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.