Honey, I shrunk the kids! No, just my manuscript. Using Darcy Patterson’s technique http://www.darcypattison.com/revision/shrunken-manuscript/Shrunken-manuscript, I’ve reduced Hildegard to 30 pages of single spaced 10 point text. I made a pink X on each chapter I felt was strong. So 13 out of 19 chapters are strong. So far, so good. I see where I need to concentrate – chapters 4, 5 and 6 - three weak chapters in a row.
At least I don’t have Sagging Middle. Chapters 8, 9 and 10 are strong. So how do I strengthen the earlier chapters? I’m going to have another look at emotional tension and dialogue and action, for starters. I’m getting there! Stay with me, Hildegard!
I like Darcy's technique too. I do something similar, condensing a thick manuscript to a few pages of summary with coloured pens and emoticons - I call it the beat sheet. As for your earlier chapters, check you're not 'warming up' before you get to the meat of the story. Good luck - and well done on your middle.
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