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?
