Dr. Rick Wilber, USF mass communications professor and author of several novels and numerous short stories, enlightened an audience of 28 at our new location on May 14, despite a passing, raucous thunderstorm. Rick covered topics that included building characters and being aware of the layers of meaning in text and subtext--the Iceberg principle where most meaning is hidden below the surface.
Dr. Wilber read from his forthcoming mystery novel, Rum Point, highlighting examples of choosing the important two percent of a character's description that should be included in the story. In detailing this specificity, two rules apply: 1) if it doesn't matter to the story, don't say it; and 2) it has to move either your character or your story forward.
He also mentioned that for new genre writers following the parameters of the genre are key to getting published, in addition to telling a story worth telling to someone else.
Rick kept everyone interested, laughing and questioning as he covered some of his own experiences in getting published.
Thank you to everyone who attended!
John
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment