10 Reasons Your Novel is Boring!

Summary

This video focuses on key writing tips to avoid making your novel boring. It emphasizes the importance of well-structured scenes that move the plot forward, create momentum, and entertain the reader. The speaker stresses the need to balance rules with creativity, suggesting that breaking certain rules can sometimes be necessary for the sake of entertainment. It also highlights how editing is crucial in transforming initial drafts into dynamic, engaging content. The speaker shares personal insights and offers additional resources through Patreon, where readers can gain more writing advice during her maternity leave.

Takeaways

• 😀 Weak beginnings can lose readers quickly—start with a strong hook to engage them from the start.
• 😀 Conflict is essential for keeping the plot engaging. Without it, the story feels stagnant and lacks excitement.
• 😀 Compelling characters are key. If the reader doesn't connect with the characters, they won’t care about the story.
• 😀 Avoid info dumps. Exposition should be spread out and delivered in an engaging, digestible way.
• 😀 Unrealistic stakes diminish the tension in the story. Readers need to feel that what's at stake is important and real.
• 😀 Pacing matters. Slow scenes that drag can kill momentum. Keep the plot moving with active scenes.
• 😀 Even during calm moments, maintain an underlying tension to keep readers hooked and eager for the next development.
• 😀 Scenes should always move the plot forward. If characters go backward, it should still create forward momentum in the long term.
• 😀 Entertainment value trumps perfection. Don’t get too focused on rules—have fun, be dynamic, and entertain your readers.
• 😀 Editing is crucial—often the first draft has boring elements, but editing allows you to refine and make the story more compelling.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video regarding what can make a novel boring?

The video emphasizes various aspects that can make a novel boring, such as lack of clear motivation, excessive information-dumping, poor pacing, or static characters. It highlights the importance of maintaining momentum, keeping the reader engaged, and avoiding predictability.

How important is character motivation in making a novel engaging?

Character motivation is essential in creating a compelling narrative. A novel can feel boring if characters lack clear motivation or if their actions don't align with their goals. The character's internal desires and external goals should drive the plot forward.

What does the speaker mean by 'momentum' in the context of scenes?

In the context of scenes, 'momentum' refers to a sense of progression—either moving forward or backward in a way that still advances the overall plot. Even setbacks or failures should lead to a pivot or a new direction, contributing to the narrative's movement.

Is it acceptable to end a chapter in the middle of a conflict?

Yes, it's acceptable to end a chapter in the middle of a conflict if it enhances the story's tension or raises better questions. The key is to ensure that the scenes themselves still have momentum, regardless of whether they conclude neatly within a chapter.

Why is it important to prioritize entertainment value in writing?

Prioritizing entertainment value is crucial because the primary goal of writing is to engage and captivate the reader. While structure and rules are important, they should not hinder the excitement or enjoyment of the reader. Breaking certain rules can be justified if it enhances the story's entertainment.

What role does editing play in improving the entertainment quality of a novel?

Editing plays a significant role in improving a novel's entertainment value by allowing writers to refine initially dull or predictable ideas. Writers can replace boring conflicts, uninteresting dialogue, or generic plotlines with more compelling, dynamic alternatives.

How can a writer keep a scene from feeling static or boring?

To prevent a scene from feeling static, a writer should ensure that the character is actively pursuing a goal, facing conflict, and either succeeding or failing in a way that propels the story forward. The scene should not just convey information or be filler material.

What does the speaker mean by 'breaking rules' in the writing process?

Breaking rules refers to bending or disregarding traditional writing conventions to enhance the story's entertainment value. While it's important to follow structural guidelines most of the time, deviating from them can sometimes improve the narrative, making it more engaging or surprising.

How can knowing your audience influence the writing process?

Knowing your audience helps tailor the story to what they find interesting or exciting. Understanding what resonates with readers allows writers to create compelling characters, conflicts, and plot twists that keep readers engaged.

What is the significance of the speaker's mention of maternity leave and Patreon?

The speaker mentions their maternity leave to inform viewers that they might not be able to respond to comments during this time. They also share their Patreon as a way for viewers to support their work and gain access to additional content, such as podcasts, during their leave.