I've been running into some problems with exposition (or the misuse thereof) lately, and am having trouble slogging my way out of them. It's been like hitting a brick wall, and as just about everyone knows that happens to be pretty frustrating (not to mention painful). I need recommendations on a good book that addresses this particular subject in detail. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Inkwell ------------------ "The difference between a writer and someone who says they want to write is merely the width of a postage stamp." -Anonymous
Posted by Beth (Member # 2192) on :
I think Ursula LeGuin's book had a whole chapter on the subject. That's the most thorough one I can think of offhand - but probably any writing book will devote some space to it.
Posted by kwsni (Member # 970) on :
Also, OSC's Guide to writing fantasy and Science fiction has a large section on exposition, which is usual even if you aren't writing SF.
Ni!
Posted by Kolona (Member # 1438) on :
You might find Monica Wood's Description helpful.
Posted by djvdakota (Member # 2002) on :
It's been a while since I read it, but I think Nancy Kress covers the issue in Beginnings, Middles, and Ends.
Posted by johnbrown (Member # 1467) on :
Best passages I've read on dealing with expostion are found in:
1. TECHNIQUES OF FICTION WRITING by Eloise McGraw (you'll find it in libraries or via inter-library loan)
2. TECHNIQUES OF THE SELLING WRITER by Dwight V. Swain
Then I'd look at the stories that got the expostion out and you didn't even notice it to see how they did it.
Finally, I've had an issue with this as well and have realized that much of what I think the reader needs to know, she doesn't need to know.