If you're looking for writing advice, clicking here will lead you to an index of posts aimed at writers.
7/14/2016 0 Comments Writing Close![]() I've heard it called "distancing the reader" and "filtering," but whichever term used, its an error in writing that needs to be corrected. We write sentences such as "I saw the dog's huge teeth." Or "Sophie watched the German Shepherd charge her." We want the reader to know it's the main character's viewpoint. But if we're in a dangerous situation are we going to be passive about it? No! Neither should our main characters. Cut the I saw, she watched, he heard, they observed, etc. Make it more immediate. Show the character reacting or doing something. Even if the situation isn't dangerous the story will be stronger without distancing. Following are some ways my two sample sentences above could be improved. Look at how different the versions are--how they present very different scenarios. Instead of: "I saw the dog's huge teeth."
Instead of: "Sophie watched the German Shepherd charge her."
So take a look at your writing. Are you writing close? Are your characters active? Or are you distancing by letting your character be passive?
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Author
SM Ford writes inspirational fiction for adults, although teens may find the stories of interest, too. She also loves assisting other writers on their journeys. Archives
December 2021
Categories
All Best Writing Quotes Book News Good Books To Read Guest Interview Guest Post Life Public Speaking Upcoming Book Release Words For Writers |