Chocolate, Info gaps, and Author notes

After a busy weekend working we are having a relaxing day, and the book I brought to read is finished. 

A romance set in Oxford and Lake Como, it seemed appropriate to read whilst in Lecco.
A typical, sweet, predictable romance, easy reading with lovely descriptions.

As ever I read for enjoyment, but a part of my brain remains in writer mode and this weekend's reading was no different. I read writing advice in books and blogs and then sometime later something connects in my head and I think- ahh, that's what they meant.

So two different pieces of advice have consolidated whilst reading 'Summer at the Lake' by Erica James.

Information gaps -
Leave information gaps.
 If you write fantasy or sci-fi the reader will expect to be given the opportunity to use their own imagination, to make the story experience their own.

In 'Summer at the Lake' it is easy to see what is going to happen and yet the author uses her characters to ensure you get the message fully! I am sure it is a style and  there are people who like everything to be explained. It create a book that ise easy to put down for a while, easy summer reading.
Dropping hints or describing one small aspect of a scene is something that is mentioned in many writing books and on blogs and on podcasts.
Leave the reader to form a view and they will become more invested in the story, it will be harder to put down.

Author notes and acknowledgements

Do you read them?
If you are an aspiring writer is is worth reading.
Why?
You understand how many people helped to shape the finished book. Recognise that you do not have to create perfection alone! Asking for help and advice is the norm for many well-written, best-selling books. Asking others for comments and accepting their opinions is part of the process of writing. 

You find out which agents, editors etc were involved in shaping the story. If it is the style you wish to write in it is worth noting these names for reference when seeking an agent or editor.

Established writers experience many of the same dilemmas as aspiring writers -Erica James says that although this is her 18th book she is still surprised at where the story goes, how characters change as she is writing and take the story in a different direction from what she had planned, 

Reading what inspired the story can be very interesting, and help you to see the world and what you experience in a different way. I love Brandon Sanderson's 'The Emperor's Soul'. The way the magic works leaves me in awe of his talent. The research behind the magic system, and where the idea came from made me realise the ordinary can be turned slightly to create something extraordinary. 

Established writers started in the same place as any writer, with an idea.

I am now going for a walk in the Italian sunshine alongside a river, and visit the chocolate factory we can see from our apartment :)

                                     My excuse?  Chocolate is an essential part of being a writer.