We all have done this at some point in our lives.
Recently, I’ve been facing this challenge while working on my manuscript.
One of the main discoveries in my writing-critique meetings is my peers know when a scene drifts and why. The problem and solution revolves around one concrete element : the scene needs a goal that triggers the main character to action. So, I’ve been reading about writing character-driven novels to counter this problem.
Here are a few points I read in an article in the Writer Magazine about the main character’s goals –
1. The main character needs one long-term goal that drives the external dramatic-action story.
2. One smaller goal in every scene that, depending on its success or failure, will move the character a step closer to, or farther away from her long-term goal.
3. Clearly articulated goals, both long term and short-term , will help keep you and your story grounded.
4. The main character needs to have a clearly defined goal to stay focused and ultimately, the story‘s clarity will translate to readers more easily.
One of the main discoveries in my writing-critique meetings is my peers know when a scene drifts and why. The problem and solution revolves around one concrete element : the scene needs a goal that triggers the main character to action. So, I’ve been reading about writing character-driven novels to counter this problem.
Here are a few points I read in an article in the Writer Magazine about the main character’s goals –
1. The main character needs one long-term goal that drives the external dramatic-action story.
2. One smaller goal in every scene that, depending on its success or failure, will move the character a step closer to, or farther away from her long-term goal.
3. Clearly articulated goals, both long term and short-term , will help keep you and your story grounded.
4. The main character needs to have a clearly defined goal to stay focused and ultimately, the story‘s clarity will translate to readers more easily.
Let’s take a look at the film, “Finding Nemo” for example.
The father clownfish character of Marlin goes through a transformation from an over-protective father to a problem-solving parent in the animated film. His goals are clearly defined – to find his son, Nemo. During his journey, Marlin makes several changes solely on the problems that he is faced with and the way he chooses to handle them.
In the whole film, he battles the ocean’s obstacles and the choices that he makes to react to those problems change his entire view on life and ultimately help him achieve his goal of bringing his son back home.
Well, isn’t this true of our lives –
1. We have our own established long term goals at the start of every year. We execute our plans with the help of other people, for causes or groups that we care for.
2. We identify the elements that would prevent us from achieving our goals , prepare for worst-case scenarios and the potential for loss.
3. Finally, we work towards shorter –term goals with specific tasks and objectives that will bring us closer to accomplishing our long term goals.
This is what I’m trying to put together in my draft at present and it’s getting there slowly.
So, what are your long-term and short term goals? And what tactics have you used to stay focused to achieve them?
8 comments:
What a great post, Suma! I love the points you highlight -- I'll definitely look at my manuscript, as I revise it, from this point of view. I'm sure it will make it clearer which parts are extraneous and hence have to go. Thanks for sharing these insights!
As for my goals, I'm trying to pace myself by setting as my short-term goal (well, not so short, but still): Write a novel that I love.
I would love for it to translate into the long-term goal of: Find an agent/editor who loves the novel as much as I do :).
Have a great long weekend!
Very nice post! The points from that article are helpful--I love these reminders as I push through my current first draft. Thanks!
My short term goals are my daily page count and forward progress in general, taking into account the feedback from crit group. My long term goals: each novel better than the last and finding a great agent to help me launch my career. More long term goals are to always appreciate the forward progress and the little things that excite me now, and to be someone my future agent and editor view as a professional and someone who is nice to work with.
Hi, just found your comment on my embroidery blog and thank you for stopping by! Just love this post! You have great points and good goal ideas! blessings,Kathleen
I just finished listening to David Allen's course "Getting Things Done Fast" - which is a silly name for a great lecture - but that's his aim.
He calls the larger life goals 60,000 ft questions and on down to the 10,000 ft questions, or hey, even the 10 ft. question regarding something that's right in front of you.
It's a great resource, inspiring, and a very organic way to work / systematize your life. Although, he talks a bit fast. lol.
I came back to let you know you have an award at my blog. :)
Great advice for our characters. Nothing worse than a character wandering around without any point. Thanks for sharing.
Hey Suma, you have an award in my post titled: "The Writing Bug".
Thanks everyone for the supportive comments and sharing your goals and dreams with me.
I'm back and hope to catch up with all of you soon:-)
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