I think that is a very good observation. Its not how you write but what you write that matters most to readers. I think as authors, especially ones struggling to get published, it can be discouraging to be hampered down with learning rules of writing and honing your craft and then see a published book, that breaks all the writing rules we have just learned, hitting the best sellers list.
One thing I've learned is that a good story trumps writing rules any day. To that end I'm going to reprint the latest newsletter from storymind. If you are someone who struggles with story you should really check out these story mind products. It breaks down the mechanics of a good story so that you can understand how it works and then apply it to create gripping stoties of your own. Check them out at
storymind.com/I've used their tools to plot my first novel and extensively in my second. Its really helped me to keep my characters focused, scenes dramatic and theme sound. But enough blabbering, check out these tips for writing that are very helpful.
StoryWeaving
Writing Tips Newsletter ~ Issue 72
In this issue:
Feature Article - Screenwriting Tips Novelists Can Use
Submit an article, get a $25 credit in our writing store
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Feature Article - Screenwriting Tips Novelist Can Use
A SCREENWRITER'S CHECKLIST
(and not just for screenwriters)
by Kelley Miles Essoe
Place this list in front of you.
Do not pin it to your forehead.
You cannot see it there.
Refer to it often while you work.
Refer to it often while you don't work.
FUNDAMENTALS
1) Just write. Don't edit yet. Move forward. Get a complete script.
2) Rethink your plot as you go along.
3) Write from the heart. Edit from the head.
4) If a scene is really tough to write: GO BACK A STEP.
a) DIALOGUE trouble: Character's attitude probably wrong.
b) ATTITUDE trouble: Plot is probably going askew.
c) PLOT askew: Rethink plot or cut scene.
d) The problem is rarely the step you are stuck at.
It's the step or two BEFORE.
FIRST TEN PAGES MUST:
1) Set the story in motion.
2) Establish the main characters.
3) State the dramatic premise.
4) Set up the situation.
5) State the characters needs and wants.
6) Set up the problem(s) that the main character must confront and overcome.
7) Tie into the ending.
STRUCTURAL
1) Every scene, event, and character must contribute to protagonist's motivation.
2) Early in the script/story show the audience where the story is leading them.
3) Make each hurdle/obstacle greater and more difficult than the previous.
4) The momentum should steadily build as you drive the story to its climax.
5) Create emotional peaks and valleys to the action and the humor.
6) Create anticipation in your audience.
7) Give the audience superior position: Information the characters don't have.
8) Surprise the audience and reverse the anticipation.
9) Create curiosity in the audience. They'll want to stick around for why.
10) Foreshadow the major events of the story.
11) Echo chosen objects, situations, dialogue, etc. to show growth and change.
12) Pose a dangerous threat to one of the important characters.
13) Make the story credible within its own set of rules.
14) Teach the audience how to do something vicariously.
15) Give the story both seriousness and humor: dark & light, drama & comic relief.
16) Give movie/story an effective opening. First 10-15 pages must establish and GRAB, setting up: (1) action (2) provocative character(s) and setting (3) sense of foreboding.
17) Give the movie/story an effective ending. Unambiguous climax, followed by emotional denouement, and a satisfying resolution. Happy endings SELL.
WRITING SCENES
1) Use everyday straightforward language. Use ACTION words.
2) Character and setting descriptions are concise, clever, provocative, detailed, and convey essence rather than mere physical description.
3) In writing action, primary goal is clarity.
4) Ask yourself, What is objective within the scene?
5) Ask, What does each character in the scene want? What is their objective?
6) Ask, What is each characters attitude in the scene?
7) Ask, How will the scene begin? How will the scene end?
8) Remember, Dialogue reveals character, background, motivation, conflict, theme, is consistent, clever, original, interesting, and contributes to scene and story.
9) Ask, How does the scene contribute to the hero's motivation?
10) Ask, Does the scene possess a beginning, middle and end?
11) Ask, Does the scene grow organically from the previous scene(s)?
12) Ask, Does the scene thrust the reader into the following scenes?
13) Ask, Does the scene contain action, not just dialogue?
14) Ask, Does the scene serve multiple functions? (As in exposition, character revelation, background, conflict, theme, humor, foreshadowing, echoing, superior position)
15) Every primary character needs to be introduced by Act Two. Each needs a desire, a motivation, a conflict, a story arc, interaction with others besides the hero, at least one big moment, a resolution.
REWRITING CHECKLIST
1) Every scene must have a purpose and propel the story along. If not, cut it.
2) Every scene must have conflict. If not, add tension or cut it.
3) Every plot and subplot must have a beginning, middle, and end.
4) Every major character must have an arc: beginning, middle, and end. No sudden transitions without a logical explained basis.
5) Every character has to have a purpose to the story and to their scenes. If not, cut them from the scene, or consider merging them with another character.
6) Every major plot point must be logical and consistent. Are the plot twists set up so they are believable? Have the elements introduced at the beginning of the script/story been paid off by the end?
7) Rewrite or cut any scenes, dialogue, or characters that are ON THE NOSE.
8) Are scenes in the right order? Would it be more interesting if a scene were reversed or if information were held to a later scene? Is the right information in the right act?
9) Does the story/structure/plot fit the intended genre? Can it compete?
10) With comedy, are there funnier lines? With drama, does the emotional conflict have high enough stakes?
11) Is the script/story technically perfect: right format, correct spelling, etc.?
12) There you go. Good. Now do it again.
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