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Blogs by Gwen Madoc
Here I go again! 3/10/2008 7:12:57 AM
New novel in the planning I have reached the stage in the plotting of my next novel where I can barely remember what the initial inspiration was. It is always like this. It is, I believe, because my cast of characters are taking on life and are furnishing me with a lot of info about themselves.
I can almost 'see' my heroine. I know the kind of girl she is and what her life has been like in the past. She has integrity and a strong moral code which will never waver no matter what happens to her. I am beginning to get to know the characters who surround her, too.
I have written a short synopsis for my agent and publisher, but now I must start on a detailed analysis of each character i.e. what makes them tick? Why do they have the traits that they do have? This process is like an investigation. I ask questions and the characters tell me the answers. Sometimes they volunteer information without being asked.
After I discover all that I can about my cast of characters I must write a detailed storyline. I already know some of the incidents that will arise, even a little about the end of the novel. but it is the middle of a novel that needs the most work and thought. A novel should never go flat in the centre like a badly cooked cake.
To avoid this I must never let the pace slacken for a moment - incident and action must be maintained all the way through. Readers like surprises and some shocks and I must not disappoint them.
I am beginning to feel excited about the prospect of starting to write but I will not put down a word yet. The investigation goes on. When the proper time comes to start I will know it. Well - I have done this before.
