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L is for Linear

5/31/2011

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Linear writing deals with plotting your novel. The sequence of events happens in order, most of the time, but that doesn't mean your book needs to appear linearly. If a book is too linear, it reads predictably and even when writing formulaic stories such as mysteries or romances, you can keep your reader guessing by inserting some unpredictable action or subplot.

By adding in other characters who emphasize the themes of your story, you can add depth. This serves a double purpose by also adding tension. If you're writing a romance, for example, you have the couple together then apart, then bring them together perhaps a couple of times before the happily ever after ending. If you add in a subplot with separate characters who also have a relationship you highlight the romance angle and delay the reader's satisfaction of finding out what happens next. The tease is most always going to keep your reader turning the page as long as it eventually pays off.

Sometimes during the early drafts a writer might not be able to see where all the clues and tension can be instilled for greatest effect, but can address this during revisions.

A good editor will be able to assess your story to give you feedback on where you can improve this angle of your writing.

Questions? Comments? Leave it here or email me at authorsassistant@hotmail.com.

Writing is a step by step process. Whatever step you're on, enjoy, learn and celebrate!
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J is for Jumpcut

5/25/2011

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Jumpcut - You might think it refers to the movies, and in one respect it does. My other half is a video editor and jumpcuts - those little blips that occur when the editor has to delete something, a flub or technical bit that doesn't belong results in a sudden cut. You know something isn't quite right as a viewer. Another type of jumpcut is the intentional cut to jump to another scene in time or location. We see these all the time in movies.

The second type of jumpcut provides an opportunity for you to move the story forward by thrusting the reader into another scene in time, character or place. If you leave a reader hanging on the cliff with your hero at the end of one section then jump to another character or subplot, it delays the action. While this might seem unfair to the reader, it's the kind of page turning technique that, when done effectively, will keep the reader pushing forward to find out what happens. It's an appropriate technique for both fiction and non-fiction stories.

Teasing the reader in a tantalizing way whets their appetite for your story. They'll be screaming for more.

So when revising, look for places you can jumpcut and propel your reader to the next page or chapter.

I'd love to hear your thoughts. Comment here or email me at authorsassistant@hotmail.com

Happy Writing!
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    Tamara Eaton

     is an author and editor. Her former career as an English teacher assists her to help others through editing services. She's available for workshops. See her Editing Services Page for details. Be sure to get updates by clicking the RSS feed below for continuing writing tips.

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