These are notes I took from a wonderful writing symposium called Life, the Universe, and Everything. We have a lot of talented people in Utah and visitors with a great deal of knowledge. Any Misinformation is the fault of the note taker. With the length of my notes, I will present this in three sections.

The final draft
– Before you reach the final edit have beta readers read your manuscript to get the general things fixed.
– Developmental editing:
– The plot, pacing story structure:
– Story structure and plot:
– Make sure you don’t have too many plot points. Maybe have only about two major plots that interweave.
– Make sure the plot and character goals coincide.
– Objectives need to be specific.
– The goal must not be easily obtainable.
– Hardships permit the character to grow.
– Watch for plot points and tropes that are overused.
– Find a new way to rewrite a new spin to an old idea.
– Email: Kelsy Thompson akelsythompson@gmail.com akelsythompson@gmail.com

Consider subplots that can complicate the character’s objectives.
– Too many subplots can cause a loss of focus on the story.
– If you have a short story that is too short, you need more complications or subplots to add complex ability.
Tension
– Think about how to add tension and add conflict.
– Watch too much exposition. It is a special challenge with invited world and terms and concepts.
– The reader is on a read to know basis. Give them only enough to understand what is going on
– Before every draft: write down to one sentence of the book does each scene add to the goal.
– Did I wrap up all the subplots?
– Do characters have logical reasons for doing what they do?
– Make sure the characterization follows their actions throughout the story.
– Double-check the conventions of your genre.
– What is the typical word count of your genre?
– 90-120K words for SF/F.
– Structure convention means what point of view.

Start with your hook.
– Need to hook the reader the sooner the better.
– Editors can tell if you are going to like the book by what they read on the first page.
– Start in the middle of your tension.
– Why should we care about the character?
– You can set the scene as you tell the story rather than spend too much time of description.
– Readers want to read about an interesting character such as voice or view of the world.

Point of view:
– YA is often written in the first person
– Avoid head-hopping or the God point of view.
– Often one chapter or scene is limited to one point of view.
– If you have multiple points of view is an option sometimes.

If you have additional recommendations, feel free to add them in the comment section of this blog.