Stevie

Two bits of advice ‘freed’ me up wrt location, because I usually start with somewhere I know then make adjustments as necessary. Reading a disclaimer along the lines of “geographical liberties have been taken” I much appreciated.
Also, Eimear McBride said when she wrote of Camden, she did it from a 5 year old memory of the place and never…[Read more]

“if it doesn’t advance the plot or reveal something about character, don’t prolong it.” – excellent advice! Thanks Jane.

For severe violence done well I’d look at Malcolm Mackay, Ray Banks, Stuart Neville’s ‘The Twelve’. Benjamin Myers ‘Turning Blue’ had me commenting ‘Stomach-churning details precisely told’, or Sarah Hilary. Denise Mina might be good, but I cannot remember which is the most violent.

What genre are you writing in Jane?

I agree that if you have built up to it, then there has to be a payoff. You can still adapt the level of detail to suit your intended reader.

It’s a good idea to study comparable books and see how they deal with violence before you decide which route to go down.

I’d agree with you Jane, ‘less is more’ works for violent scenes much as it does for sex scenes, though I suppose you’d have to work harder so as to bring something fresh for the readers’ mind to work on.
Those long, graphic scenes can be effective, up to a point but can tun as many off as they do on, so go with your gut feeling.

Earth and smoke and iron

It were an odd one and no mistake. She were odd. Educated; not from round here. ‘Otherworldly’ some might say.
She lugged it in, wrapped up in brown paper, tied with string. Knots sealed with blobs of scarlet wax.
‘You’ll ‘after tell me what’s in it, lass –‘
‘A coat. An army one. That’s what’s the smell –‘
I sniffed. A…[Read more]

Thanks, Daeds, a valid point and I appreciate the input.

Well done Seagreen, fully deserved.
Thanks, Daeds. Yes, I was in SA for the election. What do you mean by “on the nose”?

Well done Sea – a breath-stopping piece beautifully (dare I say?) conceived.

Wonderful news, congratulations!!

How about a cute market town? Bustling with people going about their trivial day to day activities. It will be in stark contrast to the traumas the abducted child has to process. The family has stayed in the same place the whole time, and when the child comes back she recognises and remembers things from before her abduction. Things are the same…[Read more]

Well done Janette!