It’s getting to that time in November when many authors are wrapping up NaNoWriMo. There is plenty of advice out there on how to START your novel off on the right foot (I’ve shared a good bit myself). But over the next two posts I’m going to share 10 things authors should do in the second half of their novel.
1. Shake Things Up
Many of us doing NaNoWriMo are well past the middle of their novel, but not everyone is (and that’s okay). Wherever you are, keep in mind that the story’s middle is a place to shake things up because this is where readers (and writers) will most often quit. Don’t wait until the ending to give us a mind-bending twist. Ramp up the tension. Give the villain a big victory. Give the heroes an even bigger romantic moment. Introduce a ticking bomb. Whatever you do, keep the story fresh and interesting.
2. Vary Up The Emotions
Granted, this is something authors should be doing throughout their stories, but it’s especially important in the second half. As you near the climax, things will typically get grimmer for our heroes. Don’t forget to add moments of levity and tenderness, even if you’re writing a thriller or horror. A few light scenes will make the tense moments stand out even more. Whatever your genre, if you stick to one emotion throughout, the story will become bland and predictable and readers will tune out.
3. Bring Your Hero to Rock Bottom
I know I literally just said to make sure to give your novel some light moments, but it is just as important to make sure that before the climax your hero hits rock bottom. What this looks like will depend on your story (middle grade romance vs. Joe Hill horror). However, it is still vital for your hero to meet their limits so they are pushed into taking action at the climax (whether that be professing their love or battling a demon). Think of the worst thing that could happen to your hero (once again keeping it appropriate for your genre) and then make it even worse.
4. Make Your Hero Active
Like #2 this is something (ideally) you have been doing throughout the story, but it is particularly important in the chapters leading up to the climax and especially at the climax itself. Your hero should no longer be passively sitting back letting things happen to them. Whether they are going through a rocky period in their love life or being pursued by a ghost, this is the part of the story they should be turning things around and taking control of their fate, even if they are not truly successful until the ending.
5. Pay Off Your Set Ups
Stories are all about setups and pay offs. Remember Chekhov’s gun? Paraphrasing: If you reveal a gun in Act I then it should be fired in Act II. Essentially all elements you introduce should be used. That includes: your hero having a pickup that keeps breaking down, a best friend who unintentionally lets secrets slip or a doomsday device kept in a sock drawer. As you reach your novel’s conclusion there are two things you should do in regards to setups and payoffs.
i. Think back to all the events/characters/objects in your story. What expectations have you set up either intentionally or unintentionally? Make sure they’re paid off.
ii. Consider the events in the final quarter of your novel. Is there a way to go back and establish these more effectively? How can you use foreshadowing?
That’s it for this week. In my next post I will include the final five steps that should be taken in concluding your NaNoWriMo novel, specifically how to create an effective climax and what you should NEVER do at your story’s conclusion.
