One more word about Vonnegut (and writing)

[scarlettina]

puppetmaker40 posted the following and I wanted to share. Some wise words here:

Some writing advice by Kurt Vonnegut Jr. on the subject of short stories from Bagombo Snuff Box1. Use the time of a total stranger in such a way that he or she will not feel the time was wasted

Comments

[matociquala]

I am still trying to learn how to follow those.

[scarlettina]

For someone not as far down the road as you are, that's a comfort (and a challenge).

[matociquala]

I think you never stop learning this stuff.

[scarlettina]

Oh, I know you never stop learning this stuff. But that's intellectual. To hear you say something like this, or Jay, or Gardner carries a whole different weight because it's more emotional, you know, when a friend says it?

[botgrrrl]

This is not to say I've mastered all, or in fact any, of those points, but the one I have the most trouble with is #6. I know it makes a for a good story, but since I'm rooting for one or more of the characters myself, I find it very hard.

[scarlettina]

I find that one tough, too. I love my children and don't want to hurt them. And yet, that's when we show them what they're made of.

[botgrrrl]

In my current writing exercise, I'm designing the characters to be tortured. I'm writing comedy, so character flaws can be stretched and warped all out of proportion.

In serious writing, characters should grow and learn from their experiences. In comedy, the characters need to be elastic so that they snap back into their original shape when the pressure is let off.

[suricattus]

#5 has always been my favorite.

[mckitterick]

These are fantastic. I'll pass 'em on.

[kajafoglio]

I love being evil to the characters!

The readers howl a lot, though...

[botgrrrl]

I've noticed that. Or rather, I've noticed both of those things. I guess it means you've created characters that people care about.