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Brett Cooper Books

2fer fiction

7/6/2015

 
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Why does everyone love Wilson from Cast Away? Because Tom Hanks' volleyball friend represents tragedy + comedy, a classic 2-for-1. In the first image, Hanks is in danger of drowning, dehydration and death-by-sharks. Yet he further risks his life by leaving his raft to swim after his imaginary friend, sputtering: "Wilson!" 

Tragedy + comedy = unforgettable. Hence, Wilson the iconic 2fer.

Readers want 2fer fiction. They want:
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  • text + subtext (e.g., a character saying one thing but meaning another)
  • dialogue + action
  • thoughts + visuals
  • tragedy + comedy
  • action + comedy
  • horror + comedy
  • thrills + romance
  • comedy + romance
  • multiple characters with opposing goals (conflict)
  • a single character with opposing goals (internal conflict)

(Can you think of others?)

Always give your readers a surface and a below-the-surface. In the words of another Hanks' character:
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    Brett Cooper

    Writer, reader, runner, teacher, father, infp, huffleclaw. 

    ​I l
    ove to spin stories and collect thoughts.

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  • Home
  • Blog
  • Daily Thoughts
  • Other
    • Snoop Movie Script >
      • SNOOP Logline
      • SNOOP Synopsis
      • SNOOP Script
      • SNOOP Article
    • Collaborative Novel Writing >
      • BEASTS OF EDEN
      • THE HEART OF ATLANTIS
    • "In the Blood" Short Story
    • Movie Reviews
    • Articles
    • Other Memes
    • Daily Thoughts in the Classroom
  • About
    • Contact