Ivy Keating's Blog - Posts Tagged "editing"

This blog is not about the cool music group from the 90's. It's actually about a no-no in writing. I used to wonder why parts of my story were zooming by. It turned out, I had a couple of passages with talking heads. This is when there's dialogue with no action.

I didn't recognize it as a problem at first because I thought it was an exciting read. One character said something–– right away the other responded–– then the first person commented–– and back and forth it went.

The problem is that it's limited. People rarely talk without moving, getting distracted, getting interrupted, taking a sip of a beverage, etc. If you write with only 'talking heads,' the reader will not get a true picture of the scene and it limits character development.

Here's an example:

"Hi hun, what are you doing?"
"Finishing up some work."
"Okay I'm going to watch TV.
"I'll join you soon."


Here's an example with actions added:

"Hi hun, what are you doing?" He took quick steps out of the kitchen toward the living room with a soda and bag of chips.
"Finishing up some work." She took a big breath and let it out, then slumped back in her seat in front of the computer.
"Okay, I'm going to watch TV." He stopped behind her chair and leaned over to give her a kiss on the back of her head.
"I'll join you soon." She smiled and moved her fingers back over the keys.

Actions give context to a scene and flushes out the characters. In the first example, you really don't get a feel for who these people are. In the second example, you can draw some assumptions about them.

If you're a writer, help the reader really get to know your characters. How they act is just as important as what they're saying. A well developed scene will have more than 'talking heads.'

Writers can let their imagination run wild, especially when writing fantasy or science fiction. A key to the success of these genres is the author's ability to arouse the curiosity in readers, while seamlessly immersing them in a made-up world.

One of the most important skills I discovered while writing a science fiction and a fantasy is the need to express myself clearly. Not every prehistoric creature has four legs—some slither like snakes, and others fly. It's amazing how easy it is to take for granted that someone knows what you're talking about just because you have a clear vision of it. In everyday life, poor communication leads to misunderstandings. In a novel, ambiguity leads to distraction from the story.

This spring, let your imagination go wild. Step outside and daydream, or relax with a good book. Maybe even try writing. It doesn't have to be a novel; a few sentences about your day, or what super power you wish you had can be most enjoyable. And remember, if you're writing for yourself just go with it. But if you're writing to share with others, clarity is key!

Writing is a fantastic way to let your imagination go wild! But, for authors, there's a clinical side to it when it comes to editing your work. In life, it is often helpful to observe a situation without judgement and then proceed mindfully. This means to act on the facts in a thoughtful way. As an author weaves their fiction, they too must become a mindful observer. Difficult choices about what stays and what's edited out must be made.

When creating a novel, remember to stay true to your characters throughout the story. If you're building a cowardly person, you must put them in situations where they act afraid. Never assume a reader will know what's in your head. Always provide enough details for scenes to make sense. And, never write something out of context just because it sounds good. A player will not be shivering in the cold if the scene is set on a balmy day. This seems straightforward, but in the passion of writing it's amazing what might flow through. Just like in life, when emotions run high, we can easily say things out of context.

If you're writing for fun, let your imagination go everywhere. If you're writing for publication, take a critical look at what you've put down and be certain characters are accurately developed and behaviors are congruent with personalities and surroundings. When you learn to edit out passages you once loved, be proud you can take the criticism.

Writing a novel, authors are mindful to 'show' what a character is experiencing versus 'tell'. But, why is this strategy critical when it comes to feelings? Showing helps the author create characters with depth, and we're more apt to love the players we can relate to - whether they're good or evil.

How a character responds to events will enhance their development by giving us clues to their emotions. One of my favorite scenes in 'Sarana and the Dark King' is when Sarana, on the eve before battle, literally lets her hair down in front of Cabe. This simple act lets the reader know something inside her is changing. It's a moment when her inner strength triumphs over vulnerability. If I simply wrote, "Sarana felt empowered," the reader would be deprived of the vision of her going from weighted-in-fabric to exposed and free. We gain insight into her emotions, and we can contemplate our own.

Take a moment and think about how your favorite hero or villain copes with the world around them. Note that, even if your character is in a Science-Fiction world, it's their feelings that you can consistently relate to. In 'Camouflage' I can assume no reader has ever been chased by a deadly, prehistoric creature; however, "showing" description can cause a reader to clench their jaw or widen their eyes. We can experience joy, love, hatred or terror, from a safe distance. When you reflect on a story, and think about your favorite scene, it's often your emotional reaction that heightens its significance.

The author that writes their story by "showing" rather than "telling" will give readers greater insight into their character's feelings. The impact on our own emotions is what transcends a novel from good to heart-pounding fantastic!