©Stina Lindenblatt
A few weeks ago, I attended a workshop with Michael Hauge (Writing Screenplays That Sell). He pointed out the most common problem he sees are stories that are too complicated. A complex story with multiple layers is good. One that is so complicated it confuses the reader should always be avoided.
This can happen when writers cover too many genres in their story, or when they try to cram in too many issues. I made this mistake with one of my WIPs. I changed the story premise, but didn’t remove one of the issues the protagonist was dealing with. I thought it made her multidimensional. It didn’t. It just meant too much was going on and it removed the focus from the main storyline.
©Stina Lindenblatt
In order to simplify, ask yourself if the story element is really necessary for advancing the plot. What would happen if you remove it? Will doing that weaken or strengthen the story?
Do you tend to writing stories that are too complicated?
If you have a chance to see Michael Hauge present, definitely go. It’s definitely worth the time and money.