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A story has to have a point, subtext or some overarching theme. Some message or meaning beyond the narrative content. Stay focussed – a meandering or directionless storyline is unlikely to retain the readers interest and it may be necessary to delete scenes and chapters that do not advance the story or add depth to the characters.
Descriptive elements – don’t overdo the adjectives – a common mistake. Description is there to trigger the reader’s imagination and conjure up a vivid picture in the mind. This will be more powerfull if the point is made with a subtle, light touch, and the reader recognises and identifies with the experience of the character. Sometimes mundane everyday observations help to make the character and situation become real in the mind of the reader. Any clumsy or laboured writing will distract and dilute or destroy the effect.
In general it is better to show than tell, although this should not be taken to extremes – there is a place for descriptive passages. In fact modern authors seem to have taken the “show, don’t tell” directive so far that it is difficult to find a descriptive passage of any length in many recently published novels. |