Yay, Breather…

There is a mild ebb in the activity for the script I’m working on, so today at least, it looks like I can resume my normal schedule of goofing and/or writing my novel, which is more or less the same thing as goofing off, but with a tangible word count increase at the end of it.

Today I’m addressing one of those “quiet” chapters. It’s more of an indulgence really (And probably a risky one at that considering the word count cap I have hovering over my head) but one of the things I really think is important in writing any piece of fiction is to allow that breathing space for characters to simply be themselves to let the readers get to know them and like them a little more. It’s one of those things novels have the luxury of being more forgiving with that films often do not.

It’s also a lesson that I was reminded of when I watched Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. While I think that George’s basic rationale of not having one rollercoaster moment after another in rapid succession is sound, I think he failed in the execution. The moments between Anakin and Padme were weak, let down by bad acting that was not helped by bad dialogue. Fortunately in the case of novels, acting is not an issue, so really, if a scene fails, there’s no one to blame except yourself.

I know some writers will argue that everything in a novel must be efficient, streamlined and advance the plot. I only agree with that to some degree. Obviously the plot must be advanced if the damn story is ever to end, but there’s more than one way to go about doing this.

I’ve found that the “quiet” chapters, the ones acquaint the reader more with the characters, don’t necessarily have to be big things (As with Anakin’s premonitions about Padme dying) that serve as a motivation point that has no place in an action sequence, because these are character moments. If done properly (Which is not to imply that I necessarily DO, but I sure try) a the plot can be “advanced” by simply letting the reader understand the personal STAKES for the character.

Like this chapter I’m working on today gives the readers more answers to “Why?” It shows us why the heroine is sticking around rather than leaving, it shows us her supporting character’s increasing doubt about his own abilities and it explains what this situation means to the both of them, showing that there is a personal interest and cost in the consequences to follow.

Or, maybe I’m just blowing smoke outta’ my ass again.

Hm… Speaking of smoke…