Should Authors Step It Up at Explaining Their Stories?

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authors, bad endings, books, minor details, nitpicking, novels, poor character development, stories, story loopholes, subplots, telling a story, writers, writing

Not too long ago, I was having lunch with some friends when the usual topic of what book we were reading, or movie or TV show we were watching. Since many of us love either one or all of those mediums, we spent a good deal of time talking about them.

Image via Wikimedia Commons

Not surprisingly, this kind of conversation led to complaints on how a book didn’t explain something well, or a movie ended poorly, or a TV show had a subplot that made no sense. As the complaints went on, one of my friends said, “I think the audience is getting smarter. So writers are going to have to step it up and not get lazy.”

That sounds like a challenge. And a daunting task. I once discussed how it is common for writers of all mediums to cut to the chase in order to move storylines along. It makes sense why we do it. But are we being lazy?

If our endings fall flat, then yes, we are being lazy. If a character does something out of left field, then yes, we will have to explain how that person got out of character, so to speak.

But if a minor detail is not fully explained or developed, does that matter? And what if a major part of our plot leads to more questions that turn into a long list of possibilities, did we as authors not think out our plots well? Meaning, what if our plot creates a domino effect and makes someone say, “Hey, if that were to happen, then XYZ would happen. And this would happen. And why would not that happen? And how then would that happen?” – ad infinitum.

I agree that all writers need to take responsibility for everything they write about, but how much is too much when it comes to explaining our stories? Should we worry about minor details that really don’t effect our stories as much as we worry about major details? And how deep should we go when we analyze storyline ideas? I’m sure many of us wouldn’t want our readers to wonder about the storyline possibilities that we didn’t think about. I’d want to analyze the possibilities thoroughly before creating a story, and knowing I missed a minor detail or forgot about the chances of something else happening would be a little embarrassing for me.

But if we were to be extra careful, would we come up with any storylines?  I mean, if one thing cannot be done then neither of the other 10 plotlines, or else the domino effect will come up as I mentioned earlier. Maybe just taking a look at one possibility is enough rather than looking at a much wider picture. After all, wouldn’t we writers drive ourselves nuts if we looked at 20 different possibilities?

As for minor details, I think if they really don’t play a role in the plot or character development, then I don’t see the point in getting tangled up in them. Granted, it may be laziness, but it also may be necessary if they are simply meant to be minor details.

Now when it comes to endings, yes it is imperative that we writers get that right. We don’t like it when they’re terrible, so why have our readers feel the same way when they read our work? Same for character development gone awry or subplots not making sense. I’d say this is when the belief that writers should write a story they want to read comes in. We all don’t want a lousy story or maybe even a mediocre one, so why reduce our stories to that level? And if we are the type to nitpick at every little thing, then we should do the same to our work.

But I’m sure if we were to try that, not only would we give ourselves headaches, but we also won’t get anything done.

Besides, I think it is safe to say that every story ever told has some flaws. Look at the negative book reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. There’s always someone who will find something wrong with a book, no matter how many more think it’s excellent. Remember, writing is subjective. Does that mean laziness? No, it just means that there’s no such thing as the perfect book. We writers can try our absolute best, but we will fall short somewhere. That’s just the way it goes.

When to Put a Book Down – The Great Debate

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bad books, books, boring books, DNF, Goodreads, novels, readers, stories

I saw a poll on Goodreads last week that asked whether or not anyone puts down a book without finishing it, and if so, how long does it take? A later poll asked readers what drives them to put down a book.

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I’m a reader who has no problem putting down books that I am not enjoying. I truly do not see the point in going on if I am forcing myself to drag my eyes across the pages. Some readers are able to do this, and while I honestly see this as a form of torture, I do respect their choice. Because they can do what I surely cannot!

I usually put down books about one-third the way through. I’ve gone further for some, but not all. Usually one-third is the point where I know if I can take the story anymore or not.

My reasons for not finishing books vary. I once set aside The Tsarina’s Daughter by Carolly Erickson because I was so upset by all the historical inaccuracies in it. I know historical fiction novels take liberty with actual events and people, and I can tolerate some of that despite my inner history nerd coming out often. But with Erickson’s book, I felt there were so many inaccuracies that it was painful. The Russian Revolution is one of my favorite eras in history, and I’ve read a lot about Tsar Nicholas II and his family. What I was reading was nothing remotely similar to what I read in history books, so I became upset. It was too much for me.

I refused to finish Sophie’s World by Jostein Gaarder halfway through because of the sudden change in the storyline. It came out of left field for me and my mind was so boggled that I couldn’t finish. I also was beginning to get bored with the novel.

Other times, I was either bored with the story or couldn’t get attached to any of the characters. So once I read about one-third of those books, I knew I couldn’t go further, so down those books went.

I am still amazed by how some readers do complete books they are not enjoying. I guess the will to finish each book and see how it ends is the drive. If so, I give readers like that a lot of credit because they have more willpower and patience than me!

Am I right? If you are the kind of reader to finish each book you read despite not enjoying it, is it the will to see how it ends the drive for you? If I’m wrong, please tell me! And if you put aside books like I do, I’d like to know what drives you too.

 

Is Writing an Art?

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art, artisans, artist, artsy, artsy people, authors, books, creating, creation, creative, creativity, novelists, novels, stories, storytelling, writers

I’ve always wondered if writing is an art. I know it is a craft, but is it also an art?

One reason why I wonder is because art is considered something that we create. That would mean creating characters, their world and their conflicts, would be an art, right?

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But when we think of the word, “artist”, many think of a painter, dancer or musician. I get the impression writers are further down the list of potential artists.

According to Merriam-Webster, an artist is:

• one who professes and practices an imaginative art, or a person skilled in the fine arts.

Hmm. While telling a story is certainly imaginative art, it is not considered a fine art. Poetry maybe, but not fiction.

However, there’s this second definition by Merriam-Webster:

• one who is adept at something

So, in this way, if the writer is very good, writing can be an art.

But what is art, really?

It has so many definitions, not including the usual painting and dancing. Small talk is called an art. Coming up with a skillful plan is too, so is learning to assemble furniture. So, art altogether is being very skilled at something.

But can a writer be lumped in with the sculptors and clothing designers? Perhaps. Some stories require great imagination. I would say J.K. Rowling is more of an artist than Jodi Piccoult because she created a world not at all like ours. We don’t have magic or a boarding school for magic, with paintings talking to us. Jodi Piccoult’s worlds are much like ours.

However, to make your readers feel the emotion of your characters – that can be an art. I’ve always thought being artsy meant pouring your thoughts and feelings into your creation. So if we’re pouring those aspects into our stories, or expressing the feelings of our characters, that certainly sounds artistic to me.

 

Insecure Writers’ Support Group: #2 – On Self-Doubt

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book series, book trilogies, how to write a novel, Insecure Writers Support Group, insecurities, stories, the writing process, Trilogy, writing

I am taking part in the monthly blog hop, Insecure Writers’ Support Group. Started by Alex J. Cavanaugh, it is meant to do the following:

To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

I felt it was a good idea for me to do this. Not only does it give me an excuse to vent my fears the first Wednesday of every month, but it is nice that so many other authors are doing the same.

Entry #2

I really need to shut up and get a life. I keep having doubts over my trilogy and it is starting to get ridiculous. Sure, all writers deal with self doubt, but for me to analyze things to death is absurd.

Sometimes I wonder if I should contact consultants and beta readers, and ask if my story line for my trilogy The End of Eternity is intriguing enough and makes any sense. Of course, that would make me a whiny pain in the ass, and besides, some of those people charge money.

It’s just that while I was writing the first installment, I realize that not everything you think works for a story, will actually be well received. This is probably part of my maturity as an author. You learn to take your ideas and creations seriously and not be flippant about them. After all, they are a reflection of you. Yes, that is the brutal truth. Whether it is a reflection of you as a writer or as a human being in general is up to the individual who reads your work, but storytelling is a craft that cannot be taken casually.  Readers know when someone lazily crafted a novel and feel like they wasted their time with it. No self-respecting writer would want that.

So, how would I know if my idea for my trilogy would actually work? How would I know if I’ll be laughed and scorned by writers and readers alike? Would I ever be taken seriously again or be allowed to write a book again? (NOTE: by allowed, I don’t mean someone will stop me from publishing – what I mean is, would my name and work be so blacklisted as terrible that I could never recover?)

The most I can do is get my work critiqued as much as possible. I already take part in an online critique group that meets twice a month. I’ve joined a local writers group. I was part of a group that was the remnants of last year’s NaNoWriMo, but it conflicted with my schedule. I’m thinking about joining a website called Critique Circle for further help, but I’m a bit unsure of how that site works.

Thing is, I’ve learned the importance of getting as many eyes on your work as possible before you actually publish it. It is also good to find someone who understands what you hope to achieve and is a good beta reader or editor to help guide you. Once you find that relationship, never it let go! That has got to be a match made in heaven.

Anyway, I keep on writing, but I hope someone gives me the proper guidance if I want to continue growing as an author.