So, I wrote myself into a corner in Carnally Yours, which currently sits at 20,800 words. Knowing I must whip Unbridled into shape ASAP for the Golden Heart, I started working on reoutlining yesterday. And promptly worked myself into another corner.
The problem I'm having with Unbridled is balancing the competing needs of the story. On the one hand, there's the sub-plot, which is what brings the hero and heroine together in the first place. Without the sub-plot, there'd be no romance. On the other hand, I can't let the sub-plot overshadow the romance.
So, what I'm finding is that the sub-plot is keeping the hero and heroine apart in the partial, but I need them to be together because the romance is the main plot and should develop first. At the same time, I can't figure out how to make the story develop in a logical, step-by-step fashion without developing the sub-plot in the partial.
Argh! I may just give up and put the story in the Magical Mulch Pile under the bed. I'm out $50 for the GH entry, but maybe I'd rather be out $50 than nursing a massive headache.
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3 comments:
I know...editors, etc. hate prologues...but they do have a legitamate use. Could you use one to bring out the subplot without sacrificing the story start?
I agree with Ericka. Also, can't you balance out the time they are apart and the time they are together so their romance is still focus.
Gee, I hope that makes sense.
Don't give up on it, Jackie! :)
A prologue isn't really the answer to my problem, although I would consider if it I thought it was. It's just that the backstory for the sub-plot isn't what I'm having trouble with. Instead, it's what happens DURING the story that moves that sub-plot forward that's getting in the way. A lot of that has to happen when the hero/heroine are apart because a big part of the ultimate conflict occurs as a result of his secrets.
I do think QB and I worked out the solution, since my main concern was keeping them together and developing the romance first and foremost in the first three chapters. I don't really want balance between the subplot and the romance there--I want focus on the attraction and the romantic conflict. And I think I've figured out how to do that (and preserve a scene from the original MS that I really loved).
So, it's all good. Except now, once again, I'm not SURE what comes next, LOL!
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