I’ve consulted several times with a writer of a successful non-fiction book by a major publisher and who also haswritten off-and-on for a few years a young adult historical novel. From time-to-time we spend a couple of hours together working out the overall plot.
After spending quality time writing the Beginningof her winning story, she wins attention in literary contests and the interest of editors.
Each time she receives feedback about the Beginning of her story, she goes back into the beginning, moves scenes around, further develops the protagonist’s backstory and perfects the thematic details. Periodically, she calls for another plot consultations. Although she wishes only to concentrate on the earlier sections of the story, nonetheless, I gently probe for the Climax of her story. Her ideas are vague, at best.
Editors begin asking for more than the Beginning of the story. Again I hear from her. We concentrate on the Middle, while keeping the End and especially the Climax in sight at all times. Still, she resists, unable to get herself there.
She is asked for the entire manuscript by an editor and scrambles to finish the story. When she reaches the Climax she writes it like she dealt with it in the consultations — vague. I hear from her again.
Again, although she calls expressly to talk about the End of her story, we rarely touch on the Climax. Instead, she dances around the story, coming up with all sorts of ideas for new subplots or to switch up a subplot already written.
I cannot tell you how frustrating it is to be on the other end of the phone with someone who is so near to the prize and yet be completely unable to focus on the necessary steps to get there. If we were together in person, I’d… what? Grab her by the shoulders and shake her? Force her to stare at the Climax on the Plot Planner until her eyes cleared?
No answers.
Beginning hook readers.
Endings attract fans… (and editors…)
(***Click on the highlighted plot concepts for novel, memoir and screenplay examples and further explanations via video. Each time a concept is referenced you are directed to new information about the Universal Story and plotting a novel, memoir or screenplay.)
To familiarize yourself with the Universal Story and the basic plot terms in the above blog post:
Blockbuster Plots for Writers
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Martha I sympathize with your client. For ages, I, too, have put off writing a climax for my short story; fear that people won't like it. But really it's time to put the ego to the side. It's just more wasted time, and the longer the story spends unfinished. If there's something wrong with the story, you want to know sooner than later – but you might never know if you never finish the story. Be brave! Onward writing soldiers! Dwayne
Sounds like so much time was worked on the BEGINNING that really what we have is someone who didn't have a whole story prepared. I think the ego was stroked a bit too much here as well.
I find it frustrating that those of us who can write a full book are often over looked/rejected.
I'm happy to say I've got two fiction books published with #3 fully written, and am now editing, plus plans for a 5th in the wings.
May I say I have followed your plot planner explicitly and have had no trouble coming up with my climax(s)