Blog for Bristol Services Intl.

Many writers believe only action scenes and dialog propel a story. They are right that these tools keep a story alive. However, narrative is a powerful tool also, because an author can explain a character’s inner feelings and can divulge important facts in a dramatic and efficient way.

UNCOVERING FACTS: Let me give you an example of using narrative as a fact-finding tool:

Jeremy lifted the silky negligee his wife has added to the top of their suitcase and spied a bottle of massage oil and leopard print thong.
“We’re going there to relax,” he called out to her as she primped in the bathroom.
“I know,” she giggled.
Jeremy sighed, closed the suitcase and locked it.
He was 74; Missie was 26.

This mini-scene starts with action and dialog but ends with just plain stating their ages. It is pure narrative and uses the passive “was” verb (which is often avoided in fiction). But these particular six words of passive narrative serve a huge purpose: they explain why Jeremy is less than thrilled (from his sigh) with what might otherwise be a thrilling vacation proposition. The facts give us that insight.

Yet facts alone are not enough. With different actions and dialog, these exact same facts can be the background reason for the opposite situation, one where it is the wife who is not pleased at her husband’s vacation plans, like this:

Missy turned back to close their suitcase and spied her silky negligee, a bottle of massage oil and a leopard print thong that her husband had added to the mix.
“I thought you’d be playing golf while I sat poolside?”
“Not likely.” He grinned.
Missy sighed, closed the suitcase and locked it.
Jeremy was 74; she was 26.

In either case, if the author tried to avoid narrative, these six words would need to be replaced with dialog or something to “show” their ages. This can be done, sure, but why work to manipulate the scene in order to slide in this information when just straight out stating it fills the reader in on just what they need to know? Presented in a brief and pointed manner like this, it can add a dramatic touch. Narrative is a great tool to explain the background behind the actions and dialog.

UNCOVERING FEELINGS: Another great use of narrative would be to use it to explain an inner reaction instead of an outer fact. Like this:

Bonny edged her way closer to the bulletin board through the pack of girls all gaping to see if they’d been chosen for the cheering team. Just as the small print came into focus, Kathy on her left squealed “I’m in!” then jostled Bonny as she rushed off still squealing. Bonny focused again and … her name stared back at her, second from the bottom.

“You made it, Bonny!” Tammy elbowed her. “Look, right next to me!”

“Yeah.” Bonny smiled. “Yeah.” Bonny turned to let the others through to the list as her heart sank, her stomach tightened and every fear she’d ever felt–fear of being at the front of a class, fear of failure, fear of open spaces–all collided in her brain.

In this instance, as before, we start with action and go into dialog. But, again, the most meaningful lines are the narrative at the end. We readers are being told how she feels and what is in her mind. These inner reactions might be brought out (or “shown” instead of “told”) in a dialog with Tammy, but narrative tells us right off what Bonny probably wouldn’t want to tell Tammy or anyone else anyway. Narrative provides the reader with the inside scoop on a character’s feelings even when those feelings are hidden from other characters.

Like all writing tools, narrative serves a fine purpose–just use it wisely for its powerful effect in YOUR fiction!

 So as hubby and I patiently listen to the tour guide’s 20 minutes of instructions about how to handle our Segway today, I categorize everything he says, listen intently, figuring every lean and pull, angle and stance as he explains it. I CAN do this! Yes, I prompt myself, I CAN!

Then he says, just before I step foot on the machine: “Most people have no trouble riding these Segways. Only a few can’t get it within 5 minutes, and if someone can’t get it in 5 minutes, then they never will. Period. But don’t worry. The only ones who are like that are the over-analyzers.”

Instantly tears spring to my eyes. Oh, NO!! That means I’ll never get it! As an editor by profession since 1990 who overanalyzes everything I read (not to mention everything I do, others do, etc.), my normal function is to over-analyze — and I’d already done that in spades just listening to this guide!

But the blessings of Thanksgiving Day must have come a day early for me, because I swallowed back the tears, attempted to block off all the over-analyzing I’d already so carefully done, and … wa-la! I was leaning and pulling, gliding through the course like, well, any non-analytical beginner.

Lesson #1: If you haven’t tried a Segway, DO it! Fun, fun, fun. I have no idea what the Turtle Bay Exploration Park we toured through for a hour after we got rolling looks like. Lovely, I’m sure. I was too busy NOT analyzing and concentrating on only leaning and pulling. Frankly, NOT overthinking is really hard for me.

Lesson #2: Writing can, likewise, benefit from not over-analyzing WHILE you are writing. You can nit-pick the thing to death later (or pay me to do it!). But the flow of words really glides so much better if the writer just gets in the groove, heads down the plot’s track, enjoys the subplots that crop up around the corners, and keeps a move on. You’ll likely discover more about your main character and just how deep his problems really are as you go. Especially if you are a beginning writer, just enjoy the ride! Don’t analyze your methods, techniques, and nuances to the point of falling off the most important aspect–never getting to the actual writing!  Letting go mentally of overly preconceived plans (but holding on to the handle bars of your basic structure) will take you on paths you just hadn’t seen before …

Happy Thanksgiving!

A writer emailed me with:  I need to know if I have a talent for commercial writing. I have many ideas for stories.  I would very much appreciate a professional opinion. I’m already 54 years old and would like to spend my time and very little money wisely. So, what do you think?

Answer: First, fresh ideas for stories are great–something all readers appreciate.

Second, there is no way to judge your actual writing until I see it, which I’m sure you appreciate. Sadly, a great premise is only that. Writing technique is another matter altogether. And it takes both to create a fine story.

Third, the publishing world is a brutal and highly competitive business. Short stories, in particular, have few venues these days. So if you are hoping to make money with your writing, you need to look long and hard at the markets, what they pay, how much competition there is for that particular market, etc. Books are also a tough sell, especially for first-time authors. A publisher would willingly pay big money to print a poor novel by a known author who has a following than pay little for a really good manuscript by a first-timer. Why? They know the veteran writer’s novel will sell enough on the author’s name alone to be profitable. And promoting any new author requires not only the risk of whether the book will be popular but the additional costs to promote. I’m giving you the “tough love” here, but I don’t want you to be unrealistic in your expectations. The “if you write it, they will come” just isn’t so.

Discover more about the markets that are available by reading Writer’s Market, Novel and Short Story Writer’s Market, and exploring online marketing directories.

The bigger question is why are you writing? Do you really love it? Find it a fascinating and stimulating idea? Then try it by all means! There is nothing (in this writer/editor’s opinion) more satisfying than creating a world of your own, peopled by characters of your choosing, and then, with them, exploring relationships, philosophies, events and ideas. And the cost is minimal compared to other creative endeavors. You may find you have just the right approach that a publisher will like … and have a great time learning a life-long skill in the process!