Every writer learns the importance of your manuscript having a good 'hook'. Your first sentence is supposed to dazzle. Your first paragraph should astound. By then end of the first page a reader should be drooling in anticipation to turn the page. Fine and dandy.
Endings are also obviously important. Does everyone live happily ever after? Are those who are evil suitably punished and those who are good suitably rewarded? Every writer makes his/her own decision, but all know to tie up (at least) the main plot line. It's fine (maybe even good) for a reader to wonder what happens next, but no one is left unsatisfied. Everyone will close the book and heave a pleasurable sigh.
But what about the middle? You're past the beginning, all the characters have been introduced, each with their own issues, and the plot lines are well underway. But, you're nowhere near the end. How do you keep things moving along at a nice trot without racing?
This is the part of any project where most writers (including me) seem to run into trouble. Since I write mysteries I worry about giving away too much too soon, or not dropping enough clues early on. Subplots are great, but I don't want them taking too much focus away from the main storyline. Subplots are great for humour, or for concentrating on one character's foibles, but I believe they should all serve the main plot in some capacity.
The trick is have the plot's path take some twists and turns but still be heading in the right direction. Many mystery authors throw in a few more dead bodies in the middle to keep the game afoot. Romance writers may add a few hiccups to their heroine's life; old boyfriend (or ex-husband) returns, new pet arrives on the doorstep, she earns a promotion at work, or takes on a new project. I have no problem with any of these as long as when I'm reading I don't think this plot just got thrown into the mix to add some steam.
How do you make your way through the middle? Is it full steam ahead as you whistle a happy tune or do you stand, arms akimbo, and puzzle 'what do I do now?'. You've got to get through the middle to get to the end. Do you stall or put your foot down even heavier on the gas pedal?Do you suffer from middle-mania?
Elspeth - You're absolutely right! Once the plot gets going, it's as important to keep the reader engaged as it is to "hook" the reader in the beginning, and give closure at the end. I try to keep interest going by having new clues pop up (e.g. somebody finds an unexpected piece of evidence). I also enjoy the interplay between the sleuth and the other characters, so I keep the plot going by having the suspects lie (or not ; ) ) and get caught (or not ; ) ) as the sleuth gets to the bottom of the case.
ReplyDeleteI try to do two things, maybe three, in the middle. I'm certain I'm not always successful, but I try to be. One, pile on problems for the protagonist. Major, minor, both. Two, start pulling some plot lines toward closure. Maybe add or solve a red herring. Three, at or slightly past the halfway mark I start moving everything toward closure.
ReplyDeleteI'm a fanatic over pacing, especially in the middle of the novel. Although I write fantasy, I run into the same quandry regarding striking that perfect balance between giving the reader just enough information or giving away too much.
ReplyDeleteI'd be gibbering if I tried to do a mystery! I think mysteries are especially difficult, because those aha! moments are so critical.
A wonderful article, Elspeth. Thank you.
Margot; Are lying suspects fun? Where I have fun is when my reader knows they are lying, but my detective doesn't.
ReplyDeleteCarol; You're absolutely right, the middle is the time to pile on the problems.
Teresa; I'm a fanatic with pacing as well! Thanks for your kind words, they're really appreciated.
You know, I honestly don't know what I do or how I do it! When it comes to the middle, I think I just sort of feel my way through. It becomes more of a gut feeling. Then, when I revise, I read the chapters aloud. If it starts to feel either rushed or tedious, then I know what needs to come in or get out.
ReplyDeleteMy brother always reminds me to "start as close to the middle of the story as possible." Love that.
:)
A couple things might happen in the middle - the plot might branch into a new direction, but as a direct consequence to some earlier character decision/action. Or the reader might learn something new about a character, putting a different spin on situations. I think little unexpected twists and turns are necessary midway.
ReplyDeleteElisa; I understand the theory of starting in the middle, but that means your middle becomes your beginning and then you've just got more middle unless you're going to spend the middle doing catch-up.
ReplyDeleteJoanne; Yes! Unexpected twists and turns are always good. I want them to add to the plot, though, not just be there for the sake of twisting and turning.
I might be guilty of too much middle sometimes. I keep the time frame short (a long weekend), so there's no time for me to drag out the story. My main characters get in trouble, escape, get in trouble again, escape, and maybe do it all one more time. And since the Sylvia and Willie mysteries have two main protagonists, I can jeopardize them individually and up the action. They must really be exhausted after each book.
ReplyDeletePatricia; I've got a short time frame as well; four days. I thought it would help with the middle, but I still seem to be worrying about it. Maybe I need more peril!
ReplyDeleteI think middle can drag on sometimes with some authors. Especially the famous ones. You ever notice that when an author attains fame their books get looooooonger? Not better, just longer.
ReplyDeleteMarvin D Wilson
I've read some books that have a middle-drag. As I go through revisions, I'm trying to avoid it.
ReplyDeleteBeginnings and Endings are always dramatic in life as in life. Middles are more difficult. I have read some very helpful information here that I will keep in mind. I guess the key is to keep the middle as interesting as the Beg. and the End.
ReplyDeleteMake the beginning and ending really long, and the middle will disappear altogether!
ReplyDeleteOr you could put in a jolting plot twist--something that rocks the world of the protagonist--exactly halfway through the book. That works too.
I think the key is to keep the tension building in an understated manner. Good authors do this seamlessly, others are a little clunkier, and for some the middle is a hump of major proportions.
ReplyDeleteRight on, as usual, Elspeth. Middles can be tough. With my nano, I added a few interesting twists and turns. Can't wait to finish it up, then go back and make sure it all flows well.
ReplyDeleteOld Silly; I have noticed that! More fame seems to equal more pages.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn; Every good wish for your revisions!
JW; I think it's one of those things that's easier to say than do. Tell me if you pull it off!
Alan; You see, I KNEW you would come up with a sensible solution. I vote for a really long beginning and a really long ending.
Elizabeth; It does seem to be a problem for many. I like how you put that: "the tension building in an understated manner". It's my new motto.
Jemi; Aren't you kind! I hope your NaNo manuscript turns out well. I'm so impressed you were able to do it.
What if we looked at it differently? Poor poor middle. If our novels were sandwiches then we'd realize how very important they are. I think the middle is when we really build the inevability of what has to happen. Especially in mysteries. I'm in the middle of my wip and I sort of know the end but I need to make those things that will happen HAVE to happen by what occurs now. I think that makes sense. It does in the kitchen of my imagination.
ReplyDeleteJan; You have a very good point. I'm trying to figure out what has to come out now and what can come out later. I understand exactly what you mean.
ReplyDeleteI have to say I have a lot of trouble with middles, mostly because I tend to head in a straight line to my conclusion and the whole thing feels flat during the first draft.
ReplyDeleteCassandra; It can be a problem, can't it? Maybe your straight line needs a few bumps in the road.
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