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Are Your Characters Victims of an Unfocused Story? How to Tell and How to Fix It!

Updated: 4 days ago



Welcome back to another episode of our podcast dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of storytelling and navigating the tumultuous waters of the writing craft. Today, we delve into a common foe that lurks in the shadows, sabotaging the efforts of many aspiring authors—the unfocused story. If you're an unread storyteller or even a seasoned wordsmith battling mediocre sales and reviews, this discussion is for you.


Against a blue and orange background, a street sign points in all directions, reading "this way" and "that way" in all directions. To the left of the sign, in white and yellow text reads, "Are yoru characters victims of an unfocused story? How to tell and how to fix it!" Above the text, a blue oval has yellow text that reads, "fiction author business school."

Recognizing the Unseen Enemy

Picture this: You've poured your heart and soul into a manuscript, only to find yourself bewildered by lackluster sales and lukewarm reviews. What could be the culprit behind this literary limbo? Enter the unfocused story, a subtle yet pervasive adversary that eludes detection until it's too late. It stealthily erodes book sales, sullies reviews, and repels potential fans, leaving authors perplexed and disheartened.

Peeling Back the Layers: Understanding the Unfocused Story

But what exactly is an unfocused story? Simply put, it's a narrative adrift without a guiding compass, lacking a definitive endpoint to strive toward. Much like constructing a house without blueprints, attempting to craft a story sans plan leads to a haphazard, disjointed result. Just as a sturdy foundation is essential for a sound structure, a well-defined plot serves as the backbone of a compelling tale.

The Pitfalls of Panting: Embracing Structure in Storytelling

While some may champion the spontaneity of discovery writing, the path to a focused story often requires a deliberate departure from panting. While discovery writing may unveil the essence of a narrative, it's the disciplined embrace of structure that ultimately steers it toward coherence and resonance. Without a roadmap delineating the journey's end, even the most enchanting prose risks losing its way amidst the literary wilderness.

Confronting the Consequences: Mediocrity and Beyond

So, what befalls those ensnared by the unfocused story's siren song? In a word: mediocrity. From lackluster arcs to tepid emotions, the fallout extends to paltry sales, tepid reviews, and underwhelming royalties. Yet, amidst the sea of disillusionment, there lies a beacon of hope—a path to transcendence through mastery of the craft.

Charting a Course to Success: Embracing the Journey of Mastery

Like any skill worth mastering, the journey from unfocused to compelling storytelling demands dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to evolve. Just as novice athletes hone their prowess under the tutelage of coaches, aspiring authors can navigate the intricacies of storytelling through mentorship and structured guidance.

Introducing Six Figure Stories: Crafting Masterpieces, One Narrative at a Time

Enter Six Figure Stories—a transformative program designed to equip authors with the tools, insights, and techniques to breathe life into their narratives. Through a comprehensive curriculum blending artistry with strategy, participants embark on a journey of discovery, unraveling the secrets of storytelling mastery.

Empowering Authors to Shape Their Literary Destinies

As we draw the curtains on today's exploration of the unfocused story, remember this: within every narrative lies the power to captivate, inspire, and resonate with readers on a profound level. By embracing structure, discipline, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, authors can transcend the pitfalls of mediocrity and craft stories that endure the test of time.


For a more in-depth discussion, give the podcast episode at the top and bottom of this page a listen!


And if you found value in the episode, consider sharing it with other authors who may find value in it as well!


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FREE PDFs:

5 Steps to Planning the Beginning, Middle, and End of Your Fiction Story: https://liesel-k-hill.ck.page/15ce876ece  


7 Ways to Sell Your Book Every Month Without Breaking the Bank: https://liesel-k-hill.ck.page/6ab8a5aa2e  


10 Plot-Thickening Events that Every Fiction Best Seller Includes: https://bit.ly/10Plot  


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