Guys. Okay I'm having a problem.
When writing a chapter are you using layered writing or free writing then revise it afterward? I'm really having problems smoothly flowing the story... I hope you can help. Or suggest what is the best technique writing a chapter flowing softly and smoothly.
MysteriousCarp i just write anything that comes to mind then edit it later. hope this helps. cheers!
I think if you have problems letting the story flow smoothly it might be a problem with your story overall?
Have you done beatsheets or stepoutlines? It'll be easier to first lay out everything and then write the chapters, afterwards it will flow better
Ofc it'll be always better to re-edit your chapters
1) Have an end goal. Without any goal to strive toward, your writings will be all over the place and things will stray. Having a plan will ensure that you write towards that goal
2) Split your chapters by ideas/themes, and not by word count. The end of a chapter should be the end of a theme. Plan out: "What's the focus for this chapter?" Ask yourself, "How will next chapter connect to this chapter?" Etc.
I don’t personally do layered writing. Usually, I make a plan, or list of major plot points, and then write like connect the dots. How do I get from the hero from A to B in an interesting way.
Focusing on the point of view character might help too. We should be following a character (or a few) and experiencing the story through them. If I were this character, what would I want to do next? What would I need to know next? How would I do that? Etc...
For example, if my plan says that my MC is an ordinary kid who goes into the cave of heroes, finds the sacred sword, and becomes The Hero, then I have a basis to start asking questions:
Why does my hero go into a strange cave? Is he seeking it or was it accidental?
I want him to accidentally find it so he is playing a game with his friends and is dared to enter the cave by a bully. This gives me several minor characters I have to make, but it makes a compelling reason for a kid to enter a strange cave.
My next plot point is having the hero find the sacred sword. He is already in the cave, so my questions are more like, “where is the sword hidden? How/why does he find it? How would I feel if I stumbled upon a strange sword in an abandoned cave near my house? Etc.
My hero is a kid, so he would probably be at least a little frightened. I’ll have the cave be dark and add a single torch. When he picks up the torch, hoping to use the light to alleviate his fear, the wall will open revealing a secret room to the sword.
The plan is driving the plot, but so is the character.
I hope this helps!
