Ep 165 How do you layer more detail into your novel?

In this minisode of So you want to be a writer: How do you layer more detail into your novel? And how to avoid bright shiny object syndrome when you’re writing.

Got a question for Val and Al? Ask at podcast [at] writerscentre [dot] com [dot] au

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Listener Questions

Linda asks:

Dear Val and Al,

I have a writing question for you. During the last couple of years, I’ve become more serious about pursuing my writing dreams. I’ve done some of your AWC courses (which are fantastic by the way!) and I’ve been fortunate to have had some of my short stories published. I’m currently trying to write my first novel.

I’ve got lots of ideas and I’m interested in several different genres. I really enjoy the writing process, but I find myself giving up after a few chapters and starting something new. I tell myself that my ideas are too complex for a first novel and that I should save them for later when I have more writing experience. I’ll cast aside a story with a dual narrative or abandon the early chapters of a historical novel because a little voice in my head is telling me I’m trying to be too ambitious and will never be able to pull it off. Is this is a common dilemma for new writers and what advice would you give?

Kind regards,

Linda

Anna asks:

Hi Val and Al,

Thanks so much for your podcast. I’m hooked and just signed up for boot camp too.

My question is for Al. You recently mentioned going back to your draft and doing layering. Can you talk about that some more?

I have nearly completed a first draft of a crime story and it’s pretty sparse. I don’t want to pad it out but I suspect I need to do layering!

Thanks again, Anna

Val and Al answer this question in this minisode. We hope you find this useful!

If you have a question, email us at: podcast [at] writerscentre [dot] com [dot] au

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podcast at writerscentre.com.au

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