Novel 4 – started on June 4th – is so far at the 1/3 mark – 20k words. I should have been at the 30k stage by now, and I have myself to blame for not doing as much. Bah humbug…
Anyway, the MC is developing nicely, and I’m pretty sure I’ve found the voice that suits However, at the stage of Chapter 7, some hard truths are coming to light. Somethings contained within the novel are weakening the MC and his journey.
With every novel there are aspects that must be accounted for; including:
And… I like to have subplots.
And sub-characters.
Except – in this novel – the Subs are ruining the flow. They need removing, or remodelling. I don’t have to redo many pages, but if I sort them out now, I can continue the remaining 2/3 with better sight of how things will pan out. Less subplots/sub-characters = less loopholes to close off… Unless you’re G.R.R. Martin, where you get to kill off major characters no longer required.
My changes will be:
- Change Sub-Character Billy ‘Brick’ Wallstopper from MC’s colleague to MC’s sub-antagonist.
- Change Sub-Character Michelle Anderson from MC’s colleague to bystander caught in danger.
- Add sick cronies that make you want to stab the page to exasperate the danger.
- Remove Subplot of internal conspiracy.
- Remove Subplot of deceit by colleagues – too deep for a YA 9+ I think.
- Increase relationship between MC and a certain friend – to make later issue that much more chilling.
Yes, I know… They’re not major changes… but they do impact immensely on the journey.
I forever preach Think Less – Write More, but if you find the novel going places that don’t sit well; no harm in reversing to sort it out.
+10
