Tiny Lines: A Friday Invitation to Make Writing

My Friday Substack Series is especially for writers and those who teach writing. I say more about this here, if you’re a new visitor.

This week’s craft move is omission as characterization. When we use this approach, the reader leaves the experience knowing more about a character than any direct description might provide. The writer omits important details for effect, creating white space for the reader to step into. This move invites a sort of co-creation that deepens the reader’s commitment to the work by expecting them to contribute to it.

Omission as characterization is a common craft move that works beneath many of the stories you (and perhaps, your students) already know. I’ll show you how to help recognize this move, try it yourself, and bring it into your classroom this week if you’re a writer who also happens to teach.

I’ll see you inside.

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