RDC Blog #1

(Introduction) 

What is considered as Literature?

I always come across other authors who feel undermined by already-established authors and become overwhelmed by fear and procrastination. They believe that their work isn’t considered as “Literature” because they don’t apply archaic elements of novel to their stories and are drawn to newer structures. I think it’s important to understand the meaning of Literature in order to help out novice writers with labelling their own work.

There are different definitions of Literature, we will be discussing D’Israeli and De Quincy’s definition of Literature; D’Israeli defines literature as any work under the realm of ‘Polite Letters’ which includes physics, philosophy, science, and alchemy. However, De Quincy’s definition made literature as “subjective and pleasing” as their writer sees it; if you write something, and it brings you pleasure, it’s Literature. Despite the difference in definition belonging to either figure, they both agree that literature cannot be judged equally and is considered subjective.

-Plot Choice & Narrative:

Before writing a story and building your characters, you must choose a plot. It’s not as complicated as it sounds, in this chapter, we’ll learn how to choose a plot and how to develop it.

-Choosing a plot:

-Must consist of three primal aspects: Beginning, middle, and conclusion. The narrative can be twisted and creatively employed, you can choose whether to reveal the idea of the plot immediately, or have the readers discover it for themselves.

-The plot doesn’t have to be original or innovative; it’s nearly impossible to write an original plot, so stop worrying and write according to your standards and interests.

-In contrast, try to avoid cliché plot-lines that can be easily predicted and bring boredom to your readers. A cliché plot usually includes heavily used themes such as: Love triangles, superheroes with painful past, y vampires, and poorly constructed a. Remember, you can use exhausted themes and plots as long as you make them your own and add a fresh touch to them.

-Try to avoid themes or plot-points about topics that are foreign to you. If you don’t know much about history, avoid details about: War, automobile manufactures, religious/biblical philosophies, etc. You won’t believe how sensitive people can be over historical inaccuracy.

-Usually, a plot is conceived out of a person experiencing an event in their life or a certain predicament which affected them increasingly. If you blank, remember that most novels out there have their plots inspired by actual events: War, crime, relationships, etc. So, don’t fret and feel like your plot must be completely your own. In T.S. Eliot’s essay ‘Tradition and the Individual Talent’ he mentions the importance of borrowing from ancient writers and reshaping their elements to a modern product. If you feel stuck, check out some books, articles, songs and you’ll feel inspired once again.

-A plot can be drawn out of anything; it’s all about how you write the plot and how your style influences the reader.

Tips:

-Avoid writing heavy plotlines if you’re working on your first story. You’ll simply feel overwhelmed and begin to distance yourself from writing increasingly.

-It’s always better for your plot to move slowly than quickly.

-A plot can be led by a group of main/dynamic characters but, a single protagonist is usually recommended.

-Development of plot:

A plot will develop as a result of following the steps below:

-Make sure to maintain a certain pace when it comes to main events: Intro/prologue, rising action, , and conclusion cannot be slightly glazed over or rushed. In contrast, minor elements such as background fluff, environmental description, and dialogues can be lightly mentioned.

-Employ a main character to react to the plot.

-There must be a timeline (doesn’t have to be chronological) in which the plot is born, discovered, analysed, and resolved.

-Choose your environment; time and place are so important, you can’t do without them; in genres such as realism, romanticism, and impressionism, the environment, whether it’s natural or political, influences the character’s emotions and thus the plot. DO NOT neglect the setting; you can tap into elements such as the weather, temperature, agriculture, political state of the country/city you’ve chosen.

-As long as you write according to the significant pillars of fiction (beginning, middle, conclusion) other elements will come naturally and neatly since you’re aware of the next step.

-The plot can include a sub-plot, either for the purpose of com