You pause after a paragraph and say to yourself. That's it! And you're sure the author wrote it just for you.
What is that?
You've just finished reading a great piece of fiction. As you close the cover your mind pulls all the words into a savory bundle that simmers for days...even weeks.
What is that?
 | ||
Okay, but what is it really? This is where it gets tricky. I know what it feels like when I read it. Can I describe it? Sort of. The difficulty comes because just as you are the sum of all your parts, resonance is what comes through when plot, story arc, character, conflict and theme work in harmony. The author that can orchestrate that kind of symphony is a master.
I'd love to hand you list of steps or a recipe that would guarantee that your novel or piece of writing will resonate with your readers. I can't, I haven't found one. If you have one, I'd love to get my hands on it.
MOON OVER MANIFEST resonated with me (and my kids, since we read it aloud). The time period, the characters, and the weaving of several different plots into one reverberated long after the last word.
ReplyDeleteAngels in the Wilderness is an autobiographical story of a woman who is an avid mountain hiker. On one solo hiking trip she planted her foot on what she thought was solid ground, but instead found herself falling into a ravine. The back country area saw very few hikers. She scooted her broken body inch by inch to a river. After many attempts to call out for help, she turned her situation over to a higher power and accepted her fate with peace. She was miraculously rescued. And returned to her love of solo hiking after a long recovery. It resonated with me for the faith she had, for her peaceful acceptance of whatever lie in store for her, and her courage to rise above the fear in order to return to what she loved.
ReplyDelete