- Joined
- Dec 21, 2011
- Messages
- 488
- Reaction score
- 375
I want to talk about plots, and stakes, and simplicity.
How simple can a plot get, or how mundane can the subject matter be, before it bores you?
I hear lot's of talk about 'plotless' novels, what makes them feel plotless? When do they work, and when do they fail miserably? Are relatable characters enough? We all know these stories actually plotless, they just feel plotless based on expectations.
How far is too far, is a novel about a man contemplating life too far? Is it possible for the prose to bring this to life, with good characterization and writing and interesting observation, can a simple plot be compelling even to the average reader?
When have slow/simple/mundane plots worked for you? Can you think about why they worked, what made them interesting? What about the failures, what do you think made a plot feel 'plotless'?
As writers, in a way we should understand the expectations readers have, and not necessarily write towards them, but simply have them in mind. I want to start a discussion on simple plots, what can make them work, and when do they fail. What are readers looking for, how can we write for them while still writing for ourselves.
How simple can a plot get, or how mundane can the subject matter be, before it bores you?
I hear lot's of talk about 'plotless' novels, what makes them feel plotless? When do they work, and when do they fail miserably? Are relatable characters enough? We all know these stories actually plotless, they just feel plotless based on expectations.
How far is too far, is a novel about a man contemplating life too far? Is it possible for the prose to bring this to life, with good characterization and writing and interesting observation, can a simple plot be compelling even to the average reader?
When have slow/simple/mundane plots worked for you? Can you think about why they worked, what made them interesting? What about the failures, what do you think made a plot feel 'plotless'?
As writers, in a way we should understand the expectations readers have, and not necessarily write towards them, but simply have them in mind. I want to start a discussion on simple plots, what can make them work, and when do they fail. What are readers looking for, how can we write for them while still writing for ourselves.