Narrative...if there a frackin' formula?

IThinkICan29 · Jan 29, 2008

I'm rewriting one of my novels (editing and such) and as I read through the horriblenessness that was once my late night brain vomit, I notice that my narrative is somewhat weak. I mean, I can beef things up a bit by adding detailed setting elements and character thoughts but I want quality beef, not quantity beef. Is there a formula or a test to tell what's quality beef? And how do I know when to just stop?

*sorry about the error in the thread's title*

Stew21 · Jan 29, 2008

To me, Narrative is best when it is in a consistent solid voice. Unique and compelling if you can possibly arrange for it helps too.

I got through about 150 pages of a first draft before I saw what appeared to be "the right voice" emerge. I rewrote the beginning of the book in that voice - consistency was my goal - only a reader can tell you if I pulled that off.

Quality narartion is unique and compelling - it is consistent.

That's the only formula I know, but I have no idea how to tell you exactly how to achieve that.

maestrowork · Jan 29, 2008

Use the five senses.

Other than that, no formula. Creative writing is an art, isn't it? Not canned goods.

Willowmound · Jan 29, 2008

IThinkICan29 said:
And how do I know when to just stop?

When that nagging feeling that it's not quite right has gone away.

Seriously, that little voice is a pretty competent guide. It might not tell you how to fix something, but if it insists something needs fixing, it probably does.

Soccer Mom · Jan 29, 2008

What willowmound said. Here is another exercize to try when you don't get it right the first time. Read a scene. Then put your ms away. Yes, out of sight. Write the scene again without using the first ms as a crutch and see if this improves it. When you try to tweak and edit weak writing, you risk perpetuating the same problems. Poor quality meat is poor quality, even when you gussy it up. Start fresh and see if that helps.

Erin · Jan 29, 2008

When you add your five senses, don't focus on ordinary things in the setting. What flaws in the setting does your POV character see? For a simple example: Instead of describing the sea of beige carpet in the room, maybe your character cringes after gazing at the trail of ants marching across the dingy carpet. A stain on the wall shaped like a pentagram, or a cobweb on the ceiling, the dead bird laying on the ground. Things like this will also help your characterization.

Shadow_Ferret · Jan 29, 2008

If there was a formula, they wouldn't need us writers any longer.

Torgo · Jan 29, 2008

If you can't tell what's worth reading from what's not worth reading, you need to read more; and if you can't tell prime steak from Pedigree Chum, you need to train your palate.

JoNightshade · Jan 29, 2008

Soccer Mom said:
What willowmound said. Here is another exercize to try when you don't get it right the first time. Read a scene. Then put your ms away. Yes, out of sight. Write the scene again without using the first ms as a crutch and see if this improves it. When you try to tweak and edit weak writing, you risk perpetuating the same problems. Poor quality meat is poor quality, even when you gussy it up. Start fresh and see if that helps.

Oh, I love doing this. Well, I mean, I don't love rewriting. What I love is when I'm rewriting something from scratch... and I use exactly the same words as before. I know I've really got it down when I'm doing the dishes or something and I think, "I know exactly how this line should read." Then I run to add it to my WIP only to discover that's what it already says. YES!

Brighid · Jan 29, 2008

Narration should been seen through the eyes of your POV character. Describe the scene, or offer a narrative, in the voice of that person. He, or she, will let you know when enough is enough.

loiterer · Jan 29, 2008

Try the first few stages of The Snowflake Method. It can help you organise what you've written so that you can see what your story really is.

The Snowflake method is designed to help you structure a story you haven't even started. I find that, for me, it's too restrictive for that purpose. However, in the past I've used the first few steps for stories which I've half-written. It can help clarify things.

JohnDavidPaxton · Jan 30, 2008

Rules:

http://www.mestierediscrivere.com/testi/rules.htm

HeronW · Jan 30, 2008

make things matter to your character: hates brussels sprouts, caught the early sun turning dustmotes into a golden cloud, reminding him he ned to clean this weekend, etc.

Narrative...if there a frackin' formula?

IThinkICan29

Stew21

maestrowork

Fear the Death Ray

Willowmound

Lightly salted

Soccer Mom

Crypto-fascist

Erin

Listening to my other selves

Shadow_Ferret

Court Jester

Torgo

Formerly Phantom of Krankor.

JoNightshade

has finally arrived

Brighid

loiterer

JohnDavidPaxton

HeronW

Down Under Fan