Posted 3:43 PM by Tim
Nothing like letting a half year pass before posting, right?

Let's pretend I didn't just totally stop posting, and get right back at it, ok?

I've been working on a novella for some time now. It's finished, and I'm in the later phases of editing. I'm looking at structure now. What is the minimum I need to tell the story? That's my question.

I've looked at each of the characters that have speaking parts (for this definition, they must have at least 1 line of dialogue, or dialogue-equivalent). I've got 2 main, 8 secondary, and 6 tertiary.

For me, a main character has to be heavily involved in the story. Probably the focus, or involved in 90% or more of it. Secondary characters appear in a couple spots in the story, and add something of value to it. Tertiary characters appear once, and, though they may have a lot of dialogue or other plot significance, after their appearance, they're done.

Looking at the list of characters, there's 3 secondaryies that are up for being cut from the story.

One is an obvious cut. He was intended originally to be a friend for the MC, but in the end got written up as a wishy-washy loner drunk. I can cut him without too much trouble.

Another is a colourful character. Lots of little quirks and eccentricities to him. He's basically there for comic relief, and to give the two main characters a reason to interact over certain subjects. However, he could easily be cut, and the story wouldn't miss him. It'd gloss past a particularily boring part of the story anyhow. Trouble is, I really like the character, so I'd love to keep him, but I know he needs to go.

The third character is one I think might be saveable. I'll still need the minor plot points that the other two cuts would have brought up, and she can do just job if they're out of the way. It changes things for her a little bit, and means some serious re-works on her interactions with the primary MC, but I feel she's needed. At least at this point. I might end up changing my mind later and cutting her anyway (or reducing her to tertiary status).

Anyway, the editing on this needs to be done by about the 25 of this month. Then I'm going to have people read the work and see what they think about it. After that, more edits based on their advice, and then, I'll be trying to get it published.