One more addition to my “3 Things” series (there’s a whole bunch, go check them out). Now we’re onto realism.
1) How to make things feel authentic
Realism needs to feel authentic. However, that authentic feeling often applied to other genres too, because having a thread of authenticity helps to keep your reader engaged. And while we all like a bit of escapism and adventure, we also like to relate to characters, settings, and storylines. So adding authenticity in any form is necessary for pretty much all genres.
2) How to draw attention to social issues
Realism often focuses on those marginalized by society. It’s unafraid to confront the harsh realities of life. These issues are central to many realistic books. Even if your novel doesn’t focus so strongly on them, everyday issues are likely to be part of it.
3) How to explore themes subtly
If you look at the summary of many realistic stories, they may seem kind of dull. This is because often in real life, not a lot happens. And if you try and force in “events” you risk things becoming soapy and melodramatic. Done right, the true story of a realistic tale hides just below the surface. The themes are front and centre – just not in a way that’s in your face.
27/08/2022 at 3:17 AM
These are great tips to post in a visible place while writing. Thanks!