Writing Excuses Writing Excuses 8.18: Blocking
May 6, 2013
The hosts discuss the concept of blocking in writing, emphasizing character positioning and movement. They explore how blocking conveys emotions and sets up actions, as well as its role in indicating the passage of time. They also discuss the importance of establishing geography in storytelling and strategies for effectively incorporating blocking into writing.
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Blocking Establishes Spatial Awareness
- Blocking tells readers where characters and scenery are in relation to one another so they can visualize the scene.
- Include only enough detail to enable visualization without weighing the story down.
Show Emotion Through Movement
- Use movement to show emotion instead of telling the reader how a line was said.
- Have characters move—step closer, lower voice—to imply tone and intent rather than writing 'he said angrily'.
Fix Small Practical Details In Revision
- Be explicit about practical details that affect plausibility, like getting off a horse before entering a building.
- Clarify small but crucial actions during revision to avoid confusing readers.