Stein on Writing

1. Writing is about evoking emotion, not just conveying information

"Fiction evokes emotion. Nonfiction conveys information."

Emotional engagement is key. The primary job of a writer is to provide readers with an experience that is superior to everyday life. This means evoking emotions rather than simply stating facts or opinions.

• In fiction, focus on creating characters and situations that readers can connect with emotionally
• In nonfiction, use storytelling techniques to make information more engaging and memorable
• Aim to make readers feel something, whether it's excitement, empathy, curiosity, or even discomfort

Good writing immerses readers in a vivid world, allowing them to experience events and emotions alongside the characters. By prioritizing emotional resonance over dry facts, writers can create works that truly impact their audience and linger in their minds long after the last page.

2. Show, don't tell: Create vivid experiences for readers

"Showing means having characters do things that excite our interest, making those pages visual, letting us see what happens firsthand."

Paint a picture with words. Rather than simply describing events or emotions, skilled writers bring scenes to life through specific details, actions, and sensory information. This allows readers to experience the story more vividly.

Techniques for showing rather than telling:

• Use concrete, specific details instead of vague generalizations
• Describe characters' actions and body language to reveal their emotions
• Employ sensory details to immerse readers in the scene
• Use dialogue to reveal character and advance the plot
• Create metaphors and similes that evoke powerful imagery

By focusing on showing rather than telling, writers can create a more engaging and immersive experience for their readers. This approach draws readers into the story, allowing them to draw their own conclusions and connect more deeply with the characters and events.

3. Dialogue should be oblique and reveal character

"The best dialogue is oblique. Characters don't need to make speeches at each other."

Craft revealing exchanges. Effective dialogue is not a direct transcription of real speech, but a crafted representation that reveals character, advances the plot, and creates tension. Characters often speak indirectly, with subtext and hidden motives.

Key principles for writing strong dialogue:

• Make each character's voice distinct and consistent with their personality
• Use dialogue to reveal information gradually, rather than info-dumping
• Include subtext – what characters are really saying beneath their words
• Avoid on-the-nose dialogue where characters state exactly what they're thinking
• Use dialogue to create conflict and tension between characters

Well-crafted dialogue brings characters to life and makes them feel real to readers. It's an opportunity to show rather than tell, revealing personality traits, relationships, and motivations through the characters' own words and interactions.

4. Use point of view consistently to immerse readers

"Each point of view available to the writer influences the emotions of the reader differently."

Choose wisely and stick to it. Point of view (POV) is a powerful tool for controlling how readers experience your story. Consistency in POV helps maintain the reader's immersion and emotional connection to the characters.

Common points of view and their effects:

• First person: Creates intimacy and immediacy, but limits perspective
• Third person limited: Allows deeper exploration of one character's thoughts while maintaining some distance
• Third person omniscient: Provides a broader view but can feel less personal
• Second person: Rarely used, can create a unique, interactive experience

When choosing a POV, consider:

• Which character's perspective is most interesting or relevant?
• How much information do you want the reader to have access to?
• What emotional effect are you trying to create?

Maintaining a consistent POV throughout your work helps readers stay immersed in the story world. Sudden shifts can be jarring and break the reader's engagement, so use them sparingly and intentionally if at all.

5. Create conflict and tension to drive the story forward

"Conflict is the ingredient that makes action dramatic."

Drama stems from struggle. Conflict is the engine that drives a story forward and keeps readers engaged. Without conflict, there is no tension, and without tension, readers quickly lose interest.

Types of conflict to incorporate:

• External conflict: Character vs. character, nature, society, or technology
• Internal conflict: Character vs. self (moral dilemmas, conflicting desires)
• Interpersonal conflict: Relationships, misunderstandings, competing goals

Techniques for creating and maintaining tension:

• Establish clear stakes: What does the character stand to gain or lose?
• Use time pressure: Deadlines, countdowns, or looming threats
• Create obstacles: Physical, emotional, or psychological barriers to the character's goals
• Employ dramatic irony: Let readers know something the characters don't
• Use pacing: Alternate between high-intensity scenes and moments of reflection

By weaving conflict and tension throughout your story, you create a compelling narrative that keeps readers turning pages, eager to see how characters will overcome their challenges.

6. Revise ruthlessly: Cut flab and sharpen your prose

"Liposuctioning Flab"

Trim the excess. Good writing is often the result of rigorous editing. The revision process is where you refine your ideas, tighten your prose, and ensure every word serves a purpose.

Strategies for effective revision:

• Cut unnecessary words, especially adverbs and adjectives

• Eliminate redundancies and repetitive phrases

• Replace weak verbs with stronger, more specific ones

• Break up long sentences for better clarity and rhythm

• Remove clichés and overused expressions

• Ensure each paragraph has a clear purpose and focus

• Look for opportunities to show rather than tell

• Read your work aloud to catch awkward phrasing

• Get feedback from trusted readers or writing groups

Remember, revision is not just about fixing errors—it's about elevating your writing to its highest potential. Be willing to cut even sections you love if they don't serve the overall work. The goal is to create a lean, powerful piece of writing that engages readers from start to finish.

7. Develop a distinctive voice through precise language

"Diction is a word laymen associate with clear pronunciation. Its other meaning is the one that is important for writers. Diction involves the choice of words for their precise meaning and sound, the arrangement of those words, and their selection for effect."

Craft your unique style. A writer's voice is their distinctive way of using language to tell a story or convey information. It's what sets your writing apart and makes it recognizably yours.

Elements that contribute to a strong writing voice:

• Word choice: Select words for their precise meanings and connotations
• Sentence structure: Vary sentence length and complexity for rhythm and emphasis
• Tone: Establish a consistent emotional attitude towards your subject
• Figurative language: Use metaphors, similes, and other literary devices effectively
• Point of view: Choose and maintain a perspective that suits your story

Developing your voice takes time and practice. Read widely to expose yourself to different styles, and pay attention to how other authors create their unique voices. Experiment with different techniques in your own writing, and don't be afraid to take risks. Your authentic voice will emerge as you continue to write and refine your craft.

8. Tap into your originality and courage as a writer

"I took an oath never to write anything inoffensive."

Dare to be different. The most memorable and impactful writing often comes from authors who are willing to take risks, explore uncomfortable truths, and share unique perspectives.

Ways to cultivate originality and courage in your writing:

• Draw from your personal experiences and unique point of view

• Tackle difficult or controversial subjects with honesty and nuance

• Challenge conventional wisdom and explore new ideas

• Be willing to reveal vulnerable or uncomfortable truths

• Experiment with unconventional narrative structures or writing styles

• Push beyond your comfort zone and write about topics that scare you

• Seek out diverse influences and perspectives to inform your work

• Trust your instincts and develop your authentic voice

Remember that true originality often comes from a deep understanding of what's been done before, combined with your unique perspective and experiences. Don't be afraid to break rules or challenge expectations—that's often where the most interesting writing emerges.

9. Use particularity to make your writing come alive

"Detail is the lifeblood of fiction."

Specific beats general. Particularity refers to the use of specific, concrete details that bring your writing to life and make it feel authentic and vivid to readers.

Techniques for incorporating particularity:

• Use sensory details to engage all five senses
• Choose specific, evocative nouns instead of general ones
• Employ precise verbs that convey action and emotion
• Include small, telling details that reveal character or setting
• Use figurative language to create unique and memorable images

Examples of particularity in action:

• Instead of "She was nervous," write "Her fingers drummed an erratic rhythm on the tabletop."
• Rather than "The room was messy," describe "Crumpled papers and half-empty coffee mugs littered every surface."
• Instead of "He was angry," show "His jaw clenched, a vein pulsing at his temple."

By focusing on particular, concrete details, you create a more immersive and believable world for your readers. This approach helps readers visualize scenes more vividly and connect more deeply with your characters and story.

10. Create resonance to deepen the impact of your work

"Resonance is a term borrowed from the world of music, where it means a prolonged response attributable to vibration. In writing it has come to mean an aura of significance beyond the components of a story."

Echo deeper meanings. Resonance in writing occurs when your words and ideas reverberate beyond their immediate context, evoking larger themes or universal truths.

Techniques for creating resonance:

• Use symbolism and motifs to reinforce key themes

• Draw connections to historical, cultural, or literary references

• Employ foreshadowing and echoes throughout your work

• Create multi-layered characters with complex motivations

• Explore universal human experiences and emotions

• Use powerful opening and closing lines that encapsulate your themes

• Craft metaphors and analogies that illuminate deeper truths

• Leave room for reader interpretation and reflection

Resonance often emerges naturally when you write with depth and authenticity. By tapping into universal human experiences and emotions, you can create work that resonates with readers long after they've finished reading. Strive to create writing that not only entertains or informs but also provokes thought and touches the heart.

Last updated: August 20, 2024