Tag: word limits

Categories
ON WRITING

Editing for Pace & Tension

In the world of storytelling, be it in novels, screenplays, or short stories, pace and tension are the twin engines that propel a narrative forward. A well-paced story keeps readers engaged, while expertly crafted tension keeps them on the edge of their seats. As an editor, mastering the art of manipulating these elements can transform a good story into a riveting page-turner. Here’s why focusing on pace and tension is crucial and how you can enhance these elements in your editing process.

The Power of Pace

Pace is the rhythm and speed at which a story unfolds. It dictates how quickly or slowly the plot progresses and how much time is spent on various events or scenes. A story with poor pacing can lose readers’ interest, no matter how compelling the plot or characters might be. Here are a few tips to ensure your story maintains a perfect pace:

  1. Vary Sentence Lengths: Short sentences and paragraphs can quicken the pace, making the action feel more immediate and urgent. Conversely, longer sentences and detailed descriptions can slow the pace, giving readers a moment to breathe and absorb the story’s intricacies.
  2. Control Scene Lengths: Action-packed scenes or pivotal moments should be concise and punchy, keeping the reader hooked. Meanwhile, slower scenes that build character or set the scene can afford more descriptive language and leisurely pacing.
  3. Cut the Fat: Eliminate unnecessary details, redundancies, and overly complex descriptions. Every word should serve a purpose, either advancing the plot, developing a character, or setting the scene. Excessive details can bog down the narrative and frustrate readers.

Crafting Tension

Tension is the emotional strain that keeps readers invested in the story. It’s the sense of anticipation or fear that drives them to keep turning pages, eager to find out what happens next. Effective tension requires careful balancing; too much can overwhelm, while too little can bore. Here’s how to strike the right balance:

  1. Build Suspense: Gradually reveal information to the reader. Keep them guessing and speculating about the characters’ motivations, upcoming plot twists, and potential outcomes. The slower the reveal, the greater the tension.
  2. Raise the Stakes: Constantly increase the stakes for your characters. Whether it’s personal, emotional, or physical peril, higher stakes create a sense of urgency and importance, compelling readers to stay invested in the outcome.
  3. Use Cliffhangers: Ending chapters or scenes with unresolved questions or precarious situations can effectively compel readers to continue. Cliffhangers leave readers in suspense, eager to see how the characters navigate their dilemmas.
  4. Character Vulnerability: Make readers care deeply about the characters by showing their vulnerabilities, fears, and desires. When readers are emotionally invested in the characters, the tension feels more intense and personal.
writing tips

The Editor’s Role

As an editor, your role is to fine-tune these elements to ensure the story flows seamlessly and keeps readers engaged. Here are some practical steps:

  • Read Aloud: Reading the manuscript aloud can highlight awkward phrasing, repetitive descriptions, and pacing issues that might not be as evident when reading silently.
  • Feedback Loop: Gather feedback from beta readers or fellow editors. Fresh perspectives can identify pacing problems or areas where the tension falls flat.
  • Trust Your Instincts: Your intuition as an editor is invaluable. If a scene feels slow or a character’s actions seem implausible, it probably needs tweaking.
Categories
ON WRITING

Dystopia and Science Fiction: Exploring their Intersection

Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

The dystopia genre often overlaps with science fiction, as many dystopian stories incorporate speculative or futuristic elements. Here are a few ways in which dystopia and science fiction intersect:

Dystopian stories are typically set in a future society or world that has undergone significant societal, political, or environmental changes, such as the Watcher series, whereas science fiction often explores future or alternative worlds, making it a natural fit for dystopian narratives.

When considering technological advancements, science fiction frequently explores advanced technologies and their impact on society. In dystopian settings, however, these technologies may be used by the ruling elite to maintain control over the population or to oppress individuals. Examples include surveillance systems, advanced weaponry, genetic manipulation, or mind-control devices. One example that springs to mind is Minority Report. Another is Gamer.

There are also speculative elements to both genres, whereas science fiction often involves elements such as time travel, space exploration, alternate realities, or advanced scientific concepts, such as Wells’ The Time Machine. Where dystopian stories differ, they may incorporate these speculative elements to depict a future world shaped by particular technologies, scientific breakthroughs, or social systems, such as The City and the Stars.

Photo by Mikhail Nilov on Pexels.com

Social and political themes are also a feature of both dystopian and science fiction genres and offer opportunities for their critique. Dystopian narratives often highlight the flaws or dangers of specific ideologies, governments, or social systems and the constructs surrounding them. On the other hand, science fiction can serve as a vehicle for exploring these social issues, questioning the status quo, or warning against potential negative consequences of scientific advancements. Margaret Atwood, anyone? Take your pick from her extensive catalogue of publications.

Coupling both genres together, you’ll note that dystopian science fiction often delves into the human condition, exploring themes of identity, individuality, oppression, resistance, and the struggle for freedom, thus exploring humanity and all its shortcomings. These stories may examine how society’s structures and technologies impact individuals and their relationships or how individuals navigate the challenges of a harsh and dehumanizing world and are often the most captivating stories. Think Blade Runner.

It’s important to note that while many dystopian stories are classified as science fiction, not all science fiction stories are dystopian. Science fiction encompasses a broad range of themes and settings beyond dystopia, including utopias, space exploration, alien encounters, and more. However, the dystopian subgenre within science fiction remains popular due to its ability to reflect contemporary issues, offer cautionary tales, and provoke thought about the future of humanity.

Categories
ON WRITING

What are some of the better tips for writing a good script?

Photo by Martin Lopez on Pexels.com

Writing a good script requires careful planning, effective storytelling and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you in the process:

Know your story

Before you start to write, have a clear understanding of your story’s premise, characters and main conflicts. Develop a strong outline or treatment to guide your scriptwriting process. Understand the core themes and the desired emotional impact you want to achieve.

Create compelling characters

Develop well-rounded and relatable characters that audiences can connect with. Give them distinct personalities, goals and flaws and ensure their actions and dialogue are consistent with their motivations and background. Memorable characters help to drive the story forward and keep audiences engaged.

Focus on structure

The structure of a story is crucial in scriptwriting. Familiarize yourself with popular storytelling structures such as the three-act structure or the hero’s journey. Establish a clear beginning, middle and end, and ensure your script has a well-defined setup, conflict and resolution. Use plot points, turning points and well-timed reveals to maintain the audience’s interest.

Write visually

Scripts are blueprints for visual storytelling. Use descriptive and concise language to paint vivid images in the reader’s mind. Use the show rather than tell cliché whenever possible. Use action and visuals to convey information and emotions instead of relying solely on dialogue. Visual storytelling makes scripts more engaging and appealing to readers and potential viewers.

Master dialogue

Dialogue should be natural, engaging and purposeful. Each character should have a distinct voice, reflecting their personality and background. Keep dialogue concise and avoid excessive exposition. Use subtext and conflict within conversations to create tension and depth. Read the dialogue aloud to ensure that it sounds authentic and flows well.

Maintain pacing

Keep your script’s pacing in mind. Balance slower, character-driven moments with faster-paced, high-stakes scenes. Avoid unnecessary scenes or dialogue that do not advance the story or reveal character information. Create tension and suspense by strategically placing conflicts and obstacles throughout the script.

Edit and revise

Writing is a process of rewriting. Once you have a draft, revise and edit your script multiple times. Polish the dialogue, tighten scenes and eliminate unnecessary elements. Also, seek feedback from trusted readers or fellow writers and be open to constructive criticism—don’t take their criticisms personally. Revise based on the feedback to improve your script’s quality.

Formatting and presentation

Learn and adhere to industry-standard script formatting guidelines. Properly formatting your script makes it easier for producers, agents or readers to navigate and understand. Presentation matters, so ensure your script is free of grammatical errors, spelling mistakes and inconsistencies.

Study successful scripts

Read scripts from successful movies and television shows in your desired genre. Analyze how those scripts effectively engage the audience, build tension or develop characters. Understanding what works in scripts already established can help you enhance your own writing skills.

Find your voice

While learning from established scripts is valuable, don’t be afraid to develop your unique voice and style. Infuse your script with your own creativity, perspective and experiences. Embrace your strengths as a writer and find ways to make your script stand out. Find and employ your individuality; otherwise, it’s just another script.

And remember, writing is a craft that requires years of practice and persistence. Keep honing your skills, seek all the feedback you can find and continue learning from the work of others.

Categories
ON WRITING Writing Prompts

A List of Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing

Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

There are several common mistakes to avoid in your writing to ensure clarity, coherence, and overall quality. Check these out for some of them:

Spelling and grammar errors: Proofread your work carefully to eliminate spelling mistakes, typos, and grammatical errors. Incorrect punctuation, subject-verb agreement, and tense usage can weaken your writing.

Lack of clarity: Ensure your writing is clear and easy to understand. Avoid using ambiguous or vague language that can confuse your readers. Lose the verbosity and ambiguity. Be specific and precise in conveying your ideas.

Weak or repetitive words: Avoid using weak or overused words that can make your writing sound bland. Look for opportunities to use stronger verbs and descriptive language to engage your readers.

Lack of structure and organization: A well-structured piece of writing is easier to follow and understand. Ensure your writing has a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Use paragraphs and headings to organize your thoughts effectively during drafting.

Lack of focus: Stay focused on your main topic or argument. Avoid going off on tangents or including irrelevant information that distracts readers from your main point.

Inconsistent tone or style: Maintain consistency in the tone and style of your writing. Ensure that your writing matches the intended audience and purpose. Switching between formal and informal language or varying the tone too much can disrupt the flow of your writing.

Lack of proofreading: Neglecting to proofread your work can result in overlooked errors and inconsistencies. Always take the time to review your writing before finalizing it.

Poor sentence structure: Pay attention to sentence structure to ensure readability. Avoid run-on sentences or overly complex sentence structures that can confuse readers. Vary the length and structure of your sentences to create a more engaging flow.

Ignoring feedback: Feedback from peers, editors, or readers is valuable for improving your writing. Be open to constructive criticism and use it to enhance your work.

Lack of revision: Writing is a process that requires revision. Avoid the mistake of thinking your first draft is perfect. Take the time to revise and edit your work to refine your ideas and enhance the overall quality of your writing.

By being mindful of these common mistakes, you can strengthen your writing and create a more compelling and polished piece of work. Good luck!

Categories
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Writing Prompts

Writing Prompts

Photo by Min An on Pexels.com

Make a List

Making a List is essential to your writing. As tedious as it may be for the impatient writer, organising your thoughts can open the floodgates into characterisation, world building, plot, setting, arc building, and goal building. 

Without the last two in particular, your story will fall flat and lack ambition.

Move

When I talk with writers and their problems with ‘writers block’, I often encounter two things. The first is the writer sitting hour after hour at their desk. The second is the characters in the WIP are also sitting stagnate.

The writer needs physical exercise. MOVE! Explore your neighbourhood. Find the hidden paths. Find the scars in your city. In turn, these discoveries will feed your writing, and your characters should start talking to you.
​
Make sure you listen.

Find the Need

What needs does your character have? What are their intentions, their ambitions and their hurt?

What needs does your story hold and project to readers? What’s the end goal? Why is the end goal important? What are the ramifications?

​Find the Need and you’ll find the story.

Find the hidden paths. Find the scars in your city. In turn, these discoveries will feed your writing, and your characters should start talking to you.

Raise the Stakes

You’ve finally fleshed out and written your first character hurdle and incorporated the struggle into your plot arc, but something is invariably missing . . .

When this happens, be cruel to your fantasy friends. Raise the Stakes. Find that darkness. Place your characters in a position you yourself would dread. Force them to survive.

Study a Photograph

Depending on your genre, the photographs you study will vary.
Historical images can present contemporary problems in a new light; landscapes can open the author to new lands and adventures.

Let your mind run free. Follow your instincts and look for the fine details. You never know, someone or something might be looking right back.

Find the Music

Many successful authors have a theme to their book – and we’re not talking about plot and character.

Music has been around for as long as storytelling, and it makes sense to find your story’s beat. Create a list of songs fitting for your WIP and let the lyrics and mood help set the tone as you write. 

Place your characters in a position you yourself would dread. Force them to survive.

Set Limits

Establishing a daily word count is essential for your writing career. Hold yourself accountable but be kind to yourself. A daily limit of 5000 words IS NOT a realistic option for most.

Start small. Focus on the end goal. Even 250 words a day will get you a manuscript in 12 months’ time.

Get Specific

A reader expects details. Details of smell, sight, touch, emotion and ambition. Details without being overwhelmed with three pages of description. 

Verbosity is just plain showing off and will derail you from this goal. Write in simple, accessible everyday language, edit out unnecessary words, and most importantly, don’t assume your reader ‘gets’ it in the same way you do.

Zooming In and Out

Zooming in and out from the details used when being specific is a great tool in presenting the bigger picture.

Think of your writing as a photographer. Zoom that lens in to capture those creases around the eyes frowning; zoom out when you’re done to show why they’re so upset.

Start small. 250 words a day will get you a manuscript in 12 months time.

Study Opening Lines

By studying the opening lines of writing greats, you’re tackling writer’s block head on. (You may also stumble across another great book to read).
Opening lines prompt your brain to think like a published author. Study the structure, the language and use of description. How is the story established quickly? Where’s the hook to hold the reader? How is it inviting you to stay? Study the ‘voice.’

​If you’re feeling adventurous, take the opening paragraph and craft your own story in a writing exercise.
​It might kick start a new manuscript.

Create a Conflict

Creating a conflict goes hand in hand with the book’s story arcs. Without a conflict driving your story, the book will fall flat.  

Conflict makes your characters relatable. Your protagonist/antagonist needs a goal to move them forward, and without the conflict to stand in their way, there’s no connection with the reader’s own memories. Conflict dramatizes ambition and the character’s personality and places the characters and plot into a familiar world. 

This writing prompt relates to #1 Raise the Stakes. 
​
Make your characters suffer, people!

Write a Letter

The act of writing a letter doesn’t have to be tedious or boring. It should be insightful. 

Write a letter from your antagonist’s point of view. What would they say? Who would they address? What are their goals, their concerns, their secrets?

Do this for your main characters. Have them address each other or even the reader. Get inside their minds.

Conflict dramatizes ambition and the character’s personality.