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Don't you just marvel how some people seem able to take the simplest concept and make it sound sophisticated and complicated? Okay. Don't do that!
The title of my offering today refers to language, which is unclear, by virtue of being open to interpretation or having more than one meaning.
In many genres, especially mystery and suspense, one might not want to spell out every detail up front. It is, of course, fun to tease and leave a reader wondering what will happen next. Who is the culprit? Which lover will the heroine choose? How can the hero possibly save the day?
However, too much obscurity or vagueness can leave a reader confused and frustrated. It can also lead to incorrect conclusions on the part of a reader, adding more confusion. That is never good.
Granted, some ambiguity may be influenced by context. Terms, descriptions, or other information might seem vague if used in one way, but clearer if used in another.
Unfortunately, not all authors are skilled in the use of ambiguity and not all plots or situations lend themselves readily to its use.
For the most part, authors should aim for clarity, and avoid leaving readers guessing at their meaning.
Frustrated readers often leave a book unfinished. Worse yet, they may return it for a refund, and might even post an uncomplimentary review. Those are three things no author ever wants!
Sex For Fossils
By TC Worthington
Reading and editing erotic prose and poetry on a daily basis, it saddens, but
does not really surprise me, that so little of it seems to apply to my
generation.
Evidently we over sixty folk are assumed to be dried up old
fossils for whom romance and sex are only fond but vague memories.
Brace yourselves. Such is not the case. Now, before you start going
"Ewwwww!," let me remind you that you're not getting any younger either, and if
you're lucky, you'll be in the over sixty crowd one day too.
Stop rolling
your eyes and hyperventilating! It's not that bad. Really.
Contrary to all
the TV advertising, not all Seniors' lives revolve around dentures, diapers, and constipation. It's a fact.
Some of us still have smoldering embers of deire, which can burst into
roaring flames with the right chemistry. Hey, I'm talking love connection here,
not pharmaceuticals.
We might not be as agile as we once were, and this stage of life is generally
not a good time to explore and experiment with the Kama Sutra unless one has a
chiropractor on speed dial.
However, most of us are actually better in some ways than when we were
younger. Sessions of all night passion give way to a more relaxed and plaful
mode, which is no less pleasurable.
Both genders tend to be more patient, accepting, and honest and open
regarding wants and needs. Both also tend to be more relaxed and creatively
kinky without fears of pregnancy or little ones in the next room.
The mental, emotional, and spiritual elements which enhance physical intimacy
are ripened, matured, and even better when one is on the home stretch.
The
brain or mind is the largest and most important sexual organ at any age. If it
is still functional, the party is not over.
Don't believe me? Wait and see.
As a avid reader and book lover, as well as an active editor, I have great respect for the creative effort of those who are able to express themselves well as they inform, amuse, thrill, and generally entertain me.
In the course of my work, I usually tend to proofread, edit, and correct mistakes that I find. However, mellow old farts like me tend to be in the minority in the literary world. In talking with colleagues, there are things that writers do which bother us all. Writers should beware of becoming lazy and careless, lest from excellent work over which they labored be rejected because of simple and easily remedied errors.
These are just a few of the pet peeves editors have with authors’ works:
Stifling Your Muse
In poring over some authors’ fiction works, I am struck by what starts as a good premise degenerates into more of a essay or a report. Rules of writing are meant to help one express themselves clearly. They are not meant to inhibit or curtail authors’ imagination. Take a deep breath, dare to dream, and write from your soul. Does what you have written make you excited, sad, amused, or hot? If so, chances are that enthusiasm will be communicated to and felt by your reader.
Point of View
Are you really sure who is telling your story? If you are writing in the first person, remember that you cannot get inside of the head of other characters. In you are writing in the third person be careful of too many shifting, conflicting, and confusing points of view. While showing different characters thoughts and feelings it’s a good thing, especially with a smooth and logical transition, you don’t want to have your reader dizzy and disoriented from constantly switching back and forth.
Ignoring the Rules
Not heeding rules of grammar and punctuation can be a fatal with some editors and publishers. If your not sure, look it up. It matters. Literary license is one thing. Laziness is inexcusable. Fragmented or one word sentences for dramatic emphasis and effect are acceptable, provided they are not a recurring element. Otherwise, their use shout that the author has no grasp of basic writing skills, or respect for the reader.
Too Many Subplots
Subplots can help generate suspense and add depth to a story. Too many of them however, merely leave a reader wondering what the heck is going on and why.
Yawn Time
Too much description and explanation, in lieu of action related to the plot, can bring a good story down in a hurry. Readers don’t really need to know every detail about every minor character. Don’t do it.
There is a reason for a rough draft. While you should not edit and correct when you are first writing your story and letting your creative juices flow, do take time later to go over your work and ensure it’s the best it can be.
Contributing friend this week is T.C. Worthington. T.C. is Editor-in-Chief of Southern Desires Publishing. He lives with his dog Barney, smoke cheap cigars, drinks good bourbon, and enjoys fishing.
