I'm writing a novel where the MC is part of a religious group that is outside of the mainstream, one where the beliefs and practices are not widely known to many people. I'm wondering if anyone has any ideas about how to explain things about basic tenants, beliefs, practices, without making it sound like I'm copying things from an encyclopedia. I feel like I'm stopping in the middle of a scene and just trying to explain everything. I spend a lot of time just explaining the history and beliefs...don't get me wrong it's great for my word count, but how to make it a little more plot driven?
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40,138 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2009 - 00 39
You could always introduce a Neophyte who has to be taught the ins and outs of the religion.
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92,406 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2009 - 02 20
agrees with the poster above ^^
What I have done is introduce a character who is just entering the novitiate for a religion that does not exist in our time.
I can walk the reader through the important bits and chuck some religious philosophy at them as my novice attends classes etc etc.
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38,529 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2009 - 02 40
The essence of plot is conflict. How did your MC become part of the religious group? By converting against the wishes of his/her parents, spouse, or children? By being indoctrinated into some kind of cult? After belonging to another religion that no longer met his/her spiritual needs? Does he/she have any misgivings about the religious group?
Is there conflict within the religious group? Are there dissenters who must be persecuted (heretics)? Is there a reformer who wants to return the group to his pure and unsullied origins? Is there corruption (like the Church selling indulgences)?
What practical consequences do the group's beliefs and practices have for its members? How do they affect the way believers live their everyday lives? Instead of focusing on what the group believes, show how they live.
Why is the group not widely known? Is it a secret society? A select group, only for the perfect or those who have been saved?
You could tell the story of the group's founder and how he/she came to his/her beliefs.
Paul aka NovelNo4
41,926 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2009 - 05 31
Thanks! I really like the idea of adding characters that help explain the beliefs by their actions or opinions. Adding a novice character would work really well I think. I'm writing about the Unification Church (Moonies), a very controversial movement that some regard as a cult and others as a legit religious movement. The MC's parents joined and so she is born into the church so she has never had a conversion experience herself, but is questioning and searching from the inside. I want to show things from her perspective but also make the reader aware of the controversial nature, show a little bit of both sides. The gears are starting to turn...thanks for your help!
5,117 / 50,000
Nov 6, 2009 - 13 47
If she is a teenager at school, a new student be trying to fit in and not like some of the back-biting, gossipy attitudes of others so gravitates towards this religious kid, even though she isn't looking to change her faith.
As things happen, your MC may have to explain why she doesn't do things like other kids. She may have a throw away line for most people, but talks a bit deeper when pressed by her friend.
Especially if the reason she has to give is, "My dad / mom won't let me."
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Nov 7, 2009 - 20 59
I made up an obscure Martian sect in my last novel that Michael, one of my main characters, is trying to flee. To express things like the history I used the following:
1. Unfinished diary entries. Michael could not be truthful when he was in the sect because they would use it to condemn him. Later, when he is free, he finishes the entries and that's how you get a lot of back-story.
2. Character misunderstandings. When non-members of the sect make mistakes, sect members and scholars corrected them. For example, "Why don't we go to the recreation center? I could go for a game of space tennis!" "I can't do that, it's Sunday."
3. Good old historical description. Usually it was involved in Michael's thought process, as sort of a mental explanation of why he did things the way he did that revealed history and practice. For example, "Michael cocked an eyebrow at being called 'Mikey.' People did not exchange such pleasantries on Mars, but it made him feel friendly toward Ashley."
You're writing about the Moonies? A lot of my relatives are Moonies. Some of my own finished book is based on the way they started acting (as well as a different friend of mine who was raised into a different religion that she describes as a cult).
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Nov 13, 2009 - 20 21
A religion's mindset (philosophy, theology and so on) are most easily most easily through concrete details, such as their lifestyle, architecture, music, art, and so on, and especially through their religious customs and traditions.
Small bites are most easily digested. :)