MG Mystery Character-driven or Too Long?

DavidBrett · Mar 7, 2012

Let me elaborate; I'm working on my Upper-MG sci-fi 'Fringe for kids' novel. Its going pretty good so far - all the main characters are firmly introduced, as is the paranormal website the book series will be named after, etc.

The problem is, apart from a vague plot-seed sown whilst introducing the MC's seizures, I'm halfway through chapter six, and I've not been able to suitably introduce the mystery (invisible thief).

Sure, the chapters aren't the longest in the world - no more than 4 pages when written up - but it doesn't stop me from wondering if I'm focusing too much on the character-driven aspect of the narrative, or if I should try and force the mystery into it sooner?

Is six+ chapters TOO long to get to the main story? Or is it ok because its the first book in the series, and I needed the time to introduce the characters, theme and setting?

Ginger Writer · Mar 7, 2012

Hmm... I think that there should probably be a way to incorporate both. Character development is definitely a plus, but there could be a way to bring the tension of the main plot in much earlier. I don't have the manuscript in front of me, so I'm afraid that this is about as specific as I can get. But you said that a seed was planted with the MC's seizures. I'd look for more opportunities to do this kind of doublework.

MsJudy · Mar 8, 2012

I would say Yes, that is a problem you'll want to work on.

But... you're in the early stages of a first draft, right? So I would not worry about it right now. A lot of those early chapters may end up getting cut, but they may be important for you to write so you can figure out your characters and your world.

When you start revising, you may find lots of ways to reconfigure the scenes you have--start somewhere else, combine early chapters, cut scenes out or save them for later, craft a brand-new beginning that introduces the mystery and then indulge in some character development before coming back to the mystery...

There's time to figure that out as you go along.

MG Mystery Character-driven or Too Long?

DavidBrett

Alas, poor Yorick, he fed me 'nanas

Ginger Writer

Writing like a madwoman

MsJudy