: Re: How can I add depth to my story or how do I determine if my story already has depth? I am new to writing. I wrote a lot when I was a kid and teen. I wrote my first book at 6 and then

@Lee1909368

Vote Up Vote Down

"Depth" is a word that could mean many things. In common among many of the ways I could apply the word "depth" to writing is a sense that there are connections within the writing that are not explicitly put forward in the sentences.

These connections may be between the backstories of the characters, or they may be between actions in one part of a story and another, or many other possibilities. "Depth" is where paying attention to the story gives the reader information about and a better understanding of the story.

Managing "depth" can be a difficult adjustment to get right. At one extreme you can demand perfect attention to and deep analysis of every detail for a story to make sense. At the other extreme, things just happen; every sentence stands on its own.

All right, examples:

John discusses having a dream with his teenage girlfriend about being attacked by a spider. Three hundred pages later, the ex-girlfriend is the CEO of a multi-planetary munitions contractor about to attack John's homeworld. John must choose the manner of defense, either accurate harpoon missiles or reliable nets. The ex outfits her fleet with 100% defense against harpoons because she knows he will avoid the nets because the icon next to the "fire nets" button looks like a web. She wins.

Or...

John had a girlfriend. Lots of stuff happens. Ex-girlfriend runs huge, evil company that attacks John's world. John chooses to defend with the weapon she is 100% ready to counter. Oh well.

Ok, the example is maybe too simple. But I think you would agree that the first example has more depth.

The real key is: How do you feel about it? If the story feels flat, add more depth. If you have to constantly check your notes to remind yourself why a character acted as they did, maybe the connections are non-intuitive, unbelievable, or excessively convoluted.

When you think it is about right, have someone else read it, and listen carefully to the substance of their feedback.

(0)

Login to post a comment!