Allison Symes's Blog, page 22
September 18, 2021
What Makes a Good Ending in a Book For You?
I know - so much depends on the book you’re reading, right?
What matters for me is that the ending is appropriate to the characters and story. I do like happy endings but also appreciate that does not suit every tale told).
Sometimes it is apt for a character to reach a point of understanding where you can sense if they carry on with what they have come to understand, they will eventually get their happy ending but for now this is the point where they’re at. And that is a worthwhile journey in and of itself.
Fairytales are often not the happy ever after fest they can sometimes seem to be. The original versions of The Snow Queen and The Little Mermaid have violence in them. Certainly Disney could not have filmed the latter as Hans Christen Andersen wrote it.
Yet the stories as originally written show well thought out characters, the situations they’re in are reasonable for the world in which they live, and the ending for The Little Mermaid is poignant to say the least.
It was my wake-up call to the fact not all stories necessarily end happily as we would understand the term, though I like to think the mermaid at last found some peace in her life.
So what I really want then is a “good” ending which wraps the story up well. Perhaps it is up to us as readers to recognise “happy” doesn’t always equate to “good” here.
What matters for me is that the ending is appropriate to the characters and story. I do like happy endings but also appreciate that does not suit every tale told).
Sometimes it is apt for a character to reach a point of understanding where you can sense if they carry on with what they have come to understand, they will eventually get their happy ending but for now this is the point where they’re at. And that is a worthwhile journey in and of itself.
Fairytales are often not the happy ever after fest they can sometimes seem to be. The original versions of The Snow Queen and The Little Mermaid have violence in them. Certainly Disney could not have filmed the latter as Hans Christen Andersen wrote it.
Yet the stories as originally written show well thought out characters, the situations they’re in are reasonable for the world in which they live, and the ending for The Little Mermaid is poignant to say the least.
It was my wake-up call to the fact not all stories necessarily end happily as we would understand the term, though I like to think the mermaid at last found some peace in her life.
So what I really want then is a “good” ending which wraps the story up well. Perhaps it is up to us as readers to recognise “happy” doesn’t always equate to “good” here.
September 11, 2021
Anthologies
Now I must put my hand up here and confess to being biased.
I’ve had stories published in a number of anthologies over many years (mainly CafeLit and Bridge House Publishing).
As well as the joy of being published, I love reading the other stories and discovering what my fellow writers have come out with for their contributions to the books.
As a reader, I love reading anthologies in between reading novels. Often an anthology will help me decide which novel is going to come off my To Be Read list next.
A short story in an anthology might put me in the mood for a good crime novel or a fantasy one etc.
I also like mixing up the kinds of things I read so I like to have anthologies in between the novels and novellas.
In celebrating the written word, I definitely want to include the short stories as well as the longer works.
I’ve had stories published in a number of anthologies over many years (mainly CafeLit and Bridge House Publishing).
As well as the joy of being published, I love reading the other stories and discovering what my fellow writers have come out with for their contributions to the books.
As a reader, I love reading anthologies in between reading novels. Often an anthology will help me decide which novel is going to come off my To Be Read list next.
A short story in an anthology might put me in the mood for a good crime novel or a fantasy one etc.
I also like mixing up the kinds of things I read so I like to have anthologies in between the novels and novellas.
In celebrating the written word, I definitely want to include the short stories as well as the longer works.
September 4, 2021
How To Books
Do you like how to books? I love the creative writing ones and have found them useful. My overall favourite is On Writing by Stephen King though I also love How Not to Write A Novel which is funny as well.
What I’m looking for in books like these is information written in a down to earth style. I don’t want jargon or complicated theories.
A “kind of” how to book is The Seven Basic Plots which is a huge book but you learn so much from the way the author outlines these plots and you can see for yourself how so many films and books have used these time and again. (With good cause - a great story on a theme which is timeless is always going to work).
I’ve also found things like Scrivener for Dummies useful. A good how to book always has a decent cross-referenced index. I appreciate the art of the indexer far more now. I have read a few non-fiction books without such a thing and you do feel the lack.
And every writer needs a source of advice and practical tips to help them along their writing way. I know I’ve appreciated the useful tips and hints I’ve picked up by reading a good quality how to book.
What I’m looking for in books like these is information written in a down to earth style. I don’t want jargon or complicated theories.
A “kind of” how to book is The Seven Basic Plots which is a huge book but you learn so much from the way the author outlines these plots and you can see for yourself how so many films and books have used these time and again. (With good cause - a great story on a theme which is timeless is always going to work).
I’ve also found things like Scrivener for Dummies useful. A good how to book always has a decent cross-referenced index. I appreciate the art of the indexer far more now. I have read a few non-fiction books without such a thing and you do feel the lack.
And every writer needs a source of advice and practical tips to help them along their writing way. I know I’ve appreciated the useful tips and hints I’ve picked up by reading a good quality how to book.
August 28, 2021
Dialogue in Books
I love dialogue in books as long as that conversation is moving the story on in some way.
I need the characters to show me something either about themselves or the unfolding plot (and it is often both at the same time) for their conversation to grip me and keep me reading.
It is something I have to watch with my own writing as I love setting up my characters for a good “chin wag” but it must always be relevant to the story. So if it isn’t, out it comes.
What I don’t like is where characters can sometimes tell each other stuff they clearly must know. I don’t buy the “character needs reminding” business here.
It is usually done because the writer needs to get information across to a reader, they know they mustn’t “tell” the reader and are conscious they need to “show” the information.
I totally sympathise and it was something I did when I was starting out but with time and practice, you learn to be more confident in allowing your readers to work things out for themselves.
Flash fiction writing with its limited word count really encourages that. So it is a question of putting in the right clues in the right way so readers do something to work with so they can figure things out for themselves.'
I’ve learned over time to put in an odd line or two where I reveal something to a reader rather than have a pointless conversation between characters telling each other what they must already know.
It takes less time and word count and you don’t switch your readers off with a conversation they will quickly sense is more to help the author out rather than to help the story along.
But when dialogue does what it is meant to do - move the story along, keep up pace etc., - then it is amongst my favourite parts of a book.
I want to eavesdrop what the characters are saying because I know I am going to find out useful, interesting things. And often in dialogue the tension rachets up as well, which I also like.
I need the characters to show me something either about themselves or the unfolding plot (and it is often both at the same time) for their conversation to grip me and keep me reading.
It is something I have to watch with my own writing as I love setting up my characters for a good “chin wag” but it must always be relevant to the story. So if it isn’t, out it comes.
What I don’t like is where characters can sometimes tell each other stuff they clearly must know. I don’t buy the “character needs reminding” business here.
It is usually done because the writer needs to get information across to a reader, they know they mustn’t “tell” the reader and are conscious they need to “show” the information.
I totally sympathise and it was something I did when I was starting out but with time and practice, you learn to be more confident in allowing your readers to work things out for themselves.
Flash fiction writing with its limited word count really encourages that. So it is a question of putting in the right clues in the right way so readers do something to work with so they can figure things out for themselves.'
I’ve learned over time to put in an odd line or two where I reveal something to a reader rather than have a pointless conversation between characters telling each other what they must already know.
It takes less time and word count and you don’t switch your readers off with a conversation they will quickly sense is more to help the author out rather than to help the story along.
But when dialogue does what it is meant to do - move the story along, keep up pace etc., - then it is amongst my favourite parts of a book.
I want to eavesdrop what the characters are saying because I know I am going to find out useful, interesting things. And often in dialogue the tension rachets up as well, which I also like.
August 21, 2021
Real Books
What do I mean by “real” books? I have no time for the “proper” book -v- ebook debate. Both have their merits and disadvantages.
I also hope ebooks have encouraged more reading by bringing books to a screen very near you - that is one in your own pocket!
I also want people to discover the joy of paperbacks from reading ebooks if books in general have been a closed chapter to them prior to reading on screen.
For me a “real” book is a novel that has characters who gripped me all the way through and wouldn’t let go until I did find out what had happened to them.
For short story and flash collections, I want to be gripped by the characters, but also by wanting to find out what the next story is about, the one after that and so on.
For non-fiction, I want to be gripped by the way the author is putting the information across so I have to find out what the conclusions were or, in the case of say a Ben Macintyre book, what happened to the real life character he is writing about.
The ultimate test for a “real” book is whether you can bear to put it down to do other things such as go to sleep. If you do so reluctantly, it is a great and “real” book all right!
I also hope ebooks have encouraged more reading by bringing books to a screen very near you - that is one in your own pocket!
I also want people to discover the joy of paperbacks from reading ebooks if books in general have been a closed chapter to them prior to reading on screen.
For me a “real” book is a novel that has characters who gripped me all the way through and wouldn’t let go until I did find out what had happened to them.
For short story and flash collections, I want to be gripped by the characters, but also by wanting to find out what the next story is about, the one after that and so on.
For non-fiction, I want to be gripped by the way the author is putting the information across so I have to find out what the conclusions were or, in the case of say a Ben Macintyre book, what happened to the real life character he is writing about.
The ultimate test for a “real” book is whether you can bear to put it down to do other things such as go to sleep. If you do so reluctantly, it is a great and “real” book all right!
August 14, 2021
Book Events and Paperbacks
I’ve just come back from the Swanwick Writers’ Summer School which has been my first live book and writing related event for well over a year.
(It was fantastic catching up with old friends again and the array of courses and workshops was as amazing as ever).
Swanwick has its own Book Room for the duration of the school and it was lovely being able to put my two flash fiction collections in there and pick up books written by friends.
(Naturally I got them to sign them during Swanwick week and it is always a thrill to be asked by others to sign your own books).
Is the paperback alive and well? They certainly went down well at the Swanwick Book Room!
I think the paperback is still relevant as a format. After all, you can’t exactly put a Kindle out on a table for a book event!
Nor can the writer be asked to sign a Kindle (well, I’m not aware of any way of doing this anyway).
From the writer’s viewpoint, paperbacks are relatively easy to transport to an event (note I only say relatively as it does depend on the size. Thankfully I am not writing a three volume epic so that helps a lot!).
But people do still like physical books and I think it is healthy to have a wide range of formats as not one size suits all.
When I’m away I do take my Kindle to save luggage space but I would never want to be without physical books. There is something about the texture and feel of them too (and I still love that new book “smell”). And long may that continue!
(It was fantastic catching up with old friends again and the array of courses and workshops was as amazing as ever).
Swanwick has its own Book Room for the duration of the school and it was lovely being able to put my two flash fiction collections in there and pick up books written by friends.
(Naturally I got them to sign them during Swanwick week and it is always a thrill to be asked by others to sign your own books).
Is the paperback alive and well? They certainly went down well at the Swanwick Book Room!
I think the paperback is still relevant as a format. After all, you can’t exactly put a Kindle out on a table for a book event!
Nor can the writer be asked to sign a Kindle (well, I’m not aware of any way of doing this anyway).
From the writer’s viewpoint, paperbacks are relatively easy to transport to an event (note I only say relatively as it does depend on the size. Thankfully I am not writing a three volume epic so that helps a lot!).
But people do still like physical books and I think it is healthy to have a wide range of formats as not one size suits all.
When I’m away I do take my Kindle to save luggage space but I would never want to be without physical books. There is something about the texture and feel of them too (and I still love that new book “smell”). And long may that continue!
August 7, 2021
Book Rooms
I am currently at the Swanwick Writers' Summer School and one of its many joys is its legendary Book Room.
As well as having my flash collections in there, it will be a delight to see books by friends in there. I expect to make purchases!
If you could have your own book room, other than the books themselves, what would you like to see in it?
I would like a huge comfy armchair with the big back and huge arms. It would be one of those you can sink into and it would have side pockets filled with the next books to be read. The cushioning would be in red velvet.
There would be two side rooms - a loo and, separately, a kitchen. Depending on time of year, I would want a regular supply of soft drinks, tea, or hot chocolate.
Only disturbances allowed would be for emergencies. It would be understood I would be a minimum of three hours in the book room at any one time. I would also still find a way of getting my writing done! Naturally the housework fairy would take care of the chores.
Sounds great to me! So what would you have in your book room?
As well as having my flash collections in there, it will be a delight to see books by friends in there. I expect to make purchases!
If you could have your own book room, other than the books themselves, what would you like to see in it?
I would like a huge comfy armchair with the big back and huge arms. It would be one of those you can sink into and it would have side pockets filled with the next books to be read. The cushioning would be in red velvet.
There would be two side rooms - a loo and, separately, a kitchen. Depending on time of year, I would want a regular supply of soft drinks, tea, or hot chocolate.
Only disturbances allowed would be for emergencies. It would be understood I would be a minimum of three hours in the book room at any one time. I would also still find a way of getting my writing done! Naturally the housework fairy would take care of the chores.
Sounds great to me! So what would you have in your book room?
July 31, 2021
What Do You Want to See in Your Favourite Books?
What I want to see in my favourite books are characters I can root for. Even when they’re villainous, I want to understand what drives them to be the way they are.
Nobody says you have to like characters but you do need to be able to see where they’re coming from.
Stories can reflect on us. Unrealistic characters will not draw people in to read their stories. Yet a character you can understand, no matter how bizarre they and/or their setting might be, will draw people in to find out more.
I like crisp dialogue which gives me enough information to work some things out for myself. I like enough description so I can picture the scene but I don’t want too much of that. Again, I want there to be some gaps I can fill in for myself.
Above all, I want the “have got to keep reading to find out what happens next” to be there throughout the whole book or story. No dull bits. Life is too short for that.
And at the end of the story or book, I want to feel like I’ve been taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions but for that to be a journey I would happily take again because I loved the story and book.
Nobody says you have to like characters but you do need to be able to see where they’re coming from.
Stories can reflect on us. Unrealistic characters will not draw people in to read their stories. Yet a character you can understand, no matter how bizarre they and/or their setting might be, will draw people in to find out more.
I like crisp dialogue which gives me enough information to work some things out for myself. I like enough description so I can picture the scene but I don’t want too much of that. Again, I want there to be some gaps I can fill in for myself.
Above all, I want the “have got to keep reading to find out what happens next” to be there throughout the whole book or story. No dull bits. Life is too short for that.
And at the end of the story or book, I want to feel like I’ve been taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions but for that to be a journey I would happily take again because I loved the story and book.
July 24, 2021
Favourite Characters
Do you have an overall favourite character in fiction? I have too many to count!
The characters that stand out the most for me are those who are unpromising at the start of the story and end up being heroes by the end of it.
A hobbit is an unlikely adventurer but look what Tolkien did with his characters in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
I am also fond of characters who need redemption and find it. I also like stories where justice is seen to be done and in the right way. (I am not keen on the vengeance type of tale as you just know the character is likely to go too far with it).
I like characters I can understand even if I don’t agree with their attitudes and actions.
One of my favourite characters is Severus Snape from the Harry Potter series as there is so much depth to his portrayal which is revealed over the seven novels.
So over to you then. Which are your favourite kinds of character and why?
The characters that stand out the most for me are those who are unpromising at the start of the story and end up being heroes by the end of it.
A hobbit is an unlikely adventurer but look what Tolkien did with his characters in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
I am also fond of characters who need redemption and find it. I also like stories where justice is seen to be done and in the right way. (I am not keen on the vengeance type of tale as you just know the character is likely to go too far with it).
I like characters I can understand even if I don’t agree with their attitudes and actions.
One of my favourite characters is Severus Snape from the Harry Potter series as there is so much depth to his portrayal which is revealed over the seven novels.
So over to you then. Which are your favourite kinds of character and why?
July 17, 2021
Annuals
Did you use to get annuals when you were younger? Do you still get them?
I am fond of The Friendship Book (D.C. Thomson - those wonderful Dundee based publishers have produced this for decades).
This is one of those books that is always on the present list at a certain time of year I won’t mention yet because we’re still in the summer. I refuse to think of the C word until the autumn at the earliest (and just wish the shops would do the same).
When my family was younger, they loved The Beano annual, and when we could get it, The Bash Street Kids one. They weren’t the only ones to read them either! I still have a soft spot for Minnie the Minx in particular.
For anyone who might not know, The Beano is veritable institution amongst comics and again produced by D.C. Thomson and again going back decades. I think I’m right in saying it is well over 50 years old.
I’ve got no time for snobbery around comics, comic books, annuals etc.
The important point here is they do get people reading (and the hope is of course they go on to read books with a higher text content later. My family did. What matters is getting that love of reading to develop and annuals and comics can be a great place to start).
I am fond of The Friendship Book (D.C. Thomson - those wonderful Dundee based publishers have produced this for decades).
This is one of those books that is always on the present list at a certain time of year I won’t mention yet because we’re still in the summer. I refuse to think of the C word until the autumn at the earliest (and just wish the shops would do the same).
When my family was younger, they loved The Beano annual, and when we could get it, The Bash Street Kids one. They weren’t the only ones to read them either! I still have a soft spot for Minnie the Minx in particular.
For anyone who might not know, The Beano is veritable institution amongst comics and again produced by D.C. Thomson and again going back decades. I think I’m right in saying it is well over 50 years old.
I’ve got no time for snobbery around comics, comic books, annuals etc.
The important point here is they do get people reading (and the hope is of course they go on to read books with a higher text content later. My family did. What matters is getting that love of reading to develop and annuals and comics can be a great place to start).
