[stylist] Plot and Character Development?

[Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter]

David,

First, essays don't always follow a linear order either.

What the critique probably refers to is using flashbacks with scenic
development to reveal plot/characterization.

If a majority of readers make similar comments, it's probably something to
work on. If your audience is not understanding or not responding positive,
it may require revision in the text. Ultimately, it's up to you if you want
to make changes or not though.

I learned in a workshop environment, so I'm used to sitting there, quiet,
taking in what others think of my work, positive and negative. If a good
critique, it's meant to be constructive and not just tear down.

Bridgit

-----Original Message-----
From: stylist [mailto:stylist-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of David Russell
via stylist
Sent: Wednesday, November 8, 2017 11:20 AM
To: stylist at nfbnet.org
Cc: David Russell <david.sonofhashem at gmail.com>
Subject: [stylist] Plot and Character Development?

Hello Writers,

As some of you know, I belong to a critique writing group which is a good
thing. I find it true that what we may find in others, is frequently true
about ourselves as people and as writers. Agree?

Without seeing my story, can you still relate to the following paraphrased
observation:
"You tell your story like an essay in linear fashion. There is little
character development or plot. Those are two ingredients to a good story."

The story has about 1500 words and is about a period of personal growth in
my main character's life. So, events do follow a linear pattern but they
lead to a conclusion.

I am finding that: show don't tell, character development, conflict, plot,
dialogue, are usually the things writers get called on the most in critique
groups. Of course, we don't know if their given submission is just off the
keyboard or the seventh revision.

There is probably no substitute for the person to person writing group, but
how do you gladly receive writer criticism especially if it pushes buttons,
which it probably should do to be affective and by email or online?

I am currently reading a set of short stories by John Scalzi and question
his show vs. tell in narration.
--
David Russell
david.sonofhashem at gmail.com
"chilah phanim" Make G-d smile!

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