novel writing

The Head Hopper: Narration 101

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We’ve talked about multiple POVs and the importance of treating them with love; each character is a distinct person who has a unique personality worth sharing with the world. We’ve talked about having too many characters and working on who to cut from the cast; we know so many authors who have created beautiful narratives with more than two characters as their MCs…but sometimes it’s not done well.

Taking things in a different direction but still referring to multiple POVs, characters, and consistency…let’s talk about your choice in writing style (if you’re taking the route we are going to be starting a conversation for.)

Being a head hopper is fun! As the writer, you get to explore different minds and see your plot unfold in your tale through the lens of diverse brains. Sometimes, you explore a single mind for one chapter, then switch to a new persona in the next. You can even write from a completely unbiased point of view…

Okay, you already know what we’re seguing into: your narrator.

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It’s crucial to keep your narrating style consistent. Flopping between third omniscient to subjective/limited to objective to first person…all because it makes sense in the moment of the scene? No. Our brains hurt simply thinking about that. It’s a heavy example but it’s worth mentioning the most extreme of cases to get your editing eye trained on your work and how you’re choosing to narrate.

The question then becomes: Am I doing this?

If you are, you should further ask yourself which POV/narrator comes off the strongest of all. Whichever one it is: choose it. Stick with it. Rewrites are a pain but the goal, if this pertains to you, is to get the work recognized as worth for publication, so it’s worth the extra time…and love!

We believe in you!

A Magical Monday

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It’s always fun to do research, especially when writing. So, this Monday, we wanted to do some basic research for you on one of our favorite subjects in the fantasy-world: magic & magic-users.

Since there are so many different classes of magic, we decided to look at titles some of your characters might hold in your story.

  • Wizard: source of magic comes from books, learning, and practices.
  • Warlock: name translates loosely to “truce-breaker” and supposedly gets their power from a higher power (usually seen as an ‘evil’ entity.)
  • Sorcerer: power comes from within; “sors” Latin for “oracular response.”
  • Magician: in the paranormal or fantasy sense, magic is used for ceremonial purposes.
  • Witch: the female “wizard,” essentially.
  • Mage: magic-user but of an academic source.
  • Conjuror: magic used in the creation of objects.
  • Enchanter: magic is used to enhance items or charm people.

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Interview with a Fictional Character

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A great way to build realistic character development is to interview your characters. There are many different ways to go about interviewing a character. You could do a very basic overview (from the outside, looking in) and answer basic questions in a simple character template format.

Full Name

Birthday

Eye Color…etc.

So basic.

It’s like you’re filling out the census for them,  except you don’t have to worry about bubbling your answers in. . But, let’s say your character goes beyond that straightforward template, especially if it’s one of your main stars. What would you ask yourself about your character?

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Do they have a goal?

What’s their biggest flaw?

Do they have a religion?…etc.

You get the idea. We’re starting to dive a bit deeper here. Now you’re starting to take a step back and are starting to put yourself in their shoes to better understand their fictional life. They’re starting to come to life…THEY’RE ALIIIIIIVE!

Interview your character like I would interview Chris Hemsworth (as Thor) about Asgard or Gal Gadot (dressed as Wonder Woman) about forming the Justice League. Sorry (not sorry, it’s very relevant because of Infinity Wars) about the comic book/film references… moving right along!

Envision your character sitting across from you. Catch a glimpse of their mannerisms and body language in reaction to the personal questions you may ask.

Are you lying to yourself about something?

How did you meet your best friend?

What do you want your tombstone to say if you don’t survive this mission?…etc.

The more realistic the character becomes, the more you’ll question whether they exist or not. Make your reader believe!

Creative Writing Tracks 101

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You can read my advice and the articles I find all day long, but that doesn’t mean you are going to become a better writer because of it. You need to practice your skills, keep learning, and interact with other writers. Whenever I see a great development opportunity, I like to mention it here. You never know where you will find your next “A-HA” moment.

mediabistro

This time I came across two different writing “tracks” offered by Mediabistro. Full disclosure, they do cost money and they aren’t cheap ($999 to be exact). One focuses on novel writing, while the other one is for magazine writing. Each track consists of 3 different courses: 4 weeks of writing basics, 6 weeks where you choose a specialty you would like to focus on, and a 6 week workshop where you get expert advice/feedback. It seems like there is a ton of great advice packed into four months, so maybe that price tag is worth it (or maybe a whole new wardrobe is more worth it…). If you have never taken a writing class or had the opportunity to interact with a writing professional, this might be something to save up for. I have no idea what the class actually involves, who the “experts” are, or what people who have previously taken the class have to say about it. If you are seeking an intensive and structured writing course, this may just be for you. Mediabistro is a very reputable resource, so it’s definitely worth looking into. Learn on. Write on.