Development - Rules of Writing, Confusing

29 June 2012, Development - Rules of Writing, Confusing

Introduction: I wrote the novel Aksinya: Enchantment and the Daemon. This was my 21st novel and through this blog, I gave you the entire novel in installments that included commentary on the writing. In the commentary, in addition to other general information on writing, I explained, how the novel was constructed, the metaphors and symbols in it, the writing techniques and tricks I used, and the way I built the scenes. You can look back through this blog and read the entire novel beginning with http://www.pilotlion.blogspot.com/2010/10/new-novel-part-3-girl-and-demon.html.

I'm using this novel as an example of how I produce, market, and eventually (we hope) get a novel published. I'll keep you informed along the way.

Today's Blog: To see the steps in the publication process, visit my writing website http://www.ldalford.com/ and select "production schedule," you will be sent to http://www.sisteroflight.com/.

Here are my rules of writing:

1. Don't confuse your readers.
2. Entertain your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.

"Don't confuse your readers," envelopes the main rules of communication in writing.  This rule applies first to language, grammar, and punctuation--you have to have these rules down pat if you wish to write.  These are the basics of writing, and if you don't have them down, you can't be successful as a writer. 

There is more to communication in writing than the basics.  Communication in writing means understanding and using symbols and metaphors from the culture you are writing in.  Sometimes when you read material that seems to be weak and unexciting, many times the writing lacks cultural perception and understanding.  This is especially true for writers who are foreign to the language they are writing in.  A lack of cultural understanding will confuse you readers and points to this very important rule about the use of symbols and metaphors. 

I wrote about this before in terms of history and cultural understanding.  I'll write more about cultural understanding and the rules of writing. 

There is much more to writing without confusing your readers. I'll write about that tomorrow.

I'll repeat my published novel websites so you can see more examples: http://www.ldalford.com/, and the individual novel websites: http://www.aegyptnovel.com/, http://www.centurionnovel.com/, http://www.thesecondmission.com/, http://www.theendofhonor.com/, http://www.thefoxshonor.com/, and http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.