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plotandelegy · 9 months

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Mastering Story Physics: Crafting Believable Magical Systems for Immersive World-Building

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Have you ever read a book with a magical system so captivating you almost believe it's real? That's where story physics comes into play. It's like everyday physics, but instead of dealing with gravity or quantum mechanics, the rules are for our fictional universes. The more consistent and logical the rules are, the easier it is for readers to suspend disbelief and get lost in a story. If you're dreaming up a world of your own, here's a quick guide on getting everything to line up smoothly for maximum reader immersion.

Begin with the Basics

Foundation: Start by understanding the natural world's physics. It helps to know the rules before you bend or break them.

Consistency: Decide on the rules of your universe and stick to them. If magic drains energy in chapter one, it can't be consequence-free in chapter five.

Limitations: Every system, magical or not, should have its limits. This can create tension, obstacles, and more intricate plots.

A Dash of Reality:

Relatability: Even if your world is filled with flying pigs, there's gotta be something relatable. Maybe those pigs need sleep, or they're terrified of storms. Ground some aspects in reality.

Cause and Effect: If a character uses a spell, there should be a consequence. It can be as simple as being tired or as complex as altering the fabric of the universe.

Complexity and Depth:

Layers: Think of your magical system as an onion Peel back layers to reveal deeper secrets or complexities as the story progresses.

Evolution: Allow your system to grow and change. Just like technology advances, so can magical methods or tools.

Character Interaction:

Practicality: If magic or advanced technology exists, characters should use it daily, not just in dire situations.

Learning Curve: Characters shouldn't master the system overnight. Watching them struggle, learn, and adapt can be super engaging.

Stakes and Balance:

Consequences: Every action should have an equal and opposite reaction. If someone's saving the world with their powers, what are they sacrificing?

Power Checks: Ensure there's something to check or counteract powerful entities. Without a good reason, no one likes an invincible hero (or villain).

-Indigo

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wedragonsruletheworld · 10 months

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Creating a Well-rounded Character. - What is a Character?

Making a character for your story has many steps. I’ll walk you through some of them in a series of articles.

Firstly, what is a character? Are there different types?

In a novel, a character is a fictional person or being that plays a role in the story. Characters are often the driving force behind the narrative, and their thoughts, actions, and interactions shape the plot and engage readers. They are typically developed with unique personalities, backgrounds, motivations, and relationships to make them believable and relatable.

Yes, there are different types of characters in a novel, each serving different functions within the story. Here are a few common character types:

1. Protagonist: The central character around whom the story revolves. They typically face challenges, pursue goals, and undergo personal growth or transformation. 2. Antagonist: The character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict and obstacles to overcome. Antagonists can be individuals, groups, or even internal struggles. 3. Supporting characters: These characters complement the protagonist and help move the story forward. They often have distinct personalities, roles, and relationships with the main character. 4. Foil characters: Foils are characters who contrast with the protagonist, highlighting their qualities and characteristics. They can emphasize different perspectives or motivations. 5. Dynamic characters: These characters undergo significant changes or growth throughout the story, often as a result of their experiences or interactions. 6. Static characters: Static characters remain relatively unchanged throughout the narrative, maintaining consistent traits and behaviors. 7. Round characters: Round characters are complex and multi-dimensional, with a mix of strengths, weaknesses, and internal conflicts. They often feel more realistic and relatable. 8. Flat characters: Flat characters are less developed and have fewer complexities, serving specific roles or functions within the story.

These character types provide a framework for understanding and categorizing the various individuals within a novel, but keep in mind that characters can also exhibit traits from multiple types or evolve over time. Ultimately, a well-written novel typically features a diverse cast of characters that contribute to the story’s depth and impact.

Remember, they’re more than just a cardboard cutout!

#writingtip #bookwriting #AuthorAdvice #WritingProcess #WritingAdvice #CreativeWriting #BookAuthors StoryTelling #NovelWriting #WritingInspiration #WritingCraft #CharacterDevelopment #Plotting

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shelby-bach-books · 2 years

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Many years ago, a reader asked me how I crafted Lena's subplot.

Years ago, I started answering, and today, in People Are Stories-in-Progress, I've released the answer.

It's here.

Technically, all of this Season is part of the answer, because I'm also explaining all the different tools I used to craft her subplot.

But this week, I dig in deep into how I finished Lena's subplot, with all its targets, touchstones, story currents, and other delights.

You can find it in the first link in my profile (but I'll also be sharing in Stories too).

I hope everyone is having a safe, cool, delightful weekend!

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ancientroyalblood · 3 months

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Thoughts: Balancing Genre Expectations and Creative Freedom

In the intricate dance of storytelling, writers often find themselves navigating a delicate tightrope — on one side, the allure of adhering to genre expectations, and on the other, the beckoning call of creative freedom. Join me in a contemplative exploration of this nuanced balance, as we reflect on the interplay between staying true to established genres and unleashing the boundless realms of…

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#AuthorThoughts #AuthorVoice #CreativeFreedom #GenreExpectations #GenreInnovation #LiteraryBalance #StorytellingBalance #WritingCraft #WritingReflections

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ellowynbeimler · 4 months

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Talk About Your Writing

In your writing, how do you capture the essence of a fresh start that comes with the New Year?

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writeleg1ant · 4 months

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How Can I Improve My Writing Craft?

Table of Contents Introduction Understanding the Craft: A Foundation 2.1 Defining Writing Craft 2.2 Recognizing the Importance Continuous Learning: A Writer's Best Tool 3.1 Reading Widely and Actively 3.2 Analyzing Diverse Writing Styles The Power of Practice: Sharpening Your Skills 4.1 Daily Writing Exercises 4.2 Setting Realistic Writing Goals Seeking Feedback: A Writer's Growth Catalyst 5.1 Embracing Constructive Criticism 5.2 Building a Trusted Writing Community Grammar and Style: Refining the Basics 6.1 Polishing Grammar Skills 6.2 Developing a Unique Writing Style Exploring Different Genres: A Writing Adventure 7.1 Venturing Beyond Comfort Zones 7.2 Adapting Techniques for Varied Genres Embracing Technology: Writing in the Digital Age 8.1 Utilizing Writing Apps and Tools 8.2 Balancing Technology with Traditional Methods Time Management: Carving Out Writing Moments 9.1 Creating a Writing Schedule 9.2 Maximizing Productivity in Short Bursts Mindfulness in Writing: Cultivating Creativity 10.1 The Role of Mindfulness Practices 10.2 Nurturing a Creative Mindset Networking and Collaboration: Writing Beyond Solitude 11.1 Connecting with Fellow Writers 11.2 Collaborative Writing Projects Editing and Revising: The Art of Refinement 12.1 The Importance of Multiple Drafts 12.2 Effective Self-Editing Techniques SEO Integration: Balancing Creativity with Visibility 13.1 Incorporating Keywords Naturally 13.2 Writing Engaging Meta Descriptions Measuring Progress: Tracking Writing Success 14.1 Setting Milestones 14.2 Utilizing Analytics Tools Conclusion FAQs About Improving Writing Craft Introduction Embarking on the journey of improving your writing craft is an exciting endeavor filled with opportunities for growth and creativity. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned writer, the path to honing your craft involves a combination of continuous learning, practice, feedback, and a touch of technology. Let's explore how you can enhance your writing skills and elevate your craft to new heights. Understanding the Craft: A Foundation Defining Writing Craft At its core, writing craft encompasses the skills and techniques that transform words into compelling narratives. It involves mastering the art of storytelling, refining language use, and creating a unique voice that resonates with readers. Recognizing the Importance Understanding the importance of writing craft is the first step towards improvement. A well-crafted piece not only captures attention but also leaves a lasting impact. It's the difference between ordinary writing and a literary work of art. Continuous Learning: A Writer's Best Tool Reading Widely and Actively One of the most effective ways to enhance your writing craft is by reading extensively. Immerse yourself in a variety of genres, paying attention to different writing styles. Actively engage with the material, dissecting what works and why. Analyzing Diverse Writing Styles Explore authors with diverse writing styles. Analyze how they craft sentences, develop characters, and build tension. Extract elements that resonate with you and consider how you can incorporate them into your own writing. The Power of Practice: Sharpening Your Skills Daily Writing Exercises Crafting your writing skills is a muscle that requires regular exercise. Dedicate time to daily writing exercises. These can be prompts, free writing sessions, or focused challenges that push your creative boundaries. Setting Realistic Writing Goals Set achievable writing goals to foster a sense of accomplishment. Whether it's a word count, completing a chapter, or experimenting with a new writing style, realistic goals keep you motivated and consistently improving. Seeking Feedback: A Writer's Growth Catalyst Embracing Constructive Criticism Constructive criticism is a valuable tool for improvement. Seek feedback from peers, writing groups, or mentors. Embrace constructive criticism as a means to identify areas for growth and refine your craft. Building a Trusted Writing Community Surround yourself with a supportive writing community. Share your work, engage in discussions, and learn from others. A community provides encouragement, diverse perspectives, and a network for constructive feedback. Grammar and Style: Refining the Basics Polishing Grammar Skills Strong grammar forms the backbone of effective writing. Regularly revisit grammar rules, punctuation, and sentence structure. Tools like Grammarly can assist in identifying and correcting common errors. Developing a Unique Writing Style Your writing style is your literary fingerprint. Develop a style that reflects your personality and resonates with readers. Experiment with tone, rhythm, and figurative language to create a distinctive voice. Exploring Different Genres: A Writing Adventure Venturing Beyond Comfort Zones Challenge yourself by exploring different genres. Whether it's fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or creative essays, each genre offers unique challenges that contribute to your overall writing versatility. Adapting Techniques for Varied Genres Recognize that each genre has its own set of conventions. Adapt your craft techniques to suit the requirements of the genre you're exploring. This adaptability enhances your ability to connect with diverse audiences. Embracing Technology: Writing in the Digital Age Utilizing Writing Apps and Tools In the digital age, leverage writing apps and tools to streamline your process. Scrivener, Evernote, and Google Docs are examples of tools that enhance organization, collaboration, and efficiency in your writing. Balancing Technology with Traditional Methods While technology is a boon, balance it with traditional methods. Nothing beats the tactile experience of jotting down ideas in a notebook or immersing yourself in a printed book. A hybrid approach keeps your writing experience well-rounded. Time Management: Carving Out Writing Moments Creating a Writing Schedule Effective time management is crucial for writing improvement. Establish a writing schedule that aligns with your peak creative hours. Consistency is key to steady progress. Maximizing Productivity in Short Bursts Not every writing session needs to be lengthy. Maximize productivity by utilizing short bursts of focused writing. Quality often surpasses quantity in the world of writing. Mindfulness in Writing: Cultivating Creativity The Role of Mindfulness Practices Incorporate mindfulness practices into your writing routine. Techniques like meditation or mindful writing exercises can enhance focus, spark creativity, and alleviate writing blocks. Nurturing a Creative Mindset Cultivate a creative mindset by embracing curiosity. Allow your mind to wander, explore unconventional ideas, and find inspiration in the world around you. A curious mind fuels creative expression. Networking and Collaboration: Writing Beyond Solitude Connecting with Fellow Writers Networking with fellow writers opens doors to opportunities for collaboration, feedback, and shared experiences. Attend writing events, join online forums, and participate in writing communities to expand your network. Collaborative Writing Projects Engage in collaborative writing projects to stretch your creative boundaries. Collaborations provide exposure to different perspectives and writing styles, fostering growth in your craft. Editing and Revising: The Art of Refinement The Importance of Multiple Drafts Writing is rewriting. Embrace the iterative process of multiple drafts. Each revision refines your work, allowing you to uncover hidden gems and polish rough edges. Effective Self-Editing Techniques Develop effective self-editing skills. Distance yourself from your work before revisiting it. Focus on clarity, coherence, and the overall impact of your writing. Tools like ProWritingAid can aid in systematic self-editing. SEO Integration: Balancing Creativity with Visibility Incorporating Keywords Naturally For writers in the digital landscape, SEO is a consideration. Integrate keywords naturally into your content, ensuring a seamless blend with your writing. Tools like Yoast SEO can guide you in optimizing your content. Writing Engaging Meta Descriptions Craft meta descriptions that not only enhance SEO but also entice readers. A well-crafted meta description serves as a compelling preview, inviting readers to delve into your content. Measuring Progress: Tracking Writing Success Setting Milestones Establish writing milestones to track your progress. Whether it's completing a manuscript, reaching a specific word count, or getting published, milestones provide a tangible sense of achievement. Utilizing Analytics Tools In the digital era, analytics tools offer insights into reader behavior. Use tools like Google Analytics to understand audience engagement, popular content, and areas for improvement. Conclusion Improving your writing craft is a dynamic journey that requires a blend of passion, dedication, and adaptability. Embrace the continuous learning process, experiment with different techniques, and find joy in the evolution of your craft. Remember, the journey itself is as valuable as the destination. FAQs About Improving Writing Craft Can anyone become a skilled writer with practice, or is it an innate talent? Writing, like any skill, can be honed with practice. While some may have a natural inclination, consistent effort and dedication can transform anyone into a skilled writer. How can I overcome writer's block when trying to improve my writing craft? Writer's block is common. Try changing your writing environment, taking short breaks, or engaging in writing prompts to spark creativity. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you. Is it necessary to invest in writing courses to improve my craft, or can self-learning be equally effective? Both options are valid. Writing courses offer structured learning, but self-learning through reading, practice, and seeking feedback can be equally effective. Choose the approach that aligns with your learning style and goals. What role does patience play in improving writing craft, and how long does it take to see significant improvement? Patience is crucial in the writing journey. Improvement is gradual, and the timeline varies for each writer. Consistent effort over time, coupled with a willingness to learn and adapt, yields significant progress. How can I balance the need for SEO optimization with maintaining the creativity and authenticity of my writing? Balancing SEO and creativity involves integrating keywords naturally, writing engaging meta descriptions, and prioritizing reader experience. Aim for a harmonious blend where SEO enhances visibility without compromising the authenticity of your writing. Read the full article

#Characterdevelopment #ContinuousLearning #Creativewriting #Dialogue #Plotdevelopment #Pointofview #Revisionandediting #Storytelling #TechnologyinWriting #TimeManagementandProductivity #Writingcraft #WritingCraftImprovement #Writingtechniques #Writingtips

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theauthorsnetwork · 5 months

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otaviogilbert · 5 months

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Ultimate Guide to the Perfect Book Proposal

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Uncover the secrets to crafting the perfect book proposal with our Ultimate Guide! 📚✨ Dive into essential tips, step-by-step guidance, and insider insights that will elevate your proposal game. Whether you're a seasoned author or a first-time writer, this video is your key to unlocking publishing success! 🚀 Don't miss out—watch now and turn your book dreams into reality!

#BookProposal #WritingTips #PublishingSuccess #AuthorJourney #BookPublishing #WritingCommunity #LiteraryAgents #ManuscriptSubmission #GetPublished #WritingCraft #Youtube

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alfred123 · 7 months

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Character Archetypes | Choose Your Genre

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Explore the fascinating world of character archetypes and their role in genre selection for your writing. Join us for an insightful conversation that delves into the diverse character archetypes across genres, helping you make informed choices that resonate with your storytelling style and engage your readers.

#CharacterArchetypes #WritingCraft #GenreSelection #Storytelling #LiteraryCharacters #WritersCommunity #WritingAdvice #AuthorTips #CreativeWriting #CharacterDevelopment #Youtube

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allnovellas · 9 months

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Techniques for Developing Suspense in Your Story

Ever read a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, heart pounding, unable to put the book down? How do authors create such nail-biting suspense in their writing? In this article, we’ll explore the secrets and techniques that writers use to infuse their stories with tension and excitement. Understanding Suspense and Its Importance Suspense is the intense feeling that readers experience…

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#SuspenseWriting #ThrillingStories #WritingCraft

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scriptwriters-network · 1 year

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Social Virtual Networking Event on May 6 - This Saturday!

Do you need an accountability partner with your writing? Need some new ideas to help you continue writing? Just want to network and meet new friends and/or contacts? What's stopping you from networking with us?

For more information.

#network #networking #writernetworking #write #script #writersgroup #writersblock #onlinenetwork #writing #screenwriting #scriptwriting #scriptwritersnetwork #screenwritersnetwork #amwriting #writingcraft #writersprograms #writerprogram #writersoftumblr

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timtellsstories · 1 year

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Practical Tips for Writing Better Prose

I think it’s important to know your strengths as a writer. That way, you can embrace them and lean into them but also challenge yourself to grow in other ways.

One of the most common pieces of positive feedback I get is about my prose. It’s nice to hear, because I’ve worked very hard to develop that as a strength.

Now, I’m not claiming I am the best proser that ever did prose. I’m simply saying I think my ability to construct a sentence is one of my strengths. I have many weaknesses. Believe me, no one knows my weaknesses as a writer better than me.

I attribute some of my prose acumen to one of my other artistic loves: music. There was a time in my life when I considered myself a musician, and for many reasons, I shifted focus to fiction. However, I think the time I spent studying, composing, and thinking about music tuned me toward the melody of words. Some writers struggle with voice and tone in their writing. Those are elements that come naturally to me. I often tell people I can’t write a character until I hear them speaking to me. I usually get a funny look for that, but it’s true. Every character, at least the way I write them, has a voice, a musicality that gives their personality color. Once I hear them, my job is to help readers hear them, too, using text. That's the goal, anyway.

I do think some writers are naturally inclined toward writing good prose. Writers are, and this is true, people, and every person has natural abilities. That isn't to say I believe in the "it" gene for anything, really. I think everyone can write good prose if that is what they want from their writing.

What are your strengths? What are your goals? How can you leverage your strengths to achieve your goals?

Maybe writing better prose isn’t a goal of yours. There are plenty of good authors who I would say don’t write very good prose. I think there’s always a space for writing better prose, but it’s not essential to good storytelling. I'd rather read an interesting story that's poorly written than a beautiful composition with little substance.

As a writer who began leaning heavily on intuition, worked within the technical confines of grammar and syntax for far too long, and then tried to marry those aspects of my craft, I’ve always wanted to write good prose. Over the years, I’ve devised some practical approaches for improving it. Here are some of them I think any writer can implement relatively painlessly today.

1. Read your writing aloud. If, like me, you have any inclination toward musicality, hearing your words read aloud and internalized through your senses will provide a kind of musical experience that will have the same intensifying effect as the difference between thinking about your favorite song and listening to it. You’ll hear the places you get tripped up or start to run out of air. You’ll discover places your brain was subconsciously correcting. You’ll feel the rhythm. More than that, maybe you’ll hear a bit of alliteration you’d missed and think, “Oh boy, I like that,” or “ew, I don’t want to sound like that,” and adjust accordingly.

If nothing else, reading your writing aloud forces you to slow down and engage with your words in a physical manner. Your body will inform your writing in ways your mind can’t.

Bonus points: have a friend or family member read to you, or if you’re not ready to share your writing with someone else, the program in which you write may have a robot that can read to you. (Word does.)

2. Slow down and unpack. One of the most common misconceptions of writing I see in beginners is the idea that writing is linear. You put one word after another until you’re done, right? Not if you want to write good prose (and better understand your stories, but that’s another topic). Here’s George Saunders on this. And if you prefer to watch and listen, here.

Writing is revising is editing is writing. It’s all recursive. Forward momentum in writing is important, but if you believe forward momentum is writing a word and moving on, if your daily word count is everything to you, I think you should redefine progress in the context of writing. I think many readers and beginner writers would be stunned to learn how much time and energy their favorite writers spend on a sentence, a paragraph, a page. Granted, most of us have to balance our writing with work and families, and some writers have people to do this for them (*glares at Brandon Sanderson).

The point here is, if you want to write better prose, write that sentence…and then stop. Read it. Read it again. Tease at its corners. Pull on its threads. Unravel it. Find its heart, and then put that under a microscope. Reassemble everything not to put it back the way it was but to make it better. Like, Robocop. Yeah, your prose is like Robocop.

Warning: This can lead to a kind of perfection paralysis. Good prose isn’t perfect. It’s imperfect in a human way. If you find yourself slowing down to the point where you’re frustrated and just not having fun anymore, you can go a little faster. Ultimately, let your own enjoyment of the process guide you. If you’re not enjoying your writing, what’s the point?

3. Eschew bullshit. The first mistake I see new writers make when they try really hard to write better prose is they lose what really matters: heart and soul. When most of us begin, we lean heavily on our personality. It’s important to keep that, and it’s easy to muscle your personality out of your writing when you’re on a path to better prose. Remember, as Saunders says, writing prose is a conversation with the reader. Don't espouse your brilliance into their pitiful little minds. Talk to them. Tell them a story. Writing better prose isn't about scrubbing it of imperfection but making the imperfection interesting.

Stephen King doesn’t use any word he finds in a thesaurus, and while I’d argue a thesaurus can be an invaluable tool for a writer (especially those with particularly stunted vocabularies, like me), his point is good prose isn’t manufactured with elevated and obscure language. Certainly, use interesting words, but don’t use words no one’s said in a hundred years or words that are typically utilized in biological research. Use a thesaurus to remind you of words you know, but if it’s not in your vernacular, don’t use it.

Embrace your personality in your writing. Let it give your writing identity. You’re beautiful the way you are. You don’t need to change it to suit the world. In fact, maybe it’s this exact identity that will help you stand out.

4. Focus on your verbs. Verb choices are the keys to good prose. Sarah ... what? When you're starting to compose a sentence, the subject is usually a given (something I'll cover in a moment), so the next important piece is what that subject does. Maybe she walks, but that's kind of lame, right? That's, like, the default verb choice for a bipedal being in motion. Maybe she saunters instead? Skips? Sashays? Levitates (*gasp)? You get it.

The point is choosing an interesting verb sets a strong foundation for your sentence because you'll notice so much of the work you used to do to incorporate details will simply snap into place. Suddenly, you don't need an adverb or an adjective because you used the right verb that communicated to the reader emotion or another kind of nuance. Unburdening your prose of adverbs and adjectives that would have been necessary with a weak verb opens all kinds of opportunities for you to explore other constructions that make your writing interesting.

Disclaimer: I don’t believe the road to Hell is paved in adverbs. I think adverbs can be great. I just think you should make sure you have a solid verb in place before you modify it.

5. Vary your structure. Frank did this. Frank did that. Frank felt this. Frank thought that. That’s very mechanical, right? I wrote above that the subject is usually a given. Now I’m suggesting you question it. What if the sentence isn't about Frank picking up a rock but about the rock? Be wary of passive voice! Don't write, "the rock was picked up by Frank." Write, "The rock, heavy in Frank's hand, bit his fingertips when he launched it at Sarah's window. When it thudded on the carpet inside, she screamed." Or, try an introductory phrase. "With the rock's weight heavy in his mind, Frank grinned when he picked it up and found it more massive than he'd anticipated." Try a dependent clause, but be wary of dangling and misplaced modifiers.

If these parts of speech terms seem foreign to you, perhaps freshen up your knowledge of them. I don't mean to sound like an English nerd, but they're your ingredients in a better prose cake. Bakers don't just grab random stuff from the cabinet and hope the cake turns out all right. The odds of the cake being good are long if you’re arbitrarily combining ingredients. You shouldn't do that with language.

6. Avoid repetition. I’m not saying it’s wrong to use the same words over and over again. In fact, doing so can sometimes ensure clarity and accessibility. What I’m saying is, if you take note of when you’re using the same words and see them as flags to stop you, you’ll suddenly be finding other ways to write what you’re thinking, and your prose will be more interesting.

Start with avoiding a word multiple times in the same sentence. Got that? Good. Then look for words used multiple times in the same paragraph. Mastered that? Then try to see if you can use a word only once per page.

Take this as far as it will go, but remember the earlier lesson on avoiding bullshit. Sometimes, using a word you just used a few lines ago is the most natural way to go, and I always choose natural prose over manufactured prose. Always. Unless the manufactured nature of the prose is the point. Maybe your narrator is an academic, say. Or a robot.

7. Keep abstractions in the abstract. Live in the physical world. Almost all new writers believe the key to sounding profound is to write about big, abstract ideas. That's not true. The ideal prose uses very specific language as keys to unlock neural and emotional pathways to those big ideas in the reader's minds. Don't write, "Bastion was sad." Write, "Bastion cradled the dead body of his mother and moaned toward the heavens." Don't write, "Eleanor was furious." Write, "Eleanor's fingernails bit into her palm as she made a fist and then punched a hole into the drywall."

This one might get wrapped up in the classic “show, don’t tell” craft wisdom, but the trouble with that one is I think most beginner writers grossly misinterpret that wisdom as needing to write prose as if their story was a movie they’re simply transcribing. Maybe I’ll write more about that later, but sometimes, I like a good tell.

More to this point, the vagueness of an abstraction will never be as powerful as something physical, something concrete, because human beings experience the world through the physical while we rationalize in the abstract. The job of good prose isn’t to rationalize for the reader but to set them on the path toward rationalization. Punch your reader in the gut with an idea they can feel, and trust them to take that into the realm of the profound.

Yes, I just hit you. What was that experience like? What does it say about our relationship and what we’re doing here?

The Important Stuff

More than anything, just keep writing and pursuing the writing you want to read. Prose improves through iteration. That applies to a draft, but it also applies to the writer. Every time you write something, you improve. You become a new iteration, a new draft, of yourself. Keep reading. Keep writing. And, keep living. We neglect that one too often, and as writers, I think we neglect our lives to our peril. Living doesn't necessarily help you with prose, but it's vital to the ideas you express through prose. Those are arguably more important anyway. Good lines are quotable, but rarely is a work that’s anything less than profound worth quoting. If you’re writing sparkling prose but it doesn’t contain any heart and soul because you haven’t lived, it’s just fluff, pretty though it may be.

Finally, I don’t think these are the only ways to write better prose. There are many paths you can take, but the one immutable truth about whatever path you choose to achieve good prose is it’s long and requires work and a not-insubstantial amount of patience. I started this post discussing the idea that some people are more inclined toward som

#writing #amwriting #creativewriting #writingcraft #fiction #fictionwriter

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wedragonsruletheworld · 10 months

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Creating Well-rounded Character - Protagonists

Creating a memorable protagonist is crucial for engaging readers and making your story impactful. Here are some tips to help you craft a memorable protagonist:

1. Unique qualities: Give your protagonist distinctive traits, characteristics, or quirks that set them apart from other characters. This can include physical attributes, personality traits, skills, or flaws.

Eg.

* Physical attributes: Your protagonist can have distinctive physical features that make them memorable. This could be anything from an uncommon eye color or hair texture to a birthmark or scar. For example, you might have a protagonist with striking violet eyes or a protagonist with a lightning-shaped scar on their cheek. • Personality traits: Explore unique personality traits that make your protagonist stand out. They could be exceptionally witty, fiercely determined, or unusually empathetic. For instance, your protagonist might have an unparalleled talent for seeing patterns and connections that others miss, or they might possess an unwavering belief in the power of kindness. • Special skills or talents: Consider giving your protagonist a skill or talent that sets them apart. This could be a natural ability for music, a remarkable proficiency in martial arts, or an extraordinary aptitude for problem-solving. For example, your protagonist might have a gift for manipulating fire or possess an exceptional talent for mimicry, allowing them to flawlessly imitate any voice or accent. • Quirks and habits: Infuse your protagonist with distinctive quirks or habits that make them memorable. These can be small idiosyncrasies or unique behaviors. Perhaps your protagonist always wears mismatched socks, collects unusual objects, or has a habit of humming when they’re deep in thought.

2. Motivations and goals: Develop clear and compelling motivations and goals for your protagonist. What drives them? What do they want to achieve? These desires should be relatable and create a strong sense of purpose.

3. Internal conflicts: Give your protagonist internal conflicts or struggles that they must grapple with. This adds depth and complexity to their character, making them more relatable and human.

4. Growth and development: Allow your protagonist to undergo growth and transformation throughout the story. They should face challenges and learn valuable lessons that shape their character arc.

5. Flaws and vulnerabilities: Ensure your protagonist has flaws and vulnerabilities that make them more relatable and authentic. Perfection can make a character less interesting, so explore their weaknesses and how they overcome or navigate them.

6. Relationships and dynamics: Develop meaningful relationships between your protagonist and other characters. These interactions can shape their development, reveal different facets of their personality, and provide opportunities for conflict or growth.

7. Engaging backstory: Create a backstory that adds depth and context to your protagonist. Explore their history, experiences, and past relationships to shape who they are in the present.

8. Memorable voice: Craft a distinct and compelling narrative voice for your protagonist. Their thoughts, dialogue, and perspective should resonate with readers and leave a lasting impression.

9. Relatability and empathy: Ensure your protagonist evokes empathy and a sense of relatability. Readers should be able to connect with their struggles, emotions, and experiences.

10. Challenging circumstances: Place your protagonist in challenging and meaningful situations that test their strengths, force them to make tough choices, and push them outside their comfort zone.

Remember, a memorable protagonist is one who resonates with readers, captures their imagination, and remains with them long after they've finished reading your story. Strive to create a well-rounded, complex, and relatable character that audiences can root for and connect with on an emotional level.

#Writingtips #Bookwriting #authoradvice #writingprocess #creativewriting #bookauthors #storytelling #novelwriting #writinginspiration #writingcraft #characterdevelopment #plotting #editingtips #publishingadvice

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