Pen Point of View .

Never be anal when it comes to a pen point of view… And remember, you don’t have to be an ass to be asinine

Is your pen lacking ink? Or does your computer refuse to type in those missing words? Sadly, from a pen point of view, it appears that many new urban authors are embracing the literary field for the love of profit rather than  a true passion for writing, thinking that their pen is going to fill in the meaning of slang that they use in their stories.

During my book reviews, I’ve noticed  problematic writing time and time again. This includes numerous spelling mistakes, nonsensical grammar, the meaning of slang, and sub-par editing.

Aside from those commonalities, one of the most problematic things I’ve encountered has been the lack of necessary detail.  Although getting straight to the point depends on the story you’re telling, while it may quicken the pace of the story to jump past low points within the body of your literary masterpiece, it nevertheless does both your story and your potential fan base a great injustice by not taking pride in your work.

Subtle details are the embodiment that brings out the best essence within the pages of your book; including moods, setting the plot, developing your characters, describing settings, etc.  These details help bring the story to life in their mind’s eye. Writers are quick to “tell” me about their character, when what they should be doing is taking the time to — through the unfolding story — “show” me who the character is.

Many times urban authors decide to use local colloquiums instead of using more in depth detail (common phrases easily

It most certainly isn’t easy being cheesy…

understood by the masses), forgetting that they are writing to a much broader audience than just their native folk. Through the usage of slang terminology — without sub explanations interpolated within the story –, many times readers find themselves either lost or simply turned off.

For example, I will write a scene set at a construction site. It describes two guys talking among themselves during a lunch break — just as a beautiful woman walks by.

Example #1:

“Hey Big Rob do you got that slab of marble we talked about yesterday?”

“Yeah, Tee. “

“Janked or what?”

Do you understand what the slang phrases “slab of marble” and “Janked” mean?

More than likely, the answer is no, and therefore I will rewrite the following and providing you a better understanding of the slang terminology.

Example #2:

“Hey Big Rob do you got that slab of marble we talked about yesterday?” Tee asked excitedly, referring to the kilo of crack cocaine he already paid 25 thousand for.

“Yeah, Tee. “ Rob simply stated, knowing that he had the best stuff in town.

“Janked or what?” Tee asked. He wondered where the word came from; it’s meaning referring to  whether the crack -cocaine was at least 80% pure or better. If so it would have every base-head from Jersey to Alabama dancing on the ceiling more than Lionel Richie during an eighties concert at Madison Square Garden.

“Yeah, peepz, It’s that all day, and then some.” stated Big Rob reassuring his partner in crime.

From the above examples one can follow along without having known what the slang meant previously. In other cases, explaining the slang may not be necessary, if it is used in a sentence that has clear meaning and the reader need only swap out the new slang word for the one with the obvious intended meaning.

An author should always strive to reach a broader audience. They can still write for a niche, but with a broader appeal they can potentially increase sales through new fans. If you’re writing a story that is very niche, like an urban crime novel, then the broad appeal could be interwoven in the character development — for example, a son who is being groomed to fill his father’s shoes and doesn’t want to, or visa versa, is not being groomed and wants to be. This is a broad concept that crosses all race, religion and culture lines and a common theme within any of those niches.

Before you write, remember to ask yourself, “Who Am I writing for?” Secondly, find the common thread of your story and/or character that people from any walk of life are either intrigued by, or can relate. Remember that although you may be highly familiar with Broadway Street in your hometown, for others — without the necessary details at hand — you might as well be writing about Cohomology Theories…. (I already know what your thinking, so don’t ask…lol). Anyway, use these tips to write a better story.

Happy writing everyone! Ciao bitches!