Re: RARA-AVIS: how to write noir

From: davezeltserman (davezelt@rcn.com)
Date: 04 Mar 2009

  • Next message: jacquesdebierue: "RARA-AVIS: Re: how to write noir"

    okay, here's my simple algorithm for writing a thriller

    while (Page_count < 350) {
       
       write 3-4 page chapter
       if (rand() > .75) {
          add plot twist to end of chapter
       } else {
          put hero in danger
       }
    }
     
    --Dave

    --- In rara-avis-l@yahoogroups.com, Patrick King <abrasax93@...> wrote:
    >
    > There is a famous Ian Fleming article called: How To Write a Thriller which the master published in 1962. It's here:
    >
    > http://www.jamesbondwiki.com/page/Ian+Fleming%27s+Essays
    >
    > This is not, of course, "noir" but it is both informative, instructive and amusing. If you really follow Fleming's suggestions, you can write a thriller in about 6 weeks. It helps if you have an independent income, live in Jamaica, and have famous friends who can bring their groupies to dinner at your house.
    >
    > Patrick King
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    >
    > --- On Tue, 3/3/09, Don Lee <donthepoet@...> wrote:
    > From: Don Lee <donthepoet@...>
    > Subject: RARA-AVIS: how to write noir
    > To: rara-avis-l@yahoogroups.com
    > Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2009, 10:48 AM
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    > Has anyone written a really good piece/book/etc. on how to write noir? I have been a how-to-write- X junkie my whole life and am trying to think of anything specifically like that. I guess Chandler's famous essay would count, "down these mean streets" etc., though I seem to remember that's more about the P.I. tale than noir per se.
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    > Just curious for feedback.
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    > Don
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