Building To Action

[Cynus]

On the latest story I've been working on I feel that I've run into a bit of a problem. Chapter One does little more than set the scene, and gives some insight into the characters, hopefully enough to intrigue the reader and want to know more.

 

Chapter Two brings the characters together, but otherwise feels lacking in substance. I'm worried that it might be too boring.

 

Chapter Three has more heightened character interaction, with a bit of conflict developing as tensions increase, but nothing major happens.

 

Chapter Four is where the first major altercation occurs, and there's true strife between the characters.

 

I suppose my question is whether that's too late in the story? WIll my readers have already given up on it if they have to wait that long? Is drama enough to carry the story without action? I'm new to writing dramas with little to no action, so if anyone has any insight I'd love to hear it.

 

 

[Reader1810]

For bells and whistles readers it may be too long, but I don't see that as a reason to move up the action.

 

A slower start allows the reader to get to know the story and the people in it. 

 

We find out who they are and what makes them tick. Do we like the character? That is, would we root for them or not give them a second thought if something bad befell them?

 

When the conflict does occur, because we know the characters, I think our feelings about what happens would be stronger.

 

That's my two cents on the subject, hopefully it's helpful

[Headstall]

On the latest story I've been working on I feel that I've run into a bit of a problem. Chapter One does little more than set the scene, and gives some insight into the characters, hopefully enough to intrigue the reader and want to know more.

 

Chapter Two brings the characters together, but otherwise feels lacking in substance. I'm worried that it might be too boring.

 

Chapter Three has more heightened character interaction, with a bit of conflict developing as tensions increase, but nothing major happens.

 

Chapter Four is where the first major altercation occurs, and there's true strife between the characters.

 

I suppose my question is whether that's too late in the story? WIll my readers have already given up on it if they have to wait that long? Is drama enough to carry the story without action? I'm new to writing dramas with little to no action, so if anyone has any insight I'd love to hear it.

I would say two things to you... Don't overthink.... and TRUST your instincts......

I believe, with these questions, you're likely to get a bunch of different answers, because we all like something different. If the quality of writing is there, and the characters are a) relatable, or b)intriguing... then I can be a very patient reader. If you have a beta reader you trust, then ask them their opinion. It sounds like you're trying something new, and I, personally, thrive on drama in a story, unless it's contrived angst for the sake of being dramatic. In other words, if there is a ring of truth to the drama in those first chapters, it should work. I hope this helps... cheers... Gary

Edited August 1, 2015 by Headstall

[Phantom]

I agree with Headstall, don't overthink it. When writing sometimes its best to just write the whole story out then worry about what chapter fits where. As to the strife with your characters, don't hesitate with writing it, just go with the flow.

 

Hope this helps

[Cynus]

For bells and whistles readers it may be too long, but I don't see that as a reason to move up the action.

 

A slower start allows the reader to get to know the story and the people in it. 

 

We find out who they are and what makes them tick. Do we like the character? That is, would we root for them or not give them a second thought if something bad befell them?

 

When the conflict does occur, because we know the characters, I think our feelings about what happens would be stronger.

 

That's my two cents on the subject, hopefully it's helpful

 

It does. Thank you. It at least helps calm my nerves about it a little bit.

 

I would say two things to you... Don't overthink.... and TRUST your instincts......

I believe, with these questions, you're likely to get a bunch of different answers, because we all like something different. If the quality of writing is there, and the characters are a) relatable, or b)intriguing... then I can be a very patient reader. If you have a beta reader you trust, then ask them their opinion. It sounds like you're trying something new, and I, personally, thrive on drama in a story, unless it's contrived angst for the sake of being dramatic. In other words, if there is a ring of truth to the drama in those first chapters, it should work. I hope this helps... cheers... Gary

 

I think I've worked it out now. With my Beta Reader's input I was able to get an idea of where I could make a couple of subtle changes that made the whole thing smoother. I only had to snip a piece off of chapter three and add it to chapter two, and then I have the room to make chapter four start the transition. Not only does the action happen a tiny bit quicker, but it also reads smoother.

 

Thanks for the input.

 

I agree with Headstall, don't overthink it. When writing sometimes its best to just write the whole story out then worry about what chapter fits where. As to the strife with your characters, don't hesitate with writing it, just go with the flow.

 

Hope this helps

Unfortunately deadlines prevent me from having the whole story completed before posting this time around, but usually that's the route I would take. Thanks for the input.

 

[Emi GS]

As I was suggested that 'Quality Overcomes Time', it is true.

 

For example; A seed will take time to become a tree and breed its fruits.

[JamesSavik]

Think about the way Star Trek starts.

 

There is always an initial incident and some poor guy in a red-shirt is eaten by an alien.

 

Then there is a commercial break... for 20 minutes.

 

The doctor says he's dead Jim and I've never seen anything like it.

 

Some random character has a flashback... or a bad burrito... to set up the next scene.

 

Captain Kirk says WHY... do they hate red shirts!? 

 

 

The Klingons show up in a super-sporty ship that is inexplicably full of smoke, say something fierce and threatening and then wander off to more random confrontations.

 

The engineer must fix some random gizmo before the universe explodes.

 

The science officer must discover a vaccine for a new plague that could wipe out all life in the galaxy.

 

The helmsman simply looks fabulous.

 

The heros are heroic, villains villainous and the day is saved. It is magically pulled together, and works in 50 minutes... unless it is a two part episode in which case, there is a horrific cliffhanger!

 

 

 

The moral of my story is that... you can't possibly be more scripted or predictable than THAT.

Edited August 2, 2015 by jamessavik

[Thorn Wilde]

I'm a big fan of slow burn romance. There's no need to rush things, in my opinion. If your characters and your narrative are engaging, you needn't rush the plot at all.