Writing deeply
In my most recent blog I asked for suggestions for future blog discussions. Several of you posted some really fine ideas and I want to follow up on those for my next several blog entries.
First up is Paula’s concern. She said that she recently received a contract for a novella and “I’m intimidated about discovering how to write with beauty and depth in such a short world count….maybe you could blog about that: layering in beauty and depth no matter what the word count.”
Well, I’ll try, but I’ll also invite others of you to join in with your advice.
When we talk about things like “beauty” and “depth,” in writing, we’re talking about a writing style that touches the reader in a deeper place than most writing. (At least, I assume that’s what Paula means). We’re talking about touches the reader emotionally, too.
Without knowing specifics about Paula’s book, we can only offer general advice and let her apply it to her situation—just as I invite you to do with your writing.
Here, then, are some tips:
1. To write with depth requires reading with depth. Reading with depth will result in thinking more deeply. Thinking deeply should result in writing that’s deeper and richer than if our reading consists solely of The Wall Street Journal and People magazine. Find authors who touch you deeply. Drink often from their well.
2. Train yourself to become a “watcher.” Watch people. Watch nature. Keep your eyes open and translate what you see into mental writing. Mental writing is, of course, the writing we do in our head when we’re not at the computer. Most writers do this daily. They see something and immediately find themselves composing an article or story about it. Sometimes that mental writing will later transfer to a manuscript. Sometimes it’s just an exercise and will be lost forever. But keep doing it.
3. Keep a notebook. Some of my “deepest” insights are thoughts I had two or three years ago on the spur of the moment and which would have been lost forever had I not written them in my notebook. What fun it is to go through one’s notebook and stumble on some thought jotted down several years ago that now sparks a creative urge in you to put that thought in a larger piece of writing.
4. When you down at the computer to begin the day’s work, have at your side some book you deeply love (see number one above). Start the day by typing word for word what that author has written. It will loosen you up before you begin and, hopefully, you will pick up some rhythms from that book that will continue as you begin your work for the day.
That’s all I can think of right now. Perhaps others will add their two cents. And I may chime back in later too, if something more occurs to me.
I really appreicate this article. Thank you.
Nick, thanks for sharing your ideas. I’ve never tried No. 4, but plan to use that to warm up for NaNoWriMo. I’m very curious to see where it goes.
Paula’s concern got me thinking. Here are some thoughts.
Oftentimes, I’ve found I was disappointed in short movies and novellas because I didn’t spend enough time with the protagonist to care about her problems. Perhaps Paula could focus on one character, as in have a plot line for her, and one plot layer. (In other words, allow for depth, but keep it simple.) Also perhaps writing solely in the protagonist’s point of view would allow enough “time” to care about that character.
Paula, have you considered writing in first person? This might stimulate some deeper thoughts for your protagonist.
I also like your #4 suggestion, Nick.
Great goal Paula has, and your suggestions are gold, Nick. I’m copying them into my notebook! I think following your suggestions will help us be better prepared to go deep as we write. A few things that help me when writing are:
1. Before, during, and especially after first drafting—consider what story element (perhaps a natural setting, a character’s simple action, a poignant exchange between two characters…) can you highlight, giving the reader a pause with an “Ahh” moment?
2. Write the first draft for story arc/plot. Then edit ruthlessly, cutting any redundancy. This will provide a bit of space to build some beautiful, powerful spots.
3. When choosing plot, character, setting details—make a list of possibilities, don’t just choose the first thing you think of. That’s likely the obvious one, which will come across as familiar—not beautiful or deep.
I think writing tight makes you have to consider words more carefully. Great example.
“For sale. Baby shoes. Never worn.”
Thanks for the post Nick.
At Mount Hermon last spring a multi-published author advised us to take a pen and paper and write word for word from a favorite book or author. She said the exercise of physically writing the words rather than typing them puts the rhythm of that author’s language into our brain. I tried it and was surprised at the effect it had.
This is a fabulous post. Thought-provoking and informative. I love the ideas, Nick. Some of them are greatly encouraging because they are things I do intuitively but hadn’t applied to this situation. Other ideas are brand-new, and I can’t wait to try them. I was praying again this morning about my fears and longing to write with excellence. This post feels like a special touch from the LORD, reminding me He’s right here all the way, leading me on this journey.
Thank you, Nick!
And thank you to everyone else who also offered advice. You’ve got me thinking . . .
Peggy, because of the house style and project type I can’t write in first person in publication, but I do love first person. I’m thinking some first person journaling between me and my heroine might help me find some of that beauty and depth, then I can translate it to the page in the expected 3rd person. Thank you for the idea!
Pat~Something that is interesting is that I’ve always used paper and pen to journal. When I was doing a lot of non-fiction magazine/free-lance writing I struggled because, frankly, I was tired of writing so much. I began to pull away from my journal time. This was difficult on many levels, including the fact that I seem to hear the Lord especially well when I have a pen in my hand so I was trying to discover intimacy and pathways for relationship outside of my writing. What I discovered is it didn’t help me want to write more to to take a break from my paper and pen time. It lessened my creativity and desire instead of giving more space for writing. Go figure. I also often record favorite phrases, Bible verses, etc. line for line by hand. Had NO idea that was teaching me rhythm! How encouraging!
Thank you, Mary Kay and Marci, great advice!
I, also, enjoy writing with depth. In the beginning stages of plotting, I find my characters to be shallow or with tight lips, refusing to let me in. Some writers “interview” their characters to find out what makes them tick, but I like to use the “Dear Diary” method. In the character’s own words, she journals her feelings with the understanding that no one will ever read it. This gives her permission to dig deep into her soul, which then, of course, gives me fodder to create a convincing character arc. At least, that’s what I strive for.
Nancy Rue, (author of Tristan’s Gap, et. al.) says she picks out notebooks that she feels her character would use. A fun, colorful one for the perky teenager. A leather-looking one for the executive. A Helen Steiner Rice journal for the mom seeking Jesus in her everyday life. Then, she writes in them as if she were the character. If you don’t want to go to the expense of buying notebooks, or if you prefer to type (as I do), you can use different fonts with different colors. Some Word programs have the ability to change page colors and textures to create unique stationery. In other words, use anything that will put you in the character’s skin. Just be careful that you don’t get distracted with creating the perfect notebook and forget to write. lol
Once you know what’s eating at your character, it’s easier to dive right into the story, preventing the “first 100 pages blahs” of character development. Of course, you may have to begin the first draft just to get to the point of convincing your character that she needs to journal her feelings. Then edit out the blahs to get to the good stuff.
Paula could read other novellas to see how other authors bring beauty and depth into a short word count. That’s what I would do to shortcut the process.
Funny, I just blogged about using rhythm in writing from the perspective of a vocalist-turned-author. :o)
So I will have to write deeply about a tabloid journalist to justify my addiction to People magazine? 😉