Hello, everyone. This month, I found a new obstacle while writing. My current story has several relevant facts which need conveyed in order for later plot points to have the correct meaning, but little excitement in the first half. I have not had this before; so far, every story I have plotted out has consistent events during and around which I can put exposition and build relationships.

That surprised me when I realized it. I had not thought of myself as an action writer until then. Still, I’m pretty sure this can be solved easily. What happens in the seemingly slower parts are still significant, and even profound, to the characters going through it, so surely I can make it interesting to readers. The thing giving me the most trouble is the fact that so many little parts are nebulous, and can happen in many different orders. Before, my scenes have always needed to go in a certain order to make sense. Now I need to learn how to arrange a timeline by feel.

I have begun outlining sub-plots and story arcs so I don’t accidentally reference something which hasn’t happened yet. I’ve rarely needed to do that before, and only when a scene had several characters interacting. Writing this update for you made me realize something else; I have never worked with so large a main cast. I have had a lot of characters before, but most of those were supporting and background. This story is teaching me several new things, then.

I am having a blast.