Adam David Collings's Blog

Come behind the scenes as I plan the story structure for my latest science fiction novel — a sci-fi retelling of Swiss Family Robinson. In this writing vlog, I break down the hook, inciting incident, first plot point, pinch points, and midpoint, and explore how character arc and story structure work together to drive a compelling narrative. I draw on story theory from K.M. Weiland and Abbie Emmons, digging into how structure supports character-driven storytelling while still delivering a strong sci-fi adventure. You’ll see how my protagonist’s fear, misbelief, and impossible choices shape the plot from the very first page.

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In this episode of my writing vlog series, I dive deep into defining the protagonist of my science fiction novel—a sci-fi retelling of Swiss Family Robinson set on an alien planet. This video is all about character arc and internal conflict. I walk through the foundational questions that shape a character-driven story, including:

The protagonist’s Enneagram type The Lie he believes about himself or the world The Truth he must learn (and how this reveals the story’s theme) What he wants vs. what he needs The ghost from his past that explains why he believes the Lie

By working through these elements, I’m building the backbone of the character’s arc—the emotional journey that will drive the plot of the novel from beginning to end. This is part of my goal to level up as a storyteller and write the most character-driven science fiction book I’ve ever written.

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I’m starting something new and exciting this year. I’m going to be recording the behind-the-scenes as I craft a new sci-fi novel from idea to publication and documenting the process in a series of videos. Here is the first installment.

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Man vs Baby is a short Christmas comedy series that just released on Netflix, a sequel of sorts to Man Vs Bee (2022) but can stands very well on its own. The story follows Trevor Bingley (Rowan Atkinson) through various misadventures of trying to provide for his daughter’s university education while juggling an abandoned baby that he can’t quite manage to hand off to the authorities. I watched all 4 episodes the night it came out and discovered a profound message straight from the Bible, which may, or may not, have been intended by the writers.

The first thing that struck me in this movie is the character of Trevor. He’s down on his luck. His wife left him and he is struggling to make ends meet financially. But throughout the story, he is seen as making responsible, mature, and self-sacrificial choices. A vast different from Atkinson’s more famous character, Mr. Bean. In fact, at times it seems that Trevor is the most responsible person in the story. He spends the entire show putting the needs of others first, displaying un-expected compassion, and facing his many challenges with an impressively good attitude.

When a baby is left on the doorstep of the school where Trevor works, he assumes it is the child volunteered to serve as Baby Jesus in the children’s nativity play, but when nobody claims the child after the play is finished, Trevor has no choice but to care for him. He does all the right things, talking to the police, and child services, but through various comic, but mostly believable, situations, he can’t manage to offload the child and so must take it with him to London where he will be house-sitting – a job that will pay him the funds needed for his daughter’s education.

Along the way, we see Trevor connect and interact with various characters. Each have their own problems. And this is where the story leans into its thematic message. Trevor prepares a beautiful Christmas feast for the owners of the house he is looking after, but when they change their plans and pull out at the last second, Trevor ends up sharing this feast with various characters who are ultimately undeserving, but all in real need.

When I saw the end of this story, I could help but think of a story that Jesus once told, which can be found in the Bible passage Luke 14:15-24. A man had prepared a banquet and he invited a crowd of important people. But one by one they all gave various excuses why they couldn’t attend.

The servant came back and reported this to his master. Then the owner of the house became angry and ordered his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame.’

“‘Sir,’ the servant said, ‘what you ordered has been done, but there is still room.’

“Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.

In the end, Man Vs Baby is essentially a re-telling of this parable. I can’t know if this was a deliberate choice on the part of the writers, but the similarity is so striking I can’t not see it. This is a beautiful story of grace. None of these characters really deserved to be there at this feast, and yet, they all needed to be there. They were all desperate in their own way. Trevor excercised compassion to them all and welcomed them in. And I think that’s a beautiful Christmas message.

Everyone’s taste in entertainment is different, especially when it comes to comedy, but I would highly recommend Man Vs Baby as an addition to your Christmas viewing.

I’m taking part on a Synchroblog with a few friends who are all writing posts on the subject of Christmas. You can find their writings below.

Meaningful Gifts by Dience DarlingIn Our Hands by Steph Penny10 Blessings of God at Christmas by Susan BarnesIf you like this, share the love by

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This Saturday, 8th of November, I’ll be at the West Tamar Spring Market with my science fiction books. It’s running from 8:00 am to 3:00pm at the Max Fry Hall 60 Gorge Road.

In addition to my books, there will be food stalls, arts and crafts, and live music. Dogs are welcome. So if you’re a Tassie local, why not come along and check it out? You’ll find me at one of the indoor tables. Learn more.

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I had lunch at the Star Wars Galactic Cafe in Melbourne. Then I checked out the Lego Star Wars Exhibition.

Check out the video below.

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I sat down with Paeter Frandsen of Spirit Blade Productions for a Wizard of Oz Discussion. We talk about:

The original Wizard of Oz books by L. Frank BaumThe Judy Garland movieReturn to OzOz The Great and PowerfulWickedOur pitch for a future adaptation of the books

 

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St. Jude Charity Gaming Livestream is my upcoming 8-hour gaming marathon, where I’ll be playing titles like No Man’s Sky, Skyrim, Mass Effect Andromeda, Death Stranding, and possibly Civilisation VI to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This event is part of Game Save 25 and St. Jude Play Live, and every donation goes toward helping children receive lifesaving treatment at no cost to their families. In this post, I’m sharing all the details, the games I’ll be streaming, and how you can get involved or support the cause.

Here is the announcement video

They provide life-saving medical treatment to patients but they don’t provide any bills. So the treatment, accommodation, food, travel, is all free. Even better, they share their research freely with the world which means we benefit here in Australia. The St. Jude Charity Gaming Livestream will happen on Saturday the 19th of November, or Friday the 28th if you’re in America. The details for various time zones can be found below.

But you don’t have to wait for the livestream. You can donate right now by going to AdamDavidCollings.com/donate.

Eastern Australia (AEDT): Saturday 29th 9:00 am to 5:30 pmBrisbane (AEST) Saturday 29th 8:00 am to 4:30 pmAdelaide (ACDT): Saturday 29th 8:30 am to 5:00 pmPerth (AWST): Saturday 29th 6:00 am to 2:30 pmArizona (MST) : Friday 28th 3:00 pm to 11:30 pmNew York (EST): Friday 28th 5:00 PM to 1:30 amLos Angeles (PST): 2:00 pm to 10:30 pmNew Zealand (NZDT): 11:00 am to 7:30 pm

So I hope you’ll join me for the St. Jude Charity Gaming Livestream to make a difference and have a little fun along the way.

I’ll see you out there.

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I had lunch at a Star Wars Cafe in Melbourne during my nerdy trip with my son. We also visited the Harry Potter Exhibition and LEGO Star Wars Exhibit at Melbourne Museum.

Here are some photos of the experience.

 

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Discover Free and Discounted Sci-Fi Books This Smashwords Summer/Winter Sale!

It’s that time of year again — Smashwords is holding their annual Summer/Winter Sale, and I’m excited to share that several of my books are included! If you’ve been waiting to dive into my stories, now’s your chance to grab some free and discounted sci-fi books for your collection.

From thrilling space opera adventures to character-driven sci-fi tales, there’s something for every fan of science fiction. I love being part of the Smashwords sale because it helps readers discover new authors and series without breaking the bank.

Which books are included?

This year, you’ll find:

Jewel of The Stars Book 1 — Free

Jewel of The Stars Book 2— 50% Off

Jewel of The Stars Book 3 — 50% Off

Chronostream’s Father — Free

A Time To Mourn — Free

The Christmas Star Disaster— Free

Lynessa’s Curse — Free

And more! Just head over to my The Smashwords Summer/Winter Sale for thousands of other books.

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