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Been far too long since I posted a pic of my favorite bad boy, so here's some eye candy. But he's here for a reason! I love the show the Vampire Diaries. I'm completely addicted. So I thought I'd take a closer look at WHY? Because these elements are things we should all strive for in our writing.- Multidimensional Characters - Hot guys can only take you so far. The characters on the show aren't just stereotypes, and they don't always behave as you expect them too, but they DO behave in a way that is true to their character. For example? Well, let's take Damon. Every time I think he's "reformed" because of his newfound love for Elana, what does he do? Rip out someones heart. Attack and kill an innocent girl, but not before pouring his heart out to her about how he misses his humanity. It's this inner conflict that holds my interest. Let's hope all our characters have such deep and intriguing motivations.
- Complex Plots - The story lines on the show keep moving and building in interesting ways. They consistently up the stakes for the characters, though I admit I wonder how long this can continue. So far so good though. Lots of twists and turns that I don't always see coming (and it's pretty hard to fool me), and original material. A great example that we can write about things as common as vampires and werewolves while remaining unique.
- Consistent Lore - With a show this complex, it would be easy to trip up somewhere and make a mistake. I used to love the show X-files. Remember that one? But in the end, I think Chris Carter wrote himself into a corner. So far, everything in Vampire Diaries has remained plausible within the world they have created. There's been an explanation for everything. We have to do the same with our world building. The second we write something conflicting with a rule we've set out, we shatter that delicate trust we've instilled in our readers.
So I stand by my original stance regarding Vampire Diaries. It's research! But it's FUN research.
Good writing is good writing whether it's tv, movies, or fiction. If the show was just about vampires and not about people with inner conflict - the show would flop. Great examples.
ReplyDeleteI like how you mentioned that characters can do the unexpected yet be true to who they are as a character. That is a wonderful phenomenon we need to capture. (pss...heart the Vampire Diaries, too.)
ReplyDeleteVampire Diaries is actually the only television show I watch. These are all good points--it's good to take a step back and ask why a show or a book is so riveting!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Lisa. I used to watch the show, but then they moved the time and I keep forgetting about it. :P
ReplyDeleteThe writers of Vampire Diaries definitely know what they're doing.
ReplyDeleteLaura - absolutely! And I find I notice it everywhere now.
ReplyDeleteSalarsen - <33 And that is tricky to capture, but obviously possible!
Sarah - Yeah!! It's the only one I go out of my way to watch. And knowing what works is always good.
Stina - I set my DVR. It's the only on there that's all mine. Everything else is for the kids and hubby.
Angela - Yup! But we can too, so it's good to dissect sometimes. ;D
LOL! Research! I love that. I'm so using that line! You make some excellent points though. There are good reasons we love this show so much. Complex characters is something I strive for in my own writing.
ReplyDeleteHeather - feel free to use it. ;) I know I always stress character, but it's true!!!
ReplyDeleteHellooooo eye candy! Delish. I'm afraid to say I've never watched this show. *ducks tomatoes* BUT, your make excellent points about storytelling.
ReplyDeleteJulie, Julie, Julie... We need to have a nice chat. :D But if the pics of Damon don't convince you, I don't know what will!
ReplyDeleteVampire Diaries, is definitely a guilty pleasure. I usually watch it online - so my teenage boys don't mock me.
ReplyDeletePatti - *shakes fist at teenagers* Except that without them we couldn't write YA... I'm so conflicted right now.
ReplyDeleteOh I LOVE this show too! And I'm going to admit this: I'd LOVE to create characters like Damon. Hot and evil and surprising and... just wow. I think it's a lot of work, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteAnyway! I LOVE that I found you on the blogosphere! Seems like I met you so long ago and I've never seen your blog--till now! YAY!
Monica - me too!! I don't know why I don't check out people's blogs right away when I follow. Duh. But I'm glad we found each other. Especially since you obviously appreciate Damon. he he he.
ReplyDeleteYou really should put the picture at the bottom of the post so that we can focus on the words.
ReplyDeleteLJ - ROFL! Maybe both top and bottom?
ReplyDeleteI started this and realized you meant the show, not the books. I didn't watch the show, but the books are not my favorite by Ms. Smith. Her other series are far more complex and interesting and original.
ReplyDeleteBut now you make me want to try the show again.
Darkerthanex - I actually haven't read the books *hangs head* but I understand the show is quite different.
ReplyDeleteLOL. Don't read them. Read her nightworld series, or the secret circle, or dark visions (my favorite and I wish they'd make a movie out of it. Psychic kids.)
ReplyDeletedarkethanex (also ecnewmanscribe on twitter)
Darker - I'll definitely put that one on my TBR list. Dark Visions. I like the sound of it. Glad you visited my blog!
ReplyDeleteI haven't watched this show, although I was a huge fan of Buffy, which had complex characters and was witty besides. I also like Supernatural, so I'll have to check this out.
ReplyDeleteTricia - I only watched the first season of Supernatural. But it sounds like we have similar tastes. :D
ReplyDeleteI love #3 in particular. so important (and so hard!) to establish the "rules" of your world and then not break them! And these days you have to seek out really original rules, too... makes it that much more complicated.
ReplyDeleteMargo - Yup! But if you accept the rules as part of the world, then it's harder to break them. ;D
ReplyDeleteI love love love TVD! I posted had a post about the show and writing not that long ago. I love the last minute of each episode. Their cliffhangers are killah! lol You just are left dying for the next one. So we should all aim to have killer endings for our chapters to that our readers will never put our books down.
ReplyDeleteNicole - I'll have to go check out the post! And I agree, those surprise endings ALWAYS get me. You're right - way to keep the reader hanging!!
ReplyDeleteHere's the link for you: http://nicolezoltack.blogspot.com/2011/01/how-vampire-diaries-can-make-our.html
ReplyDeleteAnd I should read over what I post before sending my comments through. Blah. I posted about the show, not posted had a post.
Thanks, Nicole! I peeked, but didn't find it, so that's great. And don't worry. I kept tweeting nonsense yesterday then catching it. :P Once of those days...
ReplyDeleteLike Julie I haven't watched this show :/. But it sounds good and I like the elements you've written about. I especialluy agree with #1 and am working to make sure my characters have depth.
ReplyDeleteGhenet - well, I won't force you, but I love it. And the important thing is the writing tips. :D
ReplyDeleteI don't watch TV much so I haven't seen it, but I may just have to check it out. Thanks for visiting my blog. I'm a new follower. :)
ReplyDeleteDiana - Yay! I'm so glad you visited too! I don't watch much either, but TVD is a must for me. Then again, you can see where my preferences lie...
ReplyDeleteLoved you X-Files example. I was and remain a faithful devotee of the show especially the alien mythology story. It was sad when that all got a little jimble jumbled, and let's not talk about the 2nd movie. Okay, I do own it, but let's not talk about it.
ReplyDeleteLeslie - I know. *shakes head* I was and am a devotee also, but facts is facts, and in the end theirs didn't float. :D
ReplyDeleteIt IS research! I completely agree. To add to this, I liked how they recently showed the darker side of Stephen by revealing what a killer he used to be. Sometimes he can come across as almost too good, and it was nice to see a different side to him. Characters can't be all good.
ReplyDeleteKelly - YES! That was good, and so funny because I was afraid from the previews that it was going to feel forced or gimmicky, and yet again it was an AMAZING episode. They did add dimension last season when he "fell off the wagon" with human blood too. :D
ReplyDeleteLove stories are great no matter what the format. Vampires have a lot of symbolism...and it's interesting that even though people say there's a vampire trend, vampires never really seem to be absent from fiction for long. Even in the 90s, Anne Rice was hugely popular.
ReplyDeleteStephanie - Yay for vampires!! I loved Lestat back then, and I love Damon now! ;D And yes, I think the key is the humanity in the story, no matter what the paranormal characters in it.
ReplyDeleteIt is slightly....highly addictive I will admit also. All with flaws but redeemable and intense. :O)
ReplyDeleteDiane - Most definitely!
ReplyDeleteGreat points!
ReplyDeletePlamena - thanks!! And thanks for following!
ReplyDeleteYes. Good writing is just that and genre, category or whatever is best served by those who know their craft and perfect it.
ReplyDeleteGreat post. But what else could I expect?
Truth be told for me. Only reason I watch the series, read the books, was because I was in love with the guys and wanted to BE Elana, lol!
ReplyDeleteLee - you flatter me!
ReplyDeleteLM - Well, YEAH, I mean have you seen how often I put up pics of Damon? :D he he he
Keeping all that world building straight, especially in a complex world, is no mean feat. But you are right about it being essential to reader trust. Even something small can really add to the sense of "completeness" of the world. :)
ReplyDeleteSusan - absolutely! The opposite is true too, it can destroy the whole house of cards if you're not careful.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Loved reading is Lisa. I totally agree. I was wondering too - how long can they keep this up? But with the season finale, I'm once again blown away. They've opened up an entire new storyline for themselves, where Damon and Elana will most likely team up to rescue Stefan. And who knows where they're going with Jeremy!
ReplyDelete