This post first ran in January - I'm running it again today as a reminder to all of us that less is more. As I'm editing right now, it's especially appropriate for me!
You don't have to write a book like this...
or have a cast of characters as big as this...
to get your readers to do this.
You don't have to write about this...
to elicit this...
Nor do you need to include this...
When you're writing about this...
To make your readers do this...
or this....
Always remember....
There is boundless beauty in something as small as this.
Elspeth - What a great reminder :-). Some of the best stories I've ever read were not exactly "fireworks and rockets" kinds of stories. It's the story and the reader engagement that matters, not the number of car chases, the length of the novel, or the characters' wealth.
ReplyDeleteIt's all in the small details :)
ReplyDeleteMargot; Wise words! I suppose this is also why I prefer films which deal with people, rather than massive special effects.
ReplyDeleteCarol; It really is, isn't it?
Since I'm a 200% 'it's the characters' reader and writer, I don't mind not having earth-shattering events all over the place.
ReplyDeleteTerry
Terry's Place
Romance with a Twist--of Mystery
Terry; I'm with you!
ReplyDeleteHaha.
ReplyDeleteI am struggling a bit with number of characters right now as I move back and forth between the 1930s and 1960s, but as it is only the first draft I suppose I can kill some of those that are not darlings later (and add to the excitement that way).
I love the idea that less is more. Excellent reminder for editing!
ReplyDeleteDorte; I *know* that struggle! Trust that they will sort themselves out - they usually do.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth; Oh gracious - especially for editing!