On Writing

The on writing category has articles about how to say stuff. Each article explores some element of writing and will give you tips, ideas or suggestions to improve your work. These musing fill up a quirky spectrum about the odd parts of how to write well.

It’s true that every writer, author and teacher has something to say about the art of writing. I’m no different. My hope is to explore, not instruct.

May 5 2021

Fiction Without Distractions: Fictional Dream – Part 2

On Writing

Write fiction without distractions. One of the most important skills to master is how to tell a compelling story. When a story is well-written it’s impossible for the reader to think of anything except the next word, followed by the next sentence and then the next page. To do this well the author must learn how to create a fictional dream.

“One of the chief mistakes a writer can make is to allow or force the reader’s mind to be distracted…from the fictional dream.” – John Gardner

How to Create Fiction Without Distractions

Sticking with the 5W’s, we started in Part 1, let’s explore the when’s and the why’s of how to create the fictional dream. What maintains the dream? That’s the question to answer. The simple truth is staying in the dream means there are no distractions.

A distraction is any aspect of writing that pulls the reader out of your story. Strive to avoid them. Before we talk about how to do it, let’s look at the two types of distractions. First, you might have an authorial intrusion, intentionally created by the author. The other type of distraction is unintentional. It’s the worst type because it breaks the dream in a way that might anger your reader. Let’s take a closer look at both types to learn how to create fiction without distractions.

Authorial Intrusion

Create a Fictional Dream: Avoid Authorial Intrusion An authorial intrusion happens when the author speaks directly to the reader. When an author speaks to the reader, they become a part of the story. When done well, it’s seamless and doesn’t really break the dream because the dream includes the relationship between the author and the reader.

Fortunately, today it’s very unlikely that a writer will interrupt the reader in this way. Although, I’m not a fan of author intrusion, there are some cases where it works. For examples, you might read:

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë – 1847
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens – 1843
Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut – 1973
Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne – 1850

Notice, except for Kurt Vonnegut, these examples come from the late 19^th century when authorial intrusion was a common tool used by many authors.

Example Authorial Intrusions

In Breakfast of Champions, Kurt Vonnegut seems to have a causal conversation with the reader.

As has already been said: Dwayne was a Pontiac dealer who was going insane.

Dwayne’s incipient insanity was mainly a matter of chemicals, of course. Dwayne Hoover’s body was manufacturing certain chemicals which unbalanced his mind.

Vonnegut writes as if the reader is sitting in the room with him. A more typical type of authorial intrusion is where the author refers to the reader. In books like Jane Eyre, the author might address the reader directly with statements like, Gentle reader, Dear reader or just Reader.

Gentle reader, may you never feel what I then felt! May your eyes never shed such stormy, scalding, heart-wrung tears as poured from mine.

Let’s take for example this excerpt from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens:

Scrooge, starting up into a half-recumbent attitude, found himself face to face with the unearthly visitor who drew them: as close to it as I am now to you, and I am standing in the spirit at your elbow.

Whose elbow is he talking about? Well, yours, the reader’s. This is one way an author can show up in the story. In this case, there isn’t a direct reference to the reader but it’s clear the author has included himself and the reader in the act of telling the story.

Unintentional Intrusion Prevents Fiction Without Distractions

Create a Fictional Dream: Avoid author intrusions These days, more often than not, intrusions are unintentional. Without wanting to, the author breaks the reader out of the story. This is worst than authorial intrusion because the writer doesn’t realize their mistake. In a way, they break the trance that story telling seeks to create and possibly cause discomfort to the reader.

Sometimes, distractions happen in first person POV when the writer shifts POV by popping into the head of another character. At other times, the problem occurs when the author billows down on the reader as if they speak as a god in the heavens.

Avoids Intrusions: Create A Fictional Dream Without Distractions

Example: First Person POV intrusion

I went for a long walk but felt chilly as I traveled down the sunny street. The days were growing longer. Summer would bring a needed break from school. I didn’t really care. Time was the enemy and I willingly marched towards my death.

“Good morning Jane,” I said pulling my coat tighter around my neck.

Jane eyed Frank, knowing he marched toward his own death, she didn’t want to upset him.

Intrusion Explained:

- - The first person POV is Frank’s not Jane’s.
  - How does Jane know what Frank thought as he walked along the street?

Example Narrative intrusion

I went for a long walk but felt chilly as I traveled down the sunny street. The days were growing longer. Summer would bring a needed break from school. I didn’t really care. Time was the enemy and I willingly marched towards my death.

Everyone should know there is nothing wrong with facing death. Only the bravest people can move closer to the end with dignity. I turned around and walked back to the house.

Intrusion Explained:

- - Who is saying, “Everyone should know…?
  - The statement doesn’t fit. The reader has to consider what the author means here.
  - Plus, it’s preachy. Why should everyone know? Is it a known fact, only the bravest people can move closer to the end with dignity?

What Does it Mean?

Problems like these are jarring. They upset the reader, and sometimes prevent the reader from finishing the book. Note how the above intrusions put questions in the reader’s mind. Questions that have nothing to do with the dream. Mistakes like these are costly. That’s why it’s best to never break the reader from the dream because when you do, you give the reader reason to stop thinking about the story.

Study these examples of intrusion to ensure you create a fictional dream without distractions every time you tell a story.

Fictional Dreams – Part 1

Fictional Dreams – Part 3

April 18 2021

How to Create a Fictional Dream: Part 1

Indispensable books, On Writing

“Fiction does its work by creating a dream in the reader’s mind” – John Gardner

If Gardner is correct, then writers must figure out how to create a fictional dream for the reader. Let’s explore Gardner’s idea. To provide the most comprehensive overview, this discussion has three parts.

In this post, I’m going to discuss how to set the stage for the fictional dream. In the next post, Part 2, we’ll look at keeping the reader in the dream. Part 3 is about how to make the dream vivid and continuous.

How to Create a Fictional Dream: Set the Stage

Think back to your favorite books. Did the story keep you spellbound? It had to. Regardless of the quality of writing, our favorite books have great stories in them. We remember those books. Whether they are fiction or non-fiction, the best books can have a magical quality that ensnares us.

What is the Fictional Dream?

Webster defines dream as “a state of mind marked by abstraction or release from reality.” That’s the writer’s job, to create a release from reality. Reading is a way to escape our own lives, to imagine ourselves as someone else, to see, hear, feel and touch with someone else. Every writer strives to create such an experience.

How does a writer succeed? A writer creates a dream if they capture a world in words. Every detail must stay true to the story and keep the reader turning the pages. We can use some of the best stories for examples of a fictional dream.

You may have a list, but I offer a few of mine:

Romeo and Juliet by Willian Shakespeare
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien

Create a Fictional Dream - Set the Stage

Who’s in the Dream?

Who is in your dreams? Are you standing alone doing nothing? I doubt it. Our dreams are full of action with people doing things. We see and interact with them. And sometimes, when we wake, the dream lingers. This is what a good book must do.

Your characters, no matter the genre, must resonate with the reader. That means, if your book is non-fiction the prose must make us feel close to the narrator or give the sense that we are experiencing or discovering the things the author discusses in the book.

Write true to life characters. Great characters will jump right out of your book and into the reader’s mind. The reader will see them and feel with them as they work through the conflicts you put in front of them.

What’s Happening in the Dream?

Can you have a dream where nothing happens? Probably not? Readers like to get tangled up. Make sure things are happening to your characters. Yes, we need to know what the characters are doing but also why they do it.

Tell us why that character walks down that fictional road. Maybe your characters are lost in a desert. Will they survive? Blanket the reader with the details. If you can make it so we cannot take our eyes off of them, you’ve done your job. However you do it, get the reader tangled in the action. Let the reader get sad with them, angry with them and more than anything emotionally tied to the decisions your characters make.

How will things work out? Only the writer knows. Whatever you do, be sure to take the reader on a journey. Slowly stir up and then unwind your story. Slide your reader down into the depths of your world. Stay there until the last page. That’s what makes a great story.

Where is the Dream Happening?

Both time and place contribute to the authenticity of a story. Take Lord of the Rings for example, the story takes place at an unknown time in unknown lands. But the setting seemed real and possible. Anyone who read and enjoyed the book, took up residence in the Shire with Frodo Baggins in his smial. Later, the reader would have trekked through Middle Earth, finding themselves on a great adventure. For me, it was a wonderous dream.

After I finished The Fellowship of the Ring, I started book two, minutes later. I couldn’t wait. During those teen days, mostly reading in my bed, I did very little sleeping because I had to finish the whole series. Tolkien knew how to design a dream.

Whether your story takes place in current day, right here on earth, or in the future on another planet, build a world for the reader to live in with your characters.

How to Create a Fictional Dream Part 2

How to Create a Fictional Dream Part 3

April 5 2021

Comma Splice vs Run-on Sentences

Aspiring Writer, On Writing

These days, many writers have comma splices in their work. I don’t know if it’s an issue of knowledge or a matter of preference. Either way, I’ve read novels where the author used comma splices thought the book. I’m left wondering if the trend is here to stay. I hope not.

The great thing about knowing the rules is that you can break them with confidence. However, when it comes to comma splices, grammarians say don’t do it. Nevertheless, if you decide to use comma splices anyway, do so sparingly. Personally, I prefer not to use them. Now, let’s jump into it, I’m ready.

What are Run-on Sentences?

A run-on sentence has two or more independent clauses without any punctuation. (i.e. Clause one clause two or for example, Now, let’s jump into it I’m ready.) If you want, read about fixing run-on sentences.

What is a Comma Splice?

A comma splice, like a run-on sentence happens when you join two independent clauses using improper punctuation. In the first case, the run-on does not have any punctuation, making the sentence appear as a single clause. Alternatively, with comma splices, a comma erroneously joins two independent clauses.

For example, the following, Clause one clause two, is a run-on sentence. Whereas, the structure, Clause one, clause two, is a comma splice.

Let’s look at an example of a comma splice: All men are created equal, we have certain inalienable rights.

Four Ways to Fix Comma Splices:

1. Use a period

Comma Splice: You’re the fastest runner, you’re not allowed to win

Fixed: You’re the fastest runner. You’re not allowed to win.

2. Use a semi-colon

Comma Splice: You’re the fastest runner, you’re not allowed to win.

Fixed: You’re the fastest runner; you’re not allowed to win.

3. Use a coordinating conjunction (g. and, but, for, nor, or, so, yet) with a comma

Comma Splice: You’re the fastest runner, you’re not allowed to win.

Fixed: You’re the fastest runner, but you’re not allowed to win.

4. Use a subordinating conjunction (e.g. after, although, as, because, before, even if, if, once, so that, though, unless, until, when, whereas, while) and a comma

Comma Splice: You’re the fastest runner, you’re not allowed to win.

Fixed: As you’re the fastest runner, you’re not allowed to win.

So, the fix is in. Now, you can check for run-ons and comma splices in your work.

February 5 2021

How to Write Great Sentences

On Writing

Whether you’re an aspiring or seasoned writer, you can always learn new ways to improve your work. In this post, we’ll talk about how to write great sentences using the universal formula for the English language.

The English language structure is Subject + Verb + Object. Therefore, all well-structured English sentences follow this pattern. Most of us learned about the SVO rule in grammar school where we wrote sentences like, Jack plays baseball. Although we know how to craft longer, more detailed sentences, it’s a good idea to go back to basics to understand how it works.

To begin, let’s look at how John Gardner, in his book The Art of Fiction, explains how to write better sentences. In English, there are three syntactic slots or as Gardner dubbed them, meaning units in most sentences. Naturally then, writing great sentences means learning how to:

1. Recognize each syntactic slot.
2. Load syntactic slots.
3. Avoid overloading the syntactic slots.

These simple rules will make your sentences longer, more complex and more engaging.

Use the Pattern to Write Great Sentences

1. The sentence pattern

First, the writer should map out each slot before constructing the sentence. This becomes very natural with a little practice.

Let’s use Gardner’s example for all three parts:

How to Write Great Sentences

We now see that the slots represent each part of the sentence. Before we move on, let’s look at the sentence in its simplest form.

How to Write Great Sentences

2. Load one or more slots to create complex sentences.

Slot one – The subject

Can you see how loading the subject slot extends the sentence and at the same time begins to bring it to life? In fact, the vividness explodes off the page and makes an ordinary sentence the start of a word painting.

Slot two – The verb

Now, leaving the subject without adjustment, the verb is loaded to make the words move around right in front of the reader. Here we see the old man coming down the road ragged, tattered but unwittingly happy.

Slot three – The object

Leaving the subject and verb alone, we can focus on what kind of road the man is walking down. In this case, the road becomes a real viable, vivid object to the reader.

Slots 1 & 2 – The subject & verb

Some authors will load up slots one and two. Those who do it well, keep the reader entertained causing them to lose themselves in the stories they write.

Here is Gardner’s example:

A Great Sentence from Chaim Potok

Potok, one of my favorite authors, knows how to load up sentences. Here is one of his sixty-seven words sentences:

The caps tapped against the stone of the steps, then against the stone of the top landing in front of the double door -and I remembered the old man I often saw walking along Lee Avenue, moving carefully through the busy street and tapping, tapping, his metal-capped cane, which served him for eyes he had lost in a First World War trench doing a German Gas attack.

– The Chosen by Chaim Potok

A Potential Great Sentence Setback

On rare occasion, one might load all the slots. It’s risky business. Personally, I like to choose one slot, and when needed two. Loading all three slots, might lose the main objective of relaying meaning. Three slots, full of information is just, more often than not, overkill. If you can keep in mind all the elements of your sentence then load it up.

3. Overloading all three slots

Loading all the slots.

Check out some of the best or perhaps some of the worst long sentences in literature.

Try making your own complex sentence. If you like, add your sentence to the comments.

Where to start: Jack hit the ball.

January 18 2021

6 Tips on How to Make Writing a Habit

Aspiring Writer, On Writing

Are you having trouble starting or finishing your book? Many writers struggle to write their first book. I was one of them. Tackling my novel frightened me more than I’d like to admit but I did it. Let’s go over 6 tips on how to make writing a habit.

Getting Out of Your Own Way

Prepare yourself to succeed and you will. When I set out to write my first novel, I had written many short stories, poems and various non-fiction pieces. At the start, I had two major weaknesses. First, forming the habit of daily writing sessions and second writing for at least four hours per session.

1. Specify A Time to Write

Alright, you have a full-time job and everything seems to crash down, never leaving you time to write. That’s why setting a specific time is so important. Maybe you need to write before your family wakes up or maybe after they’ve gone to bed. Either way, figure out a time where you can claim at least 90 minutes of uninterrupted writing. For me, I wrote every morning from 5am to 9am. Then, I started working on my paid projects. For more tips on getting started, read about how to get past the first chapter.

2. Create A Dedicated Writing Area

This seems easy but for some, it’s not an easy thing to do. If you have children, or roommates, carving out a space might be difficult. Some of the best rules for writing are:

Turn off all electronics
Have only the tools you need (pen, paper, laptop without internet)
Comfortable chair and desk / table to write on
Music, if you need it to block out noise or distractions

The most important rule on this list is have only the tools you need. That’s the best way to give yourself a chance at laser focused writing.

3. Quit When You Feel Stuck

This one seems like a no brainer but it’s one of the most difficult things to do. Shut it down and walk away. Sometimes, that’s all it takes to make a breakthrough. Sometimes, when I struggle to figure out what my protagonist should do in response to a problem, I take a walk. One time, I went to the gym. On the way home, I heard a radio program that gave me a breakthrough. Always remember you can just walk away.

4. Get A Timing Tool

Use a timing tool to help make writing a habit. One of the best timing methods is Pomodoro. You can find a Pomodoro app to help you focus. These tools have a work period and a break period. I set mine to 90-30 blocks, which meant I wrote for ninety minutes and then took a thirty minute break. The breaks really help. During the breaks, my mind fills with ideas and solutions. Try working this way to increase your productivity.

5. Get A Habit Tracker

Once you set a time, carve out space and track your time. You may still want a habit tracker. It may motivate you to write daily. Using a habit tracker can boost your resolve and give you a way to challenge yourself.

I used the Today app to track my progress. As you can see from my screenshot, I wrote 340 days in a row. During that year, I completed Private Matters, a Novel.

Keep a Journal

A journal is one of the best ways to track your progress. A steady account of your journey may help you to stay on task.

I ended up with 82,699 words in 340 days and I still write every day.

What’s Next…

Plan out your book. Then set your writing time. That’s it! If you decide to use one of the habit apps switch to airplane mode before you begin your session. Trust me, that ding is irritating and pesky too. You can do it. Perhaps you’ll complete your book faster than you ever expected.

January 5 2021

Why Write: What Motivates Writers

Aspiring Writer, On Writing

Why write? What motivates writers to put together all those words. Why not choose an easier more profitable profession? Every writer has been asked about their desire to write. Maybe someone has said, “What do you like about writing?” And if the question hasn’t been asked of you in some form, you’re likely not writing enough. But most of all, writers ask of themselves, “Why do I write?”

What Keeps Writers Writing

George Orwell in his essay, Why I Write, has given some thought to the question. He surmises the motivation behind a writer’s dedication to the written word comes down to four key factors.

1. Sheer egoism

Our desire to show our unique voice to the world and most of all have people like and remember us, as they sing our praises when we receive our rewards. According to Orwell, serious writers are self-centered but less interested in money than journalists. Ha, ha. This may have been true in 1946, but I’d say journalist are far more self-centered these days.

2. Aesthetic enthusiasm

This item refers to a writer’s love of words. The desire and effort to make things sound just right. The way a writer focuses on style, structure or diction all impact the written word. Writers care about how the written words sounds, how it looks on the page and so much more. It all matters.

3. Historical impulse

Refers to the “Desire to see things as they are, to find out true facts and store them up for the use of posterity.” I’m not in this group at all.

4. Political purpose

Orwell defines political as a means to alter people’s ideas of society. I’d add philosophical purpose to this item. Every writer has some kind of philosophy and whether conscious or not, it works its way into the words we write and the stories we tell.

I want to add a fifth reason to why writers write.

5. The love of great stories.

Maybe this is embedded in sheer egoism but I don’t think so because by that logic so are items two through four. I believe die-hard writers love telling great stories. Is it possible to tell a great story without the other four items? Probably not. In order to write compelling stories, we must pay attention to aesthetics, tune into the historical impulse and evaluate political and philosophical ideas. But even before all that is the desire to tell the story in the first place. Writing is addictive.

I do write for all of these reasons. I’d like to exempt myself from item one but that too would be sheer egoism.