denouement

The flash of the speed camera

/ hemmiemartin / 3 Comments

I’ d put the ms of ‘Attic of the Mind’ away after 3 edits and putting a tentative feeler out to an agent – still waiting to hear, in case you wondered.

However, my husband read the entire novel in a matter of days, finding as I hoped, that it was full of twists and surprises. One of the valid comments he made was that the denouement was to pacey – too much for the reader to digest in a short period of time.

Interestingly, I wasn’t surprised by his comment – as if I’d listened to my inner machinations – I’d have heard those very words tumble around my brain. I was so keen to get the words on the page and to read what the characters had in store for me, that I forgot to watch my speed, officer. I avoided the speed camera, but I came away with points on my licence.

Perhaps I was too hasty in letting ‘my baby’ go, but then, there may be an agent out there who may see the potential in my story and be willing to guide me through yet another edit.

Happy Word Flow One & All

When characters lead the way

/ hemmiemartin / Leave a comment

When I started the current WIP, I had written character cards detailing their appearance and habits. I had also detailed the plot and subplots as well as the denouement.

For the first few thousand words all seemed to be going according to plan. However, around the 50,000 word count, one of my characters wanted to head a certain way, which led me down a surprising route.

I read my WIP as a writer and also as a reader; as a reader, I expected something to happen in one way, but I was shocked to discover the shift in plot and direction. I’m pleased I allowed the character to take charge, although it has led me down a path I wasn’t prepared to write about, yet it excited me. There was a wealth of emotion and characteristic flaws that they displayed – as though opening their hearts and dark souls for me to inspect.

I still have the denouement in mind, but I’m aware that changes may also happen there – something I haven’t yet seen, but that one of the characters may already have in mind.

Perhaps you too find that certain characters take control and push you into unseen plot lines – but I think it can be a positive action that shouldn’t be ignored.

Happy Word Flow One & All