r/WritingPrompts • u/[deleted] • Jan 18 '17
Off Topic [OT] Wokshop Q&A #10
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1
Jan 18 '17
Okay so I've learned a valuable technique recently. It's not even a technique, it's a very basic thing but being able to break it down as you watch/read something is different. The gist of it is this: when coming up with plot beats, instead of "This happens, then this happens, and then this happens...etc" it should be "This happens, however...this, and therefore......that." It clicked for me as I was watching Arrested Development. The way that that show works in so many overlapping circles is incredible, and this little template is present throughout.
So my question is, how many of you notice this pattern as you write? How do you make it easier for yourself to work in this pattern? What questions do you ask yourself? Thanks.
1
Jan 19 '17
Ooh, plot patterns! I love picking them out of movies and tv shows.
I'm sorry to say that I, myself, don't have an answer for you. So far, I haven't noticed myself writing any of these patterns. I can imagine all the difficulties. I'm curious how other people work around it.
2
u/ochitaloev Jan 18 '17
Okay, so a serious question. No wok.
When I write I always feel like I have to have so much background information in to explain the situation and character to the reader, and I feel like it takes away from the readability of the text. :/ Any advice on how to manage this?
2
Jan 19 '17
One idea I had while reading this, is that you could keep a notebook handy as you write. If you reach a scene where this is happening, try writing the plot, but in the notebook record your background information. My though is if you record the background you won't forget it, and if you go back to edit in the future and find that particular scene sparse, you can try adding some of it back in.
I always hear the tidbit of "if you want a complex character, create a list of 20 things the reader will never know". I interpret it as, if you withhold information, it will still have the in depth feel.
^ I hope this makes sense. I think it would be useful on a longer piece. But maybe it could apply to a short one also?
2
u/driftea Jan 18 '17
Maybe your style is different, but I feel that background info can be treated more loosely? I get readability by having markers like char intentions>emotions>personality as the most important info to definitely put down because I feel that people can relate to that easiest no matter how weird the situation/context. Then background info can be put in if it doesn't break the flow of the text (you could try narrating it to yourself in your head to check this). I like having background info when chars are having a natural pause in conversation/purposely observing their surroundings/appearance of self or others to think certain thought/as intro or end. Again, your style of writing may be different from mine. Just saying this is what I prefer doing.
I like writing fantasy/scifi so I get what you mean about wanting to pack in details about the whole, possibly very alien everything :p
2
u/It_s_pronounced_gif Jan 18 '17
It's something I struggled a lot with when I started and still continually try to improve.
Try to pick out everything that is important to the immediate scene and the next scene (but mostly focussing on the immediate). Set a goal for each detail you want to include and ask yourself:
Does this set the atmosphere?
Do these details progress the story or characters in a meaningful way?
Are these details needed to be told RIGHT NOW in order the story to make sense?
Aside from atmosphere, most details and background information can be integrated into the story as it's being told and usually doing so will make the story flow better. It also helps break up blocks of description so the reader still feels like the scene is continuing instead of it being on 'pause' while all the details are being explained before anything happens.
Hope this helps a bit!
2
u/ochitaloev Jan 18 '17
Hello, may I order a vegetarian wok dish, please? No stinky tofu! What can I use as a substitute for celery?
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u/coffeelover96 Jan 18 '17
A little late in the day, but I would like to know strategies that people use to practice often. Do you force yourself to write? If so is it for a set amount of time? Do word sprints work? What's your motivation?