I have signed up for my third summer as a volunteer stroke and turn judge for my children's swim team. Recently, I went to the mandatory meeting, was handed a print out of several pages of the league's rules and regulations. As soon as the meeting started, my brain promptly switched gears to focus on the rules and regulations of creative writing.
In writing, we are often told to follow the rules. To send a pitch, include this. For a letter of introduction, include that. You'll look like an amateur if you do this; a pro if you don't. Write what you know. Don't use flashback. Use flashback. (I think you get my point!)
Writers in school or in their profession often start with the edges where we dare not cross over. The more comfort one can draw from the rules and the structure, often the more freedom one feels to break the rules. Sticking a toe over the edge. Testing the waters.
When in graduate school, one of my professors was Stan Colbert, who often regaled his classes with his experiences as an agent. Colbert explains that he represented Jack Kerouac, who came to the Sterling Lord agent with a 120-foot scroll that was his early manuscript for "On the Road."
Yes, a scroll. Even in the 1950s, I'm pretty sure "submit manuscript on a scroll" was not in the how-to manuals on succeeding as a writer.
During my revision, I have sometimes tried to capture the rules--following them to try to tease forth the best revision I can. For example, in the early part of the novel, I've been told not to use a flashback. But with each revision (and I've now lost count which revision this is), I've yet to find a strong way to explain one character's current state without slipping in some flashbacks.
When talking to a friend about this, she dropped the names of some books that use flashbacks. Published books. Books that ran the gauntlet and still saw publication without following all the rules.
So, for swimmers and writers alike, my point is: follow the rules, as much as you're able. But, as you grow and become stronger and more confident, there is some wiggle room.
What rules do you feel like breaking today?
Elizabeth King Humphrey, a writer and creativity coach, is in the midst of the 2010 WordCount Blogathon at The Write Elizabeth.
Watch your delivery of backstory ~ the story of what (in the past) made the characters who they are today (in story time).
Writers want to cram everything right up front.
"I know all their history, why would I want to withhold it from the reader?"
"I wrote it that way."
"It's the good part."
Writers spend lots of time imagining and writing every little detail about a character's past, be it for a child or an adult. So, of course, writers would want to tell everything right away. Perhaps, in the process, even show off a bit how clever they are. Until, one understands how curiosity works.
Not telling everything makes the reader curious. Curiosity draws the reader deeper into the story world. The reader wants to fill in the "who," "what," "how" (the "where" and "when" have already been clearly established right up front to ground the reader). They keep reading. This is good.
Tell the reader only what they need to know to inform that particular scene. This is especially true in the Beginning (1/4 mark). During the first quarter of the project, the character can have a memory. But, for a full-blown flashback, where you take the reader back in time in scene, wait until the Middle.
(PLOT TIP: If you're absolutely sure you absolutely have to include the flashback, try using one when you're bogged down in the middle of the middle.)
Writer's Digest Has a New Online Bookshop...
If you like Writer's Digest Books (and I hope you do because CWIM is one of them) and you like cheap books (and who doesn't?) you should check out our new Writer's Digest Shop.
Some cool things about the new Shop are discounts (20% off or more), free U.S. shipping if you spend $25, and a Member Reward program which is cool in that once you spend $100 you get an additional 10% off all the other stuff you buy from the shop in the future. And since the shop just had it's grand opening, there's an extra 10% off any books you order before April 15th-- which makes the 2009 CWIM a real bargain. Here's the secret 10%-off code: WDPB
0309.
There's an area featuring writing books focusing on Children's & Young Adult (published by WD and others), but also an array of other great offerings including our Elements of Fiction and Write Great Fiction series which everyone seems to love. And Jane Yolen's wonderful title Take Joy is currently on sale for $7.50.
P.S. Check out the new Writer's Digest Community Facebook page. We need fans.
P.S.S. We've got a survey open about online writing courses and we'd love to have your opinion. It's only 10 questions, so if you have a minute click here to take the survey.
The Vancouver Public Library seeks applicants for their fourth writer-in-residence. Term: August 11-December 12, 2008. Open to Canadian citizens with at least one critically well-received title published professionally (complete work of fiction, short stories, poetry, drama or literary non-fiction). Remuneration:
-$4000/month (contract position). Deadline: January 18, 2008. For full details, contact Barbara Edwards at [email protected].
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Funny. I have never thought about the rules when I am reading; and I read a lot. Does the average reader really pay attention to rules or even realize there are rules? I think a good author is one that can draw you in, keep you interested and p#$$ you off that you have reached the end. I think the rules just crushed my pipe dream of ever being a "real" writer.
An average reader may not pay attention to the rules, but they are there.
I agree, a good author is one who draws you in and keeps you interested. They also know how to use any rules to their advantage...or bend them well.
Don't think of rules crushing any dreams, but as guidelines to help plot and craft your narrative.
Thanks for your comment!
Elizabeth