I’ve been listening to advice for writers about why stories aren’t connecting with agents.

One big reason: The agent isn’t able to feel anything for the protagonist—no matter how well written the story, how lively the sentences, how wonderful the plot. *

The protagonist has to be the heart of the story.

If we haven’t succeeded at doing that, then the agent is probably going to send one of those lovely rejections: “Just can’t connect…not right for my list…good luck.”

Think about the books you read, the movies you watch.

Are the plot lines kind of corny, but you watch/read anyway because you love the characters (Virgin River, I’m looking at you; and Twilight, I’m looking at you, too).

So, we need to get clarity on the main character.

Otherwise, writing the story is going to be like building Frankenstein’s monster without sticking a heart in him.

We all know how that ended.

So how do we do this? Answer the following:

1. What is the protagonist’s core desire?
2. What is their core fear?
3. What is their core value?
4. What lies do they believe about themselves?
5. What is their ghost (what happened to make them believe the lies)?

Then, overlay a voice filter on that character, using a couple of words: snarky and smart, witty and clever, sweet and apologetic, dark and moody, perky and lighthearted, etc.

The other important question to ask before writing or during the revision is why this story?

We need to get clarity on what we’re trying to say.

Ask: What is the main thing we want our audience to take away after reading our book?

Finally, the events in the plot have to be over-the-top.

Yes, they do.

For example, the main character doesn’t just have a paper cut that needs to heal, they’ve got a limb that’s been broken off.

The protagonist can’t just kind of want X.

No.

They will wither and die without it (physically or metaphorically).

I admit I have a hard time with this concept, and I think it’s because of my mother who was a watercolor artist.

At one of her outdoor shows, I marveled at the incredible sky that day—all fluffy clouds and dramatic colors, and said she should paint something like that.

Her reply: No one would believe it.

It was too much.

But writing isn’t painting.

Our stories need “too much.”

They need a larger-than-life problem.

So, there you go.

If you find your story or your protagonist stomping away from you like Frankenstein’s monster about to rampage against the villagers, refer to your answers to these questions and get right back on track.

While a sound plot is important, don’t forget to hone in on the heart of your protagonist and of your story.

The result may very well be a novel that agents can’t resist.

It’s worth a try.

Fingers crossed.

Wing and a prayer, etc. etc. etc.

(*I collected a lot of this advice from a quick webinar from Destiny Salter, a writing coach I stumbled upon on Facebook.)

Have a great week.

~ Gail

(Tick tock)

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