Full Definition of time

(Entry 1 of 3) 1a : the measured or measurable period during which an action, process, or condition exists or continues : duration. b : a nonspatial continuum that is measured in terms of events which succeed one another from past through present to future. c : leisure time for reading.

Mirriam-Webster

Time is a word or concept with very broad aspects. We could get lost in the various ways to explore time and what we think of as time. But, I think I am on the first few days of a Covid bug and leading a discussion on full fledged time is just too much.

The aspect of Time I want to explore is an author’s handling of time.

For example, in chapter one, scene two, the lion has broken free from the zoo. At the same time in scene four, Mandy’s house is on fire. In scene six, Thomas is looking around the empty lion enclosure and making a cellphone call to Animal Control.

Although these events are happening at the same time, they cannot be presented in writing or even by spoken word simultaneously. An author or story teller has to decide which of the three scenes to present first.

I’d like to discuss how we work with various elements of time. How do we decide the Zoo Escape should be given before Mandy runs out of her flaming abode?

Drop by the Writer’s Chatroom on Sunday, 23 January at 7PM ET and I will continue my plan to be socially distant.

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