Summary of "These traits predict 90% of failed novels"

Summary of “These traits predict 90% of failed novels”

This video outlines 12 common elements or mistakes that frequently lead to novels failing. It explains why these issues are problematic and offers advice on how to avoid or fix them. The speaker uses examples from books, movies, and TV shows to illustrate each point.

Main Ideas and Lessons

Chekhov’s Armory Introduce elements early that must be resolved or referenced later. Avoid leaving narrative “guns” unfired, which disappoints readers. Example: The TV show Lost had many unresolved mysteries, leading to an unsatisfying ending.
Everything But the Kitchen Sink Syndrome Avoid cramming too many ideas, themes, characters, or subplots into one story. Focus on fewer themes and major characters for a tighter narrative. Example: The movie Jupiter Ascending failed due to trying to combine too many genres and plotlines.
World Building Vertigo Provide enough world-building details to immerse readers but avoid overwhelming them with excessive complexity. Keep pacing balanced between world-building and story progression. Examples:
- Snow Crash includes excessive detail on Sumerian language.
- Moby Dick has lengthy digressions on whale biology.
- Later Dune series books become bogged down in complex political and religious details.
Inspiration in Digestion Being inspired by other works is good, but avoid copying too closely or seeming derivative. Authors must “digest” influences and create something fresh. Examples:
- Many Harry Potter-inspired books feel too similar.
- Red Sky in Morning by Paul Lynch was criticized as a Cormac McCarthy Blood Meridian ripoff.
The Aesthetic Over Ethics Trap Avoid including shocking or reprehensible content purely for shock value without meaningful purpose. Violence or sex should serve a narrative or thematic function. Examples:
- The Saw franchise is criticized for gratuitous torture scenes.
- A Clockwork Orange uses ultraviolence but offers a moral and transformational arc.
Dialogue Ventriloquism Characters should have distinct, original voices rather than all sounding like the author. Techniques include giving characters unique speech patterns, accents, catchphrases, or mannerisms. Examples:
- Aaron Sorkin’s works often have characters sounding very similar.
- Twilight characters’ dialogue is often indistinguishable. Solution: Practice and study dialogue craft (e.g., the speaker’s dialogue course).
Metaphor Overdose Metaphors and similes enrich writing but overuse can distract and overwhelm readers. Use only those that enhance understanding or emotion. Example: A short story with 400 metaphors in 4,000 words felt like the author showing off rather than telling a story.
Lack of Character Motivation Characters must have clear reasons for their actions, even if quirky or petty. Readers need to understand or infer why characters do what they do. Examples:
- The movie The Room has inexplicable character actions.
- A Supernatural episode where an angel saves Titanic just to stop a song.
Temporally Shortsighted Characters Characters should feel like they have a past and a future beyond the story’s present moment. Avoid characters who only exist in the story’s timeline without depth. Balance backstory and present action so neither overwhelms. Example: Clare Keegan’s story balances present struggles with past and future concerns.
The Gotcha Spiral Over-reliance on constant plot twists can feel manipulative or predictable. Twists must be earned with clues and make sense in hindsight. Too many twists reduce re-readability and reader satisfaction. Example: M. Night Shyamalan’s twist-heavy films became predictable.
Checklist Character Development Avoid creating characters by ticking off traits from a list (e.g., hair color, hobbies) without depth. Characters should have surprising, sometimes contradictory traits that feel real. Example: Ron Swanson’s jazz saxophone alter ego “Duke Silver” from Parks and Recreation.
Subtext is Everything Syndrome Subtext enriches storytelling but overdoing it makes the story obscure and confusing. Writers must balance subtlety with clarity so readers understand the story’s meaning. Commercial writers should add more subtext; literary writers should avoid making subtext impenetrable. Recommended reading: The Art of Subtext by Charles Baxter.

Methodology / Instructions for Writers

Fixing Chekhov’s Armory: Ensure every introduced element is resolved or revisited meaningfully.
Avoiding Kitchen Sink Syndrome: Choose core themes, limit characters and subplots; revise to cut excess.
Managing World Building: Provide essential details only; keep pacing brisk; avoid info dumps.
Digesting Inspiration: Read widely, then create original stories rather than imitating.
Ethical Use of Shock: Include violence/sexuality only if it serves a narrative or thematic purpose.
Distinct Dialogue: Develop unique voices for characters using speech quirks, accents, or vocabulary.
Metaphor Use: Edit to keep only metaphors that clarify or deepen story/emotion.
Character Motivation: Always ask “Why is this character doing this?” and ensure motivations are clear or hinted.
Temporal Depth: Sketch character timelines; balance backstory and present action.
Plot Twists: Limit twists; plant clues; avoid predictability and manipulation.
Character Depth: Avoid stereotypes; give characters surprising, contradictory traits.
Balanced Subtext: Use subtext to enrich but not obscure; clarify themes enough for reader comprehension.

Speakers / Sources Featured

Primary Speaker: Unnamed narrator/host (likely a writing coach or editor).
Referenced Authors and Creators:
- Neil Stevenson (Snow Crash)
- Herman Melville (Moby Dick)
- Frank Herbert (Dune series)
- J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter)
- Paul Lynch (Red Sky in Morning)
- Anthony Burgess (A Clockwork Orange)
- Aaron Sorkin (screenwriter)
- Stephanie Meyer (Twilight)
- Charles Baxter (The Art of Subtext)
Referenced Media:
- TV show Lost
- Movie Jupiter Ascending
- Movie Saw franchise
- Movie The Room
- TV show Supernatural
- TV show Parks and Recreation

Overall, the video provides a comprehensive guide to common pitfalls in novel writing, emphasizing clarity, focus, character depth, and meaningful storytelling over gimmicks or excess.