A couple in trouble applies strategic communication techniques to an ailing marriage. The efforts seem to be working until a quiet day in May when something startling is revealed by Rick about one of the kids…
As you might notice, comments are off for most of these posts in order this read more like a book than a series of online posts with commentary. I'd like to limit commentary to craft vs. content. I'm opening this post to post three writerly questions:
1) This is the longest chapter yet, writing-wise, why do I take this liberty at this point?
2) What is a major error of construction here? (Hint: this is to do with exposition) Bonus: If you find it, how to fix the issue?
As for the second question, I listened to this chapter while packing for a trip so I didn't notice any construction errors. I don't doubt there were, there are issues with *every* piece of writing I'm learning. But as they say, "art is never finished, only abandoned."
I love that you jumped in there and gave it a shot...so, I'll build it out...I did a flashback in a flashback...major no no, according to a teacher we both know, but hoped by this chapter that I might have earned a touch of sloppiness. I could have moved the bit about their therapy sessions over to when she's in the kitchen with Rick, but I kind of wanted to have that scene power along based on the momentum of dog/Spencer...kind of an impossible choice but there it is. No such thing as perfect in this art form.
I've not heard of a flashback in a flashback. Always something new to learn. I like the way the story is moving along with all their lives. A lot to juggle and flesh out.
As you might notice, comments are off for most of these posts in order this read more like a book than a series of online posts with commentary. I'd like to limit commentary to craft vs. content. I'm opening this post to post three writerly questions:
1) This is the longest chapter yet, writing-wise, why do I take this liberty at this point?
2) What is a major error of construction here? (Hint: this is to do with exposition) Bonus: If you find it, how to fix the issue?
The chapter is as long as it needs to be because
1. you earned it
2. the scene calls for it
3. you didn't pepper us with needless details
4. you stretched out the tension
As for the second question, I listened to this chapter while packing for a trip so I didn't notice any construction errors. I don't doubt there were, there are issues with *every* piece of writing I'm learning. But as they say, "art is never finished, only abandoned."
Loving this so far, btw!
I love that you jumped in there and gave it a shot...so, I'll build it out...I did a flashback in a flashback...major no no, according to a teacher we both know, but hoped by this chapter that I might have earned a touch of sloppiness. I could have moved the bit about their therapy sessions over to when she's in the kitchen with Rick, but I kind of wanted to have that scene power along based on the momentum of dog/Spencer...kind of an impossible choice but there it is. No such thing as perfect in this art form.
I am finally caught up reading. Wow. so good Jennifer, and to think you lived this.
Just now caught up on the chapters. So. Very. Good. Wow.
I've not heard of a flashback in a flashback. Always something new to learn. I like the way the story is moving along with all their lives. A lot to juggle and flesh out.
Loved how you brought in the homeless guy as an echo to your past.