OK, as promised. I've gathered all my screenshots, post-it notes and general scraps with the novel advice I've received or found in the last few months. Everything in public domain, e.g. in tweets blog posts & I've credited people. I've paraphrased in some cases. Here goes!
Character
- what is my MCs dilemma? Keep the story tight. Cut away anything that eclipses this. Do this with all your characters. Look for patterns / mirrors. - Wiz Wharton
- Does this move the plot forward? What's the impact on the MC? How does the chapter end? - Helen French
- Is protagonist active enough? Do they have a clear and active goal? Are they trying to get it? Do they have real and intense obstacles? - Kirsty Logan
- Are they moving the plot or only reacting to it? Are they driving their own story?- Briston Books
- Where is the vulnerability for this character? In first drafts, don't withhold information to create tension - it's preferable for the release of tension to come from the dynamic between characters (or character's psyche) rather than release of information - Kaitlyn Greenidge
Plot (sort of)
- don't tie up things too neatly from one page to the next. Increase suspense and then start giving the reader something new to worry about your character. - Sophie Van Llewyn