Novel Shortcuts, Chapter 1, Part 1

A brief summary: To be able to write a solid draft quickly and well, it helps to have a good handle on the core of your story.

A basic story premise of a novel consists of the main character, the primary setting, and the overall problem.

Identifying these three components clearly will help move the draft along.

• If you know the character well, then you solve the issues of voice and perspective. You know what obstacles to use and where to place them and why, to keep tension high. The author also points out that a well-defined character is quick to draw the reader into the story, and editors/agents love a sympathetic main character.
  
  
• An effective setting will mold both the characters and the problem. An example the book gives is Romeo and Juliet. Think about how the place and time shapes both the people involved and the problem they face.
  
  
• Lastly the problem can't just be a goal. There has to be the *but* clause in there. "Character must do this" is not a problem. "Character must do this but this is in the way" constitutes the problem.

If something doesn't seem to be working with your draft, going back to each of these components and rethinking them could be key to keeping forward momentum going. The book is fantastic for giving ideas that help you address various aspects of each segment of the premise.

Let's Discuss

What are some tools you might use to

• Clearly define your character
• Choose and know your setting
• Make sure the overall problem will sustain an entire book

Planning the Plan

I've decided that I want to accomplish two things by the end of October, 2010 (November is NaNo and December is R & R = Regroup and Reassess).

1. I want to revise and edit a previous years' NaNo draft with a goal of submitting it.
2. I want to be ready to write a better first draft in November.

To help me accomplish the goals, I've decided to work from two different books.

1. Novel Metamorphosis: Uncommon Ways to Revise by Darcy Pattison
2. Novel Shortcuts: Ten Techniques that Ensure a Great First Draft by Laura Whitcomb

One of the most educational and rewarding writing events that I've been to was the Novel Revision Retreat Darcy headed up a couple years ago. I could pick apart a plot and build key scenes to write between; I had a plan for getting a novel on paper. But I never could quite hit on a plan for getting that draft polished. I came away from that one weekend with tools that I know I will always use. I'm looking forward to using her book to get me through the revision of another NaNo baby.

The Novel Shortcuts book is one that I've had on my shelf awhile. It intrigues me.

So join me, won't you? I'm planning to use these two books in the weekly writer's workshop I've been neglecting as well. I think I'll devote the first two weeks of a month to the Shortcuts book (hoping some of the information will carry over into revision) and the second two weeks on Novel Metamorphosis.

Sounds like a nice balance right?

According to the "experts" this resolve should last till the end of January, perhaps into February.

Let's prove the experts wrong!

If you're interested in my detailed monthly schedule, let me know in the comments and I'll e-mail it.