I read over different strategies on how to improve my writing.
The internet states I must write every single day. 750 words to be precise. Contrasting opinions state that I must take a step away. Let the process unfold as it will. I’m not sure which one to believe.
Writing a book is troubling. It is an arduous task, trying to decipher so much information and ideas into a consolidated draft of words. I look at all of the different techniques and efforts that seasoned writers offer to people. I also see the trouble with trying to find a decent literary agent who might decline or refuse to help you in the pursuit of such an endeavor.
Cutting corners to turn a profit. Conforming to industry standards that preclude and censor certain types of art. Culling words to minimize thought, and keep the reader on track. All of these are necessary problems to be address while writing.
In self-reflection, two things stick out. Consistency with writing, and formulating an ending.
One strategy calls to brainstorm the entire manuscript from beginning to end. Look over the ebb and flow, and logically present them. Tradition demands a metaphor and literary context. Show, don’t tell.
Show, don’t tell.
This one line made me revamp my manuscript. Currently, there are over three pages for the first chapter alone.
The subsections of each chapter paint a picture for the story while utilizing certain elements of fiction. What do I mean by fiction?
In creative writing, one of the paragons is a metaphor. I always love creating a scene that creates room for some level of interpretation. Articulating contentious ideas. In writing, the reader chooses their outcome.
In the movie “Arrival,” the audience sees the ending of the film, in the opening sequence. This defies most traditional story matrices. The plot of the story electrifies controversy.
The main character knows her future daughter will develop an ailment, which leads to the child’s demise. The mother, the lead protagonist, is armed with the knowledge of the future. By her own choice, she deems it necessary to still have the child, even though she knows her child will pass away.
If armed with the same knowledge, what would you decide? Would you still deem it worthy? Experiencing all the good, all the heartache, that comes with losing our offspring? Even though the future is already predetermined, would you still go through with it?
This is why stories like “Arrival” are so great and get so overlooked. People are encumbered through superficial writers in Hollywood science fiction. There are so many deep, beautiful layers to the entire plot. I understand, that the more complex a story, the harder it is for an audience to follow.
Through my own story, I’m trying to find the balance between writing an amount that beckons the normal reader. At the same time, also pandering to the dramatic themes that insightful readers need.
The “x” and “y” axis of controversy, decision, plot, flow, and event.
I need to structure my story that contains the correct elements of struggle, ethical dilemma, controversy, and redemption. What does this all resemble?
Composition. The structure of any novel or photograph. The framework for keeping our ideas and mind in check. While this helps to keep things in check, rules are also meant to be broken.