I have had this question constantly popping into my thoughts when trying to decide on the style, and how to write my novel. Firstly I like the novel that transports you to the exact place and time period the author is trying to express. Where you get to feel, smell, and almost sense you are there. But then you get the advice regarding creative writing that you should "Show don't tell" this is the golden rule to some. Yet I like to tell, I like to describe in detail certain events, or how the people are dressed. I also like to be told the structure of the novel, I know that it is also good to let your reader have their own view on certain aspects of the story. Like a character, you don't have to go into grate depths of depravity to show the bad guy, but you can let the reader build up in their own mind of how deprived the bad guy is. Also Introduction's, I have read many books that have an introduction but yet I have been give the advice that if you need an Introduction then there is something wrong with the novel. Yet if you have an introduction you are setting the novel up, by the very word "Introduction" you are letting the reader get a feel for the novel, without it sounding like "Once upon a time" also you can use a prologue for your novel. This is were I find the advice confusing and contradictory so could somebody please help me.
Gordon, You should TELL as little as possible. Expositions, long narratives or long descriptions are a no-no. They would stall the flow and pace of your prose. Keep them short if you want the reader to keep the pages turning.
To quote you.
'Like a character, you don't have to go into grate depths of depravity to show the bad guy, but you can let the reader build up in their own mind of how deprived the bad guy is.'
If you don't SHOW how cruel or heinous the bad guy is, then how are we to know if he is merely a rogue, and not the devil.
I agree with both your paragraphs, Chantelle. Descriptions of the way characters act, and sensory perception are excellent ways of, Show Don't tell. You can set the scene or introduce a setting using the protagonists senses.
It is hard to qualify an individuals opinion. I am certain that everyone that posts on this site means well. But no-one has the monopoly on wisdom.
I am no expert. My opinions are merely based on researching award winning authors, and reading essays and books by professors of English and American literature.
I hope that I have understood what I have read before I dare to express an opinion about aspects of the novel.
Gordon, I recommend you read, 'Aspects of the Novel' by E. M. Forster. It is the best book ever written on the novel.
Chantelle
I basically agree with your first paragraph but I definitley agree with your second. We really should respect our readers' (hopefully lots of readers) ability to work with the story we present.
Writing should not follow the visual media and assume that every single thing has to be explained and repeated at least twice - with nothing lasting longer than 20 seconds because that is the ascribed attention span of the customer.
Reading is entertainment for intelligent people who like to use their imaginations. We should not insult them.
David
PS - and all those are my opinions ;-)
Advice is always based on the giver's opinion. Like noses (almost) everyone has one. The question is whether one wants to be led by other peoples' opinions or one wants to reach one's own opinion.
Which begs the question - "how does one form a suitable opinion?"
To which I do not have an answer... However - an opinion can prove to be good or otherwise by the results it achieves.
I would suggest therefore that one course of action is to weigh all the different pieces of advice that appear to be relevent, form one's own opinion (which can be contrary to all the received opinions) - and then work on it. From there one should observe the results and ajust the opinion accordingly.
As regards writing... I see no harm in opting for an opinion that a prologue is what you want to have. If your work then gets immediate acclaim (especially if the acclaim praises the prologue) you have reason to believe that your opinion was justified.
On the other hand - if you can't even find an agent to take your work with the prologue attached - then you might see how you get on without it...
No writing needs to be set in concrete - unless the author wishes it to be.
One (probable) truth is that we are all wandering around in at best semi-darkness trying to figure out which are the best options.
My opinion on the matter is - that it's always best to be open minded and flexible.
...Another opinion... It is best not to listen to too many opinions and certainly to not allow them to blow one around like a boat without either keel or rudder.
David