I finally put away the romance novel. I tried sitting down to write it, but it was so boring, that I put it away.<\/p>\n
Following a template was a good idea, in theory. The story had written itself. I outlined like I did with NaNo, I started putting together the backstories for each of the characters. I decided to start with my vegetables first–the female lead.<\/p>\n
All I knew about Marina was that she was scared. Of everything. Overly cautious. I wanted her to get over her fears during the course of the book. However, according to the template, the hero has to help her get over her fears. I wanted her to grow up on her own.<\/p>\n
That’s where I realized I really can’t do this. I can’t believe women eat up\u00a0this crap.<\/p>\n
I’m starting to read books on description. I have an issue with not describing enough. I don’t describe with long passages, but I think I describe with a minimal amount of words. However, looking through book 2 of War Mage<\/em>, there’s a lot \u00a0“in my head” as the Paper Angel Press editor put it. I read it, I can picture it; why don’t others? Do I need to show them everything<\/em>?<\/p>\n I guess it’s expected. \u00a0To be a novel, you have to present a world. I can’t assume that a contemporary world is easily pictured. Especially in Afghanistan, I suppose.<\/p>\n Description is through all the senses. Description can be through a different point of view. Description is often compared to other things. Description is concrete, particular words. Thanks to Wordpainting<\/em> by Rebecca McClanahan for clarifying that.<\/p>\n I’m also starting to read books with an eye to see how the author uses description. I have a boatload of trashy romance novels to do just that with. I get to see how they do it, or\u00a0how badly they do it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" I finally put away the romance novel. I tried sitting down to write it, but it was so boring, that I put it away. Following a template was a good idea, in theory. The story had written itself. I outlined … Continue reading