There are many aspects to writing. In fact, there are so many that the technique side of the process can quickly overwhelm if you let it. Don’t! Still, some techniques need to be considered and subtlety is definitely one
Writing a story can be a tricky process when it comes to getting the germane points across to your readers. There is a fine line between providing a storyline that engages the reader and one that appears to be written for a person who has the attention span of a gnat. Of course, there is something to be said for writing for the gnat in this go-go world we live in.
As we all know, a storyline is an every developing item. Much like silly string being shot from a can, there is a tendency to want to capture it all as quickly as possible. This manifests by the slamming of the key information and twists of a storyline into a very finite part of the story less it escape into the air. This can lead to horrendous developments.
The Sloppy Character
Do you write in a sloppy character? Huh? A sloppy character is that one person in the story who cleans up your slop. How did the main character appear to die by falling off the cliff and yet be here now? How did two characters who hated each other at the beginning of the book come to be secret lovers with 12 babies? Let the sloppy character explain it away! He or she is a writer’s best friend!
In truth, we all use sloppy characters. Some are used more often than others, but it is a necessary crutch for most of us and I certainly include myself in that count. The key is to avoid overdoing it. It is okay to leave some things unexplained. The reader is not an idiot. They do not need to have every little thing explained to them. Leave the wanting more! It’ll help sell the next book!
Don’t Fill The Gaps
I was once trying to learn to play guitar. My teacher was explaining to me that David Gilmour was a great guitar player. He is with the band Pink Floyd. I thought he was okay, but nothing great. My teacher explained his greatness was not in the notes played, but the gaps he left in the progression of notes. This gave the movement pace and feeling.
I never learned to play the guitar sufficiently to keep the dogs in my neighborhood from barking, but I understand now what my teacher meant. The same is true for your writing. Resist the urge to fill every niche, cranny and gap in your story. This will draw the reader in and engage them by providing them an opportunity to fill in the gaps on their own.
A good story is a good story. It makes a point. Don’t lose your focus by explaining the mundane and minutia.
