31 Days In October
Crafting a good sentence means going
back through and finding just the
right words.
The making of a bobble demands the
same care and attention.
Day 15-
"That's not a stitch, Mom, that's a yarn over and you have just created a hole."
"That's bad?"
"It is unless you are knitting lace. Then it's good."
WHAT?
A yarn over (abbreviated yo) makes an extra stitch on your needle and creates a deliberate little hole in your fabric. Yarn overs are an indispensable part of lace knitting. They have a multitude of other applications, as well, such as decorative increases, buttonholes, and novelty stitch patterns.
Knitting For Dummies
In writing, as in knitting, something overlooked can create a hole in your story.
When Al disappeared into the kitchen Stevie whispered to Reggie,
“Take your shoes off.”
Reggie stepped back towards the door. “No, thank you. His floors don’t look like they have been cleaned in years.”
Why is Reggie acting so judgmental? This chapter is written in Stevie's, one of the main character's, point of view. She doesn't understand and is wondering the same thing.
He handed the note to Reggie who was still standing near the door. Reggie glanced at the note and folded it. He looked at Stevie like he wanted to get going.
“Excuse my bad manners but would either of you like a cup of tea?” Al asked.
“No, thank you. We won’t be staying very long.” Reggie replied.
The curtness in Reggie, my detective in the story, is creating a hole in the storyline because there doesn't seem to be a motive for his actions. If I don't write the next part of the story in his point of view, that hole will make him a flat, undeveloped character.
The hole is there for a purpose. I want the reader to be bothered by Reggie's discomfort. I want Stevie to seem more open and interested in people. I am creating a contrast. Is there a reason for Reggie being so aloof?
There needs to be a motive for creating a hole or the hole becomes a noticeable mistake.
I better get into Reggie's mind and show what is going on inside his head.
There has to be a motive for making a hole - that is a great piece of advice!
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