Drama in Writing

Though some might say that they're only writing this scene to get to the next "great" one, or putting in this character because they feel as if their main character needs a "friend," or even, that this dialogue is needed though it's not very "exciting," I'm a firm believer that every aspect, from setting to character must be filled with some sort of drama.

Do you realize that every piece of your story, every scene, even every character has to be, well....captivating?

A writer just can't afford for a sentence, any sentence, to just lie there--flat.

They can't afford to place in an equally dull setting and equally dry character.

It just doesn't make... 

...cents.

(There is no typo there).

Who would finish a book riddled with boringness?

Is that a word?

Anyway, they wouldn't. Of that I am sure.

Drama in writing is achieved not only by the way your sentences are constructed, but by the feeling you place within them. Are you using your five senses? Is your main character asking thoughtful questions of themselves after an especially grueling scene? Are your characters well-rounded; are they more than stick figures, meaning they have their own personalities and quirks?

Does every scene, and I mean every scene, count for something in your book? Does it need to be there? If your scene doesn't connect with the main theme of your book; if it's there because you think it's "cool," or because you just "like it," ditch it.

Please...

Do you ever put a book down because it's so long winded? Do you want to get to the next best part because the part you are reading is about as dry as a paper plate? What can you learn from books whose pacing, stinks?

Every book has something to teach us, so I recommend reading lots and lots of them. Writing is important, too. As we write and then edit, especially as we begin to read our work aloud, we catch things. Dull sentences. Boring surroundings, or even a lack of surroundings. Awkward transitions, and more.

The best drama out there, in life as in fiction, is captivating because of all of the emotions intertwined. Love. Hate. Secretiveness. Thoughtfulness. Pain. Action. Hope. 

I'm not giving up on you.

Kathryn 

Writing a Screenplay?

I absolutely LOVE the book, "Writing Screenplays that Sell," by Michael Hauge!

http://www.amazon.com/Writing-Screenplays-That-Twentieth-Anniversary/dp/0061791431


How often are you writing a book and you can see the characters in living color inside your head? How often do you wonder if your dialogue is where it should be, or if the story is strong enough to carry the main character to the end? Have you ever considered the importance of theme? Structure? Writing individual scenes?

I have never written a screenplay, but I can tell you when I've seen a good one and when I haven't. Perhaps the end isn't realistic and unbelievable--probably a problem with character development. The scenes jump, and don't flow. Probably a problem with structure.

The cool thing about Hauge is that he analyses the movie we all know and love, The Karate Kid. What made the movie such a success? What elements were important? Did the movie also have weaknesses?

Hauge also discusses the weaknesses of the movie; things such as predictability and a slow beginning.

Can either of these issues relate to a book you are writing?

You bet.

When it comes to writing books I tend to shy away from the punctuation type, unless I have a question that needs to be answered. But often, the best writing books are those that teach you not only how to write with flavor, but how to get an audience interested for life.

Have a favorite book on writing? I would love it if you shared it here.

Kathryn