Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, with a little help from UTube

Santa’s Top 5 Writing Tips
Rudolph’s Top 5 Writing Tips
Frosty’s Top 6 Writing Tips

1. Unique characters. Give characters a tag, a physical or emotional something that makes them stand out from the crowd. That red nose, in the context of a reindeer herd, is absolutely astoundnig.

   Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer
   had a very shiny nose.
   And if you ever saw him,
   you would even say it glows.

Rudolph, the Musical, Act I

2. Conflict. The conflict here is the usual playground teasing and bullying of someone who is different. It’s a classic theme because we can all identify with it on some level. Don’t’ be afraid of classic themes; just use them in unique ways.

   Also, pile on the conflict. The other reindeer do three things to Rudolph, each an escalation: laugh, call him names, exclude him from games.

   All of the other reindeer
   used to laugh and call him names.
   They never let poor Rudolph
   join in any reindeer games.

   “I’m All Alone” from Monty Python’s Spamalot

Rudollph the Musical, Act II


3. Turning point. After the set up and the conflict, comes the turning point. The crisis here is that Santa must deliver the toys to the children around the world, but the weather isn’t cooperating.

   Then one foggy Christmas Eve

4. The unusual characteristic becomes a blessing. Again, this is a cliched way of handling a conflict and crisis, but it still works. The very thing that sets the character apart, that makes him/her different and weak, is also the very thing that makes the hero able to save the day. Of course, this means we are matching up conflict and resolution, too. Santa also functions as a sort of mentor here, one who is able to recognize the unique qualities of Rudolph for what they are.

   Santa came to say:
   “Rudolph with your nose so bright,
   won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?”

   Rudolph the Musical, Act III

5. Rejoice. It’s not just the climax here, but also the concept of a celebration of successfully completing a quest. Give characters a moment to celebrate. This often comes after a big battle, or a big effort to overcome something.

   Then all the reindeer loved him
   as they shouted out with glee,
   Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer,
   you’ll go down in history!

   And, of course, Gene Autry, singing Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer
   

   Think the story is still a little slight for todays’ market? Here’s why.

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