In fiction, regardless of genre, conflict is critical to the story. I find that the greatest conflicts are layered; layer upon layer, upon layer. But when the plot is simply contrived to be that way, it doesn’t strike a note within the reader that truly resonates. I will tell you up front–and I may have already mentioned this in previous posts, that I want Ehlsewhere to be filled with conflicts that seem impossible to overcome. And then when these impossible situations are finally resolved, I want the readers to have two other reactions. First, I want them them think, Yeah, that makes sense, but I also very much want them to think, And I can just imagine God doing it that way too. Those plausible, and emotional, victories over evil and adversaries must be there in order for a story to have any real impact. But first, we have to build the layers–without it just being about coming up with a newly contrived conflict. Chapter twenty six is all about making it clear that some of the resent plot developments have terrifying ramifications, and therefore require drastic measures to combat them. When the plot dictates through the logical progression of events that the main characters have to start taking desperate and drastic actions, layers are not only laid, but the mortar between them takes us from curiosity about what’s coming next to being invested in the outcome. THAT is what I want to start happening in this and subsequent chapters now that the main plot mechanics and characters are set. But…did it happen?
Well, let me say first that I liked the chapter and thought it was a good read. It needs some polish here and there, but over all I was happy with the writing. As far as the goals of layering and the characters taking desperate and drastic actions…I think this was more about setting those up than seeing them unfold. In fact, Dougerty and some woodsmen and Sir Behkworth and some knights are about to go out into the Royal Forest and face some vile beasts, and apparently we’re about to burn down the entire forest, but, none of that is actually happening in this chapter. Hmm, is it alright as is…as a set up chapter? Those can be useful and important. I think the real answer to that will be if we see those desperate and drastic actions play out in the next few chapters. If they end up happening “off camera” then I’m going to be beating myself up and demanding a rewrite. So, until next time…
May the Lord bless your days and light your path,
Mike
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