Greeting Deviants,

The hours is late, I am sleepy, but just not quite ready to hit the hay. Do you know this feeling? I’m sure many of you do.

I thought I’d discuss a few writing woes. ‘Woes’ is not the right word; I’m not upset. I’d just like to express 2 ponders about writing that I either struggle with or that concern me. You might indulge me with your opinions and comments.

1) Sentence varying. When reading a book, I think many take for granted (sp?) exactly HOW an author is delivering information. Where does the character’s name appear in the description? Is it needed at all? Also, where is not necessary to specify what the character is doing? For an example, I tend to say the word ‘looked’ or ‘eyed’ a lot. But are these words really needed? If I’m describing something (in an omnipotent point of view that only encompassed one mind) do have to specify that ‘The character is seeing this?’ Another problem rising from beginning sentences (for the same reason). I start too many with the character’s name or ‘he’ or ‘she.’ How do you jump to the chase and leave unnecessary stipulations out?
2) Where is the fine line of predictability? Rowling comes to mind. Now, I’m a dolt and can’t predict things in books, movies, etc (if I can, it’s usually a really cruddy story). But the greats have a way of whispering ideas in their words without making so much of them that we get suspicious. How do you write these things to perfection? For instance, say there is a key event/name that appears later in a plot twist. How do you mention it enough so that the name/event sticks in the reader’s mind, but not so much that they start thinking it’s really really important?

These are my thoughts at this loverly hour of the morning. So, since I love good discussion, please share if you are similarly bored.

Hopefully, I will wake tomorrow to a few comments.

Tah tah! See ya round!

Your Inquisitive Friend,

~Moundfreek