: Re: Avoiding episodic writing I'm working on a novel that will have at least three distinct sections in three distinct locations (the two main characters start in the first location, travel through

Find a underlying theme

Just because your sections have different tones and plots doesn't mean that they have to be entirely unconnected. You say that the book is a coming of age story - what are the specific elements of coming of age that the character(s) are learning to deal with? Is it about becoming the master of your own fate? Learning to take responsibility for the harm you've done others? Learning that not everyone has the same experiences that you do? Finding your place in the world?

A clear, specific theme will make your sections feel like they are telling and reinforcing the same story, rather than three different stories bound by common characters and a spine.

Provide a strong driving motivation

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (like many children's adventure novels) is very episodic by nature. But it holds together nicely, because the story is held together by Dorothy's desire to return home. This strong motivation holds the story together and keeps it pushing forward as they move from obstacle to obstacle.

The goal doesn't have to be tangible like Dorothy's was, as long as it is clearly defined and measurably attainable. As long as you never lose sight of the goal, your story can hold together through any number of diversions and sidequests.

Consider breaking your story into three books

If you can't find a theme that fits all three parts, or a motivation powerful enough to hold the parts together, you can go the other direction and break your book into three books. That way, each one is free to have its own tone and plot while still being connected as a series.

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: Try choosing something that reflects the attitude of the narrative voice and establish a difference as soon as it's needed. For example: Slutty Susan took a long vape hit and Susi queen bee

: Re: Avoiding episodic writing I'm working on a novel that will have at least three distinct sections in three distinct locations (the two main characters start in the first location, travel through

More posts by @Goswami879

: Literate Cherokee and English dialogue east of the Mississippi in the 1860s with a nineteenth century narrator It is my understanding that the Cherokee, prior to the Trail of Tears were bilingual,

: When to finally reveal plot twist to characters? In a post-apocalyptic novel I'm writing (which is the subject of many questions I've asked on Writing.SE), I recently cut out my entire Chapter

: What should come firstâ€”characters or plot? I'm starting a new fantasy story, and although I had a loose idea of plot, I began sculpting my characters before writing anything. Creating images

: Try choosing something that reflects the attitude of the narrative voice and establish a difference as soon as it's needed. For example: Slutty Susan took a long vape hit and Susi queen bee

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