THE EXCITING JOURNEY OF Writing
a Fictional Book
"IT'S A LUXURY BEING A WRITER,
BECAUSE ALL YOU EVER THINK ABOUT IS LIFE."
AMY TAN
BECAUSE ALL YOU EVER THINK ABOUT IS LIFE."
AMY TAN
SHOW THE READERS EVERYTHING----TELL THEM NOTHING Ernest Hemingway I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’ve learned “show don’t tell” takes practice, practice, practice. Every fictional author’s biography shares one message in common. A single thread that will help every other aspiring author and that is read a lot.
Over the years I’ve read numerous books, but it was only until recently when I myself started writing that I questioned why certain books I’ve read have stayed with me for decades while others have not. I went back into my overstuffed with nonsense closet and pulled out a box of books I never gave away. I try to read 3-4 books simultaneously. A chapter in one, put it down, a chapter in another, put it down, and so on, and so on. I grabbed 3 books from my “refuse to dispose of box.” Each was a bestseller in their time and each became hit movies. WHY, I asked. So, I started reading them and paid close attention to the writing. MAY I SUGGEST: I keep a pad and pen with me while I’m reading for one specific reason. When I find a sentence that stands out and fits into “show don’t tell” I write it down. Every day I re-read my growing list to help me develop what I call a descriptive mind. The following sentences are some I have found interesting and helpful. I’m sure you will find equally interesting sentences in the books you read.
from: Anne of Green Gables, The Horse Whisperer, Bridges of Madison County, The Exorcist Don't tell me the moon is shining. Show me the glint of light on broken glass. Anton Chekhov |
AuthorRobert Stephen. Archives
September 2018
|