Write Your Novel From the Middle Quotes

“At this point in the story, the character looks at himself. He takes stock of where he is in the conflict and––depending on the type of story––has either of two basic thoughts. In a character-driven story, he looks at himself and wonders what kind of person he is. What is he becoming? If he continues the fight of Act II, how will he be different? What will he have to do to overcome his inner challenges? How will he have to change in order to battle successfully? The second type of look is more for plot-driven fiction. It's where the character looks at himself and considers the odds against him. At this point the forces seem so vast that there is virtually no way to go on and not face certain death. That death can be physical, professional, or psychological.”
― James Scott Bell, Write Your Novel From the Middle: A New Approach for Plotters, Pantsers and Everyone in Between

“A great novel is the record of how a character fights with death.”
― James Scott Bell, Write Your Novel From the Middle: A New Approach for Plotters, Pantsers and Everyone in Between

“Transformation is about change, and change needs to be proven. People can talk a good game. Someone can say he's sorry for stealing and wants to go straight. But until the thief returns the goods, we don't believe he's a changed person.  Change does involve an inner realization. But then, to prove itself, it must work outward in a visual form.”
― James Scott Bell, Write Your Novel From the Middle: A New Approach for Plotters, Pantsers and Everyone in Between

“Dwight Swain, the great writing teacher, once said that the secret of excitement is to go deeper into your characters. Create more backstory, more secrets, more complexity, and you'll get excited again.”
― James Scott Bell, Write Your Novel From the Middle: A New Approach for Plotters, Pantsers and Everyone in Between

“Have you given us a character worth following?  - Have you created a disturbance in the opening pages? - Do you know the death stakes of the story? - Have you created a scene that will force the character into the confrontation of Act II? - Is it strong enough? Can the Lead character resist going into the battle?  - Does it occur before the 1/5 mark of your total page count?”
― James Scott Bell, Write Your Novel From the Middle: A New Approach for Plotters, Pantsers and Everyone in Between

“Structure is translation software for your imagination.”
― James Scott Bell, Write Your Novel From the Middle: A New Approach for Plotters, Pantsers and Everyone in Between

“Psychological death is the key to all romances, isn't it? If the two lovers don't get together, they will each miss out on their "soul mate." Their lives will be incurably damaged. Since readers of traditional romances know they're going to end up together, it's all the more important to create this illusion of imminent psychological death.”
― James Scott Bell, Write Your Novel From the Middle: A New Approach for Plotters, Pantsers and Everyone in Between

“Know your death stakes! This is going to be crucial in order for you to write your novel from the middle.”
― James Scott Bell, Write Your Novel From the Middle: A New Approach for Plotters, Pantsers and Everyone in Between