Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Where's the Sparkle?
I’m in the dreaded middle of my book. I’ve got 55K words in my Word document right now. It goes up or down according to what I cut or put back in on any given week. But it hovers somewhere around there and has for a while.
Part of my problem is that I’m revising stuff I wrote over a year ago. It still works, theoretically, because the plot has remained the same. But in reality, most of it isn’t working. The characters have changed so much that I spend a huge chunk of time tweaking and reworking their behavior. Most of the time I wonder if it wouldn’t just be easier to write it from scratch. Sometimes I do.
What makes something “not work” though? I’ve been asking myself this
question repeatedly the past two months. I’ll read stuff that I wrote a while ago and I’ll think to myself, “Nope, that’s just not right.”
Not right.
I can’t always tell why it isn’t right but I’ll know that it isn’t. It just doesn’t have that WOW factor.
You know what I mean. We’ve all read those books that do everything right. The plot has the requisite amount of conflict, ends with a HEA. The characters move through the motions of the romance. There are no plot holes and the author’s turns of phrase are interesting. Perhaps there are even chunks of well constructed description. But the book is just good. Or, afterwards we go, “meh” and put it down, promptly forgetting what it was about a week later.
It wasn’t that it wasn’t a good book, but it just didn’t sparkle.
When I read my stuff, sometimes I see stuff that feels right. It’s not as often as I’d like. In fact, finding stuff that feels right happens much less often than finding stuff that feels just wrong.
Therefore, while I can’t always see if it’s right, I can usually tell if it’s wrong.
But why is it wrong? Part of it, I think, is that I fight the constant desire to write the boring parts. One of the cardinal writing rules (*ahem*) is that we shouldn’t write the boring parts. Apparently I struggle with a lifelong tendency to be boring.
What else makes a story go wrong, though? What do you think makes a story just go "meh" at the end? What do you think gives a story “sparkle?” Is it characters, not enough action? Lack of description? A stilted voice? Maybe starting in the wrong spot?
Pour some glittery hoohas, girls! We’re talking sparkle today.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Books by the Crew
59 comments:
Hmmm! What makes a story go wrong? Well, all of the above. Boring parts in the middle. Too many flashbacks. Too many POV shifts... But mainly...an end that really falls flat and doesn't deliver...biggest sin. Though a badly sagging middle will have me considering abandoning ship...
I recently finished reading my series. You know, the BIG one... And yeah, the older writing misses things here and there. All elements that could see it take some tumbles to a reader...but the stories? The stories are good. Which means it's all worth saving and polishing...
In the end, I personally will stick with books because of a single character that sweeps me into wanting to know more... Maybe the key to salvaging old writing is discovering the single elements that deserves a second chance and focusing on it...
I agree about a bad ending. A badly sagging middle will make me abandon, but a flat end? That sometimes leaves me mutinous.
Yay on having lots to save on your series! How long is the series exactly?
I have been thinking that it's characters that keeps me wanting more too. Though if they're just fantastic characters and they sit around staring at their navels all book, that can be a bit of a letdown.
Marn, great topic -- I've actually started a post on this, but haven't quite finished it yet. LOL
I re-read portions of my WIP the other day and there was a section where the characters clearly turned things up a notch. It was like they had decided to sparkle, but the few chapters before that, they were a little more low-key. I'm trying to figure out what they did--LOL--and I think it's like they decided they weren't going to be shy or something. Like they were ready for their closeup. LOL
So maybe it has to do with the characters showing their true selves and just going for it. I don't know. I am still trying to figure things out. Hopefully we'll figure it out today. :)
Donna - I think I know exactly what you mean.
Sometimes, when I'm writing, I feel like my characters are being subdued. Sort of how people are on their best behavior in public. Like they know others are watching. But I think the best stuff I write is when they act like no one is watching, like they're going to do what they want, even if they look foolish.
Does that make sense?
Marn, yes, it makes perfect sense! Maybe they have to get comfortable being on stage. LOL So I guess maybe that's why I like doing that first "discovery draft" thing, where I learn who they are, and WHY they are -- then I can go back and throw in the sparkle where it's missing.
That's the plan anyway!
Oh, the sparkle. (My brain went right to vagazzling. No idea why.)
I know exactly what you mean. And Donna's comment could just be copied as mine. I have some scenes in the first MS that jump off the page. The pacing is great, the dialog is awesome, and the characters are alive. And then other scenes that are just there. Less life. Less laughs. More plodding.
Sadly, the less life scenes outnumber the sparkle scenes, but that's why we keep writing. Because when we keep at it, that ratio shifts and then we're really cooking.
I like the descriptions of the characters acting like no one is watching. Maybe that's the trick for us. Write like no one is reading. Get up, act it out, read it aloud. I know some like it and some don't, but I have to read every scene out loud, using the inflections I hear in the sentences. Which is another reason I struggle with audiobooks. When the voice performer moves the inflections, it totally throws me off.
Someone once told me that glitter is the herpes of the crafting world. I feel like this applies to my writing. My glitter is the end. I sparkle at the black moment. The rest of it feels like my glitter infestation just exploded and sparkles got tracked over it.
Marn, I think my characters feel that way too. Though, I don't know about best behavior in public (I can still hear my mama's voice in my head if I'm touching too much stuff in a store- "Git yer hands off that!") But I'm starting to remind myself that I'm just drafting a story. Regardless of how they feel right now, they aren't going to feel that way in the end. Like giving a makeover.
Sin - glitter is the herpes of the crafting world. LOL! I like that. The stuff does get on everything, doesn't it? :)
Regardless of how they feel right now, they aren’t going to feel that way in the end. Like giving a makeover
It is like giving a makeover, isn't it? I'm reading Meredith Duran's latest right now, A Lady's Lesson in Scandal, and the way she's molding her characters is amazing. I highly recommend. But you're right; they've got a long way to go through the story.
Bo'sun - My non-sparkly scenes outnumber my sparkly ones too, right now. But I think it took me until this book (I know, I'm slow) to realize that it is a "work in progress." That it isn't going to be perfect the first time I put the words down. There's a long road after the first draft. I'm trying to get the basics out, get the general story and emotional stuff I want out there, and then I'm going to go back and tweak it.
I have to read it aloud too. There's a rhythm to narrative that I think is only really clear if it's out loud.
You know me and my embracing of the vomit it out method of first draft writing. I can usually keep going, though I clean up a scene for the blatent wrong word and general typos before moving on. There are times when I know that scene isn't done or I copped out and it needs more, so I'll fix those. The trick seems to be to know when you have to fix a scene for story purposes, to keep going, and when it's good but rough and just needs polished/tweaked later on.
Wish I knew how you learn that, but like everything else, it seems to only come with more writing.
I think what makes a story go wrong is when we get to the middle, look back at the beginning, realize it's garbage and then try to fix it then and there. Which we're all guilty of. There should be a happy compromise between vomit it out and fix as you go that keeps you on the wild and treacherous path that is your novel. Instead you end up in the Middle and it's like a fight between the Republicans and the Democrats, with no relief of compromise in sight, and you basically want to scrap your government and start again.
Oops, I think I have two very different issues I'm trying to bitch about at the same time. My apologies, folks.
What I'm saying is that YOU HAVE SPARKLE, MARNIE! You probably have the sparkliest hooha on this ship--it's that reading the very beginning that's holding you down.
It's like the ugly duckling teenage years. In the beginning, you're awkward, gawky, and only attractive your parents. Around your middle years, you're filling out, getting some confidence, winking at the cool boy in your class--you have potential. You're in your potential phase. Nothing screws up a potential phase than wallowing in your gawky ass years and thinking "I'll never be beautiful. Look at me!" and waving a picture from that period. Instead you need to look forward, take your newfound confidence, and write the ending you always wanted, that you deserve. THEN and ONLY THEN can you go back and look at the whole picture of gawky ugly duckling to swan and realize the beginning, while lumbering and dull is workable, necessary.
I think a lot of us get to the middle that none of us want to work (because it's not the fun part of the cute meet or the satisfying ending of a HEA) and want to "fix" the beginning, fix our characters to match the well-adjusted characters they are now. Perfection is the devil. It can ruin a story faster than bad punctuation.
I'm not saying the beginning won't need revision. I'm just saying it doesn't need it right now.
I agree Marn's hooha is full of glitter, but my hooha does not like what you're implying. Don't be dissing all of our other hoohas.
8)
I know for a fact my opening scene needs WORK. And that's not work. it's WORK. So far, I'm restraining myself to keep from going back to work on it now. However, new ideas for it are brewing every day. What I keep reminding myself is that once I've written the entire book, I'll be so much more informed about these characters and their story that I'll be able to do things with that opening I can't do before then.
As I mention, there are issues that can be left and we move on, and some that need fixed for the story to keep coming out. It's like saying, "I can go another month without changing these wiper blades" and saying, "I'd better replace those break pads before I drive myself off a cliff."
Wait. There was a "sparkliest hooha" contest and I missed it? Damn day job. Not that I was going to be a contest judge. Or a contestant. Never mind. LOL
I definitely agree with this: What I keep reminding myself is that once I’ve written the entire book, I’ll be so much more informed about these characters and their story that I’ll be able to do things with that opening I can’t do before then.
I'm learning stuff about the story and the characters as I write it. And part of the "writing" is pondering and thinking and considering possible scenes and plot lines -- and all of that happens whether I'm reworking a scene or cogitating while I'm doing non-writing stuff. I take notes, though, so I can come back to these thoughts, in the hopes that they help solve situations.
Sometimes I think we want to "fix" everything the first time through, in the (delusional) hope that we won't have to do any editing/revising. Unfortunately it doesn't really work that way. I seriously wish it did. But there's a reason writing takes time.
I apologize for saying Marn's hooha was the sparkliest when we all have damned awesome sparklely hoohas. Wave your glittery hooha proudly. We know Bo'sun did at the Keith Urban concert last night.
First you dis her now you bandy her about in your gossipy way. Keep this up and my hooha is going to invoke the angry uterus and it's going to get ugly up in here.
(I have no idea what I'm saying. Did I mention I had a late night?)
Exactly, Donna! I admit, my goal is to write the rough draft in such a way that brutal cutting (as in removing giant chunks) is not necessary in revisions. I'm oddly fine with adding in scenes I didn't realize I needed, but I hate the idea of cutting scenes. Not that I haven't done it before, but I try very hard in the rough draft to know why I'm writing a scene and how it enhances the story.
I walk around with glitter all over me every day -- it's one of the hazards of working in a craft-y store. LOL So even on those days when I'm feeling cranky, I can LOOK sparkly.
Terri, I feel the same way about not cutting scenes. I usually need to add one or two, because I realize something isn't linked properly. And if I have to cut something, I keep it in a separate file, just in case I change my mind.
I need to work on one of my WIPs since I have today and tomorrow off. It's not typical to have 2 days off in a row, so I've got to make use of it. But I'm still tired from the last two long days. Maybe I should read Ashley March's ARC instead. . .
Now you're just bragging. Bragging cannot be masked, even in glitter.
Enjoy your days off!
Your hooha needs some sleep because she's being IRRATIONAL.
BTW - I *think* I'm having dinner with Hal tonight. Which means I get to meet the newest L'il Pirate! Whoohoo! I'm so excited. I'll send y'all pics if I can.
Are you talking to Donna's hooha or mine?
*blinks innocently*
She's talking to yours, Bo'sun. Mine is sleeping like it's been cursed by a wicked witch bent on revenge. Sigh.
you know, we were talking about this at school last month. Some famous movie director (no idea who, now), was asked, "What makes a great movie." He said, "You need 5 exceptional scenes, and no bad scenes." Basically, not every scene should (or can) sparkle. There will usually be a only a few that really sparkle, that stand out in your memory as amazing and emotional, even after you put the book down. The trick is not to have no boring scenes (because many of those are necessary), but to have no crappy scenes.
I haven't figured out how, yet, to spot and remove my crappy scenes (hahaha). But I thought it was an interesting thought that not every scene can be amazing.
Ter!! Yes, I'm definitely up for dinner tonight. Sorry I've been so bad at emailing you. Turns out, vacation with a 6 month old isn't all that relaxing :)
You want to meet at the restaurant you suggested after you get off work? Maybe 5:15 or so? I think Rob's going to stay at the hotel and just relax sans-baby, since I'm leaving him with the baby to go to the beach this afternoon (woo hoo!)
donna - Sometimes I think we want to “fix” everything the first time through, in the (delusional) hope that we won’t have to do any editing/revising. Unfortunately it doesn’t really work that way. I seriously wish it did. But there’s a reason writing takes time.
So, so true. I'm doing a MAJOR round of revisions right now, and god, its painful. But on the bright side, I can do more than I could have possibly done the first time through. I can also see spots where my characters are not acting in character, because I know them well enough now. So it's good. It's just.....exhausting.
I can also see spots where my characters are not acting in character, because I know them well enough now. So it’s good. It’s just…..exhausting.
Kinda like vacationing with a 6 month old?
Let's not have a sparkly hooha contest. Clean up would keep the hotties busy for days--what with all the glitter on this ship--and we've got better things for them to do.
:)
Hells, don't get me started on the beginning argument. If I don't stop reading CNN immediately my head might implode. What idiots.
As to the sparkliness and my tendency to read the beginning, guilty as charged. It's not to get it perfect, though. I have to keep going back to make sure my characters stay true to themselves. At the beginning of the story, I have a pretty good feeling about where I could go with the story. Then I get in the middle and start wading through the sludge and I start thinking, "What the hell was I trying to do here again?" So I go back and try to reclaim some of my initial insight. Sometimes it works. Sometimes I just make myself crazier. Not hard these days.
As I get further along, when I get lost, I only have to go back to where I lost my way, usually.
But I loved this.... You’re in your potential phase. Nothing screws up a potential phase than wallowing in your gawky ass years and thinking “I’ll never be beautiful. Look at me!” and waving a picture from that period. Instead you need to look forward, take your newfound confidence, and write the ending you always wanted, that you deserve. It was worth repeating. Very very good advice. :)
Haha Hellie. Yes. Exactly.
Ter - The trick seems to be to know when you have to fix a scene for story purposes, to keep going, and when it’s good but rough and just needs polished/tweaked later on.
AMEN! This is one of my problems too. I've gotten to the point now where I'm just writing in, "Need to do here" and moving on, just so I can get to the end. But too much of that can make you get lost in the forest too. It's a fine line.
It’s like saying, “I can go another month without changing these wiper blades” and saying, “I’d better replace those break pads before I drive myself off a cliff.”
Herein lies the distinction. Even if you decide you can manage without new wiper blades, you still have to try to see through the windshield with them jacked up. Same goes for the story. With the roughness, things can be blurry.
Donna - I learn about my characters as I write too. Lots of people brag about how their characters spring, lifelike, to their heads. I'm not like that. As I write, I feel like I make friends with them, like I get to know someone in real life. So when I make it to the end, I am like, "No wonder they did back then." SO I go back and try to wade through their motivations. It is time consuming, for sure.
Ter - I’m oddly fine with adding in scenes I didn’t realize I needed, but I hate the idea of cutting scenes. This is me too! I just want to be able to tweak and add and revise, not cut out 10K or more at a time or have that moment of "What the hell was I thinking!?"
Donna - hope you have a productive day, but reading Ashley's ARC does sound more fun.... :)
Hal - Just don't write crappy scenes. Oye.
hahaha!!
Seriously though, I like the idea of having the brilliant scenes and then just trying not to suck in the middle. Makes sense, because you're right; I only remember the great parts, really. And the rest I'm just hoping that it doesn't slow down.
:)
Have fun tonight, Ter and Hal. Yay Pirate reunions!!
Revisions is exactly like this.
Kinda like vacationing with a 6 month old?
*shivers*
;-) No hooha contests, please! I mean hoohas and slashing words in the same conversation makes me cringe. And never been a fan of the glitter and hoohas. (Actualy glitter and bedazzling.)
Marn! I have 29.6 books in my series, so I've had my head literally buried in my old stuff!
As for the idea of only write exceptional scenes... ;-) What? We all work at writing mediocrity?
I say, push through the middle and get to the end because whoever said it earlier is right, much easier to get back in and fix what you didn't get exceptional once you know how things will end!
My 24 yr old niece, Mandie, is writing a story (a novel) in a notebook. I ask her how it's coming (which I realize is ironic because most, if not all, writers hate this question since it's usually not) and she keeps plugging away at it. She wants to get it written before she types it up. She said she's realized there needs to be a chapter before her first chapter and is tempted to write it and staple it to the first page. *LOL* And I was flipping through her book and realizing she had crossed out some paragraphs and whole pages and just kept going.
I realized I couldn't do it. I would have ripped out those pages or worse. I wonder how it would be to just write from beginning to end with some scratch outs and stapled new pages at spots, then going to type from that draft. It's almost like it would be a cool science experiment, you know?
Hel, I can remember writing term papers that way... Stapled notes, scratched this and that... Aye! Back in them dark ages afore we all had laptops...
And ya keep the scratched out stuff because ya might need something in it...
Yes, Hal! Shoot for 5:30 though. I need to stop at home and feed the kitties and then find a parking space down there. Shouldn't be too bad on a Wed. Yay for the beach. Remember the sunscreen!
Donna - I have tumbleweeds mixed with my glitter. We can commiserate together.
I'm liking the "Not every scene has to sparkle" bit. That does make sense. As long as each scene keeps the reader turning the pages, they don't all have to keep the reader climbing the walls with excitement. That actually makes a lot of sense. Just as dark stuff needs comic relief. The reader needs a break now and then.
Writing the whole story in a notebook first sounds horrible to me but only because I can't stand my handwriting and my hand would wear out way too fast. Though sometimes it would be better to do it that way since if you put a line through something and then change your mind, it's still there. If you backspace and retype and want it back (later) then you're just screwed. Because we all know we'd never find the exact same words the same way a second time.
5:30 sounds perfect. I'll walk down with the baby - can't wait!!
Chance - 29.6? LOL! I like the .6. :)
As to writing mediocrity... there's another way to write?
I used to think that too, power through the middle. But Caroline (who is a font of amazing advice) told me something last week that has kinda stuck. She says the middle's where they fall in love. People put the books down in the middle, if they feel like the characters aren't falling in love.
SHe's so smart.
Hells - I could never write long hand. I can barely write grocery lists with a pen. I get all irritated, like I'm carving my list like the cavemen did it, on a stone tablet. LOL!!
Bo'sun - Just as dark stuff needs comic relief. The reader needs a break now and then.
Agree about the exceptional/emotional scenes. I think it'd be exhausting. SOme scenes need to set up the emotional/exceptional scenes, I think. But just keeping people looking for the next big thing, though, I think it's important.
Totally get that, Marn... but you can polish the middle, add spice and flavor and beauty in revision. Not that you don't need it there as you go, but you can really spit polish it after yer done.
I often settle on some brilliant bits, move on and then go back and pretty it up even more...
Does any of that make sense? I need to eat something...
Now I must not eat for the rest of the day to have room for the good food I'll have tonight. (good=fattening) Can't wait to meet the little guy. I'll even hold him so you can eat. LOL! (I know, I'm a giver.)
I was trying not to mention it because I'm afraid of flying rum bottles, but I really enjoy writing the middle. It's the meat to me. It's when the good stuff happens. Beginnings are hard and endings are so tough to get just right. Don't cop out. Don't short change the reader. Don't make it too easy or unbelievable or sappy.
But I can enjoy working through the middle. That's where I can sink my teeth in.
I think I'd change “Not every scene has to sparkle” to "Not every scene should sparkle." I always think the woman in a gorgeous dress with sparkling, dramatic earrings is far classier and more beautiful than the one with diamonds on fingers, arms, throat, and ears. Quality and sparkle are different IMO, and the sparkle is all the brighter for contrast. What I'm aiming for is fine fabric and classic lines with touches of sparkle here and there.
I found myself stuck on my WIP with all these scenes I was pleased with but couldn't seem to weave together in a coherent whole. I've been woking my way through the plot section of Donald Maass's workbook as a way to dig myself out of the hole I was in. What I've gotten from it means trashing about a third of what I had written and moving out of my comfort zone to write some scenes. But I have a solid plot now. No sparkle, just some solid scenes to build on.
I don't know how you do it, Janga. I'd be spastic if I wrote out of order like you do. LOL! There really are a million processes to this game.
And that's one more craft book I have on my shelf that I've yet to read. *sigh*
Which reminds me... I have a friend who was aiming for the HQ line and has decided to let go of that rabid wordcount and go for the bigger book...but she's uncertain how to go about it, since she's always aimed for the category book... Any good how-to books out there on the diff between category and the big stand alone and how to expand your vision to encompass more?
Just thought I'd put the call out there... You all know me and how to books...we don't get along. While my friend? Devours them, figures them out, adores them...
Chance - I get the at-the-end spit shine. In fact, I'm completely dreading it. LOL!!
Janga - What I’m aiming for is fine fabric and classic lines with touches of sparkle here and there. Exactly right. I like this idea, Janga. Solid throughout, with just the right amount of sparkle. I suppose this is the difference between buying a dress at a wholesale store and haute couture, isn't it?
Way to go with your plot and solid scenes!!
I second Ter; I couldn't write out of order either. At least not as out of order as some. I'm sadly linear.
Chance - I don't know any book that'll do what you're asking. I'll think some more though.
She's fixating on the idea of adding in subplots...something she shied away from completly while focusing on category...
As for the spit shine... I don't know, I sorta adore going back in and polishing up some awkward stuff. And I generally do find at least one diamond in the rough, that just needs the right cutting...
I'm having a blast with metaphors today...
It's like a soup... ;-)
No, it's like a destination with side trips...
No, it's like shooting for the stars and hitting the moon...
My guess is any book on how to write full length works of fiction would benefit her. Which is pretty much ANY craft book. The whole point of non-category books is the total freedom. That means no craft book necessary except the usual story building/structure stuff.
What's like pissing in the wind, hun?
A random thought.... I love how as I really get into a story, I start constantly singing songs that remind me of it. If you all knew what a completely un-musically connected person I am, you'd know how cool this is.
It's like pissing in the wind...
I just had an idea for a high concept blog for Mondays on my website... Metaphore Monday...
;-)
No, it's like a spicy bowl of chili...
Sorry, Marn... the Bo'sun and I are hijacking your thoughtful blog with silliness.
PS, so far, I've got three on the A TANGLE OF LIES Playlist: She Will be Loved by Maroon 5, The Only Exception by Paramore, and If I Die Young by The Band Perry
I listen to them constantly.
Have it at. I think we've exhausted my thoughtfulness today. I always feel like we've done what we could if we make it into the early afternoon on topic.
:)
Because it's like pushing a boulder uphill....
...while a landslide is in progress.
In the rain. You forgot the rain.
Hee, hee! So right!
So, what is the best writing book you've ever read? I'll recommend that one to her. On romantic suspense if possible...
I hate when she asks me to recommend, as if I have a clue! ;-)
The real question, Marn, is what ISN'T like pissing in the wind?
Hellie will know the perfect craft book. I'd have to look at my shelf at home, which I can't see from here.
:)
Love that you're making a playlist. I can't listen while writing, but I still make a playlist. Not sure how many I have, but the latest is Mess I've Made by Parachute. That is so how my hero feels after the black moment when's he's totally F'd up and pushed her away.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7qdlVkgiz0&ob=av2e
Right now I'm reading a craft book I bought (full price if you can imagine!) called The 90 Day Novel: http://the90daynovel.com/. I like it a lot. It's organic in it's approach. I mean, you're "plotting" occasionally, but for the most part, this guy is about sitting and thinking and freewriting some pages to get a feel for what your story and characters are about. And he's short about it. You know how some craft books have LONG chapters and your eyes glaze over? No. These are short chapters, then some writing exercises before you can run off, usually about 5 minutes long apiece so you don't feel overwhelmed. He's very...non-pushy. He wants you to write your story as you want to write it, but give you a bit of structure in how to make that happen.
So if she wants a craft book that doesn't feel like a craft book--try that book.
If she wants something more concrete, less organic--I'd say Story Structure Architect. It's very linear how it lays out stuff. For each plot point you can add to your story (if it fits) it lines out the questions you'll need to answer if you use it. I like it's straightforward approach.
I think your friend is onto the right idea. It's about introducing a subplot of some kind. Or a couple, if she's up for the juggling. It depends on the kind of single title book she wants to write. If she's doing romantic suspense, then solving the murder is the subplot (assuming your love story is the central "plot"); if you write sweeter, less suspensey stuff, then the subplot is usually another minor love story with other characters or a little mystery of some kind to unravel.
I'm a big fan of the Donald Maass "Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook" -- I think because it asks questions, so you have to figure the stuff out with your own story. I also like "Breaking Into Fiction" -- each chapter has questions at the end, but it also refers to examples from four different specific movies throughout, so it's very clearcut what is meant.
Okay, got some writing done today. Now I need to figure out why people can't comment on my blog. I'm getting record hits, but if nobody can comment. . . Sigh. It's one big game of Whack-a-mole.
Way to end the day with the perfect metaphor, Donna.
Is anyone else glad it's Thursday?
I think we're all in agreement: we prefer the craft books that ask questions. *LOL* I've been tempted to buy the "Break into Fiction" book several times, because it's written/endorsed by Sherrilyn Kenyon. It is a shorter book, but for some reason, as simple as the questions are, they seem so "broad" I always end up putting the book on the shelf and running away. "Goals? I don't know what my characters' goals are!" whereas the Alan Watt book almost breaks that question down, like a therapist who doesn't ask you what your relationship is like with your parents, but asks you to tell one vivid memory from your childhood.
So basically there are books for both kinds of people: people in touch with their characters' feelings (Donna) and people who aren't (me).
I'm NOT glad it's Thursday, because today is my last day off. LOL I don't usually have two days off in a row, so that part was nice.
I attended a short seminar with the ladies who wrote "Break into Fiction", so that may help when I look at that book's questions. I think the Maass book asks the questions you mention, Hellion--the more evocative ones that are great for exploring details.
Having said that, I haven't read many craft books lately. I read so many great blog articles on craft that I don't feel I need the books right now!
I tend to prefer craft articles too, Donna. They're about 3 pages long and usually have enough inspiration to get you back to the keyboard again, which is really the value of any craft book. *LOL*
Post a Comment