Who knows what 2012 will hold? We won’t know until we get there. But what’s ahead for you may not necessarily be something bold and totally shocking. The things that make a difference for you in 2012 may be something small. Just like in life, not all original writing has to be that obvious either.
When introducing something unexpected to your writing, it doesn’t have to be that your hero is the son of his arch-nemesis or that your wife cut and sold her gorgeous long hair to buy you a new chain for your family-heirloom watch, but you sold the watch to buy your wife fancy hair combs. Sometimes surprises are subtle. Sometimes surprises are in the writing itself, which gives the story and characters an extra edge and fresh twist.
The following are some writing techniques I found that make a story unpredictable. The examples I’ve given are short stories so you’ll be able to read and study the example in a few minutes if you want:
Change the POV. Most stories are told in first or third person singular. It’s most familiar to readers–and writers. Maybe writing in second person or in third person plural is the spice needed for that unexpected flavor. Examples: “How to Become a Writer” by Lorrie Moore and “Camp of Low Angels” by Silas Dent Zobal.
Withhold Information. Readers shouldn’t be underestimated. Is your story telling too much and not leaving anything open for interpretation? Ambiguous dialogue, as long as actions give clues, keeps the ending open for a reader’s own conclusion. Example: “Hills Like White Elephants” by Ernest Hemingway.
Challenge Convention. Controversy gets readers thinking, and flipping a traditionally conservative event, theme, or symbol upside down and inside out might be what your story needs to keep readers interested. Example: “Gryphon” by Charles Baxter.
Background Check the Characters. Do your characters need shaking up? Make them step out of their comfort zone and do something crazy. Figure out why they’re acting like they are or why they want to act a certain way. What’s their story before this one starts? Example: “Through the Tunnel” by Doris Lessing.
Break the Rules. You know the quote about learning the rules properly so you know how to break them? Maybe it’s time to break the rules. Do something completely different. Forget proper grammar. Write in stream of consciousness. Or incomplete sentences. It might be all wrong, but it could also provide another direction to make the story more compelling. Example: Dream Lives of Butterflies by Jamie Wriston Colbert (It’s a short story collection. The author does not use quotation marks or italics to set off the dialogue.)
Have you tried any of these techniques in your writing? Have a fabulous weekend, Zigzaggers!!!
13 comments:
Ooh, number 2 is my nemesis. I always have to backtrack and edit out a bunch. These are great!!
These are terrific! I usually have to go back and add clues and info b/c I withhold too much!
All great suggestions and you've made me want to go find all these stories and read them!
Great suggestions, Laura. I am writing a new book in the first person POV, a change from my usual third person POV.
Right now I'm writing a book from two different POV, one third, one first. We'll see how it goes.
I've always written in dual third person. Might have to tackle a first person POV one day.
I like multiple third person. Sometimes I just want the reader to see the view from a different pair of eyes.
Good list.
I'm the opposite of number 2. I undertell. LOL, there's a nice line in the middle I'm still working on.
Those are great tips. I wrote The Christmas Village from one POV, but I'm playing with multiple POVs in the sequel, and it's making it fun. I have to remind myself to withold information! But you're right, it's just what readers want - I know I do!
SA- It's better to already have it in there and just cut it later than it is to have to add something you need!
Laura- Thanks! Yes, sometimes withholding too much can be a problem too!
Susanna- Definitely do so! They're all really good.
Rachna- That's great! You'll have to write a post on how that's working out for you so far.
Patti- Awesome! Books with different viewpoints are always so interesting because it's something different.
Diane- You should try it! Start out with something small like a scene or a flash fiction story.
Linda- I like stories like that too! It's so different and pulls me into the story.
Hannah- LoL! Sometimes that happens!
Melissa- It is fun to work with different POVs, especially if it's something you haven't done before. Good luck!!
Great advice. I love breaking rules (occasionally). :)
Oky, I am so DENSE!!! I read that Hills Like White Elephants and I totally didn't get it. I couldn't figure out what the heck they were talking about. had to look up a literary analysis.
Oh well. Maybe I didn't have enough caffeine today? Its still a great technique though.
Faith- Heehee, me too! Hope you have a great week!
Margo- LoL, that is so funny. I'm glad you get it now! It's a classic story. I think I had to read it in pretty much every literature class in high school and college.
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