B is about Build-Up #AtoZChallenge

A-to-Z Blogging Challenge, amwriting, Bits, writing posts

B is about Build-Up #AtoZChallenge

This morning SHOULD be about coffee,but unless anyone can figure out a way to make coffee start with a B, build-up it is. So I’ve been watching Netflix’s “13 Reasons Why,” a series about a teenage girl who commits suicide, and the reasons behind it. Overall, it’s pretty solid storytelling, but with one exception: unfulfilled…

I.L. Wolf

April 3, 2017

1–2 minutes

#atozchallenge, 13 reasons why, A to z, A to z challenge, amwriting, writing posts

Where's the payoff?! — **Where’s the payoff?!** Photographed in Munich Zoo on 30th July 2005 by Thomas Netsch Uploaded in German 22:06, 19. Okt 2005 by de:Benutzer:Thomas Netsch

This morning SHOULD be about coffee,but unless anyone can figure out a way to make coffee start with a B, build-up it is.

So I’ve been watching Netflix’s “13 Reasons Why,” a series about a teenage girl who commits suicide, and the reasons behind it. Overall, it’s pretty solid storytelling, but with one exception: unfulfilled build-up. (No worries, this is spoiler-free.)

Throughout the story, characters make veiled comments regarding a future event. The protagonist worries about the future event. He’s told repeatedly what the future event will be like for him.

Then it arrives.

And it doesn’t jibe with all of that build-up.

The show has a lot of tension, and uses it well, but for a viewer — or a reader — if you promise something, it must pay off. It’s like the Chekhov’s gun of story construction. By all means, use all the tools in the storytelling box to build tension.

Just make sure that build-up delivers. Otherwise your audience will feel cheated.

Speaking of build-up, stay tuned for Wednesday. D holds a special surprise!

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16 responses to “B is about Build-Up #AtoZChallenge”

gigglingfattie

April 3, 2017 at 12:37 pm

Oo I have heard good things about that show! I will have to check it out

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1. I.L. Wolf
  
  April 3, 2017 at 3:01 pm
  
  It was pretty good, though tough subject matter.
  
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Julie

April 3, 2017 at 7:50 pm

I agree every morning should be about coffee. I may need to change my topic for tomorrow to coffee, or confessions of a coffee addict. I get to watch so few shows that I’m really disappointed when a story line has all this build up and the delivery falls flat. Thanks for your review of the show!

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1. I.L. Wolf
  
  April 3, 2017 at 7:51 pm
  
  🙂 It’s still a very strong show, if rather dark, but that kind of storytelling cheat drives me nuts!
  
  I’m always good for TV recs.
  
  I look forward to your coffee confession!
  
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serenasinclair

April 4, 2017 at 12:32 am

I wanted to watch that! Would you still say it’s worth it for the solid storytelling through out?

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1. I.L. Wolf
  
  April 4, 2017 at 9:52 am
  
  Yes, I really would. It’s heavy subject matter, of course, but it’s otherwise pretty solid and the tension is excellent.
  
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  1. serenasinclair
    
    April 4, 2017 at 5:41 pm
    
    I’ll have to check it out then. It looked really intriguing.
    
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Aj @ Read All The Things!

April 4, 2017 at 9:18 am

YES! I totally agree with this. I haven’t watched the show, but I read 13 Reasons Why a few years ago and was disappointed. Parts of it are hugely anticlimactic.

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1. I.L. Wolf
  
  April 4, 2017 at 9:51 am
  
  Darn! I was hoping that it was a problem with the adaptation, but I guess it’s the story itself. If you’re going to go there, I feel like you should go all the way with it…it’s a shame, because many elements are really strong.
  
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joy

April 4, 2017 at 11:21 am

interesting… never heard of 13 Reasons Why before. Fiction?

Joy @ The Joyous Living

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1. I.L. Wolf
  
  April 4, 2017 at 11:27 am
  
  Yes, it’s based on a novel, and it was adapted into a TV series!
  
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Ally Bean

April 4, 2017 at 4:41 pm

Didn’t know you were in it again this year. Will add you to my list of bloggers who I’m keeping track of during the challenge. Can’t wait to read what you have to say.

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1. I.L. Wolf
  
  April 4, 2017 at 4:51 pm
  
  Aw, thanks! Yes, it’s a little tougher to find people this year, not sure about the end of the list…
  
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saracsnider

April 5, 2017 at 12:56 am

I’ve started watching that show too and I’m enjoying it. Though, I don’t think I’ve gotten to the “future event” yet. At least, not what I’m anticipating as “the event.” The repeated question-asking by the protag. has been frustrating me though. Just listen to the tapes! Argh! Hehe. 🙂

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Susan Helene Gottfried

April 5, 2017 at 2:52 pm

You sure you’re not talking about the disaster the Walking Dead has turned into? Because yeah. Wow. Jumped the shark and a few zombies at the same time, and for this exact reason. (btw, Black coffee. There’s your B.)

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1. I.L. Wolf
  
  April 5, 2017 at 2:55 pm
  
  Ugh, can’t take the coffee black! I’m currently into coconut oil, which, when blended, makes it like a latte.
  
  I’ve never been into the Walking Dead, zombies aren’t my thing, but that is THE WORST when a show does that.
  
  Lost comes to mind.
  
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