Jordan Birnbaum

Host

Group Creative Writing, Take 2

Nov 26, 2013·42 visitors

ross dittman

Cohost

Stage· 270 messages

Nov 26, 2013

It's time to dust off our fantasy novel author suits and dive back into the Tawkers creative writing pool! Our own Ross Dittman takes us through another exercise in fantasy novel writing, and we all come together to create a new original plot. Trust us - this sh*t is fun!

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:15 AM

Mr. Dittman, I presume?

ross dittman · 2:15 AM

hello everybody.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:15 AM

Well all right! Welcome back, my friend!

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:15 AM

hello

ross dittman · 2:15 AM

Hi!

ross dittman · 2:15 AM

So where would you like to start?

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:15 AM

McCandless is getting his dystopian groove on…

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:16 AM

OK - I think it would be a good idea to restate our intentions. To define the fantasy genre, explain the elements, and then get to work on creating a new story.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:16 AM

As you are the expert, how do we define the fantasy genre?

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:17 AM

Is it like the supreme court ruling on pornography -I know it when I see it?

ross dittman · 2:17 AM

The fantasy genre is defined by having monsters, magic, and a setting that supports those things. Like zombies, staffs with runes, and Chicago, or where ever the wizard lives.

ross dittman · 2:18 AM

Ha ha. Kind of.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:18 AM

OK - so there's almost infinite range when it comes to fantasy.

ross dittman · 2:18 AM

I've actually read a fantasy novel that involved a vampire court taking over the porn business. yep

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:19 AM

well - that makes my point brilliantly!

ross dittman · 2:19 AM

yup sure does.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:20 AM

OK - so tonight we are going to try to create a fantasy in the dystopian urban arena, correct?

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:20 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer Finnell

“Vampires and porn...I guess I'll be staying for this conversation! lol!”

ross dittman · 2:20 AM

Yeah, so we would have to choose a cool city to put it in, like Chicago, or maybe a small town.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:20 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer Finnell

“Can you please explain "dystopian"?”

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:21 AM

let's do key west

ross dittman · 2:21 AM

Dystopia is the opposite of eutopia. Its a place where people live that's full of conflict and strife.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:21 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“Is Key West urban?”

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:21 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer Finnell

“Key West is good. Plenty of fantasy fodder there...”

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:22 AM

Dystopian society examples from movies: GATTACA, Children of Men

ross dittman · 2:22 AM

Like zombie apocalypses are big time dystopia.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:22 AM

Key West 2192 - It becomes it's own state after war with Cuba

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:22 AM

hate to tell ya, Rick, but in 2192, Key West is 100 miles underwater!

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:23 AM

they all have scuba gear

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:23 AM

OK - so before we start to write a Key West dystopian future novel, maybe we should give a quick definition to the various elements that we must introduce in a fantasy novel.

ross dittman · 2:23 AM

It could be modern day Key West with a different history that mad it dysopian. Or Key West becomes like Atlantis.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:24 AM

1984 and Brave New World are the classic ones in literature, if you want a modern one in cinema look at The Hunger Games

ross dittman · 2:24 AM

i really like magic in my fantasy novels. so lets start with that

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:25 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer Finnell

“They evolved into fish-people.”

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:25 AM

Warning -we're heading towards Waterworld, and we all know how THAT turned out…

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:25 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“But, like fish people like Water Wold, or different?”

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:25 AM

great minds Rebecca

ross dittman · 2:26 AM

Magic is a force that changes the world in many different ways. since its dystopian the magicians could be attacked in some way ,like the salem witch trials.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:26 AM

Or they could be the attackers

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:27 AM

so it sounds like our second choice - is the magic in the hands of the good guys or the bad guys?

ross dittman · 2:27 AM

Magic can be a new element, a new energy source, something like that. like the salem muggle trials.

ross dittman · 2:27 AM

i get confused between science and magic

ross dittman · 2:28 AM

magic is just extremely advanced science in a lot of ways. its the movement of energy.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:28 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer Finnell

“Science is magic, Rick. :)”

ross dittman · 2:28 AM

Theres a novel called steel heart where only evil people have magical powers.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:29 AM

So let's go back to square one for a moment. we need the following things: setting, protagonist, antagonist, conflict and magic setting.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:29 AM

so are we all agreed on Key West, or shall we go more urban than that?

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:29 AM

Key West is plenty Urban

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:30 AM

settled.

ross dittman · 2:30 AM

Key West is fine.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:30 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“Because we're going to need one anyway.”

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:30 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“So maybe the magic in this case is an energy source, or a fuel source.”

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:30 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer Finnell

“@Rebecca, since that's a drilling area anyway, maybe they find the alternative by accident under the water.”

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:30 AM

OK - we're rolling. Drilling in Key West unlocks a new energy that has a profound impact on civilization.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:31 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer Finnell

“Doesn't Key West corner the Bermuda Triangle?”

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:31 AM

ohhh -that offers all sorts of cool options!!!

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:31 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“But what kind of force do you want the energy to be?”

ross dittman · 2:31 AM

And the protagonist is the one to find the energy source. Now he / she has to decide on what to do with it.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:32 AM

Can we appeal to the hippie Tesla in me and make it limitless free clean renewable energy

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:32 AM

harness hurricanes

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:32 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“Like, it could be something dark, that shitty people manage to control and then use that to control other people.”

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:32 AM

ohh - lots of good ideas…

ross dittman · 2:32 AM

Do they have all the power for themselves? Give it to the government? give it to people after they do a morality test?

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:33 AM

★ Spotlighted from John Baker

“what sort of drilling? even the most base modern drilling ventures take more than one person”

ross dittman · 2:33 AM

It could involve all of those things, like its different foor each person sho gets it.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:33 AM

drilling for oil, natural gas, some undiscovered element, an archeological dig…

ross dittman · 2:33 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“Or, maybe it's an energy not well-understood, but it's giving rise to this new class of shaman-like people.”

ross dittman · 2:34 AM

I like this one. they still have to figure it out.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:34 AM

OK - during a drilling operation in Key West, a gas pocket releases an energy previously unrecorded on the planet.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:35 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer Finnell

“Maybe it's brought to the surface by a mysterious entity from the Triangle...”

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:35 AM

the secret Haitian voodoo cult of key west

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:35 AM

both of those could work

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:35 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“When people get nasty or try to abuse, control, or connive, it retreats and has to be called forth again.”

ross dittman · 2:36 AM

The magic should be about choice. Different people use it for different reasons. Scientists want it for research. Armies want it for weapons

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:36 AM

that sounds too good for dystopian

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:36 AM

something has to make life terrible for people on the planet

ross dittman · 2:36 AM

The bad people take the power from the people who find it, so now our protagonist has to take it back.

ross dittman · 2:37 AM

And give ti to the people. Magical revolution.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:37 AM

OK - this taking shape -but we can't forget to cover the Bermuda triangle Haitian voodoo origins..

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:38 AM

So - this energy impacts people in a good way, and it is being withheld from society by our antagonist?

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:39 AM

hurricanes are aliens

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:39 AM

like the finger of god

ross dittman · 2:39 AM

Sure that sounds good. It cures any disease/ injury, and the antagonist is making people pay ridiculous prices for it.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:39 AM

or that's tornadoes?

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:40 AM

maybe it also reveals an alternate way of being? a peaceful and loving existence filled with learning and wisdom?

ross dittman · 2:40 AM

So the protagonist breaks into their strong hold, and takes some of the energy to cure ther family member from a deisease.

ross dittman · 2:40 AM

It cures the body and the mind.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:41 AM

ohh - that's a good subplot.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:41 AM

a dying sibling having medication withheld by the DBs. (douchebags)

ross dittman · 2:41 AM

he he.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:41 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“But maybe the crisis is just that we HAVE run out of energy, food is short, society has regressed.”

ross dittman · 2:41 AM

now what should we focus on?

ross dittman · 2:42 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“Can society be the antagonist?”

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:42 AM

Well, the antagonist I think. Who is it? what is the motivation? and what is the plan?

ross dittman · 2:42 AM

Society can add to the conflict, but its more interesting if its person against person.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:42 AM

or organization?

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:43 AM

so the antagonist wants to block human evolution

ross dittman · 2:43 AM

the antagonist wanted to cure themselves of disease, but they grew more amore corrupt, by their newfound power.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:43 AM

oh, maybe the antagonist started out decent and got warped by the energy?

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:44 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“No, what I'm saying is that people are the antagonist.”

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:44 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“They are blocking their own evolution.”

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:44 AM

now that's high concept!

ross dittman · 2:44 AM

That's how it happens with people the road it hell is paved with good intentions.

ross dittman · 2:44 AM

That's why I said Person to person. Its more interesting if its perosnnel.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:44 AM

Cool - I like that. In his / her arrogance they thought they could control the power for good, and it ruined them.

ross dittman · 2:45 AM

personal

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:45 AM

OK - Our antagonistic starts out as decent, hard-working person in Key West

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:46 AM

during a drilling operation, an underwater earthquake releases an energy from the Bermuda Triangle

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:46 AM

As Prophesized by ancient Haitian voodoo

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:46 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer Finnell

“Which wipes out the island, for all practical purposes.”

ross dittman · 2:46 AM

then the antagonist finds this power and cures people.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:47 AM

that does sow the seeds for a pretty shitty life…

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:47 AM

the voodoo conjured the earthquake

ross dittman · 2:47 AM

but along the line they become corrupt.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:47 AM

they (voodoo) decided it was time to release the energy? Or maybe it was pre-ordained by ancient texts on a certain date?

ross dittman · 2:48 AM

the protagonist is a haitian voodoo person that wasn't killed. Now they want revenge, and cure their person at the same time.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:48 AM

★ Spotlighted from John Baker

“how about not including voodoo caricture or connecting it with earthquake”

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:49 AM

sometimes a good edit is important!

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:49 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“Yeah, the voodoo connection is kind of shaky.”

ross dittman · 2:49 AM

We can take it out.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:49 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer Finnell

“I say we go back to the Triangle.”

ross dittman · 2:49 AM

Do whatever you want with your version of the story.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:50 AM

OK -the energy is released by the drilling from the Triangle.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:50 AM

It grants our antagonist with healing powers, but then something turns. What happens there?

ross dittman · 2:50 AM

★ Spotlighted from Blake Ian

“Man showing up late to one of these creative writing Tawks is a TRIP”

ross dittman · 2:51 AM

they are pretty poor, so they make a choice to start charging people.

ross dittman · 2:51 AM

for the healilng

ross dittman · 2:51 AM

And it just snow balls.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:51 AM

and people go crazy for it -it starts riots

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:52 AM

and the people who hold the energy hole themselves up in fortresses

ross dittman · 2:52 AM

they try to take away the power from the fortresses, but they can't get through the walls.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:52 AM

and starts getting evil like Gollum or Mr. Burns…

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:52 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer Finnell

“And he never meant to do it this way, but the power goes to his head, as he has ALL the power in an otherwise dying culture...”

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:53 AM

yeah - absolute power corrupts aboslutely

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:53 AM

so now this evil has grown and driven the antagonist to drive the land into poverty and misery

ross dittman · 2:53 AM

What does the protagonist do to steal the power? raise armies, and attack? sneak in and steal it? both?

ross dittman · 2:54 AM

win it in an auction :)

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:54 AM

well, I'm thinking like 20 years later, the protagonist is a fresh faced youngster just trying to survive the is horrible new world.

ross dittman · 2:54 AM

He steals food for his siblings.

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:54 AM

★ Spotlighted from John Baker

“why not have 3 people at the drilling site and each 3 get the power?”

ross dittman · 2:55 AM

the protagonist is a drag queen who believes in good

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:55 AM

oo - an interesting twist - we'll come back to this

ross dittman · 2:55 AM

ha ha ha

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:55 AM

Yeah, I'm not sure if there has been a drag queen super hero yet..

ross dittman · 2:56 AM

Protagonist: "Were gonna save em girls!"

ross dittman · 2:56 AM

Strike a pose

ross dittman · 2:57 AM

"I'll save the world, while in heels.""

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:57 AM

OK - before we imagine the protagonist's quest, should we fill in a little more detail about what life has become since the antagonist began the evil plan?

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:57 AM

★ Spotlighted from John Baker

“this is hilarious good fun”

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:57 AM

I know - I LOVE this!

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:58 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“It was probably more like the antagonists' lack of a plan, you know? Just reacting. And now they don't know what to do except retain power.”

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:58 AM

but area they imposing any kind of sadistic ritual or circumstance upon the populace?

ross dittman · 2:58 AM

Sure. The three tribes rise in power. Two are corrupt, but the third one is trying to stop the other two. But its starting to rot from the inside as well

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:59 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer Finnell

“And all 3 handle the responsibility differently, resulting in 3 primary "tribes".”

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:59 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“I like the trifecta idea, with the 3 tribes.”

Jordan Birnbaum · 2:59 AM

consensus!

ross dittman · 2:59 AM

One is corrupt by selling it for too high prices. One is corrupt for not giving any body the power.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:00 AM

3 tribes are cool

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:00 AM

at some point, we're going to have to build out these characters, but for now we'll focus on story!

ross dittman · 3:00 AM

They only heal their own, and to become one their own you must joi a biker gang that terroizes people.

ross dittman · 3:00 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“Yeah, Ross - that's good!”

ross dittman · 3:00 AM

I like compliments

ross dittman · 3:01 AM

the nina, the pinta, and the santa maria

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:01 AM

Ross - have we told you how talented we think you are?

ross dittman · 3:01 AM

those should be the names. The drag queens are called nina.

ross dittman · 3:01 AM

Yes thankyou.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:02 AM

Yeah, I like those names, especially if they are genocidal. You know, for consistency's sake.

ross dittman · 3:02 AM

Definetly. Lets make history teachers orgasm.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:02 AM

a side benefit! history teachers TOTALLY deserve it!

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:03 AM

OK -so we have 2 bad tribes, one good, right?

ross dittman · 3:03 AM

right.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:03 AM

let's assume the good tribe is the smallest?

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:03 AM

★ Spotlighted from John Baker

“center of the triangle. where the hero will rise”

ross dittman · 3:03 AM

Yeah for the under dog thing.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:03 AM

Oh THAT's interesting

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:04 AM

should we go underdog, or should we make all three tribes bad, and have a hero emerge to unite them and turn them around?

ross dittman · 3:04 AM

The ninas want to give the healing to everybody, but the other two tribes keep attacking them, which makes it difficult.

ross dittman · 3:04 AM

Under dog.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:05 AM

OK -so they are on the run. Very Rebel Alliance-ish.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:05 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“@ Jennifer: Drag Queen Ninjas?”

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:05 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer Finnell

“@Rebecca, heck yes! I would totally read that book!”

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:05 AM

Well, we have a creative twist all right!

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:05 AM

the drilling has to be done way off the coast, key west is on the outskirt of the triangle but one of the closest cities in that region...water in that area drops - the current from the Mississippi river runs through that area. the gulf is a basin

ross dittman · 3:06 AM

Drag queen ninjas that travel in big rig trucks. all over america and Canada

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:06 AM

★ Spotlighted from John Baker

“have to keep movie rights in mind”

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:06 AM

I like that Jon. Good thinking!

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:06 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jennifer Finnell

“I have to sign off. :( Totally coming back to read the end of this twisted little brainstorm. :)”

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:06 AM

bye Jenn! you were hilarious!

ross dittman · 3:06 AM

We'll miss you jen.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:07 AM

OK -meanwhile, the two bad tribes -are they working together or also at war with each other?

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:07 AM

is it like a Dune thing?

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:07 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“They'reagainst each other.”

ross dittman · 3:08 AM

They are at a cold war with each other with spying and James bondy type stuff., because they have to focus they're forces on the ninas.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:08 AM

and do all people have to belong to one of these tribes? or do some people stay out of it and just want to live simply?

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:08 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“But maybe there could be political intrigue.”

ross dittman · 3:09 AM

They turn all non tribe members into slaves, except for the ninas.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:09 AM

Ohh -I like that!

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:09 AM

OK -and the two bad tribes work together to get the Ninjas, but they're always thinking about how to then off each other when that job is complete.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:10 AM

kind of like Survivor

ross dittman · 3:10 AM

ha. Yeah I like that.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:11 AM

OK - The Pintas and Santa Marias are enslaving people with their new found power.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:11 AM

The Ninas are trying to free the people and usher in a Golden Age of transcendent evolution

ross dittman · 3:11 AM

So they can live in the lap of luxury, and not do anything strenuous.

ross dittman · 3:11 AM

That's why they own slaves

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:11 AM

yeah, the more evil, the more fat and lazy they become

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:12 AM

gluttonous disgusting reprobates

ross dittman · 3:12 AM

Like in dune. with that general guy.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:12 AM

So now, we're join g to have to place the Ninas on a collision course with the other tribes

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:12 AM

★ Spotlighted from John Baker

“no redemption!”

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:13 AM

Now -what can the Ninas do to free the slaves? Impart some of the energy?

ross dittman · 3:13 AM

The ninas can't run anymore. They have to fight off the Santa marias, or die.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:13 AM

very Spartacus. I like it.

ross dittman · 3:14 AM

★ Spotlighted from John Baker

“being fabulous and showing them not as slaves but indivduals”

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:14 AM

like introducing the concept of individuality to the Borg.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:14 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“Always fabulous.”

ross dittman · 3:14 AM

They raid the slave farms/ cities, and grab supplies like food water and slaves.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:15 AM

thus building their armies

ross dittman · 3:15 AM

which they will use to overthrow the dark tribes.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:15 AM

they raid the make-up!!!

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:16 AM

so is our story going to climax in an epic battle?

ross dittman · 3:16 AM

You always need a big climax.

ross dittman · 3:16 AM

Full of blood.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:16 AM

a battle of force? of magic? of ideas?

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:16 AM

force, then!

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:17 AM

All right - we're going to have to send them to the brink of defeat before some character attribute comes through to save them in the end. Wisdom, courage, selflessness - something like that?

ross dittman · 3:17 AM

They learn how to use the healing energy as a weapon. its not nervy powerful, but when they fun out of bullets they use it to attack the other tribes.

ross dittman · 3:18 AM

*very powerful

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:18 AM

OK - where does our battle take place?

ross dittman · 3:18 AM

★ Spotlighted from John Baker

“well they are drag queen ninjas so maybe they overtime infilitrated the other tribes and theres a secret army waiting to rise up?”

ross dittman · 3:18 AM

They do that with the slaves.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:19 AM

the drag queen ninjas infiltrate the slaves. That could be the thing that turns the battle when all seems lost!

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:19 AM

just when we're about to die, a huge slave army comes to our rescue!

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:20 AM

we have a sector called slaves?

ross dittman · 3:20 AM

it takes place in Toronto, which is the Santa marias stronghold.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:20 AM

can we rephrase that to the submissives please

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:20 AM

Do you need a "safe word" as well?

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:20 AM

★ Spotlighted from John Baker

“the two evil tribes have joined forces and are at the gates. they have the ninas pinned and opn the brink but the secret army rises”

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:21 AM

yeah -I can almost see this in my head! The drag queen ninjas are awesome!

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:21 AM

Like Eddie Izzard on steroids!

ross dittman · 3:21 AM

hell yeah I love Eddie.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:22 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“Dude, I was totally thinking of Eddie Izzard, and his bit about sending in drag queen paratroopers... :D”

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:22 AM

★ Spotlighted from John Baker

“but its toronto so itd have to be scott thompson”

ross dittman · 3:22 AM

Eddie will be the basis for our main characters personality.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:22 AM

TOTALLY!

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:22 AM

nice

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:22 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“That's it! Drag queen ninja paratroopers for the win!”

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:22 AM

Cool. OK, so once the battle is won, what will the distribution of the energy do for the rest of the world?

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:23 AM

will it help us feel our connectivity in a different way?

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:23 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“Make it...fabulous!”

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:23 AM

Usher in the age of empathy?

ross dittman · 3:23 AM

it will turn the dystopia into a eutopia. where drag queens can live in peace, perform stadup and dance.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:24 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“We were talking about a new way of being...maybe transvestites had it right all along.”

ross dittman · 3:24 AM

The eutopia will be full of acceptance, and super healing powers that make people live longer.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:25 AM

Wow - we got a lot of work done! This kind of reminds me of improv comedy, but for writing fantasy novels.

ross dittman · 3:25 AM

yeah its great.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:25 AM

ok, i think i have hit my brick wall for the evening

ross dittman · 3:25 AM

So have I.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:26 AM

I feel ya brother. Me too.

ross dittman · 3:26 AM

Great talk had a great time.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:26 AM

me too. Maybe next month we'll try a new one. Or maybe even try to fill in the details from this one?

ross dittman · 3:27 AM

We can do whatever. 'm up for anything.

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:27 AM

★ Spotlighted from John Baker

“not me. im 3 rails in a creative bender after all this”

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:27 AM

lol!

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:27 AM

OK - thank you all so much for playing with us! It was great!

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:27 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“Super fun.”

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:27 AM

same here, thank you all for a lovely time

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:28 AM

good night!

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:28 AM

★ Spotlighted from John Baker

“very much so. thank you as well”

Jordan Birnbaum · 3:28 AM

★ Spotlighted from Rebecca Westbrook Toker

“Good night!”

ross dittman · 3:28 AM

later. Thanks. Good drag queen dreams to you all.

Forum · 139

Forum· 139 comments

42 visitors

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Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 2:17 AM

Dude, no. Hangovers and chicken buses are worse, though. Trust.

Eric GoldsmithNov 26, 2013, 2:17 AM

i like chicken buses

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 2:19 AM

Chicken buses are recycled buses that were retired from the developed world and found new lives in the third world. They have passengers that include chickens stuffed into sacks and a fragrant array of people-folk.

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 2:19 AM★ Spotlighted

Vampires and porn...I guess I'll be staying for this conversation! lol!

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 2:19 AM

To be fair, Animal Farm is fantasy, but it's mostly allegory.

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 2:20 AM

"Fragrant array..." Well illustrated, Rebecca!

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 2:20 AM★ Spotlighted

Can you please explain "dystopian"?

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 2:21 AM

LOL, Jennifer. I love chicken buses and the passengers - but not so much with a hangover.

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 2:21 AM★ Spotlighted

Is Key West urban?

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 2:21 AM★ Spotlighted

Key West is good. Plenty of fantasy fodder there...

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 2:24 AM

DId anybody see that effed up Terry Gilliam film about the little girl whose parents both ODed and she was left in the house with them?

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 2:24 AM★ Spotlighted

They evolved into fish-people.

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 2:25 AM★ Spotlighted

But, like fish people like Water Wold, or different?

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 2:25 AM

Like maybe they grew gills to survive the changing environment.

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 2:26 AM

They're attacked by Fantasy Fest!

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 2:27 AM

What if the magic is contained in some object...like a magic conch shell.

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 2:28 AM★ Spotlighted

Science is magic, Rick. :)

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 2:28 AM★ Spotlighted

So maybe the magic in this case is an energy source, or a fuel source.

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 2:28 AM★ Spotlighted

Because we're going to need one anyway.

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 2:28 AM

Maybe a new way to harness energy.

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 2:29 AM★ Spotlighted

@Rebecca, since that's a drilling area anyway, maybe they find the alternative by accident under the water.

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 2:30 AM

I agree with Rick. Key West.

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 2:30 AM

Conflict: things suck and it's hard to survive. Like a post-apocalyptic thing.

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 2:30 AM

Ah, that could be cool, Jennifer!

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 2:30 AM★ Spotlighted

Doesn't Key West corner the Bermuda Triangle?

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 2:31 AM★ Spotlighted

But what kind of force do you want the energy to be?

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 2:31 AM★ Spotlighted

Like, it could be something dark, that shitty people manage to control and then use that to control other people.

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 2:32 AM

Or, there was this book I read where we had gone into a post-apoc ice age and people were learning to tap energy within themselves.

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 2:32 AM

That's a lot happier.

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 2:32 AM

Of course, the government has to be involved if we're talking about replacing oil as a fuel source...

John BakerNov 26, 2013, 2:33 AM★ Spotlighted

what sort of drilling? even the most base modern drilling ventures take more than one person

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 2:33 AM

I'm with Jordan's inner hippie!

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 2:33 AM★ Spotlighted

Or, maybe it's an energy not well-understood, but it's giving rise to this new class of shaman-like people.

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 2:34 AM★ Spotlighted

Maybe it's brought to the surface by a mysterious entity from the Triangle...

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 2:35 AM

And maybe the energy sort of controls people, but in a positive way. It comes forth or is somehow more manageable when people are behaving themselves.

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 2:35 AM

and they have to earn the trust to receive the power.

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 2:35 AM

Ooh, Jordan...that's good!

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 2:35 AM★ Spotlighted

When people get nasty or try to abuse, control, or connive, it retreats and has to be called forth again.

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 2:36 AM

Just w!ait

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 2:36 AM

@Rebecca, like they have to learn to be decent people before they can have the energy solution they so desperately need.

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 2:36 AM

So, these cults do manifest, to try to serve the energy.

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 2:37 AM

Like only special people can really manage it.

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 2:37 AM

@ Jennifer

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 2:37 AM

And the special people become deified.

John BakerNov 26, 2013, 2:37 AM

lack of energy sources for food

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 2:37 AM

I think our protagonist should be out of his element amongst the salts of the islands...

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 2:37 AM

And that's where things get wierd.

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 2:37 AM

Unsuspecting tourist?

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 2:38 AM

Yeah - so maybe the protagonist is the one who sees all these weird cults forming and the regression into this tribal way of living, and he/she is trying to find out what the energy REALLY is and educate people.

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 2:39 AM

@Rick, aren't there some conspiracy theories about weather control anyway? Good stuff...

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 2:39 AM

That struck me as really funny, Rick!

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 2:40 AM

I think it the "surprise" should come from under the water. that's less explored than aliens coming from the sky, though they would still be alien.

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 2:41 AM

And now he's a fugitive.

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 2:41 AM★ Spotlighted

But maybe the crisis is just that we HAVE run out of energy, food is short, society has regressed.

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 2:41 AM★ Spotlighted

Can society be the antagonist?

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 2:42 AM

Jordan, the alternate way of being is kind of like what I see as the resolution. Yeah.

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 2:42 AM

The whole goal of whatever was to get people to evolve.

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 2:43 AM

Stop fighting against each other and being superstitious and tribal

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 2:43 AM★ Spotlighted

No, what I'm saying is that people are the antagonist.

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 2:43 AM★ Spotlighted

They are blocking their own evolution.

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 2:44 AM

Where do the dolphins fit in? Their mysterious powers, helping mankind...

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 2:44 AM

Kind of like Clan of the Cave Bear, now that I think about it.

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 2:45 AM

The protagonist is trying to help them see the answer, find out what the energy wants from people, so that people quit splintering off into tribes and worshipping the energy in strange ways.

John BakerNov 26, 2013, 2:45 AM

so what does the energy 'do' is it a case of the cure being worse than the disease?

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 2:45 AM

Sounds like religion, Rebecca.

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 2:46 AM

A bartender...

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 2:46 AM★ Spotlighted

Which wipes out the island, for all practical purposes.

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 2:47 AM

Why did the voodoo conjure the earthquake? Did the island need "cleansing" of some sort?

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 2:48 AM

Or maybe it's triggered by actions...

John BakerNov 26, 2013, 2:48 AM★ Spotlighted

how about not including voodoo caricture or connecting it with earthquake

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 2:49 AM★ Spotlighted

Yeah, the voodoo connection is kind of shaky.

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 2:49 AM★ Spotlighted

I say we go back to the Triangle.

Blake IanNov 26, 2013, 2:50 AM★ Spotlighted

Man showing up late to one of these creative writing Tawks is a TRIP

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 2:50 AM

maybe it starts with the protagonist seeing visions of old ships & planes that were claimed by the Triangle - trying to deliver a warning.

Blake IanNov 26, 2013, 2:51 AM

enter the Tawk to read: "OK the energy is released by the drilling from the triangle"

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 2:52 AM★ Spotlighted

And he never meant to do it this way, but the power goes to his head, as he has ALL the power in an otherwise dying culture...

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 2:53 AM

Because they're fortified by the power. Impenetrable.

John BakerNov 26, 2013, 2:53 AM

excellent -drums fingers together-

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 2:53 AM

Mr. Burns! Excellent. lol

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 2:53 AM

So, Rick, are they gaining power by sucking it from others?

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 2:54 AM

Maybe he's "chosen".

John BakerNov 26, 2013, 2:54 AM★ Spotlighted

why not have 3 people at the drilling site and each 3 get the power?

John BakerNov 26, 2013, 2:54 AM

connect to the idea of the triangle

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 2:55 AM★ Spotlighted

And all 3 handle the responsibility differently, resulting in 3 primary "tribes".

John BakerNov 26, 2013, 2:55 AM

that only came to mind because romance of the 3 kingdoms keeps poping in my head

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 2:56 AM

Wonderful!

John BakerNov 26, 2013, 2:56 AM

now were doing ball culture? key west is burning?

John BakerNov 26, 2013, 2:57 AM★ Spotlighted

this is hilarious good fun

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 2:57 AM★ Spotlighted

It was probably more like the antagonists' lack of a plan, you know? Just reacting. And now they don't know what to do except retain power.

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 2:58 AM

Well, in the short term after the disaster, there' s no fresh water, so the islanders are forced to survive on the mass amounts of liquor they pilfer from the deserted bars up and down Duval street.

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 2:58 AM

Probably with the rituals.

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 2:58 AM★ Spotlighted

I like the trifecta idea, with the 3 tribes.

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 2:59 AM★ Spotlighted

Yeah, Ross - that's good!

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 3:00 AM

And the 3rd tribe is the Drag Queens taking the power back for the people!

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 3:01 AM

To the uber-talented Ross!

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 3:02 AM

lol Jordan!

John BakerNov 26, 2013, 3:03 AM★ Spotlighted

center of the triangle. where the hero will rise

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 3:03 AM

The Ninas!

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 3:04 AM★ Spotlighted

@ Jennifer: Drag Queen Ninjas?

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 3:05 AM★ Spotlighted

@Rebecca, heck yes! I would totally read that book!

John BakerNov 26, 2013, 3:05 AM

i believe troma will be winning their first academy award

John BakerNov 26, 2013, 3:05 AM★ Spotlighted

have to keep movie rights in mind

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 3:06 AM

Hahahaaa, John. Troma.

Jennifer FinnellNov 26, 2013, 3:06 AM★ Spotlighted

I have to sign off. :( Totally coming back to read the end of this twisted little brainstorm. :)

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 3:07 AM★ Spotlighted

They'reagainst each other.

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 3:08 AM★ Spotlighted

But maybe there could be political intrigue.

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 3:08 AM

Either people at the top pulling strings to create constant conflict

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 3:09 AM

Or you see people at the periphery of society running between the two groups causing problems.

John BakerNov 26, 2013, 3:12 AM★ Spotlighted

no redemption!

John BakerNov 26, 2013, 3:13 AM★ Spotlighted

being fabulous and showing them not as slaves but indivduals

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 3:14 AM★ Spotlighted

Always fabulous.

John BakerNov 26, 2013, 3:14 AM

hugh yes!

John BakerNov 26, 2013, 3:17 AM★ Spotlighted

well they are drag queen ninjas so maybe they overtime infilitrated the other tribes and theres a secret army waiting to rise up?

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 3:18 AM

I like that, John. With lipstick.

John BakerNov 26, 2013, 3:19 AM★ Spotlighted

the two evil tribes have joined forces and are at the gates. they have the ninas pinned and opn the brink but the secret army rises

John BakerNov 26, 2013, 3:21 AM★ Spotlighted

but its toronto so itd have to be scott thompson

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 3:21 AM★ Spotlighted

Dude, I was totally thinking of Eddie Izzard, and his bit about sending in drag queen paratroopers... :D

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 3:22 AM★ Spotlighted

That's it! Drag queen ninja paratroopers for the win!

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 3:23 AM★ Spotlighted

Make it...fabulous!

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 3:23 AM★ Spotlighted

We were talking about a new way of being...maybe transvestites had it right all along.

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 3:26 AM★ Spotlighted

Super fun.

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 3:26 AM

Thanks, everyone!

John BakerNov 26, 2013, 3:27 AM★ Spotlighted

not me. im 3 rails in a creative bender after all this

John BakerNov 26, 2013, 3:28 AM★ Spotlighted

very much so. thank you as well

Rebecca Westbrook TokerNov 26, 2013, 3:28 AM★ Spotlighted

Good night!

Johnathonfall thethirdNov 26, 2013, 8:12 AM

Wow…looks like I missed another exciting talk.

Roxey RyanJun 14, 2014, 2:06 AM

Hey

sari sorrellJul 1, 2014, 4:08 AM

Heyyy

Brianna .Jul 3, 2014, 1:50 AM

Lisa emanuelJul 21, 2014, 10:51 PM

Hello

Lisa emanuelJul 21, 2014, 10:52 PM

Hi n

ANN RAug 30, 2014, 5:51 PM

Hello

Emily GraceSep 11, 2014, 3:13 AM

Hey

Emily GraceSep 11, 2014, 3:13 AM

What's up

Emily GraceSep 11, 2014, 3:13 AM

Private tawk me ? Can't see what's going on 😁

taylor hodgesOct 29, 2014, 5:22 PM

heyyy

taylor hodgesOct 29, 2014, 5:22 PM

hii