More than Just a Pretty Character: Part II

Reason Three: Respect

Suspense is overrated. When writers tug the threads of a scene too hard, its fabric begins to feel thin, and readers see through it. Being strung along by a book is no different than being strung along by someone of the opposite sex: a little is tantalizing, but eventually, you just feel manipulated. The reader will roll her eyes and skip to the next chapter. If you're lucky.

"I shall walk that ridgepole, Diana, or perish in the attempt. If I am killed you are to have my pearl bead ring."

....she swayed, lost her balance, stumbled, staggered, and fell, sliding down over the sun-baked roof and crashing off it through the tangle of Virginia creeper beneath...

If Anne had tumbled off the roof on the side up which she had ascended Diana would probably have fallen heir to the pearl bead ring then and there. Fortunately she fell on the other side..."

Isn't this an opportunity to make us chew our puffed sleeves in anticipation? Why does Montgomery mock the possibility of Anne's death? Because she respects her readers. We're halfway through the book. Anne hasn't slept in a spare room or forgiven Gilbert. We know she's not going to die.

Depending on suspense to keep your reader is like designing a roller coaster with steel wool seats. It has its thrills, but what's the point? You can't get comfortable.

Your narrators don't have to be reliable. You don't have to pull a rabbit out of a hat every chapter. You don't have to be funny. But it's essential to respect the reader.

***

So, what have we learned from AGG? Here I've compliled

Lucy Maud's List of Writerly Manners

1. Make the Introductions. Allow readers to meet your best characters. Do it through omniscience, another point of view, even another character's facial expression. If you give your characters too much control, they'll hide their flaws and flatten their quirks. Readers can "become" the protagonist later. At the beginning, your prote should conflict with her world. Allow readers to see what is ridiculous about her--and then teach them to love her for it.

2. Don't Wander Off. What is this book about? You should be able to tell me in one word. That's the theme. Does your prote want a cup of coffee and some time to reflect? Do not give it to him. Kick him in the shins till he does something. Anne daydreams all the time, but Montgomery doesn't describe it because she's telling a tale of belonging, not isolation.

3. Make Your Guests Feel Welcome. Have you ever hung out with two people who share a long history together? They say things like "And remember that time--with the cymbals!" "Oh, yes! And then the whale showed up!" It's rude. You feel left out. In the same way, stay away from past perfect. (As in, "She had bored me.") Anne's history is probably interesting, but it's not now. Using "had" is like taking the interest dial and setting it at "2." You won't be able to entirely avoid it, but realize what you're doing.

4. Respect Their Intelligence. Kind of like "show, don't tell." Except some things don't need to be shown or told. Some things, such as the word "syphilis," are better left unsaid. Oops.

5. Learn the Art of Conversation. If you can't have a good time with your friend unless you take her to the circus followed by lasertag, why bother? Get your reader comfortable, and she'll look forward to the quiet evenings she spends with you. Because we trust Montgomery's vision, we expect that (not wonder if) Anne is going to forgive Gilbert. This is especially important in romance. We know what happens. What we're interested in is how.