BWFoster78
Myth Weaver
An experienced writing coach came to our writing group last night. His main advice? Filter what's happening through your characters.
I've heard this before, but his harping on it and pointing out how none of us were really doing it effectively really brought it home.
I've heard of filtering in writing in two different contexts: one good and one bad. The bad one is using phrases like: He saw the red horse galloping down the road. "He saw" is "bad" for two reasons - a) it's unnecessary and b) it's less active than "The red horse galloped down the road." Would you rather read about a guy seeing something or about the horse doing something?
The good context is something like: The red horse galloped down the road. It reminded POV of growing up on his uncle's farm. He sighed.
This admittedly dreadful example gives emotional context to what's happening and develops character.
It's a great technique, one that I do not use enough or particularly effectively. Any tips or comments on how to develop using this more would be greatly appreciated.
I've heard this before, but his harping on it and pointing out how none of us were really doing it effectively really brought it home.
I've heard of filtering in writing in two different contexts: one good and one bad. The bad one is using phrases like: He saw the red horse galloping down the road. "He saw" is "bad" for two reasons - a) it's unnecessary and b) it's less active than "The red horse galloped down the road." Would you rather read about a guy seeing something or about the horse doing something?
The good context is something like: The red horse galloped down the road. It reminded POV of growing up on his uncle's farm. He sighed.
This admittedly dreadful example gives emotional context to what's happening and develops character.
It's a great technique, one that I do not use enough or particularly effectively. Any tips or comments on how to develop using this more would be greatly appreciated.