Are You Afraid of What Might Bleed onto the Page?

By Nicole Meier

In 2020, something unexpected happened to me. I’m not talking about the pandemic. I’m referring to a snag in my writing life.

That year I penned a new novel manuscript and was feeling pretty good about it. In a flurry of inspiration, I rushed it off to my literary agent who, in turn, also liked it. We did a virtual high five and talked about next steps. Plans were made and pitches were sent. The aim was to find a publisher who felt more aligned with my goals than my existing one. I went into the submission process with a hopeful heart.

Within weeks, the feedback started rolling in. And it wasn’t good.

The handful of publishers we pitched all had the same response: Love the premise, can’t connect with the protagonist. 

I was mortified, but not for reasons one may think. I was crushed because as an author I hang my hat on the fact that I write character-driven novels. I pride myself on publishing books with rich story elements such as character interiority, insight, and motivation. In fact, many of my books’ previous reviews repeatedly used the term “emotionally resonant” to describe my storytelling. And yet, this time around I simply didn’t deliver.

Why was that? 

Then it hit me like an unwanted plot twist. I’d written as if someone was looking over my shoulder. 

This is where I’ll share a tough truth. During the time of my manuscript development, I was navigating challenging personal issues at home. The best way to cope, or so I thought, was to compartmentalize my troubles and instead thrust my full focus into my creative life. 

I was so afraid, however, of accidently allowing my personal life to bleed onto the page, that I overcompensated. I wrote that new novel with a fortified heart. The result was an overly guarded protagonist who held the readers at an arm’s length. My main character traveled through the story without letting anyone get close enough to relate or connect with her. In other words, I wrote a flat (and probably unlikable) character that no one wanted to root for.

The experience of having to reflect on the ‘why’ behind my story’s failure turned out to be a valuable lesson. Not only was I able to identify what was going on in my writing life, but I was also able to take a deep dive, make revisions, and turn that story around. My new novel, CITY OF BOOKS, releases this spring and is already (thankfully!) receiving enthusiastic reviews.

I now use this example when working with my book coaching clients. Over the past four years of working closely with fiction writers, I’ve noticed a trend. Writers aren’t getting stuck on their drafts because of poor premises, lack of plot points, or even writer’s block. In fact, one of the top reasons I see writers losing momentum is because they don’t know their protagonist well enough. Whether they’re writing works of plot-based commercial fiction or character-driven works of upmarket fiction, they often aren’t allowing the character journey to play out on the page in a satisfying way. And this is a problem because characters are the beating heart of a good story, no matter the genre.

The good news is that while this is common, it’s totally fixable. 

When working with writers, I encourage them to do the following: map out their protagonist’s inner journey – so it flows naturally and keeps readers engaged throughout, add rich layers to characters – so they feel as dynamic and multi-dimensional as real humans, hone in on voice and point of view – to create consistent and compelling storytelling from start to finish, and also land on a narration style that works – helping the novel to become a fan favorite.

Writing is an intricate and evolving process that thrives on in-depth reflection and revision. By reflecting on their work, writers can identify areas for improvement, clarify their thoughts, and ensure the character journey is one that resonates with readers. 

By embracing these practices, writers not only enhance their work but also grow as storytellers. And who doesn’t want that?

—

Nicole Meier is an author and certified book coach living in the Pacific Northwest. 

Her debut novel, The House of Bradbury, was chosen as a Best Book of 2016 by Refinery29. Her second book, The Girl Made of Clay, was named a Top Book according to Bookbub readers. The Second Chance Supper Club, was named a Best New Book 2019 by Popsugar. Her fourth novel, City of Books, is forthcoming (spring 2024)

Nicole is the host of the Steps to Story podcast and a certified book coach and developmental editor working to help fiction writers bring their stories to life.​

Find her at nicolemeier.com on Instagram @nicolemeierwrites 

CITY OF BOOKS

Jo Waterstone knows what you should read next. She’s honed the skill of sizing up a person and recommending their next book in the decades she’s worked at Bruebaker’s Books. Her life has been shaped by the store, the bustle of customers exploring the stacks, and managing the eager staff. She can honestly say it’s the best job she’s ever had.

Then the store’s elderly owner, Mr. Bruebaker, suffers a stroke, and just like that Jo’s perfect job is on the chopping block. Mr. B’s daughters and the bookstore’s icy CEO think the time is right to close for good, and they order Jo to lock up. But she doesn’t know what she would be without Bruebaker’s—and besides, the place is an institution. So instead of following orders, she decides to take a stand: along with a few brave team members, she barricades herself in the store, trying to buy time until Mr. Bruebaker recovers and can speak for himself.

Living in a bookstore has a certain magic to it, but the quiet hours among the books throw the choices Jo has made in her life into sharp relief. As supporters—and detractors—start to voice their opinions about her actions, Jo will have to decide what, exactly, is worth saving.

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Tags: featured, women writers

Category: On Writing