Mary Sue is a term being thrown around a lot on social media these days. But what is a Mary Sue, and why should we as writers try to avoid creating one?
Continue ReadingOn the Mary Sue
Craft 11. Final Thoughts
In the previous ten installments, I discussed the basics of writing story. In this craft analysis I will discuss more advanced topics, such as ambiguity, integration, themes, and motifs. It goes without saying that the previous ten installments should be read prior to this one.
Craft 10. Voice and Style
This craft analysis will examine two closely related topics: style and voice. Style might better be considered a subtype of voice. Voice generally refers to the overall nature of the prose, including things as diverse as genre, pacing, description, grammar, and spelling and punctuation. Style, which can influence any of the previous things discussed, has more to do with the nature of the voice itself. The distinction between voice and style will be explained more fully in the following sections. Continue reading “Craft 10. Voice and Style”
Craft 9. Point of View
This craft analysis will examine point of view. Point of view is the vantage from which the reader experiences a story. There are three main points of view, which are referred to as first, second, and third person. Stories are typically written in only one of these three.
Craft 8. The World
This craft analysis will provide an overview of the literary world, including guidelines for how to set the rules for your world and tips for how to manage scope. Let’s begin by defining the term world as it relates to literature. A literary world is a framework that provides a backdrop for the characters and a sense of scale for the reader. A world can be as humble as a hotel room or as grand as a galactic empire.
Craft 7. Dialogue
This craft analysis will provide an overview of dialogue, including guidelines for writing dialogue.
Dialogue consists of gestures, thoughts, and spoken language.
For Starters
If you are just beginning to write dialogue, it is important to become familiar with a few guidelines. Good dialogue usually…
Craft 6. The Scene
This craft analysis will provide an overview of the scene, the fundamental component of a story’s structure. A story can be broken down into either many scenes or few scenes. Scenes consist of settings, characters, dialogue, and actions. Continue reading “Craft 6. The Scene”
Craft 5. Drafting
This craft analysis will provide an overview of drafting, the period of development that begins with the first draft and concludes with the final draft. Drafting is a fundamental component of writing, and accounts for over ninety percent of the writing process.
If you want to be a writer, you must accept the responsibility of revision. Drafting is revision, the act of re-imagining or reconsidering the important aspects of your story. Drafting begins with the first draft.
Craft 4. The First Draft
The first few articles in this series on craft simply introduced you to some of the terminology associated with creative writing. This article and the ones that follow will explore these writing topics in depth.
This week’s topic is none other than the shitty first draft.
Craft 3. Characterization
This craft analysis will provide an overview of characterization.
Characterization is the art of character development. Characterization consists of personality, desire, agenda, and dialogue. This analysis will briefly introduce each of these topics and explain how to use them within the framework of a story.