Q: Renee asks:
Is it very poor writing technique to ever start a sentence with "but"?
One more question - what about "and then"? I recently read a comment on a writing site that stated those two words should never be used together. Is that true?
A: My view is that it's not poor technique to begin a sentence with "but." I read recently that there are no actual rules of grammar that say you can't. I do it now and then, but only when it feels like the most right thing to do. You can also start sentences with "and" if that suits your purpose. In fiction, there are no real rules, only guidelines.
As for "and then," I see a lot of sentences with construction like this:
He took a swig of moonshine, then spat it out.
I once used that approach. But you may notice that Word's grammar thing will always prompt for "and then." And I've come to think that's the most right thing most of the time. I think the rhythm is better, and I think the conjunction helps the reader tie the related thoughts together in a more fluid way. So I now change most ", then" usages to ", and then."
This last week, however, just to give you another point of view, I received the feedback on the WIP from a critique partner, a professional editor and novelist who is the managing editor for a small publishing company (she loved it). But she pointed out my usage of "and then" and suggested shortening it. And she has a better eye for grammar than I. But she didn't say that it was incorrect. (Note that the two last sentences began with "but" and with "and.")
As for those two words never being used together, that sounds to me like someone trying to impose a personal point of view on all of us. Never say never when it comes to art, I say.
Compare the rhythm and feel of this version of the example sentence:
He took a swig of moonshine, and then spat it out.
Let me add that there are times, especially in dialogue and in action sequences, that the abruptness of leaving out the "and" can serve your purposes better. I think it's the rhythm and communication, the creation of what's happening in the reader's mind, which matters most. We adapt the language to achieve that; we don't lose effectiveness for the sake of a "rule" or custom. At least that's my view. I'm sure that if you surf the Internet you'll find a dozen contrary ones.
Who are you to believe? What resonates best with you (and even that can change over time).
Q: Nienke asks:
I'm a newbie fiction writer and have been working on my first novel for 9 months or so. I am addicted to reading how-to books and articles on the craft of writing fiction, and every time I finish another book or workshop, I want to rewrite the few words I have of my first draft.
I've been up to 9,000 words, but keep starting over to make the ms more perfect. I'm at roughly 6,000 words on my current draft and recently attended a Debra Dixon workshop on goals, motivation, and conflict.
Again, I am resisting the urge to rework my hero/heroine's GMCs to make the book better.
I know I can write the perfect book. It won't be finished till 2055, but it WILL be perfect.
How can I stop looking for paths to perfection and just get the dang first draft done? What do I need to tell myself or believe?
A: I have sympathy for this syndrome. Not because I'm continually going back because I've learned a new technique, but because I'm a little compulsive about rereading and continuous tweaking. I must say that the occasional review of the last few chapters or from the beginning is frequently helpful in re-grounding me in the story and the characters, and helps to shape things to come.
But in your case, Nienke, where a new insight into the craft sends you into a writerly hamster wheel . . .
Seems to me there are two ways to approach this. One is to understand that every time you start over and apply new techniques, you're actually climbing higher on the learning curve. That means the re-starts aren't a waste of time, no matter how much if feels as if you're walking in place. You could just go with it. Perhaps make notes on what you need to do in the rewrite, but keep going. By the way, a great way to make notes to yourself with Word is to use the comments feature. There's an FtQ post on that here.
But, after 9 months of walking in place, it's understandable that you'd want to get at least one step further down the road. I suggest this: make your goal to keep forging ahead and get the story finished.
However, if you pick up another technique or learn something as you go, apply it from that point on but don't go back until you're ready for rewrite. Because you'll be practicing the new approach as you carry on, it will be that much easier when you finish the mss, put it in a drawer for a month, and then do the rewrite. Seems to me that one exception would be the need to go back and plant the seeds for an unexpected turn in story or character.
With a novel, I think finishing it is the hardest part. I have ENORMOUS respect for anyone who completes an entire novel, no matter what its quality. After that, rewriting can be almost fun at times. I say put your pedal to the metal and patch the potholes later.
For what it's worth.
See you next week. And if you have questions, please ask.
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.
ARCHIVES .
© 2006 Ray Rhamey