Many of you know that I didn't learn to write in a traditional program. I've cobbled together my writing toolbox by attending writing conferences, reading about the craft, participating in blogs like this, and generally keeping my eyes and ears open. Every so often, I run across a 'writer's school term' that I just don't get. (That might be my age.)
Most of the time, i don't let it bother me. I'm a big, "A rose would smell as sweet... etc. etc." type person. As long as I recognize it, I'm good to go.
Any advice on linear vs. non-linear construction? This is the only thing I found online:
http://www.writersbootcamp.com/non_linear_approach.aspIt came up because my editor found a couple spots in my writing that she considered 'linear'. She asked me to pull out the stops in those few spots since most of my writing was non-linear--I guess. She likes that--a lot. I want to keep her happy, but honestly, I don't know what she means. So it's good, I'm doing it, but much better if I recognized linear writing and could correct it before it gets to her?
The work is a contemporary YA crime fic--so for the most part, I consider it all linear. I've asked her to help me understand, because they've offered a two book deal, and it would be nice to keep them happy. Obviously, in writing terms, linear does not mean from point A to point B.
I notice the link talks about breadth. I take that to mean to write depth. There was an exercise at DNRS where an instructor had four people stand up and act out a scene. The male protag, the female protag, and then the other two were the male's thoughts and the female's interior thoughts. It was funny as hell and a terrific power tool for my writer's box. I think this is one example of non-linear?
But obviously there is so much more. Can you all expound on the concept a little? Maybe with enough discussion the term will find an organic home in my brain. If you do, THANK YOU!
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