Add “spice,” please, to whatever you’re writing, for sales and your own satisfaction.
When is your writing and work enough? Done? For character and plot? For editing?
I sometimes read published books where the character doesn’t seem to express much beyond what they want in the moment. I don’t know much about them after I’ve read the book or pages of a manuscript. The plot is linear: get something or someone. The plot gets repetitive with one action after another of equal value.
What’s wrong with a book like that? Spice is missing, and it’s so easy to develop!
Spice can also refer to punctuation, which has to be correct. Don’t let people whisper “this novel needed another draft and editor.”
Of course in our unpublished manuscript we get the luxury of typos for a while. Now let’s think ahead to story pride, sales and good reviews.
Solutions to “thinness” of plot and editing seem apparent, such as “hire somebody” or “go over it one more time.” Those are options, but there is one other option: HIRE YOURSELF. Please don’t be so eager and anxiety-ridden about time passing in your life that you must rush to publish.
Consider that you are an expert at many things. Take pride in that.
You have talent and time—at any age! For extra pride, focus on being a “spice expert.” Spice is about adding texture.
I usually step back and look at my own work to add texture to scenes, and that exercise works with clients or students.
If you’re at a loss about this, look for ONE to THREE fascinating facts about something you mention on page one or page 20 and 50. Did we learn anything? Did you add any fun item? Go back and add something interesting. Keep it short.
Insert information to not just pique our interest but to show what your character cares about, what knowledge they might have to rely on to solve the plot or problems at hand or coming at them in the next 50 pages.
Bestselling authors set up scenes early with spice and at major plot point areas for plot possibilities and character enhancement. A character goes into the scene with a goal, meets with conflict, and ends with any form of cliffhanger. That pattern is basic stuff; now add one interesting “spice” element. Don’t rush to publish just because you have formula in place. Add the spice.
Is there a fact that might help? That’s spice.
A reaction that is personal to the character (or you in memoir)?
A color or temperature or other five-senses fact that might help give this scene texture?
An interesting or even goofy secondary character to help add spice?
Is there an object that could be noted or used? (Plumb your life!)
Is there a background fact to come into play to support character action or decision? (Use your background!)
What about a location detail that matters more than you think at first?
Not every scene will be loaded with answers to those questions. Please don’t load us down. “Spice” is about creating highs and lows, intriguing facts, the galloping feel of a good novel and YOUR OWN STYLE!
Consider: As we walk away after reading your manuscript, what are you known for? How did you give us fun or memorable information or attitude?
Start with a simple task: What’s the true SPICE in your first few pages or within a key, memorable scene anywhere? Can you add something? Even an interesting word that matters to character or plot?
Christine DeSmet: Author 