#discussiontime

So maybe some of you remember aaaaaages ago when I started a semi-structured biweekly community discussion called #DiscussionTime. It was fun! And for a time it was relatively successful. Then academics, and career, and real life got in the way, and it deteriorated.

Anyway, I wax nostalgic over this to say I’m giving the spirit of #DiscussionTime new life in the form of a new, less structured, discussion format. It’s going to be looser, and most importantly, I’m going to be jumping in to continue the conversation personally rather than simply mediating for others. Basically I think it’s going to be less serious and more fun! And it’s not going to be on any form of schedule because it’s not feasible for me. 

I’m looking forward to it! And I’m tagging all the lovely folks from the original #DiscussionTime taglist to see if you want to be tagged in this new format as well once I have my first opener ready. Anyone who wants to be added to or removed from the discussion taglist, please drop me a line! And don’t think you have to be on the taglist to participate - the only requirements  to participate are a good attitude and respect for otheres!

Sooooo as I'm working on another request a weird thought came to mind.

In V3, obviously there's the suggestion (because we can't confirm any of it) that they all signed up for the show. I'm curious about your thoughts everyone, and don't be afraid to repeat someone else but, do you think any of them knew each other before hand? If so, who and share your 'how' theories! Orrrr pick one of the cast and share your thoughts on WHY you think they would have joined! I'm curious to hear from you all and I think they're interesting topics to get other fan's ideas voiced.

I'm a firm believer in not letting too much reality impede works of fiction. You'll always find that person who watches Star Wars and points out how there could be no explosions in space, or the sound of TIE fighters, or visible lasers, or what-have-you. (Don't be this person, please.) And yeah, we know that that's true, but... that's not what Star Wars is about. Scientific accuracy isn't going to enhance any story past a certain extent, and even other genres have their own version of this scenario. Every element of every character backstory may not be just super plausible. Aspects of travel, and worldbuilding, and action sequences may not be realistic to the nth degree. And that's okay... to a point.

The key is working out exactly where that line is. Through the magic of the suspension of disbelief, you can ask your readers to set aside the restrictions of realism in favor of the escapism of fiction, but there is a limit. Clearly you don't want key plot elements to require readers to set aside everything they know, and asking them to forgo skepticism too often can sink everything that's good about your story. 

How far is too far when it comes to expecting readers to suspend disbelief? What's too much? How often is too often? Are there certain elements of a story that should never require suspension of disbelief? Tell us all what you think!

What is #DiscussionTime?

Alright, writeblrs, down to business. When it's time for to really buckle down and get some writing done, every writer has their own preferences about what they want at their fingertips. Scribbling away with pen on paper vs. tap-tap-tapping away on a keyboard seems to be the biggest division when it comes to the tools of the writing trade, but when you stop and think about it, your writing habits probably include a lot more than just one or the other.

Some writers like a combination of the two depending on each context, and reasons for the preference tend to vary from person to person as well. For instance, when I'm really on a roll, I tend to prefer typing because I can do that more quickly (quickly enough to keep up with my thoughts!), but other times, like planning and worldbuilding, the speed at which I write helps me to slow my mind a little and think through things. The digital age we live in also provides us with a lot of conveniences - like the miraculous cloud you can access on your phone for jotting down those unexpected notes and ideas. But what about the rest of your writing environment, and all those great resources out there?

In which situations do you prefer handwriting or typing? What types of physical spaces do you like to be in to write? What objects, snacks, etc. are a part of your writing routine? Do you have any quirks when it comes to the tools of the trade (ex: a specific pen for each notebook)? What writing tools, resources, and programs do you take advantage of?

What is #DiscussionTime?

#DiscussionTime | Pt. 5 “Tropes”

Tropes are one of the most disagreed upon elements of storytelling, whether it's being debated by the creators or the consumers of stories. Some think tropes are tried and true tools that can and should be used to tell a fulfilling story, while others are of the opinion they are inherent evils that cheapen any tale. With entire websites dedicated to archiving all the different tropes in pop culture, avoiding too-common plot devices and character types can feel like navigating a minefield.

For the most part, I've found that many tropes have become known as just that for a reason - we are drawn to and enjoy them. As writers, readers, viewers, and players, there's something about the 'headbutt of love' that makes our hearts swell with the friendship or romance. And yet, there's something about the 'easily resolved conflict' that makes most of us want to scream. What makes the difference?

Which tropes do you enjoy and which drive you crazy? Do you think it's possible for most tropes to be used well? What makes a trope an effective storytelling device, and what makes it a groan-worthy cop out? Do your opinions differ depending on if you're reading or writing?

What is #DiscussionTime?

With so many writeblrs back in school (myself included) or otherwise busy with real-life responsibilities, I've decided to transition #DiscussionTime to a biweekly schedule. Here's a brief rundown of how I plan for this to look.

I post a new #DiscussionTime prompt on a Friday.

Through the week, as you lovely folks reblog with your additions to the discussion, I'll reblog your responses under the #discussiontime tag.

The following Friday (seven days after the initial post) I will reblog the original prompt.

Again, I'll reblog anyone who participates in the discussion through the next week.

The next Friday (two weeks after the last original post) I will post a new prompt.

In summation, I will post a brand new #DiscussionTime every other week, giving anyone who wants to participate two weeks to do so. (And giving myself time to come up with and write new prompts!) My hope is that this will make things less rushed and give more ample opportunity for everyone to participate. We all understand what it is to have a busy schedule after all!

This Friday (8/31) I will be reblogging #DiscussionTime Pt. 4 "An Abundance of Advice" as part of the new schedule! Pt. 5 will be posted one week later (9/7). Tag list under the cut.