October 31, 2008
Another Austin WriterGrrl friend suggested that when doing NaNoWriMo and you get stuck, maybe it’s time to insert a flashback or some sort of character memory. I think it’s a great idea that works on a number of levels.
It should keep you writing for one. Anything that keeps your word count up is a good thing. For another, think of all the characterization, motivation, and history that comes out of a flashback or memory.
Even if you end up taking out such scenes, in December when it’s all said and done, you may still be able to use it as background that gives your characters extra richness and depth.
One more day!
Entry Filed under: Cockrill, culture, life, nanowrimo, novels, random, stories, thoughts, wisdom, writer's block, writers, writing, writing life. Tags: 50k, Cockrill, don't get stuck, nanowrimo, national novel writing month, novels, November, writer's block, writers, writing, writing life.
1.
Alex Moore | October 31, 2008 at 11:44 pm
good advice. especially in our crazy-fast world where we want to jump into the middle of action, anyway. (of course, you want to capture the reader’s attention with something entertaining, yes?) It seems that most exposition is left off completely, so the idea of flashbacks certainly helps solve that problem.