I understand completely that in order for a writer to hook a reader in, there has to be some sort of trajedy. A death, a massive setback, or a loss of some kind.
As I begin to write, I am reminded that there are many great writers out there with wonderful advice about building the elements within your work. There are some clichés, some uninteresting or uninspiring words and others that come across as vastly condescending. I think for direction and clarity, I find seeking out the words of those who have either been around for a while or have become quite successful, usually have the right wisdom to impart. Here is one quote from an author who’s been around for a while, which resonates with me.
“I try to create sympathy for my characters, then turn the monsters loose.”
Stephen King
In my short experience, what I have found with writing is that there needs to be an alignment with what has come before and rated highly. For me, one of the most important steps is right at the beginning of what you are writing by introducing a character to focus intimately on. It doesn’t necessarily have to be “the hero”, or “the villain” or the “love interest”, but someone to either warm to or instantly despise enough to create that emotional reaction and connection. This leads to the whole, “what’s going to happen next” hook explicitly connected with it. We then start this journey, whether it be for one chapter or the entire series of novels and then invest in that character. We are then connected by the experience and begin to empathize with them and their story. Hopefully at this point the hook is well and truly more than skin deep. Then, when you finally get to a point of absolute connection, out comes the preverbal samurai sword, and cuts your investment in two.
This can be a very bitter pill to swallow as a writer, but without it you may have nothing.
Without a connection that has struggles or ends in tragedy, it can often lead to an uninteresting narrative. This has been one of my struggles in getting the words down. I am often faced with the possibility with “killing off” a likeable lass or lad. On the flipside, to keep it real and engaging it is also a development that you also might want to steer away from or repeating endlessly if you don’t want to lose your reader. Insert Game of Thrones here. Don’t get me wrong, I loved that series. But when it becomes something expected, you are in danger of making the reader the traffic cop, always relied upon to turn up to a car crash. In your own anticipation you know there’s going to be a scene of dismemberment and chaos, but because you’ve witnessed it so much, you are now desensitized, and your feeling of hope disappears. It no longer has the shock value, and you no longer have the emotional connection in the difference between life and death.
What I hope to do is progress with what I have and create a universe that neither sleeps nor stops in its quest to entertain. I hope I don’t have to kill off a great character but if they have served their purpose, then it may be curtains for them. Alas, for the sake of the narrative. My characters are my babies, much like what I write. But I feel, at some point, I will have to set them free, and this affects my connection to them. And if i am feeling it, then the reader will as well.
I started with a question at the top. If you would like, click the “Ask Me” button anytime you think you may have a better idea with what I am planning. Or simply ask yourself that question with your own creation. My goal in my story writing is to make something relatable to all, yet unpredictable.
Mystery and disaster will breed interest. Interest breeds connection. Connection breeds passion. Bringing your reader along this path usually ends with a remarkable story.
Otherwise, it is onward and upward.
Mw.
mawallbank.com 