Appreciating the Talent of Others
Most people who read for pleasure but have no interest in taking up the task of writing a story often are thrilled with the unexpected plot twist, a certain character that resonates with them, or the exotic setting of a book, but they rarely go back to deconstruct the plot once they've turned the last page. As a writer, I get caught up in the same emotions as everyone else when I read a story (a good story, anyway), but I find myself going back to deconstruct how plot elements were pieced together to produce the final impact on the audience. For example, when that blood showed up on the shoe in Chapter 32, the writer wasn't only going for the tension of whether the character would notice it at the time, but also made it a critical point in an unrelated parallel plot line three chapters later, when the now-dried blood became overwhelming circumstantial evidence against the character, forcing them to decide between telling the truth or losing their lover forever. I always wonder whether the writer wrote Chapter 32 knowing how important the blood would become in Chapter 35. To me, that is elegant plotting.
I've had the good fortune to experience three great stories lately, one each in the medium of television, novels, and movies. The example I just gave occurred during the last two episodes of the fifth season of "Dexter", simply one of the best dramas on television. Showtime allows the writers of the show a free hand in telling the story of a serial killer who works for the Miami Metro Homicide Department as a blood spatter analyst, and the way the plots engage me every season makes this a must-DVR show. It is inspiring to watch how a serial killer, normally a social pariah, gains the sympathy of the audience to the point you are cheering for him. Spectacular.
This week I finished "Chance", the novel by Robert B. Parker written in 1996, and found myself admiring the descriptions of how organized crime would operate in a major city. The character development of the mobsters was so convincing that it made you wonder how Parker came by the knowledge. Again, inspiring.
Today I saw the movie "The Tourist" with Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie. I wasn't sure what to expect, but was utterly delighted with the characterizations played by both Depp and Jolie, and was drawn completely in by the story of an American tourist preyed on by the stunning femme fatale, only to have the plot jettison them both out of the expected outcome of their initial encounter. And, it made me want to spend time in Venice, Italy.
After seeing any work that makes me forget where I am and draws me so deeply in that seeing the conclusion becomes a need rather than a want, the feeling that this is what I want to do with my life becomes reconfirmed. I want to create stories that make people feel how I feel when I am taken with a work. I always put down the book, turn off the TV, or leave the movie theater inspired to sit down with my latest project and make it better. That is one of the great things about creating – there is always room in the world for another great story.
Just a reminder that the you can name a character in my upcoming novel, "Rubbed Out", by submitting your suggestion to me via email at jon@jonsay.com or by leaving a comment on this blog. The contest ends December 31! If your suggestion is chosen, you'll win autographed copies of "Flesh Wound" and "Rubbed Out"! You can read a backstory of the character to be named by clicking on this link:
I hope you find something to read or watch during the upcoming holiday that makes you forget where you are! Thanks for reading! -Jon
