Week 1: The Gothic's basic plot will be discussed, along with its elements and the elements of Gothic Romance and Horror. Learn how to incorporate what you already know And learn the nature of fear and how to show it in your characters as it slowly builds to terror.
Homework: We all have fears and superstitions, and many of us have phobias. Make a list of your fears, superstitions and phobias and your body's reactions to them -- The longer the list, the better.
Week 2: Everything in the Gothic is used for the purpose of hooking the reader from the first word to the last by making them care about your main character. Learn how to create a realistic protagonist for your Gothic and how to create a credible Gothic setting for her using elements inherent in the Gothic. A brief discussion of the nature of isolation and logic is incorporated within this lesson.
Homework: Real life doesn't always make sense, but a novel has to. Using what we've discussed, create a detailed character sketch of your Protagonist. Now create a Gothic Setting for her and how she gets to it. On another slip of paper, describe her reactions to it and why she feels that way. Write as much as you can of the story, incorporating what you've learned so far.
Week 3: Introducing your co-Star, your Antagonist, and his connection to the setting. How to create a believable evil character and to use him to enhance your Gothic. Realistic conflict is the name of the game. Let the games begin!
Homework: Write out an ideal foe for your Protagonist -- one who'll cause her more trouble than she's ever experienced. What qualities does he need? How does she perceive him? How does he perceive himself? Are their perceptions accurate? Using what you've just written about your Antagonist, write how and why he'll be at that location, and his perception of her. Is his perception of her realistic? Now add your Antagonist to your story as he squares off against your Protagonist in the story.
Week 4: Motifs, themes, and atmosphere of the Gothic. Which direction will your Gothic take and how to maximize it? Evolution and changing the characters. Adding suspense and drama, using language of the Gothic.
Homework: You've set the stage. Your opponents have squared off, based on their perceptions of each other, however warped those perceptions may be. Based on your fears, start throwing as many obstacles as you can at your Protagonist, using your list of fears. Show her reactions as she slowly moves forward and her fear starts to build. Will her reactions affect him? Don't be hesitant about giving him some fears either. Using the language of the Gothic, start advancing the story. The more you can advance it, the the better, but try to add another 2 pages to what you've written so far.
Week 5: Minor characters and their roles. Do you need a supporting cast? If so, how many? How will they affect your Protagonist and Antagonist? Advantages and disadvantages. Recap of everything learned.
Homework: Using what you've written about your Protagonist and Antagonist, which (if any) would benefit from having a minor character? Would the story benefit? Now, write a few sentences about them one or two minor characters and why they would logically be there. If you have any questions or need help with what we've learned so far, please don't hesitate in asking me. I'll be glad to brainstorm and answer any questions you may have.
Week 6: Our finishing touches. Now that we've mastered the basics of the Gothic in whatever form and now that our characters have changed forever, how do we end it? The various types of twists and turns and endings inherent in the Gothic, Horror Gothic and Dark Romance as well tips on conversion to Horror and Dark Romance.
Homework: Using the tips for heightening suspense and melodrama inherent in the Gothic forms, add the ending most appropriate for your story.
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