I have a dear Beta reader whose logical mind helps
catch inconsistencies and discontinuities in my stories. Every writer should be
so lucky as to have such a reader go over their work. When she puts in the
margins “this does not make sense to me”— I know it is not a reaction to something that
does not exist in the real world, but something that could not exist in the
story’s created world.
The story’s scenario must make sense from within. Because
the rules of our every day world may not apply, it must really truly absolutely
make sense. In the same way that a story told from the point of view of an
insane narrator creates an internal perspective that is coherent even if
delusional, we must strive to take a reader with us into a delusional state.
Sounds crazy? It sort of is.
Protagonist: “Close
the window, it’s cold outside.”
Antagonist: “And
if I close the window, will it be warm outside?”
Logic is overrated when it comes to any spiritual
flight, and a good story provides just that—
a magical ride.
Doesn't sound crazy to me at all. I always think of it as consistency within a story. You gotta follow your own story's rules, even if the rules are crazy!
ReplyDeleteYou always have such interesting blog posts, dear Mirka. Some readers read so fast, the inconsistencies won't matter to them. My husband is that kind of reader. He reads at least three times as fast as I do. Any inconsistencies in a story that bother me, likely never even registered with him. :) Just saying.
ReplyDeleteHa! I've never heard that line, but I have to find a way to use it. Very good advice and you are lucky to have such a great beta reader. I can't wait to get mine ready enough for beta readers.
ReplyDeleteInconsistencies aren't good. You're Lucky to have such a good beta reader.
ReplyDeleteYes, my critters have kept me honest. By the way, my first cat saw himself as a lion too! How I miss him!
ReplyDeleteI have a small writing group, and I'm always so grateful when they tell me they can't "see" something I've written. As I read somewhere, trying to critique your own work after a while is like pressing your nose up to the mirror to check out your hair:)
ReplyDeleteThis kind of feedback is priceless!
ReplyDeleteYou are blessed to have a 'tell-it-like-it-is' beta! Love the flying carpet cat!
ReplyDeleteThese types of things always pull me out of stories, even if they're tiny and don't really matter. That's why it's such a pleasure to read stories that feel effortless and where the logic just works.
ReplyDeleteHonest, tell-it-like-it-is, logical critique partners and beta readers are gems. You're very fortunate, Mirka. :)
ReplyDelete...And I know it.
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