Writing hint 2

The white room, even worse the purple one

I am constantly reading how to tidbits that I want to tackle, let's look at 'the white room.'

So often we as writers get caught up in the telling of the facts or flow of dialog we forget to give our story a sitting.

Here is one technique ( out of many) to try. I like it cause it suits my writing style.
Go ahead and tell part of your story, then when dialog begins use action markers with your dialog tags.

..She said, as she wiped away the dust from the table to avoid his eyes.

Sprinkle in details as you go. Try to use smells, taste, touch lighting. To give your location depth and allow your world life.

Author's Note

Tell me a technique you use.

Reviews

[Carol Cashes]

I actually read everything aloud, most especially if I'm writing in dialect (See Little Girl in A Big Storm"). If I'm struggling with movements - chronology/choreography - I actually mime the activity and damn near plagiarize the Thesaurus!

[Cherrie]

I'm with you, got to have the thesaurus.

[Neville]

I agree.. dialogue is key.. when story telling, I just tend to use too many words and become so convoluted that sometimes I lose all sense of direction. Other than that of course, I'm perfect... NOT... N :)

[Cherrie]

I just finished a lecture by
David Baldacci. He said what he does is on the first write he puts in details and dialogue that he knows in the end he will cut. He writes for his own sense of the scene.
Later he cuts out anything that doesn't move the story forward.
He has a unique view of the final edit, he said he loves that part. Your end product is in sight and these final touches is what turns it into a story.
It sounds really simple when you say it fast.

[Neville]

when ya say it fast it does.... I just cut out before I get anywhere fast.... :)

[Cherrie]

Lol really who wants to mess up a nice clean white page.

[Neville]

my view precisely..

[Robert Trakofler]

One day i may tackle writing in story form, don't know if i have the talent to do so yet:) but I have to say I enjoy reading the things you folks say in here. i hope this stuff sticks in my skull when time comes to try as a reader tho those little bits of action do convey much to the emotion of the character in your example the act of eye avoidance gives me an instant spark of sympathy towards her.

[Cherrie]

For you it has nothing to do with talent (you have that in Aces) it's about mindset and what rewards you get from each piece.
I'm sure when you get the urge you will capture it in style.

[Robert Trakofler]

well i'm learning from the best!

[Cherrie]

Brownie points on a Wednesday:)

[Robert Trakofler]

thanks teach i always did like to go for extra credit

[Jolan H]

Steven king style, planning is just not in me, I tried time and again and it almost never works out. So I put characters in situations and give them secrets and let it go now

[Cherrie]

I'm not an outliner either, I like to pick my main character and a opening line and let it play out in my head, as I go.
I really like the secret idea giving people hidden agendas.
I will try that next time.

[barleygirl]

I have always felt that using dialogue is the best way to let character development unfold at a natural pace, giving the reader time to really get to know each character. Some writers introduce characters like dropping a bomb -- here's a few details & back to the action. I think it's better to get to know characters as we watch them doing their thing, which is best revealed in dialogue. With that being said, the tags added to each line of dialogue is a big part of how we SHOW each character, building mannerisms, so that each character is recognizable as soon as we mention a couple traits later on. Using tags with dialogue, to me, is essential for bringing characters to life. Always love your ideas, your way of being helpful with other writers & inviting everyone to join in! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Cherrie]

I'm not sure why I like posting these but I do. Maybe because I spend a lot of time reading how the big names deal the some of these things. Then I look forward to reading the perspective of my friends (that's BYOP: bring your own perspective).

[Cherrie]

I agree many writers go from a room of white to blazing purple, dumping tons of info on the poor reader. Hopefully with some rose colored glasses I can find a happy middle.

[barleygirl]

Some writers on a website like this seem to present helpful info in a way I find unpalatable -- kinda towering over people, as if they've reached the pinnacle & are talking down to those who haven't. In your case, your shares are so humble & earnest, you convey your enjoyment of writing, sharing tips as if these are things that have made your writing more fun. I've been slowly reading "writing down the bones" (Natalie Goldberg) & "bird by bird" (Anne Lamott) -- both write similarly to the way you do, as far as sharing friendly tips within the often-funny context of their own writing journey, not lecturing as a preacher from a pulpit.

[Cherrie]

I think as a whole we like little tidbits about writing and who better to chew the fat with than you guys.
I really don't think of what i do as advice but a topic to go with coffee.

[John Alexander McFadyen]

I like this as it works very well and adds movement and real life behaviour to the piece. It alsi injects some breaks to the diallogue which hppen in normal conversations so to the eye it transfers to the ear nicely.

[Cherrie]

I like using this, also. Would like to get better at blending background with the story without hitting either extreme.