The Writer's Craft: Modern Insights | Preface & Introduction | Chapter 0

The Writer's Craft: Modern Insights

(Preface & Introduction)

By Olivia Salter

Preface

Countless books delve into the art of writing fiction, but the sheer complexity of storytelling justifies yet another exploration. Crafting a compelling narrative demands a variety of skills, and no single guide can address every need. This book aims to fill some of the gaps left by others, especially by focusing on the needs of the writer rather than the reader.

One common shortcoming in books on writing technique is that they often slip into the perspective of a reader, analyzing stories without directly guiding the writer. While a casual reader may find such analysis fascinating, it does little to help someone ready to write their own stories. This book maintains the viewpoint of a writer looking to improve their craft, offering practical advice rather than an appreciation of literary accomplishments. While analyzing masterpieces has its benefits, for a writer with a story idea, it’s more helpful to understand the essential steps in bringing that idea to life. In fact, endlessly dissecting polished works can intimidate the beginner more than inspire them. New writers need a clear path to follow, grounded in the core elements of conceiving, developing, and writing a story.

To support this, the first section of the book addresses the essential techniques in the sequence a writer might naturally encounter them. We begin with story conception, move through structure and development, and finally reach the nuts and bolts of writing the narrative itself. From there, we explore elements like description, dialogue, character building, and setting the mood, and conclude with a focus on short stories and novels as distinct forms.

Most principles in storytelling don’t require elaborate proof—they’re often self-evident. Thus, this book avoids over-analyzing perfect works, relying instead on straightforward advice to guide writers in handling their own ideas. Though some analysis is included to clarify key concepts, the focus remains on practical guidance for writers who already have ideas but need direction on shaping and refining them. While literary analysis can familiarize a writer with the language and structure of storytelling, this book prioritizes the essentials of technique, offering them in a clear, logical order.

It’s important to emphasize that much of fiction technique lies in the planning and development stages—steps that take place well before the first sentence is written. Creating a story that is logically structured, with each part in place, is fundamental. Even the most beautiful language can’t save a story lacking in strong organization and thoughtful development. A well-told story hinges on skillfully arranged elements; style alone is secondary to this core framework. Accordingly, this book focuses less on wordsmithing and more on organizing and shaping a story. For those interested in polishing their language, a study of general writing and rhetoric would be a better resource. Here, however, the focus is on constructing a story that holds together, where each part serves a purpose, and the whole resonates with the reader.

Introduction


Creating a work of art begins as a misty vision, an idea still unformed and blurred. But with time, that vision sharpens, takes shape, and becomes something distinct—a carefully crafted design, perfect in its details but often difficult to communicate. Then comes the shift: the artist must step down from their imaginative heights, roll up their sleeves, and tackle the gritty reality of bringing this vision to life. They must decide on the scale, style, and spirit of execution, grounding their once-ethereal idea in something real and tangible.

Robert Louis Stevenson captures this in "A Note on Realism," where he suggests that any artist—whether in painting, architecture, or writing—cannot simply reproduce beauty without first envisioning it fully. You need a roadmap, a design. In architecture or the visual arts, it’s quickly apparent that planning is as essential to the finished work as the skill of execution. For writers, the materials are different—words, not paint or stone—but the principle holds. Words are deceptively simple yet endlessly complex. They’re built for everyday use, but in skilled hands, they can reveal the depths of human experience. A writer with only a faint notion of what they want to say might still create something that “works” on the surface. But without a guiding design, the story can easily lose focus and fail to resonate deeply. And because words often naturally convey meaning, a poorly constructed story can still appear coherent, hiding its structural flaws from the writer’s own eye.

In fiction, there’s a key distinction between a tale and a story. A tale meanders, presenting incidents in a loose sequence without a deeper connection to character or theme. A story, by contrast, is cohesive: each scene, each detail, contributes to an unfolding plot or dramatic question. This unity of purpose makes the story a complete experience. A well-constructed story doesn’t just happen; it’s the result of careful planning, especially when it comes to character development, as the relationship between characters and events shapes the emotional impact on the reader.

To create something meaningful, a writer must build and refine their concept before setting pen to paper. Execution—the ability to express ideas eloquently—demands enough focus on its own. It’s nearly impossible to do this well while simultaneously figuring out what the story is about or how it should unfold. Either the words or the concept will suffer.

With that in mind, this book tackles the techniques of fiction under two broad categories: conceptual (or constructive) and executive. Fully separating these categories would lead to redundancy and confusion, but most techniques are either primarily about shaping ideas or about polishing the final text. This approach reflects the natural process of creating fiction—of imagining, building, and then writing the story. Each challenge is addressed in the order it’s likely to appear as a writer works. Characterization, however, bridges both categories, as it requires both forethought and skillful language, and is therefore addressed in stages.

This structure also serves another purpose: construction is both easier and more essential to master than execution. While practice is necessary to achieve any real fluency, the foundational principles of story structure can be grasped and applied with relative ease. It’s entirely possible to write a well-constructed story without being a master stylist, but elegant prose alone can’t save a story that lacks depth and direction.

Out of a thousand stories with solid construction, only a handful might exhibit true literary power in their language. Many writers can create a story that is well-built, but few have the gift of truly powerful expression. Nonetheless, the story’s impact—its ability to engage and move the reader—depends on its substance. If the underlying structure is sound, the story will still resonate, even if the language isn’t flawless.

Therefore, this book emphasizes mastering structure before worrying about style. Many technique books blur these boundaries, failing to clarify that certain tasks are best handled before writing begins. Here, we delve deeply into the principles of construction, from managing the story’s pacing and tension to shaping characters so their actions carry dramatic weight. Even the most beautifully written story cannot overcome weak construction, as true strength lies in a solid foundation.

While many readers come to books on writing technique with an eye toward short stories, this guide is designed for the craftsperson, not the casual reader. The short story is indeed a unique art form, combining brevity with a focused plot or central question. It is lighter and more direct than a novel but requires a swift, efficient approach to character development and pacing, giving rise to distinct techniques.

The short story can be divided broadly into two types: dramatic stories and atmospheric stories. The first revolves around plot and character interaction, while the latter creates a unified emotional experience for the reader, often evoking a particular mood or setting. Edgar Allan Poe famously explored the concept of “unity” in his atmospheric tales, and while this idea fits one type of short story, it’s not universally applicable. Dramatic short stories may rely on contrast and variation in their people, events, and settings. Forcing all short stories to adhere to a single “unifying” quality risks oversimplifying the genre, leaving stories that lack the richness and tension needed to engage readers.

The closing chapter provides a perspective on fiction’s broader aims. Fiction, at its heart, is an exploration of humanity, of what people experience and what they might become. Its purpose is to engage, to charm, to captivate. My hope is that this book—written for writers, not passive readers—will offer practical insights without veering into academic theories or endless “isms.” Ultimately, the goal of fiction is simple: to interest and delight.

CONTENT

Preface & Introduction

1. Chapter 1:   Writers and Life
2. Chapter 2:    Storytelling 1
3. Chapter 3:    Storytelling 2
4. Chapter 4:    Plotting
5. Chapter 5:    Narrative 1
6. Chapter 6:    Narrative 2
7. Chapter 7:    Narrative 3
8. Chapter 8:    Description
9. Chapter 9:    Dialogue
10. Chapter 10:  Characters
11. Chapter 11:  Atmosphere
12. Chapter 12:  Settings 
13. Chapter 13:  Short Story
14. Chapter 14:  The Novel
15. Chapter 15:  Conclusion

The Writer's Craft: Modern Insights | Conclusion | Chapter 15

The Writer's Craft: Modern Insights

(Conclusion)

By Olivia Salter

CHAPTER 15

197

The goal of fiction has always been the same: to explore the depths of human experience, but our approach adapts to the contemporary world and its rapidly changing mediums and perspectives.

The Purpose of Fiction in 2025: Fiction continues to serve as a mirror to humanity, reflecting not just our external lives, but our inner worlds. At its core, fiction is about creating interest. A story must captivate, whether it does so by portraying the minutiae of everyday life or by transporting readers to fantastic realms. In 2025, the content of fiction encompasses everything from the digital realities of a hyper-connected world to the enduring existential questions of life, love, and identity.

Realism: Still a Method, Not a Dogma: Realism in 2025 is no longer confined to the tangible or mundane. While the 20th century saw realism elevated to an artistic dogma, the modern perspective embraces it as one technique among many. Realism is now simply a method of capturing human experience in vivid detail. In an era where virtual realities and augmented experiences are becoming commonplace, realism might refer as much to the representation of emotional or psychological truths as it does to physical events. The aim remains: to make the reader feel that what they’re experiencing could be real, even when it isn’t.

The outdated belief that realism is the only path to truth has given way to a broader understanding: fiction can illuminate truth in many ways—whether through surreal, speculative, or hyper-realistic narratives. What matters is not whether the world depicted is "real" in the literal sense, but whether it resonates with readers emotionally or intellectually.

The Role of Plot in the Digital Age: In a world driven by fast-paced, short-form content, the idea of what constitutes a "plot" has evolved. A plot, fundamentally, is a problem—a series of events shaped by characters. While intricate, multi-threaded plots have their place, 2025 also recognizes the value of stories with more fluid, less traditional structures. Whether it’s a character’s journey through the metaverse, or the quiet unfolding of an interpersonal drama, the essence of a story remains in how characters confront and adapt to the problems they face, whether those problems are external or internal, physical or psychological.

The rise of non-linear narratives, multimedia storytelling, and interactive fiction reflects the growing demand for varied forms of engagement. But even as these forms diversify, the principles of storytelling—conflict, resolution, and character development—remain foundational.

Verisimilitude in a Hyperconnected World Verisimilitude, or the appearance of being true or real, is just as critical in the age of deepfakes, AI-generated content, and digital personas as it was in simpler times. However, in 2025, achieving verisimilitude is more about evoking emotional authenticity than adhering to strict realism. A novel might take place entirely in a virtual reality setting, but as long as the emotions, relationships, and choices of the characters feel true, the story will succeed in engaging readers.

This is the heart of modern storytelling: the ability to use any world—real or imagined—to delve into the human condition. The writer’s challenge today is to create a narrative that feels plausible and emotionally grounded, no matter how unconventional the setting or premise.

Fiction’s Ultimate Purpose: Connection At the end of the day, the purpose of fiction, whether it’s in the form of a traditional novel, a virtual reality experience, or a tweet-length narrative, is to connect. It seeks to create a bridge between the reader and the characters, between imagination and reality. In an era where attention spans are often short and entertainment options endless, fiction must work harder than ever to create that connection. But when done right, it remains one of the most powerful tools we have to explore our world and ourselves.

In 2025, the measure of great fiction is not just its technical brilliance, but its ability to make us feel, reflect, and understand a little more about what it means to be human. In a world saturated with content, the stories that last will be those that tap into universal truths about the human experience—just as they always have.

To the Students of Fiction Writing 

The only way to truly learn how to write is, quite simply, to write. This may seem obvious, but it’s a principle that is often underestimated. Just as with any skill—whether playing an instrument, mastering a sport, or cooking a gourmet meal—writing requires practice, repetition, and perseverance. No amount of theory, instruction, or reading about writing can substitute for the actual act of putting words on paper, struggling with them, and refining them over time.

The process of learning any craft is grounded in doing. You can’t learn to paint without picking up a brush, nor can you learn to swim without entering the water. Writing follows the same rule. Only through the act of writing—making mistakes, experimenting with style, and learning from failure—do we discover our voice, understand the structure of language, and unlock the deeper nuances of storytelling. It's not an immediate process but one that requires patience, a long apprenticeship, and the willingness to keep going despite setbacks.

The more challenging the craft, the longer this apprenticeship must be. Writing, like any art form, involves a complex interplay of skills: organizing thoughts, creating vivid imagery, and evoking emotion, among others. For fiction writers, it also includes developing believable characters, creating conflict, and weaving narrative threads into a cohesive plot. For poets, it means understanding rhythm, meter, and the power of suggestion. Non-fiction writers must learn to blend research with narrative, creating stories that inform while engaging the reader.

The mastery of writing, like all difficult feats, is earned through persistence. Those who seek to write well must dedicate themselves to a process of continual learning, trial and error, and constant refinement. Each draft brings new lessons. Each revision deepens understanding. And over time, as the writer continues to push through, the secret of the craft begins to reveal itself—gradually, but surely.

It is through this iterative cycle of effort and reflection that one truly grows as a writer. The goal is not perfection from the start, but progress through persistence. So, the path forward is clear: keep writing, and in time, the art will unfold.

CONTENT

Preface & Introduction

1. Chapter 1:   Writers and Life
2. Chapter 2:    Storytelling 1
3. Chapter 3:    Storytelling 2
4. Chapter 4:    Plotting
5. Chapter 5:    Narrative 1
6. Chapter 6:    Narrative 2
7. Chapter 7:    Narrative 3
8. Chapter 8:    Description
9. Chapter 9:    Dialogue
10. Chapter 10:  Characters
11. Chapter 11:  Atmosphere
12. Chapter 12:  Settings 
13. Chapter 13:  Short Story
14. Chapter 14:  The Novel
15. Chapter 15:  Conclusion

The Writer's Craft: Modern Insights | The Novel | Chapter 14

 

The Writer's Craft: Modern Insights

(The Novel)

By Olivia Salter

CHAPTER 14

Fiction Writing: The Novel

The novel is a broad and flexible form of fiction that allows for a wide range of expression, themes, and complexity. Unlike short stories, which must compress meaning and focus on a singular effect, the novel offers space for the full exploration of characters, events, and ideas. Over time, the novel has evolved into a rich medium for storytelling, allowing writers to delve deeply into the human experience, society, and the world at large.

Novel and Romance

The distinction between the novel and the romance has been debated for centuries. In general, a novel is seen as a work of fiction grounded in realism, portraying life as it is, while a romance emphasizes imaginative, fantastic, or heroic elements, often setting the story in an idealized or extraordinary world. Novels focus on the everyday, the ordinary, and the complex psychological and social realities of their characters. Romances, on the other hand, transport readers to realms of heightened experience, where emotions, events, and characters are larger than life.

Romanticism and Realism

The Romanticism movement in literature is marked by an emphasis on emotion, individualism, and the sublime. It often focuses on the extraordinary, highlighting heroic figures, intense emotions, and the beauty or terror of nature. Realism, conversely, aims to depict the world and human life in a way that is true to everyday experience, with a focus on common people, social issues, and the detailed examination of the ordinary. In the novel, these two approaches frequently coexist or clash, with some novels leaning more heavily toward the imaginative elements of Romanticism and others adhering strictly to the grounded, observational style of Realism.

Techniques of Novel and Romance

Romanticism in novels often employs poetic language, symbolic imagery, and grand, sweeping narratives that highlight the emotions of characters in dramatic ways. Realism, on the other hand, uses precise, often plain language to focus on the details of everyday life, character psychology, and social issues. In both forms, techniques such as character development, plot structure, and narrative perspective are used to engage readers. However, the romance tends to favor archetypes and extraordinary events, while the realist novel focuses on intricate, well-rounded characters, mundane yet significant events, and a closer examination of the world’s imperfections.

Incoherence of Novel Relative to Short Story

Compared to the short story, the novel is often more sprawling and less unified. Incoherence here refers to the novel’s greater tolerance for digressions, subplots, and multiple perspectives. While a short story relies on tight coherence and singleness of effect, the novel can accommodate a more complex structure, where different elements—characters, events, themes—interweave in a way that mimics the messiness of real life. Novels can be looser and more episodic, reflecting the ongoing, multifaceted nature of human experience.

Novel as Medium of Self-Expression

The novel allows authors a broader canvas for self-expression. Writers can explore their own philosophical, political, or social views through the thoughts and actions of their characters or through direct commentary. The length and scope of the novel permit a deeper engagement with the author’s personal perspective, enabling more intricate reflections on the human condition, society, or the self.

Interpolation of Personal Comment

Many novels feature the author’s personal commentary interwoven into the narrative. This can be done through the narrator’s voice, as in Henry Fielding’s Tom Jones, where the narrator often steps in to comment on the actions or moral state of the characters. Alternatively, characters themselves may express the author's views. In realist novels especially, such as those by George Eliot or Leo Tolstoy, personal and philosophical reflections are integrated into the storyline, offering insights into broader social, ethical, or existential questions.

Significant Simplicity

In the novel, significant simplicity refers to the idea that even the most straightforward narrative or characters can carry deep meaning. A simple plot or setting can provide the framework for a complex examination of themes like morality, human nature, or societal structure. Authors like Jane Austen excel at significant simplicity, where seemingly ordinary events (courtship, family life) become the stage for profound insights into class, gender, and personal growth.

Permissible Inclusiveness of the Novel

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its permissible inclusiveness—its capacity to include a wide variety of themes, characters, and subplots. Unlike the short story, which must focus narrowly, the novel can encompass diverse elements, ranging from personal introspection to broad social commentary. This inclusiveness allows the novel to reflect the full spectrum of human experience, often combining different narrative threads and perspectives. Writers like Charles Dickens are known for this inclusiveness, as seen in novels like Bleak House, where a large cast of characters and multiple storylines come together to create a rich portrait of society.

Full Development of Personality

Novels provide ample room for the full development of personality. Characters in novels can undergo significant growth and change over the course of the narrative, as the extended length allows for deep psychological exploration. In contrast to short stories, where characters are often defined by a few key traits or actions, novelistic characters can evolve, reveal complexities, and engage with multifaceted motivations, reflecting the intricacies of real human beings. Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina or Flaubert’s Emma Bovary are prime examples of characters whose inner lives are richly explored.

Variety of Action

The novel’s length allows for a greater variety of action. Multiple events, spanning different locations or times, can be incorporated, and characters can experience a wide range of situations. This variety not only keeps the reader engaged but also mirrors the complexity of life, where different moments—dramatic or mundane—shape the characters’ journeys. In epic novels, like War and Peace, the action ranges from personal relationships to national conflicts, creating a grand, varied narrative landscape.

Length

Novels are generally longer than short stories, often spanning tens of thousands of words. This length enables the development of more intricate plots and deeper explorations of character and theme. While there are no strict rules regarding length, novels typically offer the space for expansive storytelling, allowing the writer to explore subplots, secondary characters, and the broader context surrounding the main narrative.

Initial Idea

The initial idea for a novel can be anything from a character concept, a moral dilemma, a social critique, or even a philosophical question. Novels often begin with a central idea that the writer wishes to explore in detail, whether it’s the clash between individual desire and societal expectation, as seen in Madame Bovary, or the tension between good and evil, as in Crime and Punishment. This idea serves as the seed from which the narrative and characters grow.

Story

At its core, a novel tells a story—an extended narrative involving characters, conflicts, and resolutions. However, the story in a novel is not just a sequence of events; it often explores deeper themes such as identity, morality, love, or power. The novel’s length allows for the development of a plot with more intricacies, including twists, delays, and resolutions that add to the reader's emotional or intellectual engagement.

Life

The novel is often seen as a reflection of life itself. Through the detailed portrayal of characters, settings, and events, the novel captures the diversity, complexity, and unpredictability of the human experience. Realist novels, in particular, aim to present life in its fullness, complete with its contradictions, joys, and sorrows. Even in more fantastic or romanticized novels, the depiction of human emotions, relationships, and challenges resonates with readers because it reflects universal aspects of life.

Society

Many novels also engage with society as a key theme, examining the social structures, class dynamics, and cultural forces that shape individual lives. From Dickens’ exploration of industrial-era England to Toni Morrison’s portrayal of race and history in America, novels often serve as a mirror to society, critiquing or illuminating its values, injustices, and changes.

Singleness of Story

While a novel can contain subplots and multiple threads, it typically maintains a singleness of story—a central narrative that ties everything together. This main storyline acts as the backbone of the novel, providing structure and direction. Even in complex novels with multiple perspectives or shifting timelines, there is usually one dominant narrative that drives the reader’s investment in the characters and the outcome of the plot.

Social Emphasis

In many novels, there is a clear social emphasis, focusing on the interaction between individuals and the larger social world. Novels often explore how societal forces—such as class, gender, race, or economics—shape the lives of characters. This emphasis on society allows the novel to engage with broad cultural and political issues, making it a powerful tool for social critique or reflection.

In summary, the novel’s strength lies in its capacity to encompass a wide range of human experience. It can focus on personal growth, explore societal issues, or dive deeply into philosophical questions. With its expansive length and scope, the novel allows for the full exploration of characters, ideas, and events, offering a rich, multifaceted reading experience.

CONTENT

Preface & Introduction

1. Chapter 1:   Writers and Life
2. Chapter 2:    Storytelling 1
3. Chapter 3:    Storytelling 2
4. Chapter 4:    Plotting
5. Chapter 5:    Narrative 1
6. Chapter 6:    Narrative 2
7. Chapter 7:    Narrative 3
8. Chapter 8:    Description
9. Chapter 9:    Dialogue
10. Chapter 10:  Characters
11. Chapter 11:  Atmosphere
12. Chapter 12:  Settings 
13. Chapter 13:  Short Story
14. Chapter 14:  The Novel
15. Chapter 15:  Conclusion

The Writer's Craft: Modern Insights | Short Story | Chapter 13

The Writer's Craft: Modern Insights

(Short Story)

By Olivia Salter

CHAPTER 13

Fiction Writing: The Short Story

The short story is a distinct form of fiction, defined by its brevity, focused narrative, and ability to deliver a concentrated impact. While short in length, a well-crafted short story can evoke powerful emotions and lasting impressions through its tightly woven structure and economy of words. Here’s a breakdown of the elements that shape the short story form:

Definition

A short story is a work of fiction that is brief in scope, usually ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand words. It is designed to deliver a single, unified effect or emotional response in a compact form. Unlike novels, which allow for expansive plots and detailed character development, short stories focus on a specific moment, conflict, or theme, and rely on concise storytelling to engage the reader.

Two Types

1. Dramatic Short Story

The dramatic short story focuses on a tightly structured plot, often revolving around a single event or conflict that escalates to a clear climax. The story is driven by action, dialogue, and decisions, with characters revealing themselves through their responses to the central conflict. The pace is quick, and the story often revolves around moments of high tension or dramatic revelations.

2. Atmospheric Short Story

In contrast, the atmospheric short story emphasizes mood, setting, and tone over action or plot. The focus is on creating a vivid emotional or sensory experience for the reader, often through detailed descriptions and careful attention to language. The plot may be less significant, as the primary aim is to immerse the reader in a specific atmosphere or emotional state, rather than build to a dramatic conclusion.

Origins

The short story has roots in ancient storytelling traditions, from oral tales passed down through generations to early written forms like parables and fables. As a modern literary form, it gained prominence in the 19th century with the works of authors like Edgar Allan Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Anton Chekhov, who helped define its structure and potential for emotional intensity.

Assumed Unity and Singleness of Effect of the Dramatic Short Story

One of the key principles of the dramatic short story is its unity of effect. As Edgar Allan Poe emphasized, every element of the story—its plot, characters, dialogue, and setting—should work together to create a singular emotional or intellectual impact on the reader. This unity of effect is achieved through a focused narrative, where extraneous details are stripped away, and the story drives relentlessly toward its intended conclusion. In short stories, there is no room for digression or unnecessary subplots; the entire story must be cohesive and aimed at delivering one clear, resonant outcome.

General Technique of Form

The short story requires precision in its construction. Writers must master the art of compression, packing meaning into as few words as possible without sacrificing depth. Every sentence must serve a purpose, whether it’s advancing the plot, revealing character, or setting the tone. The overall structure tends to follow a familiar arc—exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution—though in some cases, this structure is altered for creative effect. What remains constant is the need for coherence and unity.

Characterization

Because of the limited length of short stories, characterization is often achieved through subtle means. Rather than long backstories or detailed psychological portraits, characters are revealed through concise descriptions, sharp dialogue, and key actions. A few well-chosen details can suggest an entire personality. Writers often rely on showing rather than telling, letting a character’s choices, speech, or interactions reveal who they are without needing extensive explanation.

Interest and Too Great Simplicity

While simplicity can be a strength in short stories—allowing for a clean, direct narrative—it’s important to strike a balance. A story that is too simple risks losing depth and failing to engage the reader on an emotional or intellectual level. The best short stories use their brevity to distill complexity, revealing rich insights or emotions within the confines of a small word count.

Limitation upon Complexity

Short stories, by nature, impose limitations on complexity, especially in terms of plot and character development. Writers must be selective in what they choose to explore, focusing on one or two central ideas or conflicts. This limitation is not a weakness; rather, it forces the writer to hone in on the most essential elements of the story. Complexity can still exist within the characters’ emotions, themes, or subtext, even if the surface plot appears straightforward.

Length

The length of a short story is a defining characteristic, and it’s what sets the form apart from novels or novellas. While there is no strict word count, most short stories fall between 1,000 and 7,500 words. The brevity of the form requires careful pacing and a focused narrative, where every word contributes to the overall impact. Writers must be disciplined, avoiding unnecessary exposition or filler, while still ensuring that the story feels complete and satisfying.

Coherence of Form

A successful short story maintains coherence from start to finish. All its elements—plot, character, tone, and theme—must align toward a unified effect. The narrative should feel seamless, with no abrupt shifts in tone or pacing, and the resolution should feel like a natural outcome of the preceding events. Coherence gives the reader a sense of satisfaction, even if the ending is ambiguous or open to interpretation.

Compression

Compression is the art of packing as much meaning as possible into the fewest words. In a short story, every word counts. Description, dialogue, and action must all be carefully chosen to convey the maximum amount of information and emotion in the shortest space. This economy of language challenges the writer to be precise, to imply rather than state, and to trust the reader to pick up on subtext and nuance. Compression allows the story to be brief yet impactful, delivering a full narrative experience in a condensed form.

In summary, the short story is a concentrated art form that demands both skill and restraint. Whether it takes the dramatic or atmospheric approach, a successful short story uses its limited space to create a unified, compelling narrative that leaves a lasting impression. Through careful attention to characterization, structure, and atmosphere, writers can craft short stories that resonate deeply despite their brevity.

CONTENT

Preface & Introduction

1. Chapter 1:   Writers and Life
2. Chapter 2:    Storytelling 1
3. Chapter 3:    Storytelling 2
4. Chapter 4:    Plotting
5. Chapter 5:    Narrative 1
6. Chapter 6:    Narrative 2
7. Chapter 7:    Narrative 3
8. Chapter 8:    Description
9. Chapter 9:    Dialogue
10. Chapter 10:  Characters
11. Chapter 11:  Atmosphere
12. Chapter 12:  Settings 
13. Chapter 13:  Short Story
14. Chapter 14:  The Novel
15. Chapter 15:  Conclusion

The Writer's Craft: Modern Insights by Olivia Salter | Atmosphere | Chapter 11

 

The Writer's Craft: Modern Insights

(Atmosphere)

By Olivia Salter

CHAPTER 11

ATMOSPHERE in Fiction Writing

Atmosphere in fiction refers to the mood or emotional quality that surrounds a story, enveloping the reader and influencing their perception of events, characters, and settings. It is an essential element that sets the tone, deepens the emotional impact, and prepares the reader for key moments in the narrative. Here’s how atmosphere functions in fiction writing:

Definition

Atmosphere is the overall feeling or mood that permeates a story. It is created through the interplay of setting, description, tone, and even language choice. While often subtle, atmosphere shapes how the reader experiences the narrative, providing an emotional backdrop to the events of the plot. Whether it’s a sense of dread in a horror story or the warmth of a nostalgic memory, atmosphere helps immerse the reader in the world of the story.

General Atmospheric Value of Fiction

In fiction, atmosphere can evoke specific emotions that align with the story's themes or intentions. It enhances the reader's emotional engagement by creating a vivid sensory experience. Through careful use of atmosphere, a writer can make the reader feel uneasy, hopeful, tense, or melancholic, adding depth to the narrative. Even when not central to the plot, atmosphere enriches the reader's experience and makes the story more memorable.

Tone of Story

The tone of a story is closely tied to its atmosphere. While tone refers to the author’s attitude toward the subject matter (e.g., ironic, serious, playful), it directly influences the atmosphere by coloring the emotional undercurrent. For example, a mystery novel with a dark, foreboding tone will create an atmosphere of tension and intrigue, whereas a whimsical tone in a fantasy story might create a magical, light-hearted atmosphere. Establishing the right tone is crucial in setting up the story’s atmosphere and guiding the reader’s expectations.

Preparation of Reader for Climax

Atmosphere plays a critical role in preparing the reader for the story’s climax. By gradually building mood and tension, the writer can prime the reader for an emotional or dramatic peak. For example, in a horror story, a creeping sense of unease might be established through eerie descriptions, isolated settings, and quiet, disturbing details. This atmosphere sets the stage for the final terrifying reveal or confrontation. Similarly, a romance might slowly build an atmosphere of longing and anticipation, leading to a climactic emotional confession. The atmosphere serves as a bridge, preparing the reader for these key moments without disrupting the flow of the narrative.

Examples

Consider how Edgar Allan Poe’s "The Fall of the House of Usher" uses atmosphere to intensify the sense of doom and decay. The oppressive, decaying mansion and the dreary weather create an overwhelming feeling of dread, which mirrors the psychological unraveling of the characters. In contrast, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby creates an atmosphere of excess, glamour, and underlying despair through descriptions of opulent parties and vivid imagery, setting the stage for the eventual tragedy.

Atmosphere can vary widely, from the tense and claustrophobic to the light and nostalgic. The key is that it supports the emotional and thematic resonance of the story.

The Story of Atmosphere

In some cases, atmosphere becomes the driving force of the narrative, as in stories where the mood or setting is just as important as the plot or characters. These stories—sometimes referred to as "mood pieces"—immerse the reader primarily through the world they create rather than through a fast-paced plot. For instance, in literary fiction or gothic tales, the atmosphere might be so deeply interwoven into the fabric of the narrative that it becomes a character in itself, influencing the events and shaping the reader’s emotional journey.

Short Story

In short stories, atmosphere must be established quickly and efficiently. With limited space, every description, word, and detail must contribute to building the mood. The atmosphere in a short story often intensifies the theme and helps compress the emotional impact, allowing for a brief yet powerful experience. For example, in Shirley Jackson's The Lottery, the atmosphere of an ordinary small town with underlying tension builds quickly, leading to the shocking and brutal climax.

Setting

Setting is one of the most direct tools for creating atmosphere. The physical environment in which the story takes place—the weather, time of day, geographical location, and sensory details—greatly affects the mood. A stormy night can set a tense, foreboding atmosphere, while a sunlit meadow can evoke peace and tranquility. Writers should carefully consider how to use setting not just as a backdrop, but as an active element in creating the desired emotional tone.

Slight Dramatic Value of Type

Certain "types" of atmosphere—like a dark and stormy night in a horror story or a sunny, pastoral setting in a romance—are often considered clichés, and therefore, may lack dramatic value if overused or not handled creatively. While these atmospheric types can still be effective, they should be used with nuance and originality to avoid feeling predictable. The challenge for writers is to take familiar atmospheric elements and infuse them with fresh details or subvert them in unexpected ways to maintain their dramatic impact.

Creating Atmosphere: The Creative Process

Crafting atmosphere in fiction is a balance between technical skill and intuitive creativity. It involves careful attention to language, sensory details, and pacing. Writers must tap into the emotions they want to evoke in the reader, selecting elements that will naturally draw out those feelings without being heavy-handed. Whether building slow-burning tension or creating an instant emotional hook, atmosphere is a key tool in fiction writing that, when mastered, can greatly enhance the power and immersion of a story.

CONTENT

Preface & Introduction

1. Chapter 1:   Writers and Life
2. Chapter 2:    Storytelling 1
3. Chapter 3:    Storytelling 2
4. Chapter 4:    Plotting
5. Chapter 5:    Narrative 1
6. Chapter 6:    Narrative 2
7. Chapter 7:    Narrative 3
8. Chapter 8:    Description
9. Chapter 9:    Dialogue
10. Chapter 10:  Characters
11. Chapter 11:  Atmosphere
12. Chapter 12:  Settings 
13. Chapter 13:  Short Story
14. Chapter 14:  The Novel
15. Chapter 15:  Conclusion

The Writer's Craft: Modern Insights | Characters | Chapter 10

The Writer's Craft: Modern Insights

(Characters)

By Olivia Salter

CHAPTER 10

PORTRAYAL OF CHARACTER IN FICTION WRITING

Characterization is at the heart of any great work of fiction. Characters drive the plot, embody the themes, and form the emotional core of a story. The way a writer portrays a character can transform the reader's understanding of the narrative and anchor them in the world of the story. Here’s how various elements and modes of characterization function in fiction writing:

The Three Modes of Characterization

1. Dialogue

Dialogue is one of the most powerful tools for revealing character. The way a character speaks—tone, word choice, rhythm, and subject matter—can instantly convey aspects of their personality, background, and motivations. Through dialogue, a writer can subtly indicate social status, education, emotional state, or internal conflict. In fiction, dialogue does more than relay information; it reveals the soul of the character.

2. Action

What a character does is just as important, if not more so, than what they say. Actions often speak louder than words and are a direct window into the character’s personality. How a character responds to situations, how they treat others, and the choices they make reveal their true nature. Whether it’s a grand, decisive action or a small, telling gesture, action in fiction builds a character’s integrity over the course of a story.

3. Description or Direct Statement

Sometimes, the author or narrator directly describes the character. This can involve physical appearance, personality traits, or background information. Direct characterization tells the reader what to think or know about a character, though it is most effective when paired with indirect methods like dialogue and action. For example, describing a character’s rugged features and worn clothes can instantly position them as someone who’s lived a hard life, before they even speak a word.

Aims of Characterization

1. To Show the Nature of the Character

The ultimate aim of characterization is to reveal a character’s inner nature—what drives them, what they fear, what they love. A well-portrayed character feels multi-dimensional, with complexities that may not always be immediately visible. Fiction aims to gradually uncover these layers, making the character’s growth and change over the course of the story feel real and meaningful.

2. To Show the Character as a Physical Being

A character’s physical presence should never be overlooked. Physicality helps readers visualize and connect with characters on a visceral level. Descriptions of posture, movement, and physical traits can tell the reader a lot about the character's state of mind or social position. For instance, a character who consistently slouches may convey insecurity, while one who holds their head high could suggest confidence or arrogance.

Character and Plot

Plot and character are intertwined. A story’s plot unfolds because of the decisions and actions taken by its characters. As the characters evolve, so too does the plot. Conversely, the events of the plot should push characters to their limits, revealing new facets of their personality and driving their development. In this sense, plot is the stage upon which character is revealed, and character, in turn, propels the plot forward.

Characterization by Speech

When a character speaks, everything from their dialect and word choice to the rhythm of their sentences can reflect their background, education, and personality. A character who speaks in short, blunt sentences may be to the point and action-oriented, while another who uses long, flowing dialogue could suggest someone more introspective or intellectual. Through speech patterns, a writer can reveal not only who a character is, but how they perceive the world and their place in it.

Characterization by Statement

This involves direct statements made by either the narrator or other characters about a particular character. These can provide the reader with clear information about the character’s traits, relationships, or past. For example, a character might be described as "reckless" or "kind-hearted." While these statements offer quick insight, they should ideally be reinforced through dialogue, action, or indirect cues, ensuring that the character's traits feel earned rather than simply told.

Characterization by Action

Actions are one of the most effective ways to reveal character. A character's actions, whether bold or subtle, define who they are to the reader. How a character responds in moments of crisis, how they treat those around them, or even how they perform mundane tasks provides insight into their deeper motivations and personality. Fiction often relies on these moments of action to move beyond mere description and to show, rather than tell, who the character truly is.

For example, a character might claim they are compassionate, but it’s in their actions—offering help to a struggling stranger, or going out of their way to comfort a friend in need—that their compassion becomes truly apparent. Similarly, a character’s inner conflict may be brought to life through a sequence of indecisive or contradictory actions.

Characterization as a Creative Process

Portraying characters is as much about creating depth and complexity as it is about maintaining consistency and believability. The process is an intricate blend of direct and indirect methods, where every word spoken, every action taken, and every description of appearance or thought contributes to a fuller picture of the character. Writers can breathe life into their characters by blending these techniques, ensuring that readers become invested in their journey, growth, and ultimate fate.

The portrayal of character in fiction is an art, requiring the careful interplay of speech, action, and description to reveal a person who feels real. Through mastering the three modes of characterization and understanding how speech, actions, and direct statements work together, writers can create characters that leave a lasting impact on their readers.

CONTENT

Preface & Introduction

1. Chapter 1:   Writers and Life
2. Chapter 2:    Storytelling 1
3. Chapter 3:    Storytelling 2
4. Chapter 4:    Plotting
5. Chapter 5:    Narrative 1
6. Chapter 6:    Narrative 2
7. Chapter 7:    Narrative 3
8. Chapter 8:    Description
9. Chapter 9:    Dialogue
10. Chapter 10:  Characters
11. Chapter 11:  Atmosphere
12. Chapter 12:  Settings 
13. Chapter 13:  Short Story
14. Chapter 14:  The Novel
15. Chapter 15:  Conclusion

The Writer's Craft: Modern Insights | Dialogue | Chapter 9

  

The Writer's Craft: Modern Insights

(Dialogue)

By Olivia Salter

CHAPTER 9

SPEECH in Fiction Writing: The Power of Dialogue

Dialogue in fiction is more than just characters talking—it’s a vital tool that shapes the story, deepens character development, and advances the plot. When mastered, it adds layers of authenticity and engagement to a narrative. Here’s how the various elements of dialogue come into play in fiction writing:

Potency of Dialogue

Dialogue must carry weight. Each line should serve a purpose, whether it’s revealing something about a character, adding tension, or advancing the plot. Strong dialogue is charged with meaning, even when it appears casual. Writers must learn to strip away the unnecessary and focus on the essential, making each spoken word count.

Mechanical Distribution

Mechanical distribution refers to the balance of dialogue and narrative. Too much dialogue without narrative or action can make the story feel like a script. Too little can leave the reader disconnected from the characters. Finding the right rhythm between speech and action ensures that the story flows naturally and stays engaging.

Naturalness

Characters should speak like real people—but with the sharpness and conciseness that fiction demands. This means avoiding overly formal or stilted speech unless the character specifically calls for it. Natural dialogue captures the essence of human interaction while cutting the excess, helping the reader stay immersed in the world of the story.

Directness

Effective dialogue often cuts straight to the point. Characters should avoid long-winded explanations or unnecessary pleasantries unless it serves a specific purpose (such as to highlight a character’s personality). Direct speech keeps the pacing tight and maintains tension in key scenes.

Dialect

Using dialect can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it gives characters a distinctive voice and reinforces their background or regional identity. On the other, it can distract or alienate readers if overused or presented inaccurately. Writers must strike a balance, using just enough dialect to hint at a character’s origins without overwhelming the reader.

Situation

The situation in which a conversation takes place often dictates the tone and content of dialogue. Characters might speak more formally in high-stress situations or be more casual in relaxed environments. Writers must always be aware of how the context shapes what is said and how it is delivered.

Three Resources to Meet Demands of Situation

In any given conversation, writers have three primary resources to draw from: voice (how characters sound), action (what they do while speaking), and thought (their internal responses). Balancing these resources allows for dynamic scenes that go beyond mere dialogue, capturing a fuller spectrum of character and emotion.

Physical Effect

Dialogue should often have a tangible effect on characters or the world around them. This can be reflected in physical responses—gestures, facial expressions, or shifts in body language. Well-placed dialogue can cause a character to hesitate, laugh, or become defensive, showing how words affect not just the mind, but the body.

Ellipsis

Ellipsis, the omission of words or unfinished thoughts, can add layers of meaning to dialogue. It can create tension, indicate hesitation, or leave something unsaid, allowing readers to fill in the gaps. Used sparingly, ellipsis can make dialogue feel more realistic and charged with subtext.

Elements of Language

Understanding the elements of language—syntax, diction, tone, and rhythm—is key to crafting strong dialogue. Writers should consider how these elements reflect the personality and background of each character. A teenager might use short, clipped sentences, while an older professor may speak in more complex phrases.

Style

Each character should have a unique style of speaking that reflects their personality, education, and emotional state. Style can be conveyed through word choice, sentence structure, and tone. Distinctive speech patterns help differentiate characters and give them life beyond the page.

Verbs of Utterance

Verbs that accompany dialogue (e.g., "said," "whispered," "shouted") play a crucial role in shaping the reader's perception of how something is said. While "said" is often invisible and allows the dialogue itself to take center stage, more specific verbs can add nuance and emotion, but they must be used sparingly to avoid over-explanation.

Transcription of Speech for Its Own Sake

While real-life speech is often disjointed or repetitive, transcribing it verbatim in fiction can be boring or confusing. Writers must shape speech to serve the narrative, making it more polished, direct, and relevant to the story. This creative process ensures that every line of dialogue drives the story forward while still feeling authentic.

Creative Process

Ultimately, writing dialogue is part of the broader creative process of fiction. Crafting compelling speech requires intuition, experimentation, and revision. Writers must inhabit their characters, hear their voices, and refine their words until they feel natural yet purposeful. Through this process, dialogue becomes a powerful tool to enrich the story’s themes, characters, and emotional impact.

By mastering these elements of dialogue, fiction writers can wield speech with precision and purpose, using it to build compelling characters and unforgettable stories. The key lies in balancing technical skills with creative intuition, ensuring that every word spoken on the page contributes to the larger tapestry of the narrative.

CONTENT

Preface & Introduction

1. Chapter 1:   Writers and Life
2. Chapter 2:    Storytelling 1
3. Chapter 3:    Storytelling 2
4. Chapter 4:    Plotting
5. Chapter 5:    Narrative 1
6. Chapter 6:    Narrative 2
7. Chapter 7:    Narrative 3
8. Chapter 8:    Description
9. Chapter 9:    Dialogue
10. Chapter 10:  Characters
11. Chapter 11:  Atmosphere
12. Chapter 12:  Settings 
13. Chapter 13:  Short Story
14. Chapter 14:  The Novel
15. Chapter 15:  Conclusion

The Writer's Craft: Modern Insights | Description | Capter 8

 

The Writer's Craft: Modern Insights

(Description)

By Olivia Salter

CHAPTER 8

The Importance of Description in Fiction Writing

Description in fiction serves multiple purposes, establishing interest and providing depth to characters, settings, and events. It is not merely a supplementary element; it is integral to the narrative, crafting a vivid tapestry that draws readers into the world of the story. 

Interest and Functionality

At its core, description captivates readers’ attention, guiding them through the narrative while igniting their imagination. Well-crafted descriptions can evoke emotion and create a strong connection between the reader and the text. Instead of merely providing a backdrop, they help to anchor readers in a specific time and place, adding to the urgency or tranquility of the storyline.

The Role of Description as a Secondary Function

While it may be seen as a secondary function compared to plot and dialogue, effective description enhances the overall storytelling experience. It can elevate a simple narrative into a sensory journey, allowing readers to visualize scenes and feel the emotions of the characters. 

Distribution of Description

The distribution of descriptive elements throughout a narrative is crucial. Concentrating too much description in one area can overwhelm readers or slow down pacing. Thus, a balanced approach helps maintain momentum and keeps the reader engaged. 

By strategically placing descriptions, authors create an atmospheric story that guides readers through the emotional landscape of the narrative. Transitioning from dialogue to description should feel seamless, enhancing the story rather than disrupting it.

Story of Atmosphere

Atmosphere is the emotional tone set by the descriptions in the narrative. It can evoke a range of feelings, from suspense to nostalgia, and is heavily reliant on the effective use of descriptive language. The ‘story of atmosphere’ involves creating relatable and immersive environments that reflect characters' inner experiences.

When authors describe settings in detail, they contribute to an overall mood; for instance, a dark, stormy night can induce fear or tension, whereas a sunlit meadow can evoke joy and peace. This atmospheric storytelling deepens the reader’s investment in the plot and characters.

Effectiveness of Distributed Description

An effective distribution of description increases a story’s impact. By weaving descriptions into action and dialogue, authors maintain the narrative flow while enriching the reader's experience. For example, when a character walks through a bustling market, the description of sights, sounds, and smells can bring the scene to life, creating an immersive experience without detracting from the ongoing action.

Describing Persons: Crafting Memorable Characters

Character description is essential for creating well-rounded, memorable figures in fiction. By painting detailed portraits of characters—through their physical appearance, mannerisms, and emotional responses—authors enable readers to connect more profoundly. 

A character's outfit, posture, or facial expressions can reveal much about their personality and state of mind. For instance, a character who wears unkempt clothes and avoids eye contact may convey a sense of insecurity or depression, while someone dressed sharply and exuding confidence might suggest a more outgoing and self-assured nature. 

Example: A Character in Action

Consider a scene where a protagonist, Anna, enters a crowded café. Instead of simply saying she looks nervous, a detailed description can enrich the portrayal: “Anna stepped into the bustling café, her fingers fidgeting with the frayed edges of her cardigan. A flush crept to her cheeks as she scanned the room, searching for a familiar face among the sounds of laughter and clinking cups.” This approach not only depicts her anxiety but also paints a scene full of life.

Analysis and Accuracy in Descriptive Techniques

Writers must balance creativity with accuracy in their descriptions. While imaginative descriptions can enhance storytelling, they should remain grounded in reality to resonate with readers. Overly fanciful or mechanical descriptions can detract from the story's authenticity.

A character might be described using vivid metaphors and similes, but if these descriptions feel forced or exaggerated, they can pull readers out of the narrative. Striking the right balance is crucial for maintaining immersion.

Mechanical Limitations of Storytelling

Every writer faces mechanical limitations in storytelling, often stemming from the constraints of language or the medium itself. Overloading a narrative with description can lead to sluggish pacing, causing readers to lose interest. Writers should be aware of these limitations and strive to use concise yet powerful descriptions that propel the story forward.

Utilizing All Senses in Description

A rich narrative engages multiple senses, contributing to a more immersive and engaging experience. Descriptions that invoke sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch help to create a more vivid world. 

For example, instead of merely stating a character is in a bakery, a description might evoke multiple senses: “The air was thick with the aroma of freshly baked bread, warm and inviting. Puffs of flour dust floated lazily through the sunlit space, while the sound of dough being kneaded echoed softly in the background.”

Such multisensory engagement allows readers to not only visualize scenes but also feel a part of them.

The Significance of Setting Descriptions

Settings in fiction are not just backdrops; they are active participants in the story. An effective description of a setting can serve to heighten tension, emphasize themes, and reflect characters' emotions.

A dreary, rain-soaked street can symbolize a character's inner turmoil, while a vibrant summer festival can reflect joy and freedom. The choice of setting influences the narrative significantly, guiding readers through the intended emotional journey.

Clarifying the Course of Events

Description can be pivotal in clarifying the course of events. By effectively mapping out environments and contexts, writers can help readers understand character motivations, the significance of certain actions, and the relationships between characters and their settings.

For instance, describing a cluttered room can indicate a character’s chaotic mindset or life situation, while a neatly organized space might suggest control or serenity. Such descriptions can clarify the emotional stakes and enrich the narrative.

Creating the Illusion of Reality

One of the primary aims of descriptive writing is to create the illusion of reality, allowing readers to suspend disbelief and fully engage with the story. When descriptions feel real and relatable, they draw readers deeper into the narrative, making the characters' experiences and conflicts resonate.

Employing precise and dynamic language helps create vivid imagery that feels authentic, enhancing the overall believability of the narrative. 

The Order of Details: Crafting a Seamless Narrative

The order in which details are presented can significantly influence reader perception. Strategic pacing allows for moments of tension to build or for calming scenes to provide relief. Writers should be intentional in how they reveal details, gradually unveiling aspects of the setting or character to maintain intrigue and engagement.

For example, introducing an unsettling detail—a flickering light or a whispering wind—before revealing a character's fearful reaction can create suspense, making the reader eager to learn more about the scene.

The Power of Contrast

Using contrast in descriptions brings emphasis and depth to a story. Highlighting differences within the narrative, whether in character traits, settings, or emotional states, can illuminate key themes and decisions.

For instance, juxtaposing a character's joyful memories against their current struggles can poignantly illustrate the impact of loss or change. Such contrasts enrich storytelling, evoking empathy and a deeper understanding of the characters’ journeys.

Conclusion: Mastering Description in Fiction

In conclusion, description is a powerful tool in fiction writing that goes far beyond mere embellishment. When used thoughtfully, it enhances narrative depth, engages readers, and creates a vivid world that resonates on an emotional level. 

Authors who master the art of description—by balancing detail, engaging the senses, and thoughtfully structuring their writing—can craft compelling stories that captivate and connect with their audience, leaving a lasting impact.

By understanding the critical role of description in establishing atmosphere, developing characters, and guiding plot progression, writers can elevate their fiction to new heights, inviting readers into immersive experiences that linger long after the last page is turned. 

CONTENT

Preface & Introduction

1. Chapter 1:   Writers and Life
2. Chapter 2:    Storytelling 1
3. Chapter 3:    Storytelling 2
4. Chapter 4:    Plotting
5. Chapter 5:    Narrative 1
6. Chapter 6:    Narrative 2
7. Chapter 7:    Narrative 3
8. Chapter 8:    Description
9. Chapter 9:    Dialogue
10. Chapter 10:  Characters
11. Chapter 11:  Atmosphere
12. Chapter 12:  Settings 
13. Chapter 13:  Short Story
14. Chapter 14:  The Novel
15. Chapter 15:  Conclusion

The Writer's Craft: Modern Insights (Narrative 3) By Olivia Salter | CHAPTER 7

The Writer's Craft: Modern Insights

(Narrative 3)

By Olivia Salter

CHAPTER 7

Technique of Narration 

Narration Methods: The Ordinary vs. The Extraordinary, Vividness, Suspense, and Focus

Once a writer has developed a solid plot and fully understood their concept, writing the story becomes much easier. The real challenge isn’t in writing the story—it’s in writing it well. Simply getting the story down can be straightforward. However, crafting it with precision and impact is where the difficulty lies. Writing for storytelling is easy, but writing with artistry and power is hard work.

This guide focuses specifically on storytelling techniques, not on general writing. While I’ll mention the importance of vivid narration to emphasize key events, I won’t dive into the mechanics of vivid writing itself. That’s a broader subject you’ll find in guides on writing style or rhetoric. In fiction, we emphasize the big moments through vivid details or expansion, and that’s a principle every writer can grasp. The actual execution, however, depends on constant practice and the individual writer’s ability.

The first part of this chapter focused on narration style and mode. This section will cover other key aspects like character development, pacing, and transitions. It’s about how to structure a chain of events in a story. The technicalities of writing and description can be found in style guides, but here we’re diving into the heart of fiction storytelling.

Method

The way you narrate a story is influenced by your writing style, but the two are not the same. Style impacts narration, but they are distinct elements. There are two kinds of incidents we encounter in life, and likewise, two types of stories: the ordinary and the extraordinary. Both types can make for compelling narratives, depending on how they are told and constructed.

For a story about ordinary life—the mundane, everyday details—the approach is simple. The writer can just set down a series of events, and because these events are universally relatable, they’re plausible. Readers recognize the small, familiar incidents and accept the story. In these cases, it’s best to keep the language straightforward and avoid overly elaborate or “literary” writing.

Writing about the extraordinary, however, is a different challenge. The goal remains the same: to make the story plausible. But the method of achieving that plausibility is far more complex.

One method is to frame the strange events through familiar contexts. Writers like Daniel Defoe often use this technique. By grounding the unusual in recognizable details, the reader is more likely to accept the bizarre elements of the story. This technique requires skill, balance, and space for weaving familiar details into the unfamiliar narrative.

Another method relies on vividness. Here, the writer uses strong, precise language to make even the most outlandish events feel real. The vividness of the description becomes so powerful that the reader accepts it without question. This is the method of writers like Stevenson and Kipling. They present events so clearly and dynamically that the reader is swept up in the action, no matter how strange it might be. To succeed in this approach, a writer needs both imagination and technical skill. It’s about more than selecting the right words; it’s about making those words feel alive.

This method works for both ordinary and extraordinary stories, though it’s especially effective in tales where events are the focus. The key to making any story believable—whether ordinary or bizarre—is through either grounding it in the familiar or making the unfamiliar feel real through vivid description.

Suspense

Suspense is often misunderstood as a technical device. In truth, suspense is the result of well-crafted storytelling. It’s not a gimmick but a natural outcome of a compelling story with characters that feel real. If the reader cares about what’s happening and wants to know what comes next, you’ve succeeded in creating suspense. No special trick will achieve this; it’s about building the story carefully and logically. At best, suspense can be enhanced by structuring events in a way that gradually builds toward a climax.

Emphasis and Suppression

A story is made up of both major and minor events. The key is to emphasize the important moments and underplay the less significant ones. You can’t give every event the same level of detail; the story’s impact depends on highlighting the crucial parts. Important events should be described in detail, while minor ones are best glossed over or mentioned briefly.

This balance of emphasis and suppression is essential for pacing. For example, a love scene might require detailed narration to build emotional tension. A brief but pivotal action, like a punch or a sudden decision, may not require many words, but those words need to be powerful and vivid.

The main events should take up most of the story’s space. Writing these scenes should be a natural process, as you are merely describing what happens. But when it comes to the secondary events and transitions—the glue that holds the story together—the process becomes more calculated. These parts need to be handled swiftly and without excess detail, serving only to move the story forward.

Transition

Transitions are essential for moving characters from one event to the next and for maintaining the flow of the story. But they should be brief and unobtrusive. The writer’s job here is to get from one scene to the next smoothly and quickly, without bogging the story down with unnecessary detail. Transitional passages should be handled efficiently to avoid losing the reader’s interest.

Blending the Elements

A story consists of action, dialogue, and description, and balancing these elements is key to a well-crafted narrative. Ideally, action, conversation, and descriptive touches should be interwoven throughout the story rather than presented in large, unwieldy blocks. This variety keeps the reader engaged and gives the story a more lifelike feel.

Though each story is unique and may require different balances, the goal is always to maintain a texture that feels dynamic and engaging. Readers tire of too much of the same, so mixing action with dialogue and description creates a more interesting and believable world.

In summary, the executive technique of narration is about managing pacing, balancing detail, and blending elements to keep the story engaging and the reader invested. The most important events need vivid, detailed focus, while the secondary events and transitions should be handled with efficiency and brevity. Through practice, a writer can master these techniques to craft stories that feel alive and compelling.

CONTENT

Preface & Introduction

1. Chapter 1:   Writers and Life
2. Chapter 2:    Storytelling 1
3. Chapter 3:    Storytelling 2
4. Chapter 4:    Plotting
5. Chapter 5:    Narrative 1
6. Chapter 6:    Narrative 2
7. Chapter 7:    Narrative 3
8. Chapter 8:    Description
9. Chapter 9:    Dialogue
10. Chapter 10:  Characters
11. Chapter 11:  Atmosphere
12. Chapter 12:  Settings 
13. Chapter 13:  Short Story
14. Chapter 14:  The Novel
15. Chapter 15:  Conclusion