You start a novel with an idea and leap into the first scene, knowing that the beginning can be scrutinized, revised, or even changed later. You race to the imagined ending, the reason for your book, only to find it far away. Treading water isn't enough, you'll bore your reader. To keep a reader's interest, every scene needs to add depth to the characters as well as twist and carry the plot. The middle contains the adventures that take the reader from beginning to end. the story is the journey.
So here's to middles, make them strong, make them worthwhile, and never forget how important they are.
Good photo, good topic...just work hard and save yourself! It's all in the rewrites. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Pam! It's Ann from Harrington's Writers Guild. I sent the query for Lake Effect to Natasha Kern's literary agency last night. Today I'm writing my acknowledgements page.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE YOUR BLOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'd love to get together and talk writing. I've done so little in so long but the plug is out of the drain now. We will be in Chadds Ford for TKGV. Can we get together?
Hi to Jeanne. Do you see Diane and Karen? What is Diane's last name? I love having access to you.
Wishing you wonders - Ann
About middles: there are many areas in life for conflict - religion, health, family, weather, fears, career, childhood baggage...
ReplyDeleteFind an area in your character's life that's okay and think of what could go wrong.
Go to the section in the library about your book, maybe spies, cooking, rock climbing...and pulled out some books on closely related subjects. Ideas will find you.
- Ann
When you finished your novel, give me words of wisdom. I wanted to write one before my life sets :)
ReplyDelete