Write Your Novel From the Middle
After sketching out the scenes for “Mira’s Tale”, I revisited a book, that I had had on my reading list for a while.
In “Write Your Novel From The Middle” James Scott Bell looks at story structures of movies and novels. Based on a few examples he explains that in most story, directly in the middle there is a moment, when the hero reflects on her place in the story or the world.
Look in the Mirror
This is usually a moment where she recognizes her true self and reflects on the way forward.
Bell argues, that however you go about writing your story, whether with a detailed plan or explorative writing, it is a good idea to early on think about that reflective “look in the mirror moment”. Because it serves as a goal post or anchor.
So I tried sketching the questions Mira will have in the middle of her story, when she recognizes that she is partly responsible for the havoc that is going on.
The Golden Triangle
Adding to the reflective moment Bell proposes the “golden triangle” of:
- Pre-story psychology
- Mirror Moment
- Transformation
Defining the pre-story psychology helps to identify the hero’s (or any characters) core values and belief system.
Finally having a at least rough idea about the transformation that she may go through in the end, helps to set the stage for the second half of the story. As I already see at least two major different endings for Mira’s Tale, I sketched two options for the transformation.
Final Thoughts
I liked thinking about these aspects, and they definitely helped to give me a clearer picture of the path Mira might take.
The book is a quick fun read (86 pages) and even though the idea is explained quickly. Bell enhances the central piece with concrete advice and tips, from small to big. Bell’s humorous writing made the “learning” quite enjoyable. The man obviously knows what he is talking about.
📖 Further Reading