I twittered recently about how at first writers often give their full attention to one plotline alone. Subsequent rewrites, we are able to multitask.The plot line that first comes to a writer generally reflects the writer's strength and preference. This particular writer gives great thought to the action plot line -- outer plot -- and to the romantic plot line -- romance plot (not necessary in every book, though this particular writer is a romance writer, so... Also, because romance fiction is …
First Draft Blues
Today's post is similar to the last post as far as information goes but revolves around one specific writer's dilemma (2-hour plot consultation occurred earlier in the year). Thought it might be helpful to others.Question: ...Wishing you a wonderful summer. It`s like hell in Southern Norway, a three week heatwave is just about to drain all energy from nearly everybody, but I guess we`ll survive. Hope all is well with you. I`m having trouble finishing my book, don`t know how to continue to the …
Starting a Story Too Early
Remember, just because you write a scene does not mean the scene belongs in your story. We often write twice as many scenes as will ultimately end up in the finished novel, memoir, short story, screenplay. Still, every single word and line and scene you write is invaluable to you as a writer because in writing, you:Expand your writing skillsDeepen your writer's voiceAnd most of all, the more scenes you write, the more you learn about: The characters in your storyNo writing you do is a waste of …
Pacing Your Plot
The energy of a story rises and falls in a somewhat predictable nature based on the Universal Story Form. Consider, therefore, the placement of your scenes that carry the highest emotional impact. The scenes in the Beginning (1/4) have less conflict, tension, and suspense than do the scenes that come in the End (final 1/4). Think of story as energy rising ever higher to each of the major turning points (End of the Beginning scene, Halfway point scene, Crisis, Climax) and often falling after …
Mystery and Romance Genres
In filling out the standard Character Emotional Plot Information (see **below), writers who write in the mystery genre invariably list the character goal as solving the mystery. Writers who write in the romance genre invariable list the character goal as finding love or to get the guy. This is fine.However, to create more complexity to your plot, you may want to give the protagonist an additional goal(s) as well. The protagonist has a life, and thus, goal, before the mystery hits or before the …
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