Q: Rachael asks, "When writing in a particular genre, do you think it's best to read other work in that genre, or anything but? I've heard varying, some very strong, opinions on both sides, and I go back and forth myself."
A: First, I think, you have to consider the nature of a genre
(by this I assume you mean what we traditionally think of, i.e.
romance, mystery, SF, chick lit, etc.). In some
If, not having read deeply in the genre you hope to write in, you do not know the expectations, the patterns, the form, then how are you going to supply them?
However, some genres embrace a wider scope of story. In the December 2005 issue of Writer's Digest, author Debra Garfinkle writes about how she broke all the rules with her young adult novel, Storky: How I Lost My Nickname and Won the Girl. She says she hadn't read a YA novel since she was a teen a couple of decades earlier. She wrote the story she needed to write, and it worked in that genre because it, I believe, the genre was less confined by expectations than, let's say, the many sub-genres in romance.
My thought is that it won't hurt to read in the intended genre. You'll learn whether or not the expectations are handcuffs or open and flexible. You'll be better informed about your audience, too, and that can't be all bad.
Q: Susan H asks, "When is it time to say enough is enough on editing an MS? I think some people use editing as a procrastination tool, 'Oh, it just needs a little more (fill in the blank).' Until you are dreaming, eating and thinking of editing. Then you realize it's not really going anywhere but on your desk, to the floor and in a drawer to be forgotten until the editing bug bites one more time. Just wondering...not that I have every done this or anything! Really."
A: I know the syndrome
Part of the reason is that I think my stuff is pretty good at the
first draft stage, and one rewrite makes it even better (there is no
guarantee that my opinion reflects reality, of course). For me, I'm
quite satisfied with the second draft
When it's time to say enough depends on where you are on the
novelist learning curve, too. I think three times is probably
sufficient for me. But others, at the beginning of their career, might
need a lot more trips through. So how do you know? I think the only
real-world answer is to get enough informed fresh eyes to read it
Without that independent confirmation, I don't see how a "new" novelist can know. The key here is "informed fresh eyes," too. Friends and relatives, unless they are novelists or fiction editors, may be able to see gross problems, but are more likely than not to be unable to discern other serious shortcomings that can still trip you up. Find people who know the craft well enough to be analytical and make articulate, insightful comments. This is where critique partners or groups are so helpful.
Q: Lady M wrote, "Here's something I've been meaning to mention for a very long time. It is a trend I've noticed in writing that seems to be taking over.
"It's the faster, quicker write. It's narrowing the same novel or story down by hundreds of pages in return for a faster read.
"Me... I've always enjoyed the long reads - the build up. The explain it all - paint me a picture writing... But that all seems to be going the way of the dinosaurs.
"Has anyone else noticed this? Not saying that the quicker writing doesn't make a novel faster to read and keeps my interest... it is like... hmmmm.... uhm...
"Oh, I know... It's like a waitress in a restaurant hurrying service so she can get a quicker turnover on the table. Rushing the diners so that there can be more people - which, of course, = more tips.
"So perhaps with that analogy, books are being written so that the reader reads them faster and buys more?
"Either style of writing is fine with me - it's just a growing trend that I've noticed and I was wondering if this is the way of the future?"
A: Hmmm. I can't say that I've noticed this. But then I'm so busy writing and editing I don't read all that widely lately. I still see humongous fantasy novels, and 100,000-word thrillers that take the time. In those genres, I'm still finding good, fat books.
You could be right, though, particularly in "newer" genres. I think
film and television drama has something to do with it. Generally, but
not always, they achieve a quick, steady pace. That's what it takes to
satisfy today's audiences
Anyone else care to chime in on this?
Other questions out there? Particularly on craft? Please send 'em in. I'll be getting back to doing some edits here, too
For what it's worth.
Ray
Free edit in exchange for posting permission. You send a sample that you have questions about and of which you'd like an edit. I won't post it without your permission.
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© 2006 Ray Rhamey
RE: Lady M's comment.
My favorite books are fat and have lots of build up and character development. However, every once in a while I need a break and like a quickie read. Quickie reads for me don't have to be the greatest writing or the greatest story, but it's something that takes me away when I don't want to get too involved.
I'm the same with movies. Sometimes I'm in the mood for an epic, other times a cheesy chick flick does the trick.
Posted by: Nienke | May 18, 2006 at 03:55 PM