Entry 8

I've finished my Analysis, and read the story several times over, making small changes in vocabulary and rhythm. Its flowing alot better than it originally did. I decided the title of the story is going to be "Ascension Mine." Ascension being a word the elevator says, near the end of the story. This title has a double meaning. Ascension Mine as in- A possible name of the Mine, or the idea that Trent is Ascending from the Mine at the end. And Ascension Mine as in- The Ascension is mine, MY Ascension, or Trent's Ascension. All in all, I think it makes a nice little package. I raise the tension to an acceptable level at the end, reveal a small amount of the Alien etc, everything seems to fit. Now Im just going to list my references, and I'm done :)

Entry 7

I made some good progress this week. Ive finished the story and started my last analysis on the subject.After much debate I decided to reveal the Alien, but without giving away much in terms of its origins. I think this is a good way to leave people thinking about the story and the subtext involved. I also left it slightly open ended as to the fate of our main character Trent. Although I still consider it a happy ending because Trent lives, It remains unclear whether he will indeed escape. The last line of the story is slightly comedic, as Trent wonders whether the Administration workers upstairs will have used all the escape pods. Weaving a little bit of subtle humour into the story, I believe can be a good way of supplementing the tension, the same way the "comic relief" of a movie does. Also, in this case, the end line is fitting with the Character Trent, as a simple working man. An "every" man, put in a tough situation.

Entry 6

This week I checked parts of my vocabulary and milled over what ending I should use. I am still struggling with how to end it and what would be the best way to raise the climax up at a nice pace. I re-read the story a few times, Improved a few bits here and there, but Im still no closer to figuring out an ending. I read back over my previous analysis to see If I could get any ideas.

Entry 5

Ive been surfing various websites looking for tips and suggestions on short story writing. Theres quite a few useful points that are different to the more classical models I've already looked at.
This week I looked into different story models, to see if my story conforms to conventional narrative structure and ideas. I used a website which lists 9 points to writing a good short story. I found that my story conformed to most of these points, but didnt apply to others. I try hard not to conform to things in the realm of art, so its no surprise my natural tendencies lead me to differ from professional opinion on the subject. For instance, when dealing with short stories, I seem to have a morbid fear of the happy ending.

my story does contain some classic story structuring and techniques, it defies a lot of the convention on the subject, mostly due to the constraints of the short story medium, coupled with my obsession for tragic endings.

Entry 4

This week I compared my story and writing style to two great science fiction writers; Philip K. Dick and Isaac Asimov. My writing naturally has an Asimov-like feel to it, which is more a simplistic way of telling a story. It also suits the short story environment well, as you have to pack in a lot of info into a short time period; well you do with science fiction anyway.

 I like to spend sometime delving into characters, but I also believe in keeping the story and descriptions of surroundings etc to a bare minimum, I feel over-explanation can detract from the story. Considering this is a short story with minimal time for character development, the simpler path seems to be the right one.

Entry 3

Changed some of my vocabulary to better reflect my the main character. Considered several plot progression points concerning the inevitable confrontation with the Alien. Started brainstorming a few ideas for a name for the story. I remembered that old scifi movie "Enemy Mine." That was a clever name, and would suit the mine environment well. I need to incorporate the word "Mine" into the title.

Entry 2

I continued writing the story and then went on to analyse where my plot was heading and brainstormed a few plot points. I then compared my style of writing to two legendary science fiction writers; Isaac asimov and Philip K. Dick. Several Points and comparisons I looked at were-


- How much of the Alien or the Alien's origins do I want to reveal? Will revealing too much ruin the climax and feel of the story?
- Will the Alien take a prominent role in the story at all? Or will it remain an unseen threat? Both of these scenarios could add or take away from the story

Is my writing style appropriate for the Atmosphere?


What will the ending be?


Whats going to be the Title of the story?

Entry 1

Today I began writing my story and evaluated several points important to writing a good short story. This included reflecting on the characters, pacing of the story, what conflict is present etc. I then made several changes to the story which I listed. Points I looked at were-

1. The character "Trent" is a relatively rough working man character. Since he is the main character, the narrative should attempt to take on his personality; with appropriate use of vocabulary, flow and a narrative thought process which represents what would be going through the mind of such a man in these circumstances.
2. The main fear or conflict in the story so far, is the sense of isolation the character feels. I must make sure I add in more components that add or show this increasing fear. I am currently debating whether to include another character at all. If one is included, it should be temporary and designed to increase the fear and apprehension of the main character. But in doing this, I have to be careful not to explicitly state that "fear" is building, because this ruins the natural evolution of feelings in the reader. There is an old saying,  "Poetry presents the thing in order to convey the feeling. It should be precise about the thing and reticent about the feeling." This can also apply to fiction writing, I find this quote very useful when writing and revising.
3.How long do I want to make this story? Should I evenly pace it throughout, leading up to the inevitable climax. Or do I have time to bring the story down a notch for awhile, in the hopes that it will accentuate the climax?
4. Is my introduction strong enough? Is it the right way to start the story?
5. Where am I going with plot development? At the moment im undecided on what "event" has befallen the mining colony. An Alien? or something else?