I’m reading a new book by a fairly prolific writer, and I must say I’m losing confidence in this particular author.
The first 100+ pages were dedicated to introducing many characters who may or may not become important, and setting the scene.
That is just too much! Get to the point, already!
Just so you know, very few people will stick with a story that has too many characters (especially if they are all introduced at once), and too much vague scene-setting.
A publisher or agent will not read that far, hoping it will get better. They will chuck that onto the reject pile and move on to the next manuscript.
Do you want this to happen to you? No?
Well, then. Get some tension or something for the reader to wonder or worry about right away! There’s nothing worse than slogging through a story hoping it will grab your attention.
I hope that helps at least one person avoid this pitfall. I sure hope so.
Christine – Guest blogger
http://www.bespokewriterchristine.com
bespokewriterchristine@gmail.com