Writing Craft: When You Can’t Finish Your Story by Randy Ingermanson | Advanced Fiction Writing

When You Can’t Finish Your Story

by Randy Ingermanson

Advanced Fiction Writing

When you can’t seem to finish the first draft of your story, that’s a sign something’s wrong. You could try to power through to the end, but if you try that repeatedly and you still can’t finish, then the story is probably broken.

In that case, you have two choices:

• Throw it away and start over.
• Fix it.

Usually, fixing a story is a lot more economical than throwing it away. If the story can’t be fixed, then yes, go ahead and throw it away. But most stories can be fixed. It’s a matter of asking the right questions. Below are a few that may be useful.

Did the Story Have a Plan?

Many writers don’t plan before they start writing. They just write without a plan, and a story emerges.

That’s the theory, anyway, and it very often works beautifully. But in practice, sometimes a coherent story doesn’t emerge. It happens.

When it happens, when you can’t make a story emerge, it may be time to take drastic action. You may need to make a plan, based on the story you have so far. One way to do this is to use the Flowsnake Method that I talked about in the April issue of this e-zine. The Flowsnake Method essentially works my Snowflake Method backward, starting from the story and ending up with a one-sentence summary. And a plan for the story.

Depending on how complicated your story is, using the Flowsnake Method will take you anywhere from a few hours to a couple of weeks. That’s a big time investment, but if you’re stuck, it’s a price you might be willing to pay to get unstuck.

Did the Story Follow the Plan?

You may have started with a plan, but that’s no guarantee of success.

I’m pretty sure no author ever made a plan for a story and followed it exactly. I never have, and I don’t expect I ever will.

Things change as you write the story. Some characters walk on the stage and say things you weren’t expecting. Others just don’t play as big a role as you had expected. Sometimes, small story strands turn into major plot threads. Or the story veers in a direction you couldn’t have foreseen.

Your story evolves. That’s not bad, that’s good. Usually, that evolution takes you to a better place than the story you had planned, and all is well.

But sometimes your story evolves in a way that paints you into a corner. When you’re painted in a corner, you can either walk over wet paint or break a wall. Either way, you need to change from evolution to revolution.

What that means is you need to replan your story. That shouldn’t be hard. You planned the story once, so you ought to be able to plan it again.

But before you make the new plan, write down what’s wrong with the actual story you wrote. And keep that in front of you when you write up the new plan.

Was the Original Plan Bad?

Sometimes, you wrote something pretty close to what you originally planned, but it turned out to be a bad plan.

That can be hard to swallow. You like to think you’re a good writer. It’s tough to admit you made a bad plan. But if the story isn’t working, it’s better to own up to your mistake than to stick to a plan that was bad.

Read the plan again, looking for fundamental errors:

• Can you summarize your storyline in one sentence?
• How does your protagonist change in the story?
• What is the theme of the story?
• Are the storyline and the character arc and the theme in sync with each other?

If you look long enough, you should be able to spot the cracks in your original plan that prevented you from writing the story you wanted.

The hard part is to make a new plan. You may need to break large parts of the story. You might need to throw away some scenes. Or some characters. Or rethink who those characters are.

Do what you need to do to make a plan that actually works. Then get back in gear and follow the new plan.

It’s helpful to remember that writing isn’t some mindless paint-by-numbers thing.

Writing is Hard

If writing was easy, everyone would write a bestseller, and nobody would earn any money, because there would be too many great stories available to buy and not enough buyers to buy them all.

So be glad writing is hard. But that means you’ll often get stuck. Everyone gets stuck. When you’re stuck, you don’t want to hear that writing is hard and everyone gets stuck, but it’s what you need to hear. Because the first step on the road to getting unstuck is to recognize that you’re stuck.

Homework:

• Is your current story stuck in the first draft?
• Did it have a plan to begin with?
• If it had a plan, did you drift so far away from it that you need a new plan?
• If you followed the plan, was it a bad plan to begin with?

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About The Author

Randy Ingermanson is a theoretical physicist and the award-winning author of six novels. He has taught at numerous writing conferences over the years and publishes the free monthly Advanced Fiction Writing E-zine.

 

 Randy Ingermanson Books at Amazon

 

More Advanced Fiction Writing

Writing Craft: Backstory and Front-Story by Randy Ingermanson | Advanced Fiction Writing

 

Backstory and Front-Story

by Randy Ingermanson

Advanced Fiction Writing

Every character in your novel has a past, a present, and a future.

The future is fuzzy and out of focus, but your characters think they know what they want their future to be. 

The future that your protagonist wants is called the “story goal” for your novel, and it drives your story forward.

Your front-story is whatever is happening right now as your protagonist tries desperately to reach his or her story goal. 

The front-story is the reason your reader reads. Without a front-story, your novel is dead in the swamp. As much as possible, you need to always keep your front-story on center stage in your novel.

But your character has a past also—all the things that happened in their life that made them the person they are today. That past is called “backstory.”  

Backstory Matters

Backstory matters a lot. Nobody just walks onto the stage of you

r story without a past. Everybody carries baggage. The older you get, the more baggage you carry, unless you learn to let go. And nobody ever lets go of it all.

But backstory can be a story-killer. Reading a novel that begins with a huge lump of backstory is like going out on a first date and spending the whole time hearing about the other person’s miserable, horrible, no-good, very bad childhood. 

There’s a place for backstory. That place is not at the beginning of the story. At the beginning of the story, you want to be focusing on the front-story. The stuff that’s happening right now.

In Star Wars, we spend quite a lot of time getting to know Darth Vader before we ever learn that he’s Luke’s daddy. If we found that out in the first ten minutes, we wouldn’t care. Because we wouldn’t know Vader and we wouldn’t know Luke enough to care yet. But at the right place in the story, that little bit of backstory carries the force of a proton torpedo.

The Cardinal Rules of Backstory

So how do you know when to bring in backstory?

Here’s are two simple rules I use that guide me well most of the time:

• Bring in the backstory at exactly the point when the reader must know it in order to make sense of the scene I’m writing right now. 
• Tell only as much backstory as the reader needs to understand just this one scene.

These are not iron-clad rules. They’re useful rules of thumb. Use them when they improve your story. Ignore them when they don’t.

The TV series Lost used backstory heavily. Lost had a very large cast of characters, and it took many episodes to get to know them all. 

Typically, each episode highlighted just a few characters, and one or two of those would have a flashback that showed off some essential piece of backstory in their lives.

When I say “some essential piece of backstory,” I mean that piece is essential to understand the episode in which it appears.

Over the course of six seasons, we saw more and more backstory about each character, and understood them better and better.  

If you liked Lost, I suspect that part of the reason you liked it was that the backstory was strong. The backstory served the front-story.

Developing Your Backstory

There are two basic ways that novelists use to create their backstory:

• Figure it out before you need it
• Make it up as you need it

People who like to plan their novel before writing it (such as outliners or Snowflakers) usually figure out most of their backstory before they write their novel. Of course, during the process of writing the story, they’ll think up new bits of backstory and add that to whatever they started with.

People who like to write their novel without preplanning it (such as seat-of-the-pantsers and edit-as-you-go writers) usually make up backstory as they’re writing scenes. Then when the story is finished, they may need to do some work to make it all consistent and fill in any gaps. 

It really doesn’t matter which way you do things. Your brain is wired to favor one method over another, and I don’t recommend fighting the wiring in your brain. Work with your brain, not against it.

But however you prefer to work, I strongly recommend that you spend some time making sure your backstory is strong. It should be a reasonable explanation of how your character came to be the person they are. It should increase the conflict your character feels during the front-story.

Editing for Backstory

I also strongly recommend that when you edit the second draft of your novel, you should fire-test each chunk of backstory as it comes up in the story. Could you delay telling this bit of backstory until later in the story? Would that improve things? If the backstory is essential right now, could you tell less of it? Would that improve things?

The goal here is not “to get rid of all the backstory.” That would be like cutting off your nose to improve your smile.

The goal here is “to use the backstory to make the front-story as good as possible.”

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About The Author

Randy Ingermanson is a theoretical physicist and the award-winning author of six novels. He has taught at numerous writing conferences over the years and publishes the free monthly Advanced Fiction Writing E-zine.

 

 Randy Ingermanson Books at Amazon

 

More Advanced Fiction Writing

The Domino Effect: Crafting a Compelling Plot in Fiction Writing

The Domino Effect: Crafting a Compelling Plot in Fiction Writing

By Olivia Salter

In the realm of fiction writing, the plot is the backbone that supports the entire narrative structure. It is the intricate series of causes and effects that propel the story forward, creating a cohesive and engaging experience for the reader. Understanding how to weave these elements together is crucial for any writer aiming to craft a memorable tale.

The Chain Reaction: Cause and Effect

At its core, a plot is a sequence of events linked by cause and effect. This means that every action (A) leads to a consequence (B), which in turn triggers another action, and so on. This chain reaction continues until it culminates in the story’s climax, the pivotal moment where all the threads of the narrative converge.

For instance, consider a mystery novel where the protagonist discovers a hidden letter (A). This discovery leads them to investigate a long-forgotten crime (B), which then puts them in danger. Each event is a direct result of the previous one, creating a logical and compelling progression that keeps readers hooked.

Building Tension: The Rising Action

The rising action is where the plot thickens. As the story progresses, the stakes get higher, and the protagonist faces increasingly difficult challenges. This is where the cause-and-effect chain becomes more complex, with multiple subplots and character arcs intertwining.

Imagine a fantasy epic where the hero must gather allies to defeat a dark lord. Each ally they recruit (A) brings new skills and knowledge (B), but also new conflicts and obstacles. The rising action is a delicate balancing act, where each cause-and-effect sequence must build upon the last, escalating the tension and driving the story towards its climax.

The Climax: The Turning Point

The climax is the moment of highest tension in the story, where all the cause-and-effect sequences reach their peak. It is the result of all the events and decisions that have come before, and it often involves a significant change or revelation.

In a romance novel, the climax might be the moment when the protagonists finally confess their love for each other, overcoming all the misunderstandings and obstacles that have kept them apart. This moment is powerful because it is the culmination of the entire plot, the point where all the causes and effects converge.

Resolution: Tying Up Loose Ends

After the climax, the story moves into the resolution, where the remaining plot threads are tied up, and the characters deal with the aftermath of the climax. This is where the final cause-and-effect sequences play out, bringing the story to a satisfying conclusion.

In a thriller, the resolution might involve the protagonist bringing the villain to justice and dealing with the personal consequences of their actions. The resolution provides closure, ensuring that the story feels complete and fulfilling.

In conclusion,  crafting a compelling plot is all about understanding the domino effect of cause and effect. By carefully constructing a series of interconnected events, writers can create a narrative that is both logical and engaging, leading readers on a journey that culminates in a powerful and satisfying climax. Whether you’re writing a mystery, a romance, or a fantasy epic, mastering the art of plot construction is key to creating a story that resonates with your audience.

The Symphony of Character Voice: Crafting Distinct Personalities in Fiction

 

The Symphony of Character Voice: Crafting Distinct Personalities in Fiction

By Olivia Salter

In the realm of fiction writing, character voice is akin to a signature melody, unique to each character and crucial for the overall harmony of the narrative. It encompasses the nuances of how a character expresses themselves, both in their inner thoughts and in their interactions with others. A well-crafted character voice can illuminate personality traits, drive the plot, and engage readers on a profound level, making the characters not just figures on a page, but relatable beings with whom readers can connect.

Understanding Character Voice

Character voice is not merely about the words a character chooses; it's an intricate tapestry woven from personality traits, background, emotional state, and even the context of the situation. This voice can be revealed through various means:

1. Inner Monologue: The thoughts a character has reveal their motivations, fears, and desires. A character with a cynical voice may express their thoughts with sarcasm, while an optimistic character might maintain a hopeful tone, regardless of circumstances. This internal dialogue is a powerful tool for writers, allowing them to showcase the character’s perspective and emotional depth.
2. Dialogue: How characters speak to one another reflects their relationships and social standing. A character who uses formal language might suggest a background of privilege or education, whereas slang or colloquial speech might indicate a more casual upbringing. Dialogue also includes the rhythms and cadences of speech, which can vary greatly between characters, further differentiating them in the reader's mind.
3. Narration: The narrative style can also influence character voice. A first-person narrative allows readers to experience the world through a character's eyes, making their voice even more immediate and impactful. In contrast, a third-person narration can provide insight into multiple characters, revealing how their voices contrast or complement one another.

The Importance of Distinct Voices

Distinct character voices are essential for several reasons:

• Reader Engagement: A vibrant character voice draws readers into the story, making them care about what happens next. When readers can hear a character's voice in their minds, they become more invested in the character's journey.
• Character Differentiation: In stories with multiple characters, a unique voice helps readers keep track of who is who. If every character spoke in the same way, they would blend together, losing individuality. This is particularly important in ensemble casts where each character plays a vital role in the narrative.
• Tone and Atmosphere: The way characters express themselves can set the tone of the story. A character's voice can introduce humor, tension, sadness, or excitement, influencing the overall atmosphere of the narrative. For instance, a character reflecting on tragic events with dry humor might create a juxtaposition that adds depth to the story.

Techniques for Developing Character Voice

Writers can employ several techniques to develop a character's voice effectively:

1. Character Profiles: Create detailed profiles that include not just physical traits but also personality, background, and speech patterns. Understanding a character holistically will inform how they express themselves.
2. Listening and Observation: Pay attention to how people speak in real life. Note differences in dialect, tone, and choice of words. This can inspire authentic dialogue and inner monologue.
3. Experimentation: Don’t hesitate to write scenes from different characters' perspectives. This can reveal unique aspects of their voice and help refine how they express themselves.
4. Feedback and Revision: Share your work with others and seek feedback specifically about character voice. Sometimes, what sounds distinct in your head may not come across the same way on the page.

In conclusion, in fiction writing, character voice is one of the most potent tools at a writer's disposal. It shapes how readers perceive and relate to characters, influences the story's tone, and enhances the overall reading experience. By giving careful thought to how each character expresses themselves, writers can create a symphony of voices that resonates with readers, ensuring that every character leaves a lasting impression. As you craft your stories, remember that each character has a unique voice waiting to be discovered—one that will bring your narrative to life.

Writing Quote: I must tell you how I work. I don’t have my novel outlined and I have to write to discover what I am doing. Like the old lady, I don’t know so well what I think until I see what I say; then I have to say it over again. --Flannery O’Connor

 

The Uncharted Path: Embracing Discovery in Fiction Writing

By Olivia Salter

In the realm of fiction writing, the process can often feel like a winding journey through uncharted territory. Flannery O’Connor’s insightful quote captures the essence of this experience perfectly: “I must tell you how I work. I don’t have my novel outlined and I have to write to discover what I am doing.” For many writers, the act of writing is not merely a means to an end; it is a vital exploration of thought and creativity, allowing authors to uncover their narratives in real time.

The Art of Discovery

O’Connor’s methodology highlights the notion that writing can be a form of self-discovery. Instead of confining oneself to a rigid outline, writers who adopt this approach often find that the characters and plots evolve organically. This process allows ideas to flow freely, leading to unexpected twists and turns that can enhance the richness of the narrative. Just as the old lady in O’Connor's analogy may not fully grasp her thoughts until she sees them expressed in words, writers can uncover deeper themes and emotions through the act of writing itself.

Breaking Free from Outlines

For many aspiring authors, the pressure to create a detailed outline can be daunting. It often stifles creativity and leads to a fear of deviating from the plan. O’Connor’s perspective encourages writers to embrace spontaneity and intuition. By allowing the story to unfold naturally, writers can tap into their subconscious, leading to authentic and compelling storytelling. This method aligns with the idea that sometimes the best ideas come when we least expect them, often revealing layers of meaning that might remain hidden in a pre-structured framework.

The Power of Revision

O’Connor also emphasizes the importance of revision: “then I have to say it over again.” This is a crucial aspect of the writing process that cannot be overlooked. First drafts are often messy and chaotic, but they provide the foundation for refinement. Writers might discover new angles, character motivations, or plot developments during revisions that were not apparent during the initial writing phase. This iterative process transforms rough ideas into polished narratives, allowing the writer to distill their thoughts into a cohesive story.

Trusting the Process

Ultimately, O’Connor’s approach promotes a sense of trust in the writing process. It encourages writers to let go of the need for control and embrace uncertainty. By doing so, they open themselves up to exploration and creativity, allowing their unique voice to emerge organically. This perspective fosters a deeper connection to the characters and themes being developed, as writers engage fully with their work rather than adhering to a predetermined path.

In conclusion, in the world of fiction writing, Flannery O’Connor’s insights serve as a reminder that the journey of creation is as significant as the destination. By letting go of strict outlines and allowing the writing process to guide them, authors can unlock new dimensions of their stories. The act of writing becomes a dialogue with the self, revealing thoughts and feelings that can only be fully understood through the written word. For those willing to embrace this method, the rewards can be profound, leading to narratives that resonate deeply with both the writer and the reader.

Crafting Your Story: A Chapter-by-Chapter Guide to Outlining Your Novel

Crafting Your Story: A Chapter-by-Chapter Guide to Outlining Your Novel

By Olivia Salter

Outlining a novel can seem like a daunting task, but breaking it down chapter by chapter can make the process more manageable and ensure a well-structured story. This article provides a comprehensive guide to outlining your novel, helping you transform your ideas into a cohesive narrative.

Chapter 1: Introduction and Hook

The first chapter is crucial as it sets the tone for your novel and hooks the reader. Introduce your protagonist, establish the setting, and present the inciting incident that propels the story forward. This chapter should grab the reader’s attention and make them eager to continue.

Chapter 2: Establishing the World

In the second chapter, delve deeper into the world of your story. Provide more details about the setting, introduce key secondary characters, and begin to develop the protagonist’s goals and motivations. This chapter should build on the foundation laid in the first chapter and start to flesh out the story’s context.

Chapter 3: Rising Action Begins

With the world established, the third chapter should introduce the main conflict or challenge that the protagonist will face. This is where the rising action begins, and the stakes start to become clear. The protagonist’s journey is set in motion, and the reader should start to see the direction the story is heading.

Chapter 4: Developing Subplots

Subplots add depth and complexity to your novel. In this chapter, introduce a subplot or two that will run parallel to the main plot. These subplots should be connected to the main story and help to develop secondary characters and themes.

Chapter 5: Building Tension

As the story progresses, the tension should continue to build. In this chapter, escalate the conflict and introduce obstacles that the protagonist must overcome. This is a good place to develop character relationships and show how the protagonist is affected by the challenges they face.

Chapter 6: Midpoint Twist

The midpoint of your novel is a critical turning point. Introduce a twist or significant event that changes the direction of the story. This could be a revelation, a major setback, or a shift in the protagonist’s goals. The midpoint should keep the reader engaged and propel the story into the second half.

Chapter 7: Deepening the Conflict

After the midpoint, the conflict should intensify. In this chapter, raise the stakes and make the protagonist’s journey more challenging. This is a good time to explore the protagonist’s inner struggles and show how they are growing and changing in response to the conflict.

Chapter 8: Approaching the Climax

As the story nears its climax, the tension should reach its peak. In this chapter, set the stage for the final confrontation or resolution. The protagonist should be preparing to face their greatest challenge, and the reader should be on the edge of their seat, eager to see how the story will unfold.

Chapter 9: The Climax

The climax is the most intense and exciting part of your novel. In this chapter, the protagonist faces their greatest challenge and the main conflict is resolved. This is the moment of truth, where the protagonist’s growth and efforts are put to the test.

Chapter 10: Resolution and Denouement

After the climax, the story begins to wind down. In this chapter, tie up loose ends and provide a satisfying resolution to the story. Show how the protagonist has changed and what the future holds for them. The denouement should leave the reader with a sense of closure and satisfaction.

In conclusion, outlining your novel chapter by chapter can help you create a well-structured and engaging story. By breaking the process down into manageable steps, you can ensure that each chapter serves a purpose and contributes to the overall narrative. Remember, the key to a successful outline is flexibility—be open to making changes as your story outline.

The Journey from Novice to Master: Embracing the Path of Growth in Fiction Writing

The Journey from Novice to Master: Embracing the Path of Growth in Fiction Writing

By Olivia Salter

In the world of fiction writing, the journey from novice to master is a path paved with perseverance, experimentation, and continuous learning. No one starts at the top; every celebrated author once faced the daunting blank page, unsure of their voice and direction. This article explores the essential steps and mindset required to grow as a fiction writer, emphasizing that tenacity, trial and error, risk-taking, and skill honing are the cornerstones of success.

Embracing the Beginner’s Mindset

Every writer begins as a beginner, and acknowledging this is the first step towards growth. Embracing the beginner’s mindset means accepting that mistakes are part of the learning process. It’s about being open to feedback, willing to revise, and understanding that the first draft is just the beginning. Celebrated authors like J.K. Rowling and Stephen King started with humble beginnings, facing numerous rejections before achieving success. Their stories remind us that persistence is key.

The Role of Tenacity

Tenacity is the fuel that drives a writer forward, even when the path seems difficult. Writing is a craft that requires dedication and a willingness to push through challenges. There will be days when the words don’t flow, when self-doubt creeps in, and when the story seems to lose its way. It’s during these times that tenacity becomes crucial. By setting small, achievable goals and celebrating each milestone, writers can maintain momentum and stay motivated.

Learning Through Trial and Error

Trial and error are integral to the writing process. Each story, each character, and each plot twist is an experiment. Some ideas will flourish, while others may fall flat. The key is to learn from each attempt. Writers should not fear failure but rather view it as an opportunity to refine their craft. By analyzing what works and what doesn’t, writers can develop a deeper understanding of storytelling and improve their skills.

Taking Risks

Great stories often come from taking risks. Whether it’s experimenting with a new genre, exploring unconventional narrative structures, or delving into controversial themes, risk-taking can lead to unique and compelling fiction. Writers should not be afraid to step out of their comfort zones and challenge themselves. It’s through these bold moves that they can discover their true voice and create stories that resonate with readers.

Honing Skills

Skill honing is a continuous process. Writers must be committed to improving their craft through practice, reading, and studying the works of others. Attending workshops, joining writing groups, and seeking mentorship can provide valuable insights and feedback. Additionally, reading widely across genres can expose writers to different styles and techniques, enriching their own writing.

In conclusion, the journey from novice to master in fiction writing is a testament to the power of tenacity, trial and error, risk-taking, and skill honing. No one starts at the top, but with dedication and a willingness to learn, every writer has the potential to grow and succeed. Embrace the process, celebrate the small victories, and remember that each step forward is a step closer to mastering the art of fiction writing.