So I have been writing on my creative writing story for the coming Tues and have realized, consciously and for the first time, the way in which I tend to foreshadow in my short and novel length stories. I tend to foreshadow, unintentionally. What I mean by that is that I subconsciously choose words which relate directly or indirectly to the future of the character or plot in question and I do this through word choice.
Here is an example, notice the word "collar"
He
began to follow their footsteps; the feeling of a cold hand on his shoulder
returned and seemed to pat his back in encouragement. Ferrin turned his head suddenly
to look behind him. No one was there. He put his hand on his chest and rubbed
his collar bone.
This particular character eventually because enslaved to his anger, jealousy, and his hate. He also turns into a wolf. at one point in the story which is similar to a dog, and hence collaring a dog, or a wolf....
Purely unintentionally...
Does this kind of thing happen to anyone else when they write?
I think foreshadowing is an effective writing tool. I enjoy picking out certain things in a story that seem peculiar, or that seem like they might show up again, and later seeing the connection it has as the story progresses.
ReplyDeleteI can't really say I unintentionally foreshadow. If I do, it's on purpose. However, unintentionally foreshadowing could be your subconscious thinking that that particular word or phrase is a key player in the story, and therefore should be in there more than once.
When you intentionally add foreshadowing to your work, does it seem as organic as when you unintentionally foreshadow? In other words, which adds more substance and decadence to your writing?
I think that it's interesting that you figured this out and it happens to me as well. I never thought of it as foreshadowing until I read your post I just thought it was coincidence. Going back to your post thought it seems to me like these unintentional foreshadowing that comes up could be used. By finding these small foreshadows you can then make them more in depth and give some levels to the writing.
ReplyDeleteI do the same thing too sometimes. It really isn't intentional so maybe it's just something that we consciously think of and put on paper without realizing it at the time. And then when we go back to it we pick those certain details up and go (at least I do, I don't know if anyone else does this) 'Oh hey, I did mention that earlier' or 'Hmmm...that wasn't really supposed to go here' or something like that :P
ReplyDeleteI would have to agree that it is my subconscious picking and choosing words that would fit well with the story, which is why I consider it unintentional, I don't consciously say, "hey this word will make me sound clever" it's more like, "oh wow, that word is absolutely perfect, who the heck did I do that?"
ReplyDeleteWhen I do intentionally foreshadow things, I usually do so through symbols, showing a symbols, or through names. Like a cup for the symbol of poison, or a name that in is based off of Latin roots for showing the characterization, sometimes of what that character will become.
Sela, for me it is unintentional, I don't always consciously choose words. 99.9% of the time I consciously do, the other .1% is most often governed by forces beyond my conscious mind. Basically, the words start flowing and I stop thinking... That seems to be what it is like when I write and the easiest way to explain it. That is not to say I have no goal in mind when I write fiction.
What I meant by unintentional fiction is that the character very well, could just not have rubbed his collar bone. It seems to be a minor detail, but has so much more meaning to the character than a minor detail, and it can be mentioned, easily, again in the story if need be.
My foreshadowing in fiction is extremely subtle most of the time.
I do the same thing...sometimes I just get so lost in my own story that sometimes it takes me a few minutes to realize what I was writing wasn't real :P, but that's how you know you're good, right? Or at least somewhat good haha
ReplyDeleteThat's how I know that I have a story... confirmation that there is some substance being created from all the hard work you are doing... and yes that is how I know I have the gift. LOL!
ReplyDeleteHaha, right?? It's kind of crazy with all of the ideas that come into my head, I get so many and then can't figure out how to put them all down. :P
DeleteJacob I think that's really cool! This does happen to me, entirely unintentional! I don't think it is at all a bad thing though! It's more like the subconscious giving hints of what is to happen, adding to the suspense and drama of the piece. You are an excellent writer as well as being very logical so it makes sense that it should happen.
ReplyDeleteAs somewhat of a spontaneous type of writer, somethimes I have no idea of what's going to happen in a scene. But somehow, my fingers know what my mind does not ;)
This also tends to happen when I'm watching movies. With no prior knowledge of The Hunger Games, having heard nothing about it at all, I saw the preview, and when Katniss turns about, frightened in the tube taking her up to the arena, I made the remark that she looked just like a little bird and all of my friends stared at me in awe, SHOCKED that I knew nothing about her becoming "The Mockingjay," and still making such a prophetic remark.
I think sometimes our senses, our subconscious picks up things, without our realization, and this can be wonderful for the reader :)