Since joining this board I've learned a lot about writing, but it occurs to me that as quick as you learn to master one skill, you find yourself running up against the need to confront another. You think of a good plot, then you need an interesting character. After that, you find yourself needing a good antagonist for him to play off, and then you have to put useful dialogue into their mouths etc; etc;

When I started writing, I was worried I wouldn't have enough to say. Now It's starting to look like I'm not moving the story on fast enough because I've got TOO much to say on an initial confrontation. However, the simple act of writing scenes helps, because I can see I'm going to have to cull about half of what I've written so far, otherwise at this rate the whole novel will look like "Gone With The Wind". By the way, does anyone else ever find that problem? Or am I just a wordy git?!!

The character in this section is timid and insipid, but she is the catalyst for actions that occur further down the plot, and for that reason it is necessary she be described in some detail and for the reader to like her. So if you DON'T like her, sing out. I'm all ears. Thanks people, and a very happy new year to you all!!!


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