Scott at 2008-07-09 18:59:00:

The other point the guy in the strike line with me made is that having those four key questions answered provides a firm starting place and these critical 'signposts' (his word) along the way. If you start to lose sight of where you're going as you're writing pages, you can always keep your 'gaze' locked on those major events or plot points to help steer you and your story back on course.

I find this to be especially true of the ending. If a writer can lock down the ending, that's like a lighthouse in a storm -- no matter how much tossing in the waves you may experience in writing Act II, you know where you're headed!

Re Luke Skywalker as your alter ego: Would like to hear more about that!

justwrite7 at 2008-07-10 11:45:00:

I totally agree, especially with regard to the ending. I'm not sure how it works for other writers but the ending is usually the first thing that comes to me.

As for my alter ego, Luke Skywalker I was REALLY young when STAR WARS came out in 1977. I don’t recall having anything like it at the time. I lived in a real tough city; I’m talking gangs, gunshots at all hours of the night, hookers doing their thing right behind our house.

George Lucas gave me a vehicle to fantasize my way out of that environment. I once read a description of Luke Skywalker (gotta love that name) as a bored, twenty year old farm boy who dreamed of adventures among the stars. Aside from the age difference and the whole farm thing, that was so me.

Do you recall the early scene in EPISODE IV: A NEW HOPE when Luke’s staring at the twin suns of his home planet set and you can just feel his yearning for a different life? That was one of my favorite scenes. I was happy to hear George Lucas describe that as his favorite scene as well.

Sometimes when I feel like I’m losing touch with my inner kid, I think back to how excited I was when I had a rich fantasy life. In fact, just the other day I changed my cell phone wallpaper to the original poster from STAR WARS. I protect my inner child like the Jedi protect the universe. :-)

Scott at 2008-07-10 15:08:00:

Thanks for those comments. Wonderful sentiment. Just think of how many thousands and thousands of people have not just been entertained, but inspired by Star Wars. In fact, you've inspired me to do another post with further reflections on SW, including a quote from you (if you don't mind).

justwrite7 at 2008-07-11 12:38:00:

In my previous comment I meant I was looking forward to anything related to inspiration. This is why I shouldn't read your blog while at work. I'm constantly looking over my shoulder so I don't get busted. :-)

And I did get that the original post was about the plot questions and SW was just to illustrate how that works.

Can't wait for the inspiration Post. I'll just have to get nabbed in the act.