Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Positive/negative

Every scene needs to turn. If the characters feel the same way at the start as at the end, particularly the POV character, what is the point of the scene?
A simple enough concept. You would think I had learnt that by now. Or about dissipating tension in a scene by having it go on too long. Guilty as charged. But can I figure out how to change? Where is going to make the most impact when you know in your heart a scene needs to be there.
Then there is muddled backstory. Simply, simplify.
Ah my old friends, the Crows of Doubt have to call. Always good to have them drop in at this point in the revision process.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh, don't I hear you. I think you're echoing my sentiments as I look over a new proposal I'm finishing up. When I read it, I think, oh this is pretty good. Then I step back and think--okay, is this completely stretching the bounds of believability? Ack!

We need a slingshot for those crows...

Donna Alward said...

*shakes very large broom at pesky crows*

Let me shoo those things away right now. Revisions are there to tighten places you simply couldn't see the first time. And you can do this, you know you can.

After just finishing IMCW, I have NO doubts whatsoever. A fantastic, tight read. It will get there and remember you only have to change ONE page at a time.

Anonymous said...

Actually, it sounds like you know exactly what you have to do to make it work.

Go away, pesky crows! Settle down here near me. I'm starting a new book, for a new imprint, and have no idea what's going to happen. AND I'm hormonal and slightly hung over. I'm easy pickings, the perfect distraction from Michelle.

(Unfortunately, I suspect there are plenty of crows to go around.)

Michelle Styles said...

And yes, I know they are old friends -- The Crows. One wonders sometimes if one should be sending birthday cards to them. ANd I expect if they did not come around for a visit, I would miss them.

I know what needs to be done. It is just making sure that it is done well enough.