This month's topic is about how do I recognize and overcome plot problems or failures? It doesn't matter whether you are a pantser (just start writing and keep going until you finish) or a plotter (plan out everything before beginning to write) the story can change.
First off, I'm a bit plotter and a bit pantser. I start
out with an idea but perhaps not an overall purpose, think about the characters
and their personalities, and some of the pitfalls they will encounter in the
story. It is usually a thread that keeps weaving through my mind until I start
writing. Once I start writing, the rest just seems to happen, but during that
process, the purpose or goal may change several times.
Continually rereading and rewriting 'finished' sections
and chapters as a story progresses through the writing phase helps me recognize
plot problems or deviations and allows me to change them before they become
obstacles. While doing these multiple rereadings I often come across passages
that need fixing or eliminating. Some sentences or paragraphs serve no function
or the function I want them to, however, as an author, I can become too involved
in my writing and miss important issues.
What types of issues?
Well, I know all description is important as it describes locations, character actions, and the character themselves. It also reaches out to evoke the reader's senses, helping pull them into the story. But too much can overwhelm the purpose and even bore the reader. I need to ask myself if it is expansive enough to explain but succinct enough to not crush its purpose.
No wonder my eyes are worn out.
Please visit these sites for more opinions on this topic:
