What Writers can Learn from Star Wars about Effective Worldbuilding
Listen to this post on my Podcast! I want you to take a moment to think about what it is that makes the Star Wars saga so special to you. Go on. Take a few moments and figure out the precise thing that makes Star Wars a nostalgic part of your childhood. Is it the characters? Is it the storyline?: Is it the various, unique sci/fi setting(s)? Is it the epic battle scenes? Or something else more specific? Whatever it may be, keep it in mind because we’re going to circle back around to your answer in the end. When I saw The Force Awakens, I realized exactly what it is that makes Star Wars so special to me, so different from other movies, and so inspiring to me as a writer. Yes, I love the characters. I love the storyline. And heck yes I love the battle scenes. But really, what makes Star Wars so special to me actually surprised me: It’s the world building. It’s incredible how a “galaxy far, far away” can simultaneously feel so close to home. So, with stars in my eyes, I went home mulling over how it is the creators make fantastical places like Tatooine: Jakku: Takodana: … feel like planet Earth- heck, even feel like my own backyard. What I realized was, it wasn’t precisely the giant settings themselves: a massive, endless desert riddled with crashed ships, a lush emerald green planet busy with life. But rather it was the subtle nuances– the little details that make it feel so relatable, so very real. So that’s what I’m going to break apart: why little details are...
On-The-Nose Dialogue: Why it Stunts Your Character’s Growth
Listen to this post on my Podcast! “Hey Susan. Nice weather we’re having today, aren’t we?” “Yes Laura, it’s just lovely. The sun is really shining.” “How is Mack doing these days? Any better?” “He has his good days and his bad days. It’s just too bad he has to miss this sunshine.” Wow. Exciting stuff. I am just on the edge of my seat here dying to find out more about– Nope. You and I both know that interchange was an absolute bore-fest. I nearly fell asleep writing it. But the dialogue gave us what we needed to know about Laura and Susan’s feelings. It introduced some new characters. It gave us a sense of the setting. So why did this scene absolutely murder potential character growth? And why did it bore us readers to tears? Because it’s on-the-nose dialogue. Susan gave Laura direct answers to her questions. No qualms there. Nothing unordinary. Everything is status quo. There is no reason to suspect underlying problems, or assume these characters are anything but acquaintances. Nothing is hinted at or suggested. There are no layers. This is a shallow conversation. Now, let’s re-read that example, but this time, let’s switch up the dialogue a bit: “What wonderful weather we’re having today, Susan.” “Mack’s getting worse, isn’t he, Laura?” “It’s been so long since I’ve felt the sun on my skin.” “You can’t give up now, Laura. I know it’s painful, but there’s still time for him.” Who is Mack? Is he sick? Is he an addict? Perhaps he’s a relative? A spouse? What sort of loss will this be to Laura if he gets worse?...
Get Inside Their Head
“Get inside their head” is about getting to know the audience you’re writing for. Once a month, I interview one avid reader of a particular genre, asking questions every author wants to know, or should know about writing for their audience through the eyes of one ideal potential reader. Today begins with fantasy fiction. And today’s interviewee is young blogger, author, and avid reader Kate Foley. Kate I. Foley Kate I. Foley is a 15-year-old homeschooler, author, and blogger of seven years, though she’s been writing pretty much all her life. She writes to survive and has frequent conversations with the characters in her head. She’s currently on the search for an agent, which is difficult, but exciting. She hopes to be a published YA author someday. Kate has co-authored the books Fauxpocalypse and The Audacity to Be a Writer. You can find her at her blog themagicviolinist.blogspot.com or on Twitter @Magic_Violinist. Thanks again Kate for joining us on this feature interview about what readers are looking for in the fantasy genre. And thank you for being willing to let us poke around your brain a little!: No problem, I’m so glad to be here! How long have you been an avid reader of the fantasy genre?: I’ve been reading fantasy since before I can remember. What drew you to the fantasy genre?: Harry Potter. I owe so much to those stories since they’re what started me writing novels in the first place. Everything else that followed has led me to another book, which led me to another book, from Percy Jackson to Fablehaven to Throne of Glass....
5 Tips for Editing your Own Novel
Listen to this post on my Podcast! When it comes to our novel, this is the moment we must be extremely honest with ourselves and be ready to face the chopping block. It can be difficult to determine what is necessary when we’re editing and that’s because we’re attached to our stories. And of course we are, they’re our babies! But what are some practical steps to keep in mind when we are going through the editing process? Here are just five: 1. Do Not Write and Edit: It can be extremely tempting to cut an entire section, sentence, character or chapter of our story when we feel it in the moment. While we’re writing we are keen to our work flow. If something just doesn’t feel right, we might be quick to stop what we’re writing and be rid of it. However, that is not usually the best idea. If you acted on the impulse, later on in your story you might realize you in fact did need that section or that character. Worse yet, it might surprise you to find that if you do in fact edit while you write, the flow of your story may have some very noticeable hiccups. Don’t interrupt your flow! Do not expect perfection your first time writing, either! Don’t focus on the flaws while you write, focus on the flow. As Margaret Atwood once put it: “If I waited for perfection, I would never write a word.” Keep in mind, it is important to separate work and pleasure. Let your mind stay succinct with what you’re writing. Later, when your mindset is clear and ready to cut...
How to Create Unique Dialogue Organically
Listen to this post on my Podcast! Your characters are already unique. No doubt you’ve enjoyed writing a colorful description of your characters’ looks along with healthy dollops of personality traits and quirks. You love the unique, relatable characters you have created. But when it comes to their dialogue, well it’s nothing but tumbleweeds. So what does your dialogue need in order to have a fulfilling roll in your story? Your dialogue must do these two things: Mould your character’s unique identity and personality Organically move the plot along Dialogue that Creates a Unique Identity: When your character speaks, you are essentially giving their personality a megaphone. With dialogue you don’t describe your character’s gestures, facial expressions or reactions. Your reader will simply be seeing the character speak and react all on their own. Dialogue really is the truest representation of who your character is, bells and whistles aside. This part of your story is precious and sacred. So how do you make certain that your character’s personality is truly shining and representing who they are? Remember, your character speaks from their experience. Their opinions, reactions, insights, and pieces of advice all stem from the experiences and troubles they have undergone (much like you and I!). Their dialogue is the flower that blooms from the root of their life choices. What they say is an expression of themselves and so they are in effect, advertising who they are. Therefore their dialogue should represent the result of their experiences, history, and where they have come from. Still a little unclear as to what could make their dialogue as unique as their personalty? Well then...I’m Rae Elliott: Author, Blogger, Geek
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