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ProfessorSJB replied to the topic {Story Theory (aka: editing, but I’m still in denial and so I’m not changing the title yet) – Week 14} Common Problems to Look for During Your Edits in the forum Annual Theme Discussion 7 years, 5 months ago
I thought I’ll order it according to the most problematic ones.
- Plot holes–This is a big one for me. For one thing, my novel is divided into three parts that were originally three separate books (but I decided to mash it together since I have a pet peeve against trilogies). For another, it has several storylines and layers since it deals with 7 dimensions. So it’s a challenging task not to forget parts of the clockwork…
- Loose ends–This kind of runs off the first one. I try to have each part loosely tied, but I’m still working out the details of part 3 and I feel like this could be a problem.
- Underdeveloped world building–This happened to me in part 2 of the novel, in which I suddenly realized that I didn’t finish constructing the museum where the story takes place. I found out the hard way that characters can’t build worlds as they go–you have to be intentional about it–and I was doing NaNo, so it was hectic for me. But I usually try my best to build worlds and the general outline before I plunge into it.
- Not enough (or too much!) foreboding–I think I have both problems?
- Underdeveloped relationships–I’m good at building relationships for some of the characters, and for others, it’s like I fell asleep on the job.
- Characters without motivation–Okay, so I have details about most characters, but I suddenly realized how one character doesn’t really know what they’re doing on that page.
- Side characters (or main characters) who lack development–Basically the same as the one from above.
- Not enough backstory shown–This was kind of problematic in part 1 since I didn’t want to reveal too much, but part 2 has some more backstories, so I think it balances it out.
- Anticlimactic climax–
- Dramatic, but unrealistic–Okay, I’ll admit sometimes I do this. But who doesn’t?
- Cliche plot elements/scenes–Umm, I might have a few of those? But what’s a sci-fi without a psychopathic doctor?!
- Characters that disappear–I think this happened once. But I usually try not to erase people off pages if I can help it.
- Unclear character voice–I think I have distinct character voices. I might need some work on different age groups, though.
- Inconsistent world building/characters–I kind of live in my own world, so…
- Too low stakes–Is that a thing? Of course, the world will end along with the rest of humanity in all of my stories. 🙂
So that’s kind of my strengths and weaknesses that I think is true. (Or I might be off. Like, I might actually not have plot holes.)












