I think this is why I petered out on the novel I was writing years ago. I had such great momentum at the beginning, but later on I could feel it lagging, and then it became a struggle I wasn’t willing—or maybe able—to work through.
Karin, is this a nice way of saying “those who can’t do, teach?” ;)
My agency partner has been saying the same thing to me for years. I have written a few things - and I send some of it to her to make her laugh (I include a lot of personal humiliating experiences within my characters)
Honestly, it’s just not my goal to be published — mostly because I don’t want to market it. Mainly because I’ve been on that side of things.
I write for myself, to make my friends laugh, or just get ideas on paper to work on later “when I have time”…
I’ve always found it more fulfilling to help others reach their goals of writing and being published, than for me to do it.
Ha! So I'm not the only one who recognizes how elevated your insights are. But I'm glad you're doing some writing and you're a gifted teacher. I belong to a Manuscript Academy FB page and have seen several compliments on your critique work there. Thanks for always giving me food for thought in your posts.
My partner doesn’t read my articles. She’s bugging me to write a book based on the stories I send her.
I’ve been with MA going on 4 years. I really enjoy working with the writers and have met some amazing people. I’ve heard about that FB group. I wonder if they’ll let me join 😛
Hi Renee, Great article and fantastic advise, as always. One thing I keep in mind is that even though the craft of writing a solitary one (go ahead, picture that person sitting in a garret in Paris, bounding away on a keyboard...romantic for sure, not realistic, but a great image), I've typically relied on a small group of beta-readers, or belonging to a writers group, people who can provide feedback. The great thing about beta-readers is that they are readers. And I know that sounds receptive, but that is their strength. They are reading the story, learning about the characters, swallowing the dialog and locations and ride the flow. They will give you the best feedback. Belonging to a writers group is also useful. But then, I've found, that with a writer's group, with the wrong writer's group, you get to wade into the swamp that other writer ego's are.
Two great places to find/build a beta-reader community is either local Book clubs (found thru local book stores) and at literature study programs at colleges/universities. Stay away from friends and family; 99% of the time they won't be as painfully honest as you need. And after you've crafted your story to your satisfaction, find a good copy editor to chisel away all your grammar errors.
One thing that has helped me with writing my middles is understanding that the middle shouldn’t be a filler, but serve a purpose. I like how the Save the Cat! method shows how the middle serves a purpose in character growth. When you analyze the middles of great films and novels, you'll see how a good middle has something going on where the character is progressing and growing while the audience is entertained, not bored.
Great point. It’s interesting when you dissect movies and see how each one is pretty much timed out from the inciting violence incident, the midpoint, the all is lost moment to the climax and happily ever after resolution.
Great post! Many published books that I read also suffer from this very problem. I've often wondered if that's because authors focus too much of their time and attention on writing a compelling first fifty pages to attract the attention of agents and editors with a catchy hook and compelling voice, only to neglect the overall story arc and plotting. I love it when a novel gets better as I get deeper into the plot, but I find this happening less and less as the years go by.
Thank you, Kevin. Having the story get better as you read is the goal. I can't say what causes published books to have this mid-point issue.
Agents usually read the whole manuscript of something they're going to represent. I know I do. Then the acquiring editors usually read the whole thing. So all structural issues should be fixed. This is what I refer to in the article.
For published novels, it could just be more of a subjective issue where the reader loses interest.
There's one book I remember this happened with, The Plot. A friend had recommended this "amazing" book to another of my friends (I've not read it). It was a NYT best-seller. Deemed "Best book of 2021" The other friend read half and stopped -- they just lost interest. Meanwhile the person who recommended it thought it was great... along with plenty of others; and it has apparently been optioned by Hulu.
At the very least, even when I pass, I strive to give writers actionable feedback. Or at least the "why" that is wasn't for me. Sometimes that feedback is literally "It's me, not you"... because it's my subjective view of the work, rather than the objective soundness.
As they say, "Don't go changing trying to please me"... sometimes the work is just fine. The writing is good. The story or style is just not right for that particular agent.
I think this is why I petered out on the novel I was writing years ago. I had such great momentum at the beginning, but later on I could feel it lagging, and then it became a struggle I wasn’t willing—or maybe able—to work through.
Totally get it. It happens all the time. Maybe one day something will come to mind and you’ll get back to it.
Not that one. Too much has changed in the world for it to even make sense anymore. But I may try again with something new.
I think it's time for you to write a novel! You've such a wonderful understanding of the process.
Karin, is this a nice way of saying “those who can’t do, teach?” ;)
My agency partner has been saying the same thing to me for years. I have written a few things - and I send some of it to her to make her laugh (I include a lot of personal humiliating experiences within my characters)
Honestly, it’s just not my goal to be published — mostly because I don’t want to market it. Mainly because I’ve been on that side of things.
I write for myself, to make my friends laugh, or just get ideas on paper to work on later “when I have time”…
I’ve always found it more fulfilling to help others reach their goals of writing and being published, than for me to do it.
Ha! So I'm not the only one who recognizes how elevated your insights are. But I'm glad you're doing some writing and you're a gifted teacher. I belong to a Manuscript Academy FB page and have seen several compliments on your critique work there. Thanks for always giving me food for thought in your posts.
Thanks, Karin. That’s kind of you to say.
My partner doesn’t read my articles. She’s bugging me to write a book based on the stories I send her.
I’ve been with MA going on 4 years. I really enjoy working with the writers and have met some amazing people. I’ve heard about that FB group. I wonder if they’ll let me join 😛
Hi Renee, Great article and fantastic advise, as always. One thing I keep in mind is that even though the craft of writing a solitary one (go ahead, picture that person sitting in a garret in Paris, bounding away on a keyboard...romantic for sure, not realistic, but a great image), I've typically relied on a small group of beta-readers, or belonging to a writers group, people who can provide feedback. The great thing about beta-readers is that they are readers. And I know that sounds receptive, but that is their strength. They are reading the story, learning about the characters, swallowing the dialog and locations and ride the flow. They will give you the best feedback. Belonging to a writers group is also useful. But then, I've found, that with a writer's group, with the wrong writer's group, you get to wade into the swamp that other writer ego's are.
Looking forward to your next article!
Thanks, Marc. I know people are always looking for good beta readers - so if you have any favorites you care to share, please do.
I agree about the writing groups - sometimes it can be the blind leading the blind, so you have to be careful.
Two great places to find/build a beta-reader community is either local Book clubs (found thru local book stores) and at literature study programs at colleges/universities. Stay away from friends and family; 99% of the time they won't be as painfully honest as you need. And after you've crafted your story to your satisfaction, find a good copy editor to chisel away all your grammar errors.
Good suggestions. Thanks, Marc!
One thing that has helped me with writing my middles is understanding that the middle shouldn’t be a filler, but serve a purpose. I like how the Save the Cat! method shows how the middle serves a purpose in character growth. When you analyze the middles of great films and novels, you'll see how a good middle has something going on where the character is progressing and growing while the audience is entertained, not bored.
Great point. It’s interesting when you dissect movies and see how each one is pretty much timed out from the inciting violence incident, the midpoint, the all is lost moment to the climax and happily ever after resolution.
Great post! Many published books that I read also suffer from this very problem. I've often wondered if that's because authors focus too much of their time and attention on writing a compelling first fifty pages to attract the attention of agents and editors with a catchy hook and compelling voice, only to neglect the overall story arc and plotting. I love it when a novel gets better as I get deeper into the plot, but I find this happening less and less as the years go by.
Thank you, Kevin. Having the story get better as you read is the goal. I can't say what causes published books to have this mid-point issue.
Agents usually read the whole manuscript of something they're going to represent. I know I do. Then the acquiring editors usually read the whole thing. So all structural issues should be fixed. This is what I refer to in the article.
For published novels, it could just be more of a subjective issue where the reader loses interest.
There's one book I remember this happened with, The Plot. A friend had recommended this "amazing" book to another of my friends (I've not read it). It was a NYT best-seller. Deemed "Best book of 2021" The other friend read half and stopped -- they just lost interest. Meanwhile the person who recommended it thought it was great... along with plenty of others; and it has apparently been optioned by Hulu.
Thank you for this! I’m about to start a major revision, and this post has given me concrete ways to approach a craft issue I’ve been struggling with.
Yay! That’s the goal, Kat. Good luck on the revision.
Great explanation! This is so helpful. Thanks!
You’re very welcome, Andrea.
Great points. I hope you had time to give that author feedback.
Good question, C. I DID tell them.
At the very least, even when I pass, I strive to give writers actionable feedback. Or at least the "why" that is wasn't for me. Sometimes that feedback is literally "It's me, not you"... because it's my subjective view of the work, rather than the objective soundness.
As they say, "Don't go changing trying to please me"... sometimes the work is just fine. The writing is good. The story or style is just not right for that particular agent.
👏👏
Your rejection line is used in every relationship break up. Haha.
That was by design. Though I mean it literally when I say it in this context.
I have to laugh at the break up line though -- what they're really saying is "It's not you, it's me (I don't like being with you)
Great advice, Renee!
Thanks, Kelsey.
You have a way of writing things that make even the hardest parts of writing possible. Thank you!
That's sweet, Colin. Thank you.
Great article.
Thank you, Daniela. :)
I’m checking! Thanks 👩💻
Better to be sure than sorry, Maureen. Taking the extra time really matters.
👌.Thank You. 😊🙏. For sharing this..