The Local Writer

 A TV Network in Malaysia in the 80's used to show Shakespeare plays in the afternoon, and I remember watching quite a number of them. What did not occur to me then, was that many of these characters were non-British yet they all spoke with British accents and used English expressions in their manner of speech. You will know what I mean if you watch a scene from Act II of Anthony and Cleopatra . I must admit, I also tend to write dialogue for my characters in a formal manner because I have grown up reading classics. When I do read a local book, I will read them in the original language. So writing colloquial dialogue in English is quite awkward for me. [ Click this link to watch the video that mirrors this post.] Today's tips are purely my opinion. Different writers will use different methods to come up with a style that is comfortable for them. Maybe you already have your own style, but you are not sure if it is best. Let me assure you that there is no best style in this day ...

 Today's post is about archetypes. The handsome brave warrior, the beautiful tragic bride, the filial son or daughter etc. These characters are popular because they work. They come up quite often in stories because readers like reading about them. [ Click this link to watch the video that mirrors this post. ] Today, I would like to talk about how you can use these existing popular symbols and adapt them to your local story. There are lots of articles and writing tips online that lists out the different archetypes, so I will not discuss them all in here. You can just search for a list online, and adapt them to your needs. Archetypes are Familiar I have said in earlier videos that I do not like reading romance. However, stumbling across the work of a Chinese writer a few days back has convinced me that it could be because I have been reading the wrong kind of romances. Right now, I am quite obsessed with Mo Xiang Tong Xiu's Heaven Official's Blessing . I guess I just need lot...

Today's post is about how to start the research process. You have a plot and you have your characters all lined up. If this is your first attempt at writing a novel, there is a tendency to want to include everything. If your culture is well established in international literature, then your job at this point is to decide whether or not to follow the existing well-known format for a story, or to come up with your own. At the very least, you will have a general idea of what works and what does not.  [ Click this link to watch the video that mirrors this post. ] If, however, you happen to be the first one to write about your people in a mainstream language, then you will have to make a lot of decisions blind. This is why it is critical that you already have a good reading habit. Your experience as a reader will be your guide as you write your story. Because if you can't know what does or does not work instinctively, then you will have to become extremely technical about it. Techni...

Today's post is about how to make your idea come alive, for yourself and for your reader. It is important that you become a fan of your story first. Why? Because writing a novel is a long process. As I have said before, it is a thankless job that can last for years without any reward. So for that reason, you must make the process its own reward if you want to finish your manuscript. [ Click this link to watch the video that mirrors this post. ] The story you love I believe that it is easier and makes more sense to write a story from your own interest and aptitude. For example, I am not a romantic person in a general sense. So it would be absolute torture if I should try to write a romance novel. I prefer thrillers, adventures and horrors which can come in any form: sci-fi, historical or contemporary. Give me a rogue spaceship, a deserted island or a haunted mansion anytime. So the first thing you must do as a writer, is know your own preference for stories. This process is super fu...

 It is very difficult to pin down how a good idea for a story comes about because, to tell you the truth, it can come from anywhere. Today, I will be talking about how I keep my story-sense on high alert at all times. This post is not about doing research, because research only comes after you get an idea and you need to build the world and events around your story. No, this post is about that 'aha' moment when you get a plot for a story. [ Here is the video that mirrors this post. ] If you live in a modern town or city, the area you move about in is generally safe, so it is very easy to tune out of your surroundings. You don't have to worry about stepping on animal droppings, or on a snake, or worry about what is hiding behind a leafy bush in front of you. You can safely keep your head bowed over a book or a smartphone and walk on. However, if you want to be a convincing storyteller, you need to tune into your surroundings. You need to put away your device and pay attentio...

 When I was a teenager, I found this exciting book by Sir Walter Scott, The Heart of Midlothian . Now, I was not a particularly studious teenager, but in those days when you rely on books donated by the public, you usually end up with books that 'adults' think are good to read, which more often than not, was a classic. There was no choice, either I read them, or I read nothing. Okay, enough of my whining about growing up in Sibu in the 80's, now back to The Heart of Midlothian.  [To watch a video version of this post, you can click here .]  A Case Study I picked this book as an example for this video because I wanted something that most people can find in libraries. Why this particular story? Because I love the first 3/4 of the story, but I was bored out of my wits for the last quarter. I love it so much that over the years, I would re-read the book, but only the first 3/4. At first, I could not understand why this was happening. Each time I re-read; I would try to make m...

It is really easy to trip yourself up, especially when you were not brought up in the culture you want to write about: Even if it is your own culture.  [You can watch a video version of this post here .] Today I want to talk about avoiding the misrepresentation trap. I am luckier than most indigenous writers because the Ibans already have a strong oral history and storytelling culture by the time Sarawak was colonised. The customary laws and rules of conduct were already firmly in place, mainly through oral storytelling. Trade has been happening since a few generations earlier, so there was a strong sense of tribal identity. How you go about doing your research will depend a lot on the type of materials that are available to you right now. From my own experience, I relied a lot on past memories, conversations with older folks, and books. Always understand the perspective of the writer when you are getting materials from literature. Journals, diaries and log books are especially dan...