Writing Worry #30: Leveling up
I just turned in my first round of edits for Wolf Creek. It's amazing to think of how far that story has come since I wrote the outline four years ago and the first draft during NaNoWriMo 2012. There are still two more rounds of edits slated before publication. I'm still finding the occasional typo, but I think the concepts, characters and plot are there.
I'm still spinning my wheels on Safe Word. Mostly because I can see the gap between what the first draft is and the nebulous concept of a submittable manuscript. Re-writes are all about taking the basic concept and building on it. Fleshing out the details. Ramping up the plot. Solidifying characters.
After my writing group meeting on Thursday, I got to thinking about the gulf between writing levels. Good just doesn't cut it in publishing. A story has got to be gripping. Characters need to be engaging. The action has to be thrilling.
The revision process for me involves a lot of leveling up my writing by taking exposition and making it a part of the story.
Concept: Jack is afraid of snakes. It's his one weakness.
Level 1 writing: Jack hates snakes.
Okay, the concept is there, but no one is going to be wowed by that sentence. Some readers might not even remember it.
Level 2 writing: "I hate snakes," Jack said and continued about his merry way.
Again the information is there. Adding the concept in the dialog is a little more interesting, but again not memorable.
Level 3 writing: Jack caught sight of coiling body as it disappeared beneath a crate and jumped back.
"Snakes, why did it have to be snakes."
The reader can see Jacks reaction and just how he feels about snakes. It's not perfect, but better.
Level X writing is achieved when the information is integrated into the story and engages the reader. It involves not only how the information is conveyed but when. Good writing drops clues and hangs lanterns that guide a reader toward the information without hitting them over the head with it.
I'm still working on leveling up and have a ways to go.
