I’m working on a client’s chapter book (could be a simple middle grade). It’s to be around 20,000 words and I didn’t get much to go on. Normally, this wouldn't be a problem; if I’m given an idea, I can write a publishable story. This story is different, though. Because of the subject matter it’s giving me a run for my money. It’s not flowing smoothly. The original simple outline I was given by the client had an adult as the protagonist. This happens now and then. Someone wants to have a children’s book written but doesn’t realize it needs a child protagonist. The outline also didn’t follow a story arc or character arc. So, the first order of business was to change the protagonist. And as it’s an unusual story line, in the realm of helping children, it has a specific agenda. I needed to plot the story with the agenda in mind. At first, I intended to created a full outline, but I as I started writing, I ended up taking the seat-of-your-pants approach. And being half done, I’ll move forward with this approach. Since I knew this story would be problematic, I had to have the foundation in place. That includes the basics of story writing and story elements. The basics of a story plot or story structure are: 1. Exposition 2. An inciting incident 3. Rising action 4. Climax 5. Descending action 6. Resolution To create the plot, there are elements that should be in place: 1. Who’s the protagonist (point of view) 2. What’s the character arc? 3. What’s the conflict to be? 4. What tense will it be written in? 5. Where will it take place (setting)? 6. Will there be secondary characters? If so, how many? 7. Will there be a subplot? WHAT I HAVE SO FAR -As it’s a client’s story, I can’t go into detail, but I did decide on a protagonist and know the character’s arc. I also have the conflict, and it’s in third-person. Third-person is my tense of choice, and unless a client specifically asks for something different, I always use third-person. -My setting is in place. -There are four secondary characters and because of the nature of the story subject matter, there will be more in the second half of the story. Normally, it’s a good idea to limit the number of secondary characters in a chapter book. A seven to ten-year-old shouldn’t have to keep track of too many characters. -I decided on a simple subplot. PUTTING IT TOGETHER With the elements in place, it’s a matter of filling it in and putting it all together. This is where narrative, dialogue, conflict, and flow come in - where the story evolves into an engaging read for the audience. And this is where it can get more difficult. I think you need a clear view of the story for it to flow smoothly. If you’re writing fantasy or world-building, you need to see what doesn’t exist. I’ve written 50,000-word stories without the hesitation I have with this story. With the story I’m working on now, I can see it, but it’s not a crystal-clear view, at least not yet. For some reason, I don’t have a connection to the characters as I usually do, and I just can’t figure out why. It’s a bit frustrating. When I ask for the client’s input, I get, “I trust you. Just write it.” So, when your story just won’t flow, just keep writing. And that’s what I’m doing. One word at a time. One sentence at a time. One paragraph at a time. One chapter at time. Half down, half to go.
I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, rewriter, and coach. I can help turn your story into a book you’ll be proud to be author of, one that’s publishable and marketable. Or, maybe you’d rather do-it-yourself. Check out my book, How to Write a Children’s Fiction Book. Is your children's manuscript done? If you need help with self-publishing, check out: Writers on the Move Press You can contact me at: kcioffiventrice@gmail.com. Or, you can give me a call at 834---347---6700. (Please leave a message - I'll get back to you as soon as I can.)
