D - Description

Hey Writers!

Next letter in the series, again written by Ana Belen. Ana Belen is a friend of mine that I've known for a couple/few years and she also wrote letter B in our series. I hope you enjoy her post! Comment and let her know you read it! :)

If you'd like to write any of the available letters, please let me know so you can RSVP. :D

-Cari

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D - Description
by Ana Belen


Description:

1. A spoken or written representation or account of a person, object, or
event: "people who had seen him were able to give a description".

2. The action of giving such a representation or account.

This is a very tricky subject for authors, whether they know it or not.

Some lay the descriptions on extra thick, like a sandwich with an inch of mayo. I
know…yuck. In other words, they describe everything in excruciatingly meticulous
detail-everything from the kind of leather on a side character’s shoes, to the
species of an ant on a cracked wall in the background.

Too much description.

On the other hand, there are authors who get an idea, then transfer it onto paper
or their computer as fast as possible, leaving out everything except for the basic
storyline. But, (to give another food example) this would be like having a hot dog
or burger without any condiments. Yes, it’s edible, but not INTERESTING.

Too little description.

You can think up the most complicated, engaging plot, but if you write it dry
and flat, the entire work will flop. No one will be able to see how wonderful
the storyline is, if you don’t add those elements that enhance the reader’s
imagination. Those details that let the reader see what you see in your mind’s eye
are what can captivate your audience.

Your mind’s eye…

What do I mean by that? It’s not just your imagination; it is a whole other
experience.

To explain what I mean by this, look around you. Choose an object near you
(particularly a small, unimportant one) and lock your eyes on it. Stare at it for

about 10 seconds, study it and discover every little detail about it. Go beyond
color, shape and size. What can you see?

I am sure you noticed many things about the object you would have never noticed
with a careless glance. There is intricate detail in everything! Our eyes can capture
so much if we care to look for it!

So now, let’s look through our mind’s eye. Imagine a scene from your most
current work, a past story. Try to conjure up a rich scene of immense and
miniscule detail. Is there much more you could describe to enhance your story?

For example, next to me is a blanket, which I could quickly describe as an old, red
blanket. But with this simple statement, the reader could imagine anything from a
cracked tarp to a dilapidated down comforter! Either could be old, red, and used
as a covering for warmth, right?

This is why you need to go beyond the basics. Consider the following scenarios:

1. Mary saw an old red blanket, and wrapped it around herself because
she was cold.

Or:

2. Mary, shivering pitifully in the chilling wind, spotted a worn burgundy
coverlet, and pulled it quickly around her quaking shoulders, but the
frayed, loose weaving offered little warmth.

Which is more appealing?

Now that we know how to add detail, we need to go back to the first point I
made, which is that many authors use way too much description. This bores the
reader, who is desperate to get on with the story!

In addition, if you take too much time adding detail, writing will become tedious
and grueling work, instead of enjoyable if you take every sentence and elaborate
it as much as possible. This will cause a writer to hit a wall simply from fatigue!

Be careful never to use detail as fillers that end up just as appealing as packing
peanuts. (By the way, have you ever tasted those things? Bleh. -Not to say that I
have… :D) and never, never, EVER forget to have fun writing!

Description can make or break a story, so what we need to find is: BALANCE.
Balance is knowing when, and how much to describe. In my opinion, there are
two types of description:

I. Description that is necessary for the storyline. [e.g., location, MC’s basic
appearance and back story-{see ‘B’}, etc.]
II. Description that embellishes and enhances the story. [e.g., scenery
details, movement {during dialogue, etc.}, emotions, unseen
occurrences, etc.]

Obviously the first is a must-have in writing, but each author will use the other
kind differently.

Remember, this can easily be the fall of every work, so don’t overdo it, OR under-
do it!

Find the balance that suits you and go with it!

Skimming Your Story's Potential?

C - Climax

Time for letter C! This time it is written by Stephanie. Thanks Stephanie!

Make sure to comment, everyone! :D

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C-Climax

by Stephanie

This week is C - for Climax. Personally this is my favorite part of a story... the most fun to read, write, or watch. A climax is where everything comes together, and that when the climax is done, something(s), someone(s) (or a combination of both) are not the same as when we first meet them/it at the beginning of the story. It is necessary for both books and movie screenplays to have this.

The general definition is this:

Climax |ˈklīˌmaks|
noun

the most intense, exciting, or important point of something; a culmination or apex: the climax of her speech | a thrilling climax to the game.

• Rhetoric a sequence of propositions or ideas in order of increasing importance, force, or effectiveness of expression.

verb [ no obj. ]culminate in an exciting or impressive event; reach a climax: the day climaxed with a gala concert.

• [ with obj. ] bring (something) to a climax: the sentencing climaxed a seven-month trial.

Climax should have these three “elements” to make it a good one:

1. Suspense. EVERY story has to have that to some degree. Otherwise why would someone want to read the story, or watch the movie? The story will be monotone unless there is some suspense to some degree, be it subtle or intense.

2. Importance. Whatever happens, it MUST be important enough to change the character(s), the setting, or both.

3. Tying up loose ends. Ok, so I couldn’t find a word for this, but this phrase. Or if you want you can say everything comes to a head. Basically, the climax needs to tie up the major plot lines. A culmination of all the storylines. Be it one Main Character (MC) or many.

Although leaving some tiny things for the reader to wonder about is okay, even good, sometimes. Makes the reader use their imagination.

Some examples of good climaxes would be...

Like with Lord of the Rings. It spans three books. The main character “group” (aka, the Fellowship) gathers, and are together in the first book (Fellowship of the Ring). But by the end of the FoTR, the group has been split into about 3-4 storylines. And it stays way throughout the rest of the storyline... until the climax. There are smaller, underlying storylines that crop up in the story, but all of them, big and small, culminate together in destroying the Ring, which of course is THE CLIMAX.

Or take Les Miserables, where Jean ValJean’s story is the sole story at the beginning, but snowballs into where, anyone he knows, their story lines climax when his does. ValJean’s story is the engine that pulls the storyline into the climax, and all the supporting characters are the cars of the train, making a complete train of thought and storyline ending in the climax.

Chronicles of Narnia: the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is a great example. The question of “will the Pevensies win, and make it back home” builds the suspense. The battle is important to defeat the White Witch and provide justice for the Narnians. And the main loose ends that get tied up are the Witch getting defeated, and Edmund earning back their trust, among other small storylines.

Or take Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol, with Scrooge going on three “adventures” (or doors), each one more life changing than the last, building suspense, making how Scrooge reacts important, and how he reacts is the main loose end (a side story loose end being how will Tiny Tim survive).

And as a final example, Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice. Will everything be set to rights (people marrying mostly ;) ) is the suspense. Everything adds up to being important. And the numerous little loose storylines/threads get tied up, although the main one is that Elizabeth Bennet changes, learning not to judge so hastily and learning to love Darcy in the process. :)

So, there you have it. Three elements that make up a climax, and five different stories to illustrate the points! Just remember to make a wonderful climax that the reader can’t wait for, with suspense, importance, and revealing all the little ending nuggets to the character(s) storyline(s) (aka tie up the loose ends!) Now go write something fabulous! :D

How to Write Sympathetic Characters

K.M. Weiland video again. :D

A story collaborated by Go Teen Writers.

Hey Writers!

Right now, over at Go Teen Writers, there is a cool story going on, written by readers of Go Teen Writers. If you want to read the work-in-progress, and contribute a few sentences to the story, go here now and join the fun!!

And don't forget to go check out Young Christian Writers on Facebook!

Facebook page

Hi Writers!

I started a facebook page for Young Christian Writers! Go over there and check it out, like it, share it, comment on it, whatever you'd like! Let me know you stopped by!

-Cari

B - Backstory/Flashback

Today we have the second letter in our series "The Young Christian Writer's ABCs".

Thank you so much, Ana Belen, for writing it! Be sure to comment, everyone!! ;)

Let me know if you'd like to write a post for the series! -Cari

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B- Backstory/Flashback

by Ana Belen

First off, let’s define what a backstory is.

Backstory:

Noun 1.    1. A history or background created for a fictional character in a motion picture or television program. 2.    2. Similar background information about a real person or thing that promotes fuller understanding of it.

Now, when writing, there are several ways to use a backstory. I have seen authors feel an obligation to add some information in, but do so very unimaginatively, making it boring, and ruining their work.

An example of this would be throwing blunt, hard facts at the reader in the middle of the plot, interrupting the flow of the storyline, and confusing the reader.

Another example on how not to use a backstory would be to give a skimp summary of the character’s life at the beginning of the book. Basically, ‘here is the character, reader… Got it? O.K., moving on!’

Both of the above examples can affect the way your work is received by the readers, and their over-all enjoyment of the story.

What I suggest is: Be creative! Think of ways to explain your character that perhaps no author has every thought of!

A few suggestions on innovative writing of backstories (In no particular order):

§  Mystery: Don’t tell the readers anything about who the character is. The readers won’t know the motive of its actions. Yet, give them tiny clues to keep them intrigued. Then, at the climax/conclusion, his/her true colors are revealed! [Example: in the book,The Thief, -which I don’t recommend- you meet the character in a prison cell. Basically, he was summoned to steal back something on behalf of his kingdom. You follow him on his journey to the enemy kingdom. He finds the precious gem, but… gives it to the enemy queen! He was actually the Royal Thief for the other country!]

§  Flashback: If the book is in first person, the MC may recall things throughout the story, perhaps to help it make decisions, but also giving information to the reader. Maybe you build up questions in the readers mind, mysteries. When suddenly, the MC relates everything, solving questions but not the plot… [Example: The Mysterious Benedict Society: The Prisoner’s Dilemma. This is the third book in this series. All leading up to it, you have been wondering about the backstory of one MC. Just when this info is needed most, however, the reader is rewarded with the history, his enjoyment, and the fulfillment of the plot!]

§  Intro Story: In some stories, much information is needed for the story’s foundation. If so, have fun with it! Don’t feel like you have to go through a lot of boring introduction before you get to the ‘actual story’, but make it a story in itself! Maybe you will tell about the MC’s past by giving an account from an arbitrary character in the beginning, whose presence has a secret impact on the story. Or perhaps the intro will be about the MC’s parents, to give the historical background necessary. YOU DECIDE! [Example: Beyond the Summerland has a story at the beginning which appears to be the story for the whole book, but is actually the story of the MC’s ancestors! It was written so well, I enjoyed it as much as the true storyline!]

§  One MC in the Dark: You may wish to write a story with more than one MC. As with one story I am currently in the process of creating, there are two MCs. I alternate from which viewpoint the story is. The readers know the backstory of each character, ( as revealed to them throughout the book from the respective character’s perspective.) but they are still in suspense, because the characters must discover these facts for themselves, creating, suspicion, tension, confusion, and eventually, treachery! …Or was it?

§  Come up with your own creative ideas on how to involve the backstory as the most interesting part of weaving together your story!

Preparation is Worth a Pound of Proofreading

Encouragement #1

I think I'll do posts that contain quotes or thought-provoking phrases, that can encourage (or else convict) us in our journeys as Christian writers. They can be called "Encouragement #" and then just number them in order of when I post them. This is post #1.

Ultimately, being a Christian is what defines us. We are God's children. What sort of Christian do you want to be?

So hard.

I think I am an expert at procrastination when it comes to writing. :(

Don't Use First-Person Unless...

We get another K.M. Weiland video. (Can you tell I like these?? :) This time she's talking about using first person vs. third person.

 

Different Types of Writers

When I say I'm a writer, I mean that I write fiction books. But there are so many other types of writers out there besides fiction writers or novelists. Here is a list that I came up with.

Journalist

Comedian (they sometimes write their own scripts)

Biographer

Scriptwriter

Poet

Columnist

Songwriter

Non-fiction Writer

Freelance Writer

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was a poet.

And here are a few more I found digging around on the web:

Academic Writer

Article Writer

Copywriter (how could I forget this one??)

Game Writer

Ghostwriter

Reviewer

Speechwriter

Translator

Technical Writer

Typewriter (heehee. Okay, I know, I know. I just had to throw this one in there. :)

What type of writer do you want to be?

I think it would be fun to write scripts, besides writing novels. Maybe write a script based on a novel I write? :D

Trick Endings

Today we get a video of K.M. Weiland talking about trick endings. Enjoy. :)