Write compelling characters, gripping scenes, and solid structure!
Hey writer!
I see you working passionately towards writing your novel of impact, but something’s getting in the way. Maybe you’re stuck on how to turn your idea into a viable story. Or maybe you’re afraid what you have to say has already been said.
Whatever the case, I’ve worked with many writers who are experiencing those same struggles, and I’m happy to say, there is hope!
So, let’s look at the top three writing obstacles that hinder the writing process, and 3 books you absolutely must read to get you over the humps and back to writing!
Obstacle #1: Struggling with Structure
By now, you’ve figured out whether you’re a plotter—someone who outlines before writing, or a pantser—someone who does not! I used to be an unapologetic pantser, as have many of my clients.
I avoided structure, thinking I’d prefer writing without it… until I realized I was only avoiding it because I just didn't know how to use it!
I read tons of books and articles on structure, but still couldn’t seem to put it together in a way that made sense…
Until a screenwriting friend mentioned a book that had changed his whole approach to the craft. After giving it a read, it did that same for my writing.
Save the Cat! by Blake Snyder
You may think this book is all about writing a screenplay that sells, and it is. But it’s also essential reading for novel writers! In fact, there’s a version specifically created for novels, but I found the original to be the most helpful.
Why you’ll love it:
Save the Cat! covers screenwriting concepts including loglines, popular movie genres, and the importance of crafting a compelling protagonist.
The “meat” of the book, and the section I found most helpful was the Beat Sheet, which breaks storytelling into the author’s version of the 3-act structure.
One of the biggest issues I’ve helped writers address is avoiding what I call the Saggy Second. This is the point in your novel (Second Act) where the protagonist now has to “do something” in the new world they decided to enter.
Deciding what to do, how to do it, and whom to do it with (AND why it all matters to the story), can seem easier said than done. The Beat Sheet offers specific story moments to address within the 3 Acts, which can help novel writers understand what their characters should be doing and why. This book is especially great for writers who tend to think visually about their stories!
Obstacle #2: Crafting Complex Characters
Have you ever read a book and thought, “Man, I wish I’d written this character,”? You know the ones: characters you loathe or love, who get under your skin, and leave you either emotionally drained, or fired up! Maybe you tried writing your own, but could never seem to make them memorable.
Character creation is by far one of the biggest obstacles to building a story that works. Writers often have wonderful ideas and settings and plot points, but are often stumped in how to create the right character for it all. Not just the right character, but one that readers will connect with and love.
If you can relate, this book is for you! This next book was recommended to me several times before I actually read it. As soon as I did, I was kicking myself for all the sobbing and ranting I could have avoided had I just picked it up!
Story Genius by Lisa Cron
Story Genius breaks down the why and how stories work, then takes you on a step by step process to craft ideas, and develop them into actual scenes.
Many writers sing the praises of Cron’s Scene Card which helps you not only decide what happens in a scene, but also understand your character’s motivation for it, and why it all matters to the greater point of your story.
That alone should make you want to snatch it up! Even if you know how to draft winning scenes, but could us a better handle on the characters that populate them, this book is for you.
Why you’ll love it:
This book has been a game-changer for many writers. Not only for the reasons above, but for it’s in-depth exploration of creating characters by developing their misbelief and backstory.
Now, you may be thinking, what does my character’s past have to do with their current story? The answer: Everything! We are all the sum of our experiences.
Every single thing we’ve been through, or have not been through, has made us into who we are and what we believe today.
The same is true for your character. The choices they make in the story you create will be a reflection of the things they’ve experienced. And most times, those choices can be linked to a mindset, which can then be linked to an experience that led them into that mindset. That, my writing friend, is the goldmine of your character, and how to create one that resonates with readers.
Obstacle #3: Writing Scenes that Sing
Scenes are one of the most overlooked areas of writing. I think it might have to do with the fact that once we know what’s going to happen, we think it’s simple to just write it. The trouble is, it can be hard to understand how to connect what happens in scenes to the overall arc of the story.
This is especially true for writers who prefer “pantsing” over outlining (aka me, haha!) It can be easy to pour our tea, sweat, and tears into a story only to come up for a snack and find that none of it gels. The words are beautiful, but the pacing and drive just aren’t there. If this has been a struggle for you, this next book just might be your answer.
Techniques of the Selling Writer by Dwight Swain
The author’s writing style and “vernacular” are a bit outdated, but it doesn’t change the fact that the techniques presented are super applicable to today’s writing.
Swain discusses the importance of writing a good story— storytelling—and offers several techniques on how to do so.
That in itself is major because we all know there’s a big difference between writing well and writing a story that sells. Just read Twilight! (<<totally not a dig, I loved this book…at one time.)
Why you’ll love it:
Of all the books and concepts I lean on to assist writers in scene creation, this book has been the most essential! Swain’s Scene and Sequel method shows you the perfect way to alternate your scenes so that the reader is enthralled by your characters’ highs (goals, conflicts, disasters), and empathetic as they’re weighed down by lows (reaction, dilemma, decision).
This method helps you create pacing for your story that grabs your readers emotions and keeps them fully engaged throughout the entire novel. It helps you craft your scenes in such a way that readers feel as if they’re in the story and not just observing it from the outside.
Next steps!
Maybe you know there’s a breakthrough right at your fingertips, but need someone to help you work through the concepts. I started coaching to offer the support I needed most when I first started writing, and to help writers overcome those pesky writing obstacles, so they can write the novel they’re meant to write!
If you’re ready to get started crafting your dream novel, sign up for your free Discovery Call!
*Note: This is NOT an affiliate post. I have not received any compensation for writing about/recommending these books. They are books I currently have/use in my resource library.