STICKY-NOTES FOR MY BRAIN

by Beth Bernobich
(c) June 2004

I wrote this one originally as an entry in my journal, trying to articulate the key ideas I had for making Passion Play a better novel. As one friend put it, these are all concepts that we writers know, but we sometimes forget them in all the chaos and exhiliration of writing.

So. Things to keep in mind. I call them stick-notes for my brain.

Connectivity. One plot point must drive the next. (Even better if one event drives two or three or four.) Sometimes the story comes to us in fragments--really cool vivid scenes--but if you don't add in the connections between them, if you don't make one thing lead to another, then you often end up with a lovely but static mosaic. (And be careful here that you make those connection as clear to the reader as they are to you.)

The Protagonist Acts. There are books where the protagonist can be more a catalyst, or even just a focal point, instead of an actor. If that is your goal, make it work. If you do let your protagonist turn into an observer, make sure it's a deliberate move. Then make sure it works.

Multiplicity. This one applies more to novels than short stories, since novels generally have several subplots, which leads to more arcs and more threads. When you juggle all those elements, trying to keep them in balance with each other, with plot points bouncing off each other, it's each to lose track of things. Threads get dropped, or fade into the background. One thread gets more focus than it needs, and the plot starts to tilt.

Push The Characters. No, Harder. Make them bleed. Really bleed. Do not make them suffer for the sake of suffering--that way lies a wooden pointless plot--but do make them work hard for their victories. And remember that even the sweetest victory costs something.

Character=Agenda. Not just the main characters. Apply this one to the secondary characters as well. (Remember to keep things in balance. If a secondary character insists on a larger role, either change her status, or promise her her own book.)  §