Tension – P & L Publishing

Yes, I know. Most of you have heard something like that many times, and I understand there are many more than 3 steps, but don’t go away. This could help burgeoning authors, and I won’t bore you veterans with unnecessary verbiage.

There is no shortcut to writing a great book. Although it takes time, it takes a lot of thinking, and it’s not easy, it is simple. In fact, this may sound too simple, and you might toss it aside. That’s okay with me, but read it first.

What do you need for the great book you want to write?

1. Enthusiasm, Passion

Simply put, you need an idea that means a lot to you. Tell a story that would keep your interest. Why? Writers tend to be more passionate about their own ideas; therefore, they can more energetically write the story. Infuse your writing with energy.

2. Exciting Characters

No one knows more about your characters than you do. Why? They are born out of your imagination. You assign to them looks, size, attitudes, strengths, flaws, skills, blemishes, character, and all the rest, so make them interesting. Make sure they fulfill their purpose for being in the book, and they dynamically drive the story in the direction you want it to go. Even if you have a dog, cat, or a chicken in the book, give it a purpose for being there.

3. Resolvable Tension

There is a need for nice, sweet stories like Pollyanna. But even in Pollyanna, there was tension. To keep readers turning those pages, there must be conflict. Let that controlled conflict empower the story throughout the book and grip the readers’ imagination.

As I mentioned, writing is not easy, but it is simple. Improve your skill, enjoy your writing, and

Write Creatively

Where are we? You’ve chosen a writing place, you’re probably still thinking about a writing routine, and a theme might be puzzling you. But that’s okay, you’ll get it.

Today let’s briefly discuss the idea of Designing Your Three Basic Sections.

In this blog, we’re not addressing front and back matter. They are what comes before and after the story the author wrote. All that comes later.

Why do many, if not most, people recommend three sections of the book? Why not 2 or 4 … or even 5 sections? Well, you can have 5 sections. Read Freytag Pyramid to learn more about it. But normally a novel has 3 sections: the setup, the confrontation, and the resolution.

In the setup, you will create an idea for the beginning, middle, and end to the story. You want the beginning to give the reader background information related to the characters and the plot of the story. You introduce, through various means, the reader to the people in the book and to the dangers. And, of course, you add mystery that you do not explain. The intrigue needs to grab the reader’s curiosity so he won’t put the book down.

The middle, most of the book, will develop the main theme. This is where the tension grows, the bulk of the action takes place. The hero is almost overcome by the challenges and obstacles. It seems that disaster waits for him or her at every turn.

The third section will provide a resolution of the plot. Again, you might want to look at Freytag’s Pyramid or Matthew Luhn’s book, The Best Story Wins for helpful ideas.

What is considered the most important part of the book?

The most important part of a book can vary depending on the book itself, the author’s intent, and the reader’s perspective. However, generally speaking, the most important part of a book can be considered as … well, I suppose the most important is the story itself. Write it with excitement, adventure, intrigue.

I’ll see you tomorrow.

Write Creatively

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For information about P&L Publishing and Literary Services, please check out our web site. https://plpubandlit.org/

Tag: Tension

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