Working in a break

I have been on a short break over Easter, from work, from writing, from most things really. I needed some down time and I'm feeling much better for it. During the break I have been sleeping in, spending quality time with the kids and catching up with some friends. I have also been reading lots and thinking about my writing.

I have developed a bit of a book problem recently where I purchase at least one novel every time I pass a book shop. I tend to buy books regularly anyway, but it started to get out of hand. At the beginning of the week, I had 7 books piled up beside my bed. I have worked it down a bit.

Reading helps writing in many ways, you get to see what else is working, different stories, different times you may not have thought about, what doesn't work. And of course the pure enjoyment of losing yourself in the story. With the best novels I have read that is when you know they work, when your not focused on what is working, what is poorly written, when you are just lost in the story.

There are so many elements that make up a good story. Even in the smallest, or simplest form these elements are still important. For example, my daughter and I were reading the Gruffalo recently. A smart, sweet character, a compeling character that you care about is one of the key factors. We followed the story of this little brown mouse as his quick wit got him out of dangerous situation after dangerous situation. Part of the appeal of this character was that he knew the danger, realised how close to death he was during interactions with other characters but thought he way out of it. We cheered him on.

Interactions with other characters is part of this as well - even in a children's story the interactions have to be credible. There is also setting and timing, but the part that really struck me with the Gruffalo was the rhythm of the language. It carried us, with the little brown mouse, along the story line. This is possibly more evident in children's books but it is important in all writing. It should carry us along, and it depends on the story or the image required as to how that flow moves; sharp, short, quick, slow.

Now it is back to focusing on my stories, making them flow and hoping that the reader wants to take the journey with my characters and get lost in the story.

Happy Scribbling