Pixar Challenge: Rule #12

Pixar’s Rule #12

Discount the 1st thing that comes to mind. And the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th – get the obvious out of the way. Surprise yourself.

Write, Rewrite, Rewrite, Rewrite and Rewrite.

On the simple. Each sentence you write can be thought about and made better.  You can express yourself more clearly. We tend to speak simply.  Get rid of those tired overused words and add a few of those underused vocabulary words.  (Just don’t force the reader to reach for a dictionary with every page.)  Strive to make each sentence full of expression, make it visual, and make it come alive to the reader.

On the complex.  Your character isn’t just grief stricken by the death of a family member.  Take your character through the process.  Educate yourself with all the stages of grief.  Research and explore how different people with different personalities go through this painful situation.  Take us through the journey from denial to acceptance.  When the character is in Denial ‘don’t tell us, show us’ how do they deny the death?  In the process of Anger, let loose and show us how they strike out at others.  As the character Bargains their way back to the reality of the death that has left them so devastated, show them making a deal with God.  Let us be sad as they feel the heavy load of Depression.  We want to feel the weight of this stage.  How does it look through your character’s eye?  Last, bring them slowly and fully into Acceptance.  How? Why? When? Where? Did they finally come to this final stage? We will know and love the character and who they become out of this process.

Life is a process.  You go through stages.  Don’t deprive the reader of the journey.  Let the reader know how the character gets from point A to point B.  This doesn’t usually come from your first thought or even the second.  You have to get rid of the obvious and reach down deep to pull out that little something extra.  Then you will surprise yourself and your readers.

Think about it.  Stretch your limits.  Make it better.  Then make it the very best it can be.

Do you do multiple rewrites?  Does your final manuscript look like your rough draft?

Also, all of you should check out the posts from my blogging friends who are doing this challenge with me! The first posts go up today. Links to Kate Brauning, Talynn Lynn, Mary Pat, and Alex Yuschik’s blogs are located on the side bar. 

We’d love to see comments on our post and share anything you enjoy.  Thank you for reading!