A Page From My Notebook
My novel is written from multiple points of view (3) and I've now discovered (rather late in the day!) that they are unbalanced in terms of the space they take up.
One is fine, he has short narratives of 300 words interspersed at even junctures in the text. But the other two vary wildly in their word count. When I try to even them out so it flows better it messes up the plot. They are a couple living in the same house, so the content i.e whats happening next... flows fine but I want their sections to be more even. Will it work if I leave it as is? Or is there another solution! My (self imposed) deadline is eight days away. Any suggestions kind bloggers?
One is fine, he has short narratives of 300 words interspersed at even junctures in the text. But the other two vary wildly in their word count. When I try to even them out so it flows better it messes up the plot. They are a couple living in the same house, so the content i.e whats happening next... flows fine but I want their sections to be more even. Will it work if I leave it as is? Or is there another solution! My (self imposed) deadline is eight days away. Any suggestions kind bloggers?
Comments
Only 8 days from the end, good on you!
By the way - I know nothing - I should have maybe said that at the start.
In real life, some people take up more of the story line on a day to day basis, it sounds right if the story flows. Have you tried recording it on that Audacity programme? I find that good for spotting flaws, especially in dialogue.
I think what you say about the characters coming nearer to the camera and moving further away at different stages, it makes a lot of sense, esp interms of what I'm writing... and true the story itself doesnt need it...maybe instead of trying to make a pleasing shape of this thing I should let it be as is. Thanks for your comment, I found it really helpful. "No nothing" my ass!
Thats true, and similar to what niamh has said, there's perhaps a truth in the unevenness... the structure would be imposed rather than natural if i were to alter the contributions. I'm glad I posted the question, I think I was on the verge of butchery! Thanks a million Michael.
I think I was about to get caught up just as you described!...and agree about keeping a balance not becoming a rule. You've reminded me of a quote about content dicatating form...must look it up!
Goodluck with your own final edits, and that chapter one! And thanks for the comment... this has been so helpful and I'm surprized at the consensus of opinion (and v. glad because it's less work!)
I feel you and the other bloggers on the right track, and I'm delighted with the advice. I downloaded the Audacity, but forgot all about it! Will give it a go tonight. It could be just the right stage for me to listen to it. Thanks so much!
:-)
I have no idea - a chapter per character? A section? I think!!!
GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So long as your gut instinct is happy is what I say!!!!
Take care
x
I'm not sure you can measure by words though as dialogue can take longer and move faster than action and description.