VIDEO
HIGHLIGHT
Log InSign up
Lesson 13. Time: Duration │The Mechanics of Fiction Writing
SummaryTranscriptChat

Lesson 13. Time: Duration │The Mechanics of Fiction Writing

The Mechanics of Fiction Writing: Understanding Time

Introduction to the Journey of Writing

  • Rowe embarked on a lengthy process to create a skills-based guide titled The Mechanics of Fiction Writing, which took several months and involved consultations with various literary figures.
  • Despite Rowe's confidence in the book's potential, it remained unnoticed for four years, highlighting the challenges authors face in gaining recognition.

The Concept of Time in Storytelling

  • The lesson introduces the idea of time as a flexible element in storytelling, emphasizing how writers can manipulate duration within their narratives.
  • A common adage among writers is "Show don’t tell," which is explored further to clarify its meaning and implications for fiction writing.

Distinguishing Between Showing and Telling

  • The terms "showing" and "telling" are often misunderstood; this section aims to define them more precisely by contrasting scenes with summaries.
  • A crucial point made is that text itself has no inherent temporality; it exists as symbols until read, creating two timelines: one for the storyworld and one for the reader.

Understanding Scene vs. Summary

  • The distinction between scene (where time flows with action) and summary (which condenses time) is vital for effective storytelling.
  • Writers must consider both imaginary time within their stories and actual reading time, as this tension defines how readers experience narrative pacing.

The Role of Action Verbs in Narrative Pacing

  • Action verbs serve as a metaphorical play button for stories, but unlike video playback, reading speed varies among individuals.
  • A scene should ideally match the duration it takes a reader to read it; synchronization between reading pace and story events enhances immersion.

Tools for Effective Scene Writing

  • Dialogue serves as an essential tool in crafting scenes that feel immediate and engaging while maintaining temporal alignment with reader experience.

Understanding Scene Dynamics in Writing

The Importance of Timing in Dialogue and Action

  • The timing of dialogue is crucial for reader immersion; incorrect timing can disrupt scene simulation.
  • Quick declarative sentences complement dialogue, enhancing the pacing and flow of a scene.
  • Action verbs should be used effectively to match reading time with character actions, creating a seamless experience.

Balancing Description and Reader Imagination

  • Writers should avoid excessive description that could hinder the flow of action; readers naturally fill in gaps.
  • An example illustrates that unnecessary details about objects can stall scenes; focus on essential elements instead.
  • Trusting readers to visualize scenes without over-explaining fosters a more engaging narrative.

Techniques for Manipulating Time in Narrative

  • Stretching a scene can create dramatic effects, akin to slow-motion in film, particularly during critical moments.
  • A passage from Alice Munro exemplifies effective time management, building suspense through vivid imagery and pacing.

Mastery of Duration and Reader Experience

  • Munro's writing showcases how specific details enhance visualization while managing narrative speed effectively.
  • The balance between stretching time and maintaining tension is crucial; too much or too little can disrupt reader engagement.

Navigating Scene Elements: Show vs. Tell

  • Understanding the fluidity between scenes, stretches, pauses, and summaries helps clarify the "Show don’t tell" principle.

Understanding Pauses and Summaries in Storytelling

The Role of Pauses in Narrative

  • A pause can create a moment for visualization, allowing readers to absorb details about the storyworld, such as objects or settings.
  • Pauses are effective at the beginning of stories to establish context quickly, providing essential information without immediate action.
  • An example from the Ju-Bee banana story illustrates how pauses convey character states and situations rapidly through descriptive language.
  • Linking verbs (e.g., "was starving," "had been") help communicate a character's condition efficiently, drawing readers into their emotional state.
  • While pauses may seem like mere "telling," they can still evoke strong imagery and set the scene effectively.

Utilizing Summary Effectively

  • Summary condenses time; it allows events to be recounted faster than they occur in real-time, serving brevity while maintaining narrative flow.
  • An example involving George’s doctor appointment shows how summary conveys critical plot points without needing extensive detail on every moment.
  • Visual cues within summaries (like the doctor's actions and George's thoughts) blur lines between summary and scene elements, enhancing reader engagement.
  • Summaries serve to relay vital information that propels the plot forward while avoiding unnecessary elaboration on less significant moments.
  • Duration in summaries can vary widely; examples illustrate how multiple timeframes can be compressed into concise statements.

Understanding Gaps in Time

  • Gaps indicate transitions between events or scenes; they may be explicitly marked with phrases indicating time or left ambiguous for stylistic effect.
  • Writers might use chapter breaks or white space to create suspense by leaving gaps mysterious, prompting reader curiosity about what transpired during those intervals.

How to Use Duration in Storytelling

Understanding the Tools of Duration

  • The speaker emphasizes that the application of duration tools is subjective and depends on the storyteller's choices. Knowing how these tools work simplifies decision-making.
  • An example from Alice’s story “Labor Day Dinner” illustrates that significant conflict occurs before a climactic moment, highlighting how dialogue can be immersive yet memorable moments may differ.
  • Recognizing that duration influences reader perception is crucial; it shapes how they process the narrative. The speaker suggests reading scenes aloud to gauge their effectiveness.
  • To assess pacing, consider how long it takes to read a scene. If it feels slow, revise by shortening sentences until the tempo aligns with real-life progression.
Playlists: The Mechanics of Fiction Writing
Video description

"Showing" versus "telling" and scene versus summary is often discussed by writers, but rarely do writers talk exactly about what makes a scene a scene and a summary a summary. Here, we'll get precise about the most important distinction in portraying time on the page—Duration. If you're interested in supporting this channel so I can continue to make videos like this one and others, please like, subscribe, and share with other writers. You can also help support the channel directly by visiting: https://www.rowelit.com/support The companion book for this series containing lecture notes and exercises is tailored to sharpen the skills covered in each lesson and is available through my online bookstore: https://www.amazon.com/author/p.e.rowe Purchasing a copy for yourself or a fellow writer helps to support this channel and your own writing skills.