In the Beginning...

Today I had a much better start than yesterday. The whole problem I had yesterday about adding new material in order to introduce different narratives left me thinking after dinner. Then I did what I usually do when I encounter a problem: I draw. I like to solve problems visually, so I drew a diagram showing the various states of redrafting a chapter and how to rework it. Eventually it comes down to this (and I won't show you the diagram as it's like math on acid):

• Decide if the old/new chapter supports the main plot elements or character development?
• If not, cut it. If so, is the narrative by the same person as the previous chapter?
• If so, then see if the same content can be told by a different character.
• If not, then insert a new chapter, but keep it 'light' like a one-page chapter

The purpose of redrafting is mainly to re-write the story so it appeals to the audience (not to sell books, never that, just tell a story that is not only understandable by me and me only). But now I need to make sure that what I cut is superfluous to the main plot elements - like an extensively explained couple of chapters of the characters getting lost in Mexico and finding their way again. Also what I add, should not just serve the purpose of suspending the cliffhanger of the previous chapter and keep the reader turning pages, it should also add to the explanation of what's going on. There are plot holes in the draft, moments when I knew what was happening, but didn't want to bother with explaining them. Mostly this was out of fear of the book becoming to big. That is a concern I can not prioritize above telling a solid story. 

So, the insertion of short new chapters actually serves a purpose: they will explain, through the viewpoint of other characters, what is going on in case the reader needs to know, but Simon does not. Two birds with one stone. I'm more cautious to add now than I am to cut. Cutting is easy. After all: I get to save juicy tidbits about this magical world for the next book, or the one thereafter. No, I have to be careful not to add superfluous stuff. If I keep a straight focus on telling a good jaunt, wowing the audience without overwhelming them I think I will do a good job. After all: if I tell it well, the core concepts of the book will come out stronger. 

And then this: I am pondering giving away some juicy tidbits of story here in the blog. I guess it's my way of telling odd tales surrounding and embedded in my created fantasy world, without giving away the main storyline of Simon & Sally. Think of it as characters from that world experiencing small events or random encounters that convey the tone and style of the story without having an impact on the five books I intend to get published. Who doesn't love a freebie right?

Here's something I've been playing around with:

What if the recent outburst of the Icelandic volcano was not an act of Nature, but an a covert operation to shut down a passageway an army of Ghoblyns and Oghurs was using to make their way up from an underground realm?

Let me know if you want to hear more...