Thursday, June 13, 2013

Thursday Attacks Endings

Lately, I've read a lot of books with amazing twist endings. I just sit there wondering how the author could have thought of something so ingenious. I love them. I just have one tinsy, tiny problem with them: how they are built up.
I hate the whole decide to attack, fade out, PUNCH.
It's really vague when something bad happens, the MC decides enough is enough and that they need to take action, but the scene ends before the big action sequences occurs.
Those really bother me.
I get that it adds suspense, so the reader can go "OMG what are they gonna do", but I just roll my eyes and close the book. The author has lost me in that moment.
For me, this is a trick to keep readers interested.
GREAT writing doesn't need tricks.
I would prefer the MC come up with the plan then plan go up in flames.
Why?
1. More realistic- NOTHING goes according to plan
2. Shows how the character reacts in a crisis- FORCE the characters to do the unexpected. They might surprise everyone
3. More dramatic- the readers need a bit of a shake up
Possible idea: Maybe there could be a GIANT plot whole that you character doesn't realize, and that plot hole ruins their plan. How does your character over come their mistake?
You can have that awesome trick ending, but make the character work for it not the reader. 

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Thursday with BAD Romantic Dialogue

In my last post, I talked about how to write realistic dialogue.
The problem is that in novels, characters don't talk like normal people, but sometimes they should.
Characters in love should talk like normal people instead of cheesy cheese (not my best word choices).
A few weeks ago, I saw the Host. I had never been to a movie in the theater where people were laughing (more like howling) without reservation throughout the entire movie during "dramatic" scenes. I spent a majority of the film saying things like "if they say/ do this, I'm going to hit my head against a wall" which I actually did. It was that bad.
The problem was that the dialogue tried so hard to sound romantic and ended up sounding creepy.
Yes, theoretically, a guy telling you that he watches you while you sleep should should romantic (sorry for the Twilight reference Meyer fans), but in reality, guys should NOT sneak into your room while you are unconscious.
When you are writing romantic dialogue, think would I find this romantic if you were in the situation. The odds are you would say yes since the dialogue roots from your subconscious (which thinks about that kinda stuff). If you happen to say no, DELETE IT.
If you answered yes, go up to a friend and tell them your romantic dialogue out of the blue. If they don't get a restraining order on you, you can keep it.
Best of luck to you while you try to not creep people out.