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.
Here are my rules of writing:
1. Entertain your readers.
2. Don't confuse your readers.
3. Ground your readers in the writing.
4. Don't show (or tell) everything.
Developing ideas isn't as difficult as many people imagine. Just think of all the really stupid books out there. In fact, if you try to encapsulate some of the most profound works, they can sound kind of silly. As novels and themes become more complex, this is what you might expect.
Themes and literature are becoming more complex. This is sometimes difficult to fully comprehend. We read a really great author, like Shakespeare or Charles Dickens, and we can't imagine works of greater quality or skill. The reality is that Shakespeare and Charles Dickens were both amazing authors because of their use of symbols, culture, and language. Many critics have complained that Shakespeare, especially, used and reused basic themes and plots. Basic themes and plots in the hands of a master produce outstanding literature.
Today, even if you are a master writer, you won't be able to sell that kind of stuff. Themes today need a touch of the unique. This is why I attempt to be unique in my themes and plots. This really takes creativity. Still, themes and plots are definitely becoming more and more complex. You should expect this, literature has become more complex. The use of symbols, culture, and language by authors has stagnated and in many cases degenerated, but the complexity of ideas and literature has grown--it will continue to grow, that is increase in complexity.
To develop a theme, take a simple theme idea (look at Shakespeare for ideas) and make it more complex. Make it unique. Add fantasy and science fiction. Turn a basic idea into a fantastic idea. This is creativity and this will produce something worth writing.
Once you have a theme, you need to begin to visualize your plot, stabilize your theme, and focus your characters. More tomorrow.
I'll move on to basic writing exercises and creativity in the near future.
The following is a question asked by one of my readers. I'm going to address this over time: Please elaborate on scene, theme, plot, character development in a new novel creation....ie, the framework, the development, order if operation, the level of detail, guidelines, rule of thumb, tricks, traps and techniques.
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, http://www.aseasonofhonor.com/.
No comments:
Post a Comment