Tim Lott, author of 'Yes! No! But Wait! - The One Thing You Need to Know to Write a Novel' - Award-winner discusses why spaces don't matter, why plot is everything and dealing with guilt
Plot is emphasized as crucial to storytelling, character development is intricately linked to plot progression.
Organic character growth and dynamic plot evolution are key components for engaging narratives.
Deep dives
The Importance of Plot and Character in Storytelling
Understanding the significance of plot and character in storytelling is highlighted, emphasizing their interconnectedness as the foundation of a compelling narrative. By delving into the essence of storytelling through plot and character development, the podcast sheds light on the central elements that drive a story forward, advocating for a focus on these fundamental aspects to engage readers effectively and sustain their interest throughout the narrative.
Balancing Plot and Character Development
Advising on the approach to plot and character development, the podcast navigates the delicate balance between preconceived plots and organically evolving characters in the writing process. Rather than rigidly outlining plots or solely focusing on character-driven narratives, the recommendation lies in embracing a dynamic interplay between plot and character, allowing them to shape and influence each other fluidly.
The Role of Organic Character Development
Exploring the evolution of characters in storytelling, the podcast advocates for an organic growth of characters within the narrative, steering away from overly predetermined character sketches. Emphasizing the natural progression of characters alongside plot development, the podcast highlights the nuanced relationship between character actions and their impact on the unfolding plot, fostering a rich and authentic storytelling experience.
Crafting Engaging Narratives through Character-Driven Plots
Encouraging writers to craft engaging narratives, the podcast underscores the integration of character-driven plots as a compelling storytelling technique. By intertwining character motivations and plot progression seamlessly, the podcast prompts writers to embrace the inherent connection between characters and plot dynamics, fostering immersive narratives that resonate with readers on a profound and captivating level.
Over Tim Lott's 10 novels, he's won the Whitbread First Novel Award, been shortlisted for The Guardian Kids Book Award and the Costa Award. He's been published in 16 countries, works as a screenwriter, and has taught creative writing for over 10 years. He's got a brilliant Substack page, filled with tips and advice at timlott.substack.com.
His new book is a writing guide, 'Yes! No! But Wait! - The One Thing You Need to Know to Write a Novel'. It takes you through much of the process in getting a book from your head towards publication.
We talk about why it took him 10 years of coaching to actually write the book. Even with that, you can hear why he thinks much of writing is unteachable. Tim explains why plot is everything, the difference between screenwriters and novelists and why where he works bores him.
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