tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4873969267913482457.post608191173524640794..comments2024-03-03T07:47:15.889-08:00Comments on Jaclyn Dolamore: Plot driven fiction vs. character driven fictionjaclyndolamorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14175862748217333983noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4873969267913482457.post-11946016593002311752011-01-21T11:07:25.651-08:002011-01-21T11:07:25.651-08:00I think I tend to write more character driven nove...I think I tend to write more character driven novels. The one I've been working on for what seems like FOREVER is definitely character driven and slower paced. The new one I'm working on...not sure. I think it's slightly more character driven but there's (hopefully) a compelling plot coming through. It's only in first draft stage though so a lot is bound to change!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4873969267913482457.post-22005625554112206952011-01-18T05:54:36.556-08:002011-01-18T05:54:36.556-08:00@Stephanie Thank you for the unexpected but very s...@Stephanie Thank you for the unexpected but very sweet compliment!<br /><br />@Jaclyn I have a lot of plot buttons too. Mermaid is one of them! (thus I am very eager for Between Sea and Sky!)Deva Faganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18258363660299633982noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4873969267913482457.post-46390928841792452092011-01-17T20:03:34.981-08:002011-01-17T20:03:34.981-08:00Deva: I agree, the plot is the hook. If the plot i...Deva: I agree, the plot is the hook. If the plot intrigues me, then I'll look for the book even if the reviews are mixed or I haven't heard much about it. Although sometimes it's a great plot and sometimes it just pushes a plot button. Like, it's set in the Victorian era or it's about a mermaid or...I have a lot of plot buttons... Character books with "quiet" plots I don't seek out AS much unless I start hearing word of mouth that it's really well-written.<br /><br />Of course, it is funny, because while Between the Sea and Sky was a character book for me as a writer, I also think it's high-concept in that "love story between mermaid and winged dude" is the easiest to explain hooky plot I've ever written...<br /><br />Rose: I like the ones that straddle the middle, too, in theory, but in practice most jump out one way or another for me...jaclyndolamorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14175862748217333983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4873969267913482457.post-52907234538276946412011-01-17T20:03:25.278-08:002011-01-17T20:03:25.278-08:00I think it's comparable to movies. The big blo...I think it's comparable to movies. The big blockbusters are the ones directed by Michael Bay with 50% of their budget spent on CGI, while indie movies that cost a pittance to produce usually consist of a bunch of close-ups of actors faces and tons of dialogue. But, the movies that make a lasting impression on the widest range of audiences are the movies that allow for both action and deep characters: Toy Story, It's a Wonderful Life, Saving Private Ryan, Forest Gump (whoa, that's three movies with Tom Hanks. Maybe the answer to good stories is really just Tom Hanks).Stephaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15206089874019184766noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4873969267913482457.post-74994527702455049032011-01-17T19:50:46.380-08:002011-01-17T19:50:46.380-08:00Wow, Deva Fagan! I feel like a superstar just walk...Wow, Deva Fagan! I feel like a superstar just walked into our midst. Prunella Bogthistle was the best book I read in 2010.Stephaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15206089874019184766noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4873969267913482457.post-86707766216039550912011-01-17T19:38:41.852-08:002011-01-17T19:38:41.852-08:00I like the ones that straddle the middle. It's...I like the ones that straddle the middle. It's actually what I try to write, and it's a little frustrating to have people tell me that a book I'm feeling all character love for is very plot-driven for them. I know the one I just finished is--and I feel that same way you described--it was a very quick write, but it's not like I dream about the book all the time or something. I mean, I like it, but it's not like I'm thinking about my MC much outside of the story.Rose Greenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10752073931486321348noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4873969267913482457.post-58146555018690905432011-01-17T19:20:24.363-08:002011-01-17T19:20:24.363-08:00As a reader, a book with a really good plot is mor...As a reader, a book with a really good plot is more likely to make me pay attention/buy it, but unless it also has really wonderful characters it won't stay with me and become a truly treasured story.<br /><br />As a writer, I tend to get plots (or concepts, like "a girl runs away to join an intergalactic circus" or "a girl has to make a fake fortune come true") before I get the actual characters. I actually think that, for me, first person was the key to finally writing something that sold, because it really helped me take a step forward in terms of character (even though that book was still primarily plot-based). And I've been trying to push myself in the characterization department with each new project since then.<br /><br />The first book that popped into my head as an example of something with excellent characterization AND plot was Watership Down, hee. I also think much of the Harry Potter success comes from the fact that people both adore the characters and are intrigued by the plots (especially the mystery elements).<br /><br />(whew, long comment! I look forward to seeing what others have to say)Deva Faganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18258363660299633982noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4873969267913482457.post-45035332434794213412011-01-17T17:34:44.448-08:002011-01-17T17:34:44.448-08:00I feel you, Stephanie... I think I'm a charact...I feel you, Stephanie... I think I'm a character writer by nature, too, but over the years I've learned how to outline and follow through with a plot driven novel. I really wish I knew how to produce an equal marriage of both. But I can't think of too many novels that really excel at both, so I guess it's a hard thing to do.jaclyndolamorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14175862748217333983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4873969267913482457.post-89330345382289404112011-01-17T16:29:57.862-08:002011-01-17T16:29:57.862-08:00Ooo, this is so interesting! I'm a wannabe aut...Ooo, this is so interesting! I'm a wannabe author and this is just the sort of info that straightens out a bunch of mixed-up things I have swirling around my head. I much prefer character novels, too, and it's been a struggle making my characters actually get up and DO STUFF. I've tried to inject some action, because I do appreciate a really action-packed book (see Hunger Games). I'm learning how much of a light touch action scenes require. They're definitely out of my comfort zone!Stephaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15206089874019184766noreply@blogger.com