So when a friend asked for short editing tips to share on her facebook page, I wanted to go with something unexpected. I decided on five suggests for making a stronger main character and keeping the plot headed in the right direction.
Keeping these 'rules' in mind has helped me with my big picture troubles. Maybe they'll do the same for you. Oh, and if you'd stop by Cliffhanger Editing on Facebook and give the page a 'like,' that would be much appreciated.
1. As far as big picture problems, I read a lot of first draft manuscripts with passive main
characters. Characters who sit around and wait for something to happen. A main
character, like a detective, has to get out there and instigate and investigate
matters. Don’t let your character be a reactive, flabby mess or an armchair
quarterback, put him/her out there and have them get busy.
2. Another ‘big picture’ problem I see in manuscripts is
coddled main characters. We love our characters, and we don’t want bad things
to happen to them. Bull Sh*t! Main characters have to suffer. They need to get
clobbered with physical pain as well as mental suffering. Break their arms, add
a little blood, have their boyfriends destroy their hearts and their best
friend crash their car. Conflict drives a story, and a main character who never
gets hurt loses effectiveness. Remember pain is gain.
3. Beware the damsel
in distress syndrome. A main character has to rescue themselves by the end of
the story. He/she may have to have help to escape a problem, but the brains and
the determination has to come from them. Avoid letting an older and wiser
secondary character continually step in and save the day. No Snow Whites in
this day and age.
4. Make sure each chapter builds and add to the story. In
other words, one thing must lead logically to the next. If the porridge is too
hot in chapter one, then chapter two should be the bears going for a walk and
leaving the door unlocked. You don’t want the porridge too hot, then in the
next chapter they’re playing Wii bowling. In other words, the plot shouldn’t
involve a bunch of random adventures in each chapter that have nothing to do
with each other.
Please share your big picture advice. What rules do you live by when weaving the entire story into perfection?
Oh Thank you for the shoutout :) YOu did a great job, with much of our followers clicking and reading :)
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! Thanks!
ReplyDelete*stands and applauds* lol Though I'm always wondering if my MC is too passive. I'll let someone else tell me to be sure. ;)
ReplyDelete