For my entries in the 2012 A to Z Challenge, I will be focusing on
writing elements that I find important and that I want to incorporate into my
work.
Today, the topic is FRAME OF REFERENCE.
By this, I mean a combination of Narrative Point of View,
Narrative Voice, and Backstory. Taken
together, these work as the 'grounding' for a given piece of fiction -- the
portal through which the reader enters the world of the story.
Do I want to put the reader on the shoulder of my main
character, (like third-person limited) or in their head (first-person)? Or do I want them set away at a distance, maybe
not connected to a single character, but to be able to know all and see all
(like third-person omniscient)? That way
they might be able to make connections that the characters can't for
themselves.
How much of the backstory should I reveal to the
reader? Again, do I want to give them
insight into a character's motives and prior knowledge, or do I want them to be
kept in the dark as much as possible, revealing the drama in bits and pieces as
it happens?
There is no hard and fast dictate for successful fiction --
for any rule you might care to mention, I'm certain I can find several examples
of captivating stories that break the rule.
But for me, in general, I tend to start out third-person
limited, revealing as little backstory as is absolutely needed. I normally want my readers close, but not claustrophobic; and as in-the-moment as possible without being weighed
down with a bunch of extra historical baggage.
But there are times when this just doesn't work out well --
the story might need that first-person connection, or a sweeping historical base,
or maybe even a separated, disconnected perspective for the reader. If I just listen, the story tends to lead me
to the right frame of reference, and it is typically because of the
characters.
Plot is crucial, but like I said back in my "C" post, I think my stories turn out best when the characters
have anchored and given structure to my work. They are the ones who ultimately
choose the best frame of reference.
I just gotta listen to my characters...
Thanks for visiting -- see you the rest of this month for
more alphabetical fun!
Don't forget to visit HERE to see all the bloggers taking
part in this A-to-Z challenge, and try to drop in on as many of them as you
can!
6 comments:
Nice blog! I love your illustrations of the dictionary entries. Good luck with A to Z Challenge.
I like the way you tie all these various elements together - POV, backstory, character development - under the heading of frame of reference. I hadn't considered it in quite that way, and that's a really useful way of thinking about it!
Great post - I'm so glad to have found your blog through the challenge!
I agree with you...dolling out pieces of backstory as the story progresses keeps the reader curious and in suspense. Excellent topic....and explanation! :)
Excellent post and great writing tips! Thanks for sharing. I always love getting writerly perspective from other writers. :)
Great point. You must listen to your characters! New follower here. I’m enjoying reading my fellow “A to Z”ers. I look forward to visiting again.
Sylvia
http://www.writinginwonderland.blogspot.com/
To all: Sorry for the delay in responding -- I was gone all weekend and just now getting a chance to catch up on my blogging. I hope to re-visit ASAP each of the A-to-Zers who visited and commented on my blog!
@Fiona: Thank you! A little cut 'n' paste from here and there blended with the low-budget magic of MS Paint. ;^) And happy A-to-Z to you, too!
@jessica: Thank you so much for the kind words! And I'm very happy to have found your blog, too!
@DL: Thanks, Don! I really appreciate your support and comments!
@cherie: You're very kind to say so. Thank you so much for the visit and the comment!
@Sylvia: Thank you for the visit and the comment! And Happy A-to-Zing to you, too!
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