Sticky: Need Help or Ideas? Come to the Think Tank and Idea Box!

[Moyayuki]

I'm having difficulty filling in the holes in a story I am working on that is being drawn as a comic. I know all of the current chapter, Chapter 2, and I know of important events and scenes that will occur later, but I have no idea what will happen after Chapter 2.

Here is a synopsis, chapter-by-chapter:

Chapter 1: The Encounter
A family of striped field mice in the Polish countryside in 1941 come across a military camp where a German Kompanie is staying. Some of the soldiers are bored and try to kill the mice. One mouse escapes to safety, nearby another soldier who notices him. His name is Erich Brandt, and has no intention on killing the mouse. A sergeant, Joachim Fuchs, comes by and breaks up the commotion caused by the troops and alerts them that an Major by the name of Amsel will be arriving the next day to perform an inspection. Later that night, the mouse discovers his family is dead, and Erich visits him and offers to keep him safe. He names the mouse "Blitzen". Meanwhile, Sergeant Fuchs warns the Kompanie commander, Captain Gunther Kolbe, that officers have tended to be transferred or simply disappear wherever Amsel goes. The next day, Amsel comes and, just as Fuchs warned, Amsel alerts Kolbe he is to be transferred to the front, with Amsel himself taking command of the Kompanie. They then receive orders to set out into Ukraine.

Chapter 2: First Blood
The Kompanie will cross the River Bug into Ukraine (during this time, Erich will be talking with two other privates, therefore learning more about each other). They then will be strafed by a Russian fighter plane, and after losing one of their own, they will successfully shoot down the plane under the command of Amsel. The plane is not destroyed, and Amsel and several others, including Erich, will check it out. The Russian pilot will have dragged himself out of the cockpit, his legs broken. He'll beg for mercy, and after Erich translates, Amsel will mock him and shoot him in the head. The Kompanie will then camp for a while and bury the dead. At this time, the conflict between Blitzen and Amsel's German Shepherd, Kohle, will begin. Erich is shocked at Amsel's action.

-

And that is all I know so far. As for later events, the story will be broken up into two parts: Part I will follow the Kompanie while under the command of Major Ernst Amsel, ending with his death at the hands of Erich who acts in self-defense while saving the lives of a Jewish brother and sister. Part II focuses on Erich and the siblings as they try to elude their pursuers. During Part I, however, a very pivotal moment will be when the Kompanie encounters an SS Einsatzgruppen under the command of Sturmbannfuhrer (the equivalent to Major) Hermann Jager. This encounter and their dealings with the SS unit and their commander will be important to the story, especially as how Jager becomes the lead antagonist after Amsel's death. I have no idea, however, when this encounter will occur, as it shouldn't happen too late or too early in Part I. Another important aspect of the story is Erich keeping Blitzen, the mouse, safe from harm and hidden from fellow soldiers, while also dealing with the horrors of the Eastern Front.

So I know Chapter 2, just not Chapter 3, and this issue makes it difficult to know which chapter Jager will be introduced in. And showing the Kompanie walking, camping, walking, camping, would be very boring for the reader. Yes, they will have encounters with enemy forces along the way, but it won't happen extremely frequently.

[Gummy-Bunnybeard]

We should think outside the box.

[Gummy-Bunnybeard]

Moyayuki

I'm having difficulty filling in the holes in a story I am working on that is being drawn as a comic. I know all of the current chapter, Chapter 2, and I know of important events and scenes that will occur later, but I have no idea what will happen after Chapter 2.

Here is a synopsis, chapter-by-chapter:

Chapter 1: The Encounter
A family of striped field mice in the Polish countryside in 1941 come across a military camp where a German Kompanie is staying. Some of the soldiers are bored and try to kill the mice. One mouse escapes to safety, nearby another soldier who notices him. His name is Erich Brandt, and has no intention on killing the mouse. A sergeant, Joachim Fuchs, comes by and breaks up the commotion caused by the troops and alerts them that an Major by the name of Amsel will be arriving the next day to perform an inspection. Later that night, the mouse discovers his family is dead, and Erich visits him and offers to keep him safe. He names the mouse "Blitzen". Meanwhile, Sergeant Fuchs warns the Kompanie commander, Captain Gunther Kolbe, that officers have tended to be transferred or simply disappear wherever Amsel goes. The next day, Amsel comes and, just as Fuchs warned, Amsel alerts Kolbe he is to be transferred to the front, with Amsel himself taking command of the Kompanie. They then receive orders to set out into Ukraine.

Chapter 2: First Blood
The Kompanie will cross the River Bug into Ukraine (during this time, Erich will be talking with two other privates, therefore learning more about each other). They then will be strafed by a Russian fighter plane, and after losing one of their own, they will successfully shoot down the plane under the command of Amsel. The plane is not destroyed, and Amsel and several others, including Erich, will check it out. The Russian pilot will have dragged himself out of the cockpit, his legs broken. He'll beg for mercy, and after Erich translates, Amsel will mock him and shoot him in the head. The Kompanie will then camp for a while and bury the dead. At this time, the conflict between Blitzen and Amsel's German Shepherd, Kohle, will begin. Erich is shocked at Amsel's action.

-

And that is all I know so far. As for later events, the story will be broken up into two parts: Part I will follow the Kompanie while under the command of Major Ernst Amsel, ending with his death at the hands of Erich who acts in self-defense while saving the lives of a Jewish brother and sister. Part II focuses on Erich and the siblings as they try to elude their pursuers. During Part I, however, a very pivotal moment will be when the Kompanie encounters an SS Einsatzgruppen under the command of Sturmbannfuhrer (the equivalent to Major) Hermann Jager. This encounter and their dealings with the SS unit and their commander will be important to the story, especially as how Jager becomes the lead antagonist after Amsel's death. I have no idea, however, when this encounter will occur, as it shouldn't happen too late or too early in Part I. Another important aspect of the story is Erich keeping Blitzen, the mouse, safe from harm and hidden from fellow soldiers, while also dealing with the horrors of the Eastern Front.

So I know Chapter 2, just not Chapter 3, and this issue makes it difficult to know which chapter Jager will be introduced in. And showing the Kompanie walking, camping, walking, camping, would be very boring for the reader. Yes, they will have encounters with enemy forces along the way, but it won't happen extremely frequently.

Well, you say that Amsel dies? Woo hoo! uh, anyways, yeah, put him to die in the middle of Part I, and that's good not to have, walk fight, walk fight, or just walk walk walk. (or fight fight fight ^_^) but, you see, you have it all planned out but all you need is to figure out how to put it on paper. improvise, Erich, and others don't plan what'll happen. Also find out the history of the characters, it is good to do that. It may bring up future conflicts. and, uh, that's all i've got.

[Major General Winter]

SomethingWithAPhoenixInIt

Since this kidnapping sounds specific its unlikely that this guy would be some random test subject. Since its genetic memory I assume that the kidnapping is over one of this guy's parents and about something that happened before he was born. Perhaps one of the parents took something important, hid it and was killed before it was ever found.

Well, I was thinking going way back and doing something OUT there. Like with the Romanovs. Maybe his relatives were on a death squad, one that killed the Romanovs, and because of that they took the gems that were hidden in the girls' clothing, (I think they were 100 million in value) and hid them. Only something happened and they never got them. So the scientists want them.

Well I just solved my own problem...

But does it sound like to much? Should I lighten it or could it use more? I don't want to choke the reader with conspiracies and what not.

[iSparkle Obsessed]

Okay then.....

[bluewolfxx]

ok before I begain I like to tell you guys about my problems of writing in general. First off I suck at writing I'm in 12th grade and I very shamed of my writing skills. First off I'm terrable at spelling and grammer you may notice this in my writing already. Second of all I tend to write run on sentence that somtimes don't make any sence what so ever. Lastily I have a hard time proving my work. I look over my work many times over and yet I cannot see any problems with my work. I really would love you guys can give me any suggentions of how i can improve. (yes I saw the begin ing of this thread for helpfull Tips) but i really think it comes down to praticing on my part so any helpfull sites would be nice.

Now on to my idea of story.

Celdric Potter Not Diggeroy
This idea is one of my favoirtes. I was thinking of this idea when i read many harry potter fictions looking for a brothery fic. I want Celdric to be a potter so harry as a brother in his life. Basically Celdric diggory is ending his 6th year at hogwarts when the sirius black incdent comes up. Dumbledore finnially tells Celdric that he's is not really a diggeroy but a potter and the reason why he cept it from him is beacuse He didn't want voldmort to use him to get harry. This will lead to him meating sirius black and maybe running away with him untill next term. Also Dummbledore make Celdric make a oath not to tell harry. this leads to harry fourth year. Celdric and harry will take part in the tri wizard touriment and i'm having a hard time of making the goblet still call out Celdric name as a i diggory. Celdric ovioualy will surive at the end as I want Celdric character to be the protective older brother who helps harry to his destiney.

P.S if I get enough feedback i plan to summit this story to Fanfiction.net

P.S also looking for a beta reader for Fanficiton.net for my other ideas

[Moyayuki]

Gummy-Bunnybeard

Moyayuki

I'm having difficulty filling in the holes in a story I am working on that is being drawn as a comic. I know all of the current chapter, Chapter 2, and I know of important events and scenes that will occur later, but I have no idea what will happen after Chapter 2.

Here is a synopsis, chapter-by-chapter:

Chapter 1: The Encounter
A family of striped field mice in the Polish countryside in 1941 come across a military camp where a German Kompanie is staying. Some of the soldiers are bored and try to kill the mice. One mouse escapes to safety, nearby another soldier who notices him. His name is Erich Brandt, and has no intention on killing the mouse. A sergeant, Joachim Fuchs, comes by and breaks up the commotion caused by the troops and alerts them that an Major by the name of Amsel will be arriving the next day to perform an inspection. Later that night, the mouse discovers his family is dead, and Erich visits him and offers to keep him safe. He names the mouse "Blitzen". Meanwhile, Sergeant Fuchs warns the Kompanie commander, Captain Gunther Kolbe, that officers have tended to be transferred or simply disappear wherever Amsel goes. The next day, Amsel comes and, just as Fuchs warned, Amsel alerts Kolbe he is to be transferred to the front, with Amsel himself taking command of the Kompanie. They then receive orders to set out into Ukraine.

Chapter 2: First Blood
The Kompanie will cross the River Bug into Ukraine (during this time, Erich will be talking with two other privates, therefore learning more about each other). They then will be strafed by a Russian fighter plane, and after losing one of their own, they will successfully shoot down the plane under the command of Amsel. The plane is not destroyed, and Amsel and several others, including Erich, will check it out. The Russian pilot will have dragged himself out of the cockpit, his legs broken. He'll beg for mercy, and after Erich translates, Amsel will mock him and shoot him in the head. The Kompanie will then camp for a while and bury the dead. At this time, the conflict between Blitzen and Amsel's German Shepherd, Kohle, will begin. Erich is shocked at Amsel's action.

-

And that is all I know so far. As for later events, the story will be broken up into two parts: Part I will follow the Kompanie while under the command of Major Ernst Amsel, ending with his death at the hands of Erich who acts in self-defense while saving the lives of a Jewish brother and sister. Part II focuses on Erich and the siblings as they try to elude their pursuers. During Part I, however, a very pivotal moment will be when the Kompanie encounters an SS Einsatzgruppen under the command of Sturmbannfuhrer (the equivalent to Major) Hermann Jager. This encounter and their dealings with the SS unit and their commander will be important to the story, especially as how Jager becomes the lead antagonist after Amsel's death. I have no idea, however, when this encounter will occur, as it shouldn't happen too late or too early in Part I. Another important aspect of the story is Erich keeping Blitzen, the mouse, safe from harm and hidden from fellow soldiers, while also dealing with the horrors of the Eastern Front.

So I know Chapter 2, just not Chapter 3, and this issue makes it difficult to know which chapter Jager will be introduced in. And showing the Kompanie walking, camping, walking, camping, would be very boring for the reader. Yes, they will have encounters with enemy forces along the way, but it won't happen extremely frequently.

Well, you say that Amsel dies? Woo hoo! uh, anyways, yeah, put him to die in the middle of Part I, and that's good not to have, walk fight, walk fight, or just walk walk walk. (or fight fight fight ^_^) but, you see, you have it all planned out but all you need is to figure out how to put it on paper. improvise, Erich, and others don't plan what'll happen. Also find out the history of the characters, it is good to do that. It may bring up future conflicts. and, uh, that's all i've got.

Well I can't really have Amsel die that soon otherwise the story will feel rushed and, besides, everything that happens before Amsel's death leaves a big impact on the MC, Erich, and is what makes him decide to intervene on the killing. It also wouldn't make sense to kill Amsel off in the middle of Part I, as Part I is supposed to focus on a specific issue (the Kompanie traveling through Ukraine and dealing with what they encounter along the way). Part II is the beginning of when the story takes a drastic turn, so you can see why I can't have that huge change in plot occur right in the middle of Part I. And I need time to develop characters such as Jager.

So far I know the back stories of Amsel and Erich, and Amsel's, specifically, really explains why he is the way he is. So I understand the main characters in Part I.

Oh, and I should mention that this isn't a written story -- It's a comic, but I have the same issues of being stuck and having "writer's block". Got holes in my story that need filling, so it shouldn't matter if it's a comic or not.

[Lightly_Amorous]

Okay, well, I've been writing a story for about a year now. It's one hundred seventy-three pages long and I am completely in love with it.
That's all great and happy and whatnot, but it's still untitled...
I'll give a gist of the story so maybe someone can help me.

Matty is a slave. The world he lives in is (maybe) futuristic or maybe in some alternate world that exists only within my strange little brain. This world is cruel and centers around The Market, which is essentially a slave trade. Those who cannot support themselves have two options. Death by starvation or exposure or a life of servitude.. Matty's parents, when he was young, sold him because they could no longer support him. He was later bought by a woman who is never named except for 'Mistress.' Matty loves his Mistress. She has taken care of him since he was six years old, feeding, housing and training him to the best of her ability. He admires her and pines for her attention. But, after ten years, Mistress has come upon hard times financially and is forced to sell Matty back.
He's crushed, naturally, but has no choice but to move forward. The rest of the story deals with him going from Owner to Owner, enduring the hardship of their every whim and also finding love and friendship along the way.
I think it's a traditional coming-of-age story told a very unconventional way.
Anyway, some titles that have floated through my mind are Bound, Broken, Chained and all things that come with slavery...but they seem too straightforward. So...help?

[Senryoske]

Lightly_Amorous

Okay, well, I've been writing a story for about a year now. It's one hundred seventy-three pages long and I am completely in love with it.
That's all great and happy and whatnot, but it's still untitled...
I'll give a gist of the story so maybe someone can help me.

Matty is a slave. The world he lives in is (maybe) futuristic or maybe in some alternate world that exists only within my strange little brain. This world is cruel and centers around The Market, which is essentially a slave trade. Those who cannot support themselves have two options. Death by starvation or exposure or a life of servitude.. Matty's parents, when he was young, sold him because they could no longer support him. He was later bought by a woman who is never named except for 'Mistress.' Matty loves his Mistress. She has taken care of him since he was six years old, feeding, housing and training him to the best of her ability. He admires her and pines for her attention. But, after ten years, Mistress has come upon hard times financially and is forced to sell Matty back.
He's crushed, naturally, but has no choice but to move forward. The rest of the story deals with him going from Owner to Owner, enduring the hardship of their every whim and also finding love and friendship along the way.
I think it's a traditional coming-of-age story told a very unconventional way.
Anyway, some titles that have floated through my mind are Bound, Broken, Chained and all things that come with slavery...but they seem too straightforward. So...help?

I don't think there is anything wrong with a straightforward title. It can grab a person's interest for one thing considering the title is generally the first thing a person sees when they pick up a book. I can't really offer any suggestions for a title that isn't straightforward mostly because I like straightforward titles.

I would kinda be upset if I read a book titled Green Thumb and it had nothing to do with green, thumbs or gardening and wasn't even used as some sort of metaphor or anything! I say pick a title that means the most to you. If you really like the title Bound or Broken or something that relates to slavery by all mean use it! After all it is your story

[Lightly_Amorous]

Senryoske

I don't think there is anything wrong with a straightforward title. It can grab a person's interest for one thing considering the title is generally the first thing a person sees when they pick up a book. I can't really offer any suggestions for a title that isn't straightforward mostly because I like straightforward titles.

I would kinda be upset if I read a book titled Green Thumb and it had nothing to do with green, thumbs or gardening and wasn't even used as some sort of metaphor or anything! I say pick a title that means the most to you. If you really like the title Bound or Broken or something that relates to slavery by all mean use it! After all it is your story

xD Yeah, I can understand that, it's just that the story is so much more complicated than just slavery and I wanted a title that reflected that.

[La-Roi-en-Rose]

thank you this thread has really helped wink