Strategies for Selecting Optimal Choices for Your Literary Work
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In the world of literature, authors often find themselves faced with a multitude of decisions during the writing process. From the initial conception of a story to the final touches, these choices can make or break a novel. However, as a guest post on Write to Done titled "How to Make the Right Decisions for Your Book" highlights, authors are free to change their minds about most decisions, and they may not have a clear vision of their story at the outset.
The article emphasizes the importance of making the right decisions for a novel, but it does not provide specific strategies for doing so. It also does not specify what constitutes the "right" decisions for a book or offer any specific strategies for making these decisions. Instead, it focuses on the challenges authors face in making decisions for their novels and the potential consequences of getting it wrong.
One such challenge is the daunting task of correcting mistakes made at the beginning of a book. Once a story has been set in motion, changing course can be difficult, particularly if the initial decisions no longer serve the story's purpose. The article suggests that making decisions before writing the first word is crucial for shaping the story and avoiding the need for major revisions later on.
The authors Markus May and Jan Oliver Schwarz have identified five specific decisions that can significantly impact the first draft of a novel. They used science-fiction as a foresight tool, incorporating social, technical, and political scenarios, and applied algorithmic methods (distant reading) to analyse innovative elements during the first draft process. Unfortunately, the article does not specify what these five decisions are.
The authors also acknowledge that some decisions will be unique to each story, while others apply to every novel. For example, deciding on the protagonist's character traits, the setting, and the plot's direction are all crucial elements that can make or break a story.
After finishing a first draft, authors have the opportunity to correct any mistakes and refine their decisions. However, the article reminds us that the story could take unexpected turns, and initial decisions might not be suitable for the book in its final form. It is essential to remain flexible and willing to revise as necessary to ensure that the story is the best it can be.
In conclusion, the article provides a valuable insight into the challenges authors face in making decisions for their novels and offers some food for thought for those embarking on their writing journey. While it does not provide specific strategies for making the right decisions, it serves as a reminder that careful consideration and planning are key to creating a successful novel.
