One of the things I run into frequently when working with new and even multi-published authors is overthinking their story and falling into the “One True Way” trap.
“One True Way”, or OTW, is a somewhat sarcastic term coined long ago regarding the philosophy which mandates there is only one way, aka “do it this way or you’re doing it wrong”. Yes, in life, there are rules, some flexible, some absolute. The same is true for writing fiction.
Some of the OTW tenets:
- · Chapter length should be no more than x pages.
- · POV should be no more than x paragraphs.
- · A chapter must cover more than one POV… or not.
- · A (insert full-length / intermediate / short) novel should not exceed / exceed x words.
And I grind my teeth over this little ditty:
- · Grammar rules are absolute and must be followed to the letter – even within dialogue.
I’m not going to debunk those “rules”; that’s another post for another day.
Before I write further, a couple of caveats, if I may:
I don’t speak for all editors.
I don’t follow the OTW philosophy of writing.
Now that we have those points out of the way, consider these points to ponder:
- Although stated above, this bears repeating: Don’t get hung up on rules.
- Chapters actually pretty much determine their own length; in other words, there will be a natural end to the previous and beginning to the next.
- If you get too hung up on what others have said or inferred is the OTW, you’ll suppress or even silence your voice as an author and the voices of your characters. As a result, you’ll probably end up writing yourself into a corner.
- Edit your story and proofread it; however, try not to overanalyze it. Your editor(s) are there to help with—this is by no means a complete list—repetition, grammar, flow, plot holes, other continuity points, consistency, even story and character development. He/she/they will also help you know when to hit the editing brakes. Too much of a good thing is not a good thing.
If you take away nothing else from this post, please take the following to heart:
Advice, tips, and suggestions are great, but incorporate only those with which you are the most comfortable. Just because some reference book, seminar, writing class instructor, or even your editor tells you their way is the only way, stop and take a second look. What you have put on that page is your characters’ story, which is going to eventually become YOUR book.
Your writing style is as unique as your signature. Your elementary school teachers taught you what the letters were and how they should be (notice I didn’t say must be) shaped. Your handwriting doesn’t look like anyone else’s. Your story shouldn't either.
Happy writing!
