Plot hole or just improper spacing? http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/plot-doctoring/threads/49814 Lynnielois In my NaNovel, my MC has a heart transplant (first draft, end, second draft, beginning.) Would it be overdone to have a 7 page preface that starts with her having a heart attack on a mountain alone (But not really 'cause her parents found out and had her best friend [[future love interest]] come behind her and follow her.) and waking up in the hospital after a page break. My issue is this: On her birthday, the finally find her a heart transplant and tell her she has like two hours to finish enjoying her birthday (It's 10 at night) and then take her back for surgery. Then do I need to note that time has passed when the first chapter starts or what? I don't know how to do the healing process (Cause it would be boring as all get out.) How should I do this? Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:32:00 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/plot-doctoring/threads/49814?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1110424 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/plot-doctoring/threads/49814?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1110424 Tex2S Not sure I follow you all the way, but one thing I can tell you: DEFINITELY skip boring stuff. It is real easy, too - all you have to do is have a line or two in there somewhere (and I prefer dialogue for this, like they would in a movie) to say something like: "just look at you - you'd never think that this time last year, you were lying in a hospital bed on the donor list" (or whatever; I am sure you can improve on that.) Little hints are a big deal - like the bottle of pills on her bathroom counter that prevent organ rejection, or being always extra careful to wash her hands and avoid sick people - and I like them because it gives the reader something to do in connecting the dots to try and figure out who this young lady is and what terrible thing must have happened to her. I don't get to wonder about anything if you tell me all of it up front, know what I mean? But I suppose the most important thing is, what is the main problem/issue of your story? I would be real clear on that, and start as close to it as possible. If you want to tell us more about what happened before that, you can always have a flashback or similar when we're further along into the story and well invested in the characters (though I will say, having a heart attack seemingly alone on a mountain would make for a heck of a first-page grabber!) Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:44:18 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/plot-doctoring/threads/49814?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1110457 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/plot-doctoring/threads/49814?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1110457 keolah Skip away. It's not only perfectly okay, but expected and good writing to know when to skip an hour, a day, a year, whatever. You don't need to cover absolutely every little thing that happens during the time period your story takes place in. Only the things that are actually relevant and interesting to read. Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:11:09 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/plot-doctoring/threads/49814?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1110530 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/plot-doctoring/threads/49814?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1110530 Lynnielois The main thing has to do with Cell Memory and her mannerisms changing and her not knowing why, or her best friend (Who she has suddenly developed deep deep feelings [[which she already had, but didn't act on]] for.) Thank you very much! I like that a lot. :) Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:58:38 -0600 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/plot-doctoring/threads/49814?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1111091 http://www.nanowrimo.org/en/forums/plot-doctoring/threads/49814?page=1#forum_thread_comment_1111091