Comments on: Tommy Thompson Chapter-Introduction http://www.superheronation.com/2007/03/21/tommy-thompson-chapter-introduction/ Writing resources for superhero, fantasy & sci-fi authors Wed, 07 Jan 2009 22:39:33 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.5 By: bmaccomic http://www.superheronation.com/2007/03/21/tommy-thompson-chapter-introduction/#comment-13 bmaccomic Sun, 25 Mar 2007 09:43:17 +0000 http://208.78.98.28/blog/?p=44#comment-13 Haha, Pat. You're too kind. The reason I stopped this story at four pages even though I gave Lash's story 20 pages (and counting) is because I feel like Lash went (and is going) somewhere. I think TT's ending is already written. He can't be anything but a tragic hero. He'll try to redeem journalism with his brand of story but it would be irresponsible to write what would be successful; he sacrifices the opportunity to advance himself by writing instead the best journalistic piece he can. He gets no buyers and Gridley gets the Pulitzer & book deals. Also, the Hitler line doesn't really make sense with the rest of the piece, which is admittedly unclear. Why is TT failing as a journalist? 1. He's completely oblivious to what's objectively going on. Hitler is a monster but TT would focus on completely tangential issues. 2. He's completely oblivious to what "matters," essentially what is sellable. This is why the editor hates him. 3. He's not brave enough to get the job done. He hears a story coming and runs for the exit. At this point in the story, I'm OK with this sloppy, unclear writing. It wasn't until I had 15 pages of the Lash story that I actually began rewriting. The story then became vastly better (and longer). Haha, Pat. You’re too kind. The reason I stopped this story at four pages even though I gave Lash’s story 20 pages (and counting) is because I feel like Lash went (and is going) somewhere.

I think TT’s ending is already written. He can’t be anything but a tragic hero. He’ll try to redeem journalism with his brand of story but it would be irresponsible to write what would be successful; he sacrifices the opportunity to advance himself by writing instead the best journalistic piece he can. He gets no buyers and Gridley gets the Pulitzer & book deals.

Also, the Hitler line doesn’t really make sense with the rest of the piece, which is admittedly unclear. Why is TT failing as a journalist?

1. He’s completely oblivious to what’s objectively going on. Hitler is a monster but TT would focus on completely tangential issues.
2. He’s completely oblivious to what “matters,” essentially what is sellable. This is why the editor hates him.
3. He’s not brave enough to get the job done. He hears a story coming and runs for the exit.

At this point in the story, I’m OK with this sloppy, unclear writing. It wasn’t until I had 15 pages of the Lash story that I actually began rewriting. The story then became vastly better (and longer).

]]> By: Patrick http://www.superheronation.com/2007/03/21/tommy-thompson-chapter-introduction/#comment-14 Patrick Thu, 22 Mar 2007 07:18:25 +0000 http://208.78.98.28/blog/?p=44#comment-14 Hey Brian. Me here. I had this bookmarked on my machine but haven't actually been to read it yet (forgot about it, to tell the truth). I've got to say that, as good as the Lash story is, this one blows it away. The characterization is much better. You've also got a real knack for hooking someone in right at the start -- I liked the "Problems" device for Lash but as soon as I heard the Hitler line I wanted to know more about Tommy. Hey Brian. Me here. I had this bookmarked on my machine but haven’t actually been to read it yet (forgot about it, to tell the truth). I’ve got to say that, as good as the Lash story is, this one blows it away. The characterization is much better. You’ve also got a real knack for hooking someone in right at the start — I liked the “Problems” device for Lash but as soon as I heard the Hitler line I wanted to know more about Tommy.

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