Whether it’s a short story or a novel, writers often go through several stages before writing “End” on the manuscript. I’m in the revision stage on my novel, having already gone through brainstorming, plotting, characterizations, and conflict building. The first draft is complete, and all the characters have assumed the roles I envisioned them fulfilling in this story. The main conflicts have been resolved, and the plot seems to follow a logical, though twisted, progression.
What I’m working on now is adding layers to the story to give it more depth and develop transitions between the scenes and chapters I’ve already written. Adding layers to the basic story serves several purposes:
1. Characters can be fleshed out so they become more realistic.
2. Foreshadowing can be inserted to give the reader clues about what lies ahead, so when events occur they make sense and seem believable.
3. Relationships can be strengthened or clarified so they are easier to understand.
4. Descriptions and sensory details can be expanded to make the setting more authentic.
5. Word choices can be refined to elicit the desired tone, and make the dialog more realistic.
Having a solid foundation to build upon is crucial, but adding in layers of subplots, exposition, and specific details can transform a basic plot into a complex, unique story. That’s the goal I’m working toward right now.
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Edit December 8, 2009:
Agent Scott Eagan has a good post today on layering subplots to a enrich a story. He also stresses avoiding information dumps, and recommends layering in portions of the backstory throughout the manuscript. His blog is full of good tips on other topics, too. Check it out: http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2009/12/reviewing-basics-good-practice.html
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Edit November 1, 2012: Agent Scott Eagan’s post today gives insight into how to use the technique of layering effectively. Gave me an “aha moment.”
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Do you work from a basic outline, have most of your plot points figured out in advance, or just start writing and see where it leads? How many revisions do you usually make before you’re satisfied with your stories? Do you add layers, or do you develop each aspect of the story as you write it?
[…] October 5, 2009: There is a related post: Revising a Story, Step by Step. […]
I’ve been working on this topic recently, too, trying to explain why the various methods don’t work for me and how I adapt, amalgamate and otherwise play around with them until I find a suitable alternative. I’ve always been a linear storywriter and a “pantser”. I detest outlining but since I’ve discovered I really do need some kind of organization I now “plan”. It’s just semantics I guess, but planning is more flexible for me. I do some a modest amount of preliminary work and then “have at it”. It’s in the revisions that I flesh things out, add details and texture to the story — what you refer to as adding layers. So far it’s the best system I’ve found.
Carol, it took me a while to figure out a system that works for me, too. The first novel I started was simply based on an idea, but there was no plan of any kind for scenes, conflicts, etc. That went nowhere. I did some research before starting my current novel, and figured out how it would end and a couple of major conflicts along the way. This has worked out much better for me.
Carol
[…] the characters themselves. Carol Benedict over at The Writing Place blog offers this perspective on using revisions to add layers to your story: Adding layers to the basic story serves several […]
[…] Make sure all story threads are tied up in a way that fits the story. Add layers of backstory, characterization, and action that will give depth to the plot and clarify what’s […]
[…] or plot holes in what you’ve written. Knowing how everything fits together will help you layer in details, foreshadow events, leave clues, develop subplots, and clarify what’s going […]
[…] the characters themselves. Carol Benedict over at The Writing Place blog offers this perspective on using revisions to add layers to your story: Adding layers to the basic story serves several […]