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 TRIAD.
The power of three.
In musical terms, it takes three notes
to create a full chord – a root, a third, and a fifth. This base chord
is then the starting point for all harmonic structure with alteration (minor,
diminished, augmented) and extension (seventh, ninth, sixth, etc).
In writing, I also think there is a
certain unity and cohesiveness in a triad. At some writing
resources, this is even foramlly presented as 'The Rule of Three.' Three elements joined together can provide a tightly woven writing construction, both at the macro level (story structure, plot, characterization), and at the micro level (sentence construction).
A story has a beginning, a middle, and
an end. A plot has a build, a peak, and a resolution. A character
has a past, a present, and a future.
The rule of three can even add a
certain strength to sentences and descriptions. I think it can help develop
rhythm, provide flow, and make things easier to read.
I tend to do it a lot – grouping
things into three, often automatically, subconsciously, and as a normal part of the flow of my writing. It just
seems to be a natural thing for me to do.
One thing, though – I DO adhere to
the Oxford comma in my lists of three. We can debate about the 'proper' way to do it, but for me, that comma before the final item in a list is natural, expected, and correct.
That's just how I roll.
So are you like me and lean on the rule of three?
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!
7 comments:
Fascinating! I must get on with the second volume of my trilogy ...
I do, but not consciously. (Is that why I chose three main characters in my book?) I, too, love the Oxford comma. I heard that they officially got rid of it, so I've been removing all of them from my ms. It's a little painful! I kind of like them there.
I'm a visiting A-Z blogger and new follower...I've heard of the rule of three before, but I never think to apply it to my writing. I should though, because I know my writing tends to lack sensory details - need to check that each scene as at least three. Some other great examples you give here.
@Simon: Thank you, Sir!
@Karen: Thanks! I hope you enjoy the piano, too! I really appreciate the visit and the comment.
@Peggy: Who is this "they" who have decided to get rid of the comma? Convention is driven by commen usage -- we can bring it back! We have the power!!! And thanks for the visit and the comment!
@Margo: Thank you for the viit, the comment, and the follow! I am in a CAD training class this week so I have little free time, but I will retunr the visit ASAP. Best of luck with the A-to-Z Challenge!
I am all about the rule of three! AND the Oxford comma. Threes provide cohesion in a story and (hearkening back to your "R") can do a lot to help with rhythm in sentences and paragraphs.
In other words: yes, yes, and yes. :)
I do really like the rule of three. I find myself using it for characters, too. There's just something powerful about three close characters - good dynamics there.
@jessica: Thank you, thank you, thank you!
@Nicole: Me too! I agree with you, Nicole! Thanks for the visit and the comment!
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