Summary

Ariadne Oliver, a fictional crime writer from Agatha Christie's works, advises authors to enrich their stories by incorporating scenes with characters having meals, which can add depth and dynamism to the narrative.

Abstract

The article discusses a writing technique inspired by Ariadne Oliver, a character from Agatha Christie's novels. Oliver suggests that adding scenes where characters share meals can be a versatile solution to various writing challenges, such as overcoming writer's block, increasing word count, maintaining an engaging tempo, and generating new ideas. This technique is applicable across different genres, including science fiction, children's stories, and non-fiction, by adapting the meal concept to fit the respective settings and characters. The article emphasizes that these scenes can be literal or metaphorical, serving as a tool to deepen character relationships, evoke memories, or explore themes.

Opinions

The technique of adding meal scenes is praised for its versatility and potential to enhance a story's depth and excitement.
It is suggested that even in scenarios where characters are isolated or alone, the concept of sharing a meal can still be utilized through memories or imagination.
The article playfully chides authors who might have a protagonist with no friends, encouraging them to use meal scenes to alleviate the character's loneliness.
For non-fiction writers, the article proposes envisioning explaining the book's concepts over dinner as a method to refine the content and create a compelling pitch.
The article concludes with a call to action, encouraging writers to implement this advice and start writing scenes with "bodies" (people having meals) to improve their manuscripts.

Use Ariadne Oliver’s Trick to Move Your Novel Along

Just add Bodies aka People having Meals

For the unfamiliar, Ariadne Oliver is the crime fiction writer in Agatha Christie’s novels and short stories. A famous writer and staunch feminist, she pens successful novels about crimes solved by her own fictional character- a Finnish detective.

(I know, a fictional character who creates a fictional character. Convoluted but lovable- just read Cards on the Table or Parker Pyne short story The Discontented Soldier )

What’s even more lovable is the bestselling Ms.Oliver’s advice for authors.

Just add BODIES.

It applies for so many of a writer’s dilemmas. I have listed a few below.

Stuck in writer’s block and desperate to further along your novel?
Scrambling to somehow increase the word of your manuscript ?
Looking for ways to keep the tempo up and things exciting?
Completely clueless and merely foraging for ideas? Any idea, scene or setting?

The answer is the same!

BODIES!

Plenty of bodies and you are done.

Now don’t take it literally. After she is a crime fiction writer and a fictional one herself.

But with a twist the idea has so much potential.

Simply add a scene with your favorite character going for a meal with friends and voila bodies.

After all, no matter what the setting- modern or historical, supernatural or paranormal, everyone has to have a meal.

Have a sci-fi setting that does not have humans? Well, robots, aliens, machines all need to charge up. Whatever they guzzle, just picture them replenishing together.

Main character is alone and locked up, in a setting that does not allow for others to enter? Well, your Rapunzel like hero (or heroine) can remember fonder times when they went for a meal with fiends, right? Or at least dream about it?

Protagonist has no friends? And is all alone! Well, they can imagine, can’t they? Of what it would be like to have a kindred soul with while they can break bread with or sip tea or share a drink… and psst… if this is really your story, please do add a scene like this. I don’t even know the story and I already feel sorry for your main character. So lonely!

Any more skeptics?

Ah, Kiddie story? No problem . Set the stage with your pint sized tyke and his or her or their toys having a tea party. What child has not played tea party with Barbie/ American Girl doll/ SpiderMan/ LEGO character/ teddy bear? Just insert favorite lovey here and voila, spin up the scene customized to your story.

Writing a non-fiction ? Ooh! This takes a little more imagination but works all the same.

Consider you are explaining your book and main concept over dinner to your guests.

What points did you leave out?
What references did you miss?
Any fitting analogy that would be excellent? Add it in.

If nothing, you just got a short book blurb and elevator spiel about your book. (Ariadne says You’re welcome!)

So, what are you waiting for? Start imaging those bodies and start writing!