Deanna Lepsch

This is a re-post from my Project4word post. I know I said I wasn’t going to do that, but I really like the post, so deal with it.

What happens when you have no plot?

I am cursed with pretty good characters who seem to never do anything. I guess arguably, then, they aren’t good at all. Where do plots hide?What makes a conflict plottable? I’ve often wondered this as I search the depths of my brain for a good conflict.

Here’s a test(which is taken from the real life questions I ask myself when trying to determine if I should take something seriously):

1. Does this problem complicate my life?

If no…move on.
If yes…is it an “I can’t have PB&J for lunch because I’m out of PB” crisis or an “I can’t go to work because my leg was broken, my car is on fire, I was hit by a little person dressed up as a seal swinging a bat, etc, etc.” kind of crisis.
–>If it’s the first…move on.
–>The second…okay we have something. Maybe.

2.Does it complicate the lives of my immediate circle?

If no…move on*.
If yes…does it inconvenience your circle or does it blow up their world?
–>The first…move on*.
–>The second…how? And is there loss of limb?

3. Does it complicate the lives of those outside your circle?

If no…move on**.
If yes…does it inconvenience them or does it blow up the world?
–>The first…move on***.
–>The second…how? Is it a figurative “blow up” or were bombs involved?

4. Does this problem destroy the world?

If no…do you wish it had?
If yes…are you to blame?

These are a few questions I ask myself before embarking on a plot adventure. Perhaps you can use them as well, but if not, I don’t really care.

Ciao and happy writing,
D

*Unless the point of your plot is inconvenience, really, you’re better off moving on to something more solid UNLESS your objective is a very short and/or annoying, melodramatic story. If you can prove me wrong, I urge you to do so.
**Unless item 3 is true. Not every story has to have a world focus.
***Unless the inconvenience is something like zombie dogs and you’re a mail carrier delivering brains. That might be an inconvenience, but it might also be plottable.

PS…I made these up just now.

Here it is in all it’s glory.

After the show at the Acme Comedy Company in Minneapolis

I have to say, when I met him, it wasn’t awkward at all. Which leads me to conclude that comedians take gushing fans better than writers. Though, I don’t think that statement would surprise anyone, by any means.

Perhaps it wasn’t the meeting at all but my approach. I was calm and cool despite what my twinkling eyes and devilish grin in the picture above might lead you to believe. I presented him with common ground–or rather a common acquaintance–that we shared and it diffused any awkwardness that might have emerged.

In any case, the show was a blast. Chris Hardwick is a funny, funny man and I enjoyed seeing him at Acme. I’m also grateful that my friend Tori kept her wits about her, siddled up to the him after the show and was kind enough to make me stand with her.

And that’s how I got my picture. Awesome.

Have you ever been faced with the prospect of meeting someone you admire, respect or (in the case of Chris Hardwick) have an enormous superficial Geek crush on and realize you have no idea how to act or what to say? Yes, this person, whomever it may be, is just a person but he or she is someone, if you know what I mean.

Last summer, I had the privilege to meet one of my favorite authors, Maria V. Snyder.  Maria’s books are fun and well written with engaging plots and characters you care about immediately. The best part for me is that we attended the same program at Seton Hill University giving me a personal connection, in a way.

While attending the annual In your Write Mind writing retreat I came in contact with her several times and, by the way, she was very nice over the course of the weekend. The first time we met I told her how wonderful her books are and that I’ve basically started the Minnesota chapter of her fan club since everyone I recommend the books to end up loving them. I was gushing but trying not to and in the end I felt awkward. Part of me wonders if I felt this way because I didn’t let my geek flag fly and nerd out to her about how much I loved her books.

Is there an age when gushing is no longer cute and instead seems desperate? As in, I have no life of my own so I emmerse myself in the world you created and meeting you is the penultimate moment in my so far pathetic life? Okay, maybe it’s not that dire, but the point has been made.

Which brings me to this: If I was a” known” individual, whether it be through film, TV, or novels, would I want a fan gushing over me?

Of course I would…but I also recognize that it might get old, which, is why I hold back, I think. Since I will be seeing Maria again and again at retreat, I’m guessing that will flush itself out.

But what do I do about Chris Hardwick?

Tomorrow night, my husband and I are going to the Acme Comedy Company in Minneapolis, MN to see Chris Hardwick perform. I admit, I have a HUGE geek crush on him. I think he’s adorable. If he comes out after the show to meet the pleebs, you can bet I’ll be there, camera in hand to have my picture taken with him.

Do I gush? Do I play it cool? What do I say? What do I do? Look at me, I’m all verklempt.

In the end I’ll probably say something bland and awkward since you’re never funny when you want to be. I’ll certainly post about it Friday–hopefully, with picture!

I ‘ve had this page for well over six months now and it has sat empty. An empty representation of me.  Truthfully, if it wasn’t for the yearly promises generally made in the form of resolutions at New Year’s, it might still be empty.

Since I do already have two of my own blogs and another in which I collaborate focusing on three prominent aspects of my life–writing, cooking and crafting–I struggled with the concept of this blog. I already write about everything that seems to encompass the best parts of me elsewhere. What, then, should this page be about? What’s left of me?

I’m not sure I know the answer to that last question, but I do know that I don’t have to keep this separate and I don’t intend to. What I do want to avoid is allowing this page to become a vehicle for re-posting. The day that my reposts out number new posts is the day I need to cash it in, I think.

So keep me honest…D

Thanks for checking out my personal blog. This space is my docking station, my home on the web–and hopefully a fun place for you to hang out as well. 

Welcome.

Come in and don’t worry about wiping your feet. I have dogs.