Do your characters start out with strong goals, unbreakable confidence, and a clear purpose to fulfill?
They move from one well-crafted scene to the next, leaving behind expectations for bigger and better action to follow. Then, around Chapter 4 or 5... They open their mouths...
...and freeze.
WHAT?
That's usually when you start taking your character's pulse.
In writing terms, this looks like second guessing, backtracking, or questioning the ideology that brought your character to this point in the first place.
Sometimes backtracking is good - necessary, even. But sometimes this moment signals that a shift needs to take place. It could be a sign of top heaviness - too much weight in one area of the story that needs to be unloaded, unpacked, or reassigned.
- A Shift = Change
Are your characters different at the end of the scene then they were at the beginning? Have they discovered something new about themselves or the supporting characters? Does the discovery help the story unfold?
A scene is a vehicle - not just a showcase
(Chapter 3)
If nothing changes, the story stalls.
- Top Heaviness = Too Much Tell, Not Enough Show.
Let's face it - back in the day, when people relied on radio for entertainment, storytellers used sound effects like: slamming doors, thunder, gunshots, and car horns to heighten sensory perception.
Why?
Because they couldn't show visually - so they had to create experience through sound.
The same principle applies to writing.
Don't just talk me through a moment-show me something.
When you rely too heavily on telling, you risk flattening the scene into summary.
Author’s Note: I'll be honest, this concept challenged my skill set. But it was essential to learn if I wanted to paint a full picture in my reader’s mind.
- Unload-Unpack
Sometimes we summarize what needs to be explained.
Details- introduced methodically, not just thrown in at the last minute- acquaint your reader with the character, the circumstances, and the surrounding scene. Thoughtful details add color to what would otherwise feel rushed or bland on the literary palette.
And trust me- there are readers who savor well paced, measured detail.
I hope these suggestions help your character get off life support and back to the business at hand: telling a great story for a waiting audience.
Availability Note:
The The Write The Book Already Course Book Collection is available right here on Payhip as convenient PDF downloads, offering:
- Instant downloads
- Unlimited personal printing
- Print - anytime worksheets
The manual is also available in paperback and on Kindle Unlimited, and the workbook is available in paperback on Amazon.com.
Happy writing!
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