This is an odd one for me. Basically, I’ve switched to watching almost exclusively Korean shows on Netflix. I like them because they present new ways of looking at things, but still retain a semblance of plot and character growth.
They have a lot of fantasy and supernatural tales, and aren’t afraid to dabble in sophomoric humor, so you can further see the appeal to me. I started watching a new one last night involving a fantastic creature trying to become human. At one point he said, “I don’t think like humans.”
This stuck with me. When we write, even our aliens and fantastic creatures have to be presented for human readers. We have to put things in their language. However, this could be a relatively cool plot point in itself.
I intended to work on my Space Opera this morning, but I’m dwelling on the possibilities for characters who aren’t human. I have Percy the Space Chimp and his human girlfriend specifically in mind.
The natural flow of a trilogy is introduction to the world and environment along with some characters and an introduction to the struggle in book one. This one is already written.
Book two is where the bottom falls out. The enemy has some victories, and things start to fall apart for the heroes. This is what I will be working on this year.
My focus is book two, but to finish the thought, book three involves a regrouping with little hope of success, and even a possible suicide mission, that manages to overcome the great evil. For an example reflect upon the original Star Wars Trilogy.
Here I am in book two. Percy is only part human, and I have a perfect alien character to lead him into the idea of not thinking like a human. This can cause problems in his relationship, his loyalty to the cause, and his leadership ability.
What I wound up doing was deleting about 500 words from this project, because I like the idea of where this new thought could take me. This means I need to spend some time in the daydreaming phase, and it’s perfectly okay here. It’s Sunday, and not like I’m squandering my best writing opportunities away. Maybe by next week, I can get this story really moving.
Leave me some comments. Do you watch any K-dramas? What do you think about classic trilogies? Are you a fan of “pull my finger” comedy? Have you ever had a negative word count day?
Entertaining Stories 
I don’t watch K-dramas, so there isn’t a lot I can say about them. I like trilogies and wrote one. I thought your capture of the three phases of a trilogy was on point. I’m not fond of finger-pulling humor, but sometimes, I can’t keep from laughing. Never had a negative count day. Have had many zero days. I do understand how it could happen though
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I wanted to restructure a bit so I can forge ahead. Wound up losing words.
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Necessary.
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On a re-read for Editing/compiling I lose scenes, combine ideas, rake the leaves off the point. Also, when a new direction comes out of left field I call a cast meeting. However, it is usually my characters who come back from the weeds and shake it off. They’ll be the first to tell me “oh please. Really? Start here and delete that shit. What were you thinking? Whatever it was, don’t.” We even have K broadcast running their take on traditional tropes, generally the princess and the bandit bits with a lot of tongue and cheek facial expressions. Disney with an Asian accent and pull my finger slapstick. I don’t do syfi or fantasy but they knock out the costume com/dramas with a nod nod wink wink.
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Thanks, Phil. I know I’m not alone in occasionally regrouping and restructuring. I agree the K-dramas do a fantastic job on setting and costumes. Sometimes there is some cheap CGI, but everything else seems top quality.
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I think cheap CGI might be part of their shtick. They were doing Godzilla Harryhausen style long after early green screen. I think it’s part of the tongue in cheek like the sound effects in Kung Fu flicks.
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That’s a positive angle on it. I’m all about the Shtick so it works for me.
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Been a long time since I’ve done a negative word count. Guess it happens when an idea takes an unexpected turn and you have to fix things. Haven’t watched any Korean shows as far as I know. I’ve watched some Japanese and Chinese movies with either dubbing or subtitles. Some of them have been comedies if you count ‘Kung Fu Hustle’ and ‘Shaolin Soccer’.
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I’m always revamping the chapter behind me, but today was an exception. This new idea makes a lot of sense as something I should explore. All of these shows have subtitles, too, but some of them are damned good.
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We have watched anime for decades, which is Japanese, and because of that also seem to pick up some Chinese animated shows, too. Definitely a different mind set and pacing.
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Reminds me of an older era of things. I don’t mind, but I do pick up some new ideas along the way.
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I’ve gotten into Japanese anime as well. I wanted to try K-dramas but can’t find them on the streaming I use. I love the anime for its strong supernatural and character tackling.
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Never got into anime. I’ve tried a couple of times. I’m currently watching a show on Amazon.
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I have Amazon. Maybe I’ll look up those K-dramas. You’re not the first person to tell me about them.
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If it makes the story better, I don’t mind backtracking. Sometimes, I start out and then a better idea comes along. Who doesn’t want the better idea? Percy had better be careful or he’s going to be led astray. Sounds like fun!
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Hope people think it’s fun. These trilogies are hard work.
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I’ve never done one with an over arcing story that goes for three books. I love series, like your Lizzie and the Hat, but a trilogy’s a whole different thing and harder.
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It really is. I think Lanternfish might have been more successful if I’d had closer release dates. That’s why I’m holding this one until the end.
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Even if it was a negative word count day, it sounds like your musings helped you get one step closer to knowing where the story is going, and sometimes that counts for more than any kind of word count. And, yes, I’ve had negative word count days in the past.
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It’s a rare occurrence, but if it helps it’s good.
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I don’t watch K-dramas. When the lips don’t match, it bothers me. Can’t say I’ve ever had a negative word count. Even while editing, I’m rewriting. But I wouldn’t worry about it. You’ve got a firm handle on the story, is all.
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I like the new idea and think it will work out well. If a few words had to move aside, so be it.
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I’ve deleted around 40,000 words and started over. Does that count as a negative word day?
Don’t feel bad about your negative word count. It sounds like it has you moving in the right direction.
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I think you have the trophy, but I don’t want to take it over. Things like this happen.
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I don’t watch much television, Craig. No time. But I like hearing about how it makes you think about your stories and characters. Progress is progress even with a negative word count. 🙂
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I really appreciate their new way of looking at things. It helps me keep things fresh.
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I agree with Diana. You’re making progress.
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At least the output is in the plus column. I don’t anticipate another negative word day any time soon.
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I haven’t seen a k-drama, Craig. I’ve had delete and start over days, but they always lead to a better story. Anything that makes me laugh is good!
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I think that’s how it’s going to work out for me. I like this new idea and I have the perfect character to plant this seed in my MCs head.
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I’m not overly fond of humans, as a species, myself. 🙂
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Atta girl! 🙌
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No, I haven’t been watching any Korean dramas. I don’t hesitate to watch foreign films on our once-a-week movie night, though. Oh yes, negative word count days are a thing for me! I’m a fan of pull-my-finger humor, redneck humor, frat boy humor, dad jokes, slapstick… basically anything as long as it’s not cruel.
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I think it will give my story a better depth. If it takes a negative day, that’s okay.
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Hi Craig, I can’t say I’ve ever had a negative word count day but I don’t write very quickly when it’s historical fiction. I keep having to stop to check things. I write quicker if its fantasy.
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I wind up doing a ton of research, but can usually manage that on weeknights. I have a lot of windows open when Saturdays roll around.
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I know, I am struggling to get up early on weekend days now that the mornings are dark.
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