Write Like an Australian - A Lesson in Fast-Paced Writing
If you’re a non-Australian looking for a good lesson in fast-paced writing, then you need look no further than Australia.
One of the first things I noticed about Australian language and speaking, besides the actual accent, is the habit of the majority of Australians to interrupt. But far from simply being a very rude country all over, it’s actually the way of the language.
Maybe it’s because Americans have guns, so if you piss them off you could get shot, but Australians don’t place such a high importance on waiting until a person is completely finished speaking. Instead, if they think they know what you are going to say, where you are going with the conversation, or even if something relevant has popped into their minds, they won’t hesitate to speak up.
I’ve puzzled over this for a while and come to the conclusion that Australians place more importance in the ideas and messages being conveyed rather than the actual words.
How does this help you with your writing?
If what you’re working on is starting to turn yawn-inspiring, take a lesson from Australians; don’t be afraid to interrupt your characters. Be it their inner monologues, discussions with other characters, or even switching perspectives from one chapter to another. Don’t place the ultimate importance on what they are saying or thinking.
Don’t be polite to your characters.
If you want to try this out in exercise form first, take two characters and write a scene (or more) consisting of interruptions galore. Just remember that moderation is usually a good thing.
Note: I’m not trying to start some ‘my country is the best’ war or anything. Any comments I make are out of good humor, as it is the Aussie way to make fun of everyone (including each other), and these traits have been rubbing off on me over the past near two years.
Picture Credit: Brand Noise
August 29th, 2008 at 5:32 am
It’s a higher level of interactivity in the language. Australians are very active listeners and a lot of the interruptions indcate listening and aren’t supposed to stop the flow. Carry it further and you get a higher level of shared speech, which is what you’re talking about. It reaches conclusions at an entirely different pace, because more people are involved in forming the thoughts.
You’ve made me think, though - do I use that style so much in writing? No, the international style is to have complete thoughts with a reaction, because it’s easier to follow. You’re right, though, the quick back and forth gives a much greater impression of speed and intensivity and involvement - very exciting for the reader.
Americans need to know we aren’t disrespecting them. We are listening. Truly. In a caring, sharing way because yes, the ideas *are* important.
August 31st, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Oh, I figured out that it was a trait rather than being rude a long time ago. I do hope that other travellers here that don’t stay as long figure out the same thing, though.