Writing Excuses 11.39: Elemental Relationship Q&A, with Greg van Eekhout
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Sep 25, 2016 Engaging insights unfold during a live Q&A about writing character relationships. The discussion covers establishing connections and the nuances of pacing romance. Strategies to recover forced dynamics and depict best friendships are highlighted. The tricky balance of love triangles and emotional transformations from love to hate are explored. Recommendations for stories focusing on familial ties over romance provide fresh perspectives. Plus, creative prompts spark inspiration for weaving personal experiences into narrative.
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Establish Relationships Through Dialogue
- Establish relationships through dialogue to quickly showcase their dynamics.
- Use wordplay, history, and comfort levels in conversations to define the relationship.
Pickles and Intimacy
- Greg Van Eekhout recounts a TV show scene where a wife removes pickles from her husband's burger.
- This small action revealed a deep intimacy, inspiring Greg to incorporate similar subtle actions in his writing.
Recover Forced Relationships with Conflict
- When a relationship feels forced, introduce conflict or challenges.
- Use banter in these high-stakes situations to reveal how the characters adjust their relationship on the fly.
