Multiple Character Quests

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Dear Kathi…

Not one to take the easy path, eh? Try some tactics authors use when they have two protagonists with separate storylines for much of the book: 1) Give the characters equal screen time, with their chapters appearing in a regular sequence. 2) Keep the chapters short so readers won’t think you’ve abandoned a character for too long. 3) Transition out of one character’s chapter and into another with a common element. For example, end a chapter with Character A climbing onto a bus with resolve, and start the next chapter with Character B climbing down from her treehouse with resolve. This will create a sense of continuity. You don’t want readers feeling like you’re jumping from character to character.

Happy writing!
The Editor

2 Comments

  1. I’ve just finished reading ONE DAY AND ONE AMAZING MORNING ON ORANGE STREET by Joanne Rocklin. It’s got multiple POVs and storylines going on (maybe 7?), all worked in with each other and transitioned beautifully. It’s a little different than yours, Kathi, in that the characters all interact rather than take separate/parallel journeys through the book, but it’s a great example of multiple-POVing done successfully: http://amzn.to/yg27V1

  2. I particularly like the common element for transitions. Never thought about that but it makes such good sense and gives real continuity. Thanks!

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