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Category: Characterization, Plot, & Setting

March 9, 2016

Two-Dollar Words

The phrase “two dollar word”* or “ten dollar word” (or “four dollar word” or “four bits word,” depending on where you’re from and how old you are) can have a couple of different connotations depending on how it’s used. The most common use is to mock the person who just spoke and imply that they are being pretentious, condescending, snooty, or just plain prissy:...
Categories Characterization, Plot, & Setting/Quotes, Words, & Phrases Comment: 1
March 8, 2016

With Dialect, What Words You Say Are as Important as How You Say Them

One reason that some authors say not to write in dialect at all is that syntax and word choice can be used to suggest a dialect, region, or first language without modifying the words whatsoever. For example, in the U.S., specific kinds of pronoun errors are common to more rural areas (also often poorer areas with worse education though not always)....
Categories Characterization, Plot, & Setting/Literary Devices & Writing Techniques Comments: 0
January 12, 2016

The Art of the Unlikely Coincidence: Serendipity & Synchronicity in Writing

One of the biggest challenges of writing novels well is tying everything together in a believable way. Part of the difficulty comes from how heavily plots rely on coincidences: little details that seem insignificant at first glance but somehow tie into the resolution. Like life, some coincidence is necessary; however, finding the right amount can be problematic. Too much reliance, and it...
Categories Characterization, Plot, & Setting/Literary Devices & Writing Techniques Comment: 1
January 11, 2016

Have You Ever Painted Yourself into a Corner?

Or mopped, for that matter. You know, where you don’t think ahead, and by the time you reach the final corner of the room there’s nowhere for you to stand? Let alone get out of that corner without ruining everything you did? Surprisingly (or not), this is a great metaphor for writing: don’t write yourself into a corner. To give...
Categories Characterization, Plot, & Setting/Creative Process/General Thoughts & Updates Comments: 0
December 24, 2015

How Would You Start A Christmas Carol?

What is Christmas without A Christmas Carol? I’ve watched two versions so far (The Muppet Christmas Carol and Mickey’s Christmas Carol), and I was struck by how differently the two approached the introduction of Scrooge: the Muppet version chose to use explicit characterization while the Mickey version used implicit characterization(See Show – Don’t Tell for more info on explicit v. implicit characterization)....
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