Thank you! Your tip on noting when each character shows up is really helpful. I have so many notes to myself that boil down to “check when Linda shows up for the first time.” If I write this for all my characters I can stop making this note!
Loved this: "I look at each of the highlighted passages and ask myself, What was it that moved me here? And, How did the writer create that movement in me? Answering those two questions over and over has taught me more about fiction writing than almost anything else I do."
This was a wonderful insight into how to read better! I’ve found myself snacking on books instead of savouring them. Thanks for this detailed approach!
Such a great essay, Matt! I love the term "rate of revelation." I think you're right in that mastering that ultimately determines if a book works or not. I wonder how many readers dismiss a book because they were not given then right information at the rate time. If that happens enough, the reader simply just becomes disenchanted. Anyway, this is a wonderful read. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you! Your tip on noting when each character shows up is really helpful. I have so many notes to myself that boil down to “check when Linda shows up for the first time.” If I write this for all my characters I can stop making this note!
I do the same thing! There's so much to keep track of, and it's so hard to do while you're drafting. Glad this helps!
Loved this: "I look at each of the highlighted passages and ask myself, What was it that moved me here? And, How did the writer create that movement in me? Answering those two questions over and over has taught me more about fiction writing than almost anything else I do."
Thank you so much! This is what I'm always trying to teach in my classes.
Great post, especially since I just started reviewing again.
Thank you! Glad you're reviewing too!
Predictive reading and your questions about what creates movement are so helpful!
Thank you, Stephanie!
This was a wonderful insight into how to read better! I’ve found myself snacking on books instead of savouring them. Thanks for this detailed approach!
Thank you, Zoë! (Nothing wrong with a little snack, of course!)
Super helpful post and I hope your emergency submerged! ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you, Mike!
Such a great essay, Matt! I love the term "rate of revelation." I think you're right in that mastering that ultimately determines if a book works or not. I wonder how many readers dismiss a book because they were not given then right information at the rate time. If that happens enough, the reader simply just becomes disenchanted. Anyway, this is a wonderful read. Thanks for sharing!