Power and Character

Here is a copy of Kickstarter Update #15. I realized that some of you who read this blog may not receive the those Updates, so here is a copy.

At this stage, nearing completion of the manuscript, the editor and I are working together to analyse character, plot, and elements of dramatic tension. We consulted long and hard about the power balance between the protagonists and antagonist. In "Keep Eyes Behind" the primary protagonist/hero is a 12-year old girl, Maryam, the story narrator. Yet her 8 year old brother, Naim, and their Uncle Amin are more than supporting characters. Then enter two huge, magical horses that bring additional power to the protagonists, against one major antagonist. Back to the drawing board - another re-write. This is one of the many challenges of writing fiction. It is like putting together a block puzzle; all the pieces must fit perfectly, balance each other, and in the end, stand on its own and not fall off the table. What I'm doing now is working backwards. I'm writing a new biography for the characters, including the horses, in order to illuminate the unique flaws and strengths of each. Hopefully this process will help me enhance the characters' behaviors and interactions to bring greater balance of power between them. A believable power struggle is the seat of dramatic tension. Get that wrong and you've not got a story. We're almost there. Please send your good thoughts this way.
Next blog: Cast of Characters