Revise and Refine – Page 2 – Write on the World

One of the most captivating aspects of any great novel is its voice. Voice in writing is more than just the words on the page—it’s the personality, tone, and rhythm of the narrative that makes it unique.

How do you (should you?) inject your personal voice into your writing? And then, how do you give each of your character’s their own individual voices?

Whether it’s the quirky, sarcastic tone of a first-person narrator or the elegant, descriptive style of a third-person omniscient narrator, voice can make or break a story. But what exactly is voice in novel writing, and how do you find and refine yours? In this blog post, we’ll dive into the concept of voice, why it matters, and how you can develop a distinctive voice for your own writing.

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Sophistication in Novel Writing: What It Means and How to Achieve It

December 18, 2024December 12, 2024 Mandy Webster

In the world of fiction, sophistication is one of the most admired qualities, yet it’s one of the hardest to define. A sophisticated novel doesn’t necessarily have to be literary or filled with complex language. Instead, it often means that a book has depth, subtlety, and layers that draw readers in, encouraging them to think, feel, and engage with the story on multiple levels. In this post, we’ll explore what sophistication in novel writing really means and offer actionable tips to help you add it to your own work.

Luckily, developing sophistication in your fiction writing doesn’t require that you dress the part!

Sophistication in novel writing involves creating a nuanced story with well-developed characters, an authentic voice, and a narrative that respects the reader’s intelligence. It’s about crafting a story that resonates emotionally and intellectually without needing to be flashy or overly complex. In a sophisticated novel, the layers of meaning are woven into the story itself, revealing themselves naturally as the reader progresses. Sophisticated novels often share a few core characteristics:

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“Once is Usually Enough” | Avoiding Redundancy in Fiction Writing

December 16, 2024December 5, 2024 Mandy Webster

In Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, Renni Browne and Dave King emphasize the importance of conciseness with the principle, “Once is Usually Enough.” This idea reminds writers to avoid unnecessary repetition and redundancy that can bog down prose, dilute impact, and test readers’ patience. Instead of overexplaining or reiterating points, Browne and King suggest that writers trust readers to pick up on cues, encouraging clarity and efficiency in storytelling. Let’s explore what this approach means and how it can elevate your writing.

Unlike in art where repeating shapes can create interest, redundancy in narrative writing can do the opposite.

At its core, “Once is Usually Enough” is about respect for the reader’s intelligence and the strength of your storytelling. Browne and King remind us that redundancy—whether it’s repeated words, concepts, or explanations—can slow down the narrative and weaken the reader’s engagement. Readers don’t need every detail restated, and when a writer repeats information unnecessarily, it can feel like “telling” rather than “showing.” Reducing repetition sharpens your story, giving every line and detail a specific purpose.

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“Breaking Up is Easy to Do”: Creating Flow in Fiction with Paragraph and Scene Breaks

December 12, 2024December 5, 2024 Mandy Webster

In their practical and insightful book, Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, Renni Browne and Dave King explore techniques that make fiction writing cleaner, clearer, and more engaging. In the chapter titled “Breaking Up is Easy to Do,” they emphasize the importance of effectively breaking up paragraphs, sentences, and scenes to improve pacing and readability. This approach, they argue, is about giving readers space to breathe, shifting focus where needed, and making complex narratives feel seamless. Let’s unpack this technique and see how it can help you build a more dynamic and reader-friendly story.

When Browne and King talk about “breaking up,” they refer to structuring prose in a way that maximizes clarity, flow, and impact. Often, beginning writers try to cram too much information into long paragraphs, which can overwhelm readers. Overly dense text, filled with action, introspection, and description, makes it difficult for readers to stay engaged and process what’s happening. Strategic paragraph and scene breaks, on the other hand, act as “mini-pauses,” allowing readers to absorb key moments without becoming fatigued. Here are a few reasons why breaking up your prose is essential:

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“See How It Sounds” | The Power of Reading Your Writing Aloud

December 11, 2024December 5, 2024 Mandy Webster

In the craft of fiction writing, the written word isn’t just meant to be read with the eyes—it’s also meant to be heard, experienced through its rhythm and flow. This is where the concept of “see how it sounds” comes in, as highlighted by Renni Browne and Dave King in their classic book, Self-Editing for Fiction Writers. When the authors recommend this technique, they’re talking about the transformative power of reading your work out loud, a method that can reveal issues and enhance the polish of your prose in ways silent reading might miss.

Read your work aloud to “see how it sounds!”

The phrase “see how it sounds” essentially means that a writer should read their work aloud to experience the natural flow, rhythm, and tone of their words. Browne and King suggest this approach because hearing your prose can bring out flaws that are easy to overlook on the page, such as awkward phrasing, unnatural dialogue, or monotonous sentence structures. By vocalizing your text, you gain a new perspective that engages not just your visual processing but also your auditory senses.

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