Short Story Secrets:
Simplicity ~
Maintaining elements of simplicity in your writing maximizes the readability of your fiction. Following the Rules of Simplicity will help you tighten your prose and will help heighten the drama of your story. Tight, concise writing brings stories alive for your readers, offering them clear action and sharp imagery. It helps you keep your writing focused, training you to trim down rambling sentences, to remove weak verbs and extraneous information that bog down the story.
Just what are these Rules of Simplicity?
I've listed them here for you. They're practical and simple:
Rules of Simplicity
Simplify Your Story even before you write it. Have a clear view off your tale from your Opening Scene/Paragraph/Sentence to your Closing Scene/Paragraph/Sentence.
- Use Active Voice.
- Use Short Sentences.
- Use Specific Verbs & Concise Nouns, allowing them to convey strong images and meaning.
- Maintain the Concept of Singularity Throughout your Story ~
a Single Idea per Sentence
a Single Topic per Paragraph
a Single Purpose per Scene
and
a Single, Dominant Central Plotline Per Story you write.
Note: The above can be found in are The Elements of Style by Strunk and White, but I prefer to use The Writer's Little Helper by James V. Smith Jr. and the Handbook of Short Story Writing published by Writer's Digest as reference guides (they're less pretentious).
Comments
you're right and I do like those rules, makes sense. I was just a little grumpy, part combination crit groups, but mostly Robin Hobb. Ever read her? Fantatic idea, but the writing is so awkward I've finally given up.
So, yeah, was just a little grumpy is all, sorry.
Posted by: David de Beer | January 24, 2007 05:07 PM
These tips come from my review of a very resourcesful, info-packed book called, The Writer's Little Helper by James V. Smith, Jr.
It is designed by a writer/novelist for writers, and it is so very relevant for writers of any level.
For critique groups, everyone must remember, (and sometimes be reminded) they are in the group for feedback to help improve their writing. Approach pro sale members as both a writer & reader.
Ans although we writers tend to be protective of our work, most of us would rather have honest an honest critique than an ego boosting one.
The Simplicity Rules above come from this wonderful Writer's Helper.
Posted by: K. A. Patterson | January 23, 2007 08:26 AM
4a, is the one I have the hardest time trying to explain to my crit groups.
Ok, here's another problem though - I agree with a lot you say here, but how do you explain that to someone who has made pro level sales? And it happens, even at pro level, and they may be polite when you recommend (your post' rules), but why would they listen?
Posted by: David de Beer | January 23, 2007 06:30 AM