On writing a novel...American Gothic Chicago
Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 4:24PM I've given the novel a much needed fallow time. After that rest, I decided to rewrite the work as a screenplay -- I'm in the midst of it now -- and that has given it a whole new feel. The treatment pares it down to its essential dialog and actions, which makes the weaknesses easier to spot. I had one too many scenes with people in meetings. If something is barely tolerable in real life, why would you subject someone to it in a story? I've been able to create a few new twists and turns, giving the narrative a quicker pace.
It also became quite clear to me that I had a real problem with a main character. I just couldn't get him in focus, and because I couldn't see him properly, I couldn't breathe life into him; he remained two-dimensional. It didn't help that I really didn't like this guy from the start. Ultimately, that posture didn't work; I couldn't give him the complexity he deserved and so he remained flat on the page. In the multiple revisions, another character had become warped beyond recognition. I think I have them both in hand now.
I'll have more work to do, converting the screenplay back to a novel, but the path I'm on is clearer, and it's a better story. I've had so much support with this novel -- real pros have given me their valuable time and insight. I am filled with gratitude.