The Gap
Tell the Reader Why
One of the the most tricky part in writing a story is knowing the perfect mix of show and tell. So it’s not a surprise that this is a favorite topic I read about and like share to you guys.
Mooderino, one of the greatest blog ever, posted an article that talks about when to give information so that your readers don’t feel like they’re being duped. I’ve mentioned this technique in Book Review : The Book Thief and also in Four Levels of Showing and Telling.
You can read the article below:
“While showing, rather than telling, is an excellent technique when it comes to moments of action, drama and emotion, there are times when telling is a far more useful and efficient approach to take.
One of those times is when dealing with motivation. Why a character does what he does is going to be a key part of any scene.
It’s important that you make the reader aware of the character’s reasons as quickly as possible. As a writer, you may think you can withhold that information and that the reader will assume you will fill them in later and not be too bothered.
You would be wrong.
It’s incredibly annoying not knowing the reasons for a character’s actions, and it directly affects how you view what they’re doing. It’s much more difficult to engage or empathize with a character when you don’t know their reasons.
But it’s hard to show motivation, especially if there are subtle or complex reasons behind a character’s behaviour. And in most cases it’s just a matter of practical necessity.
Trying to ‘show’ that motivation wouldn’t be difficult and totally unnecessary. And not telling the reader until later would gain nothing and just make the story seem vague.
It’s obvious why aspiring writers often take the vague approach. The idea of not knowing what’s going on and then finding out seems like a narrative structure that will keep readers engaged, but it’s an artificial way to do it. If a guy is searching under his bed for something there’s no point in making a mystery out of it if all he’s doing is looking for his shoes.
There’s also the issue of POV. If the character knows why they’re doing what they’re doing, so should the reader (assuming we’re in that character’s POV). Not revealing the reasons just feels unnecessarily coy.
Of course, if the POV character doesn’t know why they’re doing what they’re doing then neither will the reader, but in that case someone should ask them (or they should ask themselves) why they’re acting in this way. You don’t have to provide an answer, but showing the reader you are aware of the lack of motivation will buy you time. Not for very long though.
Because often the reason writers decide it is worth allowing the reader to be confused is because of the extra sense of intrigue it produces. But in truth, as long as the character’s reasons are valid, they won’t be any more interesting by revealing them later.”
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John Green Reviews “The Great Gatsby”
Previously, we did a book review on The Great Gatsby. To be honest, I was not so enthralled by the story the first time I read it. But thanks to the all-so-famous-and-awesome John Green, I was able to dig down deeper and understand the theme of the novel.
Here’s a crash course on The Great Gatsby. Enjoy!
P.S.
Can’t wait for the movie!
When Gravity is Gone by Livia Nelson
Some content on this page was disabled on March 4, 2021 as a result of a DMCA takedown notice from Livia Nelson. You can learn more about the DMCA here:
Thoughts from a Grumpy Literary Agent
This site is probably one of those I’m sure to visit whenever I am online. I like the wit, humor, and sarcasm of whoever literary agent is running this page. Go check out SlushPile Hell and be informed on what not to put on your query letter.
Today’s Writing Advice: Less is More
I do agree that when I write, sometimes I get tempted to show off my (not so) vast vocabulary and go on and on with describing how the setting looks like or what my character is wearing. But when I read it all back I lose interest and feel like I’m wasting my time on something that doesn’t really make sense (unless you are a witness describing a crime scene then that would be very helpful.)
Today’s writing advice is short and sweet : Less is more.
Here are some ways to avoid stranding your reader in Description Land:
- Instagram Characters. When we meet people, we make an instant assessment. Unless we have all the time in the world to observe, our brains pick out the most important cues to store as memory. If you as writer belabor a description–say starting at the head and working your way to the feet, it may strike the reader as odd and well, boring. When you describe a character, think of what would hit you in an instant: red suspenders, unkempt hair, a nose ring. Try crossing out half or more of your modifiers (adjectives and adverbs). Work to describe the character sparingly, but in a way that gives the impression you wish the reader to take away.
- Weave Your Settings. As I’ve preached before, a setting quickly fades from the reader’s mind as dialogue and action take over. Instead of “chunking” all the description of a place in one spot (usually at the beginning of the scene), try sprinkling little reminders in with the action. EX: She pounded the mixing table, sending loose flour flying.
- Manage Those Details. A writer’s task is one of particular noticing. That is, you are not going to give each and every detail equal weight. By calling attention to the important details, you direct the reader’s focus. Thus, if you want the reader to see a character as generous or forgiving, you might show that person dressed inconspicuously. By contrast, a flashy dresser pushes the impression to one of self-centeredness, unless you do other things to offset it. In managing your reader, it really is true that less is more. Avoid over describing so that your story doesn’t get lost in the details.
Original Article: Escape to Description Land : Less is More
MacKenzie Rae on “Emma”
Emma seemed extremely familiar to me, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. A couple chapters in my friend saw me reading, and spilled, “that’s the book Clueless is based on!” Bingo. My favorite movie as a pre-teen reflected in early 19th century lit. LOL. I must admit that this kept me reading. The first 100 pages I found rather dull, but now that I could visualize the characters as a young Paul Rudd and a bleach blonde Alicia Silverstone, the novel brought a little smile to my face. “AS IF!”
As the charm of the Clueless ties faded, I found myself a bit perplexed. I wanted to love Emma, because I love Austen. But… hmm… I thought it was a bit silly. Well, silly for Austen, not silly for nowadays.
Emma thoughts:
1. Emma – One of the things I enjoy most about Austen’s novels is her ability to write strong, intelligent, logical main characters. Austen’s leading ladies may have a moment of poor judgement, or misjudge someone’s character (ahem… Darcy), but overall they are level-headed and good. Emma does not fit this bill. She may have a sweet nature about her, but she is judgmental and meddles in other’s lives. Sure, she learns her lesson in the end, but she annoyed me the entire book!
2. Predictable? – Maybe I’m just seeing patterns as this is my fourth Austen, but I found this plot much more predictable than the others. Especially everything revolving around Mr. Elton and Mr. Knightley… so obvious!
3. Too much down time – I greatly enjoy how carefully and subtly Austen’s plots develop and reveal themselves. The gradual nature of her novels makes them more realistic, and also makes the climax much more heartfelt and grand. This said, I think Emma had too much down time. I wanted more, and never got it.
Now that I got this out of my system, who am I to critique Austen? Even though I didn’t particularly like Emma, it’s leaps and bounds better than a lot of what you’ll read. I mean, come on! It’s a classic.
RATING: 3.5 stars.
“I Like Words”
When copywriter Robert Pirosh landed in Hollywood in 1934, eager to become a screenwriter, he wrote and sent the following letter to all the directors, producers, and studio executives he could think of. The approach worked, and after securing three interviews he took a job as a junior writer with MGM.
Pirosh went on to write for the Marx Brothers, and in 1949 won an Academy Award for his Battleground script.
BACK! But just for a while.
Well, hello there ! How have you been doing? Wow. How long has it been since I visited this blog? Was it over a month ago?
Anyhow, this will be just a short post to let you know that I am not abandoning That Blinding Spotlight. Not completely. Not in the near future.
Right now, I am just a little overwhelmed with work and other activities. Which is to say, I haven’t been on social media (FB, Twitter, Tumblr) for a very long time. That also includes being out of the computer for most of the time. That doesn’t mean however, that I won’t be back soon. Social media just don’t appeal to me for the time being. And I don’t have enough time to blog.
As soon as I get the hang of it (work and etc.), maybe I can go back to our regular Thursday posting. For now, I will try to do what I can. Just know that I will be back, SOON.
Will you still be here to welcome me back?
Update
That Simple
10 Signs That You’re a Writer
Once I came upon a post that reads “A writer doubts about him being a writer from 1 – 10000 times a day.” So to anyone doubting out there, here’s a check list for you!
RAIN
Happy New year everyone! Ready for another year of blogging with me? Let’s get moving!
When it comes to telling stories, we are used to describing things by how we see them that we sometimes forget we have four other senses we can use! Today’s story was my first attempt at the SENSE exercise. Here I chose to describe one of my favorite little things – RAIN. I encourage you to try this on your next story! What you need is to think about the senses. Write five paragraphs, each telling the same story/scene, but focusing on a different sense each time.
RAIN by The Escapist
The sun hides behind the thick, dark clouds above. People run in search for a dry shelter. The mother bird secures her hatchlings under protective wings. Beads of water begin to gradually fall from the sky. Slowly after, it pours heavily. Hazy and foggy are the best words that define the scene before me.
I throw my umbrella, knock my shoes out and step outside the front lawn. The first drop on my skin feels cold and the damp earth is soft under my feet. The chilling breeze of the wind and the cool rain water encapsulate my body. Every pearl touch my skin in such a soothing sensation. I open my arms wide, lean my head upwards and close my eyes; letting every droplets douse me into a relaxing state.
After a while, my lips arch and part, welcoming the beads of liquid running through my thirsty throat. It is oasis to a desert, an ocean to a dry land. I taste ‘heaven’. It is pure, untainted and sweet – almost like nectar from a flower or honey from a bee.
At the same time, an aromatic scent of wood and of fresh-cut grass surround me. The oil from the rocks, the trees, the plants and the flowers evaporate into the air. I breathe in the ethereal fragrance and savour the ambrosial smell.
For once, the rest of the busy world is silent. All I hear are the raindrops beating on the grass and tapping on my skin in a rhythm. I open my eyes. Kicking the puddle and spraying water all over, I start dancing; I was rejoicing. The sound of my feet bouncing, the liquid swooshing, the falling beads tapping on my arms and head, my heart throbbing – they all create a melodic symphony.
Beautiful. I can stay like this forever.
The Gift Everyone Receives on Christmas!
Two days ago, we celebrated Christmas. People celebrate it for a lot of reasons. If I am going to ask you, and if you are going to be honest with yourself… why do you even celebrate Christmas?
Why put up all the lights and prepare a feast and give gifts and put on nice clothes? Why? Because it’s the birthday of Jesus. Yes, so what? Why do you care? Is it because it is a religious tradition? Once a year for the past 2012 years, why do everyone from all parts of the world have to celebrate Jesus’ birth?
I’ll tell you why.
On Christmas, mankind received the greatest gift ever given – salvation.
You might not realize it or admit it, but you need a savior. To free you…from your addictions, negative mindsets, unholy lives, love of material things, idolatry, filthy hearts – your life of sin. However pretty, successful, prominent, and wealthy you are, everyone is a sinner. Offensive? Truth.
Romans 3:23 says “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
We rejoice during Christmas because it is a demonstration of God’s love for man; that even as we are still sinners, He gave His Son to live, and then die on our behalf (Romans 5:8). The birth of Jesus signifies our redemption, our atonement to be right with God. Christmas is a chance, an invitation – to believe and accept that Jesus is our Lord and Savior.
Santa Clause was not born on Christmas. Frosty the Snowman did not walk on water, heal the blind, or resurrect the dead. Jesus did. Rudolph the red nose reindeer did not grow up and die on the cross for you. Jesus did.
And just how significant was the birth of Jesus? Even if you are an atheist, you can’t disagree that Jesus is written all over history – 14 AD, 1800 B.C are all in reference to His birth and death. When you read something that says “The Good Shepherd club”, “Prince of Peace Foundation”, you know it’s because of Jesus. Cities and streets like San Francisco, Santa Barbara, San Antonio – all point out to people who encountered Jesus. Common names like John, Mary, Peter, Paul, Matthew are all after Jesus’ friends. Can you see Him in Art? Of course, Michelangelo. Science? Oh hi there Einstein. Literature? Hey C.S. Lewis. And I could go on and on and on.
All of history and the world cannot deny the Jesus that has impacted us. And still after 2000+ years, His name is as powerful. If Jesus was not born, would all of history even be possible? I doubt it.
I hope you celebrated Christmas with a blast. It should be that grand! We should be that joyful! I pray that the real reason of this season brings you to Jesus – along with an unfailing hope, unchanging love, redemption and salvation. All you need to do is RECEIVE and BELIEVE that gift.
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Four Levels of Telling and Showing
Show don’t tell. How many times have we heard this advice? Thing is, the reason why this is a cliché is because it works. But there will come a time when you need to tell rather than show and vice versa. The trick is to master when to show and when to tell.
Better said than done. here are some helpful insights on how you can convey character emotions in four ways via telling and showing:
- Telling about emotion – This is the most boring way of expressing an emotion. You would only do this if you want your story to read like a sports commentator giving you the rundown on how a team responds to losing a game.
The coach is not happy! The defensive coordinator is apparently displeased. Tebow is crying now. Wow, what a game!
There are, however, parts of the story when simply telling is the best way to go. Will talk about that on the coming posts.
2. Telling via description – Using your eight senses by describing what they see, hear, taste, smell…etc. Little details help build the description and put your readers where they want to be, “in the scene”. Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is a best example. Another is from Dean Koonzt’s From The Corner of His Eye.
Junior shoved Naomi so hard that she was almost lifted off her feet. Her eyes flared wide, and a half-chewed wad of apricot fell from her gaping mouth. She crashed backward into the weak section of railing.
For an instant, Junior thought the railing might hold, but the pickets splintered, the handrail cracked, and Naomi pitched backward off the view deck, in a clatter of rotting wood. She was so surprised that she didn’t begin to scream until she must have been a third of the way through her long fall.
Imagined the scene in your head? A fair warning though : you don’t want to overdo this and have the entire story told in such a manner. Think variation and effectiveness.
3. Showing via character perception – Show character perceptions with the use of metaphors and symbolism.
Her voice made me cringe like the sound of a cat sliding down a chalkboard. Her mouth vacuumed up the last morsels on her plate.
That’s descriptive considering you’ve only used a few words. Be careful with this as you may start to see your writing become somewhat animated, and that’s not good, unless you’re writing for the sake of comedy.
4. Showing via visceral feelings – This is a technique where you convey the feelings of your characters through their primal responses to survival. These are internal observations of your characters and are not things they witness externally. The feeling in the pit of your stomach when you realize your child has gone missing is called a visceral response.
Her stomach froze and the sweat poured from her temples. The pounding of her heart reached her ears and pulsed like an air pump.
Too much of a good thing can wear your readers down so be careful when to use this technique .
You can use these four techniques in presenting your story to the readers. It all depends on the POV you are using and how and what you want your readers to know and feel.
Hope this writing advice helps! Keep writing and DFTBA!
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That Blinding Spotlight 