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Phantastic Phantasy : Forum : Writing groups


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Transitions

14 Years Ago


Hi all,
I'm a member of a locl writing group in Brisbane Australia called Vision that specialises in Spec Fiction, (Fantasy, Horror and SciFi.)
Some of the discussions can get pretty technical but everyone is very willing to offer advice and support. If you have a local group I thoroughly recommend joining it as a valuable resource.
Recently Vision has been discussing the problems of writing the Transition (i.e. The passing of time between scenes.) It can be difficult to smoothly skip over a period of time so as to get back to the action and not lose the reader in a blur of boredom. On the flip side is the problem of devoting too little to the transition and losing the reader to confusion.
I often fill these gaps with a reflection or observation from the main character. I like to use these periods of thought to fill in the gaps in the story and world. As a world building tool, these times of reflection are very useful, perhaps more so in Spec fiction.
However you write these transitions, make sure that you use the stereotypes sparingly.
Passing out and waking up again works once or twice, but if you do it too often your character begins to seem a bit flaky.  :)


Chris K  
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[no subject]

14 Years Ago


I am not exactly a veteran in these matters, but I do like to do something similar - occasionally, I'll cover transitions by letters of a certain character to another one, or a dream/memory of something that has happened in the past that adds more detail and possibility to what's going to happen in future. I actually don't do a WHOLE lot of transitions in general, to be honest, but when I do (such as going back in time to show a reader something else) I generally clearly state a date... (all my books have timelines, but it might be along the lines of [ 5 Years Earlier, 0.00.000 ] type of deal)... but as for just plain skipping with nothing in between... I think it'd be up for experimentation!
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[no subject]

14 Years Ago


I keep getting bored while writing transition scenes, so I often find ways to make something exciting happen (generally, these events are competely unplanned). I think, in recent memory, I've only written one true transition scene...and I put in some complications right at the start, which had a lot to do with a particular character who hates planes.
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[no subject]

14 Years Ago


I don't actually ever have to deal with transitions. I write mostly short stories and that usually leaves very little room for a transition. But I agree, if I had to deal with it, I would sooner make something exciting happen as opposed to just elapsing time. Use it as a way to drive the plot even further, or develop a character/world more fully. Something along those lines.
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[no subject]

14 Years Ago


I use transitions to make something happen that's exciting and seemingly unrelated (such as, an interesting memory, or just a bit of action or something). Then, I put bits of information throughout my transitions, which all make sense by the end of the book. Teasers, I guess.
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[no subject]

14 Years Ago


I'm new to the tranistions myself, but I do realize with the type of story I'm writing I might be using them alot.Since my character story flip flops between the past and the present  any advice you can give would useful.
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[no subject]

14 Years Ago


G'day all,

Sometimes people get too technical about their writing. There is no hard and fast rule or even a loose standard regarding transitions. The most common form is flashbacks, where it is usually clear who is involved. The only real danger here is to indulge in it and make the flashback the story and virtually forget about the plot.

Transitions into the future are difficult to write in a believable way. They very rarely work because they have a tendency to give the plot away.

Just write what comes naturally and don't worry too much about technical analysis. A good story is a story that people like, if it makes them laugh or cry, horny or nervous so much the better. Above everything, have fun. The rest will follow.

Hans von Lieven
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[no subject]

14 Years Ago


What to do in a transition, depends on plenty of factors.  I have dream-sequences if it is a component to the story.  Or I indicate it through dialogue that characters are going to retire and give white space to indicate time passed.  If you can't get their preperation done in a sentence after waking just do without and go to an important scene.  I believe clarity is key and try not to bog down a story with non-essentials. Of course, I've been working on sci-fi and found I get caught up in wouldn't-the-reader-like-to-know-this-about-this-world? When really I'm steering them away from the plot and confusing them with a weird device that just cleans teeth--not essential, and too much detail.

I also agree, it is a perfect time to place an omniscient section giving more pertinent info on the world, on the situation or go to/view a different character.  There needs to be clear indication that your taking the reader somewhere else, which is easily done within the first couple sentences of the section. 

Something disturbing can happen when they are sleeping: they hear an important conversation outside their door. Or something makes a noise, wakes them, reminds them of something. Or if they are sleeping with someone, that someone can remind them that they elbowed them in the ribs last night, or your character heard the whispers of their bedmate or were elbowed in the ribs by them.  

There could be a recurring unique-to-character routine that indicates it is the beginning of their day or the end of it.