Allison Symes's Blog, page 39
July 10, 2018
What Makes a Character Work for You?
In all of the best stories I've read, certain things have to be true about the characters.
1. They've got to be interesting in some way, whether it is by being so different to these around them it is bound to grab your attention, or they do something which goes against what is expected of them. You immediately want to know why and what the consequences are. Result! You read on...
2. They have to have flaws and virtues and, above all, understandable reasons for acting the way they are. It doesn't mean you have to agree or like them.
3. Personal one here - I'm particularly fond of the underdog. I like to see if they can "win out". Fairytales of course feature a lot of these (and they do win!) so that fuels my love of this one.
4. They have to overcome adversity in some way, whether that is a major one (or is only major to them).
5. They have to develop in some way over the course of the story or novel and by the end, even if not successful in their aim which is driving the story, have come to a better understanding of themselves and the world they live in. The reader can see they've changed for the better.
1. They've got to be interesting in some way, whether it is by being so different to these around them it is bound to grab your attention, or they do something which goes against what is expected of them. You immediately want to know why and what the consequences are. Result! You read on...
2. They have to have flaws and virtues and, above all, understandable reasons for acting the way they are. It doesn't mean you have to agree or like them.
3. Personal one here - I'm particularly fond of the underdog. I like to see if they can "win out". Fairytales of course feature a lot of these (and they do win!) so that fuels my love of this one.
4. They have to overcome adversity in some way, whether that is a major one (or is only major to them).
5. They have to develop in some way over the course of the story or novel and by the end, even if not successful in their aim which is driving the story, have come to a better understanding of themselves and the world they live in. The reader can see they've changed for the better.
July 4, 2018
Book Accessories
What do you have in the way of book accessories?
I love bookmarks and those clear plastic stands for displaying books at signings etc. They make such a difference to your presentation.
I also like nice pens with a book logo on them and had some produced to go with my flash fiction collection when that came out. Likewise, a nice spiral notebook with the cover of the book on also went down well as prizes for my launch.
But the ultimate book accessory for me I think is the hardback and jacket! While nothing will diminish my love of the paperback, I do have some wonderful hardbacks, including a Sherlock Holmes collection, where the book itself is simply beautiful (and the contents brilliant! Got to hand it to Conan Doyle...).
I must admit when I do choose a hardback, I tend to have a quick peep to see if the cover has been reproduced on the book or if it is just on the jacket. A lot of the time it is the latter, all to keep costs down, but I have some where the cover has been reproduced on the book itself. Always looks great.
Even with a "plain" cover, a hardback book can be lovely in the way it has been bound etc.
So while the contents of the book are always the most important thing for me, I do enjoy the aesthetics of a lovely tome as well.
I love bookmarks and those clear plastic stands for displaying books at signings etc. They make such a difference to your presentation.
I also like nice pens with a book logo on them and had some produced to go with my flash fiction collection when that came out. Likewise, a nice spiral notebook with the cover of the book on also went down well as prizes for my launch.
But the ultimate book accessory for me I think is the hardback and jacket! While nothing will diminish my love of the paperback, I do have some wonderful hardbacks, including a Sherlock Holmes collection, where the book itself is simply beautiful (and the contents brilliant! Got to hand it to Conan Doyle...).
I must admit when I do choose a hardback, I tend to have a quick peep to see if the cover has been reproduced on the book or if it is just on the jacket. A lot of the time it is the latter, all to keep costs down, but I have some where the cover has been reproduced on the book itself. Always looks great.
Even with a "plain" cover, a hardback book can be lovely in the way it has been bound etc.
So while the contents of the book are always the most important thing for me, I do enjoy the aesthetics of a lovely tome as well.
June 29, 2018
What Does Reading Do For You?
Well, what DOES reading do for you?
In my case, it depends on the book. I read for:-
1. Entertainment - whether it makes me laugh, cry or scream.
2. Escapism - nearly always fantasy/fairytales for grown-ups so I enter another world for a while as I read.
3. To learn (especially from non-fiction) - I read a fair amount of history and am currently enjoying London by Peter Ackroyd and Double Cross by Ben Macintyre. Different "storytelling" techniques used here but both brilliant.
4. To relish what I know from past experience is masterly prose - Terry Pratchett, Jane Austen, P.G. Wodehouse for me here.
5. To experience something different from what I usually read and/or write. I like to read in my genre, flash fiction, but it is refreshing to read longer short stories, novels etc.
Reading takes me out of myself and into other places for a while. You see things from other perspectives. You identify with characters, whether you like them or not. Reading makes you think. (No wonder one of the first actions of any dictatorship is to try to limit or ban books and/or journalism).
Reading, like the arts, is good for the soul. It feeds the mind, even if the fare you prefer is lighthearted, humorous, not intended to be taken seriously etc. I do know I feel much poorer in myself during those times when things get in the way of my reading time. When life is stressful, turning to a good book won't resolve the crisis, but gives you time out from it for a while. Sometimes that is all that is needed. At other times, the break is useful for you.
So happy reading!
In my case, it depends on the book. I read for:-
1. Entertainment - whether it makes me laugh, cry or scream.
2. Escapism - nearly always fantasy/fairytales for grown-ups so I enter another world for a while as I read.
3. To learn (especially from non-fiction) - I read a fair amount of history and am currently enjoying London by Peter Ackroyd and Double Cross by Ben Macintyre. Different "storytelling" techniques used here but both brilliant.
4. To relish what I know from past experience is masterly prose - Terry Pratchett, Jane Austen, P.G. Wodehouse for me here.
5. To experience something different from what I usually read and/or write. I like to read in my genre, flash fiction, but it is refreshing to read longer short stories, novels etc.
Reading takes me out of myself and into other places for a while. You see things from other perspectives. You identify with characters, whether you like them or not. Reading makes you think. (No wonder one of the first actions of any dictatorship is to try to limit or ban books and/or journalism).
Reading, like the arts, is good for the soul. It feeds the mind, even if the fare you prefer is lighthearted, humorous, not intended to be taken seriously etc. I do know I feel much poorer in myself during those times when things get in the way of my reading time. When life is stressful, turning to a good book won't resolve the crisis, but gives you time out from it for a while. Sometimes that is all that is needed. At other times, the break is useful for you.
So happy reading!
June 24, 2018
Reading Out Loud
Do you ever read stories out loud when you are on your own? (I accept if you do this on the Tube, the bus, or what have you, you WILL get some funny looks, so probably best not go there! If you're driving, stick to audio books for your sake and everyone else's!).
I'm thinking of those times when you're curled up at home with a cup or glass of something nice and have got a lovely book on the go.
I'm also not talking about reading to children (though this is one of the best things you can ever do as a parent. I cherish my love of books and stories, thanks to my mother doing this for me when I was a child. It was a great joy to share the joy of this with my son as he was growing up. Guess what, he loves books, though in totally different areas to me, which is fab.).
I sometimes read my own work out loud, record it, and play it back on something like Audacity to hear how my dialogue sounds. Does it sound natural? Am I tripping over something etc?
But why not read out loud with books you are reading for pleasure when you're on your own? Why? I think you pick up nuances as you hear how the prose sounds. I think it can give you a deeper appreciation of how well the words have been put together. And there is something about reading out loud that calls to mind where we get our storytelling from - the oral tradition - so very much a case of revisiting our roots here.
I'm thinking of those times when you're curled up at home with a cup or glass of something nice and have got a lovely book on the go.
I'm also not talking about reading to children (though this is one of the best things you can ever do as a parent. I cherish my love of books and stories, thanks to my mother doing this for me when I was a child. It was a great joy to share the joy of this with my son as he was growing up. Guess what, he loves books, though in totally different areas to me, which is fab.).
I sometimes read my own work out loud, record it, and play it back on something like Audacity to hear how my dialogue sounds. Does it sound natural? Am I tripping over something etc?
But why not read out loud with books you are reading for pleasure when you're on your own? Why? I think you pick up nuances as you hear how the prose sounds. I think it can give you a deeper appreciation of how well the words have been put together. And there is something about reading out loud that calls to mind where we get our storytelling from - the oral tradition - so very much a case of revisiting our roots here.
June 18, 2018
The Joy of Paperbacks
I've not long got back from a wonderful break in the Far North of Scotland and I caught up with a lot of reading on my Kindle during this.
However, I also treated myself to three new paperbacks just before my break and I'm really enjoying those too, having deliberated "saved" them to start reading during my break. Why choose over an ebook or a "real" book? Be greedy, have both!
Am currently reading Peter Ackroyd's Biography of London (fascinating way of showing a history of a city), Neil Gaiman's View from the Cheap Seats (a collection of his non-fiction articles), and Ben Macintyres' Double Cross. Good sized tomes all of them and a lovely read. Hope to review at a later date.
I like a good mix of things to read and am developing a real taste for well written non-fiction. Books can take you into other worlds. Sometimes the world they show you is this one but from an angle you've not considered before. For me, this is an acid test of a good read. A good read will enlighten you.
However, I also treated myself to three new paperbacks just before my break and I'm really enjoying those too, having deliberated "saved" them to start reading during my break. Why choose over an ebook or a "real" book? Be greedy, have both!
Am currently reading Peter Ackroyd's Biography of London (fascinating way of showing a history of a city), Neil Gaiman's View from the Cheap Seats (a collection of his non-fiction articles), and Ben Macintyres' Double Cross. Good sized tomes all of them and a lovely read. Hope to review at a later date.
I like a good mix of things to read and am developing a real taste for well written non-fiction. Books can take you into other worlds. Sometimes the world they show you is this one but from an angle you've not considered before. For me, this is an acid test of a good read. A good read will enlighten you.
June 6, 2018
What Defines a Good Book for You?
A good book, as far as I'm concerned, has to:-
1. Have characters I care about (though I don't mind if some are "slow burn" characters so I grow to care about them. I am prepared to give them time but I feel cheated if by the end of the book, I haven't been made to care about the characters.).
2. Have characters I can get behind and either "root" for their success or, usually if a villain, hope they get their comeuppance. (I do love finding out how they do!).
3. Give you a sense that the author has said all that has needed to be said but oh how you wish there was more of the story because you enjoyed it so much.
4. Give you a sense of a wonderfully created world, leaving the way for prequels or sequels, whether or not the writer actually does write these.
5. Have a gripping plot, obviously.
6. Have an easy to remember blurb. It makes it easier to recommend the book to others because it gives you the main point, which drew you to reading the book in the first place.
7. Have a title that intrigues or you can see a few different directions in which the title could take you. That opens up all sorts of possibilities for the story itself and makes me want to crack on and read it!
8. If within a really popular genre, such as crime or fantasy, being able to offer something different to the "mix" so the book stands out.
9. You could see a decent film being made out of the plot as long as the movie people stick to the plot of the book, given it is so good.
10. You want to re-read it at least once a year. Always a good sign that.
1. Have characters I care about (though I don't mind if some are "slow burn" characters so I grow to care about them. I am prepared to give them time but I feel cheated if by the end of the book, I haven't been made to care about the characters.).
2. Have characters I can get behind and either "root" for their success or, usually if a villain, hope they get their comeuppance. (I do love finding out how they do!).
3. Give you a sense that the author has said all that has needed to be said but oh how you wish there was more of the story because you enjoyed it so much.
4. Give you a sense of a wonderfully created world, leaving the way for prequels or sequels, whether or not the writer actually does write these.
5. Have a gripping plot, obviously.
6. Have an easy to remember blurb. It makes it easier to recommend the book to others because it gives you the main point, which drew you to reading the book in the first place.
7. Have a title that intrigues or you can see a few different directions in which the title could take you. That opens up all sorts of possibilities for the story itself and makes me want to crack on and read it!
8. If within a really popular genre, such as crime or fantasy, being able to offer something different to the "mix" so the book stands out.
9. You could see a decent film being made out of the plot as long as the movie people stick to the plot of the book, given it is so good.
10. You want to re-read it at least once a year. Always a good sign that.
June 2, 2018
Holiday Reading
I've recently picked up three lovely paperbacks which will be part of my holiday reading. Many thanks to generous friends and family for the book shop gift cards. I've finally had a chance to go and use them on:-
1. Double Cross by Ben McIntyre
2. London by Peter Ackroyd
3. View from the Cheap Seats by Neil Gaiman
I love history of all sorts (and am intrigued by the idea of having a biography of a city!). The Neil Gaiman book is a collection of his non-fiction pieces and I'm really looking forward to reading that.
As ever, my trusty Kindle will also be with me on my holidays this year. I love both ebooks and paperbacks and switching between the two formats is another joy to reading as far as I'm concerned.
Now all I need to do is catch up on my reviewing!
1. Double Cross by Ben McIntyre
2. London by Peter Ackroyd
3. View from the Cheap Seats by Neil Gaiman
I love history of all sorts (and am intrigued by the idea of having a biography of a city!). The Neil Gaiman book is a collection of his non-fiction pieces and I'm really looking forward to reading that.
As ever, my trusty Kindle will also be with me on my holidays this year. I love both ebooks and paperbacks and switching between the two formats is another joy to reading as far as I'm concerned.
Now all I need to do is catch up on my reviewing!
May 26, 2018
Character IDs
In every good book or story, there is at least one standout character. Something about that character grips you so you have to keep reading until the end of the story.
So it pays, as a writer, to work out what exactly it is about that character which gives them their unique standout identity. How has the writer treated their character's faults and virtues?
It pays writers then to read widely and across genres, including non-fiction. The more you read, the more you take in what other writers have done with their characters and that can inspire you with your own.
We all have favourite books and most of the time the reason they're our favourites is because of the characters. (They don't have to be the heroes either).
Characters have to be special to make a story work. For me, some of my favourite characters include:-
1. Frodo Baggins/Sam Gamgee
2. Severus Snape
3. Robin Hood
4. Jeeves and Wooster
5. Sam Vimes
6. The Patrician (Ankh-Morpork)
7. Hercule Poirot
8. Sherlock Holmes
9. Jane Marple
10. Elizabeth Bennett and Fitzwilliam Darcy
All of these have traits that make them unforgettable (even if some of these, as with Sherlock, would make them questionable even now).
So what qualities do you look for in stories you read that really identify the character as the standout one for you?
So it pays, as a writer, to work out what exactly it is about that character which gives them their unique standout identity. How has the writer treated their character's faults and virtues?
It pays writers then to read widely and across genres, including non-fiction. The more you read, the more you take in what other writers have done with their characters and that can inspire you with your own.
We all have favourite books and most of the time the reason they're our favourites is because of the characters. (They don't have to be the heroes either).
Characters have to be special to make a story work. For me, some of my favourite characters include:-
1. Frodo Baggins/Sam Gamgee
2. Severus Snape
3. Robin Hood
4. Jeeves and Wooster
5. Sam Vimes
6. The Patrician (Ankh-Morpork)
7. Hercule Poirot
8. Sherlock Holmes
9. Jane Marple
10. Elizabeth Bennett and Fitzwilliam Darcy
All of these have traits that make them unforgettable (even if some of these, as with Sherlock, would make them questionable even now).
So what qualities do you look for in stories you read that really identify the character as the standout one for you?
May 19, 2018
Fairytales Ancient and Modern
This post has been inspired by the Royal Wedding (which I loved). I suspect there will be a book about it before long! There was a lot of talk during the commentaries about modern fairytales, which is fine with me. I'm all for fairytales, ancient and modern. My first reading love was the classic fairytales.
Thinking about it further, maybe children are drawn to the classic fairytales because they know they are honestly written?
Your average fairytale does not pull any punches about exposing what is wrong. There is no pretence Snow White didn't face an awful fate at the hands of the Wicked Queen. There is no "acceptance of her situation" by Cinderella! Change has to happen, injustices need to be righted, but in this world some magic is needed to make that happen.
Now if we could only make it happen in this one! Mind, if I could bring my fictional fairy godmothers and the like to life, they'd have a huge shopping list of things to put right, so it is probably just as well I can't.
Back to the reading and writing of books then!
Thinking about it further, maybe children are drawn to the classic fairytales because they know they are honestly written?
Your average fairytale does not pull any punches about exposing what is wrong. There is no pretence Snow White didn't face an awful fate at the hands of the Wicked Queen. There is no "acceptance of her situation" by Cinderella! Change has to happen, injustices need to be righted, but in this world some magic is needed to make that happen.
Now if we could only make it happen in this one! Mind, if I could bring my fictional fairy godmothers and the like to life, they'd have a huge shopping list of things to put right, so it is probably just as well I can't.
Back to the reading and writing of books then!
May 13, 2018
Broadening the Mind
The old saying goes that travel broadens the mind and, of course, it can do. But so can reading widely across genres and non-fiction.
Also reading contemporary AND classic fiction is useful here as the former keeps you in touch with what is out there now, and the other keeps you in touch with where writing has come from.
Also I'd argue that writers such as Wodehouse, Austen, Dickens etc have all stood the test of time and will continue to do so. What is fun is to watch out for those contemporary (or near contemporary) authors who will go on to stand the test of time. (I'd have the late, great Terry Pratchett as a certainty here. Also J.K. Rowling for Harry Potter.).
Writing, especially when it involves any kind of research, also encourages mind broadening. (The great thing with this is most of us don't want our waists to broaden, but you can broaden the mind as much as you like! No calories involved whatsoever...!).
So read and write away!
Also reading contemporary AND classic fiction is useful here as the former keeps you in touch with what is out there now, and the other keeps you in touch with where writing has come from.
Also I'd argue that writers such as Wodehouse, Austen, Dickens etc have all stood the test of time and will continue to do so. What is fun is to watch out for those contemporary (or near contemporary) authors who will go on to stand the test of time. (I'd have the late, great Terry Pratchett as a certainty here. Also J.K. Rowling for Harry Potter.).
Writing, especially when it involves any kind of research, also encourages mind broadening. (The great thing with this is most of us don't want our waists to broaden, but you can broaden the mind as much as you like! No calories involved whatsoever...!).
So read and write away!
