If you write fantasy, especially the kind of fantasy I like to write, or horror (I've been reading a lot about that, I guess "horror" is on the outs, even though more and more people are writing and reading it, the name is going away) Catherynne Valente has an essay you must, absolutely, without fail, read and internalize. She calls it Touch the Puppets. I've tried to explain this concept so many times, and compared to her explanation, my attempts were utter failures.
If you write, Cat is explaining an essential ingredient of story. So basic, it's like what salt is to cooking. People often forget wars were once fought for control of salt. And just like salt, her wisdom is best used in small doses. There's a "just right" quality to this advice. Not enough and you don't notice, too much and it can sour the dish.
Catherynne Valente has just revealed one of "the secrets" and she did it so you'll understand. You didn't even have to hang on a tree or sacrifice an eye to get it. Go and drink deeply from her well. It's powerful stuff.
No comments:
Post a Comment