Month: February 2024

Connecting with Characters on an Emotional Level

Posted on by Jonathan Fesmire

 

 

One thing that becomes obvious if you read much is that literature transcends storytelling. Stories provide vicarious experiences and allow us to live countless lives, feel profound emotions, and explore the depths of the human condition through multitudes of characters. They’re gateways into worlds where we bond with characters who, though birthed from imagination, become as familiar to us as old friends. As readers, the moments that linger long after we turn the last page evoke emotions from the heights of elation to the depths of despair. Our connections to fictional characters heighten our engagement with the story and foster a deeper understanding of ourselves, others, and the world.

The Essence of Emotional Connection

Why do fictional characters captivate us? It’s because they encapsulate the myriad emotions and experiences that define the human experience, making it natural for us to empathize with their journeys. Writers imbue characters with hopes, fears, triumphs, and tribulations that echo our own, creating a mirror of our own lives. When a character laughs, we share in their joy; when they weep, we feel the sting of their tears. This empathetic bond is the alchemy of storytelling, and it’s a kind of magic. It blurs the lines between the real and the imagined, drawing us deeper into the narrative, be it short story, novel, or otherwise.

Crafting Characters That Resonate

Creating characters that resonate deeply with readers requires an understanding of human nature and also the ability to render it in all its complexity on the page. That’s not to say that young writers can’t create remarkable characters, just that the more experience you have, the more you understand others, the more believable your characters will become.

They must feel real, with backgrounds, experiences, dreams, flaws, and growth that unfolds organically over the course of the story. They should be as diverse and multifaceted as the real world. Modern writers know how important it is to write about characters from different backgrounds, providing not just representation for more readers, but for the sake of reflecting reality. Writing fiction is a chance to offer a spectrum of perspectives that allow every reader to find a piece of themselves within the story. A protagonist’s journey from adversity to resilience, for example, can offer inspiration, prompting readers to reflect on their own capacity for strength in the face of challenges.

The Role of Conflict and Resolution

Conflict is the crucible that tests and transforms characters. It drives the narrative forward and forges a deeper connection with the reader. Through conflict, characters confront their deepest fears, make hard choices, and develop in meaningful ways. These moments of adversity reveal the core of a character’s being, inviting readers to invest emotionally in their journey.

The resolution of a conflict may be triumphant or tragic, but they should feel right for the story and bring a sense of closure for readers. A well-executed resolution can stir a wide range of emotions, offering a sense of catharsis or prompting introspection about the narrative’s deeper meanings.

Empathy and Understanding

Reading is an exercise in empathy. In fact, it’s said that readers are generally more empathetic than non-readers, because they frequently step into the shoes of others and view the world from their perspective. Regularly connecting with characters on an emotional level enhances the reading experience and even enriches our real-world interactions. By experiencing the world through the eyes of diverse characters, we gain insights into lives and cultures different from our own.

While I know this information will be helpful to aspiring writers, I’ve also written this article for readers. The emotional journey we undertake with characters infuses literature, and by that I mean all fiction genres—with its enduring power and appeal. It transforms reading from a solitary act into a shared experience, a dialogue between the reader, the characters, and the author that resonates long after the story ends. Good fiction takes us on emotional voyages, entertaining us, challenging us, and prompting reflection on the human condition. Ultimately, the true magic of literature lies in the emotional odysseys it invites us to join, where we explore the landscape of human emotion and discover universal truths that connect us all.

One More THing

If you’d like to hear about all the stories I’m sharing on my Patreon, my steampunk western novels, news about when I’m attending conventions, to get alerted about new blog posts here, and much more, follow me on Substack. I send out a newsletter from there once a week on Tuesday morning.

“The three things that matter most in a story are characters, characters and characters.” ~ Bob Gale

Shooting Down Three Bad Bits of Writing Advice

Posted on by Jonathan Fesmire

 

As a writer, I’ve encountered a lot of advice–some invaluable, others not so much. Some, while potentially beneficial in moderation, can severely limit creativity and storytelling when taken to extremes. In this post, I’ll delve into three bad bits of writing advice that I’ve encountered recently and give explain why authors shouldn’t take them seriously.

What follows are three particularly egregious examples of bad writing advice, and why they’re so bad.

 

Do Not Use Prologues

One of the most contentious pieces of advice I’ve come across is the staunch opposition to including prologues in novels. Critics often argue that prologues can deter readers, suggesting that they serve as unnecessary preambles rather than engaging hooks. Evidently, some readers even skip them!

This perspective overlooks the unique role that prologues can play in setting the stage for a story. A good prologue can serve multiple purposes. It can provide essential backstory or context that enriches the reader’s understanding of the ensuing narrative. For instance, a prologue might introduce a historical event, a myth, or a legend that lays the groundwork for the story. Alternatively, it might offer a glimpse into a pivotal moment from a perspective not featured in the rest of the novel, adding layers of depth and intrigue to the narrative tapestry.

Prologues can help to create suspense or foreshadowing key themes and events. For example, in my novel, Bodacious Creed and the San Francisco Syndicate, the discovery of a body buried at an abandoned farm south of San Francisco hints at crimes yet undiscovered. By offering a glimpse of what’s to come, an author can pique readers’ curiosity and draw them into the story with a sense of anticipation. Ensure that the prologue is directly relevant to the story and crafted in a way that complements the narrative rather than detracting from it.

Also, recognize that prologues are distinct from chapters. They are not simply “Chapter One” by another name. By design, prologues stand apart from the main narrative, offering unique insights or setting the stage in a way that chapters, which propel the story forward, cannot. Dismissing prologues outright can rob a story of a powerful tool for engagement and depth.

 

Write Only When You Have Something to Say

“Write only when you have something to say.” On the surface, this advice seems sensible, encouraging writers to speak with purpose and clarity. However, it harbors an insidious implication: that one should wait for inspiration or a fully formed idea before putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard). This waiting game can be the death knell for creativity.

Writing is as much about discovery as it is about expression. It’s a process through which ideas are explored, refined, and brought to life. By writing regularly, even without a goal in mind, writers can unearth thoughts and narratives that were previously obscured in the recesses of their minds. This exploratory process can lead to unexpected insights, interesting stories, and a richer, more nuanced understanding of the themes at hand.

The discipline of writing regularly hones one’s craft. It ensures that when inspiration does strike, the writer is better equipped to capture and express it effectively. Waiting for a fully formed idea before writing is akin to a musician waiting to be proficient before practicing–it’s counterproductive and inhibits growth.

 

Only Conclude a Chapter at the End of a Scene

Another piece of advice that I’ve found baffling is the notion that chapters must not end in the middle of a scene. This rigid guideline ignores the myriad narrative techniques at a writer’s disposal and the dynamism they can bring to a story.

Ending a chapter mid-scene can be a powerful tool for maintaining momentum and reader engagement. It can create suspense and encourage readers to turn the page to find out what happens next. This technique, often referred to as a cliffhanger, can be especially effective in genres that thrive on tension and suspense, such as thrillers and mysteries.

This approach can offer a more immersive reading experience, mirroring the unpredictability and fluidity of real-life events. Life doesn’t adhere to neat, chapter-like segments; it’s full of interruptions and unexpected turns. Reflecting this in writing can add a layer of realism and relatability to the narrative.

While writing advice can be invaluable, it’s essential to approach it with a critical mind and consider how it applies to your voice and storytelling style. Writing should be a playground for creativity, exploration, and expression. By questioning conventional wisdom and embracing a more nuanced approach, whatever writing advice you encounter, you can unlock additional dimensions of storytelling and connect with readers in profound and unexpected ways.

 

P.S. I have a Patreon now where I’m sharing four stories every month! For your $5/month subscription, you’ll get to read these exciting tales that take place in the steampunk weird western world of my Bodacious Creed novels. Since I started it last month, four tales are already there for your enjoyment!

Check it out here:

Jonathan Fesmire | Crafting Bodacious Stories | Patreon

“Writing is an act of discovering what you think and what you believe.” ~ Dan Pink

Establishing a Writing Routine that Works for You

Posted on by Jonathan Fesmire

 

Hey there, aspiring author. Have you come up with a writing routine? If you’re serious about their craft and committed to making significant strides in your literary career, you’ll want to do that soon. A thoughtfully established routine enhances productivity, sharpens writing skills, and enables the seamless construction of interesting narratives. In this guide, we’ll explore how to create a writing routine that harmonizes with your life and creative endeavors.

This is the second post I’ve written recently about creating a writing routine, but it’s a worthy subject to revisit.

Understanding the Importance of a Writing Routine

Creating a writing routine about fostering a consistent, sustainable practice that cultivates creativity and combats the dreaded writer’s block. It provides a framework that guides you towards achieving your literary goals. Recognizing the value of a routine can transform your approach to writing from a sporadic hobby to a professional endeavor.

Setting Realistic Goals

Setting achievable, clear goals is the first step in establishing a routine that motivates and even propels you towards your larger aspirations. Whether you plan to write a set number of words each day or finish a novel chapter a week, these targets should stretch your abilities without leading to burnout. Goals act as milestones. They’re tangible evidence of your progress, and each goal met gives a sense of success that can help propel you forward.

Designating a Dedicated Writing Space

The space where you choose to write plays an important role, as it will influence your creativity and concentration. Create an environment that minimizes disruptions and also visually and emotionally inspires your writing. The wall I face at my desk has beautiful canvas portraits of my son and me; a digital picture frame rotating art that I like; my Writers of the Future Honorable Mention certificate, framed; a fantasy map from the Hero’s Journal; a Bodacious Creed calendar; a Ginny Di calendar (she’s a Dungeons and Dragons YouTuber); a picture of my D&D character, and various buttons from Disneyland and conventions. All these give me a sense of home and comfort in writing space, which makes me feel at ease and able to write well.

To generalize, tailoring your space to reflect your personal tastes and preferences can transform it into a sanctuary of creativity, where ideas flow freely and distractions remain at bay.

Crafting a Writing Schedule with Flexible Scheduling

The cornerstone of a solid writing routine is finding a consistent time each day dedicated to writing, preferably when you feel most creative and alert. I use a flexible approach to scheduling and write in between other important tasks. When I’m working on a blog, like this one, a short story, or a novel, I often work in writing sprints. That’s where I dedicate perhaps 15 to 25 minutes just to writing, and after that, I take a short break.

You probably have some sense of when you’re most productive. Try to schedule writing for that time, to fit your natural productivity peaks. This can significantly enhance the quality of your output, be it prose, poetry, or brainstorming.

Embracing Rituals and the Power of Habit

Making writing as habitual as other everyday activities can demystify the process and reduce resistance to starting each session. Small pre-writing rituals can act as cues to your brain, signaling that it’s time to shift into a creative mode. These rituals, whether it’s brewing a pot of coffee or organizing your workspace, can significantly ease the transition into a productive writing mindset. I’ll sometimes watch a few recent news videos, or free-write for ten or fifteen minutes in my journal. Since I’ve made it a habit to work on my fiction after, these rituals prime my mind for that purpose.

Using Tools and Resources

The right set of tools can make a world of difference in organizing your thoughts and maintaining focus on your writing projects. From sophisticated writing software that helps structure your narratives to simple timers that keep your writing sprints on track, these resources can ease the logistical burdens of writing. This allows you to dedicate more mental energy to the creative aspects of your work, enhancing both efficiency and enjoyment.

Some that I use include the following.

 

  • 4thewords – If you find video games addictive, why not use that to increase your writing output? On 4thewords, you can battle various monsters and make progress through a fantasy world, all through writing. Create projects composed of individual files, keeping your writing organized here, too. In my 4thewords account, I keep my journal, win battles by pasting in the articles I write for my day job, and even organize and write the first drafts of short stories and novels.
  • Scrivener – Scrivener makes it easy to organize all the parts of your books, from non-fiction to novels. It’s a robust software package that’s also affordable. And, if you don’t love the default look, you can switch to another theme. After I write my a scene into 4thewords for whatever novel I’m in the middle of, I then paste it into Scrivener.
  • World Anvil – Not a writing site per-se, World Anvil is the ideal platform for world building. You can create multiple worlds, and populate them with characters, locations, and so much more. Get a glimpse at what you can do on World Anvil by checking out the world of my novels, the Creedverse. (Keep in mind that what you’ll get is just a taste of my world. I’ve made enough information public to wet the appetite for my novels, but most of the information I use in my books is private. How much information do I have? Try nearly 400,000 words so far!)

Prioritizing Writing

To make writing a non-negotiable part of your day, it’s crucial to establish boundaries and communicate the importance of this time to those around you. Viewing your writing as a paramount task underscores its significance in your life and ensures that it receives the respect and time it deserves. This commitment signals to both yourself and others that your writing is not merely a hobby, but a vital aspect of your identity.

Mindfulness and Breaks

Integrating mindfulness practices into your routine can significantly clear your mind and enhance your creative output. Try incorporating regular breaks and mindfulness exercises, such as meditation or leisurely walks, to rejuvenate your mind and body. These practices not only prevent burnout but also foster a mental environment where creativity can thrive, leading to richer and more nuanced writing. Also, while I write almost every day, I’ll take a day off if I’m feeling overworked, but I’ll get back to my writing the next day.

Finding Your Community

Building connections with fellow writers can offer invaluable support, motivation, and feedback on your work. Whether it’s through local writing groups, online forums, or social media platforms, engaging with a community of like-minded individuals can provide a sense of belonging and shared purpose. This network can become a source of inspiration, challenge, and encouragement, pushing you to refine your craft and persevere through challenges.

Attending conventions, first as a paying member, and later as a guest author, or a vendor, is another fantastic way to meet other writers. I have a lot of author friends, many of whom you’ve surely heard of, that I’ve met at various cons.

Keeping the Well Filled

To sustain creativity, take part in activities that fuel your imagination, whether it’s reading widely, exploring new hobbies, or simply engaging in thoughtful observation of the world around you. These experiences enrich your inner well of ideas, ensuring that you have a diverse reservoir of material to draw upon in your writing.

Reviewing and Adjusting Your Routine

An effective writing routine does not remain static. Stay open to tweaking it to ensure it continues to serve you well. It’s meant to support your growth and development as a writer.

Developing a writing routine is a personal journey that demands a blend of discipline, flexibility, and self-awareness. Embrace realistic goal-setting, create an inspiring workspace, adopt flexible scheduling, and incorporate habits and mindfulness into your practice. In this way, you can craft a routine that propels your writing forward while nurturing your creative spirit.

“Just get it down on paper, and then we’ll see what to do with it.” ~ Maxwell Perkins