The Forum Novel

[Frisianland]

Here is the official thread for the Forum Allorgical Novel We need to have a plot and a set of many characters it would be difficult for me to do this on my own (i am not really good at writing), so anyone can join in!!!

[nella]

Okay, I can work on characters. I will post names, roles, goals, "secret weapons", back story, and all that by Tuesday, Lord willing. Whoever wants to work on the plot, please post here. If you want the characters before you work out plots, let me know, and then I can tweak characters as we need them. Or if someone wants to do plot first, let me know, and then I can shape the characters to fit the plot.

If we write this like a Round Robin (RR), here's a few suggestions. TRR means Talking Round Robin. When we start writing, you put any authors notes, comments on previous sections, anything that is not part of the book, in a TRR message. Then when you write, just put WRR. This makes it easier to keep track of what is what.

Since we don't really know plots and characters yet, what kind of an alegory should it be? Bunyan has written the two most comprehensive allegories around, so it seems like we shouldn't try to use too much from him. His novel Pilgrim's Progress is about Christian's journey to the Celestial City. The Holy War is about the City of Mansoul being besieged by Diabalous. Maybe we could write an alegory focused on something other than spiritual warfare or salvation. Suggestions, anyone?

[LilyJ]

Well, it depends on where you want this to go, but oftentimes, the most unique part of a Round Robin is that there's no pre-established plot - everyone just adds their own thoughts. Usually a person will contribute a chapter, then the next person will use their interpretation of the characters (which HAVE to have been sufficiently introduced by the previous person so that the next one can continue to develop the) to create another chapter. etc. But this is just a suggestion.

[nella]

Hmmm... that's a good idea, Nen. The only thing is everyone has a different writing style and everything, but if characters are often "changing" moods, dreams, etc., it is not written as well.

So maybe the plot could be evolving, but the characters should be standard. The characters will be shaped by the plot, not the other way around.

Also, are we going to say "this is allegory and you can tell", or should it be more of a subtle allegory, something like Lewis and Tolkein wrote? (I know Tolkein didn't mean to write an allegory, but the allegorical parallels are undenyable.)

[Geberia]

I think it would be best if we decide on what the allegory is, who the characters are and their good/bad sides, just so everything can be in agreement, as Nella said.

I'm thinking maybe we should do an allegory about the Christian life, just not about salvation.
maybe about evangelism or missions or heaven, idk....

[nella]

Mmhk-- I said I'd try to have characters by today. I haven't had a chance to start them yet. I need to post on Sound Out, read several chapters of a book, and if I have time I will begin working on characters.

There are a lot of allegories out there, but most of them lend the reader to believe that it took place a long time ago. We also need to decide if this is a "modern" allegory, or an older, more traditional allegory. Is that okay with everyone? I also think it should be more subtle in its allegorical themes. While it is easy to come up with a lot of character names if it is straight allegory, it seems like we would be copying Bunyan a lot.

Thoughts?

~Nella

[Geberia]

Yeah, I think it would be better to call the characters names like Joe and Sue rather than Pride and Prudence.

I was thinking....what about an allegory on prayer? Perhaps it could deal with someone granting your every wish, someone you've never even met....

But, that's just my idea, what do you guys think?

[Frisianland]

I Think it would be a good idea if we could follow the lives of protestant settlers try to establish a state.

[Frisianland]

or we all could create a band of a few characters trying to set up a confederation and our band of characters all run the states of the confederation. Just An Idea

[Geberia]

A state of...what? would this be historical, or fiction?

[Frisianland]

can be mix between the two. if we do this idea i would have a Protestant theocracy and many of my theocracy's families will be in at home on a friday night either with friends or family or both to reflect on the week past and have bible studies

[nella]

Hm... I think we could join the two ideas, perhaps. Twould make for an interesting novel!

*groans* I was supposed to do characters a few days ago! I completely forgot! Yesterday was crazy. I had school, a piano lesson, homeschool gym, *and* a horseback riding lesson. I will try to do them tonight. I can stay up late and do it then!!! PARTY!!! Lol.

~Nella

[nella]

Okay, I haven't figured out a way to incorperate Geb's idea about prayer in yet, but here are the characters that I have so far. I gave them people names, but some of them are unusual because I picked them for their meaning. So it still has that element of a Bunyan allegory, except their name isn't what they are, their name means what they are. But before the characters, here is a sketchy plot idea. This is AU (alternative universe), with a little futuristic twist, sorta :-)

Things are going poorly for Paul O'Connel in the AZ6 sector of the universe. A religious group (the Protestants) is disagreeing with his desire to make laws legalizing [fill in the blank]. (Whoever starts the story can decide what that is.) The Council must have a 2/3s vote to pass any legislation, so he decides to rid AZ6 of the four delegates who are stopping his evil plans to become potentate of all the sectors. Peter Bradley is one of the ringleaders in the religious opposition, so O'Connel sends Peter and his followers to sector CT7, a harsh, dry section of the universe. Lucius, O'Connel's chief advisor, unceasingly attacks the CT7 group. Fortunantly, CT7 is given an angel for a supervisor, although Peter's group does not know this. What will the outcome be?

Feel free to add, criticise, revise, whatever!

Character name: Peter Bradley
Age: upper 20s
Meaning of name: rock
Role in story: leader of the group that departs for CT7; a leading Council member; wife of Dagmar, and father to four kids

Character: Dagmar Bradley
Age: Upper 20s, four years younger than Peter
Meaning of name: bright speldor
Role in story: wife of Peter; mother to four kids; she desires to raise her children for the glory of God

Character: Lucius
Age: in the 6,000s
Meaning of name: fallen light
Role in story: opposition and source of conflict

Character: Soverign Majesty
Age: an innumerable
Role in story: God figure

Character: Elite Highness
Age: an innumerable
Role in the story: Jesus/Redeemer figure

Character: the Perfector
Age: an innumerable
Role in the story: often appears as a voice; the Holy Spirit

Character: Paul O'Connel
Age: 57
Meaning of name: little
Role in story: dictator "President" of AZ6; banishes the Protestants to CT7

Character: Nathanael
Age: in the 6,000
Meaning of name: gift of God
Role in the story: supervisor of CT7; an angel

Characters names: Ruth, Naomi, Joseph, and Ralph
Ages: 13, 10, 7, 3
Meanings of names: companion, my delight, may he add, counsel
Roles in story: children of Peter and Dagmar Bradley

[Frisianland]

Brilliant idea, Nella. I love the futuristic theme. Thank the lord for Nella!!!!!


May I add two characters who try to create a Protestant Theocractic state:-

Enoch, the leader
Deborah, his wife

Enoch can try and create a dynasty, called the House of Enoch.

Abigail, an angel who guides Enoch
John, his worldy brother who trys to get him in to trouble.


Enoch is a distant relative to Peter Bradley(if that is OK with Nella).

[nella]

Great characters, Frisianland! Do you mind if I change just a few names? There is nothing wrong with the names you picked (They are good names!) but I think I'd like to keep the meaning of the name consistant with the character. Deborah and John are the only ones I wanted to change. Abigail is the perfect name for an angel!

Since you wanted Enoch to establish a dynasty (which fits well with the name since there were two Enochs in the legacy of Adam), I found two names to replace Deborah, which means Bee. I thought it would be cool to use the name Inna, which means mother. She certainly would be the mother of a lot of kids! However, if you don't like that name, Renee is a pretty name meaning born again. It is your choice.

John means "God is gracious", but if he is going to be a source of opposition in the story, I suggest picking out a different name for him. Here are some suggestions I dug up from a name book.

Chad and Mark- war like
Dennis- wild
Israel- struggle with God
Viggo- war
Walter- powerful warrior

Character: Enoch Adamson
Age: in the 40s
Meaning of name: dedicated
Role in story: another leader in the CT7 group; relative of Peter Bradley; father in the Enoch Dynasty; wife of Inna; friend to Abigail

Character: Abigail
Meaning of name: God is joy
Age: in the 6,000s
Role in story: advisor and friend to Enoch

Character: Inna Adamson
Age: in her 40s
Meaning of name: mother
Role in story: wife to Enoch; mother of his dynasty

Name: Mark Adamson
Age: upper 30s
Meaning of name: war-like
Role in story: another opposing force to the CT7 group; possibly he works for Paul O'Conner??

[Frisianland]

Inna and Mark it is Nella it think it would sound more biblical and like it would have a meaning to what they want to create

[nella]

Okay, I edited the posts and used the names of Inna and Mark. Whoever wants can start writing at will!

[Frisianland]

I am so scared it do not know what to say

[steelsheen]

?

[Frisianland]

AZ6 Sector of the Universe, South Brumsley (bracketed words the American Version)

Enoch, a Church Elder had finally been elected in to the Council of the President for life, Paul O'Connel, the President for life of AZ6 Sector.

Enoch, was happy about his achievement and told all of his friends at Church. Finally the Protestants, a rapidly growing and now unified sect of Christianity had a say in the Domestic affairs, well that was what they thought.....


"So Enoch, are you going to vote against the State Religion Law," questioned Inna.

Inna was washing the dishes after Pastor Richard Jones and his family had come to dinner to talk about the sermon, he should do for Church that Sunday.

"Well Peter said that it is just another way of Paul O'Connel, the president to get his claws in to religion." Enoch answered with Caution in Inna's left ear.

It was getting late and Inna was tired of having to her (mom's)mum's house and settle her for bed.

"I am so tired of this running up and down!" she exclaimed in rage.

"INNA" Enoch exclaimed back, "How Selfish of you, your Mother has been SO good to you in the past, it is up to you to repay her!".

"You're right plus she did change my nappies (diapers) when I was a little kid, I am sorry Enoch for my selfishness."

"Go Now and here take the car,"

[nella]

TRR: Good beginning, Frisianland!!

WRR:...Inna slipped into the family car. Her muscles ached and her hands grew stiff. The damp remains of the sudsy dish water cooled quickly in the icy garage. She ran her hand over her head, smoothing her mussed hair. She pulled down the drive way and headed toward her mother's house.

The drive was not long, but two security checkpoints lay between Inna and her mother. She slowed when she reached the first one and shuffled in her hand bag for her ID card. The guard knew her well, but a routine check was instated none the less. It was the Law, according to President O'Conner.

The guard glanced at her card and waved her forward. The next stop was almost directly in front of her mum's house. A guard was there that Inna had never seen before. He motioned to her to roll down her window. She handed him the card. This guard must be a new recruit, Inna thought. They never take them inside to scan them! He reappeared in a minute.

“This is the last time I will be able to allow you through so late. If you were not related to a government worker, I wouldn't let you through.”

“But why? I have always been permitted to drive at whatever time of day or night!”

“New rule. I just heard about it from my superior. An 11:00 curfew will be instated soon for government workers. All other road users must obtain a permit 24 hours in advance to be on the streets after 10:00 PM."

“That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard!”

“What did you say, ma'am?”

“Um... nothing. Thank you for letting me know.” Frustrated, Inna turned into her mother's driveway.

...

[Frisianland]

Nella, you are such a great writer!!!

Cont.

As Inna shut the car door, she saw the security checkpoint guard looking at her with a cold stare. Inna felt uncomfortable.

"Excuse me, i am sorry for the way I have acted, but it is just my mother is old and she needs help you do understand, right," Inna said apologetically.

"Nah, It is the new rule," he said.

"Ok then bye,".

Inna left to walk into the door of her mother's house with many childhood memories only to going and find it ranshacked.

Inna ran in every room of the house.

"Ah," Inna shrieked, she tripped over the picture of Inna with her mother.

Inna saw her mother lying on the floor, she had been striked on the head; Inna cried. She wondered who done this terrible act of violence to her sweet, religious and gracious mother.

Inna called the ambulance service. It took 45 minutes for them to arrive. Inna decide to say and clean the house and visit her mother tomorrow

By the time Inna had finished cleaning the house it was 3 in the morning. She slept over.

She awoke only her the door knock. It was a postal worker.

"Special delivery," she shouted.

"Thanks,"

It was a SPECIAL government letter.

Mrs Jean Smith,

Since the new government policy on religious practices you have broken the rules on practising the Protestant denomination of Christianity.

As Christianity is not a legal religion to practise, you will be charged a bill of AZ6$5,600. If you can not pay upfront when the government officials turn up they will remove items from your property to the amount stated above.

Yours Sincerely,
Government of AZ6 Sector


Inna phoned Peter Bradley!

[nella]

TRR: Hey, Frisianland, I am changing the last line to say "Inna was shocked." I wanted to give a little background on Peter and why she is calling him.

WRR:...Inna was shocked. She had not known that the religious laws would pass so quickly! She wondered if there was a similar letter at her own home. Fear clenched in her stomach. What are we going to do? Not knowing what else to do, she tried to phone Peter Bradley, the Protestant Denomination's government representative. After what seemed like a long time, she was able to contact him.

“Mr. Bradley? Hi, my name is Inna Adamson. I am at my mother's house in South Brumsley. Her house was recently ravaged and she is in the hospital with serious injuries. Today I received a letter demanding her to pay $5,600 dollars to the AZ6 sector since she was an illegal practicer of Protestantism. What is going on here?”

“Mrs. Adamson, I am as surprised and as upset as you are. Last night, a number of random raids were conducted without my knowledge, all targeting Protestants and Catholics, or any other religious person following a form of Christianity. I have a meeting with Paul O'Conner himself in a few moments. Thank you for your concerns and letting me know. My secretary will take the address of your mother's home. I will be praying for all the families involved, and will keep your mother in my mind.”

TRR: I will be gone for about a week. Keep continuing without me!

[Frisianland]

Sorry I am sick with something beginning with D. so I can spend a long time on the PC

Enoch went to the AZ6 sector High Court to challenge the acts of the government.

Mr Jonas Davidson, a Person from the faith of Azxamerianism was presiding.

Azxamerianism was the state "religion" of AZ6 and other sectors of the universe. There was about 7850 other religions in the universe and had 31% of the universe as followers, It was a polytheism faith believing in multiple gods such as

Azxam, God of Humanity
Azxamerian, A "Prophet" from the Gods.
Lpotert, God of Strength.
Thierru, God of War.
Lilltrea, Goddess of Agriculture.
Feggrotte, Goddess of Children.
Kernb, God of Knowledge, Husbad of Feggrotte.
Thimbileh, God of Sea, Water and Chemicals
Mnaffitt, God of Flora and Forests
Laod, God of Sunlight
Hejef, Godess of Wine amd Industry
Vabefredeiea, Goddess Protector, Wife of Azxam.