Welcome to my newsletter!

The Question:

How Do you fix a problem story?

Hi Reader,

You must answer several questions to know how best to succeed. You might ask…

• Is the problem in the plot the concept on which I'm building this story?
• Is there a problem with the characters?
  • Are they unauthentic or not running true to form?
• Is the problem in the structure?
  • Is it is there something missing?
  • Is it running too slow in the pacing? Or
  • Are the elements of the story too chaotic and confusing?
• Is the problem in the climax?
  • Is it dull? Does it not create or generate a sense of completion as if too many things were left unresolved? And unresolved unintentionally?
• Is the problem in the resolution?
  • How did you want it to end?
  • How did you want the story?
  • What did you want the story to say?
    ​

THE FIX

If it's the plot, walk it through. Depending on what genre, rules, and logic would properly apply, break it down into even bullet points as it starts. How do you think it's going to end? What two or three things need to happen in the middle to connect the two ends? if it makes sense when you do that good. move on

If it's the characters, if the problem is in them, build a solid backstory for each of your main characters. Know them well, their likes and dislikes, flaws, and fears. The more you know them, the more they will inform you.

If it's the structure, break it down much like you did the plot, but with more detail. Do an outline or a treatment. Basically, you are putting down and bullet-pointing the scenes or moments that need to occur to go from the beginning to the end. If you know how it starts and how it finishes, then you must figure out what elements are necessary to connect the two.

If it's the climax, well, what was the conflict? Did you build up to the climax, meaning did you make each step your protagonist takes more difficult, physically or emotionally? So that by the time they reach the climax, it is explosive, either emotionally, psychologically, or physically. The climax is the blowoff, so there must be some form of an explosion.

If it’s the conclusion, ask: “What message do I want to deliver to your audience?” What do I want them to take away?

How did you want them to feel when the story is over? That's what you are driving towards and must deliver with your conclusion. That is your target.

The resolution and the conclusion are tied together. One sets up for the other.

Whatever you want your audience to feel by the end of the story, whatever emotional, spiritual, or intellectual elements you want them to take away, and how the story is resolved, sets that up.

If it's an open-ended ending, the audience wonders what the character will do going forward. A happy ending we celebrate, a sad or tragic ending we mourn.

The effect is what we aim to deliver the message: good, bad, or ugly.

For those of you who are saying, "What if I don't know the answer to any of these questions?"

I'll answer that next week.

Meanwhile, if you've got something stopping you and are unsure how to handle it, DM me.

(@AlexSimmonsSays).

Or email me or drop a comment here. I can help.

Best,

Alex Simmons

Click Here for a Writer's Aid for your Creating Compelling Character quests.

Now go WRITE for it.
​

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CLICK HERE

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