Write It As Though It Will Be A Movie!
By Sharzi Avins (c) 2001
Push the proverbial envelope if you want to get your story noticed in the publishing industry today. What better way then to style your work as if you were writing a movie? Many books are transformed to the big screen, and more and more publishers are leaning in that direction when choosing a manuscript to publish.
All the elements that make for a good movie, make for a good book. It is essential that your readers see it, and not have it told to them.
How can you write your novel *movie-style*?
Try to start your manuscript with compelling dialogue or an action that draws the reader in immediately and brings the story into a realm of reality. Imagine watching it on a big screen before you. Is the dialogue bland, or does it make you feel something? Is the action, as you *watch*, believable?
Keep in mind what your characters look like -- their quirks, likes and dislikes. Focus on their fears, frustrations, anger, etc. Comments on those characteristics can be introduced in dialogue or thoughts that will make the reader feel part of the conversation/interaction without spelling it all out in text that they may actually skim over.
Think about what makes YOU enjoy a particular film. Chances are that you come to care or know about the characters very early on. Normally there is an action that propels you into the story, or you have come to identify, or even hate a character. Most importantly, it is done with dialogue.
Look at your manuscript as if it were a screenplay, write it like you would want to SEE it! It will be a sweet treat dangled in front of a publisher's eye. Be sure they stop to take a taste! :)
All Rights Reserved
Copyright 2001
The contents of this article may not be reproduced in any form or by any means, including electronic, mechanical, or with intent to republish, without written permission from the author,
Sharzi Avins.
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