I'm going to Conference!

I've registered for the 2010 RWA conference, Sun, Surf & Sizzle. WooHoo!!

The line-up is great, and like last year, I had to mull over the sessions to decide what to choose. There are awesome sessions on offer, including two with Debra Dixon - Goal Motivation Conflict & Characterisation.

And of course the Harlequin Cocktail Party. This year the theme is Fantasy Island. Okay, I have to admit this has left me a little puzzled. I've found out it was a TV show, but I've never seen it, and know absolutely nothing about it. But I think the idea is to come as your fantasy. I have the twinkling of an idea, but can see some research coming up before I can be certain it is a goer - I'll leave that for a future blog.

I can't wait for conference :)

GMC: exploiting your h/h's past

Just recently I was hit me over the head (metaphorically speaking) with a light bulb. I recently had GMC explained to me again. I vaguely remembered being told this during Bootcamp 109 I think, but it obviously didn't click with me then. So I want to share, now that I *think* I have a handle on it.

Okay, hope I make this clear.

We all know GMC stands for Goal, Motivation, Conflict and the hero and heroine both need a GMC = character wants (goal) because of (motivation) but can't because of (conflict). Now, the conflict is what pushes them apart, ie INTERNAL conflict (remember EXTERNAL conflict draws them together).

I was given a fantastic example on how to work out your h/h's INTERNAL conflict. Put them in a cage - naked! If they are naked, things like money no longer exist as a problem. So the conflicts can only be INTERNAL - eg abandoned as a child, illegitimate child, dead husband/wife, ex-partner, drunken parents etc etc etc

LIGHT-BULB FLASHING!!!