One thing that helps me retain a balance between dialogue and narration is the need to move the story along. Another writer once described it more as a balance between what he called "face" (dialogue or detailed description) and "carry" (narration that telescopes time). The more "face" you have, the slower your story moves, and the more "carry" you have, the faster it moves (but maybe too fast for the reader). Since I am currently trying to cover 500 years in 120,000 words, I have to always keep this in mind. Of course, I don't always, so editing is a must. Which is why I have violated my usual practice of not doing serious editing before the first draft is completed. In the past, my reason for leaving virtually all editing until the first draft was completed was out of fear of bogging down and the project losing momentum. But I am now so far along on this, and have such a clear idea of what I want to do that I no longer worry about that. Moreover, because of the long historical reach, it is inevitable that some time-action judgments made in the planning stage will be off, events described in later chapters that only occurred to me when I wrote them will have to be foreshadowed and characters will need to be further fleshed out. And in some of those cases, it makes sense to me to do it earlier rather than later in the process.
>.> ...fantasy? @Ed: I have a serious problem with bogging myself down with pre-first draft editing. I REFUSE to let myself edit until the first draft is complete.
In my fantasy novel, six people traveling together across a post-war kingdom must deal with the effects of the war on their lives, and/or their roles in it. This is a massive oversimplification but I'm trying not to give the main storyline away. My point is, in contrast to @EdFromNY 's story, mine takes place over only a few days and between a limited number of characters. Time telescoping is at an absolute minimum. It just reminds me that every story has its own needs, and that no one solution, technique or balance structure suits them all. Something I try to remember at all times, and that perhaps, some well-meaning people on this forum might keep in mind as well. I love hearing about what you're doing and the choices you're making and why. Please, keep it coming!
Definitely. My own story takes place over an approximately 6 month span of time, following five main characters, but a cast of minor, though subtly important characters, whom help to both progress, as well as slow the the story (in all the right places; or at least, that's what I'm hoping for, haha). So, I do need to be able to pause and allow a conversation to take place, as well as span a small period of time from week to week, though, obviously not to the degree that Ed has to do it.
When I gave my mother the first proof copy of my first book (after I was done working on it) she flipped through the pages real quick. "Looking to see how many pictures there are?"
haha, probably. Moms! She probably couldn't believe you've written all that. My parents are still a little amazed about that. And I spent my entire youth writing....
Had an amazing realization while watching EMPIRE OF DREAMS, the long documentary on the making of the STAR WARS trilogy. The first cut of STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE was a monumental disaster. 30-40% of it was cut from the final film. Only FOUR of the films visual effects shots were complete. Darth Vader and R2-D2 had no voice. There were no sound effects. John Williams legendary score had not yet been recorded. George Lucas literally scrapped the first cut and started re-cutting it himself, with his wife's help. Imagine if, after seeing that first cut, George Lucas had quit. Realizing this has helped me develop enthusiasm for the rewriting process. There is a good story in my manuscript, it just needs a lot of POV work, a completely re-paced structure, more description, less dialogue and about half the scenes cut out or telescoped. Then it needs several polishing passes for language, style and voice. And it needs a kick-ass soundtrack... wait, what? I have new hope!
That's awesome! I'm glad to hear that the end is getting closer and that you'll be able to start on editing, soon! Such an exciting feeling.
Don't worry if you get finished and then become very nervous. Like you are about to let your little daughter go swimming, alone, for the first time. Congratulations!
FIRST DRAFT IS COMPLETE! 90,050 words, 483 pages, 5 months of work. My fantasy novel, FOR WANT OF A WORLD is finally ready for revision. First time I've ever finished a novel-length manuscript!
Now it's time to get away from it for a while. Do some reading, or some other creative outlet. Let everything settle, then when you're ready go back and start editing.
Actually @EdFromNY , I'm hanging with my buddies tonight and tomorrow I'm getting right back into it. There are some story elements I need to add while they are clear in my head. After that, I'll take a one month break (from this particular story)
isn't that the best feeling, when you print it out and realize how much text it really IS? It's like all your work suddenly becomes something you can see and feel the weight of in your hands. Congrats!
@TDFuhringer : This thread inspired me to finally, after an indeterminately too-long period of time, go back and finish off the first draft of my own book. Turns out I quit less than a page from the end! I was hoping for some sort of feeling of elation, but it's hard to even consider this a milestone based on how much more work needs to go into it. I have characters to rewrite and new ones to create and insert, an incredible amount of plot to rewrite, and world building that has yet to even be completed itself. Regardless, a huge congrats on finishing!! And thanks for sharing the picture. Man, I remember what a rush it was to print out a copy and hold it in my hands when I finished my first book...
I would comment but @ChickenFreak said much of what I would have said. There were some very intriguing elements to draw the reader in, but it could have used a bit to make us care more about the main character. Has a lot of promise.
@heal41hp , I'm delighted to hear that I encouraged you to keep going. Don't give up! P.S. I've posted a query for my novel (For Want of a World) in the query critique section, if anyone would like to poke fun at my silly word-usings
