The Guardian Life

Ten days into the Script Frenzy and all systems are go. Thirty-five pages written, sixty-five to go. At this point, the protagonist, Jennabel, has taken the important role of Guardian for her coven. She has met a possible suitor, and introduced him to her best friend, Sadie, and to her father, Jeffery. Sadie, the antagonist (some call her Shady Sadie), is not to keen on the idea of having to share Jennabel with a boy and the coven, which is causing a rift to develop between the two. The coven Elder, Braham Golden, is 150 years old (it's amazing because he doesn't look a day over 60), and he maintains the traditional view of the craft as a means for harmonious  existence with the environment. Others in the coven, chiefly Cuff Nalpak (I would look for hidden meaning in that name) feel they are falling behind because the rest of the world is progressing and they could use the craft to better the position of their people. Enough about the plot so far, I don't want to give away the farm.

The role of Guardian is twofold. First, the Guardian serves the Elders by casting spells used in the craft. Like the separation of branches in the government, the Ancients thought that all the power in the coven should not belong to one person, so the Guardian role was created (please keep in mind this is fiction, so it's all in my head). The Guardian  also protect the powerful spells they use in serving the Elders, which are contained in a spell book that is specifically created for the person serving in the Guardian role.

As the story continues, the chasm between Jennabel and Sadie, as well as the traditional and progressive coven members, continues to develop. The romance between Jennabel and Patrick continues budding. I wouldn't be surprised if some shocking revelations are revealed along the way too. Last, Taylor, I understand you are probably waiting for the finished product before giving your answer, and I am okay with that.

Thanks for reading!

~Slayer

Update from Enchantment

Today marks the fourth day of Screnzy, and thus far, I am on track for my 100 pages after completing the 14th page today. My experience, to this point, has revealed two major differences between novel writing and scriptwriting. The first is the pace of the story, which in novel writing, can be much slower as the author takes time to develop the story through several pages or chapters even. This is contrasted by the need to rapidly develop the story line in a screenplay, where each page of script is roughly one minute of action (or so I've read). The second difference is the devices or tools authors can use to propel the story. In a novel, the author can use the character's thoughts, dialog, setting descriptions, sensory descriptions, etcetera. In a screenplay, the major tools are dialog and setting, which I am sure there is much more to it, but this is a rookie comparison between the two.

The action is rapid and within the 14 pages of script for Echoes of Enchantment, a lot has already happened. Jennabel Proctor's mother, Diana, died in a fire (or was it the fire that killed her?). Just a side note, characters named Diana do not fair well in any of my writings, which makes me wonder if there is some underlying issues with that name. Enough self-therapy though, Jennabel took the responsibility of Coven Guardian with the passing of her mother, a position selected by birthright. She met a possible suitor (1852 talk), which infuriated her bestie, Sadie, who is jealous of Jennabel's success.

Next time, I will reveal more about the Guardian role, at least the parts that are not top secret. The role is central to the Echoes story, as well as the novel, Cooking Athanasia. Last, Taylor, if you're reading, I'm offering you first crack at the lead.

Thanks for reading,

~Slayer

http://www.scriptfrenzy.org/eng/user/1024205

Script Frenzy Has Begun

Script Frenzy started April 1st right on schedule. The interesting thing for me though, was that I was on a whale watching tour in the Puget Sound bright and early the morning of the first. So, there I was, dockside before the tour started, thinking about beginning to write my screenplay. The lightbulb over my head illuminated: I can download the CELTX app (screenplay writing software) to my iPhone and start writing during any downtime on the tour. I did just that, so the fist page and a half was written on a catamaran on the way back to the dock.
The working title of my screenplay is Echoes of Enchantment. Here are some of the characters. Jennabel Proctor, she had to assume the duties of Guardian for the coven after her mother, Diana was murdered. Jefferey Proctor, Diana's husband and Jennabel's father (he is sad). Sadie Bishop, Jennabel's best friend, or is she? Cuff Nalpak, maladjusted and disgruntled coven member. Patrick Miller, the blacksmith's apprentice (every story needs a blacksmith's apprentice).
So far, I am ten pages into the screenplay and need only 90 more to claim success at the end of the month and conclusion of Screnzy '12. I will keep you posted with progress updates and tidbits about plot and character as the month progresses.

~Slayer