Usually it’s the backstory or how a certain group works & their history in a story. I recent came upon the latter in my current revisions and was like “I know what this group does. How it serves the story. But not how they came into being and what their history is!” And history is important in stories!
This is so helpful. I tend to get stuck when I'm trying to force a scene that isn't actually necessary to the plot. Even if what the characters do is in character, I'm probably just trying to orchestrate some conflict between characters for a sub-plot or reveal some backstory, and what I actually need to do is determine if it's even necessary, and if so, how to cut the tangents and streamline it to the main conflict.
Thank you for laying out so clearly the how the internal and external motivations need to make sense in order to move the plot along… and I am fascinated by Claudia already 😅
My sticky point is always my own perfectionism. Perfect is the enemy of creative. I start to second-guess/doubt/disbelieve that my story is “good” or “good enough”, and then my brain happily supplies other ways a scene could go and before I know it I’m writing 5 different versions of the same story and can’t decide which one is the “right” one. Then I get overwhelmed, stall out, and stop writing. 🙄
This was a helpful post, thank you so much. On a related note, I’m currently stuck trying to slow part of my book down. I recently identified a pacing problem between the catalyst and a magical cookie (too fast). That magical cookie (which I’ve already drafted a bit of) is so clear in my mind, but I know the character and her relationships need to marinate a bit before that scene.
Now I am trying to deconstruct that part of my book, spread out the scenes I have, and inject new scenes to help slow things down. But I’m struggling. Things feel jumbled even though I’ve tried flash cards, etc.
Do you have thoughts on how to tackle a problem like this, especially when your brain is just so ready to get to/beyond the next cookie? I’m just not feeling excited about this part of the book.
Usually it’s the backstory or how a certain group works & their history in a story. I recent came upon the latter in my current revisions and was like “I know what this group does. How it serves the story. But not how they came into being and what their history is!” And history is important in stories!
Thanks so much for your article ! The way you manage to simplify writing problems is so helpful !
This is so helpful. I tend to get stuck when I'm trying to force a scene that isn't actually necessary to the plot. Even if what the characters do is in character, I'm probably just trying to orchestrate some conflict between characters for a sub-plot or reveal some backstory, and what I actually need to do is determine if it's even necessary, and if so, how to cut the tangents and streamline it to the main conflict.
Eloquent, clear, and instructive as ever! From the editorial side of the desk, these are the same things I look for especially in the opening pages :)
Great reminders that came at the perfect time <3
Loved this one. Definitely saving it for the times when I feel stuck (so often!) and can't figure out what's wrong. Thanks, Sooz!
Thank you for laying out so clearly the how the internal and external motivations need to make sense in order to move the plot along… and I am fascinated by Claudia already 😅
Oh hey, this is so timely for my current WIP. Thanks for sharing your experience. These are GREAT suggestions.
My sticky point is always my own perfectionism. Perfect is the enemy of creative. I start to second-guess/doubt/disbelieve that my story is “good” or “good enough”, and then my brain happily supplies other ways a scene could go and before I know it I’m writing 5 different versions of the same story and can’t decide which one is the “right” one. Then I get overwhelmed, stall out, and stop writing. 🙄
This has absolutely been my experience! The outline was so logical and pretty when I wrote it…. 🫠
This was a helpful post, thank you so much. On a related note, I’m currently stuck trying to slow part of my book down. I recently identified a pacing problem between the catalyst and a magical cookie (too fast). That magical cookie (which I’ve already drafted a bit of) is so clear in my mind, but I know the character and her relationships need to marinate a bit before that scene.
Now I am trying to deconstruct that part of my book, spread out the scenes I have, and inject new scenes to help slow things down. But I’m struggling. Things feel jumbled even though I’ve tried flash cards, etc.
Do you have thoughts on how to tackle a problem like this, especially when your brain is just so ready to get to/beyond the next cookie? I’m just not feeling excited about this part of the book.