TECH: Escaping the Formula Trap (moldy oldie!)​

[mbarker]

Original Posting 2021/3/5

Writer's Digest, April 1991, p. 40-42, had an article by Richard Hunt talking about how to avoid formula writing. This is where the twists are ones you've seen before, or maybe you're writing just like somebody else. Overuse, imitation, it just doesn't make the readers keep reading.

The basic strategy – don't take the easy way out. Avoid easy endings, well-worn phrases, and other trite repetitions. Now, how does formula writing sneak up on you? Well, Richard Hunt suggests three ways that it often weakens manuscripts. Imitating the style of an established writer, too many descriptive passages, and those stock scenes that we've seen so many times before.

Now, a good way for beginning writers to understand pacing, plotting, and other techniques is to mimic a famous author. But, you need to find your own voice, your own rhythm, your own style.

Now, descriptions sometimes choke out the other parts of the story. Kind of like kudzu! Pick your details, and clear out the kudzu in revision. By the way, be careful of adjectives.

Finally, make sure every scene has a purpose. Avoid stock scenes. Make sure each scene is interesting, and gives the readers some new territory to cover.

So, you can change the threat of formulas into original work. Twist the ending, mix in odd pieces, borrow from other genres, boost that ordinary uninspired story into the stratosphere.

Go ahead! Take something you've written, or are writing, and see if formula writing has crept into your work. Then try Richard's ideas. Work on your style, clear out the extra descriptions, and make sure that your scenes are all working for you!