Author, editor, and writing coach Jeff Gerke has a pretty damn good theory about writers. And a pretty simple one at that: all things considered, we fall into just two types. (I know, and you thought you were so original!) But his theory stands up. Willing to admit it or not, there are those among us who are great with characters, setting, world-building, and description and those who excel at plot, at connecting the dots, telling the story, taking us seamlessly from rising action through conflict upon conflict until we don't even care who the story is about because we can't wait to get to the twist at the end.
Unfortunately, the writer who is equally skilled in both plot and character is rare. Most of us tend to lean heavily towards one side or the other. For fiction to be truly outstanding, it is vital that it be rock solid in both areas. This can be wearisome and exasperating, especially when we know where our weaknesses lie but have given up on the idea of any sort of a solution. We've resigned ourselves to the extra months of sweat and tears to try and make sense of the "other side" of the writing divide. You know, the one all mysterious and shrouded in darkness.
Luckily for us, Gerke brought along a big flashlight! He didn’t let the insight he had about these two strikingly different writing styles wither in the back of a notebook somewhere. He sat down and did something about it, creating a few ingenious writing tools that offer us a glimpse into the brain of those living on that scary "other side". Once you are actually thinking like a character maven or a plot genius it's a simple step-by-step process. There's plenty of work involved, but stay on the path, and you will have fantastically rich characters and stay-up-all-night plots carrying your novel all the way to the publishing house.
Article comments
1 - Jeff Gerke
Hi, Aurel; what a great review of my products. Thank you!
You and your readers may be interested to learn that I've put the two together in book form, and Writers Digest Books has published it. The book is called "Plot Versus Character," and it can be found at Amazon and in bookstores.
Thanks again!
Jeff
2 - Aurel Montgomery
Hi Jeff,
Thanks for the update. I actually did stumble across your book in a bookstore quite recently, and have to say I was kinda proud and excited for you! Congrats. And again people...the book as well... highly highly recommended!