Rebecca Klempner
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This is a post for #writers about #editing .

Today, I would like to discuss the biggest issue in one of the manuscripts I'm currently editing for a client. It involves an important aspect of coherence: tracking characters through space & time.

Goal: helping #authors with their #writing & #revising .
06:35 PM - Jul 06, 2023
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Rebecca Klempner
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In response to Rebecca Klempner.
Imagine a #Scene in which two #characters stroll across town and enter a house to ask a friend some questions--but from the moment the friend starts talking, only one of the two initial characters participates in the convo.
THIS IS A PROBLEM.
06:37 PM - Jul 06, 2023
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Rebecca Klempner
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In response to Rebecca Klempner.
If you introduce a character to a scene, make sure that the character is still participating in that scene the whole way through or their departure is explained. It can be useful, also, to ask yourself, "Is this character really necessary to the action in the scene?" Maybe they should be cut.
06:39 PM - Jul 06, 2023
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Rebecca Klempner
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In response to Rebecca Klempner.
[Side note: sometimes this can affect an object. Say your main character picks up a cup of coffee at the Starbucks counter, then they bump into a pal near the exit throw their arms around each other an hug. How are they hugging with two arms if there's coffee in one hand?]
06:41 PM - Jul 06, 2023
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Rebecca Klempner
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In response to Rebecca Klempner.
Similarly, imagine a main character who lives with their family and/or roommates. This is mentioned up front. But a family member (or two) or one of the roommates suddenly disappears.
Again, the first thing you need to ask is, "Does the character serve the story?" If yes, they need to show up!
06:44 PM - Jul 06, 2023
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Rebecca Klempner
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In sum, DON'T MAKE YOUR EDITOR WANT TO FILE A MISSING PERSONS REPORT!
- Make sure characters who appear at the beginning of the scene appear throughout the scene...or cut the character.
- Make sure items you highlight in a scene stay in the scene.
- Don't lose characters w/o explanation.
In response to Rebecca Klempner.
06:47 PM - Jul 06, 2023
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