Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. (November 11, 1922 – April 11, 2007) was an American novelist known for works blending satire, black comedy, and science fiction. His voice, as portrayed by recurring characters in his work, is often characterized by wild leaps of imagination and a deep cynicism, tempered by humanism. When writing stories, he made several point, four of which struck me in particular.
3. Every character should want something, even if it is only a glass of water.
4. Every sentence must do one of two things—reveal character or advance the action.
5. Start as close to the end as possible.
6. Be a sadist. No matter how sweet and innocent your leading characters, make awful things happen to them in order that the reader may see what they are made of.
via Musing about Kurt Vonnegut and writing software – confused of calcutta.
Vonnegut’s belief in engaging one’s characters in sadism is especially striking to me because I recognize that in my life, I have had to be a sadist to truly recognize what I am made of. And if you wonder what I am made of, I suggest you ask and engage me in a face to face conversation. Not because you would listen to what I say, but rather because you would at the very least learn from my tones, gestures, and expressions that I am an honest man.