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Soup and Layers: Fleshing Out The First Draft

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soupWell, it finally cooled off in south Florida. I actually broke out the long pants for an entire six hours. To celebrate the first chilly day of the season, I always make soup, and as I was adding ingredients every thirty minutes to my steaming pot of yum, I realized how similar it was to adding layers to a story. The first draft is usually the bare bones, skeletal–more scaffolding than a complete structure. But once you start revising, you add the layers that flesh it out and make it thicker, three-dimensional. There are a lot of things you could add to achieve this goal. Here are a few on my current revision list…

1. Subplots. These secondary plot lines add complexity and girth and are almost always directly tied-in to the main plot line. A romance that complicates the main character’s objective (The Hunger Games); a mystery that is solved at a pivotal point in the story (Saving Private Ryan); a friendship that spurs the MC on in her quest to reach her goal (Wither). Each subplot should have its own complete and smooth story arc. Keep this in mind when editing.

2. Theme. Some writers start with theme. Others figure it out along the way. Still others have the entire first draft done before they realize what the theme is (hello, me). However you do it, it’s crucial to at some point identify your story’s main theme so you can touch on it from start to finish. Think of your theme as a secondary subplot, one that needs a full arc from beginning to end. Revisit it frequently to add depth.

3. Character Renovations. Without fail, I get all the way through my first draft and realize that my main character is missing something. I hate that. But that’s what the revision process is for, no? To increase depth, add an endearing quirk, uncommon trait, or a fatal flaw to be overcome. For maximum impact, make the trait one that either helps or hinders the character’s ability to achieve his or her overall goal. (Also, see this excellent post by Janice Hardy on layering with character emotion.)

4. Meaningful Repetitions. These include anything that is repeated throughout the story and, ideally, grows or changes with the story. Symbols and metaphors are good examples. Common phrases or sayings. Meaningful objects. Settings also apply: a favorite hang-out, the place your character goes when she needs downtime, a location that has specific significance or emotional importance. These repeated pieces are like touchstones for the reader, connecting them with the characters and embedding the reader more firmly into the story with each repetition.

 

Image: Rena_kim @ Pixabay

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Comments

  2. Carol Riggs says

    Oooh! Great analogy. It’s difficult to write it first off with ALL those layers–some have to be added later. Although I usually have my subplots mostly there from the beginning. I’ve definitely had to tweak my main character to fit what she ends up being. I love doing the symbols threading thru the story. 🙂

  3. The Golden Eagle says

    Theme either comes to me while I’m writing the story or during planning, or I have to go and chase it down–I like the idea of it as a secondary subplot.

    Great post!

  5. Kelly Hashway says

    Couldn’t agree more. Revising for everything all at once is overwhelming. Going through several rounds with specific things in mind each time is so much easier. You catch more and your work will be better for it.

  6. Julie Musil says

    What an awesome post. I’m plotting now, trying to get all of this in motion before I write the first draft. But you know what? This will NOT all be there in the first draft, so I need to relax and know that it can be added during revisions. I’m going to check out Janice Hardy’s post now. Thank you!

  7. Gail Shepherd says

    Butternut squash soup is one of my all time favorite soups. I have about 16 variations of it.

    Wow, Becca, you’ve got me excited already about doing a revision, and I’m not even 1/4 done with my first draft! As always, invaluable advice.

  8. Southpaw says

    Wow, this is the second food to novel post. Both are totally different but still great.

    Must be something about this colder weather…

  15. Tyler-Rose Counts says

    I like the analogy of soup and the different ingredients being the things and details you add to the story as the drafts build up. Draft number one is like swimming through soup and after that it should be only like making soup.

  16. dadwhowrites says

    Nice one. Meaningful repetitions and character renovations – that’s what I’m struggling with as I plough through draft 3. Character renovations are particularly exciting as they keep threatening to derail plot elements I’ve come to see as crucial through the first two drafts whilst adding a dynamism (for me, anyway) that wasn’t there previously.

  19. Heather says

    Now that you mention it, it is a lot like making a really good soup. The hard part for me is often allowing it to simmer slowly, for both the soup and the novel!

  21. Susie Lindau says

    This is such excellent advice. I love how concise you were in your post. I think I am probably working in too much detail for a first draft and will take your advice and think of it as layering for the rest of the WIP.

    Absolutely the best advice I have read in a while~

  24. Shilpa says

    I think I am going to take a print of this and stick it to my desk. I often lose my way during editing and this is perfect to remind myself what my objective is during revision! Thanks!

  27. Traci Kenworth says

    Mmm, soup sounds good on this
    dreary day. Maybe that’s what
    I’ll make for dinner tonight. I
    love the weave of story layers
    in your recipe. It is so important
    to add those depths to bring your
    characters from one-dimensional
    to third.

  29. Stina Lindenblatt says

    Don’t let my hubby see the picture. He’ll expect me start garnishing my butternut squash soup the same way. I’m too exhausted to do that by the time I’ve finished making the soup.

    Great post. Going back to develop the layers is vital to a strong story.