Comments on: TRICKSTERS, Episode 3

By: Jason Penney

Jason Penney — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 20:44:38 +0000

I’ve been a bit behind, so the first three episodes backed up in my ‘to read’ file. Finally got to them this week.

I’m enjoying it so far, and I’m looking forward to the next one.

By: Chris Miller

Chris Miller — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 20:16:00 +0000

I never thought otherwise. No worries.

By: JJ

JJ — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 20:01:09 +0000

I’m not chastising, just empathizing. Take care of yourself first.

By: Chris Miller

Chris Miller — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:54:46 +0000

Last week it was Hackday, This week it’s my wife’s operation. Going to try to write one up tonight,

By: JJ

JJ — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:48:46 +0000

I take it life has delayed episode 4?

By: JJ

JJ — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:30:41 +0000

Cool. An can I say how amazing it is that you are in a conference on the other side of the world and posting this stuff here. The interweb, not just for kids anymore.

By: Chris Miller

Chris Miller — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:19:15 +0000

I adapt it to match my weaknesses. My goal at the onset was to release every week. Once I feel I’ve got that habit down, I’ll implement a word count goal, plotting outline, etc. At the moment, it’s free form, but as plot elements present themselves, I make notes and I try to expand upon them in new episodes.

By: JJ

JJ — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:11:27 +0000

As an exercise, what are your expectations when sitting down to write an installment? Minimum word count or length of scene? Do you work with any outlines or is this more free form? Just curious, yah know.

By: Chris Miller

Chris Miller — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 15:46:01 +0000

Not really, because this is an experiment for me. You see…I had two ideas for what to write. The first is a massive sweeping tale for which I have pages of notes. The second was became TRICKSTERS, which started as a writing exercise which people liked. I chose TRICKSTERS because I lack the skill to tell an epic tale as of yet (IMHO).

TRICKSTERS is a writing exercise for me. It’s as much about the exploration of how I write as much as what I’m writing. It’s about become disciplined enough to write on a weekly schedule. It’s about building up a writing practice. I do this publicly because it keeps me honest.

The serialized form is something I’ve always wanted to try. It provides an interesting vehicle for character growth. It brings to mind both comics and television, where the characters and story evolve over time in unforeseen ways. I’m allowing that chaos to help drive the story…there’s a thread I want to follow, but the plot is not a rigid one at this time.

I’m glad people are enjoying it. It’s gratifying to get feedback on what I’m writing as I’m writing it. I want people to discuss the episodes with me; the discussion will help inform my practice and future episodes.

By: JJ

JJ — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 14:19:28 +0000

Characters and dialog are a strength in this story. Both leave me wanting to read more. I’m curious if you had to do any adaptaion to you writing for this serialized delivery method.