1. Story statement. Reconcile with past and find self.
2. Antagonist. Tess begins the story at a low point; anxious, consumed by memories of the past. She presents as nervous, little confidence in herself. She places too much emphasis on what people think. Dominated by internal thoughts that belittle and degrade herself. Natural people pleaser who doesn’t speak up for wants and needs, would rather keep the peace. As the story commences, we see Tess having to start making decisions albeit it small; from paying by cash or card, to directions. Midway, we start to recognize her poor decision making; some might think a little delusional (or annoying) as she presents a need for gratification or band aid solutions to mask feelings of her past.
As Tess continues to make less than ideal choices, we see a shift in her own insights coming to the surface. Usually displayed through her own awareness of her actions. Along the journey and through a series of events, Tess is required to demonstrate strength, courage, and voice. As the story ends, we see a new Tess who has reconciled with her past, and regained strength and worth for her own self. Rejuvenated with a new sense of self.
3. Titles: (1) Again. (2) Are we there yet (3) The furthest place I can run.
4. Comparables. Exciting Times by Naoise Dolan, Penguin 2020. Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, Penguin 2006. Both stories provide elements that I believe are weaved into mine. Dolan’s millennial protagonist (and author), directness in language and travel scape, combined with Gilbert’s deeper emotional elements to finding self.
5. Hook. A 28-year-old domestic violence victim turned mistress travels to South America, in a bid to run from her past. Joining a tour group where fellow passengers are all dealing with their own secrets, she realizes that the only way to escape her past is to confront herself.
6. Inner conflict.Primary conflict includes trauma (memories of past) and internal dialogue (anxiety/low self esteem/worth/love for self. Tess sits down at a restaurant on her own. Picking up the menu she scales the choices. Her internal dialogue of thoughts telling her she can’t eat X or Y because she’s not worthy. This is fueled by memories of past with ex-partner calling her fat while they were eating out. She begins to feel anxious and overwhelmed at not being able to decide. Does she or doesn’t she pick something to eat? And if she does, does she pick the salad or a pizza? The waiter disturbs her thinking. She’s flustered at being forced to decide, laughs nervously while feeling under pressure. Decision point: Select something to eat or leave the restaurant.
Secondary conflict (poor decision making; quick pick me ups that come from lack of worth, trying to numb pain of past). Tess sits at a bar and orders a drink. She catches the eye of the man on the stool next to her and smiles. He smiles back, introduces himself and they converse. Tess notices he’s wearing a wedding band but ignores it. The conversation continues over drinks. She can feel the attraction between them build, her desire to connect burning. All memories of her past forgotten in a haze of alcohol and lust. He invites her to his hotel room for more drinks. Decision point: Say no to the temptation and leave or proceed to his hotel room.
7. Setting. The story starts and concludes in an airport in Melbourne, Australia. The journey moves through South America (Chile, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Brazil). The setting is varied - from the bus journey itself to cities/towns of the countries and relevant interactions and dialogue with others. The setting provides the reader with a unique lens of being elsewhere, but not detracting from the character driven narrative.
New York Pitch Conference - September 2021
in New York Write to Pitch 2023 and 2024
Posted
1. Story statement. Reconcile with past and find self.
2. Antagonist. Tess begins the story at a low point; anxious, consumed by memories of the past. She presents as nervous, little confidence in herself. She places too much emphasis on what people think. Dominated by internal thoughts that belittle and degrade herself. Natural people pleaser who doesn’t speak up for wants and needs, would rather keep the peace. As the story commences, we see Tess having to start making decisions albeit it small; from paying by cash or card, to directions. Midway, we start to recognize her poor decision making; some might think a little delusional (or annoying) as she presents a need for gratification or band aid solutions to mask feelings of her past.
As Tess continues to make less than ideal choices, we see a shift in her own insights coming to the surface. Usually displayed through her own awareness of her actions. Along the journey and through a series of events, Tess is required to demonstrate strength, courage, and voice. As the story ends, we see a new Tess who has reconciled with her past, and regained strength and worth for her own self. Rejuvenated with a new sense of self.
3. Titles: (1) Again. (2) Are we there yet (3) The furthest place I can run.
4. Comparables. Exciting Times by Naoise Dolan, Penguin 2020. Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, Penguin 2006. Both stories provide elements that I believe are weaved into mine. Dolan’s millennial protagonist (and author), directness in language and travel scape, combined with Gilbert’s deeper emotional elements to finding self.
5. Hook. A 28-year-old domestic violence victim turned mistress travels to South America, in a bid to run from her past. Joining a tour group where fellow passengers are all dealing with their own secrets, she realizes that the only way to escape her past is to confront herself.
6. Inner conflict. Primary conflict includes trauma (memories of past) and internal dialogue (anxiety/low self esteem/worth/love for self. Tess sits down at a restaurant on her own. Picking up the menu she scales the choices. Her internal dialogue of thoughts telling her she can’t eat X or Y because she’s not worthy. This is fueled by memories of past with ex-partner calling her fat while they were eating out. She begins to feel anxious and overwhelmed at not being able to decide. Does she or doesn’t she pick something to eat? And if she does, does she pick the salad or a pizza? The waiter disturbs her thinking. She’s flustered at being forced to decide, laughs nervously while feeling under pressure. Decision point: Select something to eat or leave the restaurant.
Secondary conflict (poor decision making; quick pick me ups that come from lack of worth, trying to numb pain of past). Tess sits at a bar and orders a drink. She catches the eye of the man on the stool next to her and smiles. He smiles back, introduces himself and they converse. Tess notices he’s wearing a wedding band but ignores it. The conversation continues over drinks. She can feel the attraction between them build, her desire to connect burning. All memories of her past forgotten in a haze of alcohol and lust. He invites her to his hotel room for more drinks. Decision point: Say no to the temptation and leave or proceed to his hotel room.
7. Setting. The story starts and concludes in an airport in Melbourne, Australia. The journey moves through South America (Chile, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Brazil). The setting is varied - from the bus journey itself to cities/towns of the countries and relevant interactions and dialogue with others. The setting provides the reader with a unique lens of being elsewhere, but not detracting from the character driven narrative.