Key Takeaways
1. Writing is an art of human connection and truth-telling
We love writers because they are human, and they have made an effort to communicate something important to us.
Human experience: Writing is fundamentally about connecting with readers through shared human experiences. Good writers tap into universal themes and emotions, making their work relatable and meaningful.
Truth and authenticity: Effective writing strives to tell the truth about life, even in fiction. This doesn't mean literal truth, but emotional and experiential truth that resonates with readers. Writers should aim to be authentic, avoiding clichés and stereotypes in favor of nuanced, honest portrayals of characters and situations.
Compassion and understanding: Great writing fosters empathy and understanding. By delving into the complexities of human nature, writers can help readers see the world from different perspectives and gain insight into their own lives and the lives of others.
2. Understand basic plot structures to craft compelling narratives
There are a limited number of plots that we use to tell stories.
Basic plot types:
- Tragedy
- Comedy
- Quest
- Rags to riches
- Coming of age
- Stranger comes to town
- Mystery
- Modern realism
Plot essentials: While the specifics may vary, most compelling plots involve:
- A central conflict or problem
- Character development and change
- Rising action and tension
- A climax or turning point
- Resolution (even if open-ended)
Subversion and creativity: Understanding basic plot structures allows writers to play with expectations, subvert tropes, and create innovative narratives that still resonate with readers.
3. Develop authentic characters through motivation and choice
Characterisation is based on the choices that people make in different situations.
Motivation: Every character should have clear motivations driving their actions. These can be conscious or unconscious, but they should be consistent and believable.
Choice and conflict: Characters reveal themselves through the choices they make, especially when faced with difficult decisions or conflicting desires. Put your characters in situations where they must make meaningful choices.
Depth and complexity: Avoid flat stereotypes by giving characters:
- Distinct voices and mannerisms
- Flaws and contradictions
- Backstories that inform their present
- Growth and change over the course of the story
4. Master the sentence: Specificity, precision, and figurative language
Good writing is an art. When we look at it, sentence by sentence, we should feel joy.
Specificity and precision: Use concrete, vivid details rather than vague abstractions. Choose words carefully to convey exact meanings and create clear images in the reader's mind.
Economy of language: Eliminate unnecessary words and prioritize strong nouns and verbs over excessive adjectives and adverbs.
Figurative language: Use metaphors, similes, and other literary devices to:
- Create depth and layers of meaning
- Draw unexpected connections
- Evoke emotions and sensory experiences
Rhythm and flow: Pay attention to the rhythm and sound of your sentences. Vary sentence length and structure to create a pleasing cadence and maintain reader engagement.
5. Generate ideas by exploring personal experiences and interests
Everyone worries about death, not just me. Ninety per cent of women worry about their weight and/or appearance, not just me. Most people worry about their family, not just me. There are plenty of universals out there.
Personal inventory: Create a matrix or list of:
- Unique experiences and knowledge
- Current obsessions and interests
- Problems you've faced
- Skills and expertise
Universality in specificity: While drawing from personal experience, focus on elements that have universal appeal or relevance.
Combine and transform: Mix different elements from your inventory in unexpected ways to create original story ideas. Don't be afraid to fictionalize or exaggerate real experiences.
Research and observation: Supplement personal knowledge with research and keen observation of the world around you to add depth and authenticity to your ideas.
6. Craft a narrative voice that engages your ideal reader
Your perfect reader has turned up to hear you. Don't become shy and embarrassed about this. Don't turn into a parody of someone else.
Authenticity: Write in your own natural voice rather than trying to imitate other writers or adopt an overly formal tone.
Ideal reader: Imagine writing for a specific, interested reader who wants to be engaged and entertained. This can help you maintain a conversational and engaging tone.
Consistency: Maintain a consistent narrative voice throughout your work, whether it's first-person, third-person limited, or omniscient.
Adapt to genre and story: While staying true to your voice, adjust your tone and style to suit the genre and specific needs of your story.
7. Structure your novel around scenes of meaningful change
The scene is the basic unit of fiction. Why the scene, rather than the chapter, paragraph, 250-word block or sentence? Because the scene is where change occurs.
Scene essentials:
- Clear objective or purpose
- Conflict or tension
- Character development
- Advancement of plot
Cause and effect: Link scenes through cause and effect, ensuring each scene has consequences that propel the story forward.
Pacing: Vary scene length and intensity to control pacing and maintain reader interest.
Show vs. tell: Use scenes to show important moments and character development rather than simply telling the reader what happened.
8. Embrace the writing process: Plan, draft, and revise with purpose
Writing a novel is a bit like going on a journey. It is only once you know your destination that you can start working out how to get there.
Planning stage:
- Develop your central idea and theme
- Create character profiles
- Outline major plot points
- Research as needed
Drafting: Focus on getting the story down without perfectionism. Allow yourself to write imperfectly, knowing you'll revise later.
Revision:
- Structural edits: Ensure plot coherence and pacing
- Character consistency and development
- Language refinement: Polish prose and dialogue
- Cut unnecessary elements
Persistence and patience: Writing a novel is a long process. Set realistic goals and maintain a consistent writing routine to make steady progress.
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FAQ
What is Monkeys with Typewriters by Scarlett Thomas about?
- Comprehensive guide to fiction: The book is a detailed exploration of how to write fiction, blending literary theory with practical advice for both aspiring writers and readers.
- Theory and practice structure: It is divided into two parts: the first covers narrative theory and the second offers hands-on writing guidance.
- Focus on storytelling power: Scarlett Thomas aims to demystify the writing process and reveal how stories work on a fundamental level, encouraging ambitious and thoughtful storytelling.
- Accessible for all: The book is written for anyone interested in fiction, not just creative writing students.
Why should I read Monkeys with Typewriters by Scarlett Thomas?
- Unlock storytelling secrets: The book explains how narratives create meaning and emotional impact, improving both writing and reading experiences.
- Blend of theory and practice: It uniquely combines literary theory with practical exercises and examples from classic and contemporary fiction.
- Encourages originality: Thomas inspires writers to take risks, be ambitious, and use their unique experiences and humor in their work.
- Demystifies the writing process: The book offers clear, actionable advice for planning, writing, and revising fiction.
What are the key takeaways from Monkeys with Typewriters by Scarlett Thomas?
- Understanding narrative structure: Readers learn the difference between story and plot, and how to use classic structures to create compelling fiction.
- Characterisation and motivation: The book emphasizes creating authentic, psychologically realistic characters driven by clear desires and superobjectives.
- Sentence-level craft: Thomas provides guidance on writing clear, precise, and vivid sentences, using metaphor and figurative language effectively.
- Practical writing process: The book offers strategies for idea generation, scene construction, and managing the novel-writing journey.
What are the best quotes from Monkeys with Typewriters by Scarlett Thomas and what do they mean?
- “A good sentence is a true sentence.” – Emphasizes the importance of honesty and clarity in writing, echoing Hemingway’s advice.
- “Stories are not just entertainment; they are how we make sense of the world.” – Highlights the transformative power of narrative in shaping thought and emotion.
- “Don’t write what you know. Write what you are obsessed with.” – Encourages writers to pursue their passions and unique interests for more original fiction.
- “The narrator is a god of small things.” – Suggests that narrators should observe characters with compassion and without judgment, allowing for deeper understanding.
How does Scarlett Thomas define and differentiate story, plot, and narrative structure in Monkeys with Typewriters?
- Story vs. plot: Story is a chronological sequence of events, while plot is the arrangement of those events to create drama and meaning.
- Narrative structure basics: The book introduces Todorov’s model of equilibrium, disequilibrium, and new equilibrium as a foundation for most stories.
- Cause and effect: Plot relies on cause-effect relationships, concealment, and revelation to engage readers.
- Examples from literature: Thomas uses works like Harry Potter and Oedipus the King to illustrate these distinctions.
What are the eight basic plots described in Monkeys with Typewriters by Scarlett Thomas?
- List of eight plots: Tragedy, comedy, quest, rags to riches, coming of age, stranger comes to town, mystery, and modern realism.
- Distinct features: Each plot type has unique characteristics and thematic concerns, such as transformation, reconciliation, or uncovering truth.
- Irony and subversion: Thomas shows how these plots can be used straight or ironically, encouraging innovation and complexity.
- Examples and variations: The book provides examples from both classic and modern fiction to illustrate each plot type.
How does Monkeys with Typewriters by Scarlett Thomas explain Aristotle’s Poetics and its relevance to fiction writing?
- Plot as central element: Aristotle’s Poetics teaches that the organization of events (plot) is the most important aspect of tragedy and fiction.
- Key elements of tragedy: The book discusses admirable heroes, complex plots, reversal, recognition, and catharsis as essential components.
- Modern relevance: Thomas applies Aristotle’s principles to contemporary stories, including Hollywood films and reality TV.
- Unity and logic: She emphasizes the importance of unity and cause-effect logic in creating satisfying narratives.
What is the concept of superobjective in characterisation according to Monkeys with Typewriters by Scarlett Thomas?
- Definition: A superobjective is a character’s prime motivating desire, often an abstract or universal goal that drives their actions.
- Character coherence: Superobjectives provide depth and consistency, linking smaller objectives to a larger, often unachievable, desire.
- Source of drama: Conflict arises from competing superobjectives among characters, propelling the plot.
- Unconscious motivation: Characters are usually unaware of their superobjective, which may differ from their stated goals.
How does Scarlett Thomas advise writers to create authentic characters in Monkeys with Typewriters?
- Action reveals character: Characters are defined by the choices they make, especially under pressure, rather than by abstract descriptions.
- Avoiding clichés: Writers should focus on individual desires and motivations, stripping away stereotypes and labels.
- Stanislavski’s influence: The book draws on method acting principles to help writers imagine authentic reactions and feelings.
- Compassionate portrayal: Thomas encourages writers to love all their characters equally and avoid moralizing.
What narrative perspectives and styles does Scarlett Thomas discuss in Monkeys with Typewriters?
- Omniscient vs. free indirect style: Thomas critiques traditional omniscience, preferring free indirect style for its compassionate, inclusive narration.
- First-person and limited third-person: She explains the strengths and limitations of each, including the challenges of multiple narrators.
- Consistency in narration: The book stresses the importance of maintaining consistent narrative rules for coherence.
- Literary examples: Thomas uses works like Middlemarch and The God of Small Things to illustrate narrative techniques.
How does Monkeys with Typewriters by Scarlett Thomas explain the use of metaphor and figurative language in writing?
- Metaphor for depth: Metaphors add layers of meaning and help readers visualize abstract concepts through concrete images.
- Types of figurative language: The book distinguishes between metaphor, simile, metonymy, and synecdoche, explaining their narrative functions.
- Avoiding clichés: Thomas warns against overused or illogical metaphors and encourages coherence in extended metaphors.
- Defamiliarisation and objective correlative: Techniques like defamiliarisation and using objects to evoke emotion enrich narrative and reader engagement.
What practical advice does Scarlett Thomas offer for planning, writing, and completing a novel in Monkeys with Typewriters?
- Start with core questions: Develop a narrative question, thematic question, and seed word to focus your novel’s purpose and theme.
- Scene-by-scene construction: Break the novel into manageable scenes driven by character objectives and cause-effect relationships.
- Writing and revision process: Alternate between writing new material and revising, allowing time for ideas to develop.
- Consistency and motivation: Maintain consistent narrative rules, back up your work, and set achievable daily goals to sustain progress.
Review Summary
Monkeys with Typewriters is praised as an insightful guide for both aspiring writers and readers. Reviewers appreciate Thomas's engaging style, practical advice, and thorough exploration of literary theory and plot structures. The book is divided into two parts: Theory and Practice, covering topics from basic plots to sentence construction. While some find certain sections more relevant than others, most agree it's a valuable resource for understanding storytelling mechanics and improving writing skills. Many reviewers plan to revisit the book for inspiration and guidance in their own writing endeavors.
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