This week: I Make It Up As I Go Edited by: Storm Machine More Newsletters By This Editor
1. About this Newsletter 2. A Word from our Sponsor 3. Letter from the Editor 4. Editor's Picks 5. A Word from Writing.Com 6. Ask & Answer 7. Removal instructions
My fake plants died because I did not pretend to water them. Mitch Hedberg
I'm crazy and I don't pretend to be anything else. Calvin Klein
I like to pretend that my art has nothing to do with me. Roy Lichtenstein |
ASIN: B085272J6B |
Product Type: Kindle Store
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Amazon's Price: $ 9.99
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As writers, we've learned to do so many things, even if only for the reasons of a story. It's the small details that make it real for a reader, such as knowing that a guitar player's hands have specific calluses that are different from the ones you'd find on the hands of a gymnast. It's in knowing these little things that make it real to the reader, and we feel as if we're there and we're learning about these great new things, too.
Research becomes very important to us, because if I talk about riding a horse, I can't say a lot from my own experiences in trail rides. It would be of little consequence if I talked about someone riding bareback.
I wrote a story about two girls becoming mermaids, and it took a lot of finding those little details to make it real. Part of that is imagination, really, because I can't say that any of us is going to become a real mermaid. However, there are mermaid shows. People really do put on tails and swim in water as if they belong there. It's fascinating and there are so many things to learn from it.
Sometimes, though, I feel I have to take a step away from my actual working knowledge of the things I know too well. There are too many details that can bog down a reader who is unfamiliar with the entire concept, or who isn't as invested as you are. I find it is good to figure out what topics these are for me, and to have a trusted friend read them to make sure I don't tell you about how I painted every single screw before I put it on the spaceship. Your details might be different.
Mostly, what the reader wants is to be immersed into the story. Pick up your favorite books and notice where the details are and what makes it so gripping. Don't be afraid to take notes while you read your own story about where it might be too much or not enough. It'll shine when you polish it. |
| | Invalid Item This item number is not valid. #2250107 by Not Available. |
| | Invalid Item This item number is not valid. #2250093 by Not Available. |
| | Cave Hunters (E) A trio of children explore a flooded cave...although one has a different idea of fun. #2250056 by Wintersage |
| | Jack (E) Fantasy Unravelled Contest Entry May 2021 #2249859 by Lovina |
| | Invalid Item This item number is not valid. #2249784 by Not Available. |
| | Atychiphobia (13+) A man must face an ally turned foe, and his worst fear may become realized #2249408 by Jray |
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ASIN: B083RZJVJ8 |
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Monty
Agree, if there is enough action in the trip to the destination, it is a winner.
Some of the best journeys are yet to come. |
ASIN: B07YJZZGW4 |
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