The thing that makes that novel work so well is also what makes it so frustrating too, I think. The prose is so bland that it cultivates a kind unstoppable dread, the weight of which renders us as helpless as the main characters.
Do you ever do that thing where a story isn't working so you move your first line to be the last line? It's a real dumb trick but it works a lot I think.
I just thought of it myself years ago but then I thought of it again when you posted that part of the short story with the pinkened horizon (?) Like that woulda been a better last line. Like there was menace in that and I feel like menace is always a good way to end a story.
Do you have a workshop? I'm wondering because I don't know any writers irl. I've been published in the London Times but I'm adrift since I moved back to Minnesota. I won't be offended if your workshop is full. Just wondering.
The thing that makes that novel work so well is also what makes it so frustrating too, I think. The prose is so bland that it cultivates a kind unstoppable dread, the weight of which renders us as helpless as the main characters.
Do you ever do that thing where a story isn't working so you move your first line to be the last line? It's a real dumb trick but it works a lot I think.
Hadn't tried this! That's interesting, where did you learn it?
I just thought of it myself years ago but then I thought of it again when you posted that part of the short story with the pinkened horizon (?) Like that woulda been a better last line. Like there was menace in that and I feel like menace is always a good way to end a story.
Fair point! I will try moving it around...
Do you have a workshop? I'm wondering because I don't know any writers irl. I've been published in the London Times but I'm adrift since I moved back to Minnesota. I won't be offended if your workshop is full. Just wondering.
I'm in an MFA right now! So yes, for now. But probably not once I graduate, sadly
Okay interesting. I really don't like most writers I know. I feel like that's pretty normal.