3T Writing Tidbit

I think I've done a 3T Tidbit on this before, but it bears repeating...writing is all about setting up expectations, then knocking them over in interesting ways.

But you have to set up the expectation before you can play with it.

One thing I see a lot is a line like, "She thought about doing the thing, but decided not to, because of reasons."

So, that sets up expectations, which is fine. But it's a little unsatisfying. Where's the danger, the intrigue, the conflict? The potential for, "No, Lucy, don't do that!!"

Solution? Let the character actually DO THE THING before the plot negates it.

Example:

Before

Robert had fought in the Dovaronian War. Glynnis suddenly longed to ask him about it, about the Battle of Boswin, about all those things Fearghas had told her about—and that this man had experienced.

But a warning glance from Caer kept her silent. Later, she promised herself. There would be time later.

After

Robert had fought in the Dovaronian War. Glynnis suddenly longed to know about it, about the Battle of Boswin, about all those things Fearghas had told her about—and that this man had experienced.

She opened her mouth to ask.

Caer sliced her a warning glance.

She closed her mouth. Later, she promised herself. There would be time later.

The difference here is subtle. She's not taking much action. But she does take action, opening her mouth. That lets Caer's reaction, the warning glance, have that much more impact, and for the conflict of that moment to burn just a bit more without using a lot more words.

Published since 2009, over the years I've accumulated various items of writing wisdom. The Third Tuesday Writing Tidbit showcases these items in no particular order. Click here to see all 3T Tidbits.