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"Story / Readers preference--realism and believable, or absurd and Ott"
7 posts 112 views
Love you, too
Hey everyone, I'm halfway through my first story series and enjoying the process so far. I've got many hurdles when writing and find myself re-writing sections as they just don't land for myself.
That leads to the the question I've been asking myself, is there a preferred content and degree or believability and realism to the stories that readers like. What about the degree of just complete crazy and highly unrealistic situations.
I love both, and have leaned in to a level of both when writing and the various stories I currently have in progress, but I tend to eventually go heavy on the absurd and over-the-top messes. I think I let my imagination run wild and end up here. Sometimes making me second guess the scenarios I'm creating and the worry that it can't be topped.
I'm keen to understand everyone's thoughts and opinions, mainly out of curiosity but also as this is one my main blocks when it comes to story writing.
Thanks, BatCave.
That leads to the the question I've been asking myself, is there a preferred content and degree or believability and realism to the stories that readers like. What about the degree of just complete crazy and highly unrealistic situations.
I love both, and have leaned in to a level of both when writing and the various stories I currently have in progress, but I tend to eventually go heavy on the absurd and over-the-top messes. I think I let my imagination run wild and end up here. Sometimes making me second guess the scenarios I'm creating and the worry that it can't be topped.
I'm keen to understand everyone's thoughts and opinions, mainly out of curiosity but also as this is one my main blocks when it comes to story writing.
Thanks, BatCave.
This is a great topic and question.
Maybe there should be a WAM fiction group?
First and foremost, (as WAM writers) I think we need to convince ourselves that what we have written works in all the ways we want it to. Or else we are somewhat lost when it comes to impressing others. Trust yourself.
Secondly, human beings love stories. The collective wisdom of the ages is that readers are naturally seduced by, and really want to believe, a story. So the question is not, 'what is convincing about this tale?', but rather, 'how am I unwittingly sabotaging it?'
Thirdly, bearing the above in mind, when it comes to WAM keep the description of the mess as direct and concise as possible to make sure some are not held back by the reading. (Think Bill Shipton's prose style. Simple and tabloid-like but juicy and highly concentrated). And allow people some scope to interpret it for themselves.
Fourthly, context and contrast. In short, some bits need to be boring to make the action more exciting!
Hope this helps. It's easier said than done, of course. This all criticism and advice variously levelled at me, by the way, over time.
Trouso x
Maybe there should be a WAM fiction group?
First and foremost, (as WAM writers) I think we need to convince ourselves that what we have written works in all the ways we want it to. Or else we are somewhat lost when it comes to impressing others. Trust yourself.
Secondly, human beings love stories. The collective wisdom of the ages is that readers are naturally seduced by, and really want to believe, a story. So the question is not, 'what is convincing about this tale?', but rather, 'how am I unwittingly sabotaging it?'
Thirdly, bearing the above in mind, when it comes to WAM keep the description of the mess as direct and concise as possible to make sure some are not held back by the reading. (Think Bill Shipton's prose style. Simple and tabloid-like but juicy and highly concentrated). And allow people some scope to interpret it for themselves.
Fourthly, context and contrast. In short, some bits need to be boring to make the action more exciting!
Hope this helps. It's easier said than done, of course. This all criticism and advice variously levelled at me, by the way, over time.
Trouso x
Bringing pleasure to literally tens of people!
BatCave said: Hey everyone, I'm halfway through my first story series and enjoying the process so far. I've got many hurdles when writing and find myself re-writing sections as they just don't land for myself.
That leads to the the question I've been asking myself, is there a preferred content and degree or believability and realism to the stories that readers like. What about the degree of just complete crazy and highly unrealistic situations.
I love both, and have leaned in to a level of both when writing and the various stories I currently have in progress, but I tend to eventually go heavy on the absurd and over-the-top messes. I think I let my imagination run wild and end up here. Sometimes making me second guess the scenarios I'm creating and the worry that it can't be topped.
I'm keen to understand everyone's thoughts and opinions, mainly out of curiosity but also as this is one my main blocks when it comes to story writing.
Thanks, BatCave.
That leads to the the question I've been asking myself, is there a preferred content and degree or believability and realism to the stories that readers like. What about the degree of just complete crazy and highly unrealistic situations.
I love both, and have leaned in to a level of both when writing and the various stories I currently have in progress, but I tend to eventually go heavy on the absurd and over-the-top messes. I think I let my imagination run wild and end up here. Sometimes making me second guess the scenarios I'm creating and the worry that it can't be topped.
I'm keen to understand everyone's thoughts and opinions, mainly out of curiosity but also as this is one my main blocks when it comes to story writing.
Thanks, BatCave.
Verisimilitude, not realism. That's what you need for fiction. People can believe absurdity, even if the reality is 6 hours of cleanup that never happens on the page.
The stories need to be believable, not documentary. Hope that helps!
Trouso said: This is a great topic and question.
Maybe there should be a WAM fiction group?
First and foremost, (as WAM writers) I think we need to convince ourselves that what we have written works in all the ways we want it to. Or else we are somewhat lost when it comes to impressing others. Trust yourself.
Secondly, human beings love stories. The collective wisdom of the ages is that readers are naturally seduced by, and really want to believe, a story. So the question is not, 'what is convincing about this tale?', but rather, 'how am I unwittingly sabotaging it?'
Thirdly, bearing the above in mind, when it comes to WAM keep the description of the mess as direct and concise as possible to make sure some are not held back by the reading. (Think Bill Shipton's prose style. Simple and tabloid-like but juicy and highly concentrated). And allow people some scope to interpret it for themselves.
Fourthly, context and contrast. In short, some bits need to be boring to make the action more exciting!
Hope this helps. It's easier said than done, of course. This all criticism and advice variously levelled at me, by the way, over time.
Trouso x
Maybe there should be a WAM fiction group?
First and foremost, (as WAM writers) I think we need to convince ourselves that what we have written works in all the ways we want it to. Or else we are somewhat lost when it comes to impressing others. Trust yourself.
Secondly, human beings love stories. The collective wisdom of the ages is that readers are naturally seduced by, and really want to believe, a story. So the question is not, 'what is convincing about this tale?', but rather, 'how am I unwittingly sabotaging it?'
Thirdly, bearing the above in mind, when it comes to WAM keep the description of the mess as direct and concise as possible to make sure some are not held back by the reading. (Think Bill Shipton's prose style. Simple and tabloid-like but juicy and highly concentrated). And allow people some scope to interpret it for themselves.
Fourthly, context and contrast. In short, some bits need to be boring to make the action more exciting!
Hope this helps. It's easier said than done, of course. This all criticism and advice variously levelled at me, by the way, over time.
Trouso x
Thanks Trouso, your time for response is appreciated! You make some very good points and a little self belief is key. I enjoy my writings and how I develop them (I also wrote non-fet literature and always looking to improve).
My concerns stem from having too much repetition throughout or "peaking" too soon at certain stages. I've read a plethora or writers material on this site and others and always take notes of certain styles and approaches. I'll certainly look to expand on various forms and trial out moving forward.
I'll always accept any form of criticism and advice as it can only help me develop or think further on what I produce. Thanks again!
PieWriter said:
Verisimilitude, not realism. That's what you need for fiction. People can believe absurdity, even if the reality is 6 hours of cleanup that never happens on the page.
The stories need to be believable, not documentary. Hope that helps!
BatCave said: Hey everyone, I'm halfway through my first story series and enjoying the process so far. I've got many hurdles when writing and find myself re-writing sections as they just don't land for myself.
That leads to the the question I've been asking myself, is there a preferred content and degree or believability and realism to the stories that readers like. What about the degree of just complete crazy and highly unrealistic situations.
I love both, and have leaned in to a level of both when writing and the various stories I currently have in progress, but I tend to eventually go heavy on the absurd and over-the-top messes. I think I let my imagination run wild and end up here. Sometimes making me second guess the scenarios I'm creating and the worry that it can't be topped.
I'm keen to understand everyone's thoughts and opinions, mainly out of curiosity but also as this is one my main blocks when it comes to story writing.
Thanks, BatCave.
That leads to the the question I've been asking myself, is there a preferred content and degree or believability and realism to the stories that readers like. What about the degree of just complete crazy and highly unrealistic situations.
I love both, and have leaned in to a level of both when writing and the various stories I currently have in progress, but I tend to eventually go heavy on the absurd and over-the-top messes. I think I let my imagination run wild and end up here. Sometimes making me second guess the scenarios I'm creating and the worry that it can't be topped.
I'm keen to understand everyone's thoughts and opinions, mainly out of curiosity but also as this is one my main blocks when it comes to story writing.
Thanks, BatCave.
Verisimilitude, not realism. That's what you need for fiction. People can believe absurdity, even if the reality is 6 hours of cleanup that never happens on the page.
The stories need to be believable, not documentary. Hope that helps!
Thanks PieWriter! Admittedly, I had to look up the definition of that, but you're spot on. It's the realism within the context not real life possibilities and mundane expectations. Thank you again!
messydice said: I write what I enjoy. It's usually because I have something rattling around my brain. I like ridiculousness and silliness. (So I'm enjoying your stories :thumbsup
Thanks messydice! Yep, my storyboard notes are just constant updates to new thoughts that circle my mind. It's then trying to turn them into something coherent and fun that takes time. Thanks for the feedback, glad you are enjoying!
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