Revising a Novel: The Importance of Structure
Three Levels of Questions to Revise Structure and Details
Oct 8, 2008
Many writers get caught up polishing their novel, spending hours making sure their prose is as smooth as possible, only to throw out huge chunks of newly-revised paragraphs to make the story structure work. Rather than waste time focusing on details before knowing if the overall scheme works, try this three-tier set of questions to systematically revise from wide-angle to close-up.
Wide-Angle Revision: Novel Structure
First, forget about smooth sentences and look at the overall structure of the novel instead. Re-read the manuscript with these questions in mind:
- Does the plot work? Does one complication lead to another, creating a smooth story arc of rising action, climax and resolution?
- Is the plot interesting? Is it strong enough to carry the whole novel, or do subplots need to be added? Are the subplots related to the main plot, or disconnected and distracting?
- Is the protagonist believable and well-developed? Do his/her characteristics work well together? Is he/she the strongest character in the story?
- Does the protagonist grow and change through the story? And will readers identify with him/her?
- Does the story reveal a theme? Is it developed through the course of the story?
Mid-range Revision: Structural Support
Once the plot, theme, and characters have been strengthened, it’s time to look at the supporting elements:
- Is each character given an appropriate amount of time onstage, or is one “forgotten” for a while? Do the subplots have the correct balance between them?
- Does each character speak with believable dialogue? Can a reader tell the difference between characters without being told who is speaking?
- Are the transitions smooth between scenes? Between paragraphs? Between time or place? Does each chapter end with a lead to the next?
- Does the story start in the right place with the right character? Is the first chapter or scene really needed?
- How is the pace of the novel? Are there places where it drags? Places where it moves too fast for too long?
- Is the timetable of the plot realistic, or does too much happen in too short a time? Does the whole story spread out over too long a period?
Close-up Revision: Details and Line Editing
Once the structure and supporting elements of the novel have been revised, it’s time to polish. These guidelines are should be kept in mind at any stage of writing, but make them a special focus now:
- Show, don’t tell. Use phrases, sentences and even a paragraph to show how a character feels, instead of just telling the reader.
- Choose vivid verbs and nouns. Powerful language creates clear, active pictures for the reader and will rid the manuscript of unnecessary adverbs and adjectives along the way.
- Examine the story closely for clichés, and replace with fresh phrases and descriptions.
- Check for continuity of details. Descriptions of items in rooms, scenery, etc., must remain consistent, even if only mentioned twice.
- Read the story aloud. Do the sentences flow smoothly? Many awkward phrases slip past when reading silently, but are glaring when read aloud.
By beginning the novel revision with the big picture before zooming in on the details, writers are able to make sure the story works before spending time polishing.
See also Plot Revision and Major Character Revision.
 |
