Weak Ends: The Challenge of Finishing a Novel

When I visited the library last week, I picked up a new novel (which shall go unnamed) to read, thinking I would make my way through at a leisurely pace on the subway or at home during an afternoon lull.  A good 300 pages would capture my attention for a while.  To my surprise, it became a page turner and before I knew it, I finished reading it within five days.  The writing style was simple without frills or belaboured metaphors, appropriate since the narrator was a small child.  The strength of the novel came from solid story that unfolded gradually, withholding long kept secrets until two thirds of the way in.  Even though the last several pages provided closure to all of the characters, the manner in which it was written seemed rushed and without the subtle details which peppered the majority of the narrative. 

The reason I'm discussing this example is to say that despite the story being memorable, the lasting impression was mediocre. Don't get me wrong, the author is a talented individual and I hope she continues writing more novels.  She composes work of literary fiction I would definitely seek out.  However, in the conclusion of this particular novel, one relationship, between the narrator and her significant other, a subplot that created a frame story was not fleshed out.  I think it needed to be further explored so the reader could see what was at stake. 

Graeme Shimmin, a spy thriller writer believes that the success of a book is dependent on a satisfying ending and a "weak ending will override anything good we have achieved earlier in the book."  This hones in on the point - the last thing the reader remembers will resonate the most.  Also, if the ending is exactly what the reader expects, the result is a dull conclusion.  So what is a writer to do?  There is no absolute right answer on how to create a perfect ending.  It's just not realistic, and those that do strive to find the perfect ending will be confined to the editing process until the end of time.  The writer should instead aim for a conclusion that is appropriate to the characters' journeys and the themes explored in the novel. 

First Thursdays at the AGO

On the first Thursday of every month, the Art Gallery of Ontario opens its doors after hours for a night of art, music, mingling and good food.  I attended November's first Thursday with a few friends and we were treated to an hour long performance by the Canadian born, South African, Zaki Ibrahim.  Combining the musical styles of soul and jazz, you can tell as an audience member that she puts a lot of heart in her art form.  The crowd was feelin' it too.  The accompaniment from her back band provided a solid sound and performance, although the acoustics in Walker Court were not the best.  Here's a view of the stage from the second floor:  

The AGO had some tasty food stands, although they were strategically placed in safe locations (munchies were not allowed in galleries, much like the Royal Ontario's Friday Night Live series).  Our choices were fish and chips, shepherd's pie, bbq or parmesan cheese popcorn, curry on chips, cronuts drizzled with caramel and chocolate sauce and gelato.  I tried the fish and chips, which needed more fish and the heavenly gelato (double scoop: banana chocolate and caramel)! My friend had tried the pistachio flavour that was so strong it was the equivalent of eating creamed cashews.   

We also had the pleasure of seeing the nominees and winner of the Aimia Photography Prize. Congrats to Erin Shirreff for her time-lapse photography work.  I would say my favourite series was by LaToya Ruby Frazier that depicted the post-industrial decline of the US, through images of her family and community.  Candid and unpolished, the photographs refrained from idealizing the subjects but framed them as real and vulnerable.  Overall, I had a fun night and I'd definitely check out First Thursdays again.  Kudos to Carol Tsang for providing the pictures!

Colourful Characters

In the early stages of writing my novel, I drafted thorough sketches of my major characters, describing personality traits, their jobs, families, the challenges they face and their motivations in life.  This preliminary outlining was also important for story development and gave me an easier time to identify any plot holes.  After all, characters that are complex and not contradictory drive any good story worth telling.   

But at various points in writing, I would pause to reflect on the development of my characters, both major and minor.  If I added a new subplot that was not included in the original outline, I had to think through whether it was a plausible development and how each of the characters would react.  These are all elements that need to be considered to keep the story tight and intact. 

I can't say I have a step by step process to creating 3-dimensional characters, but here are things I keep in mind when dreaming them up. 

Tips on how to create a dynamic character:

1. Create a backstory: Even if you don't plan on fleshing out the character's entire history in the novel, you as the author, need to know where this person is coming from.

2. What does this character struggle with in their life? Map out how their behaviour affects others and in turn, how those characters react to the initial action or actions of the major player(s). 

3. Endow your character with a quirk or eccentricity that makes them unique. It's even better if the quirk is tied into the larger themes you plan on exploring.

4. Consider the place and time your story is set in: how does the cultural landscape limit or liberate your character? People are often a product of their generation as much as other factors influencing them, such as gender, sexual orientation, family upbringing etc.