The craft of writing dialogue should not be that difficult, should it? I mean, we talk to each other and there isn't any confusion there. Well, maybe not. When we talk to each other, unless we are clear, our words can be misunderstood. Even our body language can sometimes confuse.
Early on I was told that my dialogue was well written. After attending several workshops and listening to several different opinions on writing dialogue, I am not so sure. In fact, I am not very sure about my writing style. But I am willing to listen and learn.
At one workshop, the author told us that there is nothing wrong with he said, she said. In fact, it is being used too little. Too many times, writers use animal sounds (he growled, she roared). When one is writing dialogue, what the character does can show the reader exactly what tone of voice the character is using. In fact, in using a simple exclamation point, this will tell the reader that there is excitement. But don't use more than one exclamation point in a dialogue or the excitement will wear thin.
Another item that was noted was when there are only two characters carrying on a dialogue, there is no need to use the he said, she said after every sentence. In fact, even with two pages of dialogue, just throw in a couple he saids, she said and your readers should be able to follow along pretty well. However, when you have a number of characters speaking, then it would be best to have he saids, she saids after every sentence - dialogue piece.
Also, there was talk about using dialects in dialogue. One writer had a British character in his novel, but he only had him say Cheerio once and a few other British terms, but for the rest of the novel, the author used good old American English in the character's dialogue. I once read a novel (okay, I only read the first three pages) where the entire dialogue was in a heavy African American slang. I was totally confused by the meanings of some of the words and I had a really hard time reading the dialect. It was just too difficult to follow the meaning of what was going on. I put the book down. I suppose it all matters where you want your book to be marketed.
Dialogue can also identify a character. I love to listen to people talk. Everyone has a different way of stating things and talking. I develop characters with certain personality traits of people I know. Then I try to have those characters talk the way that person would talk. This is something I really need to work on. I can sometimes visualize in my head, how a dialogue will go and I will sometimes talk it out loud to see if it makes sense.
Please, realize that I do not have the answers. I am a writer who is working on improving my writing style. There are bumps along the way, where I forget. But I love writing and will continue to learn. I just love to listen and absorb. Hopefully, my writing style will improve.
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Show Don't Tell
Everybody remembers their elementary days at school when one certain day of the week would be show and tell. We would all wait for this day with great anticipation for our turn to be able to show something treasured and talk about it. Some children would elaborate for a long time about their treasure. Others would run to the front of the classroom, hold up their treasure, give a one word description and then flee back to their desk.
Show and tell. Which does not work for writers. Time and time again writers are told to show, don't tell. Writers are supposed to elaborate on the action surrounding the scene. Giving descriptions filled with adjectives and adverbs are no longer valued. Although for literary works, verbose descriptions are required. Rather, having the characters interact with each other gets the reader involved.
I realize that showing and not telling is a much more effective way of writing. It also gives the writer a bigger challenge of telling, oops, crafting the story. Rather than telling, Sue was extremely irritated with her husband's late arrival home, one can show this sentence by writing, Sue paced by the front door, glancing out the window for her husband's car. She frowned when she finally saw his car pull into the driveway.
I am still learning this craft. There are differences and they can be very subtle. But rather than telling about a character's mood, there are ways to show the mood which will make the reader a more active participant.
The art of writing. The art of writing well. It is a learning process. It is always interesting to read an author's first book and then to read their following books. Sometimes, the reader will see an improvement. Sometimes not.
Show and tell. Which does not work for writers. Time and time again writers are told to show, don't tell. Writers are supposed to elaborate on the action surrounding the scene. Giving descriptions filled with adjectives and adverbs are no longer valued. Although for literary works, verbose descriptions are required. Rather, having the characters interact with each other gets the reader involved.
I realize that showing and not telling is a much more effective way of writing. It also gives the writer a bigger challenge of telling, oops, crafting the story. Rather than telling, Sue was extremely irritated with her husband's late arrival home, one can show this sentence by writing, Sue paced by the front door, glancing out the window for her husband's car. She frowned when she finally saw his car pull into the driveway.
I am still learning this craft. There are differences and they can be very subtle. But rather than telling about a character's mood, there are ways to show the mood which will make the reader a more active participant.
The art of writing. The art of writing well. It is a learning process. It is always interesting to read an author's first book and then to read their following books. Sometimes, the reader will see an improvement. Sometimes not.
Saturday, May 31, 2014
Point of View
When I was going through the editing process with my first published novel, The Goblet, my editors told me to stick to one point of view. I admit, I did switch back and forth between the main character and the other characters in the novel within scenes. I did what the editors asked and stuck to one point of view per scene. I had several characters in this novel that I wanted to develop. I wanted readers to develop a relationship with my characters.
I attended a one day workshop in North Carolina and the seminar was about point of view. This speaker was strongly advising to only develop one character. One point of view. I left that workshop not impressed.
Then when I attended the BRMCWC in May, again there were differing opinions on point of view. Several speakers said only one point of view per novel or do one point of view per chapter. Other speakers said they develop several points of views for several characters BUT they do it per scene. In fact, Steven James switches from 1st person in one chapter to third in the next chapter. Then switches point of view per scene.
The whole idea of point of view is to develop your character. Let the reader know what the character is thinking. Let the reader develop a relationship with the character so the reader will care about the character.
The stories I am writing have more than one main character. I have a number of characters that I am introducing to readers and I would like for readers to develop a relationship with them. I have not read any of the Harry Potter books, but J.K. Rowling had three main characters. I am sure she wrote three different points of views.
So here we are with different opinions on point of view. Again, it all boils down to writing a good story and developing characters that readers want to get to know. I am still learning my craft and it has changed from when I was in high school. Good stories, good characters will stand the test of time but writing styles have changed. I am willing to learn and try to improve my writing. It is very definitely a learning process.
I attended a one day workshop in North Carolina and the seminar was about point of view. This speaker was strongly advising to only develop one character. One point of view. I left that workshop not impressed.
Then when I attended the BRMCWC in May, again there were differing opinions on point of view. Several speakers said only one point of view per novel or do one point of view per chapter. Other speakers said they develop several points of views for several characters BUT they do it per scene. In fact, Steven James switches from 1st person in one chapter to third in the next chapter. Then switches point of view per scene.
The whole idea of point of view is to develop your character. Let the reader know what the character is thinking. Let the reader develop a relationship with the character so the reader will care about the character.
The stories I am writing have more than one main character. I have a number of characters that I am introducing to readers and I would like for readers to develop a relationship with them. I have not read any of the Harry Potter books, but J.K. Rowling had three main characters. I am sure she wrote three different points of views.
So here we are with different opinions on point of view. Again, it all boils down to writing a good story and developing characters that readers want to get to know. I am still learning my craft and it has changed from when I was in high school. Good stories, good characters will stand the test of time but writing styles have changed. I am willing to learn and try to improve my writing. It is very definitely a learning process.
Friday, May 30, 2014
Outliner or Organic?
One of the things I have heard over and over again from many writers is about the outline. Many writers have gone to great lengths to talk about their outline for their story. Many writers have boasted about how long it took them to come up with their outline for their story. I have always sat and listened to these comments and wondered, "What?"
I think by that single word, one can tell that I have never done an outline for any of my stories. I do not write nonfiction and I could very well see the use of having an outline for a nonfiction book. But for fiction? I always have an idea for a story but there is no way I know how the story is going to progress and/or how it will end. I write from my character's perspective and try to write with the question, "Okay, now what? What feels believable for this character and this situation?" But I have always felt like I was doing something wrong.
Until BRMCWC and meeting Steven James. In one of his workshops and in his book "Story Trumps Structure - How to Write Unforgettable Fiction by Breaking the Rules", he talks about being an outliner or writing organic. For me, doing an outline makes sense for a nonfiction book. But doing an outline for a work of fiction, just does not make sense. When I begin a story, I have no idea how the story will end. Well, maybe just a little. But it is the characters who decide how the story will develop. It is what believably happens to the characters that determine the direction of the story. Not some predetermined outline.
There will be supporters for outlining and there will be supporters for organic writing. As long as writers try their best to write unforgettable fiction, does it matter? For me, it does matter a little. For now, I will listen to what both sides have to offer and go with what feels best for my writing.
I think by that single word, one can tell that I have never done an outline for any of my stories. I do not write nonfiction and I could very well see the use of having an outline for a nonfiction book. But for fiction? I always have an idea for a story but there is no way I know how the story is going to progress and/or how it will end. I write from my character's perspective and try to write with the question, "Okay, now what? What feels believable for this character and this situation?" But I have always felt like I was doing something wrong.
Until BRMCWC and meeting Steven James. In one of his workshops and in his book "Story Trumps Structure - How to Write Unforgettable Fiction by Breaking the Rules", he talks about being an outliner or writing organic. For me, doing an outline makes sense for a nonfiction book. But doing an outline for a work of fiction, just does not make sense. When I begin a story, I have no idea how the story will end. Well, maybe just a little. But it is the characters who decide how the story will develop. It is what believably happens to the characters that determine the direction of the story. Not some predetermined outline.
There will be supporters for outlining and there will be supporters for organic writing. As long as writers try their best to write unforgettable fiction, does it matter? For me, it does matter a little. For now, I will listen to what both sides have to offer and go with what feels best for my writing.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Writers conferences
I attended the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writer's Conference May 18 to the 22nd. This was the very first overnight writer's conference I have ever attended. This conference far exceeded any expectations I had.
First of all, I went to this conference because it was an easy drive for me. Secondly, another writer that I met at a one day conference, recommended it to me. Thirdly, I have always wanted to go to an overnight-ish writer's conference. I went totally unprepared. Well, I did take notepads and my laptop. I took business cards as well. But I did not read up on the BRMCWC website's blogs of what to expect. In other words, I went with a totally unbiased, open mind.
I knew agents would be there. I knew authors and representatives from publishing companies would be there. I knew editors would be there. I knew there would be workshops and I went with the intention of learning writing skills. Improving my writing skills. Tips of the trade. I hoped I would learn about marketing because quite frankly, everybody and their brother has a book out on marketing and everybody has the best answer to marketing.
I have come out of this conference with a clear goal in mind now. I entered this conference, unsure if I wanted an agent. I was unsure about wanting to go to a traditional publishing house. By day three of this conference, my head felt like it was ready to explode with all the information I had gathered. But at least I walked away with a mountain of knowledge. I am not sure I would have gotten so much good advice from any other type of conference. I will write more on this tomorrow.
First of all, I went to this conference because it was an easy drive for me. Secondly, another writer that I met at a one day conference, recommended it to me. Thirdly, I have always wanted to go to an overnight-ish writer's conference. I went totally unprepared. Well, I did take notepads and my laptop. I took business cards as well. But I did not read up on the BRMCWC website's blogs of what to expect. In other words, I went with a totally unbiased, open mind.
I knew agents would be there. I knew authors and representatives from publishing companies would be there. I knew editors would be there. I knew there would be workshops and I went with the intention of learning writing skills. Improving my writing skills. Tips of the trade. I hoped I would learn about marketing because quite frankly, everybody and their brother has a book out on marketing and everybody has the best answer to marketing.
I have come out of this conference with a clear goal in mind now. I entered this conference, unsure if I wanted an agent. I was unsure about wanting to go to a traditional publishing house. By day three of this conference, my head felt like it was ready to explode with all the information I had gathered. But at least I walked away with a mountain of knowledge. I am not sure I would have gotten so much good advice from any other type of conference. I will write more on this tomorrow.
Monday, April 14, 2014
POV - Point of View
I am lucky to be surrounded by such a large network of writers groups, workshops, seminars, etc. here in North Carolina. There is also a huge group of writers on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Goodreads, Amazon and more websites for writers that you could ever possibly find.
All of this can leave a person overwhelmed. Where does one start? Probably by narrowing down to your particular genre. There is no reason for a thriller writer to join a romance group. Being a Christian based fiction writer, I have tried to really narrow down to those areas and have been pleasantly surprised with the number of options I have.
I recently attended a writer's workshop and attended two sessions. The first one was "What not to do to get published" and found out that I did do a number of the things mentioned but was still lucky enough to get my first book published.
The second session was on POV. I took a lot of notes. With my first book, two editors worked through it with me and I did realize that I switched points of view several times within various scenes. I learned to keep to a single point of view within scenes. It was good practise for me and I understand the reasoning for it.
The instructor really pushed for writers to get into deep POV. She also stressed show - don't tell. We were told that the deeper a writer can get into point of view, the clearer the character becomes and the reader will form a strong attachment/knowledge of the character. I seemed to walk away from this session with the understanding that adjectives are not great and to keep dialogue to a minimum and to really only have one main character. Another point was to only have one POV within a scene. Understood.
However, people talk to each other and have their POV. So dialogue is needed within stories. I get it that a writer needs to only present one person's POV within a scene. But why can't the writer then go to a scene and show another character's POV? I do not want to write stories from only one character's perspective. I want readers to get to know two or three or more of my characters. I want readers to be able to relate to more than the main character.
I will be attending more workshops in the near future. I do want to improve my writing skills and the only way I can do that is to continue writing and listening. I need to write with what works best for me. I suppose listening to other's opinions is good. What one expert advises is good for some but not for everyone.
All of this can leave a person overwhelmed. Where does one start? Probably by narrowing down to your particular genre. There is no reason for a thriller writer to join a romance group. Being a Christian based fiction writer, I have tried to really narrow down to those areas and have been pleasantly surprised with the number of options I have.
I recently attended a writer's workshop and attended two sessions. The first one was "What not to do to get published" and found out that I did do a number of the things mentioned but was still lucky enough to get my first book published.
The second session was on POV. I took a lot of notes. With my first book, two editors worked through it with me and I did realize that I switched points of view several times within various scenes. I learned to keep to a single point of view within scenes. It was good practise for me and I understand the reasoning for it.
The instructor really pushed for writers to get into deep POV. She also stressed show - don't tell. We were told that the deeper a writer can get into point of view, the clearer the character becomes and the reader will form a strong attachment/knowledge of the character. I seemed to walk away from this session with the understanding that adjectives are not great and to keep dialogue to a minimum and to really only have one main character. Another point was to only have one POV within a scene. Understood.
However, people talk to each other and have their POV. So dialogue is needed within stories. I get it that a writer needs to only present one person's POV within a scene. But why can't the writer then go to a scene and show another character's POV? I do not want to write stories from only one character's perspective. I want readers to get to know two or three or more of my characters. I want readers to be able to relate to more than the main character.
I will be attending more workshops in the near future. I do want to improve my writing skills and the only way I can do that is to continue writing and listening. I need to write with what works best for me. I suppose listening to other's opinions is good. What one expert advises is good for some but not for everyone.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Oh my! Marketing
The quote I read today which has stuck with me is "Anything you truly want must be worth fighting for".
Okay, so I really want my novel - The Goblet - to sell. I understand I need to take an active role in the marketing of this book. Gone are the days when publishing companies lined up the book signings and sellings of your book. Every author needs to take an active role in the marketing of their book. As uncomfortable and as difficult as that is to do, when writers really just want to hole themselves up in a room with a window and write.
But, this marketing stuff is scary, risky, mind boggling and unappealing. Given the fact that there are so many self published authors out there all begging for attention. Do I want to jump on the same band wagon and irritate the heck out of everyone by asking everyone on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, etc. etc. to please, please, please read my book? I hate it. I hate all of it. So, no.
Every time I see a posting from an author who wants me to like or bring attention, or advertise their book, I delete the posting. Unless I have read the book and truly enjoyed it, I will not promote a book.
I am following various blogs and discussions. I try to make comments that are relevant and helpful. I ask questions. I try out different recommendations. However, there was one author who had a list of 10+ websites that authors HAD TO join. A number of the websites required payments. Others were free. But did I join every single site? No.
I went through the list and put effort into the ones I joined but I did not join every single site. I also tried to make sure that the website was applicable to my book. A Christian based adventure. I am also going to make sure that I visit these websites every day. Keep my information current and stay in touch with whatever is happening on these sites.
Then at some point during the day, I will try to keep working on my books. Without letting life get too much in the way. With my busy life style (and I do not have paid employment currently except for my writing), mapping out time to write is not easy. But "Anything you truly want must be worth fighting for".
Okay, so I really want my novel - The Goblet - to sell. I understand I need to take an active role in the marketing of this book. Gone are the days when publishing companies lined up the book signings and sellings of your book. Every author needs to take an active role in the marketing of their book. As uncomfortable and as difficult as that is to do, when writers really just want to hole themselves up in a room with a window and write.
But, this marketing stuff is scary, risky, mind boggling and unappealing. Given the fact that there are so many self published authors out there all begging for attention. Do I want to jump on the same band wagon and irritate the heck out of everyone by asking everyone on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, etc. etc. to please, please, please read my book? I hate it. I hate all of it. So, no.
Every time I see a posting from an author who wants me to like or bring attention, or advertise their book, I delete the posting. Unless I have read the book and truly enjoyed it, I will not promote a book.
I am following various blogs and discussions. I try to make comments that are relevant and helpful. I ask questions. I try out different recommendations. However, there was one author who had a list of 10+ websites that authors HAD TO join. A number of the websites required payments. Others were free. But did I join every single site? No.
I went through the list and put effort into the ones I joined but I did not join every single site. I also tried to make sure that the website was applicable to my book. A Christian based adventure. I am also going to make sure that I visit these websites every day. Keep my information current and stay in touch with whatever is happening on these sites.
Then at some point during the day, I will try to keep working on my books. Without letting life get too much in the way. With my busy life style (and I do not have paid employment currently except for my writing), mapping out time to write is not easy. But "Anything you truly want must be worth fighting for".
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