So I'm trying to write a novel that is a revenge story, where the main character loses his humanity in the pursuit but finds it again way later. I'm currently stuck on how to continue because I have an idea for beginning, middle, and end, but I don't know how to fill inbetween those. Advice?
I feel your pain, anon. Filler material and transitions between scenes can be a tricky part of writing for those of us who are more plot driven.
You know where your character is and where they need to end up. Now, you need to figure out how they’re going to get there!
-Remember your side plots. Don’t have any? Create some! Use your minor characters and other aspects of your protagonist’s life to create some side plots that can be explored when you don’t know what else to write. Side plots are ultimately there to support the main plot. Your character can’t be fighting the bad guys in every single scene. What else is going on in their life? What specific items, skills, etc. do they need to achieve their goals? Who do they meet along the way? Do they learn any lessons?
-Include your side characters. You’ve created each character for a reason. Use them! If you find that you don’t have enough characters, you can always create more. Is there a love interest? A voice of reason? A mentor? A protégé? Figure out all of the types of characters you need for the story and put them to use!
-Consider the theme and message. What exactly do you want to say with your story? What do you want your readers to get out of this? Perhaps you need specific scenes to further this message.
-Refine your notes. Sometimes our story notes are vague. You may have a point that says, “they have a conversation”, or something of the like. Expand on everything. What is this conversation about? Why does it need to happen? At what point does it fit in to the story?
-Take your time. The ugly truth all writers know; writing takes time. We all want our stories to be at their best when we’re finished with them. Rushing your story will show in the writing. Taking time to think and simply live will allow you to come up with more and more incredible plot points, themes, lines and ideas that will make your story everything you imagined it would be. Waiting is difficult when you’re really eager, but patience pays off.
Good luck!
-Cait
