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Aug 8 07 10:29 PM

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Inspired by the movie "Unforgiven", I want to write a Western about the same basic premise. How a reformed killer is thrust back into his old ways, and while he tries to keep a grasp on his morality, is forced back into his old ways in order to survive. But I certainly can't copy the movies plot (though it was extremely good).

So, if someone could help me develop an outline, I would benefit from it, just seeing some other ideas. Heres what I need:

Why did this killer reform himself to a normal person?
What is he doing for a profession now that he is civilized?
Why does he need to go back to his old ways?
What situation is he in that he is able to use his former knowledge?
Why does he have to resort to his full psychopathic tendencies to survive?

I really like the way Unforgiven has the main character of William Munny being a reformed savage outlaw, and his late wife being the reason he reformed. Being an unsuccessful farmer pushed him into going back to killing, though he was assassinating two cowboys that cut up a prostitute, so it was somewhat morally justified.. Then once his friend is tortured and killed, and a posse is being formed to catch him, he has to kill lots of innocent people in order to survive.
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#1 [url]

Aug 9 07 3:16 AM

DavidPT40,

Unforgiven, I agree, is an excellent movie.

As far as others providing an outline for your novel...

I feel it would be better in the long run if you were the one who researched and developed the background, motivation and plot line, as opposed to someone providing one to write from.

Novel writing isn't like someone taking up a writing prompt. A good novel has to be highly organized, with interesting characters and events, allowing the plot to intertwine, deveop and grow. A writer developing this themselves has a better chance, with a lot less time rewriting or trying to iron out plot holes later on. In addition, a writer having developed and outlined the work, the chance of running into a form of writer's block is much less likely.

Just my opinion.

R-Tech

Flank Hawk and Blood Sword: My Fantasy Novels published by Gryphonwood Press
My Writing Website www.ervin-author.com
Editor for MindFlights
My Blog Up Around the Corner

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8281220

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Posts: 369

#2 [url]

Aug 9 07 11:59 AM

Hi DavidPT40

You have the questions, now write each one at the top of a separate page.

Now start brainstorming all the possible answers. It doesn't matter how stupid or outrageous they sound, write them down, until the page is choc full.

Do them one at a time.

If you don't find the answers, do it again, and again. They will come.

You will get a much bigger feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction doing this yourself, otherwise I may as well write it myself, if I was going to take the time to do the background work. Which I won't - I don't like the western genre. Sorry.

BT

"Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work." - Stephen King

Associate Editor for HorrorScope

Follow me as I progress through the Advanced Diploma of Arts for Professional Writing at my blog:
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iaceu

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#3 [url]

Aug 9 07 8:44 PM

I agree with R-Tech and bt_author.

You have that list of questions. Pretend you are the character, and answer them. You might be stunned what your mind creates as a result.

Good luck!

iaceu

Stranded in Thought

"Beware lest in your anxiety to avoid war you obtain a master." - Demosthenes

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#4 [url]

Aug 19 07 9:09 PM

Unforgiven is an excellent picture and William Munny, the main character is quite a complex fellow (portrayed more through Eastwood's acting than the dialog - the whole script can be printed on a few pages!) I agree with previous posts. You should try and develop your own outline, that list of questions. You will find the exercise rewarding.

I think Clint Eastwood may have set a landmark with Unforgiven, the Western genre in it's classic form has become quite unpopular, maybe because it has become understood as representing gratuitous violence, or hero worship and bad role models - As i see it this picture tries a different theme - In spite of much violent action, actually against such stereotypes (or ambivalent at best). Should you tackle it, congratulations! It is a brave thing to do and deserves to be done well.

Q

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