Frantz charles

first 6 pages introduces tone, protagonist, reveals the antagonist. This excerpt sets the stage for primary conflict and showcases dialogue. Chapter 1| A Day To Remember The temperature on the island was cold, and it continued to rain. Today was when the next generation of the Five Kingdoms would graduate from being learners of our kingdoms to members of the New Watchers. Today was also the day I became Queen. The ceremony for me to be Queen was unexpected, but my mom found it more straightforward if I had it on the same day as my graduation. To her, it was killing two birds with one stone. I couldn’t help but think about my papa being there to see me become a New Watcher. If only I was strong enough to defend him. I trained almost every day, but it wasn’t enough. I clenched my fist, wanting to rewind time, but I couldn’t. I was at war with myself, my mind wanted revenge, but my heart wasn’t ready. It was shattered into a million pieces. I looked over as my Uncle Castro entered the room, holding onto many scrolls he placed on the end of my bed. “Alright, Selena, pay attention. You’ll be stepping into a new leadership role very soon. You’ll be responsible for our family’s rich history when your mama and I leave.” “Yes, I know; grandpa tells me every story.” They were beautiful stories, too, filled with the heroism of my family. For generations, my family has protected humanity in secret. Still, we’re all treated like garbage by other secret societies because our source of power is looked down upon. The New Watchers’ power was given to us by angels when the original Watchers, who were also angels, failed at their assignment. Each family controls a Kingdom of unique people who wield superpowers. There’s the Nephilim Kingdom that rules the grounds, the Underworld Kingdom that guards evil beings in the underworld, the Sky Kingdom that runs the skies, the Cosmic Kingdom fought beings in the spiritual realm, and you guessed it, the Marine Kingdom, we fought underwater creatures. What we all had in common: we all looked normal, could fly, and lived on land. The Marine Kingdom, where I belonged, took shelter on an island to watch over the Atlantic Ocean, where powerful ancient creatures underwater were imprisoned by my people. We have Marine tribes around the world under us that watch over different parts of the ocean. Some even can live underwater. Tribes like the Atlantic Tribe, Pacific Tribe, and more weren’t in the Marine Kingdom location-wise. Still, they were under my mama’s rulership. My papa said that our family line goes back to the days of Enoch, around 2 B.C, when rampant Nephilims ruled the world. Nephilims were half human and half Angel. They were an abomination to God’s eyes and came out craving human flesh. Before their extinction, they were called giants or titans in other parts of the world. The shortest Nephilims stood taller than skyscrapers. The Original Watchers, angels, called the sons of God, made children with women. The results were giants eating humans. According to ancient scrolls, Enoch and the New Watchers would battle Nephilims and other creatures who tried to rule the earth. Seeing that the Watchers were responsible for the Nephilims, Enoch worked with the New Watchers to protect the world. He would get orders from the biblical God to kill creatures that roamed around. We stopped many gods and fallen angels who tried to rule over the world and mix races with humans and sea creatures. What the Vatican doesn’t tell you, is that my ancestors helped take out underwater creatures and shapeshifters who had come close to ruling over the earth. During the 40 days it rained on Earth while Noah was in his ark, the New Watchers killed off every creature at the time. We won the fight because of “The Eye of the Ocean,” a crystal ball. This was a source of power my family held onto for generations. My father was the most recent keeper of the Eye of the Ocean until it was stolen by La Siren while my papa and I set sail. My papa held on to the “Eye of The Ocean,” a crystal ball filled with mysterious anointed water. “Selena, are you listening?” Uncle Tio said. “I know your grandpa has taught you about our family’s past, but there is one scroll grandpa didn’t tell you about. I wish to find it one day. It’s the Dead Sea Scroll. It tells the complete story of our history and can restore the balance between good and evil. This scroll has the power to make the world better or worse.” “What happened to the Dead Sea Scroll?” I moved to the edge of the bed. Uncle Castro huffed out his mouth and pressed down on his red floral shirt. His black wavy hair stopped around his ear. He had a thick mustache but was very fit for his age. I always loved listening to him tell stories. Especially war stories that were removed from the ancient texts about the Marine Kingdom. “Secret knowledge that can change the world was contained in the Dead Sea Scroll. War was waged for it, and it was lost during the chaos. It’s said to have been lost forever under the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth today.” “Why hasn’t anyone searched for it?” “The Dead Sea, or The Sea Of Death, holds ancient creatures that want to see the world drown. It’s said the world was once a dark and void place until the sun was created by God. Every evil creature that roamed the earth was placed in the Dead Sea. Then the animals were created, and humanity called it home. A small bit of this story is in the bible. To wake them up is to cause the end of the world. Man is forbidden to enter the dark parts of The Dead Sea. Even the most powerful New Watcher cannot go to those parts.” “So life on earth sucks with these ancient beings trying to rule the earth, and we’re too scared to retrieve it? I’ll get it then.” “No, it’s not that simple. Even for you, mighty Selena. Your trainers told me you don’t attend any of your classes in the past few weeks.” Uncle Castro walked back and forth in my room, watching my eyes. “Don’t lie.” He raised his eyebrow, trying to be serious but consistently failed at it. “Uncle Castro, I did; I just came late.” Rolling my eyes, I looked down. “Because you’re always up late. You need proper sleep. Do you know how important it is for you to just show up? You’re an example to the rest of the Marine Kingdom. Even if you passed your exams and know you’re graduating, repetition is key to becoming a better warrior. You’re finally thirteen years old. How do you expect to be ready and on-call when your comrades need you?” Uncle Castro stopped walking back and forth. “The Chosen Ones and Generals for the Sky Kingdom will be here again. They want to ask questions again. They want to know the person who killed your father?” His voice got soft. Seeing my face reacting to his words. “I’m telling you, it wasn’t people who killed papa! It was mermaids, and it’s the ones mama talked about. I saw La Siren with my own two eyes, and I battled her.” Uncle Castro heavily exhaled out his mouth. “La Siren is Queen of The Back of The Mirror Underwater Kingdom, governed by the Haitians. The Haitians report to us weekly on any suspicious activity. Their tribe said nothing happened or shook underwater, and they say she was never revived.” Uncle C stood still and tried to read me. “Maybe you were traumatized and thought you saw her. Grandpa tells a lot of scary stories about La Siren.” “I’m not lying this time. La Siren came by herself and took the Eye of The Ocean; I don’t know what she wanted with it. The Eye of The Ocean contains many powers that haven’t been seen before.” “Just remind me one more time. How do you know it was her?” “La Siren’s scales were like shiny mirrors, blinding anyone who looked her way. I said this to you, the Chosen Ones, the New Watchers, and everyone who visited me while I was healing from my injuries.” When I said that, my Uncle C looked at me with concern. I don’t think he believed me like the rest of the five kingdoms. “Selena Molina Black, get down here right now!” My mother’s voice echoed throughout the house. “Great, now what did I do?” I said sarcastically as I combed my hair back. “I heard that; get down here.” My mama’s hearing was like a mouse, and she could hear any and everything without activating her powers. Getting out of bed, I looked in the mirror. I was a brown-skinned girl who was only thirteen trying to conquer the world. I wanted to be great, so I could one day restore my family’s name and honor. I grabbed a black rubber band, tied my black hair into a ponytail, then looked at the scars from the battle where I lost my dad. I headed downstairs. “Yes, Mama.” I walked into the kitchen, where food was constantly being cooked and always made our home hot, and it was always hotter inside than it was outside. Mama was cooking stew because it was grandpa’s favorite. She did everything for him because he could die at any moment, and we want his last memory to be good. My grandpa is 145 years old; I honestly don’t think he’ll ever die. It wasn’t like he was in a chair sleeping all day, my grandpa exercised, and he even swam! He swims so fast people call him a shark because he’s quick and dangerous. “Miss, some special people here came to see you and wanted to know about the incident a few weeks ago.” My mama nodded to me, clearly wanting me to be respectful but, more importantly, honest about the death of my papa. I looked over at the dining room, where people were standing and some sitting eating the stew from the stove. Some of them were my mama’s peers, warriors of the Atlantic Tribe, a tribe under the Marine Kingdom that originated in the Caribbean. There were also Skynavians, warriors of the Sky Kingdom, who all spoke amongst each other. The Chosen ones, a secret organization, was also there. One of their leaders, New York, stood in the back behind General Touloff. She was one of the most famous leaders. The first Hispanic female leader in America was known to be super fast. Her name wasn’t New York; it was a state she protected from the gods. I walked in and faked a cough, catching their attention. Seeing me, they all stood tall and nodded. General Touloff, leader of the skynavians, wore all-white armor with imprints of silver doves on his shoulder pads. His long hair was white like snow and stopped at his lower back. His pale skin was also very bright and brought out his blue eyes. “I would first like to say I was saddened by the news of your father, Hector Black. My deepest condolences again; I’m sorry for your loss.” I never knew what to say to that. Sorry that you’re sorry or sorry that you feel that way or even say sorry that I lost someone? “No need to be sorry.” Everyone’s face behind General Touloff looked confused. I quickly looked down to pass the embarrassment away. “Listen, as you know, it’s been continuously raining for seven days. The Sky Kingdom has recorded an astonishing number of deaths from the rain causing many people to drown. As you can imagine, the death toll stands on our consciousness because this isn’t natural, and this is the power of the Eye of The Ocean. We need to know who is responsible. We need to know who’s behind this. You said it was La Siren, and we checked with the Atlantic tribe, and they say her body is being protected as we speak. Can you tell us one more time what this person looks like? “I told you, it was La-” “That’s not going to cut it.” General Touloff closed his eyes in frustration for a second. “This doesn’t look good. People worldwide are dying, and there’s the suggestion that you’re doing this. Even if it was a mermaid that stole The Eye of The Ocean, why were you the only survivor? You’re the daughter of Leviathan, and people are suggesting you’ve taken it to reawaken your biological mother.” “You will not place accusations or say such statements to my daughter. She isn’t the daughter of Leviathan, and she’s the future Queen of The Marine Kingdom. Daughter of Hector Black and Sharon Black, not Leviathan.” My mother stood by my side and glared at General Touloff. “Apologies, Queen Sharon.” He quickly bowed his head and then looked up at me. “Do you know what The Eye of The Ocean is?” “Yeah, it’s a celestial tool that my ancestors used during the times of Noah’s Ark. We used it to defeat beings that live underwater. We also aided the Nephlims Kingdom and caused the flood to help eradicate the Nephlims, then we went to war with the Mermaids. In the end, we turned them all into pillars of salt. The Dead Sea near Jerusalem is the world’s saltiest ocean. We tore open the skies and unleashed a flood that covered the highest mountains on earth. The aurora lights that glow in the skies are the opened seals that caused the flood.” “That’s right.” General Touloff looked back at his peers, confirming something. “The Eye of The Ocean is a powerful item that was given to your father, ruler of the Marine Kingdom. It’s believed your father had it with him, and he went on a mission to transport it to another location. Your mother said you both were headed to the North Pole but were intercepted by an unidentified crew. Was it wizards, witches, warlocks, the gods, or anyone you know that looked familiar?” Rolling my eyes and exhaling through my nose, I shook my head. I never got why adults would repeat a question thinking they would get a new answer. Looking down, I closed my eyes, remembering the attack. We were on a boat, and it was me, my papa, and five water warriors. We were headed to the North Pole to deliver The Eye of The Ocean to another Water Tribe, the Arctic Tribe. This was done yearly. We constantly changed the Eye of The Ocean locations for centuries, but this time someone knew where and when it was being transported. “All the seals, walrus, and even whales floated to the top. My dad saw this and looked alert. Before he could give his command, this lady with legs that had shiny scales jumped out of the water and landed on our ship. She looked at everyone and started fighting, slaughtering anyone she laid her eyes on. I had never seen someone so powerful, and she moved so- so gracefully. I tried to help, but everyone around who is known to be the best fighters quickly died. I knew I didn’t stand a chance. She got to me then to papa.” Suddenly I felt tears at the rim of my eyes. I wiped them away. “I played dead as my father fought for his life. His last word was ‘La-siren.’ I waited till she left with The Eye of The Ocean, then I fell into the water to heal my wounds and made my Sea Dragon, Lotus, transport me back home.” Dessalines, Captain and leader of the Atlantic Tribe under the Marine Kingdom, walked up to me. “There’s word saying there was no indication from soldiers that La Siren was revived.” General Touloff reached into his pocket, pulled out a phone, and then tapped the screen. A holographic image of La Siren came from the screen, and he focused his eyes on mine. “I’m going to ask you one more time, okay?” “Okay.” I nodded my head in agreement. “Was this the person that stole The Eye of The Ocean?” I stared at the holographic face of La Siren. Her cold dark brown eyes and long dark hair brought back the memories of her plunging a sword through my stomach. “Yeah, she killed my father and stole The Eye of The Ocean.” “Are you sure?” “The girl is right,” New York pushed her long wavy hair to the side, revealing a small communication device. “My people are discovering live organisms moving fast in the ocean. Faster than any fish recorded. Other members from the Chosen Ones tell me they see mermaids not so far from here.” “That’s her,” I turned back to my mama, who was shocked. I guess because New York agreed. Looking back at General Touloff, I walked closer to him. “I want to be the one to kill her, and let me help you find her.” Ignoring my request, he exhaled heavily through his nose. “It’s been raining around the world for seven days straight, which means she activated it somehow and plans to resurrect her sister Mami Wata. Then eradicate humanity and make the earth a planet covered in water only where she rules. It only takes forty days to flood the earth, and we have thirty-three days left.” My mother stepped in, grabbing my arm and turning me to face her. “Are you sure it was La Siren? Warriors from Haiti are denying it.” “That’s her, mama. She summoned water creatures to assist her like she was one of us.” New York walked to my mama. “La Siren is not so far from here. I don’t know what your people told you, but she’s coming here fast.” My mama looked back at Dessaline and then at everyone. “This takes top priority. Call our armies and scourge the skies to find La Siren. If she has The Eye of The Ocean, then life on earth is short.” “General Touloff.” I looked up at him as he gave his orders to his people. “Yes.” He looked down at me. “Save her for me. She killed my father and must pay the price. As soon as the leader of the Marine Kingdom, I know my people, and they won’t stop until blood is shown for the loss of my father.” “We just need to stop the rain to preserve the lives on earth. This weather involves The Sky Kingdom. Do what you must with La Siren.” General Touloff headed out the door. “The Sky Kingdom will follow The Marine Kingdom’s lead.” He looked at his own people. “Seal off the entire island and contact every available Skynavian to head for this Island.” Following behind General Touloff, my mother grabbed me again. “You’re technically not the leader of The Marine Kingdom yet, and I’ll contact the other kingdoms to get involved. You’re not needed.” “Mama, La Siren is out there. I just agreed to take her out, and I want revenge for what she did to papa.” “La Siren will be the least of your problems if you stay here. If she has The Eye of the Ocean and is headed here, she’s coming with an army of Mermaids and Mermen, and it’ll be an ugly battle.” “But ma-” “Aht aht no buts!” My mama lifted her finger warning me. “I won’t forgive myself if anything happens to you. Wait and let the grown-ups handle this. You’re still a child. Attend your graduation today and you’ll be crowned the leader of this kingdom. Until then, you still have to listen to me and follow my commands.” My mama turned to New York. “How close is she?” “La Siren’s ETA is one hour, and she must be using The Eye of The Ocean to not be detected by your kind.” “Your ceremonial robe is on my bed, and I pressed it for you. Prepare and head to the Waterfront Stadium on Aqua Island. If things get out of hand or Mermaids attack Waterfront Stadium, come back home and just wait for me. I’m sending a couple men to guard you as well.” “I’m not scared. It doesn’t take long to get to the stadium. I’m traveling with Lotus. It’ll take seconds, and the mermaids are an hour away. I’m safe, I promise.” My mama was always overprotective of me. I was the only daughter of the ruler of the Marine Kingdom, and many people might have wanted my spot to rule this kingdom. To them, I wasn’t a legitimate heir biologically. My safety was her priority, but I cared more about being a good leader. “I’m not sure how things will turn out but focus on graduating to gain your new powers and to become Queen so you can guide your people.” My mama grabbed hold of my face and kissed my forehead. “You got this.” Looking at her eyes, I didn’t know if she was confident in me or scared of what was coming. I headed upstairs and put on my ceremonial blue robe with shining, ancient white runes written all over it. Remembering La Siren’s face and what she did, I was set on doing what I planned. I didn’t care that I was a kid and not Queen yet. I was going to avenge my papa and restore order. First pages to new watchers.docx

FIRST ASSIGNMENT: write your story statement. Answer: Story Statement: In a world where five kingdoms with unique powers strive to protect humanity from supernatural threats, Selena Molina Black, the heir to the New Marine Kingdom, must navigate the challenges of leadership, confront the murder of her father by the mermaid Queen La Siren, and retrieve the powerful Eye of The Ocean to prevent a catastrophic plan that threatens the entire world. SECOND ASSIGNMENT: in 200 words or less, sketch the antagonist or antagonistic force in your story. Keep in mind their goals, their background, and the ways they react to the world about them. Answer: La Siren, the antagonist, is a powerful mermaid queen seeking to resurrect her sister Mami Wata and flood the Earth. Before the evolution of humanity, earth was dark and void, home to creatures like mermaids. She believes that earth truly belongs to her kind and not humanity. Once a ruler of the Underwater Kingdom, plan rule over earth and make every human a mermaid. Driven by a thirst for revenge against the New Watchers for imprisoning her kind, she stole the Eye of The Ocean to execute a plan that involves unleashing ancient creatures from the Dead Sea. La Siren is cunning, manipulating perceptions with illusions and evading detection through the Eye's power. Her background is steeped in ancient conflicts with the Marine Kingdom, and she harbors a deep-seated hatred toward Selena's family. In her quest for dominance, La Siren exploits the chaos caused by unrelenting rain, manipulating the elements to her advantage. Ruthless and vengeful, she poses a formidable challenge for Selena as she seeks to avenge her father's death and protect the realms from La Siren's destructive ambitions. THIRD ASSIGNMENT: create a breakout title (list several options, not more than three, and revisit to edit as needed). Answer: 1. "Siren’s Legacy: Rise of the New Watchers 2. "Rulers of the Elements: Saga Across Realms" 3. New Watchers: The Dead Sea Scroll FOURTH ASSIGNMENT: - Develop two smart comparables for your novel. This is a good opportunity to immerse yourself in your chosen genre. Who compares to you? And why? Answer: 1. Comparable Novel: "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas - Both stories feature young, powerful female protagonists thrust into leadership roles in fantastical worlds. - Similarities in the exploration of elemental powers, magical conflicts, and the weight of destiny on the main characters. 2. Comparable Novel: "Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan - Both narratives involve young heroes navigating their roles in a world with distinct realms and mythological influences. - Shared themes of a chosen individual coming to terms with their powers and the responsibility of protecting their realm from supernatural threats. Author Comparison: - The protagonist- Selena Molina Black's journey aligns with the captivating and intricate world-building of Brandon Sanderson, known for his ability to create immersive fantasy landscapes with well-defined magical systems. - The blend of mythology, elemental powers, and the coming-of-age narrative draws parallels to the storytelling style of Cassandra Clare, who masterfully weaves intricate plots within a supernatural realm. FIFTH ASSIGNMENT: write your own hook line (logline) with conflict and core wound following the format above. Though you may not have one now, keep in mind this is a great developmental tool. In other words, you best begin focusing on this if you're serious about commercial publication. Answer: In a world where elemental kingdoms vie for dominance, Selena Molina Black, heir to the New Marine Kingdom, must overcome the core wound of her father's murder by the vengeful mermaid queen, La Siren. As she grapples with leadership challenges and uncovers a plot involving the stolen Eye of The Ocean that threatens global catastrophe, Selena and her friends journey unfolds in a high-stakes clash between elemental powers, ancient prophecies, and her relentless quest for justice. With time ticking away and alliances tested, Selena must confront her own inner conflicts, unravel the mysteries of her family's past, and harness newfound powers to save not only her kingdom but the entire world from the impending elemental chaos. SIXTH ASSIGNMENT: sketch out the conditions for the inner conflict your protagonist will have. Why will they feel in turmoil? Conflicted? Anxious? Sketch out one hypothetical scenario in the story wherein this would be the case--consider the trigger and the reaction. Next, likewise sketch a hypothetical scenario for the "secondary conflict" involving the social environment. Will this involve family? Friends? Associates? What is the nature of it? Answer: Primary Conflict: Selena Molina Black must lead the New Marine Kingdom and unite the Five Kingdoms to prevent the catastrophic resurrection of La Siren's sister, Mami Wata, and the subsequent flooding of the Earth. The stolen Eye of The Ocean holds the key to this impending global disaster, and Selena's journey is a race against time to stop La Siren's apocalyptic plan. Secondary Conflicts: 1. **Intrigues Among Kingdoms:** The delicate alliances between the Five Kingdoms are strained, with political machinations and power struggles complicating Selena's mission. The Sky Kingdom questions the Marine Kingdom's role, adding an additional layer of tension. 2. **Personal Relationships:** Selena faces skepticism and internal dissent within her kingdom, especially from those who doubt her ability to lead at such a young age. Additionally, interpersonal conflicts arise when old friendships are tested, and new alliances must be formed. 3. **The Mystery of the Dead Sea Scroll:** The quest to find the Dead Sea Scroll becomes a secondary conflict, with its potential to restore balance or wreak havoc on the world. Selena's journey to uncover this powerful artifact is fraught with dangers and conflicting motivations. Inner Conflicts: Selena grapples with the guilt and anger stemming from her perceived failure to save her father during the mermaid attack. The inner turmoil intensifies as she questions her own strength and leadership abilities. A hypothetical scenario unfolds when, during a critical battle with water creatures, Selena freezes, haunted by memories of her father's death. The trigger is a sudden surge of overwhelming emotions, and her reaction is a momentary paralysis that jeopardizes the safety of her comrades. This internal conflict becomes a recurring challenge for Selena as she strives to overcome her fears and lead with confidence. Secondary Conflict - Personal Relationships: Amidst the chaos of impending doom, a secondary conflict arises within Selena's personal relationships, particularly with her childhood friend and fellow water warrior, Luca. Unbeknownst to Selena, Luca harbors both romantic feelings and resentment towards her for being chosen as the heir to the Marine Kingdom. Hypothetical Scenario: As tensions escalate and the pressure on Selena intensifies, Luca's unspoken emotions reach a breaking point. During a critical strategy meeting, he confronts Selena in front of their comrades, accusing her of nepotism and undermining the unity of the New Marine Kingdom. The revelation of his suppressed feelings adds a layer of emotional complexity to the already strained relationships within the kingdom. The trigger for this conflict is a combination of Luca's frustration with his unrequited love and his resentment towards the perceived favoritism shown to Selena. The reaction is a public outburst that challenges Selena's authority and divides the loyalties of the water warriors. This interpersonal conflict becomes a subplot, impacting Selena's ability to command trust and loyalty, forcing her to navigate not only external threats but also the fragile dynamics within her close-knit community. FINAL ASSIGNMENT: sketch out your setting in detail. What makes it interesting enough, scene by scene, to allow for uniqueness and cinema in your narrative and story? Please don't simply repeat what you already have which may well be too quiet. You can change it. That's why you're here! Start now. Imagination is your best friend, and be aggressive with it. Answer: Setting: **Five Elemental Kingdoms:** The story unfolds in a fantastical world where five elemental kingdoms coexist: the New Marine Kingdom, the Nephilim Kingdom, the Cosmic Kingdom, the Sky Kingdom, and the Underworld Kingdom. Each kingdom possesses unique powers derived from their elemental affiliations. The New Marine Kingdom, ruled by Selena's family, thrives underwater with vibrant coral cities and mystical aquatic creatures. **Aqua Island:** The central hub for the New Marine Kingdom is Aqua Island, a sprawling island adorned with grand waterfalls and intricate coral formations. The Waterfront Stadium, where Selena's graduation ceremony takes place, is a colossal amphitheater carved into the heart of Aqua Island. The stadium's enchanting design includes shimmering pools and holographic projections that showcase the history of the New Marine Kingdom. **The Dead Sea:** The quest for the Dead Sea Scroll leads the characters to the desolate and mysterious Dead Sea. Here, the landscape is foreboding, with salt formations resembling eerie sculptures. Ancient creatures lurk beneath the surface, adding an element of danger to the characters' journey. **Mermaid Stronghold - Back of The Mirror Underwater Kingdom:** As Selena ventures into the realm of La Siren, the Queen of The Back of The Mirror Underwater Kingdom, the setting transforms into a mesmerizing underwater world. Shimmering palaces made of reflective materials and schools of luminescent fish create an otherworldly atmosphere. The climax unfolds in this kingdom, where Selena confronts La Siren and battles against the forces threatening to flood the Earth. **The North Pole and Arctic Tribe:** The journey to deliver the Eye of The Ocean to the Arctic Tribe adds a freezing and mystical dimension to the setting. The Arctic landscape is a vast expanse of ice and snow, where Selena encounters ice elementals and uncovers ancient secrets. The Arctic Tribe's hidden enclave is a breathtaking ice palace that serves as a crucial backdrop for key revelations. **Dynamic Elemental Weather:** To enhance the cinematic quality, each kingdom experiences dynamic elemental weather. Rainstorms rage during pivotal moments, emphasizing the significance of the Eye of The Ocean. The Sky Kingdom showcases impressive aerial displays, and the Cosmic Kingdom's scenes are illuminated by celestial phenomena. These dynamic settings create a visually stunning and immersive experience, making the narrative come alive with cinematic richness. NY Conference assignment.docx

FIRST ASSIGNMENT: write your story statement. Answer: Story Statement: In a world where five kingdoms with unique powers strive to protect humanity from supernatural threats, Selena Molina Black, the heir to the New Marine Kingdom, must navigate the challenges of leadership, confront the murder of her father by the mermaid Queen La Siren, and retrieve the powerful Eye of The Ocean to prevent a catastrophic plan that threatens the entire world. SECOND ASSIGNMENT: in 200 words or less, sketch the antagonist or antagonistic force in your story. Keep in mind their goals, their background, and the ways they react to the world about them. Answer: La Siren, the antagonist, is a powerful mermaid queen seeking to resurrect her sister Mami Wata and flood the Earth. Before the evolution of humanity, earth was dark and void, home to creatures like mermaids. She believes that earth truly belongs to her kind and not humanity. Once a ruler of the Underwater Kingdom, plan rule over earth and make every human a mermaid. Driven by a thirst for revenge against the New Watchers for imprisoning her kind, she stole the Eye of The Ocean to execute a plan that involves unleashing ancient creatures from the Dead Sea. La Siren is cunning, manipulating perceptions with illusions and evading detection through the Eye's power. Her background is steeped in ancient conflicts with the Marine Kingdom, and she harbors a deep-seated hatred toward Selena's family. In her quest for dominance, La Siren exploits the chaos caused by unrelenting rain, manipulating the elements to her advantage. Ruthless and vengeful, she poses a formidable challenge for Selena as she seeks to avenge her father's death and protect the realms from La Siren's destructive ambitions. THIRD ASSIGNMENT: create a breakout title (list several options, not more than three, and revisit to edit as needed). Answer: 1. "Siren’s Legacy: Rise of the New Watchers 2. "Rulers of the Elements: Saga Across Realms" 3. New Watchers: The Dead Sea Scroll FOURTH ASSIGNMENT: - Develop two smart comparables for your novel. This is a good opportunity to immerse yourself in your chosen genre. Who compares to you? And why? Answer: 1. Comparable Novel: "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas - Both stories feature young, powerful female protagonists thrust into leadership roles in fantastical worlds. - Similarities in the exploration of elemental powers, magical conflicts, and the weight of destiny on the main characters. 2. Comparable Novel: "Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan - Both narratives involve young heroes navigating their roles in a world with distinct realms and mythological influences. - Shared themes of a chosen individual coming to terms with their powers and the responsibility of protecting their realm from supernatural threats. Author Comparison: - The protagonist- Selena Molina Black's journey aligns with the captivating and intricate world-building of Brandon Sanderson, known for his ability to create immersive fantasy landscapes with well-defined magical systems. - The blend of mythology, elemental powers, and the coming-of-age narrative draws parallels to the storytelling style of Cassandra Clare, who masterfully weaves intricate plots within a supernatural realm. FIFTH ASSIGNMENT: write your own hook line (logline) with conflict and core wound following the format above. Though you may not have one now, keep in mind this is a great developmental tool. In other words, you best begin focusing on this if you're serious about commercial publication. Answer: In a world where elemental kingdoms vie for dominance, Selena Molina Black, heir to the New Marine Kingdom, must overcome the core wound of her father's murder by the vengeful mermaid queen, La Siren. As she grapples with leadership challenges and uncovers a plot involving the stolen Eye of The Ocean that threatens global catastrophe, Selena and her friends journey unfolds in a high-stakes clash between elemental powers, ancient prophecies, and her relentless quest for justice. With time ticking away and alliances tested, Selena must confront her own inner conflicts, unravel the mysteries of her family's past, and harness newfound powers to save not only her kingdom but the entire world from the impending elemental chaos. SIXTH ASSIGNMENT: sketch out the conditions for the inner conflict your protagonist will have. Why will they feel in turmoil? Conflicted? Anxious? Sketch out one hypothetical scenario in the story wherein this would be the case--consider the trigger and the reaction. Next, likewise sketch a hypothetical scenario for the "secondary conflict" involving the social environment. Will this involve family? Friends? Associates? What is the nature of it? Answer: Primary Conflict: Selena Molina Black must lead the New Marine Kingdom and unite the Five Kingdoms to prevent the catastrophic resurrection of La Siren's sister, Mami Wata, and the subsequent flooding of the Earth. The stolen Eye of The Ocean holds the key to this impending global disaster, and Selena's journey is a race against time to stop La Siren's apocalyptic plan. Secondary Conflicts: 1. **Intrigues Among Kingdoms:** The delicate alliances between the Five Kingdoms are strained, with political machinations and power struggles complicating Selena's mission. The Sky Kingdom questions the Marine Kingdom's role, adding an additional layer of tension. 2. **Personal Relationships:** Selena faces skepticism and internal dissent within her kingdom, especially from those who doubt her ability to lead at such a young age. Additionally, interpersonal conflicts arise when old friendships are tested, and new alliances must be formed. 3. **The Mystery of the Dead Sea Scroll:** The quest to find the Dead Sea Scroll becomes a secondary conflict, with its potential to restore balance or wreak havoc on the world. Selena's journey to uncover this powerful artifact is fraught with dangers and conflicting motivations. Inner Conflicts: Selena grapples with the guilt and anger stemming from her perceived failure to save her father during the mermaid attack. The inner turmoil intensifies as she questions her own strength and leadership abilities. A hypothetical scenario unfolds when, during a critical battle with water creatures, Selena freezes, haunted by memories of her father's death. The trigger is a sudden surge of overwhelming emotions, and her reaction is a momentary paralysis that jeopardizes the safety of her comrades. This internal conflict becomes a recurring challenge for Selena as she strives to overcome her fears and lead with confidence. Secondary Conflict - Personal Relationships: Amidst the chaos of impending doom, a secondary conflict arises within Selena's personal relationships, particularly with her childhood friend and fellow water warrior, Luca. Unbeknownst to Selena, Luca harbors both romantic feelings and resentment towards her for being chosen as the heir to the Marine Kingdom. Hypothetical Scenario: As tensions escalate and the pressure on Selena intensifies, Luca's unspoken emotions reach a breaking point. During a critical strategy meeting, he confronts Selena in front of their comrades, accusing her of nepotism and undermining the unity of the New Marine Kingdom. The revelation of his suppressed feelings adds a layer of emotional complexity to the already strained relationships within the kingdom. The trigger for this conflict is a combination of Luca's frustration with his unrequited love and his resentment towards the perceived favoritism shown to Selena. The reaction is a public outburst that challenges Selena's authority and divides the loyalties of the water warriors. This interpersonal conflict becomes a subplot, impacting Selena's ability to command trust and loyalty, forcing her to navigate not only external threats but also the fragile dynamics within her close-knit community. FINAL ASSIGNMENT: sketch out your setting in detail. What makes it interesting enough, scene by scene, to allow for uniqueness and cinema in your narrative and story? Please don't simply repeat what you already have which may well be too quiet. You can change it. That's why you're here! Start now. Imagination is your best friend, and be aggressive with it. Answer: Setting: **Five Elemental Kingdoms:** The story unfolds in a fantastical world where five elemental kingdoms coexist: the New Marine Kingdom, the Nephilim Kingdom, the Cosmic Kingdom, the Sky Kingdom, and the Underworld Kingdom. Each kingdom possesses unique powers derived from their elemental affiliations. The New Marine Kingdom, ruled by Selena's family, thrives underwater with vibrant coral cities and mystical aquatic creatures. **Aqua Island:** The central hub for the New Marine Kingdom is Aqua Island, a sprawling island adorned with grand waterfalls and intricate coral formations. The Waterfront Stadium, where Selena's graduation ceremony takes place, is a colossal amphitheater carved into the heart of Aqua Island. The stadium's enchanting design includes shimmering pools and holographic projections that showcase the history of the New Marine Kingdom. **The Dead Sea:** The quest for the Dead Sea Scroll leads the characters to the desolate and mysterious Dead Sea. Here, the landscape is foreboding, with salt formations resembling eerie sculptures. Ancient creatures lurk beneath the surface, adding an element of danger to the characters' journey. **Mermaid Stronghold - Back of The Mirror Underwater Kingdom:** As Selena ventures into the realm of La Siren, the Queen of The Back of The Mirror Underwater Kingdom, the setting transforms into a mesmerizing underwater world. Shimmering palaces made of reflective materials and schools of luminescent fish create an otherworldly atmosphere. The climax unfolds in this kingdom, where Selena confronts La Siren and battles against the forces threatening to flood the Earth. **The North Pole and Arctic Tribe:** The journey to deliver the Eye of The Ocean to the Arctic Tribe adds a freezing and mystical dimension to the setting. The Arctic landscape is a vast expanse of ice and snow, where Selena encounters ice elementals and uncovers ancient secrets. The Arctic Tribe's hidden enclave is a breathtaking ice palace that serves as a crucial backdrop for key revelations. **Dynamic Elemental Weather:** To enhance the cinematic quality, each kingdom experiences dynamic elemental weather. Rainstorms rage during pivotal moments, emphasizing the significance of the Eye of The Ocean. The Sky Kingdom showcases impressive aerial displays, and the Cosmic Kingdom's scenes are illuminated by celestial phenomena. These dynamic settings create a visually stunning and immersive experience, making the narrative come alive with cinematic richness.