Subtexting

When should a writer worry about subtexting? Is it important?

Subtexting adds layers and depth to a story, well at least to the characters. Subtexting is that hidden psychological meaning behind what is said or done by a character. It's all about history. The more history a character has with another character the deeper the subtext between them will be. Each minor argument or conflict will have years of history and arguments behind it. The trick is figuring out how to get that subtext out and onto the page.

You can do this through action, reaction, a few chosen words, mannerisms, inner monologue, the playing with a prop, and symbolism.

What in the scene can symbolize the subtextual meaning of this scene, for example.
Or what is the character really thinking at that moment?
Or does a certain word evoke a particular memory for one character?
Or does one character seem to over react to what is being said?

Answering 'why' can help you find the subtext. You may even go back and create a history between two characters to make the scene more lively.

Letting Go

One of the biggest problems a writer faces when editing, especially during the re-write stage, is letting go of characters, words or plot points that no longer fit the story.

It doesn't really matter whether you outline or not in this case. As you write you get ideas, they seem like great ideas at the time - maybe a funny joke, or an odd way of saying something, or a new character just jumps out a you begging to be written about. Like most writers, you add it in and keep plugging along. But sooner or later you realize this idea isn't working well. What do you do?

Option 1:
Start making changes to the story so this new idea fits. You decide to do what ever it takes to make it fit.

Option 2:
You let it go. Take the path of least resistence.

Which option is the better one? Option 1 definitely makes things harder. Once you start changing a story, and these ideas usually require a lot of changes, you may be causing all kinds of unforseen problems. If you are trying to make something fit it probably doesn't belong. Most likely it doesn't move the plot forward or reveal character.

Ask yourself why you want this idea to be included?
Is it really worth it?
Is there a way to use the essence of the idea but still keep the integrity of the story?

You know when something just doesn't fit. Save yourself some time and headache and just jot it down on an index card. Save it for the next story.

If you are having a hard time with this idea, your readers and editor will have a hard time with it too.

A writer writes!

Well that is what makes one a writer - actual writing! It's not publication after all, that is just validation for one's work. Selling something just makes one...well... a salesman I guess :-) Actually it makes one an "author" in my book.

How do you verify that you are a writer?
Do you go by number of pages completed?
Words?
By month, year, day, week?
Or is it more of a feeling inside?
Does working on stories in your head count?
What about researching and exploring?

What makes you a writer? Answering this question will go a long way toward helping you feel successful! It doesn't matter what others think, it only matters what you think. Writing has always been a very subjective venture.

How can you help yourself feel like a real writer? Take the answer to this question and design a monthly writing goal around it!

Please share your thoughts!