Very interesting. Never thought of it that way, casually vs when the fight or flight response kicks in. I would think in addition to the order of observations, the pacing would probably be presented differently by a character who is panicking as opposed to one who is making relaxed observations
The pacing, definitely. In high-tension situations, we in 'real' life (and the POV character in the story) notice details about the setting/other character in panicked, more jerky 'movements.'
Therefore the description is provided in short, terse sentences or sentence fragments and often even set aside in their own series of short, terse paragraphs.
Sometime in 2024 (I think, or maybe 2023) I described a fight scene. If you search for 'fight scene' that in the Journal archive PDFs you'll find it.
Also, used Google to find the link, and one of your books popped up. One called "The Fight." (Clever advertising!) I noticed the same thing when I looked up something else, and now I want to read that one, too!
Of course, as many stories as you have written, I suppose you might have a story pop up for just about anything. 🤣. Hoping to be there someday.
Hmmm. I have a lot of titles out, but I didn't remember writing one called "The Fight." I read the description. That was a short story that ended up being the novella Jobs Like That. :-) Good memory. Thanks.
Thank you for explaining. Was wracking my brain the other day, after I found the one called "A Little Time" which popped up when I was trying to find the "Taking Time" posts you mentioned. I was trying to figure if was related to "Something in the Way She Moves" perhaps happening before that story.
Beats me. :-) When I recommend you search, I don't mean on a search engine. I mean visit https://hestanbrough.com and key the search terms into the Search box in the sidebar. Lot more specific that way. :-)
Can I ask: how do you balance taking your time with creating unnecessary bulk? I worry sometimes that by describing, I dunno, somebody cutting a tomato, I’m not saying anything or advancing the story?
Thanks for the question. First, all of us, including I, have worried about such things until we come to know better. Please read on.
The key question back at you is "Unnecessary to whom?" What one reader thinks of as excessive, another won't. That's the whole key.
I've written stories in which I personally (as a reader) thought there was "too much" or "too little" of something. The key for me is to always write whatever the POV character notices. He, not I, am the one who's living the story.
To put it another way, if yourPOV character is cutting a tomato at present, how do you know it doesn't advance the story or won't be important somewhere later in the story?
One thing is for certain: If you allow yourself to intrude on the characters' story and add or omit something because you think (conscious mind) it should be there or doesn't fit, you will have altered the characters' authentic story going forward (similar to The Butterfly Effect). Hope this helps.
Very interesting. Never thought of it that way, casually vs when the fight or flight response kicks in. I would think in addition to the order of observations, the pacing would probably be presented differently by a character who is panicking as opposed to one who is making relaxed observations
The pacing, definitely. In high-tension situations, we in 'real' life (and the POV character in the story) notice details about the setting/other character in panicked, more jerky 'movements.'
Therefore the description is provided in short, terse sentences or sentence fragments and often even set aside in their own series of short, terse paragraphs.
Sometime in 2024 (I think, or maybe 2023) I described a fight scene. If you search for 'fight scene' that in the Journal archive PDFs you'll find it.
Will look for it.
https://harveystanbrough.com/pro-writers/writing-action-scenes/
I'd forgotten about that one too. :-) Thanks, Carrie.
Also, used Google to find the link, and one of your books popped up. One called "The Fight." (Clever advertising!) I noticed the same thing when I looked up something else, and now I want to read that one, too!
Of course, as many stories as you have written, I suppose you might have a story pop up for just about anything. 🤣. Hoping to be there someday.
Hmmm. I have a lot of titles out, but I didn't remember writing one called "The Fight." I read the description. That was a short story that ended up being the novella Jobs Like That. :-) Good memory. Thanks.
Thank you for explaining. Was wracking my brain the other day, after I found the one called "A Little Time" which popped up when I was trying to find the "Taking Time" posts you mentioned. I was trying to figure if was related to "Something in the Way She Moves" perhaps happening before that story.
Beats me. :-) When I recommend you search, I don't mean on a search engine. I mean visit https://hestanbrough.com and key the search terms into the Search box in the sidebar. Lot more specific that way. :-)
Thanks! I’ll check that out 🙂
I appreciate the reminder. Thanks to your comment, I'll mention pacing in tomorrow's TNDJ
Can I ask: how do you balance taking your time with creating unnecessary bulk? I worry sometimes that by describing, I dunno, somebody cutting a tomato, I’m not saying anything or advancing the story?
Thanks for the question. First, all of us, including I, have worried about such things until we come to know better. Please read on.
The key question back at you is "Unnecessary to whom?" What one reader thinks of as excessive, another won't. That's the whole key.
I've written stories in which I personally (as a reader) thought there was "too much" or "too little" of something. The key for me is to always write whatever the POV character notices. He, not I, am the one who's living the story.
To put it another way, if yourPOV character is cutting a tomato at present, how do you know it doesn't advance the story or won't be important somewhere later in the story?
One thing is for certain: If you allow yourself to intrude on the characters' story and add or omit something because you think (conscious mind) it should be there or doesn't fit, you will have altered the characters' authentic story going forward (similar to The Butterfly Effect). Hope this helps.
Really helpful. Thanks Harvey
Thanks, Jude. It isn't easy to let go of all that, but once you do, writing's a blast.
Great stuff to think about. Looking forward to more about it. 😊
Me too. :-)
Thank you. This is very helpful. You must be very good at “reading” people in “real” life.
I enjoy meeting new people and did not equate that psychological aspect into my writing. I see it now as a full circle. Thank you!
It only takes slowing down, taking your time, and focusing, much of which you (or the POV character) can do on the approach. :-)