Hi, everyone! I hope I started this topic in the right place...

Anyway, the title is pretty much self-explanatory! But first here's a list of things you'll want to know:

> The setting: medieval times - no specific time, just there
> It's about a girl and she has to save her family from this dude who tries to get his hands on these 3 jewels that control different parts of the earth, and if he gets them, he could take over the world. So, actually, the girl has to save her family AND the rest of the world without knowing it. She gets help from a boy.

Where do I need help? Well, I need help thinking of obstacles they have to face. I want it to be a novel, not just a chapter book, if you see what I mean. I'm at chapter 6 or 7 and only have about 30-35 pages. So, help would be appreciated! If you need more info, let me know and I'll do my best to answer!

Thanks so much in advance for anyone who replies and helps out!

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Age is a state of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.
Mark Twain



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To me it sounds like you need to explore the villain a bit more. Why does he want the jewels? What does he have to gain by taking over the world? He's going to need acquaintances, both people who are working for him and who are working against him. Why are his allies working for him in the first place? Has he offered them a reward? Are they genuinely his friends? Do they all believe they are doing the right thing?

Asking questions is always a great way to figure out where the plot goes. You can do the same thing for your main character; who are her friends? What are her motivations, beyond just saving her family? Is there anything she wants that is unrelated to saving the world?

I personally think betrayal's a fun theme to write about. Maybe the boy who's helping her is temporarily persuaded to assist the villain. Maybe he doesn't realise what he's doing when he does it. This could generate all kinds of conflict. Or maybe they meet someone else who pretends to be their friend, but is actually spying for the villain.

Just some ideas. Hope they help!

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- married fingon fingolfinion 6/4/13 -
~art credit~

That's a good idea! I've had people tell me that, but I don't know how to do that exactly... I mean, I guess I could just have random folks tell my mc (main character) about him along the road... what do you think?

Thank you soooo much for taking the time to write all that and help me!!! I really appreciate it!

_________________
Age is a state of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.
Mark Twain



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No problem, I'm avoiding writing my own novel, so it's nice to think about writing without actually doing it, yanno?

Anyway, maybe the villain had a friend when he was young, and the MC meets the friend. Or maybe it's his mother. That might be interesting. Yeah, you can figure most things out by asking "if this character exists, who do they need to go with them?" No one exists in a bubble without ever meeting anyone else.

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- married fingon fingolfinion 6/4/13 -
~art credit~

Ha ha ha! Why are you avoiding writing your novel? What's it about?

Hee hee hee! His mother! That made me grin! I can only imagine what she'd look/act like! I'll think about that question! That's interesting! I wish I could live in a bubble - no one would bother me!! Mwa ha ha ha! Unless they popped it. Then, I'd get mad. But that's besides the question! XP Thank you so much! Your fantastic!

_________________
Age is a state of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.
Mark Twain



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I'm avoiding it because I'm being lazy. It's about World War I and a couple of schoolchildren who aren't quite old enough to go to war, but know they'll end up going eventually. Not too rich plot wise, but I like my characters well enough.

No problem! Glad I could help! And I'd be mad if someone popped my bubble too. Maybe it would be better to live in a personal cube so you could have corners.

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- married fingon fingolfinion 6/4/13 -
~art credit~

Ha ha! We all have those times! But now that I'm into the story, I don't think I can/want to quit now! Aw! Your story sounds like it would really be great! You should keep it up!

Thanks! (I would hug you, but I'm sick so...) Hee hee hee! Why not?! Or even a triangle could work! If it's no big deal, and you have the time, could you write me up a list of questions for me to use for my book? And if you want to!

_________________
Age is a state of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.
Mark Twain



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Sure! I'll work on that this week. I have to draft a research paper too, but I'll need something to distract me. I think it'd be useful for me, too, anyway.

_________________

- married fingon fingolfinion 6/4/13 -
~art credit~

Thank you so much!

_________________
Age is a state of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.
Mark Twain



Banners: A-U.com

A book that has helped me improve greatly in my writing is "The First Five Pages." by Noah Lukeman. Generally, I am skeptical about books that tell people how to write because I am big on the writing should be freedom, not restricting...
Anyway...A way to get inspired with your story, is to take your main characters and start writing side stories about them. Roleplay them out in separate mini-stories...might help you get to know them.

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New Account: Khaleesi

I'll have to look into that book! Thanks so much!!!

Ha ha! I'm roleplaying my characters and it's so funny/helpful/neat!!!

Thank you very much!

_________________
Age is a state of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.
Mark Twain



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