I've been reading "Writing the Breakout Novel" by Donald Maass. It was recommended by a friend, although at the time she did not know she was recommending it, she just mentioned the book in passing. But I've found the book irresistible. Maass seems to hit the proverbial nail right on its proverbial head in each chapter. Maass says there should be conflict on every page of your novel. The characters and story must live for you intensely. People must be able to identify with a character in some way. Most important: raise the stakes throughout the story. The reader must understand, or find out, what drives the characters to do the things they do. What's at stake here, and who cares? His answer is that the writer must care deeply before the reader will care. Transferring that to the written page is the challenge. But if it works, Wow!
There may be writers who have already inspired you as a writer. A couple of my favorites are Gary Paulsen and Karen Hesse. Each time I read what these two authors have created I become inspired all over again. Find who inspires you and visit that inspiration often.
0 comments:
Post a Comment