| The longer I write, the more I realize that the real work of writing happens after the first draft is finished, in the rewriting process. Here are some of the things I’ve learned that help make a good manuscript really sing:
Layering in the Six Senses
Sight—the easiest to write: setting the visual scene. But don’t forget the less obvious visuals (light and shadow, variations of color, visual texture, etc.)
Sound—dialogue is the most obvious, but adding in background sounds, music, etc. brings a book to life. Even the sound of a character’s breathing—heavy or shallow or gasping for breath—can add drama and emotion.
Smell—what would make the character know that particular setting, even if he were wearing earplugs and a blindfold?
Taste—not merely that of food and drink, but the tastes that express emotion (bitter bile in the throat, the taste of a kiss, etc.).
Feel—the tangible textures the character feels not just with fingers, but with the rest of the skin; don’t forget emotional feelings, but be careful not to merely tell the reader, but instead show with body language and dialogue.
Sixth Sense—the supernatural, intangible, intuitive, or spiritual.
Deepening Characterization
Add a couple carefully woven sentences of backstory.
Play up a character’s quirk or habit.
Write a poignant scene that reveals a hidden or softer side of the character.
Give a character a signature phrase or pet word, or quirky language.
Add music. Give your character a musical instrument to play, or a favorite type of music, a habit of whistling, etc.
Give your character a collection, a hobby, or a ministry. What is he/she passionate about?
Give your character a pet.
Weaving Subplots into the Main Plot
Make a list of all the subplots.
Identify where each subplot was first introduced
Track it throughout the storyline
Is it being put to the best use in the story?
If not, consider reworking, to weave it in more seamlessly, or eliminate it.
Marking Time in the Story/Graphing a Timeline
Add a dateline at the beginning of each chapter if appropriate.
Use creative, but unobtrusive time markers (rising sun, church bells, autumn leaves, etc.).
Give reader the time, season, year, etc. through actual dialogue.
Use tags and beats to mark time.
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