Fear that my work is too slight/melodramatic?

Lady Ice · Sep 29, 2009

Has anyone else had this problem? One of my works probably is melodramatic (it's a play based on the Greek tragic style) but I'm worried that some of my stuff doesn't have enough meaning, that there is no point to it. Some of its elements could be classed as melodramatic- there's lots of adultery, doomed love, etc.- and I don't know whether it comes off as passion or just silliness.

Phaeal · Sep 29, 2009

Hmm, I would have said that "slight" and "melodramatic" didn't go together. Though I suppose they could, if I understand you right and your "slight" means light on deeper insights.

I sometimes think my work might be too idiosyncratic/commonplace. Now there's a good combo!

Kitty Pryde · Sep 29, 2009

I worry a lot that the bad stuff that happens to my characters and their resulting growth is too insignificant and will make the reader laugh rather than sympathize. Like I'm making too much of a big deal over nothing. That's similar to what you are describing, though I write more of light fantasy than greek tragedy style.

I just do my best to make sure everyone is true to their feelings and not too whiny. And I try to torture the characters more, because I tend to go too easy on them.

CaroGirl · Sep 29, 2009

By slight, do you mean not enough conflict, the stakes are too low, there isn't a strong enough theme, or the theme isn't deep enough? Or maybe a combination of those?

There are ways to introduce more conflict and raise the stakes, as well as strengthen the theme, in edits. If you're aware of what the problems are, you can tackle them in the second draft.

As far as melodrama, that can be scaled back too. Most melodrama is the result of tone and style. Pare down the language for the most melodramatic scenes, and, if they're properly set up, they'll have more impact, not less.

Why don't you get some beta readers on board and see what they think?

Lady Ice · Sep 29, 2009

It's mainly plays. I'm sort of okay with novels as I have prose to fall back on.

imagegod · Sep 29, 2009

A much better question: How do I write a great book?
A great book has great form (S. King), motion/plot (D. Brown) and/or overall structure ('To Kill a Mockingbird').

Structure is ultimately what differentiates classics from lesser works. Although difficult to define, in the extreme, it's much easier to show examples.

Great artistic/dramatic structure tends to employ three great themes: Freedom, Love and/or Power.

Freedom: The Wizard of Oz
Love: Casablanca
Power: Citizen Kane

Have fun!

CaroGirl · Sep 29, 2009

CaroGirl said:
By slight, do you mean not enough conflict, the stakes are too low, there isn't a strong enough theme, or the theme isn't deep enough? Or maybe a combination of those?

There are ways to introduce more conflict and raise the stakes, as well as strengthen the theme, in edits. If you're aware of what the problems are, you can tackle them in the second draft.

As far as melodrama, that can be scaled back too. Most melodrama is the result of tone and style. Pare down the language for the most melodramatic scenes, and, if they're properly set up, they'll have more impact, not less.

Why don't you get some beta readers on board and see what they think?

Lady Ice said:
It's mainly plays. I'm sort of okay with novels as I have prose to fall back on.

I think what I wrote applies equally to plays. You still need conflict, stakes and theme. And the melodrama is still in the language.

Stew21 · Sep 29, 2009

Lady Ice, Since this is about plays, would you like me to move it to that forum?

Libbie · Sep 29, 2009

Lady Ice said:
Has anyone else had this problem? One of my works probably is melodramatic (it's a play based on the Greek tragic style) but I'm worried that it doesn't have enough meaning.

"Meaning?" I'm not sure every work of fiction needs to have meaning. Sometimes it's okay just to tell a good yarn with the intent of entertaining your readers.

In fact, I think it's okay to do that more than just sometimes.

What you should be concerned with, in my opinion, is whether the story is clear and readable to anybody other than you. You don't have to convey great ideas or insights with your stories, but you do have to make them enjoyable. If you want anybody to read them, that is.

Ken · Sep 29, 2009

... I'm worried your original post lacks meaning. You've expressed your question so vaguely that it's impossible to answer. I won't add to the confusion by making a go at it, myself, but will merely suggest you go back and clarify you're question. Otherwise people will continue posting advise you may not need. Time is a precious commodity for writers and they can ill afford to waste it.

aadams73 · Sep 29, 2009

I don't understand the question. Those words make no sense together.

Fear that my work is too slight/melodramatic?

Lady Ice

Makes useful distinctions

Phaeal

Whatever I did, I didn't do it.

Kitty Pryde

i luv you giant bear statue

CaroGirl

Living the dream

Lady Ice

Makes useful distinctions

imagegod

CaroGirl

Living the dream

Stew21

Libbie

Worst song played on ugliest guitar

Ken

aadams73

A Work in Progress