A recent article on Writer Unboxed titled "Putting Your Words on Trial" by Julie Carrick Dalton resonated with me—and issued a challenge, too, because I’m close to going back through my WIP.
It’s an article well worth reading. She started her adventure in word-judging by looking at her manuscript at the chapter level. She asked her chapters this question:
What is your purpose? The answer on the chapter level must relate to plot. Does this chapter or scene either move the plot forward or fundamentally develop a character or relationship? If a chapter’s purpose was rooted in setting, mood, theme, or pretty language, I stopped and reconsidered. Would anyone miss you if you disappeared forever?
When she summarizes her approach, it involved four steps, the first being chapters:
Put your chapters and scenes on the stand.
- Why are you here?
- Would anyone care or notice if you ceased to exist?
- Are you vital to the plot?
- Are you crucial to developing character?
- Do you move the plot forward by building suspense?
- Do you create vital story questions that move the plot forward?
My favorite item on the list is the last one about story questions. She goes on to dig deeper and deeper, and that’s why this is worth reading.
For what it’s worth.
Ray
© 2017 Ray Rhamey
My books. You can read sample chapters and learn more about the books here.
Writing Craft Mastering the Craft of Compelling Storytelling
Fantasy (satire) The Vampire Kitty-cat Chronicles
Mystery (coming of age) The Summer Boy
Science Fiction Hiding Magic
Science Fiction Gundown Free ebooks.