need the imagination of some writers.. .some help!! !

[dannYves]

I’ve been writing an adult adventure story, influenced by the wizard of oz, star wars, lord of the rings.. .

And I’m stuck..
So, taking the concept of the wizard of oz, i also have "a deadly desert" and who ever touches it turns to sand, so i have two main characters who need to cross this desert by means of an old hag.

I have no idea how to describe this in a more intense way. I dont know how they would cross the desert.. .

I kind of invision a scene similar to the movie 300 with the oracle dancing around around naked.
Does anyone have any ideas for me to toy with?

As far as the story, so far, two characters need to cross the deadly desert without touching the sands , in order to reach the other side of an island.

Hope anyone has any suggestions. Thanks :-)

[Shea]

Honestly, I can't come up with something to help you at the moment. That could be because I've got another headache. :(

But if I'm stuck, I have 2 activites that help me. One is free-association writing. It's like brain-storming on paper, but you don't let your pen stop. It doesn't matter if it makes sense at all or even has anything to do with your plot. If you "regurgitate" all the issues that may be going on in your life on to paper, it helps to empty your head so you can think clearer. At least it does for me.

The other thing (and I use it as a last resort :lol:) is exercise. I'm currently writing an Irish historical fiction/ adventure. I was stuck at one point and so I took a spin class at the Y. At one point the instructor played music from 'Lord of the Dance'. After that, I suddenly knew exactly what to write. :D

[dannYves]

Honestly, I can't come up with something to help you at the moment. That could be because I've got another headache. :(

But if I'm stuck, I have 2 activites that help me. One is free-association writing. It's like brain-storming on paper, but you don't let your pen stop. It doesn't matter if it makes sense at all or even has anything to do with your plot. If you "regurgitate" all the issues that may be going on in your life on to paper, it helps to empty your head so you can think clearer. At least it does for me.

The other thing (and I use it as a last resort :lol:) is exercise. I'm currently writing an Irish historical fiction/ adventure. I was stuck at one point and so I took a spin class at the Y. At one point the instructor played music from 'Lord of the Dance'. After that, I suddenly knew exactly what to write. :D

Thank you for your kind words :)
I do think I just needed to step back and take a breather , I get very involved in writing to the point of no return jaja! So your words definately make sense.. . I like the first idea its interesting.

[Shea]

No problem :) I hope it helps! :D

[Charles Darnay]

I do think I just needed to step back and take a breather , I get very involved in writing to the point of no return

This does happen. I don't believe you will be satisfied with any particular suggestion you may get to your particular plot problem. You will most likely find the answer while far away from your papers/computer, when your story is working its way around the back of your mind while you are doing something else.

But if you are intent on tackling it head on, look at it this way. You know where your characters are (point A), you know where they need to get to (point B), and you know the obstacles in their way; but so do they. Don't look at it as a writer trying to figure this out rationally, but look at it as your characters trying to overcome the limitation. Plan it out with them not for them.

[Shea]

But if you are intent on tackling it head on, look at it this way. You know where your characters are (point A), you know where they need to get to (point B), and you know the obstacles in their way; but so do they. Don't look at it as a writer trying to figure this out rationally, but look at it as your characters trying to overcome the limitation. Plan it out with them not for them.

Well put! :yesnod:

[dannYves]

I agree very Well put! Puts things into a different perspective for me to broaden my horizons as an artist by learning from other talented individuals...
I appreciate the advice very much so :-)

[Sinner]

Think of the goal the characters want to reach. Is there some sort of magic in your story?

You say that they must get to the other side "by means of an old hag?" is this hag somehow the aid they need? Is that what you mean?

[I am not trying to be mean or *****y, just trying to get a feel for the story.]

Maybe they should do a task, go on another journey to obtain an artifact of sorts...to obtain or acquire a potion...capture another creature...something that would provide questionable, temporary passage. If permanent passage, then later on after the desert, have the characters lose it or be robbed of what they need, acquire it again upon their return.

Re-read your story and brainstorm the possibilities...the story is your creation. Remember. you set the rules in your world...and you can break them as well.

look into your inspiration pieces and meditate on their creativity. Allow their wonderful imaginative displays to feed and expand yours.

The universe bends and folds in itself to warp in an endless loop...be eternal. Think....imagine...dare to dream with your eyes open.

Good luck!