Episode 230 - Getting the formula RIGHT
Aug 3, 2015
We've talked about formulas before, but mostly in the context of escaping formulas and reinventing them. NOW however we're talking about using existing formulas to create a story, or creating new formulas and sticking to them to come up with your stories. Formulas can be a good tool to write with, along with their close sibling “the trope” they take elements that are proven to work and stick them on a solid framework for you to more easily create your story around. All you need to do is plug in your characters and situation and see how it all fits. Formulas are comfortable for people and make it easier for a writer to structure their story faster AND in a way they know should appeal to people. Enjoy Gunwallace's lovely theme for Rismo!
Topics and Show Notes
Topics and shownotes
Featured comic:
No Future Vanish in Time - http://www.theduckwebcomics.com/No_Future_Vanish_in_Time/
CONTRIBUTE TO THE TOPIC:
Getting the formulas RIGHT - http://www.theduckwebcomics.com/news/2015/jul/16/exploring-new-comic-book-stores/
Formulas covered:
Harem
Slasher/monster
Documentary on the slasher formula:
- Going to Pieces: The Rise and Fall of the Slasher Movie - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0489062/
Procedural crime scene show
PG wodehouse - farce
Sex farce
Modern ghost house story
Superhero formula
Dysfunctional family
Courtroom drama
Office comedy/dysfunctional workplace
School based manga
Magical companion/girlfriend
The Master plan
Special thanks to:
Gallium Gunwallace, elemental music - http://www.virtuallycomics.com
The theme song by Gunwallace this week was for:
Rizmo - http://www.theduckwebcomics.com/Rizmo/ by Jobo rated E. - See more at: http://www.theduckwebcomics.com/news/2015/aug/03/quackcast-230-getting-the-formula-right/#sthash.Z0lYY5KH.dpuf
Episode 226 - The Power of Contrast
Jul 5, 2015
In this Quackcast I interrogated Mr Banes on the subject of his first newspost: Contrasts. It's a subject near and dear to him, even his comic "Typical Strange“ has its name based on the concept, i.e. two words with the opposite meanings put together to create an effect. In imagery contrast is used to make darker shapes appear darker and lighter shapes lighter and to create a tension where those areas meet at the penumbra. In writing and comics it's much the same, ”laughter and tears“, ”good and evil", a sad scene contrasting with a joyous one etc. Contrasting makes both contrasted elements appear far greater than they really are, as well as serving as a source of tension, conflict, or humour. Banes and I talk about this in a rambling fashion. Gunwallace has a special treat for us today with a brilliant theme for Dead Leon! You'll want to ask him for a copy of his one ;)
Episode 208 - Testing Your Writing
Mar 1, 2015
In this Quackcast Banes and I discuss some methods for testing your writing, well mainly your characters, to see how well you really know them. We use a comedic character creation template that we have found is perfect for testing and learning more about your established characters, no matter how serious they are. It consists of four interrelated elements: Point of view; Exaggeration of the point of view; Faults; Relatability / Humanity. We also talk a little about the dreaded dangers of the Mary Sue... you never want your writing to fall in that putrid, cancerous hole of smelly excrement where your main character is perfect and all the others worship them. And lastly the very useful Bechdel test for seeing how rounded your female characters are. There are 3 rules: You have to have at least two named women; They who talk to each other; It's about something besides a man. We were both a bit sad about the death of Leonard Nimoy. R.I.P. Mister Spock.
Episode 189 - It's YOUR CHOICE...
Oct 19, 2014
It's YOUR CHOICE people, that's the name of the ongoing conic by VinMas who we interviewed on this week's Quackcast! YOUR CHOICE is an interesting comic, both in style and the way it's created; it's a real testemant to physical, hands-on arting about, drawn with pens, pencils, coloured markers, paints etc and collaged over magazine and TV screen images; story and plot are dictated by the whims of fans in its own facebook community, and numerous elements such as characters and situations are drawn from pop culture. VinoMas talks to us about this interesting webcomic project which is a cross between TV soap opera and Postmodern fine art!
Episode 48 - It Came From The Internet
Oct 23, 2011
It's the horror time of year, and for once we get a Quackcast out in time for the holiday! PIT_FACE is our guest this week, and as DD's queen of horror she has plenty of expertise and opinions on the subject.
Episode 35 - He Ain't Heavy, He's My Partner
Jul 13, 2011
We all know ozoneocean doesn't need skoolmunkee's help, but sometimes it's nice to collaborate. There's pros and cons to working with others, which is what this episode is all about.
Episode 12 - The Okay Debate: Comic Hosting Sites vs. Own Hosting
Jan 25, 2011
skool and oz fall back into habit with a rough beginning, lots of feature discussion, and talking too long about the weekly subject with no clear outcome. But it's still good!
