Converting Your Imagination into Words

"Don't fool yourself: Read what is actually on the page, not the brilliant unwritten story in your imagination."

~ Philip Gerald

It's easy to come up with a story. Anyone can do that. But the stories that could play to a reader in their head are the ones that get published.

So how are authors able to put their imagination into words? I've learned that it's not easy. At all. In fact, it's what I'm struggling with most right now. It's difficult for me to explain things to people, which is odd, considering writing is what I want to pursue most in life. But you can't write a novel unless you're planning on telling a story to someone, not to yourself. What I mean is, as I'm writing my manuscript, I see it in my head the way I want it to be - but the reader may not interpret it that way. Your readers aren't going to be able to experience the amazing story you have created unless you allow them to experience it. But how?

Here are a few things I keep in mind when trying to "put my imagination into words":

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• Read it out loud. Pretend like you are someone just reading
  your story for the first time. Does it make sense? What's missing?
  
• Make sure that your characters are introduced. Don't just assume that your reader already knows all about your protagonist before they read your story.
  
• Have someone else read it. Ask them how they see the story, and if it's not the way you want your readers to interpret it, then go edit or rewrite. It's worth it!
  
• Include enough imagery. As I mentioned in the previous post, setting details are extremely important for your reader. They won't be able to see what's happening unless you give them something to see!
  
• Include sensory details. When you play the scenes through your mind, what do you hear? Smell? Taste? See or feel? Write it down.
  
• Have your readers feel your protagonist's emotions. If I just told you that Mary was sad, that doesn't put you to tears, does it?
• Make sure your scenes flow. If the scenes are choppy, then you're most likely telling, not showing.
  
• Don't rush your scenes. This is the main thing I'm struggling with. It's easy to hurry with the scenes that I write since I know what's happening and what will happen next - but it's so important to avoid this! Rushing your novel means you're telling, now showing. Don't just imagine and tell your scenes, show it through your pages.
  

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Remember, have your reader watch what happens, not be told what's happening. Let them experience the journey for themselves.

What are some ways you make sure your reader will see what you see? Comment and let me know!