Joshua Caleb's Blog: The Wryter Chronicles, chronicles, page 3
August 14, 2010
Is that a Louis Vuitton or a Sak? And Why Do I Care?
Ah, details. Description. Setting. An aspect of writing that requires about as much balance as a tight-rope walker in an earthquake. Do we describe every last detail, down to the brand of lipstick a character is wearing or the length and shade of fresh-cut grass? Or do we simply say "she was very well made up" or "the grass was short from its recent trimming"? And then there's the type of description. Should it be: "The gun sparkled in the hot, mid-morning sun." or "The burning light from the afternoon sun glared harshly off the pistol."? This topic is my Achilles Heel in writing; but I will cover it (and figure it out) along with you from what I have learned so far.
First, the amount of description. This is where the tightrope walk comes in. If you use too much description, you'll bore your reader to tears and he will forget what it was that supposed to be happening in your story. On the other hand, if you use too little, your reader will be confused and wonder what the heck is going on, where he's supposed to be and how he's supposed to differentiate various characters and places. Granted, some writers can get away with lots of elegant and flowing description and detail (as is the case with many classics) but it requires a tremendous amount of skill and discipline. Often these writers manage to infuse action or even plot development into the description, so it doesn't just sound like you're rambling on about all the beautiful colors in the rainbow. It's a delicate balance that is tough to achieve, and even then the result can be completely subjective. A rule I like to follow is to only describe things/people that are important to the story or character. Everything else can either get a passing mention or merely assumed and blend seamlessly into the overarching description you've already set. Everyone has an imagination and when they read, they should be given a chance to flex that imagination a little. (Otherwise they'd be watching a movie instead:)
Now onto the next aspect: type of description. This part is a little trickier (if that's possible) and ties into the characterization aspect a bit. Each character or point-of-view, should have their own unique take on things. They should see the world through different eyes, thus describing it differently and within their personality. A slick New Yorker shouldn't describe a shiny name plaque "as shiny as a spankin' new milk pail" and a country bumpkin shouldn't think something like "the hog's skin was like a fresh Louis Vuitton handbag". The description needs to be in line with what the character is like. Then there's also the matter of the descriptive vocabulary fitting the character age. A three year old won't use words like: subtle, or fragrant just like a polished thirty-something business woman wouldn't be caught dead thinking words like: stinky, gross, or smushy. Oh, of course all of this may be rendered moot if your story uses a more omniscient point-of-view, a subject I may tackle in a later post. But for now, these are some good guidelines I've found.
So for now, break out those thesauruses and start finding some neat words, but be sure you use them wisely.
August 5, 2010
The Curious Case of the Character Conundrum
Characters. These fictional beings are the very life and soul of your novel. They are one of, if not the, most important element of a story. If not for characters, your book would be nothing more than a travel log full of desolate, empty, ghost towns. Given their supreme importance, it's no surprise then that creating solid characters would also be one of the hardest parts of writing.
But that's not the half of it.
You see, once you create and start using a character in your story, chances are they may start doing some unexpected things. In fact, you may create a character with a specific personality in mind only to find that, half-way through the story, he's doing things completely contradictory to your original idea.
This is all because, your characters are…..Alliiiiiivvvee!!!!
Congratulations, you have "created" bona-fide sentient life! That's the way I see it anyway. You've given them unique personalities; they all have names, friends, enemies, rivals, histories, wants, fears, aspirations, quirks, flaws, idiosyncrasies. By definition, your characters are living, breathing, people. That's what can really make your story engaging.
Okay, sooo….Next problem: What are you suppose to do with these fictional people with minds of their own? Well, it's almost like raising a kid: you guide them. Give them instructions, point them in the right direction; but don't be afraid to alter those instructions if they start going in a different direction. You can't force them to do anything they don't want to do. It won't feel natural. Granted, there have to be boundaries and guidelines; an everyday housewife can't suddenly develop the ability to fly just because she wants to escape the doldrums:) There must be limits, but don't be afraid to bend those limits if the characters or story calls for it. But it must always be natural.
If you're a parent, this should be relatively easy to grasp. If not, think of it as trying to train someone on the job, or teach a student at school, or programming an advanced AI. You can give them directions, guidelines, even boundaries; but ultimately, they will do what they think is natural and you'll just have to go along, fixing or changing things along the way. Ironically, it's like reading someone else's story or going on an adventure; you never know what will happen next so you have to be prepared for anything.
July 29, 2010
How my Pen Ticks; or My Writing Methodology
Many writers have lots of different ways they come up with ideas and turn them into stories. Today I thought I'd share mine just for fun and to help refine it for myself.
-First step: Obviously you need an idea. Something that intrigues you, catches your fancy, makes you shiver with excitement when you think about it. But if you can't come up with an original idea, here is where my secret comes in: Duplicate. Copy. Plagiarize. Rip off someone else's great idea completely.
-Step two: Obliterate. That's right. Take that great idea you just stole from Spielberg or King and tear it to pieces. Blow it apart. Leave nothing left but the bare semblance of a plot.
-Step three: Recreate. Rebuild that stolen story you smashed to smithereens; only this time, replace key details, characters, events, plot threads…anything. By this time, you should've stewed over the story long enough to start seeing places where you could improve upon or change the original. When you're done, you should have the makings of a great story that only slightly resembles its inspiration.
Oh, and of course you should be writing and making notes throughout this whole process. After all, that's what we writers do:)
Well, I hope this helps any first time writers with an idea on how to come up with ideas/start writing; as well as give curious readers an insight on how my pen ticks (or keyboard in my case:) Of course you may have heard all this before, (there's nothing new under the sun, just new paint jobs) if so, you needn't bother reading this. Oh wait…..
July 22, 2010
New blogsite!
Warped & Wired: The Wryter Chronicles book 1
Magic and Technology don't mix. At least until now. Portia Greyleesah, a member of an ancient and magical race of beings called Wryters, and Mitchellina Cruise, a normal human island girl living in the pacific, are each content with their respective lives. But when each discovers the dark secrets of their true parentage, they both reluctantly leave their very different lives in search of the truth. They are forced to join together, much to their dismay, in order to uncover the secrets and truths, eventually working together to bring down the dark villain that threatens the lives of the entire world.
Read it Here.
Sales/Low Prices:
Warped & Wired Kindle Edition only $.99!
Warped & Wired paperback available here for $7.38 (with code: ZTVN6L3Q)
Warped & Wired paperback only $13.72 on BN.com & $14.75 on Amazon.com
Remember, if you like Warped & Wired, tell your friends; if you don't, tell me:) I welcome any feedback.
July 21, 2010
Smashwords ebook sale!
July 14, 2010
Warped & Wired now on Sony ebook store
June 9, 2010
Warped & Wired Price Drop!/Wanted: Book Reviews
Also looking for any reviews, comments, opinions and suggestions for Warped & Wired. DM me if you'd like a free copy of the ebook.
May 31, 2010
Warped & Wired Kindle edition only 99 cents!
Go forth and Read
May 27, 2010
Warped & Wired paperback now $14!
Go Forth and Read!
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