Essential Editing Tips for Novelists: Filling Plot Holes

Last week I discussed ongoing editing of my current work in progress. The difference between creating and editing has been a motivational struggle, but I feel I have gotten into a rhythm over the past week. Here are a few accomplishments and observations since that last post.

Plot conflict tracing is done for all of the major plot lines and reader promises. This was a big effort, but helped spot a few continuity errors, as well as some missing plot details relevant to the conflict.I’ve closed the major miss I discussed last week. I had only implied the resolution, not provided a scene showing the definitive outcome. As a result of that observation, I added a few short (500 to 1000 word) scenes that not only bring the plot to a resolution, but also set up follow-on story opportunities for the future.Story length is not going to be a big issue. Yes, I’ll add scenes that will probably push the novel beyond 100k words, but it will be better for it. I took a look at chapters in the first half of the book and realized they read “light” in the sense that I skipped over details that would make the characters richer and the later stage conflicts more meaningful. As I reviewed the novel, the pacing still feels right even with additions, and it was the pacing I was concerned about more than the overall length.Staying in a routine during editing is important for me. During NaNoWriMo, I was cranking out 1,500 to 2,000 words every day. Editing has seen me float between 250 and 1,000 words depending on if I’m editing, tacking plot points, or reworking scenes. It’s a different pace, but I am now satisfied with it. I feel that giving myself some grace on the progress is important to keep me from rushing out a bad novel.I’ve decided to continue using my work in progress for my regular Monday posts (Marketing Monday’s) in hopes that I can build some demand for the novel once it’s ready. Feel free to comment on any of those WIP posts.

As we come up to the end of the year and holiday celebrations, I’ll continue working while also connecting with friends and family. I hope everyone has happy holidays, and look forward to sharing and hearing comments as you follow along on this journey.

Follow me on Amazon, GoodReads, or Facebook to get information about upcoming book releases.