And this got me thinking about my favourite crossover shows from when I was a kid and TV was king.
Okay, it's still king, but today it goes by the name of Netflix.
Anyway, get your Orange Crush t-shirt on, turn the speed dial on your record play to LP, and open up the ketchup flavoured Humpty Dumpty potato chips because we're taking the station wagon on a trip to the 70's and 80's.
1. Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys Meet Dracula
This special two part episode was fantastically insane on so many levels. On the search for a missing friend, Joe and Frank end up in Europe. They bump into Nancy and Bess and end up at a mascaraed party in a real castle hosted by Lorne Greene. Bodies start turning up with puncture wounds on their necks. Weird? Not even close until Paul Williams shows up as some kind of rock god. Then Sean Cassidy takes to the stage (which is awesome) and we find out Lorne Greene is Dracula.
2. The Jetsons meet The Flintstones
Who else would George Jetson meet when he travels back in time?
3. The Bionic Woman and the Six Million Dollar Man
These two super human lovebirds shared several crossover episodes, I think my favourite was The Big Foot episode since it also involved aliens.
But really, Jamie Summers was absolutely at her finest while fighting the fembots.
4. Mork & Mindy meet Laverne & Shirley and Happy Days
Mork & Mindy and Laverne & Shirley were both spin-offs from Happy Days. This pilot episode brought it all three together, transporting Mork to Earth with a surprised greeting from the Fonz and a date with Laverne.
5. St. Elsewhere meets Cheers
The staff of St. Elgius stop by Boston’s most famous sitcom bar for a drink. Apparently Norm is Dr. Auschlander’s former accountant and Carla gave birth to her last child in the St. Elsewhere hospital. The interactions between Norm, Carla, and the St. Elsewhere staff are a fitting nod to the strengths of both shows and it feels like a cleaver one act play rather than a publicity, crossover gimmick.
This is a great tool for outlining a new idea, but I mostly find its real worth when I'm revising. During this phase of writing I need to add meat to the bones of the story. I want to make sure the characters stay true, but this exercise also helps me tweak out something unexpected from them.
The Protagonist:
The character whose
goal and transformation drives the story.
Needs to be likable. Show the reader the redeeming qualities as soon as you can.
Needs to be in trouble. What does she want and why can't she get it.
Needs to have a weakness. Primarily it should be her weakness that is her downfall. Whatever she fears the most should be the thing she needs to overcome at the end.
Needs to sacrifice something to get what she wants. She'll risk pursuit of a goal that she feels has a greater significance than her own comfort zone. Show how she changes/learns/grows through this transformation. In the end, she'll have to battle obstacles that would have stopped her at the beginning of the story.
The
Antagonist:
The character whose goal drives the conflict and push the
protagonist toward transformation.
Needs to have motives that make their ambitions opposite to those of the protagonist. Why are they in competition with the protagonist?
Needs to make sense. They can't be evil for evil's sake. Give them their own story arc. After all, the villain thinks they are the hero of the story.
Needs to be interesting, mysterious, and a little stronger than your protagonist.
Needs to go after goals in a way that sets up obstacles for protagonist to overcome, the more entertaining and extreme, the better.
Needs to have own transformation. Do they become a better person or do they get more desperate?
A Foil: A character used to reflect and illuminate specific aspects of the progtagonist's strengths and weaknesses.
Needs to serve as an example or voice of reason through the story. Helps protagonist learn essential lesson.
Needs to be contrast to protagonist's logic.
Should have own character arc throughout story, but more behind the scenes than on the page.
A Threshold
Guardian: Someone who likes things the way they are and opposes the
protagonist when she wants to change the situation.
Can be an ally of either the protagonist or the antagonist, or a completely neutral
party.
Should be introduced to the reader before the turning point of the story.
Should add conflict to the B story by testing the protagonist or antagonist by pushing them to solve their problem by making discoveries or creating conflict by their actions.
Helps propel the story forward by either helping or hindering the protagonist.
May be come a mentor by the end.
A
Mentor: Someone in the story who give the protagonist
answers, tools, or advice she needs to achieve her transformation
or reach her goal.
Similar to the foil, but has a direct influence on helping the protagonist win past the threshold guardian.
Provides help to the protagonist based on respect or love or kindness. Through their actions, protagonist makes choices that lead to their change/growth.
May have a story arc of her own. Could be a foil who has fallen on hard
times and resurrects for one last stand against the antagonist. Or she may be the
foil who can't be brave enough when it comes to the showdown.
A Minion: An agent of the antagonist or
someone who wants the same thing as the antagonist does.
May oppose the protagonist for different reason, but assists the antagonist to help reach their goal as they share same desire to see protagonist fail.
Unlike a mentor, the minion is motivated to help antagonist by greed or hate.
A
Ficelle: A character who helps you avoid infodump but
may create worse problems.
Has same motives as protagonist, but doesn't have the same obstacles.
Is useful for discovering information through dialogue or action that will help add detail or clues about the story without baring all the responsibility on the protagonists story line.
Is the most effective when they are introduced in a way that will be brought back and tied
in to the story resolution.
How do you outline your list of characters? Who else would you include?
I usually post this the end of December, but I was knee deep in revisions for two different books, and then Christmas came ... and Netflix.
Anyway, the 'year in review' post has become a bit of a tradition for me. I recommend all writers (published and otherwise) take on this annual exercise. I've found going through the year a great way to re-examine my original goals and help set new ones for 2016. Plus, there's all those 'oh yeah, that happened' moments.
Here are my posts for 2012, 2013, and 2014. So ... grab your popcorn folks, here's what happened in 2015.
Sent off final edits for JUST JESSE (companion novel to BUTTERFLIES DONT' LIE) to Nimbus Publishing.
Met with Fierce Ink Press to discuss cover ideas and book launch venues (whoo-hoo) ANNNND signed contract for book two of the series, DIADEM OF DEATH! (double whoo-hoo)
Traveled with family to Barcelona! So, so, so wonderfully gorgeous and delicious. I recommend the bikini sandwich at Tapas 24.
Halifax has two crippling snow storms three days apart. No one can remember why we still live here.
Most popular blog post that month is my recap of Once Upon A Time, Season 4, Episode 16 "Poor Unfortunate Soul"
April Happy Easter!
Worked on first draft of DIADEM OF DEATH.
The last of the snow finally melts. No, seriously.
New title for JUST JESSE is *drum roll* ... GIRL ON THE RUN. The editor and I discuss cover options. Good times!
A few rejections roll in for NIGHT SHIFT. It's still a featured novel on Wattpad and has consistently ranked in the top fifty since it was posted a year before.
Lovely weekend spent in Old Quebec city. Let me tell you, they do poutine and coffee like nobody's business.
Had book blitz and cover reveal for GIRL ON THE RUN. The fantastic publicist at Nimbus, Tom Ryan (who also happens to be a prolific YA author) made the snazzy trailer.
Celebrated Word On The Street at the bee-u-tee-ful Halifax library, or as Sarah Sawler likes to call it, Halifax's Book Palace. I had the opportunity to share a YA panel with the effervescent and hilarious, Melody Fitzpatrick. I don't have a picture of us together, but here's the Nimbus gang working hard at the book signing booth.
Had book launch for GIRL ON THE RUN! Some of the prizes included ...
Received four stars, highly recommended reviews for both ASP OF ASCENSION and GIRL ON THE RUN from the CM Magazine!
"...an amazing mix of reality, mystery, and fantasy. Asp of Ascension is a really gripping tale that will keep readers on the edge of their chairs right to the end."
"Quick-paced with lots of twists, readers will love Girl on the Run."
I celebrated with sushi from Wassabi House.
Most popular blog post of month is Once Upon A Time, Season 5 Episode 1 "Dark Swan"
October
Now that all the books had been launched, it was time to get to my reading pile. I was thrilled to discover, AMRITAby Banana Yoshimoto. I also finished GIRL ON THE TRAIN, and THE MARTIAN.
Most popular blog post for month is "Once Upon A Time, Season 4, Episode 5 "Dream Catcher"
Went to my first Hal-Con and signed copies of ASP OF ASCENSION; fitting since Star Trek is mentioned in the dedication.
November
Book signings galore! I love book signings when the store is all decked out for Christmas. I was especially grateful to have three books on the table this time.
Received my last EVER rejection for NIGHT SHIFT. That's because I made the decision to stop querying and self-publish the series. *takes deep breath, plugs nose, jumps from high diving board*
Lucky enough to enlist Penelope Jackson (editor super star) to edit NIGHT SHIFT.
Worked on creative portfolio for cover artist.
Began work on final edits for NIGHT SHIFT!
Got a sample of covers that are all beautiful. Picked the one that was a perfect mix of style and mystery. (I'd love to show you, but you'll have to wait for the reveal).
Tackled first round of edits for DIADEM OF DEATH. I can't wait to make book art for this one!
Enjoyed getting my skates on again as the Oval opened for another season.
Most popular blog post of month is Once Upon A Time Season 5, Episode 11 "Swan Song"
Goals for 2016
Write a combined novel for both Kelsey (BUTTERFLIES DON'T LIE) and Jesse (GIRL ON THE RUN).
Skate on the Oval more.
Somehow get chosen to be a parade marshal.
Outline third novel for The Nefertari Hughes Mystery series.
Find the agent who is the right fit for my secret project.
Let's recap: Seeking revenge against Emma for turning him immortal to save his life, Hook (now a Dark One with the inability to make choices based on empathy) is attempting to literally drag Emma's entire family to Hell.
Why? I have no idea.
Maybe because the mid-season finale needed a ticking time bomb.
There's been so much build up to Hook revealing himself as the man he truly is that I was hoping for a flashback of some substance that would explain why he's unable to fight the darkness like Emma. Who, by the way is acting very much like her pre-Dark One self. And wasn't that the whole motivation for season 4? Making Emma's heart dark? Not really much of a threat after all.
Ever Been To Sea?
Okay, so we see a young Killian and his brother, Liam abandoned by their father. Actually, he sells them into ship slavery before mounting a swimming horse...I think.
Mental note: Are all the parents in Fairy Tale Land vicious? Not one character has had a descent upbringing. Except maybe Grumpy, but he hatched out of a huge egg fully clothed.
Meanwhile, back in Storybrooke, the Dementors had arrived!
abc.com
And everyone is being branded with a Dark Mark that actually looks like a bumble bee, which acts like a one way ticket on the ferry boat to hell—literally.
The dwarves show up because they have a pivotal role to play in this episode.
Bwhahaha! Just kidding. I have no idea why they're there.
While everyone does nothing and just waits for the moon 'to become it's fullest' Mr. Gold saunters out from the alley to give everyone a lesson on the latest plot hole. If you have a bumble bee mark on your arm you will be swept into hell, no passing Go, no collecting $200.
So everyone, dwarfs included, decide to run to the library because there must be a book about this "Moon That Sends Everyone To Hell".
Before anyone gets a paper cut, Mary Margaret monologues about how she's ready to see the end of the world eating cheese burgers at Granny's with all of her loved ones by her side.
abc.com
Instead of riling up his wife to channel her inner Snow White and kick some Dark One butt, he says, "True dat, babe. Besides these old books smell like book farts."
Emma says she'll meet them there, then she pulls Regina aside and I'm so excited because finally these two will proclaim their love for each other and it will be the love that spilt the world in half and True Love's kiss will sweep all those dementors/Dark Ones back to hell.
But, no. Emma says she has a plan to save everyone. She's going to use Excalibur to suck all the darkness from Hook and the Dark Ones. Then she'll absorb all that darkness, and kill herself with Excalibur.
I liked my plan better.
Anyway, putting an arm around her shoulders Regina takes Emma to Mr. Gold's shop asking for Excalibur. He hands it over without asking for anything in return and says, "Your a brave woman."
This was a perfect scene based on the inner struggle of all three characters with good and evil and the choices we make and who we love...it was awesome.
The show should have ended right there.
Then Emma tearfully tells Regina before she carries out this epic plan to save everyone, that she wants to spend her last moments with the people she loves the most, so could Regina go to Granny's with her?
abc.com
Kiss her, Regina! Kiss her now!
And completely out of character, Regina is like, "Thanks, but I have to hang out with Robin and Baby Hood."
Why would she abandon Emma when she needs her the most? They've been there for each other during the highest stakes! Why?
I have no idea.
Family Ties
Regina leaves Emma in order to deal with Zelena, which is ridiculous because all it took was the use of a sparkly wand which Regina was unable to use until this episode because...why?
I have no idea.
abc.com
Emma drops by Granny's and leaves a goodbye note explaining her save Storybrooke plan even though she's still a Dark One. Saving others by murdering yourself is the most unDark Oneish thing imaginable.
In a desperate attempt to create some kind of last minute loop hole, Regina corners Hook down by the docks and eludes to a super secret past they have together. "Remember the time I hired you to kill my mother?" she starts.
Why would a magical Queen need a drunken pirate to kill her even more magical and even more evil mother?
I have no idea.
But first Hook had to prove he had the gumption to carry out the deed by murdering his own father. Wow, could it really be him? After all those years? Yes, Hook's dad works in a pub. But he reveals that he's a changed man and is truly sorry for selling little Hook and his brother, Liam. He fell under a sleeping curse, was kissed awake by his nurse (his true love) but then she died from a plague.
Though Hook was a fierce pirate who was bent on revenge, he can't kill his dad. Instead he demands he leave the country. His dad is fine with this, but then Hook discovers his dad had another son and called him, Liam. How dare he!
Hook is so upset that he ends up killing his dad anyway.
This dude is out of control. Fare Thee Well, Love
Back in Storybrooke, the pure hearted Mr. Gold does his best acting and suggests that Belle take his car and go see the world. He gives her a talisman that will allow her pass the town line and says, "Go on, no one uses the library anyway. Enjoy some espresso and IMAX. We'll be waiting when you get back."
Belle is easily fooled and grabs the keys without looking back.
abc.com
After applying some lipstick Emma gets Excalibur but is confronted by Hook. All the drama and tension has led up to this moment. They argue about love and who will pay the mortgage on the house now. Then suddenly Henry is in front of her. Emma goes all slack. Henry takes the sword and transforms back into Hook.
Why did she fall for that?
I have no idea.
Suddenly everyone is at the pond (portal to hell). Hook confronts Emma (AGAIN!) about how he couldn't wait to get revenge on her for saving his life and making him a Dark One.
Um...before he was like, "I love you, let's live together in this house with an awesome view of the sea." And now, just because he's a Dark One, he's sending her entire family to hell—except baby Neal because everyone has forgotten about him.
Anyway, he snatches Excalibur away from Emma so easily while everyone just shuffled around and watched. Regina finally shows up and says, "Hook, you're being a big jerk. Grow up."
Hook replies, "Shit, you're right. I'm going to suck all the Dark Ones into this sword and then Emma will stab me and I will save the day."
Why did he change that quickly?
I have no idea.
Emma's like, "No! I can't lose you. I should be me."
He says, "Your family needs you. I deserve to go to the underworld. And there's that kiss between you and Regina that still needs to happen."
FYI: You can't be the hero if you fix the mess you made.
Emma stabs Hook!!!!
abc.com
Instantly, red leather jacket Emma Swan is back. Hook's grotesque neck wound reappears and he dies in her arms.
Regina is by Emma's side, "Be strong girl. Chin up, buttercup."
Kiss her, Regina! Kiss her!
Dumb and Dumber
Across town, completely naïve about the portal to hell, Belle returns red cheeked and runs to Mr. Gold's arms. She says, "You can't get rid of me that easily." They kiss and make-up and Mr. Gold is starting to realize that Belle, while well read, has zero street smarts.
abc.com
Wandering Storybrooke, Emma senses Excalibur is close by. She follows the sound to Mr. Gold's shop. And he's all, "Okay, you got me. I performed a quick spell that somehow cleaved apart the Excalibur. When you stabbed Hook, all the darkness returned to the dagger. I'm the Dark One again." And he shows her the dagger, now engraved with the name, Rumplestiltskin.
How come Emma isn't still the Dark One? Her name was the last on the dagger? Why? I have no idea.
She says, "You fooled us all. So all that awesome character development and struggle with your character these last few seasons was...?"
"Pointless," he answers. "Yes. It's just like season one again. Including your wardrobe."
And here's the big cliffhanger!
Emma makes a deal with Mr. Gold for the thousandth time, she'll keep his secret from Belle if he gets her into the underworld to save Hook.
Now that the celebration has cooled off it's time for REVISIONS! Hey, don't give me that face, you know I'm right.
Before you launch your best seller at friends and family for glorious feedback, give it this test to see if it's ready.
This is a handy little tool I first saw on Pinterest a few years ago for outlining—I've modified the questions a bit to match my revision style. It helps me get to the meat of the story and showcases the stuff I need to polish, and the stuff I need to weed out completely. Plus, it keeps me motivated and saves loads of time because I lose focus easily ... oh, something shiny!
30 Questions for Your Outline
1: What does your character want?
What do they want most?
A heart, a way home, a brain, courage.
2: Why can't they have it?
3: Can you suck other characters into the main character’s problems, thereby broadening the conflict?
4: What is the hook for the readers on page one?
5: What is keeping your character from getting what she wants?
6: What character flaws are stopping your main character from getting what she wants?
7: Who is her greatest ally?
8: Who is her enemy?
9: What external forces are stopping your main character from getting what she wants?
10: How does the main character try to fix her problems? What is the consequence?
11: How does she try to fix it the next time?
12: What is the mood of your story? Keep it consistent.
13: Is your setting recognizable? Make it unique to the story, as seen through your MC's eyes.
14: Do you have ongoing mysteries/questions that will keep your reader guessing?
15: What are the surprises and twists in your story?
16: Is the subplot developing at the same rate as the main plot?
17: Do each of your characters have a role to play? Are they unique? What if they weren't in the story?
18: What makes each character special/significant to your main character?
19: What are your characters’ secrets?
20: Have you created a sympathetic main character? How?
21: Is your story building up to something big? Can you make it bigger?
22: Who/what is your antagonist?
23: How do they challenge your main character?
24: How can you make your main character’s voice unique?
25: What tools does your main character have to gain in order to win in the end? What do they have to overcome? How?
26: Do you have a ticking time bomb? If so, what is it? How does it escalate the tension?
27: What are your characters’ back stories?
28: What mistakes does your main character make? And what does she learn from them?
29: What is your story's theme?
30: Does your ending reflect the tension in the beginning, ie: what has your character has learned since that moment?
What are some of your tools for tackling revisions?
