Sophistication in Fictional Writing

One of the most useful tips I learned in creative writing was from the book, Self Editing for Fiction Writers, by Renni Browne and Dave King (their chapter 11). Basically, if you want to deliver a message, describe a feeling, or characterize a trait, doing it once is enough. Why is it so bad to be repetitive? Because after you've told your readers the first time, they know it. Why would they want to spend time on something they’ve already known?

I’ve seen great descriptions, witty dialogue, dramatic conflicts done by novice writers, but the lack of sophistication is a common flaw. When we write, we need to trust our readers. Trust their intelligence. The modern readers have seen everything. If you plant a foreshadow earlier on, they’ll know what to look for later. Be subtle. Be implicit. If you underestimate your readers, if you think you are the only one who could come up with such a complicated plot, you’re not respecting your readers, and they’ll know it.

A related issue is over-characterization. For example, if you want to describe a character as a baseball fan, simply showing him wearing a shirt of his favorite team is enough. Do not make him talk about the games all the time as if he knew nothing else, or he’ll end up as a cartoon character. “Characterization is an accident that flows out of action and dialogue.” (Jack Woodford) Be subtle. In addition, people often deny some of their personalities (such as men who love fancy clothes). Have the character say something untrue, and have his actions betray him. Make the readers feel that they know more than the character knows himself. Offer them clues, enough, not excessive. If they feel “good” reading your book, they’ll come back for the next.