mastering these elements, writers can create stories that will haunt readers long after the last page is turned.

 

 Also see:

• How to Write a Horror Story: R.L. Stine’s Tips for Writing Horror
•  What Makes a Gothic Novel: Common Tropes and How to Write One
•  4 Tips for Writing Gothic Horror
•  How to Write Gothic Fiction
  

 

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A Quick Note on "Iceberg Theory" or the "Theory of Omission" in Fiction Writing for the Novice Writer by Ryker J. Phoenix

 

A Quick Note on "Iceberg Theory" or the "Theory of Omission" in  Fiction Writing for the Novice Writer

 

by Ryker J. Phoenix

 

 

 

 Ernest Hemingway, one of the most prominent writers of the 20th century, was known for his concise, minimalist writing style. He believed that the true meaning of a story lies beneath the surface, and that the key to effective storytelling is to leave much unsaid. This approach to writing is commonly referred to as the "Iceberg Theory" or the "Theory of Omission".

The Iceberg Theory is based on the idea that only a small portion of an iceberg is visible above the surface of the water, while the majority of it remains hidden below. Similarly, in writing, only a fraction of the story is explicitly stated, while the rest is implied or left to the reader's interpretation. Hemingway believed that by omitting details and allowing the reader to fill in the gaps, he could create a more powerful and resonant story.

In practice, this meant that Hemingway's writing was sparse and direct, with little to no excess verbiage. He avoided flowery language, adjectives, and adverbs, opting instead for short, declarative sentences and precise descriptions. He also preferred to show rather than tell, allowing the actions of his characters to reveal their thoughts and emotions.

The Iceberg Theory can be seen in many of Hemingway's works, including his early short stories such as "Hills Like White Elephants" and "The Killers", as well as his later novels like "The Old Man and the Sea". In "Hills Like White Elephants", for example, the true nature of the characters' conversation - which is about the possibility of getting an abortion - is never explicitly stated. Instead, it is hinted at through their dialogue and actions, leaving the reader to infer what is really going on.

Similarly, in "The Old Man and the Sea", Hemingway tells the story of an aging fisherman's struggle to catch a giant marlin. While the plot is relatively simple, the novel is packed with symbolism and metaphor, much of which is left for the reader to decipher. For example, the marlin itself can be seen as a representation of the human struggle against nature, while the old man's battle with the fish can be interpreted as a metaphor for the struggle of life itself.

Hemingway's Iceberg Theory had a profound impact on the way writers approached their craft. His emphasis on brevity, simplicity, and implication influenced a generation of writers, including Raymond Carver, Cormac McCarthy, and J.D. Salinger. Today, the Iceberg Theory remains a popular approach to storytelling, particularly in the realm of literary fiction.

In conclusion, Ernest Hemingway's Iceberg Theory, or Theory of Omission, is a writing philosophy that emphasizes the power of understatement and implication in storytelling. By leaving much unsaid and allowing the reader to fill in the gaps, Hemingway believed that he could create a more powerful and resonant story. His minimalist approach to writing had a profound impact on the world of literature, and his legacy continues to influence writers today.
 

 

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A Quick Note on Plotting with the Freytag Pyramid in Fiction Writing for the Novice Writer by Ryker J. Phoenix

 

A Quick Note on Plotting with the Freytag Pyramid in  Fiction Writing for the Novice Writer

 

by Ryker J. Phoenix

 

The Freytag Pyramid is a popular tool for plotting and analyzing the structure of a story. Developed by German writer Gustav Freytag in the mid-19th century, the pyramid is a visual representation of the five-act structure commonly used in dramatic storytelling. It consists of five parts: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. In this essay, we will explore how to use the Freytag Pyramid to effectively plot a story.

The first part of the pyramid is the exposition, which introduces the main characters, setting, and the initial conflict or problem to be addressed. (This is also called the introduction or prologue in some storytelling models.) This is where the audience gets a sense of the story's world and the characters involved.

Next comes the rising action, where the bulk of the story takes place. This is where complications and obstacles begin to pile up, causing tension and conflict for the characters. The tension builds as the characters try to overcome these obstacles and reach their goals. There is a sense of rising action and momentum as the story progresses towards its climax.

The climax is the highest point of tension in the story and mark of transition into the final act. It is where the main conflict or problem comes to a head, resulting in a significant change or event in the story. The climax is the moment where many stories will pivot towards a final conclusion. Often, this is where the hero will make their ultimate decision or sacrifice to solve the problem.

After the climax, the story moves into the falling action, where the tension begins to wind down. The conflict is unraveled, and the characters work towards a resolution. This stage can vary depending on the story. In some cases, it is a short denouement that ties up loose ends quickly. In other cases, it might be a longer, more contemplative section, where characters reflect on the events that have occurred and process their feelings.

Finally, the story ends with the resolution, tying up any remaining loose ends and bringing the story to a satisfying conclusion. The resolution should provide a sense of closure and resolution for the characters and the audience. It is the culmination of the work put into building the story and requires satisfying exploration.

Using the Freytag Pyramid, we can see how each of these elements contributes to a well-structured story. The progression of the story is essential to creating an interesting and satisfying experience for the audience. Used wisely, the skilful implementation of these stages can support a meaningful and resonant connection with the story's themes, characters, and overall message.

In Conclusion, the Freytag Pyramid is a popular tool for plotting and analyzing stories as it provides a clear structure to follow, which can be easily understood by both writers and audiences alike. A story that follows the Freytag Pyramid has a strong narrative structure and has the tendency to engage the audience's attention, making it an effective tool for novelists and screenwriters alike. By employing the principles of exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution, one can create plots that are cohesive and satisfying to readers.

Also see:

• Freytag's Pyramid: Definition, Examples, and Usage

 

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A Quick Note on Novel Writing in Fiction Writing for the Novice Writer by Ryker J. Phoenix

 

A Quick Note on Novel Writing in  Fiction Writing for the Novice Writer

 

by Ryker J. Phoenix

 

 Writing a novel is a challenging but rewarding undertaking that requires a great deal of dedication, organization, and discipline. It's not enough to simply have a great idea for a story; you must also be willing to put in the time and effort required to develop that idea into a fully-fledged novel. In this article, we'll explore the key steps involved in writing a novel and provide tips on how to stay focused and motivated throughout the writing process.

The first step in writing a novel is to come up with an idea or story that you're passionate about. This can be something that has been brewing in your mind for years, or it can be a new concept that you've just thought of. Whatever the case, it's important to spend some time brainstorming and developing your idea before you begin writing. Ask yourself questions such as: What is the main conflict in my story? Who are the characters and what motivates them? What themes do I want to explore? Taking the time to answer these questions will help you to create a solid foundation for your novel.

Once you've developed your idea, the next step is to create an outline or plan for your novel. This will help you to stay organized and focused as you write. Your outline should include a general plot summary, a breakdown of key scenes and events, and a list of characters and their motivations. You may also want to include a timeline or schedule that outlines when you plan to complete each chapter or section of your novel.

With your outline in place, it's time to start writing. This is where discipline and dedication come into play. Writing a novel is a marathon, not a sprint, and it's important to set aside time each day to work on your manuscript. This could be an hour in the morning before work, or it could be a few hours in the evening after dinner. Whatever the case, make sure you stick to your schedule and avoid distractions such as social media or television.

As you write, it's important to stay organized and keep track of your progress. This could be as simple as keeping a notebook where you jot down ideas and notes, or it could involve using software such as Scrivener or Evernote to manage your writing process. Whatever tools you use, make sure you stay organized and keep track of important details such as character names and plot points.

Finally, don't be afraid to ask for feedback and revise your work as you go. Writing a novel is a collaborative process, and it's important to get feedback from others to help you see your work from different perspectives. Join a writing group or find a trusted beta reader who can offer constructive criticism and help you to refine your manuscript.

In conclusion, writing a novel requires dedication, organization, and discipline. By following the steps outlined above, you can develop your idea into a fully-fledged novel that you can be proud of. Remember to stay focused, stay organized, and stay motivated, and you'll be well on your way to becoming a successful novelist.
 

Also see:

• How to Start Writing a Book: 9 Steps for Writers

 

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The Edit-As-You-Go Method by Randy Ingermanson | Advanced Fiction Writing

The Edit-As-You-Go Method

 

by Randy Ingermanson 

 

Advanced Fiction Writing

 

Finishing your first draft is an essential milestone on the way to publishing your novel. If you don’t finish that first draft, you probably won’t finish the second, or third, and you probably won’t ever get a polished final draft.

And how do you write your first draft? There’s no one right answer. Different writers are different, and what works for one writer doesn’t work for another. Here are four options that have worked for large numbers of writers:

• Writing by the seat of your pants—you just start typing with no planning.
• Writing to an outline—you create a detailed outline and use it to write your first draft.
• The Snowflake Method—the 10-step method I invented to plan your novel’s plot and characters, starting simple and expanding out the details bit by bit.
• Editing as you go—you type the first scene as if you were writing by the seat of your pants, but then you polish it until it’s perfect before moving on to the next scene. You repeat this until you’re done.

And of course many writers mix and match elements from these methods. The right way for you is the one that works.

I created the Snowflake Method, so naturally I’ve talked about it a lot in this e-zine over the years.

In this article, I’d like to focus on the Edit-As-You-Go approach, because I think it hasn’t gotten as much airtime as it deserves. My understanding is that Dean Koontz uses the Edit-As-You-Go method, and that gives it all the credibility it needs.

Why Edit As You Go?

Why might you decide to give the EAYG method a try?

One very good reason to try it is that you resonate with the idea. If you’ve read the short descriptions of the methods above and EAYG has emotional appeal for you, then your instincts are telling you something. I think it’s always smart to listen to your instincts. They might be wrong, but very often, they’re right.

Another good reason to try EAYG is that you’ve tried the other methods, and none of them have clicked for you. That doesn’t make you a bad writer or a defective human. It just means you tried things that didn’t click for you. That’s all it means. If you try EAYG, it’ll either click for you or it won’t. If it doesn’t click, then you’re no worse off than before. But if it does click, then that’s a win. A big win. There’s just no downside to experimenting.

A third reason to try EAYG is when your story and characters are only partly formed in your mind, and you need a lab for trying out different ideas to get them to gel. The novel I’m currently writing is a historical novel in which history records a number of disconnected events, but we don’t know the exact order of the events, and we don’t know the character motivations. The story is unclear, and my job is to find the story. So I’ve found EAYG useful as a lab. I can write a scene in which I audition characters and plot ideas. If they don’t seem to be right, I can edit them again and again and again, until they ooze into focus. Then I can move on. This is not my preferred way to write, but I’ll do what it takes to find my story.

This is Not Complicated

Unlike outlining or the Snowflake Method, the EAYG approach has very few moving parts. You type a scene. Then you edit it once or many times, until you’re happy with it. Then you repeat until done.

So there’s not a lot to say here. Either you like the idea or you don’t. If you hate it, then move on; life is short. But if you love it, give it a whirl and see if you like it as much in practice as you do in theory.

The acid test of any kind of writing is this question: Are you having fun? This matters, because we novelists spend thousands of hours writing fiction. For most novelists, the writing is not super profitable. So it had better be fun, or what’s the point?

 

About The Author

Randy Ingermanson is a theoretical physicist and the award-winning author of six novels. He has taught at numerous writing conferences over the years and publishes the free monthly Advanced Fiction Writing E-zine.

 

 Randy Ingermanson Books at Amazon

 

More Advanced Fiction Writing