When you finish writing your first draft, you’ll need to make sure the larger elements work. This is called big picture editing. You may have to do a lot of reorganizing and rewriting, possibly even some heavy pruning.
What do we mean by big picture?
You may have heard the term “big picture editing” in writing or editing circles. This is the process of looking at the larger elements that make up a story and finding out which parts work and which parts have problems. It can involve some major rewriting, cutting, or moving things around so that you end up with a novel that people are going to love reading.
Genre mismatch
Problems arise for authors when they’re uncertain about their audience or the genre of their story. This uncertainty can lead to the inclusion of inappropriate elements or the omission of crucial ones. The lack of clarity about the target readership and the story’s genre can result in a narrative that feels disjointed or fails to meet the expectations of its intended audience.
Solution
To tackle this issue, authors should first identify their target audience and genre early in the writing process. Understanding reader expectations and genre conventions helps align storytelling decisions. Seeking feedback from beta readers and being open to making adjustments based on that feedback can lead to a more successful and satisfying storytelling experience.
Slow pacing
Planning the route to your novel’s climax and resolution is vital for maintaining a balanced and engaging pace. Without a clear plan, the pacing can become confusing for readers, making it hard to identify climactic moments or changes in intensity. Insufficient conflict can result in a consistently flat and uninteresting pace. Additionally, interruptions like unnecessary dialogue or backstory during intense scenes can disrupt the pacing and diminish the impact of those moments.
Solution
During revisions, carefully check how events unfold in the story to ensure a gradual build-up towards the climax and resolution. Review conflicts, making sure they contribute to dynamic pacing, and eliminate unnecessary interruptions like irrelevant dialogue or backstory during intense scenes.
Weak characterization
When characters lack depth, distinct motivations, or realistic personalities, the narrative can feel shallow, making it challenging for readers to connect with or care about the characters. Well-rounded and compelling characters are essential, and neglecting their development can weaken the overall impact of the narrative. To read more about character issues, click the link.
Solution
Check if your characters have clear motivations and realistic personalities. Think about their backgrounds, goals, and how they change in the story. Get feedback from others to see how readers connect with the characters. If there are issues, make changes to enhance your characters and improve the overall quality of your story.
*Mob Psycho 100 is an excellent example of well thought out character development and arcs.
Head-hopping
Head-hopping occurs when the narrative abruptly shifts from one character’s perspective to another within a scene or section of a story. A consistent and well-managed point of view is often preferred in fiction writing to maintain clarity and enhance reader engagement. Head-hopping, as an unintended and frequent occurrence, can detract from the overall cohesiveness and effectiveness of the storytelling.
Solution
During revisions, fix head-hopping by making sure each scene sticks to one character’s perspective. If you notice unintentional shifts, adjust the narrative for a smoother flow. Pay attention to transitions between characters and scenes to create a more reader-friendly and coherent story.
Plot holes and loose threads
A plot hole occurs when events are illogical or make little sense within the story’s world. These can be significant gaps or smaller inconsistencies. Another issue is loose threads, where the writer introduces an intriguing plotline but then appears to forget about it, leaving it unresolved.
Solution
Carefully review for plot holes, ensuring events align logically within your story’s world. Fill in gaps for a smoother plot, and consider heavier rewriting if needed. Not every plot thread needs resolution, especially in a series, but provide some acknowledgment of their existence. Have characters discuss loose ends to reassure readers of their significance, potentially revisiting them in the future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, improving your story means working on character development, pacing, and plot coherence. Getting feedback from beta readers or editors helps find weak spots in your writing. Keep refining your work to make your storytelling even better.
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