For the past week, I’ve been trying to learn how to spice up my plot and subplots. Some tips I’ve come across that have been more helpful include:
* Put characters in stressful situations to reveal their character – J.T. is an important character, but I’ve written him very blandly. I’ve introduced a little more of his background into the story and have put him in a stressful situation in chapter 12 (coming soon). Other stressful situations will emerge as the story progresses.
* Plot needs to be presented in a series of escalating conflicts – A plot is emerging, but not strongly enough. I believe I have stressed the need to prevent a war a little mores strongly. Things will escalate more in future chapters.
* Every page needs tension and urgency – I’m still falling short on this one.
* Backstory is worked into the story, not spilled out all at once – I have a tendency to give too much information at once, so I’ve deleted and changed some parts and have hinted at things to be divulged later.
* Leave little mysteries to be revealed later – I hope I’ve done this.
There are several other tips I need to go through in order to spice up my plot. I will keep reading and learning. As you may have noticed from my commentary, I’ve done some revisions to the previous chapters on the Kavakian Empire story. I think I’m still having trouble engaging readers with a good plot and subplots, but I think I’ve made some positive changes. Please go back and read the first eleven chapters of this space opera. Be sure to leave a comment with constructive criticism.
Fantasy/Sci-Fi Author Dawn Ross 
I’ve found that leaving little mysteries to be solved later is quiet difficult. I’m an information lover – I want everything up front. So I write that way too, and then have to go back and delete material in the editing process to give that air of mystery and suspense. One of the most valuable pieces of advice I’ve utilized is constantly reminding myself to write now and edit later.
That’s good advice. I’m having a hard time with doing that, though, because my story is public and I know it’s weak. I want to make it the best it can be right up front. Perhaps I should stop putting so much pressure on myself and just write.
Can you make the story un-public for a little while?
Yes, but then I won’t blog anything for a while. The good thing about making it public is it forces me to work on the story, where I might otherwise procrastinate. And it forces me to think about the quality of the story. Just writing is a good thing, but I have to find a balance. Someday I’ll find that balance. I’m sure it’s here somewhere. 😉