This is wonderful. Thank you to @Holly Starley for pointing me here. I move between the present time of my novel to its past but have hit a wall. I think it has more to do with the substance of the some of the time shifts and the need to kill some emotional redundancies, poor babies. :) Looking forward to more of the Q&As!
Oh, that comment is so grand, Jack. Talk about making my day. Do stay in touch. Any way I can help, do reach out with a q. and tell me what you think about the course, if you take a gander there. I would love to have you as a reader and commenter on my memoir too. Big xo ~ Mary
So helpful—thanks! The idea that emotional intensity controls the direction of the time jump above chronological considerations is a key insight. That is, after all, how the mind works: we don’t remember in chronological order. The challenge is to provide that emotional connection of memory while also making it coherent. I’ll be referring back to this post often!
Excellent insights. Yay for the pause button. Several times I had to stop to dwell in the comments, take some notes and continue. Btw; there's no trouble with the lightening or the mood. You both look fantastic! 😍
I've been told in past workshops my use of backstory too often slows the front story. Thank you so much for the examples and explanations. I have found myself struggling with thus in my working novel's first chapter.
Mantel commands our attention and respects our ability as readers. Her use of interior monologue makes us slow down to make sure we can separate what's spoken vs. what's thought. And our reading attention is rewarded because so much is given to us with such economy. That takes confidence.
This is wonderful. Thank you to @Holly Starley for pointing me here. I move between the present time of my novel to its past but have hit a wall. I think it has more to do with the substance of the some of the time shifts and the need to kill some emotional redundancies, poor babies. :) Looking forward to more of the Q&As!
Oh, that comment is so grand, Jack. Talk about making my day. Do stay in touch. Any way I can help, do reach out with a q. and tell me what you think about the course, if you take a gander there. I would love to have you as a reader and commenter on my memoir too. Big xo ~ Mary
Will do!
So helpful—thanks! The idea that emotional intensity controls the direction of the time jump above chronological considerations is a key insight. That is, after all, how the mind works: we don’t remember in chronological order. The challenge is to provide that emotional connection of memory while also making it coherent. I’ll be referring back to this post often!
Oh, John, so glad that struck a chord with that musical quality in all your work. Loved working with your question. xo ~ Mary
Excellent insights. Yay for the pause button. Several times I had to stop to dwell in the comments, take some notes and continue. Btw; there's no trouble with the lightening or the mood. You both look fantastic! 😍
Wonderful, Rene. Thanks so much. I am still seeking a light that's better. That should help for our answer to your q. xo ~ Mary
Mary and Eleonor, best give you the correct address, with the 'g' in between: substack.com/@renegvolpi
Done! Apologies!
I've been told in past workshops my use of backstory too often slows the front story. Thank you so much for the examples and explanations. I have found myself struggling with thus in my working novel's first chapter.
So glad, Laura. Thank you for reading and commenting so generously.
Love this series.
Mantel commands our attention and respects our ability as readers. Her use of interior monologue makes us slow down to make sure we can separate what's spoken vs. what's thought. And our reading attention is rewarded because so much is given to us with such economy. That takes confidence.
Yes, David, I so agree. At some point, if John comments, I'll have even more to say about what Mantel achieved.
And you're up soon with your penetrating question.
Again congrats on your fab success on Substack. I'm so glad to know you, virtual as that friendship is.
xo ~ Mary
Love the tips, and especially the examples you give with each. So easy to follow and adapt!
Thank you, Anna. Comments are key ... xo ~ Mary