Character try-outs

[Raptor]

From George:

In the tried and true tradition of the 'short, sharp, shocker', I am pretty certain I'll be crafting my entry to read like a Nightmare sequence.

The character "awakens" to the sound of thunder (which turns out to be G's footsteps), goes through all the action and meat of the story right up to the point where it looks like he's just about to get killed...

...Then snaps truly awake. Just as he realizes it was a terrible dream, the thunder begins again.

For real.

The End.


Been done before? Sure, but nobody's gonna do it like ME

I'm kinda pleased with the simplicity of it. It really has been a while since I've crafted something new, all my published work is actually from nearly a decade ago...!

Oh, and Doug, I think I know why that 'Asian Philosopher' quote came to mind; You tend to put a quote, lyric or anecdote of some kind at the beginning of your tales that kind of captures the 'tone' of the work.

If we could find the 'butterfly' one you're talking about, it sounds like it would work well used in a similar way to lead-off this story.

[Raptor]

From Andy:

Hey, real nice.

Obviously, the format has been done before (but hey..what hasn't been done before..we walk in the footsteps of some utterly fantastic writers), but the gem of your idea is that the reader will have no way to see the twist coming..unlike any other potential 'shock' ending, which could be second guessed.

It's the only way to go about *guaranteeing* a 'jump' out of your audience. And i know you can put the heebie jeebies on anyone given the inclination (that's in the literary sense..not that you are a frightening person...well, most of the time).

God i'm psyched about this whole project. With a dark and doomy tale swinging in from urself, a rebirth into hope from me, a child's point of view from doug....and the others...it's shaping up to be something very VERY exciting.

P.S is there anything, ANYTHING more frightening than that moment when you awake from a nightmare and spend one second not knowing whether it was reality or surreality? That all of those horrendous thoughts could be the 'real' !?

[Raptor]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (Morgoth @ Feb. 04 2003,03:22)]I'll second that. The sample is damn fine, makes me want more!

Thank you both! The next part is G's attack, giving the company something to respond to. I'm thinking of putting that in The Setting thread, due to the descriptions of the area. I went to Doug's map and it didn't work! I was planning on checking if it had Shinjuku in any kind of detail so maybe we could start mapping the rampage path. The arrival is begun with "Gojira was advancing inland from Tokyo Harbor, leaving a trail of destruction." The Battalion Chief is thinking of all the tempting targets in his way and addresses his men. After a train scene, I have "With the smoke from the subway tunnel signaling his departure, Gojira continued on his way. It was war now, and in wartime there are casualties, mental strains and breakdowns. There are also heroes as Captain Tanaka, Lieutenant Hayashi and Sergeant Kichiraku led their units toward the stricken area that was the heart of Shinjuku, if not Japan itself." Oh, yeah. Before moving on, G does a number on a ladder truck. I still can't get over that terrific scene of a pumper getting blown crosswise! James Knopf was similarly impressed by a matte process of people in a building being destroyed in GIANT MONSTER GAMERA.

[Raptor]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (Morgoth @ Feb. 05 2003,07:41)]A question, have we decided if this is Godzilla's 'return' engagement or is this the first time he has shown up? Might be very important for the flavouring for my piece (think the Yakuza boss' speech in 'Black Rain' about WWII and you have a little bit of idea of what I'm after).

In mine, the alarm sounds and it's like, here he is. I guess as I go along, I'm keeping the idea of the "collection" of vignettes in mind and Godzilla has been defined "up front". This helps a lot as we don't have to really detail G's POV and can work on our characters. The scene has been set where all we have to do is decribe the effects on our characters. My first exposure to Godzilla was the KING OF THE MONSTERS version with Steve Martin and "This is Tokyo." On to the story.
I have G taking out a visiting U.S. destroyer to mess up the harbor area with his ray. At this point, only the police Water Rescue Unit has been deployed to assist the fire boats. No other safety operations squads (which is the focus of this story) have been dispatched except helicopters relaying information on the creature's location and activities (for background). The Chief is giving a pep talk: "This is a very dangerous situation, like an earthquake or a cyclone, but Gojira has power greater than any typhoon. It appears that nothing can stop him but we must not let him stop us!"
All the elements that will come into play are based on previous natural disasters, which, as I think I mentioned elsewhere, people here can relate to.
Someone in Texas thought the sound of "booms" caused by the Columbia and the "odd feel" she experienced was caused by the New Madrid Fault. Reading that, I was both pleased an east Texan was that aware of our "sleeping dragon" and at the same time, MY "programming" for such a contingency stirred (wish I could say the same for some folks around here sitting on top of the thing...)

[Raptor]

Here is a first person account of a kaiju visit, using personal background and a familiar area.

This is a third person account, with people and places I know but given different characterization/background.

In 2004, "G-TOUR" could be a "reason" for fans to be in Tokyo.

"Everyday people" have appeared in Marc Cerasini's G novels. There are so many possibilities in a city the size of Tokyo!

[Raptor]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (Tomzilla @ Mar. 07 2003,22:57)]This is about Godzilla and I hope to make a great dedication to the Big G. But which story idea should I use?

A decision as big as Godzilla himself, and one Goji Son is also facing!
Today, we have FOUR great story ideas presented that I, personally, really look forward to reading, no matter what.

Not as "talented" as other participants?  Don't you believe that for a single minute! You have provided INSIGHT, a deeper "look" at character development than we often see even from some "professional" writers.
I also look forward to these younger character's "view" of the attack; a very contemporary approach to the almost lengedary Godzilla.

[Tomzilla]

Thank you, really appreciate your compliments and comments.

Just when I look at a picture of Godzilla, hanging on my wall...I just look at it, to see how much the King of the Monsters means to me. What he not only represents in the movies, but also what he represents to me. But it's not just me who feels this way; everyone does. Espicially those who are involved in this project. To some, this could just be a way to show your writing talent...but to others, it's not the writing talent, it's your "thank you" card to Godzilla himself. Despite Godzilla not being real, he exist in our hearts, and our very minds. This dedication will be truly spectacular, when it's complete.

[kritaya]

If someone wants to write two stories, then why not? Those were some great ideas by Goji Son and Tomzilla.

When this is all finished, it's going to very interesting. Lots of different viewpoints, different takes on Godzilla and what it means. Not just to the characters, but...we as the fans.

[Tomzilla]

You mean Idea #1?

But thanks Varan, I probably will go with #1. Though #2 was an idea of mine for some time now that I was planning to use as a solo project. But it wouldn't hurt to try and mix both, can it? We'll see what happens...

[Goji Son]

<font color='#000080'>

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] ]So how is everyone' stories coming along? It sure got quiet in here for a topic about Godzilla attacking Tokyo!

I haven't forgotten &quot;Eyewitness&quot;, its just I haven't had time to write anything new. &nbsp;Though I do have another idea, right now I am just sticking with the Shimada family story, the psychopathic murderer loose in Tokyo was a good idea but once I thought about it, it never really had anything to do with Godzilla. &nbsp;So right now I just have my little family, but I just may have another idea that has nothing to do with the family, though I am not sure when I can get it all organized and show you guys. &nbsp;Will update when I have time to do any sort of writing.

[monsterslayers]

Room for one more person to come in? I don't have a very solid idea at the moment, but I;m hoping I'll have a chance to take a wack at this.

[kritaya]

&quot;Eyewitness&quot; was conceived as a multi-story, multi-author collaboration. Anyone who wants to write a story can do so and submit it for scrutiny and possible inclusion in the final result.

The only criteria for submitting a story is that you first take a look at the guidelines. The basic premise is that all the stories will be told from the point of view of a normal person caught in the midst of a Godzilla attack.

This isn't a round robin, but more of a loose collection of short stories. At least that's the idea.

[Tomzilla]

My memory escapes me, but wouldn't it be cool if say we had one of our characters meet someone else's? I mean you plan it with the other character's creators just right and able to make it perfectly blend in in both adventures.

Would also be cool if someone's character, who is a reporter, interviews with one of our characters.

A lot of possibilities...

[Tomzilla]

I didn't really mean like everyone started meeting other characters. As in we don't have it occur in EVERYONE'S story, just that it would be pretty cool if 2-3 people tried to tie some stuff in. Like just a small scene.

[kritaya]

Some of us discussed character cross-overs before. I don't remember what the general consensus was, but it seems as long as a cross-over is logical, it should be okay.

Varan's right, though. Too many convenient &quot;and then he just happened to bump into so-and-so&quot; sort of meetings will come across as hokey. Not to mention two authors trying to coordinate with each other could add an extra level of difficulty when it comes time to write.

[Tomzilla]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (doug wood @ June 23 2003,00:47)]I'm not raining on your parade or anything. A cross-over that was well-planned and thought out beforehand could be cool, too. Could create some interesting twists of characterization.

It's cool, never got the impression that you did rain on my parade. (Probably because my parade is in-doors &nbsp; .)

We'll see if some members decide to try and give the whole &quot;connections&quot; a good. I don't expect everyone (or anyone) to give it a try, but it would be interesting and creative.

Now all I need to do is do more research on Tokyo, practice more on my character development, and then I'm ready to give it a try.

So how goes everyone else, if anyone has started yet?

[kritaya]

We're five by five. (Ugh. Too much Buffy.) I don't know about working on characterization. I've read some of your stuff and I think you've got a good handle on it.

I've already written one story called &quot;Bento.&quot; I was going to do another one, but not sure now. Kind of doing other things at the moment.

Hello All! *Its been a very long time since I have had the opportunity to even GET to this site, let alone see what everyones ideas are. *I want you all to know that all the ideas I have read sound interesting and cool, and though I am still kind of up in the air about my own (I know, time is running out . . ) submission, I think i will come up with something comparable at least, and hop[efully worthy of being in EYEWITNESS. *I tried to use this approach before, but I was actually thinking of using MYSELF as the charachter in my story, as I have always wanted to go to japan . .and what better time for me to go than in November of 2004 . .just in time to witness an attack by a creature thought dead for FIFTY years? *Does this sound interesting to any of you? *Feel free to email me off list (pharaohcentral2@aol.com) if you have any commments or tips for me . . . .thanks . . Scott McComasundefined [img]1Gayos.jpg[/img]

[Raptor]

I think a first person account could work and actually, might even be easier to write! The &quot;trick&quot; would probably be coming up with a good REASON to be there and how G's attack will affect your &quot;character&quot;. Would an American react to the situation differently than a Japanese or even, a European? I personally think so, and on very individual bases also.
If you haven't visited in a while, do set the page view selector at the bottom right hand corner to THE BEGINNING to get the other threads that might not have had activity in a while. Right now, &quot;Your character(s)/location&quot; and Doug Wood's tale, &quot;In Case of Godzilla, Break Glass&quot; &nbsp;are &quot;below the horizon&quot;.
Need some &quot;instant chaos&quot; to get in the &quot;Godzilla is coming!&quot; mood? Check out C. L. Werner's excellent &quot;The Fire of the Gods&quot;
And Scott, Eavesdropper did give you access to the Editor's Desk, didn't he? We have had some very exciting developments in the last three months so keep that little page view option in mind!

[Morgoth]

Thanks for the very high praise, though I hope to evoke a very different sort of feel to my Eyewitness entry, sort of like a road accident between Akira Kurosawa and Beat Takashi.

And I agree, we should give some thought to some deadline issues. I am having to wrok around my novel committments, so timing will be a very big factor for me.

[Raptor]

This is going to seem wierd (and even is back on topic!) but the mention of 4WD got me to thinking what the Powers That Be in Tokyo think of all the monster mayhem that occurs there. I guess it goes back to the real life financial concerns our local entities are facing and how to cope. Hey: Maybe a monster attack would infuse some federal aid for a new drainage system, PD, etc!
Really, I'd love to see a character TAKING ADVANTAGE of the attack (or trying to). That bum in G84 was terrific!

[Morgoth]

You should enjoy what I have in mind for my Yakuza entry then... In fact, the old boss even reflects on how much money they made in the aftermath of the 1954 attack...

[Goji Son]

Well fiddle sticks, I never had the time to write my story idea. &nbsp;Oh well, I am writing another one that isn't for Eyewitness but it could fit very well in it. &nbsp;It takes place a week after Godzilla attacks and the main character is reflecting on his mundane life and the choices he could have made to avoid this, choices that could have also made his life happier. &nbsp;He also tries to remember the night Godzilla attacked and figures out, what he thinks, Godzilla's true meaning is. &nbsp;
There is ALOT more that I am leaving out but I don't know if this will be used or not since I am planning on giving it to the Roost's Fiction section. &nbsp;If your interested that's cool, if not, that's cool too.

[kritaya]

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] ]Still no feedback on the past two ideas?

Your story ideas and the excerpts you managed to write were really awesome. I didn't say anything before because I thought it was self-evident how good they were. Sorry.

[Raptor]

Both James and Goji Son have some absolutely INTRIGUING ideas here! I'll bet there are more where they came from so EVERYONE, please feel free to make suggestions. Often, it's hard to come up with a character to fit a particular idea. Then again, you have this terrific guy/gal/personna but no story!
This forum is for &quot;getting it all together&quot; to celebrate a historic occassion coming up so be a part of it! &nbsp;