Writing a compelling tale is not easy. However, with a good plot, one can tell a story that keeps readers engaged to the end. Here are a few tips for crafting an undeniable plot:
1. It Starts with An Idea
Every book starts as the seed of an idea in the author’s mind. While some people practice freewriting, others prefer to use writing prompts or brainstorming. Take your time and choose a strong premise for your book. This premise shall be the foundation stone for your plot. This is the stage where you come up with a protagonist and some of your side characters.
2. Every Book Needs Conflict
Conflict is key in a book. It is what motivates the protagonist to action and drives the storyline. If there is no problem to solve or dispute to resolve, then there is no need for the story.
3. Choose Your Structure Decide on the structure you would like to use for your book. Although the three-act structure is the most favored, you can use any of the following:
You can look into these styles, which will be discussed further in upcoming blogs. You can use the structures given above to formulate a general storyline or trace out the general arcs in your story.
4. Build Subplots
Here, you can come up with sub-stories involving several characters in your main plot. However, the plots should only serve to accentuate the main plot, rather than take away from it.
5. Consider Cohesion
Events should occur systemically in your book. It should be a constant flow of cause and effect, with preceding events affecting current and future events. The plot should always progress forward. Even if you introduce flashbacks, they should have significance in subsequent parts of the story.
6. Create An Outline Before you set out to write, you should create a detailed outline of your plot, including subplots. Make sure that your outline is accurate enough that a stranger could look at it and piece together the story outline.
7. Fill Plot Holes Once you have an outline, work on editing it to tie up any loose ends and fill plot holes. You must edit and polish up your outline and plot before you start writing.
Once you have accomplished these steps, you are now ready to start drafting your book or proposing it to a publisher.
