Tuesday, June 09, 2009

Photo Tuesday - Seeing Things a Little Differently...

As writers, it's important that we step back and view our work from a different angle, one that reveals details we might have missed.

Consider this analogy-

We see the world in color, but something amazing happens when we view it in black in white...





The first image, which is of a deck, is quite obviously wood. The colors are a dead giveaway.

But convert that image to black and white and the object becomes less distinguishable. We now notice the patterns and shapes. The deep grooves and sparkling frost stand out more. We are now seeing the same image in a different light.



We need to do this with our writing as well.

If we take a step back and view the whole picture, then little gaps in the story become more apparent. Continuity problems occur when we focus on one tiny scene and forget to compare details with earlier chapters.

We might also note a lack of details. We may see the scene clearly, but the reader can't read our minds. He or she relies on us to flesh out scenes and characters.

And we might need to try a new POV to enhance our story. Perhaps another character's take would be more exciting.

What helps you to see things a little differently?

5 comments:

Jane Kennedy Sutton said...

I like your analogy. The second photo looks like the perfect setting for a sci-fi book. What helps me is getting a critique. It helps me to find areas that seemed obvious to me but not so clear to someone else.

Jane Kennedy Sutton
http://janekennedysutton.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Excellent post and analogy on perspective. Those photos are VERY vivid, also. I'll often put myself "in the shoes" of a character - talking about bit characters, support roles now - I ALWAYS live inside my main characters - but getting inside the head and heart of a bit player to feel what they feel about your pro or antagonist can sometimes stir up some good perspective with which to produce good fodder for interesting angles and twists on your writing.

The Old Silly From Free Spirit Blog

Helen Ginger said...

I thought it was a desert scene!

You're right about remembering that a reader can't see what's in your head. I see that a lot when I'm editing for writers.

Helen
Straight From Hel

Carolyn Howard-Johnson said...

Ahhh, the job of an artist. Using one's inner and outer eyes. (-:

Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Blogging at Writer's Digest 101 Best Website pick, www.sharingwithwriters.blogspot.com

Connie Arnold said...

Thanks for your great post and analogy, Diane! This is a challenge in writing poetry as well.
Connie