#writing plot

[novlr]

Three tricks to avoid plot armour

Plot armour can be difficult to avoid. We get so attached to our characters that hurting them in any way feels like a betrayal.

But plot armour is detrimental to any good narrative. Having your characters avoid harm, whether that be emotional or physical, means that there aren't any stakes. And without stakes, it's difficult for readers to invest.

There are three simple things you can use to avoid plot armour:

🔵 Injury 🔵 Sacrifice 🔵 Consequence

In every conflict, make sure the resolution contains at least one of these things.

If you don't want to injure your characters, make sure that they sacrifice something, whether that be someone, or an object. If they don't sacrifice anything, make sure there is a consequence. That consequence can be a loss, an emotional wound, or simply a blow to their reputation. The important thing is that your character doesn't remain unscathed by their experience, and they walk out somehow changed.

#nanowrimo #writers #creative writing #writing #writing community #writers of tumblr #creative writers #writing inspiration #writeblr #writerblr #writing tips #writblr #writers corner #plot armor #writing plot #plot bunny #writing resources #quick tips #writing quick tips #writing help #helping writers #help for writers #learn to write #advice for authors #writing advice #writing tips and tricks #story inspiration #let's write #how to write #writers on tumblr

[em-dash-press]

The 5 Most Essential Turning Points in a Character’s Arc

You spend so much time creating a character because you want them to feel real. You want to connect with them and use them to create an experience for your readers. Their character arc is how that happens.

Don’t miss out on these essential turning points that make an arc feel not only whole, but complete.

1. The Inciting Incident

Your inciting incident gets your plot moving. It isn’t going to be the first sentence of your story (also called your hook), although it could be if you crafted your first sentence for that purpose.

An inciting incident is a plot event that guides your character in a new direction. It’s the successful prison break, the meeting of instant rivals, or the moment your protagonist wins the lottery in your first chapter.

Without the inciting incident, your protagonist’s life would carry on as usual. They wouldn’t start the arc that makes them an interesting person for the reader to stick with throughout your story.

2. Introducing the Protagonist’s Main Flaw

Every protagonist needs a primary flaw. Ideally, they’ll have more than one. People aren’t perfect and they rarely get close enough to only have one negative characteristic. Protagonists need that same level of humanity for readers to connect with them.

There are many potential flaws you could consider, but the primarily flaw must be the foundation for your character’s arc. It might even be the catalyst for the story’s peak.

Imagine a hero archetype. They’re great and well-intended, but they have a problem with boasting. Their arc features scenes where they learn to overcome their need to brag about themselves, but they get drunk and boast in a bar right before the story’s peak. The antagonist’s best friend hears this because they’re at the same bar, so they report the hero’s comment to the main villain. It thwarts the hero’s efforts and makes the climax more dramatic.

Other potential flaws to consider:

Arrogance

Pride

Fear

Anxiety

Carelessness

Dishonesty

Immaturity

3. Their First Failure

Everyone will fail at a goal eventually. Your protagonist should too. Their first failure could be big or small, but it helps define them. They either choose to continue pursuing that goal, they change their goal, or their worldview shatters.

Readers like watching a protagonist reshape their identity when they lose sight of what they wnat. They also like watching characters double down and pursue something harder. Failure is a necessary catalyst for making this happen during a character’s arc.

4. Their Rock Bottom

Most stories have a protagonist that hits their rock bottom. It could be when their antagonist defeats them or lose what matters most. There are numerous ways to write a rock-bottom moment. Yours will depend on what your character wants and what your story’s theme is.

If you forget to include a rock-bottom moment, the reader might feel like the protagonist never faced any real stakes. They had nothing to lose so their arc feels less realistic.

Rock bottoms don’t always mean earth-shattering consequences either. It might be the moment when your protagonist feels hopeless while taking an exam or recognizes that they just don’t know what to do. Either way, they’ll come to grips with losing something (hope, direction, or otherwise) and the reader will connect with that.

5. What the Protagonist Accepts

Protagonists have to accept the end of their arc. They return home from their hero’s journey to live in a life they accept as better than before. They find peace with their new fate due to their new community they found or skills they aquired.

Your protagonist may also accept a call to action. They return home from their journey only to find out that their antagonist inspired a new villain and the protagonist has to find the strength to overcome a new adversary. This typically leads into a second installment or sequel.

Accepting the end of their arc helps close the story for the reader. A protagonist who decides their arc wasn’t worth it makes the reader disgruntled with the story overall. There has to be a resolution, which means accepting whatever the protagonist’s life ended up as—or the next goal/challenge they’ll chase.

-----

Hopefully these points make character arcs feel more manageable for you. Defining each point might feel like naming your instincts, but it makes character creation and plotting easier.

Want more creative writing tips and tricks? I have plenty of other fun stuff on my website, including posts like Traits Every Protagonist Needs and Tips for Writing Subplots.

#character arcs #creating characters #creating character arcs #character development #writing characters #character concept #plotting #how to plot #writing plot #creative writing #writeblr #writers of tumblr #writing tips #writing advice #writing resources #writing inspiration #writing community #writing help #writing

[thewriteadviceforwriters]

The Five Types of Readers That Read Your Fantasy Book (For Writers)

As a fantasy writer, understanding your target audience is crucial for the success of your book. Knowing the different types of readers who are drawn to the genre can help you tailor your writing to their preferences and create a more engaging experience. In this blog post, I'll help you explore the five types of readers that are likely to read your fantasy book and provide insights into their characteristics and expectations.

The Escapist Reader

The first type of reader is the Escapist. These readers are looking for a break from reality and crave immersion in a rich and imaginative world. They are drawn to epic quests, magical creatures, and fantastical settings. As a writer, you can capture their attention by crafting a vivid and detailed world, filled with intricate plotlines and larger-than-life characters. Engaging their sense of wonder and providing an escape from their everyday lives will keep them hooked from the first page to the last.

The World-Builder

The next type of reader is the World-Builder. These readers are fascinated by the intricacies of world-building and the lore that shapes the fantasy realm. They enjoy exploring the history, mythology, and geography of the fictional world you create. To captivate these readers, focus on developing a well-constructed and cohesive world that feels authentic and believable. Pay attention to the small details, establish consistent rules of magic, and provide glimpses into the rich tapestry of your universe.

The Character-Driven Reader

Another important type of reader is the Character-Driven reader. These readers are emotionally invested in the journeys and growth of the characters they encounter. They want to experience the highs and lows alongside the protagonists, forming deep connections with them. To engage these readers, focus on creating well-rounded and relatable characters with compelling arcs. Develop their motivations, flaws, and relationships to evoke empathy and resonate with your audience on a personal level.

The Plot-Oriented Reader

The fourth type of reader is the Plot-Oriented reader. These readers are primarily interested in the twists, turns, and surprises that unfold throughout the story. They enjoy intricate and well-paced plots that keep them guessing. As a writer, you can capture their attention by crafting a narrative with unexpected twists, clever foreshadowing, and satisfying resolutions. Keep the suspense high and deliver a satisfying payoff to keep these readers engaged and coming back for more.

The Theme-Seeker

The final type of reader is the Theme-Seeker. These readers are drawn to the deeper meanings and messages embedded within a story. They enjoy exploring philosophical, moral, or social themes that resonate with them on a personal level. As a writer, you can captivate these readers by weaving thought-provoking themes into your narrative. Explore complex issues, challenge societal norms, and offer unique perspectives to stimulate their intellect and leave a lasting impact.

Conclusion

Understanding the different types of readers that are drawn to your fantasy book can help you tailor your writing to their preferences and create a more immersive experience. Whether you are capturing the attention of Escapist readers, captivating the World-Builders with your intricate lore, evoking emotions in Character-Driven readers, surprising Plot-Oriented readers, or stimulating the intellect of Theme-Seekers, knowing your audience is key. By crafting a story that resonates with these reader types, you increase your chances of creating a loyal fan base and achieving success as a fantasy writer.

Blow your readers mind. Happy writing!

#thewriteadviceforwriters #writeblr #creative writing #writing #writing tips #on writing #writers block #how to write #writers and poets #writing plot #character building #character creation #writing resource #world building #narrative #novel writing #writing blog #writer #writing community #fantasy novel #fiction #author #self published #novella #self publishing #romance novels #fantasy fiction #fantasy #high fantasy #medieval fantasy

[sewercl0wn]

Plot tables: Mapping out and organizing all your plots and storylines

Can't organize your plot and are juggling between several plot lines? I got your back, I present: Plot tables!

(I'm probably not the only person to use these, but I have no idea if these are commonly used and I just don't know about it or I actually did something with this)

Here's a loose example I threw together. It's just a normal table where each column represents a different storyline within the same story. It shows you roughly what should happen in each chapter / scene.

e.g., from the example table, we see that in chapter / scene 1, there's a chase scene where the police lose track of the criminal they're following, as well as in the same chapter we see character B and C break up.

It's nothing groundbreaking, but it's something I want to share considering the amount of people I see complaining about juggling 50 million storylines and having no orderly way to keep track of it

#writers #writers on tumblr #writeblr #writing inspiration #your local sewer rat #navigation #writing tips #writing help #writing advice #creative writing #writing #plotting #writing plot #storylines #storyline #organizing plot #planning plot #planning a story #story planning

[writingraven]

Writing Tips

Scene Checklist

Does your scene include everything it should?

「 note: this is for the editing stage; remember, first draft is for the writer & editing is for the reader; get it down before worrying about these things unless it is just for practice 」

✧

ACTIONS

↦ are the actions necessary?

↦ are the verbs as descriptive as possible?

↦ do the actions match the character? why did the character take those actions?

↦ are the actions clear?

DIALOGUE

↦ what is the purpose for each statement?

↦ does each statement move the story forward?

↦ are the dialogue tags as descriptive as possible?

↦ does the dialogue match the character? why did the character say those things?

EMOTIONS

↦ are each character’s emotions clearly stated or implied?

↦ are the character’s emotions justifiable?

↦ how does the character’s emotions affect their actions?

LANGUAGE

↦ are you showing or telling?

↦ does the scene have clarity & coherence?

↦ does the scene have the desired tone, mood, & voice?

PURPOSE

↦ is this scene necessary? (if removed, would the story still make sense?)

↦ are there stakes at risk in this scene? is there tension?

↦ has something changed from the beginning to the end of the scene?

↦ possible purposes: advance the plot? reveal character goal? increase tension? develop character? reveal conflict? react to conflict? explain backstory? foreshadow? build world? reinforce theme, tone, or mood?

SETTING

↦ will your reader clearly know the setting throughout the scene?

↦ room? house? city? state? country? planet? galaxy?

↦ time of day? season of year? weather?

↦ chronologically within story?

STRUCTURE

↦ is there a distinct beginning, middle, and end?

↦ is the chronological order of events clear?

↦ does the scene smoothly transition from one to another?

✧

DWIGHT SWAIN’S SCENE VS SEQUEL

↦ Swain believed scenes should repeat these sequences in order to keep the interest of the reader piqued

↦ Swain says “a scene is a unit of conflict lived through by character and reader” & “a sequel is a unit of transition that links two scenes”

↦ scene: goal, conflict, disaster

⟿ goal: character’s decision to do something for a purpose

⟿ conflict: something opposing the character’s ability to achieve goal

⟿ disaster: a disruption or turning point to keep the readers hooked

↦ sequel: reaction, dilemma, decision

⟿ reaction: character’s emotional/analytical reaction to the disaster

⟿ dilemma: what should the character do now

⟿ decision: what does the character do now

↦ does your scene have one of these three-part patterns?

DWIGHT SWAIN’S MRU

↦ MRU: motivation-reaction units

↦ these are for alternating sentences or paragraphs

↦ motivation: objective thing your character externally senses (what happens?)

↦ reaction: subjective response your character internally has (how does your character react? feeling, reflex, action, dialogue?)

↦ this is very difficult to follow, especially without practice, but it is a way to guarantee your reader’s interest & attention

#writing #writing tips #story ideas #reference #fantasy #knowledge #writing reference #writing fiction #writing plot #scene #writing scenarios #dwight swain

[valeriepaddy]

Me as a writer at 3pm: I have nothing to write about ...

Me as a writer at 3am: I am the master of Writing ...

#writerscommunity #writing #writers on tumblr #writers and poets #fanfic #books #books & libraries #harry potter #percy jackson #pjo hoo toa #red white and royal blue #the sun and the star #heroes of olympus #storytelling #storytime #am i right #writing tips #writing plot #fanfiction

[annarts05]

coming up with a plot when you only have characters/world/aesthetic

I get this all the time, and it hurts ;-;

I have these characters, these beautiful people I’ve invented with goals and complex thoughts and they feel so real to me. I have this world, this poignant place I’d rather live in than in my own world (unless it’s a death zone ofc haha). I have vibes that I get from it, the tone, the theme, and I have motivation to write???

But...uh, no plot. 

Thanks. Real helpful. 

So basically, if you’re like me and this is something that happens to you, here are some ideas to get your brain working so you can come up with a plot for your story. Not all of these work together, they’re just different ways to do it. 

Start with character wants.

What does your main character want? Do they want to win a competition? Find a missing/kidnapped parent? Stop a zombie apocalypse by finding a cure? Whatever that goal is, it should correspond with their motivation. 

The goal is what they need/want to do. (ex: Win a competition)

The motivation is why. (ex: To prove themselves to their peers)

THEN. What could stop your character from getting that want? (ex. a fellow competitor)

Start with theme.

The theme is the lesson you want to teach your readers, so what’s the first plot or second or third or fourth plot that comes to mind when you take your theme?

If the theme is about accepting yourself as you are, then...what series of events might teach an audience (and your characters) that?

Write down basically everything you want to happen. Every scene. 

Got some scenes and random things you want to include? Write ‘em down. Something might come up that sparks your interest. 

What could change your character’s current world?

What does their day-to-day life look like? What could change it, either nudge it slightly in one direction or send it completely spinning out of control? Up to you :) Write down those possibilities. 

#writing #writing tips #writing advice #creative writing #writing tips and tricks #writing rants #plots are hard #plot #writing plot #characters #theme

[chronicbeans]

Me Making Tales from the Iolite Hospital be like:

#tales from the iolite hospital #story writing #writing memes #writing stuff #writing plot #world building #worldbuilding

[wlwnovels]

wlw plot ideas

★★★★★★

•(arranged marriage) both are the oldest daughters and princesses of powerful kingdoms and are arranged to get married in order to merge the kingdoms.

•(enemies to lovers) two rival cheerleaders in constant competition with one another slowly find out that their rivalry might be overshadowing their feelings for one another.

•(forced proximity) a girl at school on her last strike before she is expelled is forced to work with a goody two shoes nerd.

•(childhood best friends to lovers) childhood best friends who moved away from one another suddenly reunite at the place they least expected the other to be.

•(second chance) a girl wakes up in the middle of the night to knocking at her door, not expecting it to be her ex that she broke up with because of their long distance.

•(fake dating) two girls decide to fake-date one another to make their exes they still have feelings for jealous, but end up falling for each other.

•(forbidden love) a witch and a princess begin falling for each other as they write letters to each other as their only form of communication.

#writing prompt #writing plot #sapphic #sapphic wlw #sapphic writing #wlw blog #wlw writing #wlw mood #wlw prompts #writing #plot ideas #story ideas #novel idea #otp writing #otp #otp things #otp prompts #otp ideas #writing ideas #wlw books #wlw #sapphism #lesbian #biseuxal #pansexual #women loving women #fanfiction prompts #fanfiction #fanfic #otp ship

[talefoundryshow]

NEW VIDEO!

“And what does ‘vengeance’ mean? To right wrongs and rebalance the scales of justice in one's favor? Or to drive one's foes into a pit of agony?”

You’ll NEVER guess what we’re discussing today 😉

#tale foundry #writing community #writing inspiration #writers of tumblr #writers on tumblr #story ideas #classic literature #hamlet #shakespeare #dishonored #corvo attano #inigo montoya #princess bride #the princess bride #youtube #atla #revenge era #revenge plot #plot inspo #writing plot #plot ideas

[the-flower-named-fire]

Acts of Betrayal

Theft

Murder

Love Affair

Ungratefulness

Physical Harm

Disobey an Order

Abandonment

Oath Breaking

Rebel Actions

Lure into a Trap

Inaction/Neutrality

Handed Over to Enemy

Illegitimization/Disownation

Usurpation/Conspiration

Stealing the Credit

Lying/Hidding Information

Don't Suppport their Actions

Take or Defend the Other Side in a Argument

Using you all Along/Manipulation

Aid Someone Considered an Enemy

The Mole/Infiltrator/Spy for the Enemy/False Friend

Information Reveal (either because they are confidential details or secrets of another person or to an specific unauthorized party)

#writing relationships #writing lists #writing tropes #writing ideas #writing plot #writing betrayal #betrayal

[novlr]

How to create an effective plot?

How to Quickly Craft an Effective Plot

Crafting an effective plot is no easy task. It's a delicate balance of character development, dramatic tension, and narrative progression that, when done right, can turn your story into an unforgettable journey. It’s easy to get lost and overwhelmed with plot development, so here’s a quick guide to help you quickly and easily craft an effective plot that will hit all the main narrative beats.

1. Start with your protagonist

Start by creating a well-rounded protagonist. Consider their strengths, weaknesses, aspirations, fears, and quirks. Each of these characteristics can be woven into the plot and will shape how your story unfolds. The most fundamental part of any character development is determining their goal, motivation, and conflict. It’s the backbone of any good story.

Goal

Your protagonist should have a clear goal they want to achieve by the end of the novel. This goal can be tangibly external (like winning a competition) or internal (like overcoming a fear). In fact, a well-rounded character should have both an internal and external goal.

Motivation

Your protagonist’s motivation to reach their goal will be the driving force of your plot. While a clear goal gives your character a direction, their motivation is what fuels their journey. Their goal is what they want, and their motivation is why they want it.

Conflict

Conflict is what prevents your protagonist from easily achieving their goal. It increases the stakes and propels your story forward. This can come in many forms, from a physical adversary to a personal flaw or external circumstances. Whatever the conflict, it should challenge your protagonist in a way that pushes them towards growth.

2. Establish the Ordinary World

Establishing the ordinary world is an essential first step in crafting an effective plot. You sety the scene for your readers, providing a glimpse into your protagonist's daily life before the main plot takes off.

The Ordinary World is the comfortable, familiar environment your hero inhabits, acting as a baseline for their normality. Use this stage to introduce the protagonist's routine, their relationships, their hopes and frustrations, as well as any prevailing societal norms or conditions of their world.

3. The inciting incident

The inciting incident is a crucial event that sets the whole plot in motion. It disrupts the comfort of the protagonists' ordinary world, bringing a problem or situation that makes them take action.

The incident you choose will depend entirely on the kind of story you want to tell and could be anything from a personal catastrophe to an intriguing mystery or an unexpected opportunity. No matter your genre, however, the inciting incident’s critical function is to permanently disrupt the status quo and set your protagonist on their journey. It's the spark that ignites the story

4. Build your story

With your set-up complete, you enter the stage of your story where you have the most freedom and can explore your chosen genre. Your characters will grapple with the challenges and obstacles that your story presents and forms the bulk of your story, spanning from the inciting incident to the climax.

During this phase, you want to introduce conflict to raise the stakes, increase tension and keep readers engrossed. As your characters navigate their way through these trials, they grow and evolve, adding depth to their personalities. It's in this section that your characters' motivations are tested, and their true natures are revealed. It's also where plot twists and turns come into play, and you can start developing subplots.

5. The crisis

The crisis, often known as the climax, is the most intense point of your story and serves as the turning point in your plot. It's a crucial moment where the protagonist confronts the main conflict head-on, and the tension reaches its peak.

The stakes are highest at this point, and the outcome is uncertain. It often forces your protagonist to make a critical decision or take decisive action, which will ultimately determine their fate. Whether that's an epic battle, a heartfelt confrontation, or a shocking revelation, the crisis should be a moment of high drama that pushes your characters to their limits.

6. The resolution

The resolution is where all loose ends are tied up, and your characters’ journey concludes. By the time your plot resolves, all your character’s initial goals, motivations, and conflicts should be resolved despite, or perhaps because of, the conflict and obstacles faced.

The resolution should provide satisfaction to your readers, offering both a sense of closure and an insight into what the future holds for the characters. Whether it's a happy ending, a tragic one, or something ambiguous, it's crucial that the resolution ties in with the story's overarching narrative and themes, and marked the end of your character’s personal journey.

#writers #creative writing #writing #writing community #writers of tumblr #creative writers #writing inspiration #writeblr #writerblr #writing tips #writblr #writers block #writing plot #plotting and planning #plotting tips #plotting #plot development #writing advice #writing resources #writers and poets #writers on tumblr #writers corner #help for writers #writing help #helping writers #creative writing resources #writer resources #write with me #let's write #story outline

[em-dash-press]

Tips for Writing Interrupted Scenes

Scenes don’t always happen from start to finish. When you need to write interruptions, use these tips to get more confident about breaking up plot points and stitching them back together.

Pick an Emotional Cliffhanger

When your character gets the phone call about the job that could change their life, they hesitate to answer it. 

A new chapter begins on the next page from another point of view. 

But what happened with the phone call??

Your readers will keep going through the next chapter because they were left on an emotional cliffhanger with a character they love. The break won’t seem as natural as others, like ending a chapter when your character goes to bed or leaves a venue.

Plot Your Scene Breaks

Write a rough plot line, even if you don’t normally plan any outlines. It helps to know where your story is going so you can insert the rest of the scene more effectively.

Picture your character—they’re running a marathon and they’re starting the final mile. Their focus gets interrupted by something in the treeline to their left. It’s the childhood version of themselves, hanging upside down from a branch and waving. They have to go find out what that is, so the protagonist interrupts their race by sprinting into the woods.

Although the rest of the story may involve spooky moments and weeks or months of drama, the race never gets finished. Maybe the protagonist runs the same last mile after the event is over, when it’s back to being a regular street. They conquer the mile after completing the lesson or purpose of the plot.

That’s much easier to keep track of if there's a rough plotline to follow. Using bullet points can help or try writing a one-sentence description of each big plot moment on a sticky note.

Add More While Editing

If you have multiple moments that get interrupted, like broken dialogue or plot points, you may not remember to tie them together or make the break essential to the plot. That’s okay!

That’s what editing is for.

While you’re re-reading, make a list of every moment when something gets interrupted and another of when those moments get completed or resolved. You’ll easily tell what’s left unsaid that would otherwise feel like a plot hole.

-----

You may not always have interrupted scenes in every story. When you feel like they’re necessary, I hope these tips help you feel more confident about writing and editing them. 💛

#writing scenes #writing advice #writing tips #writing plot #plot points #writing interruptions #interrupted dialogue #writing community #writers of tumblr #writing inspiration

[thewriteadviceforwriters]

Hiii, I just dicovered your acc and i'm loving it 🥰 I have this lil problem where I have in mind and write scenes but without a plot. And I'm very fond to the characters so I can't put them into a plot because I don't want them to suffer or a think if they do suffer it'll we forced and too much. Any tips for that?

How to Plot A Novel If You Only Have Characters & Scenes

So, you have a great cast of characters and some exciting scenes in mind, but you're struggling to put them together into a cohesive plot. Don't worry, you're not alone. Many writers struggle with plotting their novels, especially when they have a strong focus on characters and scenes. I have also been facing difficulties with this recently. But fear not, in this article, I’ll help you explore how you can plot a novel even if you only have characters and scenes to work with.

Why Is Plotting Important?

Before we dive into the how, let's first understand why plotting is important. A well-crafted plot is the backbone of any successful novel. It keeps readers engaged, creates tension and conflict, and ultimately leads to a satisfying resolution. Without a strong plot, your novel may fall flat and fail to capture the attention of readers.

Types of Plots

There are many different types of plots, but they can generally be categorized into three main types: character-driven, plot-driven, and hybrid.

Character-driven plots focus on the internal struggles and growth of the main character. The plot is driven by the character's desires, flaws, and decisions.

Plot-driven plots focus on external events and conflicts that drive the story forward. The characters may still have their own arcs, but the main focus is on the events and how they affect the characters.

Hybrid plots combine elements of both character-driven and plot-driven plots. They have a balance of internal and external conflicts that drive the story forward.

Understanding the type of plot you want to create can help guide your plotting process.

How to Plot A Novel with Only Characters & Scenes

Now that we understand the importance of plotting and the different types of plots, let's explore how you can plot a novel with only characters and scenes.

Start with Your Characters

Since you already have a strong cast of characters, it makes sense to start with them. Take some time to fully develop your characters, including their personalities, motivations, and flaws. This will help you understand how they will react in different situations and what conflicts they may face.

Identify Your Main Conflict

Every novel needs a main conflict that drives the story forward. This could be a physical conflict, such as a battle or a chase, or an emotional conflict, such as a character's internal struggle. Identify what the main conflict in your novel will be and how it will affect your characters.

Create a Story Structure

A story structure is a framework that helps guide the flow of your novel. It typically includes the beginning, middle, and end, and can be broken down further into acts or chapters. Creating a story structure can help you see the bigger picture of your novel and how your characters and scenes fit into it.

Map Out Your Scenes (High Priority) 🚩

Now it's time to map out your scenes. Start by listing all the scenes you have in mind, even if they are not in chronological order. Then, arrange them in a logical order that makes sense for your story. This may require some rearranging and tweaking to ensure a smooth flow of events.

Connect Your Scenes with Conflict (High Priority) 🚩

Once you have your scenes in order, it's time to connect them with conflict. Every scene should have some form of conflict, whether it's internal or external. This will keep readers engaged and drive the story forward. Look at each scene and identify the conflict present, and how it connects to the main conflict of the novel.

Create a Character Arc for Each Character

As your characters go through different conflicts and events, they should also experience growth and change. This is where character arcs come in. A character arc is the journey a character goes through, from their initial state to their final state. Create a character arc for each of your main characters, and make sure their actions and decisions align with their arc.

Add Subplots

Subplots are smaller storylines that run parallel to the main plot. They add depth and complexity to your novel and can help develop your characters further. Look at your characters and see if there are any side stories or relationships that could be explored in a subplot. Just make sure they tie back to the main plot in some way.

Use Plotting Tools

If you're struggling to put all the pieces together, consider using some plotting tools to help you. There are many resources available, such as plot diagrams, beat sheets, and storyboards, that can help you visualize your plot and ensure all the elements are in place. If you need help with scene structure use my new scene workbook here.

Real-World Examples of Plotting with Characters & Scenes

One example of a novel that successfully uses characters and scenes to drive the plot is "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee. The main conflict is the trial of Tom Robinson, but it is the characters, particularly Scout and Atticus, and their reactions to the events that drive the story forward.

Another example is "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins. The main conflict is the Hunger Games themselves, but it is Katniss' internal struggle and her relationships with other characters that keep readers engaged and invested in the story.

Final Thoughts

Plotting a novel with only characters and scenes may seem daunting, but with the right approach, it can be done successfully. Start by fully developing your characters, identifying the main conflict, and creating a story structure. Then, map out your scenes, connect them with conflict, and create character arcs. Don't be afraid to use plotting tools to help you along the way. With these tips, you'll be on your way to crafting a compelling plot that will keep readers hooked until the very end.

If you require assistance with developing your scene structure, you can access my Scene Workbook for Writers at no cost.

I am sorry to the individual who sent me this question. I have a lot of questions in my Tumblr inbox and have only recently come across this nice question. I apologize for the 4-month delay.

#thewriteadviceforwriters #writeblr #writing #on writing #writing tips #creative writing #writers block #how to write #writers and poets #writing plot #plot points #plotting #character building #writing characters #aspiring author #writerscommunity #writerscorner #indie author #novel writing #writer #author #writersblock #writers on tumblr #writerslife #writersociety #female writers #writer things #character sheet #original character #character idea

[thepedanticbohemian]

#writing plot #writing #writers #writers on tumblr #writing community #writerscommunity #writer things #novel writing #writerslife #writing plans #writing tips #writers and readers #fanfic #fanfiction #authors #writer #novel #publishing #author life #readers #authors of tumblr #authors on tumblr

[writingraven]

Writing Tips

Basic Plots

basic ≠ bad

many of these can & will overlap — that’s okay! it only adds more depth and tension to your story

stories should have: a main plot — the central idea, includes initial trigger and primary obstacles, subplots — branch from the main plot; less important but do affect the events of the story, and parallel plots — occur away from the reader’s view but affect the main plot

✶

⤷ adventure

⤑ protagonist sets on a journey through a new world usually filled with constant danger and action; they will endure an evolvement of their understanding of reality

⤷ ascension

⤑ protagonist undergoes successive changes as a result of events; shows the character rising to be a better person or in a higher position

⤷ descension

⤑ protagonist undergoes successive changes as a result of events; shows the character falling to be a worse person or in a lower position

⤷ discovery

⤑ protagonist discovers something important and hidden about themselves or their surroundings

⤷ escape

⤑ protagonist is held against their will and tries to get out

⤷ forbidden love

⤑ protagonist(s) develop romantic feelings for someone they cannot be with due to external factors; may or may not overcome these obstacles

⤷ love

⤑ protagonist(s) develop romantic feelings for someone, overcoming any obstacles that may stand in their way of being together

⤷ maturation

⤑ protagonist evolves from a state of innocence into a state of wisdom; usually refers to childhood into adulthood

⤷ metamorphosis

⤑ protagonist physically evolves into another form; represents their inner changes

⤷ overcoming the monster

⤑ protagonist sets out to defeat the antagonist; will usually be against the odds to win, but the protagonist overcomes these obstacles to eventually be victorious; the monster can be anything really — actual beast, villain, system, circumstance, etc.

⤷ pursuit

⤑ one character chases the other (protagonist pursuing the antagonist or vise versa)

⤷ quest

⤑ protagonist searches for ~something~ which takes them on a journey of wonderment, temptation, and obstacles in order to accomplish their goal; this something can be anything, but it must be profound enough for them to take the risks

⤷ rags to riches

⤑ a generally insignificant person (often maltreated and dejected) undergoes amelioration to become extraordinary; usually through a hidden talent or secret of some sort

⤷ rebirth

⤑ the protagonist is a generally unlikable character who eventually redeems themselves through the course of the story

⤷ rescue

⤑ protagonist searches for someone or something the antagonist has taken; usually the antagonist places obstacles the protagonist must overcome

⤷ revenge

⤑ protagonist retaliates against antagonist

⤷ riddle

⤑ protagonist searches for the hidden meaning of something ambiguous

⤷ rivalry

⤑ protagonist competes against someone who shares their goal; usually these characters will have similar ability levels

⤷ sacrifice

⤑ protagonist tests their limits in order to achieve their goal, losing cherished items, people, or morals along the way

⤷ temptation

⤑ protagonist is persuaded to do something against their moral code

⤷ tradegy

⤑ the protagonist’s downfall is a cause for celebration; typically they will have a fatal character flaw that is ultimately their undoing

⤷ transformation

⤑ protagonist evolves from one character state to another as a result of events

⤷ underdog

⤑ protagonist has a disadvantage and is faced with overwhelming odds while trying to accomplish their goal

⤷ wretched excess

⤑ protagonist pushes the limits of acceptable behavior either due to mental unbalance or being trapped by circumstances; results in declination of stability and total loss of control

#writing #writing tips #story ideas #reference #fantasy #knowledge #plot ideas #plot #writing plot #prompts #plot prompt