The Forest History

### The Birth of the Enchanted Forest

In the beginning, when the world was young and full of potential, a unique being emerged from the depths of the earth—a nature elemental known as the Guardian. This elemental was not just a creature of magic but an embodiment of life and growth itself, a physical manifestation of the earth’s deepest energies. The Guardian’s form was a seamless blend of flora and fauna, with limbs that resembled ancient tree branches and a body adorned with vines and flowers. Her eyes glowed with a deep, emerald light, reflecting the wisdom and vitality of the natural world.

The Guardian's connection to the mycorrhizal network was profound and intrinsic. This network, a vast underground web of fungi that connected the roots of trees, formed the lifeblood of the forest. Through this symbiotic association, trees and fungi exchanged nutrients, water, and essential information, creating a cooperative and resilient ecosystem. The Guardian could sense every tremor, every whisper of the roots through this network, allowing her to communicate with all living things within the forest.

As the Guardian emerged, she began to spread her influence across the land. Where her feet touched the soil, vibrant life sprung forth. Trees grew tall and strong, their roots interweaving with the fungi to form the intricate mycorrhizal network. Plants of all kinds blossomed, and animals found shelter and sustenance within this burgeoning paradise. The forest, guided by the Guardian's hand, became a sanctuary of diversity and harmony.

The mycorrhizal network was essential for the forest’s health. It enabled plants to thrive even in adverse conditions by allowing them to share resources. Trees, both young and old, communicated through this network, sending distress signals when they were in need and receiving help from their neighbors. The Guardian monitored these exchanges, ensuring that balance and cooperation were maintained. Her presence ensured that the network remained strong, and the forest flourished under her watchful eye.

Among the many wonders of the forest were the Mother Trees, also known as hub trees. These ancient giants were the linchpins of the ecosystem, their roots extending deep into the earth and forming extensive connections within the mycorrhizal network. The Guardian paid special attention to these venerable trees, knowing their importance in maintaining the forest's balance. Mother Trees sensed the distress of their neighbors and shared their nutrients, acting as the forest’s nurturing heart.

Over the ages, the forest faced numerous challenges. Natural disasters such as wildfires, droughts, and storms tested its resilience. Each time, the Guardian and the mycorrhizal network played key roles in its recovery. The Guardian would channel her energy into the mycorrhizal network, aiding in the regrowth and healing of damaged areas, while the Mother Trees provided support and stability to the younger plants and saplings.

As time passed, humans began to encroach upon the forest, bringing new threats such as deforestation and pollution. The Guardian worked tirelessly to mitigate these impacts, fostering understanding and cooperation between humans and the forest. She helped humans see the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of preserving the delicate balance of nature.

In the present day, a new and sinister threat has emerged—a dark force that seeks to disrupt the mycorrhizal network and spread decay throughout the forest. The Guardian senses this danger and understands the need for a new generation of heroes to step forward. She knows that Woulf, Merol, and Lorem must undertake a perilous journey to find and protect the four sacred shrines of the Mother Trees. Only by restoring these ancient linchpins can the balance be maintained and the forest’s magic be revived.

And so, the Guardian watches over the forest, her presence a constant source of strength and guidance. She embodies the spirit of life and growth, forever connected to the mycorrhizal network that sustains the enchanted forest.

Thoughts

 A shifter controlled his change, choosing when and where to alter his body into the shape of a wolf. A werewolf was a feral mixture of human and wolf, melded into some grotesque half-and-half creature. Neither wolf nor man controlled it, and it could change at random—though often with the moon—for reasons unknown.

Storm, Riley. High House Canis: The Complete Wolf Shifter Box Set (p. 936). High House Press. Kindle Edition. 

Chapter by chapter short diary entries the life of a misfit on a strange world

Surrounded by family but alone just the same. Friends who know his name but not him. Seeking a story, a meaning, a place in this time and space

(it seems simple when written like taht but to make it real in someones imagination???)

POem

 My wings feel tattered today

My mind scattered every which way

Nothing much mattered

From the beginning of the day

Getting to the Premise questions

### Exercise #1: Answering Questions

**Question #1: Who is your protagonist?**
- Woulf Wolven

**Question #1.1: Is your protagonist ordinary or extraordinary?**
- Extraordinary

**Question #2: What is his situation at the beginning of the story?**
- Woulf is living in Moonshadow Grove, struggling to find his place within the village.

**Question #2.1: What is the protagonist’s personal condition at the beginning?**
- Confused and disconnected, with an emerging power of ecological intuition he doesn’t fully understand.

**Question #2.2: How is it going to be changed, for better or worse, by the protagonist himself or by the antagonistic force?**
- His power will become vital in saving the forest and connecting with its deeper magic, while he faces challenges from the dark wolves and forest mismanagement.

**Question #2.3: Is your protagonist’s situation ordinary or extraordinary?**
- Extraordinary

**Question #3: What is the protagonist’s objective?**
- To rescue the forest by restoring balance to the Mother Trees.

**Question #4: Who or what is the main opponent?**
- Dark wolves and forest mismanagement.

**Question #5: What early disaster will befall the protagonist and force him out of his “normal world” and into the main conflict?**
- The rabbit incident triggers his ecological intuition, leading to his exile and the need to find a purpose outside his village.

**Question #6: What conflict will result from the hero’s reaction to the disaster?**
- Woulf must navigate his new power, survive outside his village, and ultimately protect the forest from dark forces.

**Question #6.1: What is the logical flow of cause and effect that will allow this conflict to continue throughout the story?**
- The initial rabbit incident leads to his exile, which forces him to explore his powers and confront the threats to the forest, driving the story forward as he learns and grows.

**Question #7: Is this idea plausible?**
- Yes

**Question #8: Is this idea original?**
- Moderately original, blending familiar fantasy elements with unique ecological themes.

**Question #8.1: How is this idea different from similar stories?**
- The focus on ecological intuition and the interconnectedness of the forest through the mycorrhizal network adds a distinctive layer.

**Question #8.2: How can you strengthen its originality?**
- Emphasize the unique ecological aspects and Woulf’s deepening connection to the forest’s magic.

**Question #9: What is the focus of your story?**
- The journey of self-discovery and the mission to save the forest.

**Question #9.1: What will be its genre?**
- Young Adult Fantasy

**Question #9.2: Who will be its intended audience?**
- Young adults and fantasy readers who enjoy stories with magical and ecological themes.

### Exercise #2: Premise Sentence(s)

Woulf Wolven, a young member of Moonshadow Grove, struggles to find his place within his village due to his emerging power of ecological intuition. Exiled after a traumatic incident, Woulf discovers his unique connection to the forest’s mycorrhizal network. As dark wolves and forest mismanagement threaten the balance of the ancient Mother Trees, Woulf embarks on a journey to rescue the forest. His quest for self-discovery intertwines with the mission to restore harmony, revealing the deep magic of the forest and his vital role within it.

Story characters

 ### The Forest World: Summary

#### Guardian
- **Nature Elemental**: Embodies the spirit of life and growth.
- **Connection**: Deeply connected to the mycorrhizal network, a symbiotic association between trees and fungi.
- **Appearance**: A blend of flora and fauna, able to communicate with all living things through the mycorrhizal network.
- **Role**: Protector and creator of the forest, ensuring balance and harmony.

#### Inhabitants

1. **Mushroom Villagers**
   - **Origin**: Released by the Guardian at the beginning of history.
   - **Role**: Above-ground representatives of the mycorrhizal network.
   - **Abilities**: Connected to the mycorrhizal network, can communicate with fungi and trees.

2. **Lumibears and Spiders**
   - **Origin**: Mysterious arrival, their exact origin unknown.
   - **Role**: Practitioners of natural magic.
   - **Abilities**: Spiders spin various fabrics, Lumibears use natural remedies and magic.

3. **Wolvin**
   - **Origin**: Third arrival in the forest.
   - **Role**: Hunters and gatherers, sensitive to environmental changes.
   - **Abilities**: Heightened senses, can detect changes in the forest even before the Mushroom Villagers.

4. **Other Beings**
   - **Sylphs (Grove of Wisdom)**: Protectors of knowledge and wisdom.
   - **Dryads (Glade of Serenity)**: Guardians of tranquility and diversity.
   - **Fungal Warriors (Hollow of Strength)**: Defenders of the forest against pests and invaders.
   - **Sprites (Meadow of Renewal)**: Agents of growth and renewal, maintaining the vitality of the forest.
   - **Dark Wolves**: Predatory creatures posing a threat to the balance and harmony of the forest, present around each hub tree.

#### Hub Trees and Entities

1. **Grove of Wisdom (Grandmother Willow)**
   - **Tree**: Majestic, with drooping branches and ancient wisdom.
   - **Entity**: Sylphs, ethereal beings that guard knowledge and wisdom.
   - **Threat**: Dark Wolves, seeking to corrupt and consume knowledge.

2. **Glade of Serenity (Mother Birch)**
   - **Tree**: Tall, slender with smooth, white bark, exuding calm and nurturing energy.
   - **Entity**: Dryads, guardians of tranquility and diversity.
   - **Threat**: Dark Wolves, sowing discord and fear.

3. **Hollow of Strength (Father Oak)**
   - **Tree**: Colossal with a rugged trunk and massive branches, symbolizing power and resilience.
   - **Entity**: Fungal Warriors, defenders against pests and invaders.
   - **Threat**: Dark Wolves, seeking to weaken and dominate the area.

4. **Meadow of Renewal (Mother Pine)**
   - **Tree**: Towering with a sturdy trunk and long branches, symbolizing vitality and renewal.
   - **Entity**: Sprites, agents of growth and renewal.
   - **Threat**: Dark Wolves, aiming to drain and corrupt the life force of the meadow.

#### Story Elements

- **Quest**: Woulf, Lorem, and Merol's mission to find and protect the four sacred shrines of the Mother Trees to restore the forest's balance.
- **Challenges**: Encounters with various creatures, overcoming natural obstacles, and battling the Dark Wolves at each shrine.
- **Themes**: Importance of diversity, interconnectedness of all living things, the balance between nature and magic.

What if Tangents

 Exercise #2: Once you’ve selected the few ideas that might work, start looking for tangents: “If such and such happened, then what if this also happened? Or what if this happened instead?” The possibilities are endless. Be sure to return to this section and add to your list whenever a new idea strikes.

A VARIATION OF the “what if” question is “What is expected?” Exercise: Divide your notebook page into two columns. In the first column, list everything you can imagine the average reader expecting to happen in your type of story. In the second column, across from each item, write an alternate event. Put a check beside any idea you want to fulfill. Examples:

Exercise: Flip the previous exercise on its head and brainstorm concepts readers would not automatically expect from your story, based on its genre, its characters, and its early plot. Put a check beside any idea that sounds promising. Examples: It is unexpected the hero will lose his superhuman powers. (Spider-Man 2 directed by Sam Raimi) It is unexpected that opponents in a crucial contest will fall in love. (The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern) It is unexpected a teenage girl will set out on the trail to avenge her father’s murder. (True Grit by Charles Portis)

Exercise #1: Start by answering the following questions. If you don’t currently know the answer to any question, skip it and keep going. Return to fill in the blanks after you’ve figured out more of your story. There is no right order in which to do any of this. 

Question #1: Who is your protagonist? Woulf

Question #1.1: Is your protagonist ordinary or extraordinary? 

Question #2: What is his situation at the beginning of the story? 

Question #2.1: What is the protagonist’s personal condition at the beginning? 

Question #2.2: How is it going to be changed, for better or worse, by the protagonist himself or by the antagonistic force? 

Question #2.3: Is your protagonist’s situation ordinary or extraordinary? 

Question #3: What is the protagonist’s objective? 

Question #4: Who or what is the main opponent? 

Question #5: What early disaster will befall the protagonist and force him out of his “normal world” and into the main conflict? 

Question #6: What conflict will result from the hero’s reaction to the disaster? 

Question #6.1: What is the logical flow of cause and effect that will allow this conflict to continue throughout the story? 

Question #7: Is this idea plausible? 

Question #8: Is this idea original? 

Question #8.1: How is this idea different from similar stories? 

Question #8.2: How can you strengthen its originality?

 Question #9: What is the focus of your story? 

Question #9.1: What will be its genre? 

Question #9.2: Who will be its intended audience? 

Exercise #2: Using the information you’ve discovered in answering the above questions, put them all together into a premise sentence(s). Reference: Outlining Your Novel, chapter 3, pages 50-52.

Outlining your Novel Workbook What If?

 You probably have ideas for several main characters, a handful of scenes, a general conflict, and maybe a broad sense of the ending. Your first goal is to hammer all this down into a premise: one or two sentences that convey the characters, the plot, and the theme. 

Who is your hero? Woulf

What does he want? To find his place in the world

Who or what is keeping him from getting what he wants? his disability (telepathy, empathy)

What’s at stake if he doesn’t get it? He won't get to marry his girlfriend or be able to live within his pack

The premise is where you discover and solidify these decisions.

Exercise #1: Ask yourself every “what if” question that pops to mind regarding your story. Some of your ideas will be ridiculous; most will probably never make it into your book. But don’t censor yourself. By allowing yourself to write down every idea, no matter how crazy, you may come up with story-transforming gems.

1. What if he never learned to control it? 
2. What if he did but not completely? 
3. What if he didn't have his year mates? 
4. What if getting his disability under control is grounds for exile? 
5. What if his girlfriend rejects him because of it? 
6. What if his disability makes him hypersensitive to emotional nuances? 
7. What if he scares his elders? What if the journey is his choice? 
8. What if he is pushed out of the village by the council? 
9. What if he finds out he isn't unique in his village? 
10. What if the planet warped the children of the Woulven from the beginning? 
11. What if are just curious about what is outside their village? 
12. What if the elders had kept them locked into the village ? 
13. What if more than Woulf sets out on this journey? 
14. What if contact with other marooned races are on similar quests? 
15. What if they weren't but Woulf's arrival gets others interested in learning the secrets of the planet and why they can't leave? 
16. What if the planet is somehow alive and was lonely? 
17. What if pulling the ships down was the planets plan to become less lonely? 
18. What if the members of woulfs group become the planets slave? 
19. What if they are able to convice the planet to allow some of the races return to the stars? 
20. What if a villian has arrived and is terrorizing other groups? 
21. What if Woulf and his group are necessary to save them? 
22. What if the spur getting woulf to leave is a cry for help on a bandwidth only he can hear? 
23. What if the cry is a trap? 
24. What if Woulf has other talents that he is not aware of? 
25. What if he becomes a hero to other races? 
26. What if his companions become afraid of him? 
27. What if Woulf does not exist except in someone elses mind? 
28. What if his childhood trauma made him unacceptable to his pack?
29. What if he is the chiefs son not the hunters? 
30. What if he only loves his girlfriend because his best friend is in love with her and he is simply mirroring?
31. What if he had to make his way in the world since the first incident and he doesn't know his own people?
32. What if he becomes part of a reverse harem?
33. What if the call he hears in because of a sickness?
34. What if he is somehow immune to the sickness and the remedy is known to his people?
35. What if his ability to hear thoughts could solve a series of murders? or help a ruler?
36. What if he decides he is looking for a way to burn the telepathy out of his head so he can be "normal"
37. What if someone he knows has an idea how to do that?
38. What if he needs to meet and discover other minds like his to solve the reason the planet can't be left behind?
39. What if the solution is worse than the problem
40. what if he decides not to follow the river for a bit what will he find
41. what if his friends decide they do not want to go any further
42. what if promises were made that need to be broken how would he decide
43. what if he is not honourable or brave
44. what if he has a difficult time making decisions
45. what if he is sent out as a spy
46. what if his people know about his disability and use it to solve issues
47. what if he runs away because he needs to find something else he is good at
48. what if he hates his people because of the way they treat him
49. what if the need to run away is for self preservation
50. what if each race he meets tries to use him in the same way
51. what if there is always a group of "nice" people that help him out
52. what if he uses racial characteristics to solve mysteries willingly
53. what if he and members of the other races band together to discover the secret of the planet
54. what if the ships have been all but forgotten m the other races
55. What if the further the race is from "Wulven" the longer they have been on the planet
56. What if a new ship is about to crash or has crashed and Woulf is the one that finds them and helps them get situated
57. What if the new race is telepathic without spoken language (they are all mutes)
58. what if Woulfs telepathy is the only thing that allows communication between them.
59. what if the new race had other mental gifts as well
60. what if Woulf needs to protect them from becoming slaves
61. What if solving mysteries is what makes Woulf strong, that it is his saving grace