Writers
are all about the possibilities. After all, what is imagination but seeing
possibilities? Whether we’re plotters or pantsers, when we’re working on a
story we ask ourselves “what if?” or “what next?” at every turn. Even when
writing logical impossibilities (such as fantasy or paranormal), we seek ways
to make our imaginings appear possible to our readers.
If
writing is about exploring and harnessing possibilities, what about reading? The
best books draw the reader into the author’s world immediately, excluding all
else. When you read, do you allow yourself to be swept along for the ride, or
do you actively consider the possibilities for plot twists ahead? In other
words, do you read like a reader or a writer? I much prefer to read as a
reader. It’s a relief to be so caught up in someone else’s characters and plot
that I shut down my internal writer and editor and simply enjoy the story. For
me, that’s the sure mark of quality fiction.
Possibilities
can be positive or negative, but romance writers are an inherently optimistic
lot. If we weren’t, we’d never devote our writing lives to the pursuit of happily ever after. We deeply believe in
the possibility of true love for our characters and, by extension, our readers.
That’s why they buy our books, and that’s why we write them. No matter what
obstacles we throw in its path, true love will win out. The trope is timeless.
Why else would The Princess Bride be such a perennial favorite after so many
years?
For
romance writers, plot possibilities may be endless, but love remains the
ultimate possibility. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Alison
4 comments:
My inner editor has a really loud mouth. LOL Makes it hard for me to read sometimes. But, you're right, a great book will make you forget to look for dangling participles!
My inner editor has a loud mouth too. But, it's when the story is well done we writers get to become readers only.
It's the ?'s and the said tags that annoy me. A question mark only has one function, so why would you insult your reader's intelligence by slapping on he/she said after the ? Just makes my teeth itch and if a writer does it too many times, I'm not finishing the book. Great post and I am so thrilled you and your husband had a safe trip to your new home.
Thanks, Vonnie. It's wonderful to be here!
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