11 Terms
Contributors in Fiction
Fiction
Author surrogate
Literature; Fiction
A character whom the author, consciously or unconsciously, models after himself. Such characters (e.g. Jubal Harshaw, ''Stranger in a Strange Land'') often dominate the storey when they should not, ...
Authorism
Literature; Fiction
Inappropriate intrusion of the writer's physical surroundings, mannerisms, or prejudices into the narrative. Overtly, characters pour cups of coffee whenever they're thinking, because that's what the ...
At stake
Literature; Fiction
Drama is powerful if something is at stake: that is, if the characters involved have something to gain and something to lose. The reader must have something at stake as well — a desire to see the ...
Action outline
Literature; Fiction
Presents the plot and conflicts with little regard for staging. The author is describing a world idea, not telling the story. An action outline is a synopsis of a book not yet written; it is a ...
Backfill
Literature; Fiction
Providing background in the storyline flow, rather than in a prolog. Many devices are available: flashback, lecture (generally static and to be avoided), dream sequence, explanation to an ignorant ...
Cookie
Literature; Fiction
An element, not necessary to the plot, which rewards the reader who has been paying careful attention. Ideally, a cookie is a clever turn of phrase, an image, an allusion, or some other element of ...
Dare to be stupid
Literature; Fiction
An exhortation by a critic to an author whom the critic thinks is not stretching enough. Authors grow by daring to write bolder, more imaginative, more personal, or more emotionally powerful ...
