Funny to have two plot consultations with two different writers with such antithetical points of view when it comes to Plot versus Character.
In my previous blog post, I ranted about plot getting a bad rap. The day after, I consult with a writer who cares only for plot (or, since I believe character transformation is critical to plot, rather the dramatic action side of plot.) This writer states his preference right up front when he declares that he doesn’t know how the character changes (Character Emotional Development) or what the story means over all (Thematic Significance). Further, he informs me, he doesn’t care about that. All he wants is an action-packed story that will sell. (mass-market airport book as described by yesterday’s writer)
Hmmmmm, I know there are writers of mystery and suspense who are quite successful without doing much to develop the character. But, it seems odd to me to think of a character going through all she does and not be affected by the dramatic action on some level — perhaps not to a level of transformation but at least change. And, at the end of a long, exciting read, why not leave the reader with something to think about?
Oh, well, those are my ideals.
I’m here to support writers in their quest to follow their dreams. Not to judge. At least, not too harshly, but to help writers develop their stories.
When I have a spare moment — yeah, right!– I plan to do a survey of writers and ask what is their preference for writing Character-driven versus Action-driven stories AND which do they prefer reading?? Stay tuned….
I wonder if the reason the publishing industry is languishing, the reason we have so few people purchasing books is because not enough writers are interested in writing their dreams–telling stories that have action and move us through the changes we witness the protagonist undergoing.
Too many writers are only interested in writing what sells.
And what sells doesn't sell that much.
What a great post.
Thanks for sharing.
I think for most writers, either plot or character comes most easily. For me, I start with characters naturally, but it is agony for me to come up with an intriguing plot. But good writing needs both, so its just a matter of hard work 🙂 Thanks for the great post! (my creative writing blog)
I have just finished reading A Woman of Substance by Barbara Taylor Bradford. I don't read novels of this type but read this as a "lesson" of how this New York Times, bestselling author handles dialog, characters, plot. I came away with it with an overall sense of too much detail, too much description, and the dialog of brogue and working-English was difficult to read. This novel was first published in 1979. The plot had several hiccups. For me, the novel's plot was the thing, and all the description could have been judiciously edited out. It was pedantic, in my opinion. Plot is the string on which the pearls of character are strung … you have to have both for a necklace … you can't have a longer string than pearls and vice versa. But for me, plot is what sets certain stories above others and makes it memorable.