Writing Excuses Transcripts

Writing Excuses Season Four Episode Two: Heroism

From http://www.writingexcuses.com/2010/01/17/writing-excuses-4-2-heroism/

Key Points: Heroism -- the what-makes-you-cheer moments. Sacrifice. "I wish I could have done that." Taking risks. Facing fears. Hard decisions and demonstrations of skill or commitment. Working hard and achieving victory (aka Horatio Alger's rags-to-riches). Some elements include the decision, crises of faith, foreshadowing, the possibility of failure, and the heroic payoff. Consider making it clear that the hero's strengths are not enough -- but he squeaks by on other attributes. Make sure to help the reader believe that the hero might fail. Let the victory have costs for the hero. One person can make a difference, can do incredible things against adversity, but it has costs. That's the heroic concept.
( Behind the cape... )
[Brandon] Vigilante cowboys and vigilante superheroes. We are out of time. Dan, do you want to give us a writing prompt at this time?
[Dan] Yes. I want you to write a scene in which a character makes a noble sacrifice and is not rewarded for it.
[Brandon] This has been Writing Excuses. You're out of excuses, now...
[an unknown voice interjects] I say, these marshmallow crackers are the mess...