Over the past couple weeks I have passed along a list that my instructors mentioned in class. It is a list of some mistakes that beginning storytellers (like me) make. Top Ten Mistakes Newbie Writers Make 10. Flat writing with weak verbs 9. Setting and description delivered in large chunks 8. Telling instead of showingContinue reading “Writing's Aphorisms”
Monthly Archives: January 2008
Writing’s Aphorisms
Over the past couple weeks I have passed along a list that my instructors mentioned in class. It is a list of some mistakes that beginning storytellers (like me) make. Top Ten Mistakes Newbie Writers Make 10. Flat writing with weak verbs 9. Setting and description delivered in large chunks 8. Telling instead of showingContinue reading “Writing’s Aphorisms”
John Stewart – Never Goin' Back
America has lost its voice and a piece of its soul. With apologies to Don Maclean, the music died at 7:30 AM on January 19, 2008. John Stewart (September 5, 1939 – January 19, 2008) was an American songwriter and singer, best known for being a member of the Kingston Trio (1961–1967). He was muchContinue reading “John Stewart – Never Goin' Back”
John Stewart – Never Goin’ Back
America has lost its voice and a piece of its soul. With apologies to Don Maclean, the music died at 7:30 AM on January 19, 2008. John Stewart (September 5, 1939 – January 19, 2008) was an American songwriter and singer, best known for being a member of the Kingston Trio (1961–1967). He was muchContinue reading “John Stewart – Never Goin’ Back”
The #1 Mistake – No Scene Structure/Episodic Action
No scene structure and action is episodic Why would scene structure matter? Have you ever noticed how things work better when the work is organized? Whether it’s a space launch or a pancake breakfast, organizing makes the whole thing work more efficiently. Certain people have certain tasks. Organization applies to stories too. Communication is underpinnedContinue reading “The #1 Mistake – No Scene Structure/Episodic Action”
Reason #2 – Head Hopping
Head hopping Head hopping is where the point of view for the characters is not fixed and hops from head to head. One of the things we look for when we read is a narrator who’s voice we like. The narrative voice chosen to tell the story affects the tone of the story and howContinue reading “Reason #2 – Head Hopping”
Reason #3 – Limited conflict or attention
Limited conflict or attention I don’t want to talk about this. It could start a fight.
Reason #4 – No Hole in the Soul
The character lacks yearning–the “hole in the soul” Every story is in some way a journey that moves the story’s hero from a place he is comfortable to one that is different from what he is accustomed. It is the trials and troubles that the hero deals with that allow him to see the holeContinue reading “Reason #4 – No Hole in the Soul”
Reason #5 – Throat Clearing
Too far removed from the inciting incident Don’t spend time warming your engine. Start close to the point where the hero’s world starts to change. James N Frey says, “…beginning writers falsely believe they have to ‘set the stage’ and ‘inform the reader about past events’ before getting on with the story.” In his TopContinue reading “Reason #5 – Throat Clearing”
Reason #6 – Beginning with a flashback or dream
Beginning with a flashback or dream I am guilty of this, one of my first beginnings (yes, there was a previous and I’m on iteration seven) started with a FATS (Firearm Training Scenarios) scenario. Only, I didn’t reveal it wasn’t “real” (fictional reality) in the story. The jig was up when the proctor called anContinue reading “Reason #6 – Beginning with a flashback or dream”
Nullius in Verba 