Category: plot
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Applying Occam’s Razor to creative writing (plot twists, style)
Occam’s razor is the idea that if there is a simple, intuitive explanation for something, it is preferable to and more likely than a more convoluted explanation. In terms of plot, as I’m sure any mystery writer could tell you, this means you might want to keep these basic points in mind: In terms of…
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Should you write to meet genre expectations?
I don’t know if there is a concrete, one-size-fits-all answer to this question. But for what it’s worth, here are my thoughts. We all know different genres have different expectations, including, but not limited too: So, should you write to meet genre expectations? If you care about being marketable more than you care about the…
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Is it possible to write a first draft TOO fast?
I’m not saying there’s a definite answer to this post’s titular question. It might well depend on a writer’s individual style and preferences–what nurtures their creativity and feeds their spirit. But for me, the answer is absolutely YES. I did NaNoWriMo (or National Novel Writing Month) once, eleven years ago. I don’t plan to ever…
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My most memorable experience writing as a pantser
The reason I write without an outline is because, honestly, an outline would spoil all the fun for me. It would ruin the excitement, the joy, and the surprises of writing and turn it into work. The best memory I have that can show the joy and enjoyable chaos of writing as a panster comes…
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“Persuasion”: How Jane Austen hooked me despite comparatively low stakes
I like to read a variety of things, and I just finished a re-read of “Persuasion” by Jane Austen. I last read it some 18 or so years ago. Even knowing how it would end, I didn’t remember the plot very well. Even if I hadn’t read it before, it’s clear from the very beginning…
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The literary device that is your best bet to craft either COMEDY or SUSPENSE
You wouldn’t think there’s a tool in the writer’s handbook to help you to create either comedy or suspense. After all, laughter and fear are on opposite ends of the emotional spectrum. Yet, it’s true: there is a literary device that is a surefire way to lighten the tone with some great, unique comedy (just…
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Creative writing as a Pantser: the good, the bad, and the ugly
I love writing as a pantser. I love not having an outline. I love not knowing what will happen. I love letting the characters guide me. Whether you’re a pantser, a planner, or something in between, there is no single right way to write fiction. I always say whatever works for an individual author is…
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The theme of providence in fiction
A lot of my favorite novels feature providence as a theme. Inserting providence as a noticeable theme in your work can be dicey, because if it’s done poorly, or overdone, it’ll just look like a poorly written piece of slop where unrealistic coincidences abound. It could also come across as preachy and saccharine and unengaging.…
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What all the great stories have in common
One of my favorite quotes from G.K. Chesterton–and he just may be one of the most quotable men who ever lived–goes like this: “Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed.” This is a great introduction into what all…
Creative Writing with the Crimson League 