Advice?

[thecollector]

In my experience writing, I have found that some of my work seems rushed. What I mean is that the main plot unfolds within the first couple of pages. What I would like to do is space it out, but I'm unsure of how to do that. Any advice on how is welcome.

[Callie]

I have this problem a lot too. I think it's just in my nature, I want to "get it over with" so that I can look at it. This isn't necessarily a bad thing - to get the barest bones down on paper. What you want to get familiar with is revising. See where you're really leaving necessary details, where subplots could be created, where your characters could be developed more.

It's not like it's a bad trait. Really. There are very, very few writers who write the "perfect" length, with the perfect amount of description etc. And even the ones who do, it doesn't make them any better than those of us who either write too little or too much.

Anyway, good luck! At the very least, wanting to rush through something just means you'll get your plot down, which is a really tough detail for a lot of writers.

[ScottyMcGee]

The problem authors can face is what I call the "Bored Watcher" problem. We already think of the entire plot in our heads. We know what's going to happen. So what's the point of writing it anyway? We just sit and watch our imagination and don't know what to do with it our how to bring it out to others. That way, the plot seems rushed because we feel like there is no purpose in adding more of it. We assume it's there for the readers.

Once and a while I like to the roll the dice or close my eyes and point to a random direction. One needs to experience the excitement of not knowing again. Think about your plot and think about other ways it could go besides the one you already thought of. Test to see where it goes and maybe you'll find yourself adding more in terms of character development and narrative, etc.

[thecollector]

Thank you both for your advice. I think both of you are right as in revising and also leading it in a different direction. I think I have an idea on how to make it better.