Imagination to Ink : The Narrative Style and Viewpoint

So you have done research and you have a plot and you are now ready to write out the story. But what narrative style are you going to use? From whose point of view will you write the story? Who is actually telling the story? Is it the chief protagonist? Or are several characters taking over from time to time. Or is it the author narrating the events?
First, let’s understand what Style actually means. Style is a question of approaching the story, either in first person singular, third person singular or plural or as the omniscient narrator.
The most commonly used narrative styles are the first person singular and third person singular or plural. We shall only consider these two popular styles of narration.
To put it very simply – a first person narration is the voice of a particular character, usually the chief protagonist. Let me cite an example here:

I am wondering where I should begin my story. Should it be on the day when I saw Napier and Edith being married in the little church at Lovat Mill? Or when I was sitting in the train starting out on my journey to discover the truth behind the disappearance of my sister Roma? So much of importance happened before either of these significant events: yet perhaps I should choose the second alternative because it was then that I became inescapably involved.

The third person singular is the narration of the author but from the viewpoint of a single character, usually the hero or the heroine. The narrator in a way has a bird’s eye view of the whole story, but restricts himself to the viewpoint of the protagonist, thus becoming his ‘voice’. Here’s an example:

Sonia watched in admiration as Nimisha, the famous actress and her friend danced with perfect tempo and grace to the music, before a huge ornate set of a temple. The camera whirred. The light men trained reflectors and the lights on the beautiful actress. There was no doubt, Nimisha was a star – in the real sense of the word. Attired in a sequined, traditional blue and gold Bharat Natyam dance sari, her tall willowy body showed off perfect curves. Her personality emanated magic, poise and vitality. In front of the camera, she positively glowed like a star.

And the third person plural, is the author using his bird’s eye view and becoming the ‘voice’ of several characters, telling the story from their viewpoints. Either shifting focus from one character to the other alternately or devoting a certain amount of time to each character.
Next time, we shall try to understand these narrative styles individually, a little more in detail.

A Letter to my Dearest Departed Brownie. . .

My Dearest Brownie,

I have to write this letter to you – now. Before you move on forever. Now, while you are still around me in spirit and are trying to help me cope with my grief.

There are so many things I want you to know and understand.

You came into our house a tiny weak pup, straight off the street. You and Tuggy. But you stormed into our hearts with all the strength of a hurricane. You entered every part of our being and existence and left a lasting impact. And it was not just your unique features – the glistening chocolate brown coat on a spectacular small frame, and those light brown eyes which spoke the knowledge of the world.

Whether it was your shy nature, your forever seeking, probing eyes asking for permission for even a little thing;

Or your excitement at going out for a drive; barking joyously at Bipin's arrival from the office every evening; running in the woods and chasing the birds; interacting with the other street dogs and inviting them generously to share the circle of your warmth and loved ones:

Whether it was your pleasure at eating your food and only diving into it after I kissed you on the nose;

Or it was rocking your head fondly and rushing to me at the mention of the word 'brushing';

Whether it was your playfulness at midnight when you and Tuggy chased around the house or in the parking;

Or just sitting quietly and patiently, looking out for me and my needs and expectations, hanging on to my words, actions and subtle reactions;

Or whether it was your insistence at snuggling between the sheets with us at night, or laying your head in the crook of my arm or leg and staring at me with those innocent eyes;

They are all endless memories of your sweet, unselfish love and bonding. . .

I want to tell you how important and significant each moment with you was. . .your every gaze, mischievous when you played, or bewildered when you couldn't find us; soothing when you waited and frightened when you didn't want to leave the house; beseeching for water and filled with puzzlement in the last days. . .every single blink of your eyes, wag of your tail, crook of your straight long ears, feel of your warm firm body is a precious part of me and will remain with me forever. . .I love you Brownie, I love you so much and miss you so much that I feel that the world has stopped with your heart beats. My grief knows no outlet.

You were only four when you passed away but you gave us a lifetime of joy, love, tolerance, learning and wisdom. . .perhaps that's why you left us. . .we were the luckiest and the most privileged people in the world to have you with us. . .even for such a short time. . .Thank you for your unconditional love, sensitivity and support, for your thoughtfulness, obedience and caring, and for making us feel special and wanted.

I always called you my Angel and my reindeer sent by Santa Claus. Now I know that you really were one.

I adore you and hope that God will take special care of you and that you are happy and in good health wherever you are. . .

God Bless You my dearest Brownie. . .

You are in my heart for several lifetimes now. . .

Manjiri

Brownie : Born on 20th March 2005

Departed on 8th August 2009

Imagination to Ink : Story

In the last two sections, we read about Plot and Characters. Now let’s understand what a Story means. A story is an account or narration of imaginary incidents, facts or experiences. But like a plot, a story is also made up of certain basic elements. It stands for a combination of similar necessities. Like :
S for Structure
T for Technique
O for Originality
R for Research
Y for Yearning
Like we discussed in the plot, a story has to have a definite structure. A beginning, a middle and an end. In other words, sequencing your story into different parts will help you lay out your idea in a logical and gripping manner.
We already know that a well–told story usually boasts a good writing style. The technique of writing out the story has to be appropriate and suitable to its contents. Also it is crucial for your story to be original and creative.
But the two new concepts in the STORY are Research and Yearning. Research is an important activity that takes place BEFORE you begin to write out your story. Research is specially essential if your story is based on scientific, historical or geographical knowledge.
Imagine what were to happen if your protagonist is a doctor and you don’t know a thing about the medicines he is supposed to be administering. Or you diagnose a disease on vague symptoms and administer an incorrect prescription? Or suppose your protagonist is a lawyer and you use completely wrong legal terminology! Perhaps he’s a cook and you muddle up the names of all the spices. Or if you describe a funny scene about traveling by an auto rickshaw and it turns out that that particular city has no auto rickshaws! You could be describing the use of oil lamps and lanterns in a village when that particular village actually has electricity! These are huge blunders! And not only would they seem ridiculous, but they would reveal your lack of interest and sincerity. And if that shows, do you think the readers would be interested in reading something the author himself is disinterested in?
Background research on the locales, customs, professions of your characters is a must. Get your facts right and add authenticity to your story.
And lastly, Y for Yearning – you have to yearn to write out your story. If the desire to write is from your heart and not your head, I do believe that you would surpass every single hurdle that lies between you and the completion of your book!

My Quote

"A novel is born several times and dies several times, before it takes its final life form."
Manjiri Prabhu

Imagination to Ink : Plot

What is a Plot? The dictionary meaning of a plot is : an interrelationship of the main events in a play, novel, film etc. Another meaning is a conspiracy or a secret plan.
Within a novel, a plot is exactly that – an interrelationship of the main events, which give rise to a conflict between the characters (sometimes a conspiracy) and which leads the story to a climax, resolving the conflict.
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that a plot is the core of the novel. It is the HEART of your novel and a very crucial element. A good plot is made up of many virtues. It has to be gripping and interesting to keep the reader hooked. And, of course, it has to be convincing.
A gripping plot is usually a combination of the following :
P for Planning and Pacing
L for Logic
O for Originality
T for Technique
We all know that a story needs a beginning, a middle and an end. And so, it is very important to plan the layout of your plot. How is the story going to begin? Is the conflict in your plot revealed immediately or is it exposed gradually? Is it introduced through characters or situations? At what point is the conflict going to rise and climax? These are some of the questions you need to answer, which will assist you in planning the layout of your plot.
Also, what is going to be the pace of your story? Is your plot going to be fast paced, or slow-paced? A thriller usually is fast-paced, whereas a romance can be relatively slow in pacing.
Another crucial feature of the plot is Logic. The events unfolding in your plot have to be logical. The sequences that will lead from point A in the story to point B, should be logical and convincing enough to clear the doubts in the minds of the reader, as he continues to read. At no point should the reader feel – “Hey! this is impossible! This can’t happen!” or “this is too much, no one will ever behave like that!” Of course, you are free to experiment!.
Indisputably, Originality of the plot is a must. You may love a particular character or a story that you have read. But although you may be inspired by it, under no condition can you copy any part of it! You’ve got to be original, by trying to create a plot which is absolutely incomparable! I agree that this is the most difficult part of a plot. But not impossible. If others have done it, why can’t you?
And last but not the least, comes the technique of writing out the plot. The style and the narrative techniques will hold your plot and novel together, making it an interesting read. Sometimes even off-beat techniques can take an ordinary story to great heights!
Well, in short, you have to understand, that for a good plot you need to Plan and Pace your story in a Logical and Original manner, using different Techniques in writing.

The Astral Alibi

'The Astral Alibi' is a sequel to 'The Cosmic Clues'. Detective Sonia Samarth is back with Nidhi and Jatin to solve many more cases in cosy Pune, India!
'The Astral Alibi' was honored as a Notable Fiction Book in the Kiriyama Prize 2007

The Cosmic Clues

Here's the promo of my book 'The Cosmic Clues' :
http://www.yourbooktube.com/index.php?option=com_hwdvideoshare&task=viewvideo&Itemid=6&video_id=396
Do watch it if you can!

‘THE COSMIC CLUES’ was selected as a 'Killer Book' by Independent Mystery
Booksellers Association of America. Some of the online, international reviews of the books are:
http://archives.digitaltoday.in/indiatoday/20041220/books2.html
http://www.curledup.com/cosmiccl.htm
http://thebestreviews.com/review23715
http://reviews.blether.com/blether.php?id=8763