Mechanics

[BlackSnake]

significant detail, active voice, and prose rhythm are the techniques for achieving the sensuaous in fiction, means of taking the reader past the words and the thought to feeling and experience

Are you trying to become a better writer?

 

[3113]

I'm always trying to become a better writer--and on my 3rd or 4th time over a story I do start making conscious decisions. But I've learned that if one becomes too conscious of the mechanics too early then the story doesn't usually come off as organic and true to itself. And, for that matter, to know which such mechanics are required.

Different stories require different types of fine tuning to take them to higher and better levels.

 

[BlackSnake]

Hey, the car needs gas.

Once you know what you want to write, it is the mechanics that get you there. The mechanics are not after thoughts or something to add when editing, its what you use to tell the story.

It's narrowing the words down to only the important things. Forget about any notions of counting words, and think more about does the reader understand what you are trying to tell them.

Think about, are you moving the reader along.

Prose rhythm, are you showing the reader the character’s emotional state; can the reader feel it.

Jason pressed his fingers into her soft breast. Her body jerked from thrust of his straining cock. Again and again he slammed against her yielding body.

How to you use the rhythm of your words to show the emotional state of the characters?

 

[SEVERUSMAX]

Certainly trying. When I don't have writers' block, that is. And when my ADHD doesn't act up too much. Practice, practice, practice.

 

[3113]

Hey, the car needs gas.

Once you know what you want to write, it is the mechanics that get you there. The mechanics are not after thoughts or something to add when editing, its what you use to tell the story.

I'm not sure I understand or agree with your definition of "mechanics."

What exactly ARE you talking about and why make it so enigmatic in definition and description?

 

[Weird Harold]

Once you know what you want to write, it is the mechanics that get you there. The mechanics are not after thoughts or something to add when editing, its what you use to tell the story.

I'm not sure I understand or agree with your definition of "mechanics."

What exactly ARE you talking about and why make it so enigmatic in definition and description?

I don't think BS's definition of the mechanics in the first post is all that enigmatic, just incomplete; There is about a library's worth of other elements that could be included.

I think you're both correct about where the mechanics of writing come into the forefront. For me, the tricks and techniques I've learned shape how I write the first draft and then the editing process -- especially comments from others -- teaches me new tricks and techniques to keep in mind for the next effort.

You're also correct that different "mechanics" apply to different stories. For example, the tricks and techniques to writing a good mystery aren't really compatible with writing a humor or slapstick. A style that generates the dark emotions needed for a good horror story isn't the style needed for a light-hearted romance.

Assembling the right palette of style elements -- the mechanics of writing to evoke aspecific mood - before you start writing can at the very least reduce your editing time considerably.

 

[BlackSnake]

I figure if we talk about writing and techniques of writing, then we can become better writers by sharing.

I'm talking about consciously applying the mechanics and seeing their affects. Point out any technique that you found that work in any piece of work. Share with us.

I'm mean, this is the AH. Why not talk about writing?

 

[BlackSnake]

Certainly trying. When I don't have writers' block, that is. And when my ADHD doesn't act up too much. Practice, practice, practice.

I got adult ADD bad, but I've learned a few work arounds. Hey, it took a while but I got a college education

 

[SEVERUSMAX]

I got adult ADD bad, but I've learned a few work arounds. Hey, it took a while but I got a college education

Half of that. Made it 2 years into it, and then it got too expensive to continue. Oh, well. I did learn some things, like I was the sanest guy there. That was an important lesson. Most of my classmates were religious right shitbags. I was a religious conservative to some extent, but not to that extreme.

Back on topic, I just edited and prepared for publication several pages worth of work, so I am taking a breather. Will return to it soon, so don't be surprised. The Muse will call on me shortly.

 

[BlackSnake]

I've got a catfight in chapter 4 of my "Girlfriend" story.

My attempt here was to show fast past action and mood change. It's suppose to be a lesbian action, but I don't know if the story really qualifies pass being girl-girl.

Some advice I followed was to limit "he said/she said" and get on with the story.

Like I said, this is not about feedback its about improving writing skills.

I would love to see where someone else made the same attempt.