Fiction according to John Irving: “You might say I back into a novel. All the important discoveries–at the end of a book–these are the things I have to know before I know where to begin.” In his lucid book THE FICTION EDITOR, THE NOVEL, AND THE NOVELIST, editor and author Thomas McCormack quotes Irving to say: “I want to know how a book feels after the main events are over. The authority of the storyteller’s voice–of mine, anyway–comes from knowing how it all comes out before you begin…” This quote comes in the midst of Thomas McCormack’s discussion of what …
Author: Sarah Lovett
Story Form–It’s a jungle out there!
I had a call yesterday from a writer who wasn’t sure if the story she wants to write will best be told as fiction or memoir. We talked about fear of exposure and how fictionalizing a life story does not necessarily do anything to address that issue. We talked about the kinds of books she loves to read. At the end of our brief conversation, she asked if I had an exercise that would guide her along a discovery process to find her story’s form. I have a simple step, I said, to take you in that direction. Sit down …
Writing Advice from Kurt Vonnegut: Be a Sadist
Kurt Vonnegut insisted that each writer be a sadist when it comes to your main characters. Make awful things happen to them so readers can see what they are made of. If you want to absorb 7 more tips from the great KV, enjoy this YouTube wisdom.
While On Vacation
This year’s beach read–Horton Hatches the Egg–inspired by daughter Pearl, reminds me of the value of studying children’s stories for classic structure. Cinderella is the usual choice, but I recommend Horton as a great example of “only trouble is interesting”. Horton undergoes countless trials as he waits for the egg to hatch. In the end, still loyal 100%, Horton emerges a true hero–and a Dad to boot! From the northern California coast, wishing you happy creating.
Quote of the Day–Letting Go
“Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainties.” Erich Fromm
The Trust Muscle
Today’s quote from author Elizabeth Gilbert–“To sit patiently with a yearning that has not yet been fulfilled, and to trust that, that fulfillment will come, is quite possibly one of the most powerful ‘magic skills’ that human beings are capable of. It has been noted by almost every ancient wisdom tradition.” Today’s challenge: Warm up your trust muscle and let it support you and your creative projects.
Songwriting on a Lark
If you can’t get past the first page of your story, try songwriting. Seriously, write short, not long. Even if it’s only on a lark, it’s great practice for prose writers to work in poetry and song. If you’re interested, check out the Singer/Songwriters Telesummit.
Make Believe, Believe…
Mentoring from J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan: “I’ll teach you to ride on the wind’s back, and away we go!”
CHARACTERS’ ADVOCATE
I came across this quote from actor Holly Hunter: “I always feel that I am the advocate for my character. More than anyone else on the set, including the director. I’m there to protect my character, in any way.” As writers, we might consider it our job to find an inner advocate for every character on our pages, even–especially–the least sympathetic. Remember the fiction writers’ “P” word: parity.
Bunny on the Rocks: Story Resolution
The day after we discovered that Pearl’s favorite stuffy Chocolate Bunny was missing–left behind on the rocks near a remote campsite about sixty miles from Taos–Michael put in a call to the forest service office near Tres Piedras. Sure enough, someone special answered: an officer named John. When John heard that a five-year-old girl was grieving her lost bunny he said he’d do what he could to help. News came within hours: Chocolate Bunny was safe, recovered from the rocks, and now awaiting a ride home from Tres Piedras. She should be home by the weekend. Rescued by a “local …