Writing Excuses Season 3 Episode 18: How To Not Repeat Yourself
Sep 28, 2009
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Author John Brown discusses how writers can avoid repetition in their work by introducing fresh elements and themes. The hosts delve into techniques like 'hanging a lantern on it' to address potential repetitive elements. They also explore the balance between reader expectation and surprise, emphasizing the importance of knowing one's genre and audience. Strategies for breaking the cycle of repetition include analyzing core ideas, exploring new angles, and incorporating unexpected elements to keep the writing engaging.
Introducing new elements and perspectives can prevent repetitive themes and characters in writing.
Acknowledging and addressing repetitive phrases and jokes within the narrative can maintain reader engagement and creativity.
Deep dives
Avoiding Repetition in Writing Themes and Characters
As a writer, the challenge of not repeating themes and characters from previous works is discussed. The speakers share personal experiences of inadvertently revisiting familiar elements in their writing. They emphasize the importance of introducing new elements and approaches to keep the narrative fresh and engaging. By consciously exploring different angles and perspectives, writers can break away from repetitive patterns and maintain reader interest.
Managing Repetition of Phrases and Ideas
The podcast delves into the risk of repeating phrases and jokes in writing, which can lead to a lack of creativity and reader fatigue. Strategies such as conducting self-audits by searching previous work for repetitive elements are highlighted. Additionally, the concept of 'hanging a lantern on it' is introduced, suggesting acknowledging and addressing repetitive elements within the narrative to maintain reader engagement. Embracing unexpected ideas and challenging oneself to incorporate divergent elements can foster creativity and prevent stagnation.
Strategies to Break Out of Repetitive Writing Patterns
To combat repetitive storytelling, the podcast suggests stepping back to analyze the core thematic elements driving the narrative. By identifying the underlying ideas that shape their writing, authors can explore diverse angles and interpretations to infuse freshness into their work. The discussion emphasizes the importance of recombination and experimentation with unconventional story elements to push creative boundaries and avoid predictable outcomes. Encouraging writers to blend familiar themes with unexpected twists can lead to innovative storytelling and sustained reader engagement.
John Brown rejoins us for this discussion of repetition. How do we, as writers, avoid repeating ourselves? We're not just talking about the literal re-use of words and phrases here. We're interested in avoiding the re-use of themes, character arcs, and plotlines. Forget the problems Howard might have coming up with a new joke... he (and all of us) need to reach further than that to keep things fresh. This week's Writing Excuses is Brought to you by Servant of a Dark God by John Brown. Writing Prompt: The princess is trying to eat a pie, but someone is trying to stop her. Oh, and the fate of the world depends on the outcome.
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