Posts Tagged ‘What is she/he afraid of?’
December 8th, 2011 | Author: admin
Coach Teresa, what does it mean when an agent says my story is episodic?
Authors of novels, memoirs, children’s novels–this advice is for you.
Episodic = This happens, then this happens, then that happens… An episodic story is not compelling because there’s no connection between character growth and action plotline.
The answer: Show the transformation of your protagonist(s) . . . not because “things happen to her/him” but because her/his choices/behavior lead her/him to the next step, to the next step, as she/he goes after what she/he wants.
Examine every scene. Ask yourself this question: What does your protagonist want in this scene? What is she/he afraid of? Who/What is the antagonist in this scene?
As Plot Whisperer Martha Alderson says: “When the dramatic action changes the character at depth over time, the story becomes thematically significant.”
Re-read your favorite book that has a similar premise as yours.
Cheering for writers!
Coach Teresa says: “Reach out, not stress out, when pursuing your dreams!”
Want to attract agents & publishers? Want to be your own publisher?
Email: writingcoachTeresa at gmail.com
Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan
specializes in: novels / children’s novels / memoirs
Posted in About Teresa Jade LeYung aka Teresa LeYung Ryan, Art / Craft / Teaching, writing-career coach / manuscript consultant / writing coach / editor/ book doctor / author / writer's life / publisher | 
Tags: book that has a similar premise as yours, Build your writer’s platform NOW, children's novels, choices/behavior, Coach Teresa, connection between character growth and action plotline, dramatic action, Examine every scene, Get your manuscript professionally edited, memoirs, novels, Plot Whisperer Martha Alderson, Reach out not stress out when pursuing your dreams, Teresa LeYung Ryan, thematically significant, transformation of your protagonist, what does it mean story is episodic?, what does it mean when an agent says, What does your Protagonist want?, What is she/he afraid of?, Who/What is the antagonist? | 
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