By C. Patrick Schulze
To listen to a podcast of this article, click HERE.
Before we begin, it’s probably a good idea to define the concept of plot. In general terms, it’s the problems your hero confronts as he travels through the world you’ve created for him. Plot is what keeps your readers’ interest.
Your plot is comprised of three major components, the Complication, the Climax and the Resolution. The Complication involves those scenes that begin your major conflict or plot point. The Complication identifies for your reader what dramatic quest your hero must undergo. The Climax is that plot point where your premier character faces his Complication, the bad guy. The Resolution, of course, is that series of events that solve the conflict outlined in the Complication. It closes the story.
It may help to think of your plot as a three-act play. Your first act is the Complication, the second the Climax and the third, of course, the Resolution.
For some general tips on how to develop your plot, consider the following:
1. Make sure your hero suffers. His trials can be emotional, physical, mental, or best of all, a combination of the three. Keep in mind the more he suffers, the better is his exhilaration during the Resolution phase.
2. The conflict you create must have enough power to encompass the entirety of your story. A secret to this is to interweave subplots into your novel. (For more on subplots, read THIS article.)
3. Insure your hero and villain are evenly matched. It’s important for the story that your reader never knows if your hero will survive his ordeal. He will, and they know it, but you do need to create that sense of doubt for your plot to work with efficiency.
4. Each chapter of your story should hang on an issue. As a famous author whom I can’t quote at this time said, someone must want something in every chapter, even if it’s only a glass of water. This constant tension will keep your audience wanting to read more.
5. Make sure you couple the correct setting with your conflict and plot points. It’s more riveting for your hero to suffer thirst in the desert than a coffee shop. (For more on setting, read THIS article.)
6. At some time, your hero must grab the bull by the horns and get into it with the villain. Nobody wants to read about an indecisive hero. Get the man dirty.
7. It’s not nice to fool Mother Nature, but it’s just fine to fool your reader. Give your plot twists and turns to confuse and surprise them. I think they call this, "mystery."
8. Foreshadowing is a powerful tool when developing your plot. Let them know something ominous is coming, just don’t spill those proverbial beans too soon.
9. Try to stay away from stereotypes in fiction. The nun who works for the underground is more interesting than the soldier who does so.
10. Let your plot develop as you move through your story. Don’t be afraid to allow your imagination to take your characters where it wants them to go.
11. The secret to your success as a writer of fiction is the good story. And the good story is all about plot. And plot is all about conflict.
What tips might you have to pass along as to how you develop your plot?
Best of luck with developing your plot, and know I wish for you only best-sellers.
C. Patrick Schulze
Author of the emerging novel, "Born to be Brothers."
I am not experienced enough to pass on tips, I just absorb them from authors such as yourself. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteSay, Glynis,
ReplyDeleteYou know how I learned to write about these tips? I started researching articles and writing about them. I sure didn't learn this on my own.
You can do the same things.
Thanks so much for reading the blog.
Patrick