File this under “super obvious yet I always seem to forget it.”
I don’t write romance (I totally respect people who do, though!) but this is also great writing advice in general! What is preventing the protagonist from achieving their goal?
Why can’t these two people be together now?
Why can’t the mystery be solved now?
Why can’t they overthrow the evil overlord now?
If you don’t have a solid answer for these questions, that’s a good indicator that the plot could use some more work.
Also test your answer a little bit. If it’s as thin as they’re just refusing to sit down and have a simple conversation, you might want to re-think how things are going.
As a beta reader/editor, I tend to ask this question a lot: “Why are they doing it this way when there’s a much easier path available?” That’s not to say that they should take the easier path, because that would usually be boring. Instead, the point is that the question needs an answer–either eliminate the easier path or give them a very clear reason for not taking it. (And if I’m asking the question, that reason isn’t as clear as you think it might be.)
I find it very difficult to root for characters who have a sensible option available and just don’t take it. If the only reason is “Because there wouldn’t be a story otherwise,” you haven’t actually found the story yet.
people joke about this but this is literally how you build 3d printers other than buying them. buy the microcontroller, spools, metal framing, LCD screen(s), and print bed, 3d print the chassis of the thing, and then wrestle with firmware on the microprocessor for a few days and hey presto a new 3d printer. i know at least 4 people who have built their own like this
3D printers are the only known species of printer to reproduce asexually
So, my hair has grown to halfway down my back, but I’m thinking now that I’ve made a personal record, I’m thinking of getting several inches cut off so I can have more style to my hair again.
This picture fucks me up because of like, its like looking with portals
I am Silver Tongue, I am an artist. I have many characters and you can check out my art in the art tag. I occasionally practice witchcraft though I don't do anything too complicated. I am girl 2 and don't know what else to put here.