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KISS
copyright Daniel Arenson
September 18, 2007
In software development and engineering, the KISS principle states that design should be kept as simple as possible, KISS standing for “Keep It Simple, Stupid”. KISS is an important principle in software and engineering, but in some ways, it can help us as novelists, too.
When writing a novel, I use the KISS principle when creating the premise. Great novels can usually be summarized in one or two single, simple sentences. If you find yourself struggling to summarize your novel’s premise succinctly, you might need to apply the KISS principle.
For example, here is the premise for the science fiction novel Ender’s Game, by Orson Scott Card: “In a future where mankind has barely survived two invasions by the ‘buggers’, an insectoid alien race, the world's most talented children, including the extraordinary Ender Wiggin, are taken into ‘Battle School’ at a very young age to supply commanders for the expected Third Invasion.”
Just because you can summarize a novel simply does not mean the novel itself is simple, or that it lacks depth. Ender’s Game is a rich piece of science fiction, but the author maintains focus across the book, sticking to the central plot. If your main premise is complex and convoluted, that might mean your book will lack focus.
Novels often have focused conflicts as well – the old “man vs. nature”, “man vs. society”, and all those basic conflict types we studied in English class. When designing your novel’s central conflict, KISS. Otherwise, again, the story might seem unfocused.
Finally, I use the KISS principle when constructing the paragraphs and sentences themselves. If you try too hard to write in an arty, literary style, your readers might lose touch with your story and characters. And after all, your novel should be about the story and characters, not the words you use to describe them.
When do you not want to use the KISS principle? When it comes to characterization, complex is good. When it comes to setting and description, I often want to display depth. But with premise, conflict, and writing style, keeping it simple is often the best method.
What do you think?
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