Category: Writing Tips

Writing Point of View

Every story has a beating pulse, and is told through the eyes of the character’s heart. Deciding which point of view best fits your writing project is critical. There are two basic point of views in creative writing: First-Person and Third-Person.

First-Person POV

Strengths of First-Person:

  • Widely considered to be easier to write than Third-Person.
  • Traditionally, the entire story is told through the eyes of one character.
  • Readers become a “friend” of the character.
  • It is possible to capture the character’s unique voice.

Weaknesses of First-Person:

  • Limited perspective
  • No intimate and internal look at other characters in the story. The reader can only guess at their motives and thoughts.
  • If you think in terms of camera (POV), there is no way to move perspective to the other characters.

Examples of popular novels told via First-Person would be: Outlander Series and the Hunger Games series.

Third-Person POV

I prefer to write Third-Person.

Strengths of Third-Person:

  • Story is told through the eyes of several characters.
  • It is much easier to find depth and intimacy.
  • Complete freedom of storytelling.
  • Because the story can be told through several characters, it is possible to get a deep internal look at several different motives and thoughts.

Weaknesses of Third-Person:

  • This is a big weakness: Limited time allowed with any one character.

Examples of popular novels told via Third-Person would be: Pride and Prejudice and the Harry Potter series.

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Thoughts

POV is critical. Whichever one you elect to use; you must stick with it throughout the story. You cannot bounce between First and Third-Persons. That is the kind of writing editors burn and never bother to respond to your manuscript.

If you are writing Third-Person, and the scene you are in comes from character A’s POV, then you cannot relay what character B feels or thinks.

I will provide you an elementary example:

Wrong: Jason glared at his boyfriend across the table. Pierre hated spaghetti.

Correct: Jason glared at his boyfriend across the table. Pierre looked like he hated the spaghetti.

Notice how the first example bounced between characters? That is bad writing, but the second sentence, does it right, keeps the scene being told by Jason.

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A great deal of writing style is subjective, but this is one rule that cannot be violated. No matter what POV you choose to tell your story, you have to stick with it.

To my followers,

I am expecting, any day now, the arrival of our new baby girl. The due date is fast approaching. I would be grateful for good vibes and prayers. If my daughter is indeed born within the next few days, please do not be surprised if I do not post next week. We are excited to welcome her whenever she decides to come, lol.

Fortunately, school does not start back till January 18th, so by grace I have an adjustment period. If anyone thinks going to school full-time, watching a child all day, and keeping up the house, inside and out, is easy, they are insane. I have never been so busy, and once our second is born, I will be even more pressed, but I love it and very much would not wish for a different life. I am happy.

-God bless.

Tension is Everything: An Introduction

Tension is defined as trouble on the page. Tension is conflict, and is a technique writers use to keep readers guessing, forcing them to wait, making them worry, wonder, hope; it keeps the reader off balance. Without tension, a writers cannot hold the reader’s interest.

There is a ton of beautiful writing that fails to keep the reader engaged. Tension allows the writer to ensure their prose has enough pull to keep the reader, well reading.

A tip: Keep every line, sentence, stanza, etcetera in your prose closely focused on what the character wants, and what is keeping them from getting it. Present this desire both externally and internally.

Desire without danger is pathetic at worst, and boring at best. It can be beautiful, but boring writing.

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When the writer combines what the character wants (desire), and the danger or harm that will come to the person if they get it, they automatically create tension. These risk factors need not be battles, high octane action scenes, or murders. Often the subtle, and tiny annoyances create the most tension.

Ways to Decrease and Increase Tension:

Decreases TensionIncreases Tension
AgreementDisagreement
SafetyDanger
Things are okayThings are not okay
GeneralizationSpecific information; intimate details
One thing is going onTwo or three things happening at once
Linear, chronological expositionLeaps
Moving ahead as expectedReversals
Having all needs met, ease, simplicityWanting something badly, needing, yearning
Overcoming obstacles easilyThwarted again and again
Solution = resolutionSolution to problem creates ew problem
Explanation, tellingMystery, withholding
Static character, doing nothingCharacter in action
Character alone with thoughtsCharacter in a triangle with two other characters
Speeches, interior dialoguesCrisp dialogue based on an argument
One technique used at length (all description, all dialogue, all interior thoughts …)Variety of techniques (dialogue first, then description, then interior thoughts, then more dialogue …)
All long or all short sentences or linesShort sentences or lines mixed up with longer ones
Seeing the big picture; long shotsSeeing things from very close up
(Sellers 236)

A common mistake beginning writers make is filling whole pages with direct dialogue. These conversations do not often create images in their reader’s mind; No images, no tension. Examples would be: character’s stating the obvious (in direct dialogues), monologues, long speeches, and anything predictable create weak creative writing.

“Writing is easy. All you have to do is cross out the wrong words.”

Mark Twain

There is no reason to use dialogue to capture a happy moment. The skilled writer can, for example, cover a scene in two words, they kissed, and move on to the next moment of tension (Sellers). A good way to sustain tension in dialogue, is to remember that dialogue never happens outside human action.

Tension is a subject worthy of an entire book. I did not even bring up practices of layering with triangles, layering images, and layering dialogue and action. These are all important concepts that will be discussed in later posts.

I want to hear your thoughts. How have you weaved tension? What are some of your favorite tense scenes in anything you have read or watched? Have you found any material out there that improved your writing? Comment at the bottom of the page.

Source: Sellers, Heather. The Practice of Creative Writings, 3rd Edition. Bedford/St. Martin’s Publishing. Boston, MA. 2017.

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The Four Elements of Storytelling

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This might arguably be the most important concept to get right about your writing. The four elements of storytelling are an absolute must. They are physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual. Yes, P.I.E.S. Yum! How well a writer weaves together all four, is the difference between a great and terrible book.

‘Escape Second Death’ (Poets Choice)

Alexander Dunford

Previously published under the pseudonym W. Alexander. Portfolio: Escape Second Death (Poets Choice), A Nod To Derry’s Son (The Closed Eye Open)

Physical storytelling is the action and plot in your story. These are character descriptions, actions, story events, setting, conflict, resolution, and plot twists and turns. These are essential within every story.

But what is not physical storytelling? I am glad you asked. What is not physical storytelling is what a character is thinking, how they are feeling, goals, dreams, etcetera. I repeat, none of those are part of physical storytelling.

Intellectual storytelling is your characters analytical thoughts. These are character beliefs, understanding of the conflict, personal opinions about other characters (life, love, politics, etcetera), and of course your characters’ viewpoint. Pro tip here, ideally your characters viewpoints will conflict. Tension is everything in creative writing. Intellectual storytelling adds that element of tension because your characters will often have different thoughts and viewpoints, which clash until a resolution at the end. For more on creating characters see my post, Create Captivating Characters.

Related Post: W. Alexander’s Published Work

Things that are not intellectual storytelling is feelings, fears, what makes a character happy, and what they hope or dream for. Those are all wonderful things, and they have their place. But do not confuse them with intellectual storytelling. Everything has its place. Again, we will talk weaving at the end.

Emotional storytelling. Every writer has a particular strength, and this is my wheelhouse. I love revealing my character’s emotions. But what is emotional storytelling? Again, I am glad you asked. Emotional storytelling is your characters’ inner most feelings, dreams, hopes, how they react emotionally, how a character feels about an event in the story, and how your character will feel about other characters. Through your character’s emotions, your story will make the readers feel something. This is where you will find the pulse in my art. I get hot just writing about it. If you do this right, you can change a reader’s life.

Things that are not emotional storytelling are plot, actions, details of conflict and resolution, any ramifications of the conflict, or what what your character believes about anything. Keep in mind, you already know how to write all of this, it is intuitive. But being able to understand the difference, will allow you authority over your prose. As in, your characters will never run away from you and do their own thing. Which sadly happens all too often.

The Day god Died: Chapters I & II

“…I hated him and his kind. I hated his affluence, his expensive clothes, his chiseled looks, and the arrogance he was born too. But most of all, I hated the power he held over me, his assumption of authority, and the truth of his superiority.”

Keep reading
by Alexander Dunford

Spiritual storytelling. I am going to pause here for a second. Many of you might say, how is spiritual not part of intellectual? And I would say, great question. The reason spiritual storytelling has its own place is because every character has a spiritual nature. Now that can mean your character is religious or not religious, but either view is a spiritual viewpoint. Atheist have a spiritual relationship, in that they deny one exists. Muslims have a spiritual relationship, in that they believe their choices have tangible consequences, and etcetera. Spiritual storytelling is simply your characters’ belief system or lack of one. Either perspective is a willful decision by your character. Good characters are human; they are walking contradictions.

Things that are elements of spiritual storytelling is a characters’ belief system (or lack of ), a possible spiritual backstory, and any internally or publicly spoken prayers. If you are writing religious fiction, or from a religious point-of-view, things like a god’s response to your characters actions (usually written in italics), a spiritual conviction, and hints as to why a certain deity is pursuing your character or vice versa.

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Writing

Beat the Boy; Destroy the Man 

W. Alexander Dunford  I will never forget the television’s blue light that night fifteen years ago. Leonardo DiCaprio’s Blood Diamond played. Outside, beneath black skies, rain pelted our windows and the house’s bones braced against high winds. Thunder shook the walls.  It was Father’s idea to watch the movie. He loved violence, and I loved…

by Alexander Dunford

Things that are not spiritual storytelling is plot, emotions, dialogue and action, etcetera.

When writing creative fiction or nonfiction, only spiritual storytelling is non-essential. You can still have a great story, leaving out anything of the fantastic (fantasy) or spiritual. But note, spirituality is a very human trait. Some might be religious-like observers of science (that would fall under spiritual). Spiritual storytelling is a great way to connect a character to the reader. But, again, this is the only element of storytelling, that is non-essential.

Weaving all four elements of storytelling is the mark of a good writer. Every page will, in every book, have all four elements together.

As you can see, I still have a ways to go with my craft. But I was brave, and wanted to share my prose with you. One reason, it incorporates all four elements of storytelling. Yes, it flows without you even noticing. And the one thing a writer wants more than anything, is for a general reader to never notice the writing. But writers do notice writing, and I hope you the writer can see the weave.

I would love to hear your thoughts. Especially, if you are a writer or want to be a writer. Please comment and share my blog. I love sharing the things I am learning at Liberty University. And now, more than ever, dealing with family grief, I am in need of some encouragement.

A Season of Faith

I reached a milestone this week. I finished reading the entire Bible. I am proud of myself; this was no easy feat. I finally can say I have read the whole Bible, every word. I do not know whom in real life, I would actually say it to. But I can say it, and that is something. You might say, that is good for you, but how is this related to your writing blog? My answer, God is my inspiration for writing. I just did not know that for a long time.

This post is not meant to be self-gratifying or boastful. My purpose is to show you how transformative reading the Bible is.

If you have read my work, you know I teeter on the edge of existentialism. This life is a mess, and God gives me a firm foundation in a collapsing world. He gives me a reason for hope. As an artist and scholar, I have long looked for my voice. I think I found it now; Or at least I am close. I do know one thing for certain, my writing is meant for ministry. Whether that is apologetics, fiction, or creative nonfiction, I do not know, but I know I am called to both cloth and pen.

“I Am Second”

W. Alexander

I study creative writing at Liberty University, under New York Times Best selling author Karen Kingsbury. Both play a major role in influencing me. But for once, I do not mind being influenced. When I write about God or themes of God, my heart feels unleashed. I feel nothing, but peace, love, and fire. There is more to my writing than mere words. A higher message is being conveyed. One of hope, in a world that suffers generation-to-generation.

With that being said, I confess I am no pedantic observer of every scriptural truth. I am after all, human. God and I disagree on quite a bit. I lean progressive in scholarship; think C.S. Lewis. But I do submit to God’s design for life, not mine. I do not understand why some things are sin and others are not; etcetera. But my feelings on the subject are not part of the equation. I am second. This is where I find peace. Submission brings inner peace. That is the lesson I learned from reading the entire Bible.

Now, I am curious to learn what inspires you? What makes your heart race when you write? Whom is the reader you imagine reading your manuscript? I cannot wait to read your answers.

Below is my Goodreads review for the devotional Bible I finished a couple days ago.

Wow! I did it. I read the entire Bible, beginning to end. Peterson’s edition is designed to only take one year; it took me three. Life gets busy. I have school, a toddler, work, other books to read, etcetera. But I am proud to say, finally, I have read the entire Bible; every single word. I spent my mornings with the Bible in one hand and coffee in the other.

You should understand that The Message translation is not an authoritative translation. And Peterson’s, The Message Remix is to be read as a devotional. Serious scholarship will be done elsewhere. But you are not reading this Bible for serious scholarship; you are reading it to spend time with God. To have a daily conversation with your creator, I highly recommend this Bible. It took me years, but I am glad I finished it.
W. Alexander’s Review

The Day God Died: Chapters 1 &2

“…in that moment my fear retreated. I discovered I hated him and his kind. I hated his affluence, his expensive clothes, his chiseled looks, and the arrogance he was born to. But most of all, I hated the power he held over me, his assumption of authority, and the truth of his superiority.”

by Alexander Dunford

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Know Your Audience

W. Alexander studies creative writing at Liberty University, Lynchburg VA.

You write to be read. And to be read, you have to write for a specific audience. You must be ready to tell a publisher the type of person you believe your ideal reader is. No agent/publisher will take you seriously if you say, ‘I am writing this for everyone.’ Trust me, say that, and they will not turn one page of your manuscript. Make sure you have a specific target audience in mind. Although, it is not your job to sell your book; it is your job to write a book that will sell. If publishing is the goal. Sometimes it is not. In that case, this post is not for you. The topic of your audience will be part of the first conversation you have with an agent/publisher. Get yourself ready for it.

Paris, France 2018.

How does a writer determine their audience?

Well, for one thing, start with genre. Are you writing science fiction? If so, that genre’s interests varies exponentially. Are you targeting young adults, boomers, or someone in between? Does gender play a part? Etcetera. Basically, where do you imagine seeing this book stored on a retailer’s bookshelf? I know, I know; at the front door. But again, the agent/publishers in your future want a practical answer. Think about this a great deal, before throwing too much time into wrestling syntax. This does not mean you have to handcuff yourself. Write whatever you want. But know whom it is, you think, that would read your novel.

I know this is a short post, and I am sorry about that. The last couple weeks in my Inspirational Writing class, led by Karen Kingsbury, we have focused on who our audiences are. She and my adjunct professor are doing everything they can to drive the point home. As always, I share what I learn with you. Classes are going well. I am still holding onto my 4.0. Which is no small feat for a guy who returned to school at thirty (humble brag). Again, I wish this week’s post was longer and more in depth, but it has been crazy busy.

Please let me know what you think. Share your ideas with me. And if you have not already, please subscribe to my blog. Thanks.

I’m Published in The Closed Eye Open

Hi, friends and readers, subscribers and first-time-site clickers. I have big, beautiful news to share with you. I published in The Closed Eye Open, which is an impressive literary journal boasting beautiful art and great writing. If you’re looking for something new, creatively speaking, to delight and inspire you, I recommend reading The Closed Eye…

by Alexander Dunford

Writing

I’m starting 2022 intending to grow. Help me grow as an artist and influencer and follow.

by Alexander Dunford

Writers Read

A writer reads. Not all readers love to write, but all writers love to read. And the great ones read several different genres and styles. The most important thing to understand about writing well; you must read a lot and often.

W. Alexander studies Creative Writing at Liberty University. He lives in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire.

I am not talking aptitude for writing essays. Those are easy. Writing creative fiction or creative non-fiction, means you cannot, for example, overuse determiners and transitions like you would with a school essay or professional email. So, scratch what you have been taught up to this point. Do not just take my word for it. Grab any creative book. Fiction or nonfiction, it does not matter. Open it to any page. Circle all transitions, prepositional phrases, and determiners you see. Find any? Yeah, I told you. They rarely show up. A professor of mine advises keeping them down to one or two per page (in story telling). Now compare that with your writing style. I know, it sucks to see it. But you are welcome. For now on, you will write better fiction or creative nonfiction. This tip alone will improve your writing immediately.

I promise what you are trying to convey will stand on its own. Actors notice great acting; writers notice great writing. Noticing means you know something about what you see. When you read, watch each sentence like an actor watches another’s hands. Notice pacing and rhythm. All capable writers are masters of noticing. Our lives are devoted to observing the finer details. See, your OCD is a blessing after all.

Noticing means you know something about what you see.

W. Alexander

I wish there were other quick tips to improve your writing. But even the advice given, might prove difficult to implement. At first. The best way to improve your writing is to read, often. Not one book a month, but four or five or more. Tiger Woods is a famous golfer whom is universally recognized as one of the games greatest athletes to ever swing a driver. He boasts that before he plays a round a golf on any given day, he hits one thousand balls. Reading is like going to the driving range before playing eighteen holes. It can be a great warm up. How could anyone be a great story teller, if they do not read stories? The answer is, any writer’s whom do not love to read, end up editors or worse, sales people (publishing agents). I shutter. That is joke. But one thing is certain, If you do not read, you are not a writer. You might be a great school paper writer, but a far cry from a novelist.

Read. Read. Read. Read some more. And read across styles and genres. Immerse yourself into poetry (which will teach you everything), fiction, creative nonfiction, etcetera. Manuals might be the only exception. But even they will prove useful to the creative. Read everything.

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I hope this blurb of mine helps. Classes are going well and I enjoy sharing what I learn with all of you. Tell me what you think? Maybe you have an idea about a topic I should cover? Tell me what you are reading? I want to hear from you!

I am currently reading Les Miserables. You can follow what I am reading on Goodreads.