Story Structure Notes cont'd

Event- 1. Events are change taking place, are always meaningful and never trivial.
            2. Creates meaningful change in life situation of a character that is expressed and experienced in terms of a VALUE <-- of="" p="" soul="" storytelling.="" the="">            3. Story VALUES are the universal qualities of human experience that may shift from positive to negative, or vice versa, from one moment to the next.
            4.Events are achieved through CONFLICTS. Change is motivated though CONFLICT.

Scene- 1. An action through conflict in more or less continuous time and space that turns the value-charged condition of a character's life on at least one value with a degree of perceptible significance. Ideally, every scene is a STORY EVENT.
           2. If a scene isn't meaningful, cut it.

Beat- 1. An exchange of behavior in action/reaction. Beat by beat these changing behaviors shape the turning of a scene.
          2. Beats are meaningful behavior changes.

More notes to come! Any questions or suggestion shoot me an email!

News and Such

So I've got some good news about stuff and updates and everything as well. The good news as of now is that on Dec. 13th I have a meeting with the Utica Players about my play 'The Quest for Dairy'. I have to go there and let them know what it's all about and hopefully get that on the road; according to Dan Fusillo, since I want to direct it as well I will have to work under a seasoned director first to learn the ropes and then I will be able to direct my play.

I'm having some conflict in my mind though, I'm not sure if I want to direct this play, I think I would rather have just written it and possibly act in it. I've never directed anything before in my life so I'm a little nervous about it, but I guess that's why I have to work under a seasoned director first. I also have to ask how the pay works, because although I really really want to see my play performed, I would like to make some money off of it as I am a commercial artist not a fine artist. You know what I'm saying? I'm not dissing any fine artists out there, I love you guys, I mean I dabble in the fine arts occasionally. Anyway that is pretty much the good news.

The news I have right now is that I have finished a poetry book which I plan on publishing through Lulu.com if I can ever figure that out. It's suppose to be really simple but I'm having some trouble (maybe I'm just an idiot). If anyone has dealt with Lulu before and can give me some tips n such let me know. I would greatly appreciate it.

Also I have just about completed the fifth pencilled page for 'Masters of Fiction!' my graphic novel. I know, it seems like it is taking me forever. But since this is my first graphic novel ever I am taking my time and making it as perfect as possible. I'm going to be so nervous when it comes time to ink all the pages, I have only a little confidence in my inking abilities. Although the illustrations I have inked haven't turned out that bad actually so yeah.

Oh yes and I have been watching over and over the rough edited clip of "Where the Truth Lies" the move Rachel and I were in by director/writer/actor Rich Talarico. It looks really good and has the feel of a good film, we did really well and were very funny according to other people who have seen it and we've actually witnessed people laughing at our parts so I'm happy with it!! I can't wait till you guys can see it for sure. Rich will be entering it into some film festivals and what not, so hopefully it wins some attention and stuff. Well there ya go, until next time.

Mike D. Burke

Frankie Dingle

Well my dear supporters and what not I have wonderful news, good news even. My second "Frankie Dingle" book is completed, the manuscript and the Illustrations are all complete. I am just in need of finding an agent and a publisher is all. I have sent a query letter and two illustrations out to the Andrea Brown Lit company. I am expecting to hear from them sometime before November. So here's to crossing my fingers to that! Above is what the cover will look like.
There will be a total of seven illustrations, the cover and six introductary illustrations to the story that follows. I hope you will all support me as I attempt to find an agent and publish this book. As soon As I have more information all will follow! Thank you guys, tell your friends!!

The Wheels are in Motion

Well ladies and germs I be on me way to becoming a playwright/director hopefully pretty soon!!! I finished up writing my comedy play, "The Quest for Dairy" and recently emailed a local theater organization and they emailed me back. As is customary in polite society, and they said they might have a venue for my play to perform! So I sent them a proposal letter and a copy of my play and well, hopefully things work out. The only thing I'm nervous about is the fact that I had no clue how to write a proposal letter for a play, so I kind of winged it. But still...it seemed like a good letter to me, and I believe my play speaks for itself.
Don't mock my title for the play either, it's hilarious. You will see! You will all see! (fake crazyness in those words) In any case though, I have to hope to God that I get picked up for a performance most definitely. It was my first play so heh, here's hoping!
Also production on my graphic novel is in motion now too, and as soon as I get my hands on some sort of scanner I will post up some pictures and such on here and other various sites I hold dominion over. Please look forward to all that is coming from me and continually give me support, whoever checks out this site and actually reads the blogs.....