April 2016 Plotters Ink Assignment

This month we will attempt to depict in a fictional “vignette” or story, how one of these two different types behave. “Attempt” is the keyword here, because in the previous exercises we’ve noticed how difficult it is to portray characters in a short piece of prose. (We aim for 400-500 words, or one page printed on the front only.)

You needn’t try to depict ALL of the characteristics of a loner or a socialite in your story. An example of one of their noticeable features, told as story,  will suffice.

That said, if you can’t do “the assignment” but can think of a good story arc that somehow fits, and illustrates such characters in some way, then please do that. We are more interested in YOU, WRITING than sticking by all the rules. Use these guidelines as springboards and relax…have fun with them!

For this exercise, let’s define “LONER” as a person who prefers or requires being alone for most of his or her waking hours, and how those hours are filled. Where does his/her desire for solitude come from? Is it dislike or distrust of people, having a personal and unique agenda, keeps odd hours, psychological  or health problems, shyness, habit…? Most of all, is a loner by definition LONELY? Are loners antisocial - do they feel superior to others? Are they "deep"? How do they feel in social situations?

As for “SOCIAL BUTTERFLY” – what drives a person to constantly seek out the presence of other people? Is it fear of being alone? Do they require more stimulation than average folks, or do they merely feel fulfilled by experiencing all kinds of people, places and events? What motivates them to be on the go…planning parties…attending activities…taking trips and more? Does such a person really like people that much, or is it a defense against having to confront his or her own shortcomings? Are social types superficial? How do they feel when they must be alone?

This exercise could get very complicated. So, just do your best, and try to put yourselves in the shoes of one of these two types. Your insights might just amaze you – and US.