Reviews from

Show, Don't Tell - part II

The Iceberg Theory

20 total reviews 
Comment from L. Kalere
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

This info reminded me of the importance of proper word selection in short stories, where revealing an entire iceberg is nearly impossible. Thanks for showing me the importance of creating an experience for the reader.
Linda

 Comment Written 18-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 22-Apr-2022
    Many thanks, Linda. G
Comment from Bill Schott
Excellent
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I have embraced this iceberg approach many times, as these one-hundred-word story challenges on this site require a deep story in a shallow format. The reader can bring a lot of a story's setting and unwritten emotion from their own experiences. It would be a great exercise to have folks allude to much more than the story actually reveals.

 Comment Written 15-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 22-Apr-2022
    Thanks once again, Bill. G
Comment from Ric Myworld
Excellent
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If it gets too complicated, I usually just tuck tail and run. But the Iceberg concept is very interesting. Now you have me ready to go back and do a little studying. Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 14-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 15-Apr-2022
    It's worth putting in the work. A lot of the underlying stuff never makes it into the story. G
Comment from Pam (respa)
Excellent
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-A good image to go with the theme of your work, G.
-I guess this is the tip of the iceberg!
-I appreciate the example piece of writing you shared and how it applied to the theory, as well as by Hemingway, one of my favorite authors.
-I like your observations of the excerpt, like the family not being together for breakfast, and a deeper scenario playing out.
-You also have some good exercises to try.
-Thanks for sharing this.

 Comment Written 13-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 15-Apr-2022
    Many thanks, Pam. G
reply by Pam (respa) on 15-Apr-2022
    You are very welcome, G.
Comment from robyn corum
Excellent
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Gareth,

I'm enjoying this series. You do them well. It's clear you know what you're talking about and you share your thoughts in a clear fashion. Not everyone can do that. Thanks for your time!

 Comment Written 13-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 15-Apr-2022
    Many thanks, robyn. G
Comment from cat frenette
Excellent
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This is wonderful!
This is exactly what I was hoping to find when I joined FanStory - accomplished writers sharing their creations and their expertise with us newbies who are looking to learn the craft.
Thank you for the clear explanations, and the exercises.
I can't wait to get started!

 Comment Written 12-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 13-Apr-2022
    There are some great writers on here who do share. Jay Squires is one, he has a host of stuff in his portfolio which is worth checking out. I think the work on writing is under his 'why this critter crits' title. He's also an awesome reviewer.
Comment from Ulla
Excellent
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Thank you so much, Gareth, this is very helpful. It's also something I will have to keep in mind, so I will bookmark it for future reference. You are doing a great job here. Ulla:)))

 Comment Written 12-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 13-Apr-2022
    Many thanks, Ulla. G
Comment from juliaSjames
Excellent
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Are you going to create a FS book? If you're going to post multiple chapters that would make it easier for readers to catch up with missed posts.

This chapter is clear, informative (naturally), easy to follow and helpful. I found the example intriguing. Yes, It's obvious that Lydia is, or will be, the focus of the story. And her absence from the table hints at a mystery. But I don't extrapolate from the section you quoted that she's the glue that keeps the family together.

Appreciate your generosity in sharing these tips.

Stay safe and blessed, Julia


 Comment Written 12-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 13-Apr-2022
    I might put it all together at the end. It depends on the length. I've written a lot more stuff but to be honest, most people don't go back anyway. lol

    That section is there to show that by the end of the book it is there from the start. In the section, it all revolves around her and the other folk don't really interact. As the book goes on it's more pronounced which is how it should be. It's little breadcrumbs as opposed to signposting.
Comment from estory
Excellent
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Interesting essay, concise and well laid out, nice examples that illustrate the point. I think it's good to keep in mind. It is a structure that demands a well formulated idea or concept in order to construct. You have to work on the details with the larger framework in mind. estory

 Comment Written 12-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 13-Apr-2022
    It's important that as the writer you know where it's going otherwise things feel strained and convenient. It's a fine balancing act. G
Comment from aryr
Excellent
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What a wonderful part two, G. I loved the picture because it truly shows the unknown part of the iceberg. I am not even going to ask if I can bookcase this one, lol. You definitely provided some important and interesting information. Very well done.

 Comment Written 12-Apr-2022


reply by the author on 13-Apr-2022
    Much appreciated once again. G
reply by aryr on 13-Apr-2022
    Most welcome, G