I've been a bit dismayed by some of the things I've read about how to write a book on writing sites. It seems to me that so many of them miss the point. It's all, don't do this, don't do that. In rule-writer's books processes are disconnected where in my view it all has to fit together.
By profession I analyse things. So here is my own list of the things I think matter. They overlap and compliment each other and shouldn't ever be regarded in isolation of the others. Story – what is going to happen during the book? Narrative – how the story will be told, from what POV's, what temporal lines, what flashbacks? Pace – what will be the high points and the low points in the story? Where will the reader draw a breath? What is the pattern of action? Identification – what keeps the reader reading? For example, likeable characters, puzzles, mysteries, drama, good lines, etc Satisfaction – how do you make the reader feel good about what they've read? Examples are jokes and humour in general, cheering on the hero, making the villain look stupid, excitement, tension, fear, shock and so on Voice – this is your writing style – reading age- length of sentences- jokey, gothic, serious, vanilla, etc. Note that rhythm is part of this- does your voice flow? When all these things are mixed together with the right quantities and qualities you have a good novel. It's more like cookery than anything else. Nothing is proscribed provided you can get the mix right.
7 Comments
1/5/2011 04:47:41 am
I bet you get lots of hits from using that title, John. Good thinking. And you're right - this aproach is so much more valuable than all the prescriptive stuff that turns 'rules' in obstacles. I always tell people to trust their own voice when they write. As long as they have a love and respect for language, they deserve to be heard.
Reply
1/5/2011 12:56:19 pm
That is possibly the best summary of the process I have ever read!
Reply
1/5/2011 02:49:00 pm
Yes - good post. And rules can be bent and broken as long as it's intentional and the story's still clear to readers, because, after the writer, they're the important people.
Reply
1/5/2011 04:26:50 pm
I'm really glad I've found your blog, John!
Reply
Great summary, John! I always feel there's a bit too much mystique attached to writing - it is something intensely personal and trying to put the process into little boxes that can be ticked simply destroys the spontaneity. Of course, there have to be guidelines for novel writing - especially if the writer hopes to be published - but I think that the greatest examples of any art form come when the creator of that art breaks, or ignores, the rules. As with most things, KISS (keep it simple, stupid) is the way to go!
Reply
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorAuthor, imagineer Archives
July 2020
|