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Q: SD, I have so many
people requesting my help because I had published an Indi-Book that I don’t
have time to write, any suggestions? (more content!)
A: First resign yourself to three truths. The first truth
is that writing is a singular activity. It is extremely easy to fall into a
bubble where there is only the inside world you are creating and the outside
world is suspended. The second truth is that you must make an effort to allow
the outside world in for the single purpose to grow as a writer. No single
author can work in a bubble. They must have feedback, sharing of learn
knowledge with others, and sharping overlooked skills. The third and last truth
is you have a responsibility to pass on what has been given to you. Some people
have the talent and yet do not have the means. It is also true that there are
some with the means and yet lack the talent. When both sides of this coin come
together then there is something special. I know how you feel and so does many
people who produce content. The difference between those who are happy with
what they produce and those who are not satisfied and wish to become a better
artist is that they understand that in order for the student to become better,
he must become the teacher and the teacher is seldom surprised when he finds
himself the student once more. I suggest you place a limit on your assistance
and thank those who wish your attention, but inform them that you’re currently
helping someone at the moment and it would be wrong of you to take whatever
they have and not know when you can dedicate your undivided attention to them
as they deserve.
Q: SD, A friend of
mine is an author and said I need to work on my Point of View. I was too…(more).
Can you explain it to me?
A: Point of View or POV is the prospective of the person
telling the story or controlling any given dialogue. There is always the
running joke of someone speaking in the third person (speaking for themselves
as if they are another person) or breaking the fourth wall (speaking directly
to the audience or reader). however, in this particular case it is something
that takes time and a bit of effort to remain away who perspective is telling
the story. Where the most trouble starts with POV is when there is a
conversation with only two people. In this case informing the reader who is
speaking each sentence is tedious and unnecessarily prolongs the conversation
and disrupts the flow. This controllable problem is exasperated when there is
an overabundance of words to explain a person’s physical or emotional state. I
myself have to remain conscious of this and was pointed out by many who have
helped me become a better writer. What I had also learned is that saying a
person is angry is different than showing that a person is angry. Ie;
“I’m going to kill you!” Peter yelled furiously.
“Give it your best shot,” I said, “or you can come to your senses and release me.”
Vs
Peter’s face contorted as his pinned up anger caused his entire body to tremble. When he was finally able to say a word, they spewed forth from the depth of his new found insanity, “I’m going to kill you!”
“Give it your best shot,” I said, “or you can come to your senses and release me.”
“Give it your best shot,” I said, “or you can come to your senses and release me.”
Vs
Peter’s face contorted as his pinned up anger caused his entire body to tremble. When he was finally able to say a word, they spewed forth from the depth of his new found insanity, “I’m going to kill you!”
“Give it your best shot,” I said, “or you can come to your senses and release me.”
The POV is that
of the person Peter is threatening and Peter’s anger needs no further
explanation in the dialogue from this point on. Of course, that is unless he
had come to his senses.
Q: SD, A friend of
mine said the only way to write a book is to do an outline of my story first
and then fill in the gaps. What do you think?
A: I don’t think, I know. You are the captain of your ship
when it sets sail and only you can control the direction your journey takes
you. There are as many different ways to write a story as there are grains of
sand. Writing is not only an activity, it is also a learning process and your
manuscript is a living document that will grow and change constantly until it
is as you had imagined (or close enough). Think of it this way. If you know how
to get to a place only one way, what would happen if that way is no longer
available to you. Will you give up, or will you adjust, adapt, and attack? I’m
not talking about trailblazing (in a way it is), but putting an effort in your craft to become the
artist you imagine you can become. Think of it this way. If you have the skill
to take numerous routes to your destination, who can stop you and how will
these changes enrich your work and your skills.
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