Writers Block. :(

[avocado_love]

Actually, it's not writers block. It's writer's stuck. I'm SO stuck on writing a scene for Another Brother. I can't figure out a way around it. So... anyone want to brainstorm with me real quick?

The stupid part about this is that I've written past it (actually, I just finished the chapter after this next chapter -- so now I'm three parts ahead  and done except for this one scene) so I need it to end a certain way. It's just getting from point A to point B that's driving me nuts.



So basically: I've figured out how Katara and Aang get out of their cell. I need them to fight their way through the corridors and halls of the Fire Nation ship, somehow find Aang's stupid airglider (which is the part that's giving me the worst headache) and then get away. And I have to make it interesting, because it's going to be inter-spliced with Zuko's Agni Kai.

Well okay, I don't know how interesting I could make it. I can live with "not annoying" at this point. The really tough thing is trying to figure out how they regain Aang's stupid airglider. Should they just stumble into a supply room and find it leaning against a wall or something? Seriously? I would be tempted to just forget about it and just hope no one notices, but it's important for the end of the chapter.

Ideas?

*wibble*

Comments

[neldluva.livejournal.com]

Hmm, airglider...

For some reason I'm picturing a Harry-Potter-esque "Accio!" sort of thing. Though of course Aang can't summon his airglider like that. Which is dumb, because that would be handy.

The supply closet thing would work, I think. It might be more interesting if there was something else they could find ... something for Zuko? Firebending scrolls, or some kind of fun weapon? I'm not sure ... but I love brainstorming. :D

[avocado-love.livejournal.com]

I know, right?! He needs a handy spell or two. I'm personally amazed that airglider survived for as long as it did already. I know when I was twelve I would have lost my own head if it wasn't screwed on so tight.

I wonder if Iroh would have a trophy room? Like, a stuffed komodo-rhino in one corner, a placard for winning a tea-drinking competition and... Aang's airglider. *grins*

You know... a firebending scroll isn't a half-bad idea. I couldn't use it in this chapter, because of future stuff I got planned... but I'll keep that in mind for later. *files away*

[neldluva.livejournal.com]

I can't picture Iroh having stuffed dead animals even in a trophy room, but I do like that idea. Especially that placard. :D He would totally display something like that.

Also: woot, firebending scroll. :D I'll be looking for it!

[weirdlet.livejournal.com]

I vote for this one. Trophy room fits- dead animals less so. But some of the junk Iroh shops for, wins in Pai Sho games, the supplies for Music Night...

And of course, the occasional less-gruesome war trophy.

[avocado-love.livejournal.com]

Haha. I was only kidding about the stuffed animals. That's more of a Zhao thing. I do agree that he would totally have an ancient Pai Sho table and instruments everywhere... and a golden monkey. Ohhhhh....

[teekoness.livejournal.com]

Hmmm... Depending on how they escape this might not work but how about having Aang chained up in a way that partially or completely limits his abilities. Thus they are stuck fighting in close quarters with experienced Firebenders and soldiers while depending on Katara's limited Waterbending abilities. You could imply a parallel between Katara and Zuko's desperate fights for Aang's freedom.

As for how they find the glider.. Why not have them stumble unto it at a desperate moment as a single ray of hope in a dark moment? Or have Aang insist on finding it? It is the last strong link he has to his people including his first family (like Monk Gyasto).

[avocado-love.livejournal.com]

I like the way you think! I was going to have Aang get out of his chains early, but... what's the fun in that? *scribbles* Thank you!

[teekoness.livejournal.com]

Cool. If you ever need other suggestions just send me a message. I'm not the best independent writer but I make a good beta or sounding board.

[beckyh2112.livejournal.com]

Stumble into Iroh's room and find it. While Iroh is out watching the Agni Kai. And there is the problem of "please god don't let the scary old firebender man catch us in here".

[avocado-love.livejournal.com]

That's a hella good idea, and it ups the tension. *resists the urge to play "Jaws" music while they are in the room*. Hehe. Thanks!

[dungeonwriter.livejournal.com]

Ohhhh, have them stumble upon it being gift wrapped for Ozai, with ribbons and bows?

And have Aang bounce around,with Katara hanging on for dear life.

[avocado-love.livejournal.com]

LOL! As sort of a "I found the Avatar, and you didn't, bi-youch?" gift? I like it. ;D And yeah, there's going to be a little bit of Katara clinging onto Aang for dear life. That's the reason they need to find the airglider. They have to get off that ship somehow! :D Thanks!

[vivi]

Something I've learned from reading Naomi Novik is that you actually don't have to write out all the scenes you think you do. If them finding his airglider is giving you trouble, skip it the details. Everyone will be too interested in the Agni Kai to care. :)

That's my two cents, anyway.

[avocado-love.livejournal.com]

You bring up a really good point. And she does tend to do that, doesn't she? But usually her books are so full of excellent battle scenes I really don't notice. This has to be written out, but again... that's a good point. Next time I won't paint myself into this corner and just skip if I can. Thanks!

[cxrdevil.livejournal.com]

Aang and Katara are dashing about being cool, they blow, splash, run their way through whatever, and clearly some random FN grunt (or captain whatever) has the glider for no real reason and is tapping it around and trying to figure out how it opens and then BAM aang and katara magic kungfu the living daylights out of him, grab the staff, say thankyou very politely and whoosh on outta that joint!

[2l5l9.livejournal.com]

That would be totally cool. The trophy room thing earlier would be good as well, but if you need a moment of silly, this would be great.

[avocado-love.livejournal.com]

I agree! And the trophy room has now morphed into Iroh's room. :D


Maing FTW!

[avocado-love.livejournal.com]

I LOVE THIS. <3

I'm going to use this -- or at least the idea of this. (It may not be as funny as yours, but...) *snugs* Thanks!

[redrikki.livejournal.com]

What if you had them not find the glider at all? After re-reading the last two chapters it looks like the pirates left it in the middle of the street when they captured the kids. What if they just escape, meet up with a victorious Zuko and Sokka, use the bison whistle and leave it behind. Then Iroh can find it later and there can be a whole Katara's necklace dynamic with it.

[avocado-love.livejournal.com]

Oh dang, you have brought up a couple of really good points. Hmm... *thinks* They need the airglider for a different part of the chapter, so he can't lose it, but this actually gives me a good idea for something about two chapters from now. *snugs* Thanks!

[dwelian.livejournal.com]

well...I wouldn't be surprised if it was in Iroh's study or room. Knowing him (and his loooove for kitsch and knicknacks) he would be interested in it. If they're getting chased all over the ship I can imagine them tumbling into that area. I'd have to go back and watch the ep again, but wasn't the glider in Zuko's room back in ep 2 or 3? Can't remember.

Of course, I can also see them running into the guys charged with delivering it to storage or wherever and snitching it from them. Or getting themselves loose and running into the armory to find a weapon and finding it there.

[avocado-love.livejournal.com]

*thinks back* Yeah, that's right. It was in Zuko's room, I believe. Well if he got it that way once he can get it again! I'm glad it doesn't seem too crazy-off-the-wall. :D

[clockwerkchaos.livejournal.com]

If you want to go with something that doesn't appear to random, have them bust through guards for a little bit. Finally when they get to the last one (or happen a high rank officer) he turns out to be a coward and shouts something like "Don't hurt me. Please I'll tell you where the glider is." Sure the audience doesn't see Aang as scary, but to the average Fire Nation grunt. He may look like a kid but he's really an monster (and this guy knows he saw him the last time the Avatar state happened on the ship).

[avocado-love.livejournal.com]

Ohh... I like that. They did something a little like that in season 3, but I like that take on it. And your right. They probably threaten misbehaving Fire Nation kids that the "Avatar" will come and get 'em. :D