I just did a rare thing. I read two dystopia books,
back-to-back. Worthy of note is I don’t
often read two books that quickly and that close together. Credit summer
vacation, friend to many a teacher.
Every writer needs to read, and in copious amounts. I’m
aware. I wasn’t a kid naturally drawn to reading as a way to spend time. It
wasn’t hard. I just didn’t love reading. Since the writing bug struck, I have
been reading more. Nowadays, however, it’s kid’s lit rather than adult fiction.
I have a lot of catching up to do.
Unusual, too, is the fact that dystopia is not my kind of
read. I am appreciating fantasy more than I used to. But dystopia to me is disturbing
and that makes it depressing.
On the other hand, dystopia can be exciting and a fast ride.
As in all fiction there must be story. The two I read involve teen characters,
one a boy and the other a girl – and no, it wasn’t Katniss. Both characters are
thrust into worlds new to them and only through sheer perseverance by the main
character will they get through.
From a craft point of view, one was very well written, the
other good. I’m trying to understand why, or what makes one a better story. It seems it has something to do with the
connection the author has with their main character. They have to know that
person and understand them and know exactly how that mc is going to respond to
situations.
In one of the dystopias, the voice of the mc is true. The
author knows her character. She responds logically to situations. In the good
story, the mc isn’t as focused. He’s in a tough situation but doesn’t seem to
be concerned. The mc is not true to himself. Plus a writing no-no is committed. The
mc has to explain to readers that he is in danger or feeling confused, and too many times.
Writers must trust the reader to figure those things out on their own. Let the reader
connect with your character, too.
Bruce Luck
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