Reading Like a Writer

1. Close reading reveals the artistry and intention behind great literature

Every word is necessary in establishing the setting of the story and the odd situation of its protagonist.

Unlocking literary craftsmanship. Close reading is the key to understanding and appreciating great literature. By examining each word, phrase, and sentence, readers can uncover the author's intentions, techniques, and artistry. This practice reveals how writers construct meaning, create atmosphere, and develop characters through careful word choice and structure.

Benefits of close reading:

• Deepens comprehension and appreciation of the text
• Uncovers layers of meaning and symbolism
• Improves critical thinking and analytical skills
• Enhances one's own writing by learning from masters

Close reading also helps readers identify patterns, themes, and literary devices that might be missed in a casual read. It allows for a more immersive and rewarding reading experience, transforming the act of reading from passive consumption to active engagement with the text.

2. Well-crafted sentences are the building blocks of powerful writing

If I feel physically as if the top of my head were taken off, I know this is poetry.

Mastering sentence craft. The art of writing compelling sentences is fundamental to creating powerful literature. Well-crafted sentences can evoke emotions, paint vivid images, and convey complex ideas with precision and elegance. Authors must consider every aspect of sentence construction, including rhythm, word choice, and structure, to achieve maximum impact.

Elements of effective sentences:

• Clarity and precision in word choice
• Varied sentence length and structure for rhythm
• Use of literary devices (e.g., metaphor, alliteration)
• Balance between simplicity and complexity

Great writers understand that each sentence should serve a purpose, whether it's advancing the plot, developing character, or creating atmosphere. By honing the craft of sentence writing, authors can elevate their work from merely conveying information to creating a truly immersive and memorable reading experience.

3. Paragraphs shape the rhythm and flow of narrative

A paragraph could be understood as a sort of literary respiration, with each paragraph as an extended—in some cases, very extended—breath.

Orchestrating narrative flow. Paragraphs are more than just organizational units; they are crucial tools for controlling the pace, rhythm, and emphasis of a story. The structure and length of paragraphs can guide the reader's experience, creating tension, reflection, or urgency as needed.

Functions of paragraphs:

• Pacing the narrative (short for urgency, long for reflection)
• Emphasizing key moments or ideas
• Creating visual breaks that aid comprehension
• Signaling shifts in time, place, or perspective

Skilled writers use paragraph breaks strategically to create pauses, build suspense, or allow readers to absorb important information. By varying paragraph length and structure, authors can create a dynamic reading experience that keeps readers engaged and enhances the overall impact of their writing.

4. Narrative perspective influences reader engagement and story impact

To talk to another writer about sentences feels like forging a connection based on the most intimate and arcane sort of shoptalk, much the way mathematicians might bond on the basis of a shared admiration for some obscure, elegant theorem.

Choosing the right lens. The narrative perspective an author chooses profoundly affects how readers engage with a story and its characters. Whether it's first-person, third-person limited, or omniscient, each point of view offers unique advantages and challenges in storytelling.

Effects of narrative perspective:

• First-person: Intimacy and immediacy, but limited perspective
• Third-person limited: Balance of intimacy and objectivity
• Omniscient: Broad scope, but potential distance from characters

The choice of narrative perspective influences not only what information is available to the reader but also how that information is presented and interpreted. It can shape the reader's emotional connection to characters, their understanding of events, and their overall experience of the story. Skilled writers often experiment with different perspectives to find the one that best serves their narrative goals.

5. Character development through subtle details and actions

Details are what stick with us, as I realized after watching a remarkable documentary called Mob Stories, a film in which five mafiosi took turns telling the story of their careers.

Bringing characters to life. Effective character development often relies on subtle details and actions rather than explicit description. By showing characters' habits, gestures, and small decisions, authors can create complex, believable individuals that resonate with readers.

Techniques for character development:

• Revealing quirks and mannerisms
• Showing characters' reactions to situations
• Detailing their environment and possessions
• Demonstrating their relationships with others

These subtle details allow readers to infer character traits, motivations, and emotions, creating a more engaging and immersive reading experience. By trusting readers to piece together character information from these small clues, authors can create richly textured, multi-dimensional characters that feel authentic and memorable.

6. Dialogue as a window into character psychology and relationships

Even when the subtext is jealousy and concealment, the tone is one of intimacy.

Revealing through conversation. Dialogue is a powerful tool for revealing character, advancing plot, and exploring relationships. Well-crafted dialogue goes beyond mere information exchange, offering insights into characters' personalities, motivations, and hidden emotions.

Functions of effective dialogue:

• Revealing character traits and attitudes
• Exposing relationships and power dynamics
• Advancing the plot through conflict or revelation
• Creating subtext and tension

Skilled writers use dialogue to show rather than tell, allowing readers to infer meaning from what is said—and often, what is left unsaid. The rhythm, word choice, and structure of dialogue can also provide clues about a character's background, education, and emotional state, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative.

7. The power of specific, meaningful details in storytelling

God really is in the details.

Crafting vivid narratives. Specific, carefully chosen details are the lifeblood of engaging storytelling. These details bring scenes to life, make characters memorable, and create a sense of authenticity that draws readers into the world of the story.

Impact of meaningful details:

• Creating vivid, immersive settings
• Making characters feel real and distinctive
• Enhancing emotional resonance
• Providing subtle characterization and plot development

The most effective details are those that serve multiple purposes within the narrative. A single well-chosen detail can simultaneously set the scene, reveal character, and foreshadow future events. By selecting details that are both specific and meaningful, writers can create rich, layered narratives that resonate with readers long after they've finished the story.

8. Gestures and body language reveal character depths

Often, gestures betray the unconscious, but in fact there are many cases in which we are all too conscious of our gestures—and that consciousness too is a sort of revelation.

Nonverbal communication in writing. Gestures and body language are powerful tools for revealing character depths, emotions, and relationships without relying on dialogue or explicit description. These subtle physical cues can convey volumes about a character's inner state and interpersonal dynamics.

Using gestures effectively:

• Revealing emotions characters try to hide
• Showing relationships and power dynamics
• Indicating cultural or social background
• Creating tension or foreshadowing

By paying close attention to how characters move, interact with objects, and respond physically to situations, writers can create a more nuanced and believable portrayal of their characters. These nonverbal cues also allow readers to pick up on subtleties that might not be explicitly stated, enriching their understanding of the story and its characters.

9. Learning from masters: Chekhov's observational and non-judgmental approach

Chekhov was teaching me how to teach, and yet I remained a slow learner.

Embracing observation and empathy. Anton Chekhov's approach to writing, characterized by keen observation and a non-judgmental stance, offers valuable lessons for writers. His ability to portray characters and situations with empathy and objectivity creates a rich, nuanced view of human nature.

Key aspects of Chekhov's approach:

• Focusing on showing rather than telling
• Avoiding moral judgments of characters
• Embracing complexity and ambiguity
• Using specific, telling details to reveal character

By adopting Chekhov's observational method, writers can create more authentic and multi-dimensional characters, avoiding the pitfalls of stereotypes or oversimplification. This approach also encourages readers to engage more deeply with the text, forming their own interpretations and connections with the characters and situations presented.

10. Breaking writing "rules" can lead to innovative and impactful literature

Chekhov was teaching me how to teach, and yet I remained a slow learner. The mistakes and the revelations continued.

Embracing creative freedom. While understanding writing conventions is important, breaking these "rules" can often lead to innovative and impactful literature. Great writers often challenge established norms to create unique, memorable works that push the boundaries of storytelling.

Benefits of breaking writing rules:

• Creating unexpected narrative structures
• Developing unique voices and styles
• Challenging readers' expectations
• Exploring new ways of conveying meaning

Examples of successful rule-breaking in literature include stream-of-consciousness narratives, experimental formats, and unconventional punctuation or grammar. By understanding the reasons behind writing rules and consciously choosing when to break them, authors can create fresh, engaging works that stand out in the literary landscape. However, it's crucial to break rules purposefully and effectively, rather than out of ignorance or carelessness.

Last updated: August 7, 2024