Does this need to be here?
I'm in the first revision stages of my second novel, and I find myself questioning my original draft.
The big question I keep coming back to is: does this need to be here?
Example: in my current draft my main character (MC) is called over to a client's flat to investigate some ghostly phenomenon. However the client's husband accuses the main character of causing the issue and gets her arrested. Once arrested the MC meets her love interest (a cop) and is hit on before being released.
I'm now asking myself, what does the MC being arrested accomplish? Does it help move the plot along? Does she need to get arrested and does it seem realistic or even plausible? What's the point behind it? Does it help the MC solve the mystery and if so, how?
Asking myself these questions helps strengthen the plot and the story. It's a question I'll ask myself about scenes, actions, even characters. So when you're thinking of a way to revise your novel, ask yourself: does this need to be here? If the answer is no, take it out.
Cheers
ELJ
The big question I keep coming back to is: does this need to be here?
Example: in my current draft my main character (MC) is called over to a client's flat to investigate some ghostly phenomenon. However the client's husband accuses the main character of causing the issue and gets her arrested. Once arrested the MC meets her love interest (a cop) and is hit on before being released.
I'm now asking myself, what does the MC being arrested accomplish? Does it help move the plot along? Does she need to get arrested and does it seem realistic or even plausible? What's the point behind it? Does it help the MC solve the mystery and if so, how?
Asking myself these questions helps strengthen the plot and the story. It's a question I'll ask myself about scenes, actions, even characters. So when you're thinking of a way to revise your novel, ask yourself: does this need to be here? If the answer is no, take it out.
Cheers
ELJ
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