To cut it short, I've been writing my first 'serious' novel for a while now. However, it's chapter 11 and I've realised that it mainly consists of people talking to each other. To both me and my readers it seems there is little action going on, and the characters aren't getting enough space to evolve.
I really want something that I write be interesting, and engaging, but it simply isn't working. I figured that since English isn't my first language, I can make up for the relative simplicity of my writing language with a complex and fascinating plot, but neither are working out right now.
So that's the dilemma. I know there are geniuses out here on YWS who can help me!
The plot is, basically:
1. A young man with anger management issues, named Renjin is working with his uncle (who is a judge and his name is Sateo) to solve crimes because the police aren't doing a great job.
2. The police aren't doing well because of the Rholtaii. They are an organisation, a collective of people who blindly follow one leader, and do anything he/she says. They are expert assassins, thieves, spies, however they always stay in the shadows. So the latest person in charge of the Rholtaii was a politician's daughter, Odilia Whimmer. She was quite corrupt, and used the Rholtaii to her benefit, and thus the police were helpless when it came to containing criminals who were her friends.
3. This Odilia is killed, and her body is found by Renjin. Apparently, the Rholtaii themselves killed her - and this is puzzling because nothing of the sort had ever happened.
4. Eventually, Renjin is forced to co-operate with Daniel Logan Edwin, a state detective. Reluctant at first, Renjin begins to trust Daniel.
5. Here is where it gets complicated, I'm afraid.
Before the murder, Renjin and Sateo had been on the case of Lurse, an escaped convict. I'm thinking that I can link him to the Rholtaii somehow, and help Renjin find a new lead (since this Lurse had been a friend of Renjin's since childhood). Since Lurse feels endangered that Odilia no longer protects him, he 'teams up' with Renjin, too.
I was thinking that Lurse simply shows up at Renjin's house after the murder, they have a brief talk, then he leaves.
6. The plot is meant to evolve with the new leader (who doesn't show himself yet) doing everything to make Renjin look like the killer, framing him essentially. Daniel is also going to suspect Renjin eventually, and have a chase after him.
7. However, just before the detective can catch him, Odilia's sister Odetta (Audie) comes in to save Renjin, and hides him, because she wants to find out who the new leader is as well.
8. And here's where I'm stuck. I'm thinking the leader should be Renjin's psychologist all along, and he was framing Renjin because a) he's actually pretty crazy himself and b) he presents Renjin with a choice - to dissolve the Rholtaii or become the new leader.
That's it so far. I appreciate any kind of feedback or questions. Of course, there are subtle little things I haven't mentioned because they'll complicate the bare bones of it all. But, please, please, please! I love my characters already and I just don't know how to make a good novel with them in it
Thanks in advance and may the muse be with you.
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